The whole night! What would he think? Hell be distressed already. Ill either break or burn a way out of the house. Be quiet! Youre in no danger; but if you hinder meLinton, I love papa better than you! The mortal terror he felt of Mr. Heathcliffs anger restored to the boy his cowards eloquence. Catherine was near distraught still, she persisted that she must go home, and tried entreaty in her turn, persuading him to subdue his selfish agony. While they were thus occupied, our jailor reentered. Your beasts have trotted off, he said, andnow Linton! snivelling again? What has she been doing to you? Come, comehave done, and get to bed. In a month or two, my lad, youll be able to pay her back her present tyrannies with a vigorous hand. Youre pining for pure love, are you not? nothing else in the world and she shall have you! There, to bed! Zillah wont be here tonight; you must undress yourself. Hush! hold your noise! Once in your own room, Ill not come near you you neednt fear. By chance, youve managed tolerably. Ill look to the rest. He spoke these words, holding the door open for his son to pass, and the latter achieved his exit exactly as a spaniel might which suspected the person who attended on it of designing a spiteful squeeze. The lock was resecured. Heathcliff approached the fire, where my mistress and I stood silent. Catherine looked up, and instinctively raised her hand to her cheek his neighbourhood revived a painful sensation. Anybody else would have been incapable of regarding the childish act with sternness, but he scowled on her and mutteredOh! you are not afraid of me? Your courage is well disguised you seem damnably afraid! I am afraid now, she replied, because, if I stay, papa will be miserable and how can I endure making him miserablewhen hewhen heMr. Heathcliff, let me go home! I promise to marry Linton papa would like me to and I love him. Why should you wish to force me to do what Ill willingly do of myself? Let him dare to force you, I cried. Theres law in the land, thank God! there is; though we be in an outoftheway place. Id inform if he were my own son and its felony without benefit of clergy! Silence! said the ruffian. To the devil with your clamour! I dont want you to speak. Miss Linton, I shall enjoy myself remarkably in thinking your father will be miserable I shall not sleep for satisfaction. You could have hit on no surer way of fixing your residence under my roof for the next twentyfour hours than informing me that such an event would follow. As to your promise to marry Linton, Ill take care you shall keep it; for you shall not quit this place till it is fulfilled. Send Ellen, then, to let papa know Im safe! exclaimed Catherine, weeping bitterly. Or marry me now. Poor papa! Ellen, hell think were lost. What shall we do? Not he! Hell think you are tired of waiting on him, and run off for a little amusement, answered Heathcliff. You cannot deny that you entered my house of your own accord, in contempt of his injunctions to the contrary. And it is quite natural that you should desire amusement at your age; and that you would weary of nursing a sick man, and that man only your father. Catherine, his happiest days were over when your days began. He cursed you, I dare say, for coming into the world (I did, at least); and it would just do if he cursed you as he went out of it. Id join him. I dont love you! How should I? Weep away. As far as I can see, it will be your chief diversion hereafter; unless Linton make amends for other losses and your provident parent appears to fancy he may. His letters of advice and consolation entertained me vastly. In his last he recommended my jewel to be careful of his; and kind to her when he got her. Careful and kindthats paternal. But Linton requires his whole stock of care and kindness for himself. Linton can play the little tyrant well. Hell undertake to torture any number of cats, if their teeth be drawn and their claws pared. Youll be able to tell his uncle fine tales of his kindness, when you get home again, I assure you. Youre right there! I said; explain your sons character. Show his resemblance to yourself and then, I hope, Miss Cathy will think twice before she takes the cockatrice! I dont much mind speaking of his amiable qualities now, he answered; because she must either accept him or remain a prisoner, and you along with her, till your master dies. I can detain you both, quite concealed, here. If you doubt, encourage her to retract her word, and youll have an opportunity of judging! Ill not retract my word, said Catherine. Ill marry him within this hour, if I may go to Thrushcross Grange afterwards. Mr. Heathcliff, youre a cruel man, but youre not a fiend; and you wont, from mere malice, destroy irrevocably all my happiness. If papa thought I had left him on purpose, and if he died before I returned, could I bear to live? Ive given over crying but Im going to kneel here, at your knee; and Ill not get up, and Ill not take my eyes from your face till you look back at me! No, dont turn away! do look! youll see nothing to provoke you. I dont hate you. Im not angry that you struck me. Have you never loved anybody in all your life, uncle? never? Ah! you must look once. Im so wretched, you cant help being sorry and pitying me. Keep your efts fingers off; and move, or Ill kick you! cried Heathcliff, brutally repulsing her. Id rather be hugged by a snake. How the devil can you dream of fawning on me? I detest you! He shrugged his shoulders shook himself, indeed, as if his flesh crept with aversion; and thrust back his chair; while I got up, and opened my mouth, to commence a downright torrent of abuse. But I was rendered dumb in the middle of the first sentence, by a threat that I should be shown into a room by myself the very next syllable I uttered. It was growing darkwe heard a sound of voices at the gardengate. Our host hurried out instantly he had his wits about him; we had not. There was a talk of two or three minutes, and he returned alone. I thought it had been your cousin Hareton, I observed to Catherine. I wish he would arrive! Who knows but he might take our part? It was three servants sent to seek you from the Grange, said Heathcliff, overhearing me. You should have opened a lattice and called out but I could swear that chit is glad you didnt. Shes glad to be obliged to stay, Im certain. At learning the chance we had missed, we both gave vent to our grief without control; and he allowed us to wail on till nine oclock. Then he bid us go upstairs, through the kitchen, to Zillahs chamber; and I whispered my companion to obey perhaps we might contrive to get through the window there, or into a garret, and out by its skylight. The window, however, was narrow, like those below, and the garret trap was safe from