about midnight
My female friend , perceiving my disorder , encouraged me with assurances of Narcissa 's constancy , and the hope of some accident favourable to our love ; and , as a further consolation , gave me to understand , that she had acquainted my mistress with the outlines of my life : and that , although she was no stranger to the present low state of my finances , her love and esteem were rather increased than diminished by the knowledge of my circumstances . I was greatly comforted by this assurance , which saved me a world of confusion and anxiety ; for I must have imparted my situation one day to Narcissa , and this task I could not have performed without shame and disorder . As I did not doubt that by this time the scandalous aspersions of Melinda were diffused all over the town , I resolved to collect my whole strength of assurance , to browbeat the efforts of her malice , and to publish her adventure with the frenchified barber by way of reprisal . In the meantime , having promised to be at the garden-gate about midnight , Miss Williams took her leave , bidding me repose myself entirely on the affection of my dear Narcissa , which was as perfect as inviolable . Before I went abroad , I was visited by Freeman , who came on purpose to inform me of the infamous stories that were raised at my expense . I heard them with great temper , and in my turn disclosed everything that had happened between Melinda and me ; and among other circumstances entertained him with the story of the barber , letting him know what share his friend Banter had in that affair . He was convinced of the injury my reputation had suffered ; and , no longer doubting the fountain from whence this deluge of slander had flowed upon me , undertook to undeceive the town in my behalf , and roll the stream back upon its source ; but in the meantime , cautioned me from appearing in public , while the prepossession was so strong against me , lest I should meet with some affront that might have bad consequences .