CHAPTER XII.

A FRIENDLY COUNSELLOR.


Gilbert Fenton called several times in the Temple without being able to
see John Saltram; a slip of paper pasted on the outer door of that
gentleman's chamber informed the public that he was "out of town," and
that was all. Gilbert took the trouble to penetrate the domicile of the
laundress who officiated in Mr. Saltram's chambers, in order to obtain
some more particular information as to her employer's movements, and
after infinite difficulty succeeded in finding that industrious matron in
the remote obscurity of a narrow court near the river. But the laundress
could tell Mr. Fenton very little. She did not know whither Mr. Saltram
had gone, or when he was likely to return. He was one of the most
uncertingest gentlemen she had to do for; and he had been out of town a
great deal lately; which was not to be wondered at, considering the
trying hot weather, when it was not to be supposed that gentlefolks as
was free to do what they pleased would stay in London. It was hard enough
upon working people with five children to wash and mend and cook for, and
over in the court besides, and provisions dearer than they had been these
ten years. Gilbert asked if Mr. Saltram had left any orders about his
letters; but the woman told him, no; there never was such a careless
gentleman about letters. He never cared about having them sent after him,
and would let them lie in the box till the dust got thick upon them.

Gilbert left a brief note for John Saltram with the woman--a note
begging his friend to come to him when he was next in London; and having