our attempts; for we were fastened in as before. We neither of us lay down Catherine took her station by the lattice, and watched anxiously for morning; a deep sigh being the only answer I could obtain to my frequent entreaties that she would try to rest. I seated myself in a chair, and rocked to and fro, passing harsh judgment on my many derelictions of duty; from which, it struck me then, all the misfortunes of my employers sprang. It was not the case, in reality, I am aware; but it was, in my imagination, that dismal night; and I thought Heathcliff himself less guilty than I. At seven oclock he came, and inquired if Miss Linton had risen. She ran to the door immediately, and answered, Yes. Here, then, he said, opening it, and pulling her out. I rose to follow, but he turned the lock again. I demanded my release. Be patient, he replied; Ill send up your breakfast in a while. I thumped on the panels, and rattled the latch angrily and Catherine asked why I was still shut up? He answered, I must try to endure it another hour, and they went away. I endured it two or three hours; at length, I heard a footstep not Heathcliffs. Ive brought you something to eat, said a voice; oppen t door! Complying eagerly, I beheld Hareton, laden with food enough to last me all day. Tak it, he added, thrusting the tray into my hand. Stay one minute, I began. Nay, cried he, and retired, regardless of any prayers I could pour forth to detain him. And there I remained enclosed the whole day, and the whole of the next night; and another, and another. Five nights and four days I remained, altogether, seeing nobody but Hareton once every morning; and he was a model of a jailor surly, and dumb, and deaf to every attempt at moving his sense of justice or compassion. XXVIII On the fifth morning, or rather afternoon, a different step approachedlighter and shorter; and, this time, the person entered the room. It was Zillah; donned in her scarlet shawl, with a black silk bonnet on her head, and a willowbasket swung to her arm. Eh, dear! Mrs. Dean! she exclaimed. Well! there is a talk about you at Gimmerton. I never thought but you were sunk in the Blackhorse marsh, and missy with you, till master told me youd been found, and hed lodged you here! What! and you must have got on an island, sure? And how long were you in the hole? Did master save you, Mrs. Dean? But youre not so thinyouve not been so poorly, have you? Your master is a true scoundrel! I replied. But he shall answer for it. He neednt have raised that tale it shall all be laid bare! What do you mean? asked Zillah. Its not his tale they tell that in the villageabout your being lost in the marsh; and I calls to Earnshaw, when I come inEh, theys queer things, Mr. Hareton, happened since I went off. Its a sad pity of that likely young lass, and cant Nelly Dean. He stared. I thought he had not heard aught, so I told him the rumour. The master listened, and he just smiled to himself, and said, If they have been in the marsh, they are out now, Zillah. Nelly Dean is lodged, at this minute, in your room. You can tell her to flit, when you go up; here is the key. The bogwater got into her head, and she would have run home quite flighty; but I fixed her till she came round to her senses. You can bid her go to the Grange at once, if she be able, and carry a message from me, that her young lady will follow in time to attend the squires funeral.  Mr. Edgar is not dead? I gasped. Oh! Zillah, Zillah! No, no; sit you down, my good mistress, she replied; youre right sickly yet. Hes not dead; Doctor Kenneth thinks he may last another day. I met him on the road and asked. Instead of sitting down, I snatched my outdoor things, and hastened below, for the way was free. On entering the house, I looked about for someone to give information of Catherine. The place was filled with sunshine, and the door stood wide open; but nobody seemed at hand. As I hesitated whether to go off at once, or return and seek my mistress, a slight cough drew my attention to the hearth. Linton lay on the settle, sole tenant, sucking a stick of sugarcandy, and pursuing my movements with apathetic eyes. Where is Miss Catherine? I demanded sternly, supposing I could frighten him into giving intelligence, by catching him thus, alone. He sucked on like an innocent. Is she gone? I said. No, he replied; shes upstairs shes not to go; we wont let her. You wont let her, little idiot! I exclaimed. Direct me to her room immediately, or Ill make you sing out sharply. Papa would make you sing out, if you attempted to get there, he answered. He says Im not to be soft with Catherine shes my wife, and its shameful that she should wish to leave me. He says she hates me and wants me to die, that she may have my money; but she shant have it and she shant go home! She never shall!she may cry, and be sick as much as she pleases! He resumed his former occupation, closing his lids, as if he meant to drop asleep. Master Heathcliff, I resumed, have you forgotten all Catherines kindness to you last winter, when you affirmed you loved her, and when she brought you books and sung you songs, and came many a time through wind and snow to see you? She wept to miss one evening, because you would be disappointed; and you felt then that she was a hundred times too good to you and now you believe the lies your father tells, though you know he detests you both. And you join him against her. Thats fine gratitude, is it not? The corner of Lintons mouth fell, and he took the sugarcandy from his lips. Did she come to Wuthering Heights because she hated you? I continued. Think for yourself! As to your money, she does not even know that you will have any. And you say shes sick; and yet you leave her alone, up there in a strange house! You who have felt what it is to be so neglected! You could pity your own sufferings; and she pitied them, too; but you wont pity hers! I shed tears, Master Heathcliff, you seean elderly woman, and a servant merelyand you, after pretending such affection, and having reason to worship her almost, store every tear you have for yourself, and lie there quite at ease. Ah! youre a heartless, selfish boy! I cant stay with her, he answered crossly. Ill not stay by myself. She cries so I cant bear it. And she wont give over, though I say Ill call my father. I did call him once, and he threatened to strangle her if she was not quiet; but she began again the instant he left the room, moaning and grieving all night long, though I screamed for vexation that I couldnt sleep. Is Mr. Heathcliff out? I inquired, perceiving that the wretched creature had no power to sympathize with his cousins mental tortures. Hes in the court, he replied, talking to Doctor Kenneth; who says uncle is dying, truly, at last. Im glad, for I shall