The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 20: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES OF THE SOURT OF LONDON CHAPTER I THE MARRIAGE \ In George Street, leading into Hanover Square, stands St. George’s Church, which is the most fashionable temple of Hymen within the precincts of the metropolis. It is aristocratic in appearance as well as by repute, — not even the sanctity of religion and the meekness of the Christian faith having been able to rescue it from the intrusive pomp, ostentation, and vain parade of the frivolous, heartless, and empty-headed upper classes. The panels in front of the galleries are emblazoned with the names of the “ noble lords,” “‘ right honourables,”’ and “ honourables,’’ who have from time to time filled the office of churchwardens; the decorations of the pews show that they are intended for the ease and comfort of the “‘ higher orders;’’ and the general aspect of the interior is ‘‘ eminently fashionable.”’ An arched recess, with a painted window, enshrines the altar, which is set in a sculptured framework. The window is essentially of the Romish sacred architecture; and this effect is heightened into an appearance of positive Cathol- icism not only by the representation of the Virgin and Child, the Dove, and the Crucifixion, in the stained glass, but also by the magnificent picture of the Last Supper behind the communion table. It was about nine o’clock in the morning of Wednesday, September 25, 1814, that a tall, slender, handsome young 1 COUN a LOOOLK<S (C(O)