twelve o'clock
I think that I am entitled to speak a word in my own defense . After you have heard that I shall not complain of any course you may think it right to pursue . Mrs. Markle , could do no less than call as she had been desired to . At twelve o'clock she rang the bell at Mrs. Comegys ' door , and was shown into the parlor , where , to her no small surprise , she found about twenty ladies , most of them acquaintances , assembled , Mrs. Grimes among the number . In about ten minutes Mrs. Comegys came into the room , her countenance wearing a calm but sober aspect . She bowed slightly , but was not cordial toward , or familiar with , any one present . Without a pause she said -- `` Ladies , I have learned within a few days , very greatly to my surprise and grief , that there is a report circulated among my friends , injurious to my character as a woman of honest principles .