Passing Newton’s (optician) we arrive at the outer Gate of the Temple, by which we enter _Middle Temple Lane_, following which a short distance and turning to the right, by _Middle Temple Hall_, we reach Fountain Court. The fountain standing here, conspicuously in a central position, is associated with the history of _Ruth Pinch_. Here it was that Tom and his sister made appointments for meeting—
“Because, of course, when she had to wait a minute or two, it would have been very awkward for her to have had to wait in any but a quiet spot; and that was as quiet a spot, everything considered, as they could choose.”
On further reference to the pages of “Martin Chuzzlewit,” we may recall the auspicious occasion when Ruth was under the special escort of _John Westlock_—
“Brilliantly the Temple fountain sparkled in the sun, and merrily the idle drops of water danced and danced; and, peeping out in sport among the trees, plunged lightly down to hide themselves, as little Ruth and her companion came towards it.”
See chapter 53. In Garden Court beyond, _Mr. Pip_ and his friend, _Herbert Pocket_, had residence. In “Great Expectations,” he says—
“Our Chambers were in Garden Court, down by the river. We lived at the top of the last house.”
Here Pip’s patron and benefactor, the convict _Magwitch_, _alias Provis_, disclosed himself one memorable night, much to his “dear boy’s” discomfiture; and it will be remembered that temporary accommodation was found for him at
“A lodging-house in Essex Street, the back of which looked into the Temple, and was almost within hail of ‘Pip’s’ windows.”
The houses in this court have been rebuilt, and we may look in vain for the actual chambers specified. Returning to _Middle Temple Lane_, the visitor may walk directly across it to _Elm Court_, and proceed through the same and a narrow passage beyond, turning to the left, through _The Cloisters_, which (left again) give into the central location of Pump Court, an oblong old-fashioned court of offices, four storeys high. Here, in all probability, were situated THE CHAMBERS where _Tom Pinch_ was mysteriously installed as librarian to an unknown employer, by the eccentric _Mr. Fips_.
“He led the way through sundry lanes and courts, into one more quiet and gloomy than the rest; and, singling out a certain house, ascended a common staircase . . . stopping before a door upon an upper storey. . . . There were two rooms on that floor; and in the first, or outer one, a narrow staircase leading to two more above.”