The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 207: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE PREFECTURE OF POLICE 189 forms displaying a lithe and slender symmetry in the scant azure drapery that floated with the grace which no sculptural skill could ever illustrate in the massive marble. Some of these empyrean beings were crowned with stars; others bore lutes which seemed to send forth a delicious music, realizing the sweet superstition of the harmony of the spheres; while others, again, carried garlands of flowers in their hands, or scattered wreaths and posies through the translucent atmosphere. But as the celestial train swept past, every angelic countenance was bent with an expression of sweet encouragement and smiling hopefulness upon the sleeping form of Jocelyn; and as he slowly awoke from this delicious dream, while the glory of the vision itself faded slowly and gradually away from his mental perception, he could not help thinking that it was an intimation sent from Heaven to cheer his soul. While in the fervour of his grateful piety he was silently breathing a prayer to his Maker, he was suddenly startled by a singular noise which seemed to come from within the wainscoting of the alcove or recess that contained the couch whereon he lay. He listened; the noise ceased. He con- cluded that he had been mistaken, and he endeavoured to compose himself to slumber again. But just as his eyelids were closing beneath the batlike wing of drowsiness, that strange sound was repeated. He started up, held his breath, and listened more atten- tively than at first. The noise was like that of some one endeavouring to pierce through the masonry by means of an instrument that worked tediously in a stealthy, scraping manner, rather than with a boldness which cared not for discovery. The thought instantly struck Jocelyn that some prisoner in the next apartment was endeavouring to escape; and this idea thrilled with a sensation of joy to his heart, for the same means which could afford the hope of flight to a fellow captive would avail also for himself. The noise continued, and Jocelyn was on the point of knocking gently in order to lead the individual, whoever it might be, into conversation, supposing that a sufficient depth of excavation in the wall had been made to render their voices audible to each other; but the young gentleman, checked himself and paused to reflect ere he took any step whatsoever in the matter. Once more reposing his head upon his pillow, SS (SO) COMMICOOO