be master of the Grange after him. Catherine always spoke of it as her house. It isnt hers! Its mine papa says everything she has is mine. All her nice books are mine; she offered to give me them, and her pretty birds, and her pony Minny, if I would get the key of our room, and let her out; but I told her she had nothing to give, they were all, all mine. And then she cried, and took a little picture from her neck, and said I should have that; two pictures in a gold case, on one side her mother, and on the other uncle, when they were young. That was yesterdayI said they were mine, too; and tried to get them from her. The spiteful thing wouldnt let me she pushed me off, and hurt me. I shrieked outthat frightens hershe heard papa coming, and she broke the hinges and divided the case, and gave me her mothers portrait; the other she attempted to hide but papa asked what was the matter, and I explained it. He took the one I had away, and ordered her to resign hers to me; she refused, and hehe struck her down, and wrenched it off the chain, and crushed it with his foot. And were you pleased to see her struck? I asked having my designs in encouraging his talk. I winked, he answered I wink to see my father strike a dog or a horse, he does it so hard. Yet I was glad at firstshe deserved punishing for pushing me but when papa was gone, she made me come to the window and showed me her cheek cut on the inside, against her teeth, and her mouth filling with blood; and then she gathered up the bits of the picture, and went and sat down with her face to the wall, and she has never spoken to me since and I sometimes think she cant speak for pain. I dont like to think so; but shes a naughty thing for crying continually; and she looks so pale and wild, Im afraid of her. And you can get the key if you choose? I said. Yes, when I am upstairs, he answered; but I cant walk upstairs now. In what apartment is it? I asked. Oh, he cried, I shant tell you where it is. It is our secret. Nobody, neither Hareton nor Zillah, is to know. There! youve tired mego away, go away! And he turned his face on to his arm, and shut his eyes again. I considered it best to depart without seeing Mr. Heathcliff, and bring a rescue for my young lady from the Grange. On reaching it, the astonishment of my fellowservants to see me, and their joy also, was intense; and when they heard that their little mistress was safe, two or three were about to hurry up and shout the news at Mr. Edgars door but I bespoke the announcement of it myself. How changed I found him, even in those few days! He lay an image of sadness and resignation awaiting his death. Very young he looked though his actual age was thirtynine, one would have called him ten years younger, at least. He thought of Catherine; for he murmured her name. I touched his hand, and spoke. Catherine is coming, dear master! I whispered; she is alive and well; and will be here, I hope, tonight. I trembled at the first effects of this intelligence he half rose up, looked eagerly round the apartment, and then sank back in a swoon. As soon as he recovered, I related our compulsory visit, and detention at the Heights. I said Heathcliff forced me to go in which was not quite true. I uttered as little as possible against Linton; nor did I describe all his fathers brutal conductmy intentions being to add no bitterness, if I could help it, to his already overflowing cup. He divined that one of his enemys purposes was to secure the personal property, as well as the estate, to his son or rather himself; yet why he did not wait till his decease was a puzzle to my master, because ignorant how nearly he and his nephew would quit the world together. However, he felt that his will had better be altered instead of leaving Catherines fortune at her own disposal, he determined to put it in the hands of trustees for her use during life, and for her children, if she had any, after her. By that means, it could not fall to Mr. Heathcliff should Linton die. Having received his orders, I despatched a man to fetch the attorney, and four more, provided with serviceable weapons, to demand my young lady of her jailor. Both parties were delayed very late. The single servant returned first. He said Mr. Green, the lawyer, was out when he arrived at his house, and he had to wait two hours for his reentrance; and then Mr. Green told him he had a little business in the village that must be done; but he would be at Thrushcross Grange before morning. The four men came back unaccompanied also. They brought word that Catherine was ill too ill to quit her room; and Heathcliff would not suffer them to see her. I scolded the stupid fellows well for listening to that tale, which I would not carry to my master; resolving to take a whole bevy up to the Heights, at daylight, and storm it literally, unless the prisoner were quietly surrendered to us. Her father shall see her, I vowed, and vowed again, if that devil be killed on his own doorstones in trying to prevent it! Happily, I was spared the journey and the trouble. I had gone downstairs at three oclock to fetch a jug of water; and was passing through the hall with it in my hand, when a sharp knock at the front door made me jump. Oh! it is Green, I said, recollecting myselfonly Green, and I went on, intending to send somebody else to open it; but the knock was repeated not loud, and still importunately. I put the jug on the banister and hastened to admit him myself. The harvest moon shone clear outside. It was not the attorney. My own sweet little mistress sprang on my neck sobbing, Ellen, Ellen! Is papa alive? Yes, I cried yes, my angel, he is, God be thanked, you are safe with us again! She wanted to run, breathless as she was, upstairs to Mr. Lintons room; but I compelled her to sit down on a chair, and made her drink, and washed her pale face, chafing it into a faint colour with my apron. Then I said I must go first, and tell of her arrival; imploring her to say, she should be happy with young Heathcliff. She stared, but soon comprehending why I counselled her to utter the falsehood, she assured me she would not complain. I couldnt abide to be present at their meeting. I stood outside the chamberdoor a quarter of an hour, and hardly ventured near the bed, then. All was composed, however Catherines despair was as silent as her fathers joy. She supported him calmly, in appearance; and he fixed on her features his raised eyes that seemed dilating with ecstasy. He died blissfully, Mr. Lockwood he died so. Kissing her cheek, he murmuredI am going to her; and you, darling child, shall come to us! and never stirred or spoke again; but continued that rapt, radiant gaze, till his pulse imperceptibly stopped and his soul departed. None could have noticed the exact minute of his