Final answer:
The provided text lacks sufficient context to accurately discuss the reputation of a character named Melinda and how it changes once the truth is revealed. Multiple characters and narratives are referenced without a unifying theme or text, making it impossible to provide a definitive answer regarding Melinda.
Step-by-step explanation:
The text appears to be discussing characters from various literary works and the impact of past events and truths on their lives and reputations. However, the provided information is fragmented and lacks specificity regarding a single character named Melinda and the truth about her reputation. While themes of betrayal, the role of the past, and the nature of truth are mentioned, without a unifying context or a specific source text, it is impossible to provide a single coherent answer. Moreover, the text references multiple characters such as Mildred, Nora, Bernice, and Bess, each dealing with separate situations in different narratives. These narratives seem to explore the consequences of actions, the weight of secrets, and the transformative power of truth, but they do not coalesce around a character named Melinda or a single literary work.