ate 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.

CHAPTER LIX

I receive an extraordinary Message at the Door of the Long Room, which,
however, enter, and affront the Squire, who threatens to take the Law
of me--Rebuke Melinda for her Malice--she weeps with Vexation--Lord
Quiverwit is severe upon me--I retort his Sarcasm--am received with
the utmost Tenderness by Narcissa, who desires to hear the Story of
my Life--we vow eternal Constancy to other--I retire--am waked by a
Messenger, who brings a Challenge from Quiverwit, whom I meet, engage,
and vanquish

I thanked him for his advice, which, however, my pride and resentment
would not permit me to follow; for he no sooner left me, in order to
do justice to my character among his friends and acquaintance, than I
sallied out, and went directly to the Long Room. I was met at the door
by a servant, who prese