death, it was so entirely without a struggle. Whether Catherine had spent her tears, or whether the grief were too weighty to let them flow, she sat there dryeyed till the sun rose she sat till noon, and would still have remained brooding over that deathbed, but I insisted on her coming away and taking some repose. It was well I succeeded in removing her, for at dinnertime appeared the lawyer, having called at Wuthering Heights to get his instructions how to behave. He had sold himself to Mr. Heathcliff that was the cause of his delay in obeying my masters summons. Fortunately, no thought of worldly affairs crossed the latters mind, to disturb him, after his daughters arrival. Mr. Green took upon himself to order everything and everybody about the place. He gave all the servants but me, notice to quit. He would have carried his delegated authority to the point of insisting that Edgar Linton should not be buried beside his wife, but in the chapel, with his family. There was the will, however, to hinder that, and my loud protestations against any infringement of its directions. The funeral was hurried over; Catherine, Mrs. Linton Heathcliff now, was suffered to stay at the Grange till her fathers corpse had quitted it. She told me that her anguish had at last spurred Linton to incur the risk of liberating her. She heard the men I sent disputing at the door, and she gathered the sense of Heathcliffs answer. It drove her desperate. Linton who had been conveyed up to the little parlour soon after I left, was terrified into fetching the key before his father reascended. He had the cunning to unlock and relock the door, without shutting it; and when he should have gone to bed, he begged to sleep with Hareton, and his petition was granted for once. Catherine stole out before break of day. She dared not try the doors lest the dogs should raise an alarm; she visited the empty chambers and examined their windows; and, luckily, lighting on her mothers, she got easily out of its lattice, and on to the ground, by means of the firtree close by. Her accomplice suffered for his share in the escape, notwithstanding his timid contrivances. XXIX The evening after the funeral, my young lady and I were seated in the library; now musing mournfullyone of us despairinglyon our loss, now venturing conjectures as to the gloomy future. We had just agreed the best destiny which could await Catherine would be a permission to continue resident at the Grange; at least during Lintons life he being allowed to join her there, and I to remain as housekeeper. That seemed rather too favourable an arrangement to be hoped for; and yet I did hope, and began to cheer up under the prospect of retaining my home and my employment, and, above all, my beloved young mistress; when a servantone of the discarded ones, not yet departedrushed hastily in, and said that devil Heathcliff was coming through the court should he fasten the door in his face? If we had been mad enough to order that proceeding, we had not time. He made no ceremony of knocking or announcing his name he was master, and availed himself of the masters privilege to walk straight in, without saying a word. The sound of our informants voice directed him to the library; he entered and motioning him out, shut the door. It was the same room into which he had been ushered, as a guest, eighteen years before the same moon shone through the window; and the same autumn landscape lay outside. We had not yet lighted a candle, but all the apartment was visible, even to the portraits on the wall the splendid head of Mrs. Linton, and the graceful one of her husband. Heathcliff advanced to the hearth. Time had little altered his person either. There was the same man his dark face rather sallower and more composed, his frame a stone or two heavier, perhaps, and no other difference. Catherine had risen with an impulse to dash out, when she saw him. Stop! he said, arresting her by the arm. No more runnings away! Where would you go? Im come to fetch you home; and I hope youll be a dutiful daughter and not encourage my son to further disobedience. I was embarrassed how to punish him when I discovered his part in the business hes such a cobweb, a pinch would annihilate him; but youll see by his look that he has received his due! I brought him down one evening, the day before yesterday, and just set him in a chair, and never touched him afterwards. I sent Hareton out, and we had the room to ourselves. In two hours, I called Joseph to carry him up again; and since then my presence is as potent on his nerves as a ghost; and I fancy he sees me often, though I am not near. Hareton says he wakes and shrieks in the night by the hour together, and calls you to protect him from me; and, whether you like your precious mate, or not, you must come hes your concern now; I yield all my interest in him to you. Why not let Catherine continue here, I pleaded, and send Master Linton to her? As you hate them both, youd not miss them they can only be a daily plague to your unnatural heart. Im seeking a tenant for the Grange, he answered; and I want my children about me, to be sure. Besides, that lass owes me her services for her bread. Im not going to nurture her in luxury and idleness after Linton is gone. Make haste and get ready, now; and dont oblige me to compel you. I shall, said Catherine. Linton is all I have to love in the world, and though you have done what you could to make him hateful to me, and me to him, you cannot make us hate each other. And I defy you to hurt him when I am by, and I defy you to frighten me! You are a boastful champion, replied Heathcliff; but I dont like you well enough to hurt him you shall get the full benefit of the torment, as long as it lasts. It is not I who will make him hateful to youit is his own sweet spirit. Hes as bitter as gall at your desertion and its consequences dont expect thanks for this noble devotion. I heard him draw a pleasant picture to Zillah of what he would do if he were as strong as I the inclination is there, and his very weakness will sharpen his wits to find a substitute for strength. I know he has a bad nature, said Catherine hes your son. But Im glad Ive a better, to forgive it; and I know he loves me, and for that reason I love him. Mr. Heathcliff you have nobody to love you; and, however miserable you make us, we shall still have the revenge of thinking that your cruelty arises from your greater misery. You are miserable, are you not? Lonely, like the devil, and envious like him? Nobody loves younobody will cry for you when you die! I wouldnt be you! Catherine spoke with a kind of dreary triumph she seemed to have made up her mind to enter into the spirit of her future family, and draw pleasure from the griefs of her enemies. You