front there is an aperture filled in with a slender grating and backed by a curtain which can be removed at pleasure by the priest who officiates behind.  On one side of the grating there is a small space like a letter-box slip, and through this communications in writing, of various dimensions, are handed.  Everything is plain and simple where the penitent is located; and the apartment behind, occupied by the priest who hears confession, is equally simple.  There is no weird paraphernalia, no mysterious contrivances, no bolts, bars, pullies, or strings for either working miracles, or making the hair of sinners stand on end.  Number two confessional is similarly arranged and equally plain.  We examined this rather more minutely than the other, and whilst we could find nothing dreadful in the penitents’ apartment, we fancied, on entering the priest’s side, that, we had met with something belonging the realm of confessional torture as depicted by the Hogans, Murphys, and Maria Monk showmen, and which the officials had forgot to put by in some of their secret drawers.  It was hung upon a nail, had a semi-circular, half viperish look, and was cupped at each end as if intended for some curious business of incision or absorption.  We were relieved on getting nearer it and on being informed that it was merely an ear trumpet through which questions have to be put to deaf penitents who now and then turn up for general unravelment and absolution.  The two confessionals described are contiguous to a passage at the rear of the church; the third we are now coming to is near one of the subsidiary altars, nod looks specifically snug.  It is a particularly small confessional, and a very stout penitent would find it as difficult to get into it as to reveal all his sins afterwards.  There is nothing either harrowing or cabalistic in the place; and you can see nothing but two forms, a screen, and a crucifix.

There are many services at St. Augustine’s.  On Monday mornings at a quarter past seven, and again at half-past eight, mass is said; on Tuesdays and Thursdays there is benediction at half-past seven; on Fridays and Saturdays and on the eve of holidays there is confession; on Sundays there is mass at half-past seven, half-past eight, half-past nine, and at 11, when regular service takes place; on Sunday afternoons, at three, the children are instructed, and at half-past six in the evening there are vespers, a sermon, and benediction.  The church has a capacity for about 1,000 persons, without crushing.  The average number hearing mass on a Sunday is 3,290.  On four consecutive Sundays recently—­from February 14 to March 14—­upwards of 13,100 heard mass within the walls of the church.