The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

4 THE COURT OF LONDON anxiety. The wives in these cases always turned out wrong sooner or later; in nine cases out of ten there have been elopements, crim. cons., divorces, and other disgraceful scenes. Then, again, I have beheld young bridegrooms leading withered old women to that altar, — spendthrifts, who, having run through their own fortunes, obtain by marriage an opportunity of running through the fortunes of others. Yes, sir, | have seen many, many marriages in this church, but few, very few indeed that were for real love and have led to happiness. To tell you the truth, Mr. Malvern, I don’t think the upper classes, generally speaking, have got any hearts at all, and if they have, they’re seldom or never in the right place.’’ ‘Most assuredly the English aristocracy is not distin- guished for morality, generosity, or intelligence,’’ observed Valentine. At this moment the clergyman entered the vestry; and Valentine being well acquainted with him, they conversed together for a few minutes. But as the time for the ceremony was now at hand, Malvern retired into the church, where he entered a pew near the altar. At that moment there were no other spectators present; but scarcely had Valentine taken his seat when the Earl of Curzon made his appearance in the church and walked slowly up the aisle. He was pale and evidently much annoyed, although he endeavoured to conceal his vexation. Observing Valentine, with whom he was well acquainted, he entered the same pew and sat down by his side. While they were conversing in a subdued tone, Sir Douglas Hunting- don arrived, and also walking up the aisle, he noticed the earl and Malvern, whom he immediately joined. His looks were perfectly good-humoured; and by the very first remark he made, he showed that he had not come thither by accident, nor was a stranger to the ceremony about to take place. ‘‘ Are you interested at all, Malvern, in Miss Trelawney’s marriage? ’’ he inquired, with a smile. ‘How can I be?” asked the young gentleman. “TI do not know her, nor do I believe that I have ever seen her. I came to the church on some business with the clerk, and hearing of what was about to take place, I remained to wit- ness the ceremony.”’ COUN (-) LOOK KS (E(0)