shall be sorry to be yourself presently, said her fatherinlaw, if you stand there another minute. Begone, witch, and get your things! She scornfully withdrew. In her absence I began to beg for Zillahs place at the Heights, offering to resign mine to her; but he would suffer it on no account. He bid me be silent; and then, for the first time, allowed himself a glance round the room and a look at the pictures. Having studied Mrs. Lintons, he saidI shall have that home. Not because I need it, but He turned abruptly to the fire, and continued, with what, for lack of a better word, I must call a smileIll tell you what I did yesterday! I got the sexton, who was digging Lintons grave, to remove the earth off her coffin lid, and I opened it. I thought, once, I would have stayed there when I saw her face againit is hers yet!he had hard work to stir me; but he said it would change if the air blew on it, and so I struck one side of the coffin loose, and covered it up not Lintons side, damn him! I wish hed been soldered in lead. And I bribed the sexton to pull it away when Im laid there, and slide mine out too; Ill have it made so and then by the time Linton gets to us hell not know which is which! You were very wicked, Mr. Heathcliff! I exclaimed; were you not ashamed to disturb the dead? I disturbed nobody, Nelly, he replied; and I gave some ease to myself. I shall be a great deal more comfortable now; and youll have a better chance of keeping me underground, when I get there. Disturbed her? No! she has disturbed me, night and day, through eighteen yearsincessantlyremorselesslytill yesternight; and yesternight I was tranquil. I dreamt I was sleeping the last sleep by that sleeper, with my heart stopped and my cheek frozen against hers. And if she had been dissolved into earth, or worse, what would you have dreamt of then? I said. Of dissolving with her, and being more happy still! he answered. Do you suppose I dread any change of that sort? I expected such a transformation on raising the lidbut Im better pleased that it should not commence till I share it. Besides, unless I had received a distinct impression of her passionless features, that strange feeling would hardly have been removed. It began oddly. You know I was wild after she died; and eternally, from dawn to dawn, praying her to return to me her spirit! I have a strong faith in ghosts I have a conviction that they can, and do, exist among us! The day she was buried, there came a fall of snow. In the evening I went to the churchyard. It blew bleak as winterall round was solitary. I didnt fear that her fool of a husband would wander up the glen so late; and no one else had business to bring them there. Being alone, and conscious two yards of loose earth was the sole barrier between us, I said to myselfIll have her in my arms again! If she be cold, Ill think it is this north wind that chills me; and if she be motionless, it is sleep. I got a spade from the toolhouse, and began to delve with all my mightit scraped the coffin; I fell to work with my hands; the wood commenced cracking about the screws; I was on the point of attaining my object, when it seemed that I heard a sigh from someone above, close at the edge of the grave, and bending down. If I can only get this off, I muttered, I wish they may shovel in the earth over us both! and I wrenched at it more desperately still. There was another sigh, close at my ear. I appeared to feel the warm breath of it displacing the sleetladen wind. I knew no living thing in flesh and blood was by; but, as certainly as you perceive the approach to some substantial body in the dark, though it cannot be discerned, so certainly I felt that Cathy was there not under me, but on the earth. A sudden sense of relief flowed from my heart through every limb. I relinquished my labour of agony, and turned consoled at once unspeakably consoled. Her presence was with me it remained while I refilled the grave, and led me home. You may laugh, if you will; but I was sure I should see her there. I was sure she was with me, and I could not help talking to her. Having reached the Heights, I rushed eagerly to the door. It was fastened; and, I remember, that accursed Earnshaw and my wife opposed my entrance. I remember stopping to kick the breath out of him, and then hurrying upstairs, to my room and hers. I looked round impatientlyI felt her by meI could almost see her, and yet I could not! I ought to have sweat blood then, from the anguish of my yearningfrom the fervour of my supplications to have but one glimpse! I had not one.


She showed herself, as she often was in life, a devil to me! And, since then, sometimes more and sometimes less, Ive been the sport of that intolerable torture! Infernal! keeping my nerves at such a stretch that, if they had not resembled catgut, they would long ago have relaxed to the feebleness of Lintons. When I sat in the house with Hareton, it seemed that on going out I should meet her; when I walked on the moors I should meet her coming in. When I went from home I hastened to return; she must be somewhere at the Heights, I was certain! And when I slept in her chamberI was beaten out of that. I couldnt lie there; for the moment I closed my eyes, she was either outside the window, or sliding back the panels, or entering the room, or even resting her darling head on the same pillow as she did when a child; and I must open my lids to see. And so I opened and closed them a hundred times a nightto be always disappointed! It racked me! Ive often groaned aloud, till that old rascal Joseph no doubt believed that my conscience was playing the fiend inside of me. Now, since Ive seen her, Im pacifieda little. It was a strange way of killing not by inches, but by fractions of hairbreadths, to beguile me with the spectre of a hope through eighteen years! Mr. Heathcliff paused and wiped his forehead; his hair clung to it, wet with perspiration; his eyes were fixed on the red embers of the fire, the brows not contracted, but raised next the temples; diminishing the grim aspect of his countenance, but imparting a peculiar look of trouble, and a painful appearance of mental tension towards one absorbing subject. He only half addressed me, and I maintained silence. I didnt like to hear him talk! After a short period he resumed his meditation on the picture, took it down and leant it against the sofa to contemplate it at better advantage; and while so occupied Catherine entered, announcing that she was ready, when her pony should be saddled. Send that over tomorrow, said Heathcliff to me; then turning to her, he added You may do without your pony it is a fine evening, and youll need no ponies at Wuthering Heights; for what journeys you take, your own feet will serve you. Come along. Goodbye, Ellen! whispered