"I turned in sudden rage to Dr. Stamford, as sober as the verger of a cathedral. In a moment I had become aware that we were swine cast before a pearl."

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Definition: \Ver"ger\, n. [F. verger, from verge a rod. See 1st
{Verge}.]
One who carries a verge, or emblem of office. Specifically:

(a) An attendant upon a dignitary, as on a bishop, a dean, a
justice, etc. [Eng.] --Strype.
(b) The official who takes care of the interior of a church
building.


\Ver"ger\, n.
A garden or orchard. [Obs.]

In reply to:

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In a moment I had become aware that we were swine cast before a pearl."

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Oh, wwh, this is too too good! We must put this quote up above the equator so the gang can have a look at it. I'd love to know the rhetorical device that was used! You know: switching the quote around bass ackwards.