my dear little mistress. As she kissed me, her lips felt like ice. Come and see me, Ellen; dont forget. Take care you do no such thing, Mrs. Dean! said her new father. When I wish to speak to you Ill come here. I want none of your prying at my house! He signed her to precede him; and casting back a look that cut my heart, she obeyed. I watched them, from the window, walk down the garden. Heathcliff fixed Catherines arm under his though she disputed the act at first evidently; and with rapid strides he hurried her into the alley, whose trees concealed them. XXX I have paid a visit to the Heights, but I have not seen her since she left Joseph held the door in his hand when I called to ask after her, and wouldnt let me pass. He said Mrs. Linton was thrang, and the master was not in. Zillah has told me something of the way they go on, otherwise I should hardly know who was dead and who living. She thinks Catherine haughty, and does not like her, I can guess by her talk. My young lady asked some aid of her when she first came; but Mr. Heathcliff told her to follow her own business, and let his daughterinlaw look after herself; and Zillah willingly acquiesced, being a narrowminded, selfish woman. Catherine evinced a childs annoyance at this neglect; repaid it with contempt, and thus enlisted my informant among her enemies, as securely as if she had done her some great wrong. I had a long talk with Zillah about six weeks ago, a little before you came, one day when we foregathered on the moor; and this is what she told me. The first thing Mrs. Linton did, she said, on her arrival at the Heights, was to run upstairs, without even wishing good evening to me and Joseph; she shut herself into Lintons room, and remained till morning. Then, while the master and Earnshaw were at breakfast, she entered the house, and asked all in a quiver if the doctor might be sent for? her cousin was very ill.  We know that! answered Heathcliff; but his life is not worth a farthing, and I wont spend a farthing on him.  But I cannot tell how to do, she said; and if nobody will help me, hell die!  Walk out of the room, cried the master, and let me never hear a word more about him! None here care what becomes of him; if you do, act the nurse; if you do not, lock him up and leave him. Then she began to bother me, and I said Id had enough plague with the tiresome thing; we each had our tasks, and hers was to wait on Linton Mr. Heathcliff bid me leave that labour to her. How they managed together, I cant tell. I fancy he fretted a great deal, and moaned hisseln night and day; and she had precious little rest one could guess by her white face and heavy eyes. She sometimes came into the kitchen all wildered like, and looked as if she would fain beg assistance; but I was not going to disobey the master I never dare disobey him, Mrs. Dean; and, though I thought it wrong that Kenneth should not be sent for, it was no concern of mine either to advise or complain, and I always refused to meddle. Once or twice, after we had gone to bed, Ive happened to open my door again and seen her sitting crying on the stairstop; and then Ive shut myself in quick, for fear of being moved to interfere. I did pity her then, Im sure still I didnt wish to lose my place, you know. At last, one night she came boldly into my chamber, and frightened me out of my wits, by saying, Tell Mr. Heathcliff that his son is dyingIm sure he is, this time. Get up, instantly, and tell him. Having uttered this speech, she vanished again. I lay a quarter of an hour listening and trembling. Nothing stirredthe house was quiet. Shes mistaken, I said to myself. Hes got over it. I neednt disturb them; and I began to doze. But my sleep was marred a second time by a sharp ringing of the bellthe only bell we have, put up on purpose for Linton; and the master called to me to see what was the matter, and inform them that he wouldnt have that noise repeated. I delivered Catherines message. He cursed to himself, and in a few minutes came out with a lighted candle, and proceeded to their room. I followed. Mrs. Heathcliff was seated by the bedside, with her hands folded on her knees. Her fatherinlaw went up, held the light to Lintons face, looked at him, and touched him; afterwards he turned to her.  NowCatherine, he said, how do you feel? She was dumb.  How do you feel, Catherine? he repeated.  Hes safe, and Im free, she answered I should feel wellbut, she continued, with a bitterness she couldnt conceal, you have left me so long to struggle against death alone, that I feel and see only death! I feel like death! And she looked like it, too! I gave her a little wine. Hareton and Joseph, who had been wakened by the ringing and the sound of feet, and heard our talk from outside, now entered. Joseph was fain, I believe, of the lads removal; Hareton seemed a thought bothered though he was more taken up with staring at Catherine than thinking of Linton. But the master bid him get off to bed again we didnt want his help. He afterwards made Joseph remove the body to his chamber, and told me to return to mine, and Mrs. Heathcliff remained by herself. In the morning, he sent me to tell her she must come down to breakfast she had undressed, and appeared going to sleep, and said she was ill; at which I hardly wondered. I informed Mr. Heathcliff, and he repliedWell, let her be till after the funeral; and go up now and then to get her what is needful; and, as soon as she seems better, tell me.  Cathy stayed upstairs a fortnight, according to Zillah; who visited her twice a day, and would have been rather more friendly, but her attempts at increasing kindness were proudly and promptly repelled. Heathcliff went up once, to show her Lintons will. He had bequeathed the whole of his, and what had been her, moveable property, to his father the poor creature was threatened, or coaxed, into that act during her weeks absence, when his uncle died. The lands, being a minor, he could not meddle with. However, Mr. Heathcliff has claimed and kept them in his wifes right and his also I suppose legally; at any rate, Catherine, destitute of cash and friends, cannot disturb his possession. Nobody, said Zillah, ever approached her door, except that once, but I; and nobody asked anything about her. The first occasion of her coming down into the house was on a Sunday afternoon. She had cried out, when I carried up her dinner, that she couldnt bear any longer being in the cold; and I told her the master was going to Thrushcross Grange, and Earnshaw and I neednt hinder her from descending; so, as soon as she heard Heathcliffs horse trot off, she made her appearance, donned in black, and her yellow curls combed back behind her ears as plain as a Quaker she couldnt comb them out. Joseph and I generally go to chapel on Sundays (the kirk, you know, has no minister now, explained Mrs. Dean; and they call the Methodists or Baptists place (I cant say which it is) at Gimmerton, a chapel. Joseph had gone, she continued, but I thought proper to bide at home. Young folks are always the better for an elders overlooking; and Hareton, with all his bashfulness, isnt a model of nice behaviour. I let him know that his cousin would very likely sit with us, and she had been always used to see the Sabbath respected; so he had as good leave his guns and bits of indoor work alone, while she stayed. He coloured up at the news, and cast his eyes over his hands and clothes. The trainoil and gunpowder were shoved out of sight in a minute. I saw he meant to give her his company; and I guessed, by his way, he wanted to be presentable; so, laughing, as I durst not laugh when the master is by, I offered to help him, if he would, and joked at his confusion. He grew sullen, and began to swear. Now, Mrs. Dean, Zillah went on, seeing me not pleased by her manner, you happen think your young lady too fine for Mr. Hareton; and happen youre right but I own I should love well to bring her pride a peg lower. And what will all her learning and her daintiness do for her, now? Shes as poor as you or I poorer, Ill be bound youre saying, and Im doing my little all that road. Hareton allowed Zillah to give him her aid; and she flattered him into a good humour; so, when Catherine came, half forgetting her former insults, he tried to make himself agreeable, by the housekeepers account. Missis walked in, she said, as chill as an icicle, and as high as a princess. I got up and offered her my seat in the armchair. No, she turned up her nose at my civility. Earnshaw rose, too, and bid her come to the settle, and sit close by the fire he was sure she was starved.  Ive been starved a month and more, she answered, resting on the word as scornful as she could. And she got a chair for herself, and placed it at a distance from both of us. Having sat till she was warm, she began to look round, and discovered a number of books on the dresser; she was instantly upon her feet again, stretching to reach them but they were too high up. Her cousin, after watching her endeavours a while, at last summoned courage to help her; she held her frock, and he filled it with the first that came to hand. That was a great advance for the lad. She didnt thank him; still, he felt gratified that she had accepted his assistance, and ventured to stand behind as she examined them, and even to stoop and point out what struck his fancy in certain old pictures which they contained; nor was he daunted by the saucy style in which she jerked the page from his finger he contented himself with going a bit farther back and looking at her instead of the book. She continued reading, or seeking for something to read. His attention became, by degrees, quite centred in the study of her thick silky curls her face he couldnt see, and she couldnt see him. And, perhaps, not quite awake to what he did, but attracted like a child to a candle, at last he proceeded from staring to touching; he put out his hand and stroked one curl, as gently as if it were a bird. He might have stuck a knife into her neck, she started round in such a taking.  Get away this moment! How dare you touch me? Why are you stopping there? she cried, in a tone of disgust. I cant endure you! Ill go upstairs again, if you come near me. Mr. Hareton recoiled, looking as foolish as he could do he sat down in the settle very quiet, and she continued turning over her volumes another half hour; finally, Earnshaw crossed over, and whispered to me.  Will you ask her to read to us, Zillah? Im stalled of doing naught; and I do likeI could like to hear her! Dunnot say I wanted it, but ask of yourseln.  Mr. Hareton wishes you would read to us, maam, I said, immediately. Hed take it very kindhed be much obliged. She frowned; and looking up, answered  Mr. Hareton, and the whole set of you, will be good enough to understand that I reject any pretence at kindness you have the hypocrisy to offer! I despise you, and will have nothing to say to any of you! When I would have given my life for one kind word, even to see one of your faces, you all kept off. But I wont complain to you! Im driven down here by the cold; not either to amuse you or enjoy your society.  What could I ha done? began Earnshaw. How was I to blame?  Oh! you are an exception, answered Mrs. Heathcliff. I never missed such a concern as you.  But I offered more than once, and asked, he said, kindling up at her pertness, I asked Mr. Heathcliff to let me wake for you  Be silent! Ill go out of doors, or anywhere, rather than have your disagreeable voice in my ear! said my lady. Hareton muttered she might go to hell, for him! and unslinging his gun, restrained himself from his Sunday occupations no longer. He talked now, freely enough; and she presently saw fit to retreat to her solitude but the frost had set in, and, in spite of her pride, she was forced to condescend to our company, more and more. However, I took care there should be no further scorning at my good nature ever since, Ive been as stiff as herself; and she has no lover or liker among us and she does not deserve one; for, let them say the least word to her, and shell curl back without respect of anyone. Shell snap at the master himself, and as good as dares him to thrash her; and the more hurt she gets, the more venomous she grows. At first, on hearing this account from Zillah, I determined to leave my situation, take a cottage, and get Catherine to come and live with me but Mr. Heathcliff would as soon permit that as he would set up Hareton in an independent house; and I can see no remedy, at present, unless she could marry again; and that scheme it does not come within my province to arrange. Thus ended Mrs. Deans story. Notwithstanding the doctors prophecy, I am rapidly recovering strength; and though it be only the second week in January, I propose getting out on horseback in a day or two, and riding over to Wuthering Heights, to inform my landlord that I shall spend the next six months in London; and, if he likes, he may look out for another tenant to take the place after October. I would not pass another winter here for much. XXXI Yesterday was bright, calm, and frosty. I went to the Heights as I proposed my housekeeper entreated me to bear a little note from her to her young lady, and I did not refuse, for the worthy woman was not conscious of anything odd in her request. The front door stood open, but the jealous gate was fastened, as at my last visit; I knocked and invoked Earnshaw from among the gardenbeds; he unchained it, and I entered. The fellow is as handsome a rustic as need be seen. I took particular notice of him this time; but then he does his best apparently to make the least of his advantages. I asked if Mr. Heathcliff were at home? He answered, No; but he would be in at dinnertime. It was eleven oclock, and I announced my intention of going in and waiting for him; at which he immediately flung down his tools and accompanied me, in the office of watchdog, not as a substitute for the host. We entered together; Catherine was there, making herself useful in preparing some vegetables for the approaching meal; she looked more sulky and less spirited than when I had seen her first. She hardly raised her eyes to notice me, and continued her employment with the same disregard to common forms of politeness as before; never returning my bow and good morning by the slightest acknowledgment. She does not seem so amiable, I thought, as Mrs. Dean would persuade me to believe. Shes a beauty, it is true; but not an angel. Earnshaw surlily bid her remove her things to the kitchen. Remove them yourself, she said, pushing them from her as soon as she had done; and retiring to a stool by the window, where she began to carve figures of birds and beasts out of the turnipparings in her lap. I approached her, pretending to desire a view of the garden; and, as I fancied, adroitly dropped Mrs. Deans note on to her knee, unnoticed by Haretonbut she asked aloud, What is that? And chucked it off. A letter from your old acquaintance, the housekeeper at the Grange, I answered; annoyed at her exposing my kind deed, and fearful lest it should be imagined a missive of my own. She would gladly have gathered it up at this information, but Hareton beat her; he seized and put it in his waistcoat, saying Mr. Heathcliff should look at it first. Thereat, Catherine silently turned her face from us, and, very stealthily, drew out her pockethandkerchief and applied it to her eyes; and her cousin, after struggling awhile to keep down his softer feelings, pulled out the letter and flung it on the floor beside her, as ungraciously as he could. Catherine caught and perused it eagerly; then she put a few questions to me concerning the inmates, rational and irrational, of her former home; and gazing towards the hills, murmured in soliloquy I should like to be riding Minny down there! I should like to be climbing up there! Oh! Im tiredIm stalled, Hareton! And she leant her pretty head back against the sill, with half a yawn and half a sigh, and lapsed into an aspect of abstracted sadness neither caring nor knowing whether we remarked her. Mrs. Heathcliff, I said, after sitting some time mute, you are not aware that I am an acquaintance of yours? so intimate that I think it strange you wont come and speak to me. My housekeeper never wearies of talking about and praising you; and shell be greatly disappointed if I return with no news of or from you, except that you received her letter and said nothing! She appeared to wonder at this speech, and asked Does Ellen like you? Yes, very well, I replied, hesitatingly. You must tell her, she continued, that I would answer her letter, but I have no materials for writing not even a book from which I might tear a leaf. No books! I exclaimed. How do you contrive to live here without them? if I may take the liberty to inquire. Though provided with a large library, Im frequently very dull at the Grange; take my books away, and I should be desperate! I was always reading, when I had them, said Catherine; and Mr. Heathcliff never reads; so he took it into his head to destroy my books. I have not had a glimpse of one for weeks. Only once, I searched through Josephs store of theology, to his great irritation; and once, Hareton, I came upon a secret stock in your roomsome Latin and Greek, and some tales and poetry all old friends. I brought the last hereand you gathered them, as a magpie gathers silver spoons, for the mere love of stealing! They are of no use to you; or else you concealed them in the bad spirit that, as you cannot enjoy them, nobody else shall. Perhaps your envy counselled Mr. Heathcliff to rob me of my treasures? But Ive most of them written on my brain and printed in my heart, and you cannot deprive me of those! Earnshaw blushed crimson when his cousin made this revelation of his private literary accumulations, and stammered an indignant denial of her accusations. Mr. Hareton is desirous of increasing his amount of knowledge, I said, coming to his rescue. He is not envious, but emulous of your attainments. Hell be a clever scholar in a few years. And he wants me to sink into a dunce, meantime, answered Catherine. Yes, I hear him trying to spell and read to himself, and pretty blunders he makes! I wish you would repeat Chevy Chase as you did yesterday it was extremely funny. I heard you; and I heard you turning over the dictionary to seek out the hard words, and then cursing because you couldnt read their explanations! The young man evidently thought it too bad that he should be laughed at for his ignorance, and then laughed at for trying to remove it. I had a similar notion; and, remembering Mrs. Deans anecdote of his first attempt at enlightening the darkness in which he had been reared, I observedBut, Mrs. Heathcliff, we have each had a commencement, and each stumbled and tottered on the threshold; had our teachers scorned instead of aiding us, we should stumble and totter yet. Oh! she replied, I dont wish to limit his acquirements still, he has no right to appropriate what is mine, and make it ridiculous to me with his vile mistakes and mispronunciations! Those books, both prose and verse, are consecrated to me by other associations; and I hate to have them debased and profaned in his mouth! Besides, of all, he has selected my favourite pieces that I love the most to repeat, as if out of deliberate malice. Haretons chest heaved in silence a minute he laboured under a severe sense of mortification and wrath, which it was no easy task to suppress. I rose, and, from a gentlemanly idea of relieving his embarrassment, took up my station in the doorway, surveying the external prospect as I stood. He followed my example, and left the room; but presently reappeared, bearing half a dozen volumes in his hands, which he threw into Catherines lap, exclaimingTake them! I never want to hear, or read, or think of them again! I wont have them now, she answered. I shall connect them with you, and hate them. She opened one that had obviously been often turned over, and read a portion in the drawling tone of a beginner; then laughed, and threw it from her. And listen, she continued, provokingly, commencing a verse of an old ballad in the same fashion. But his selflove would endure no further torment I heard, and not altogether disapprovingly, a manual check given to her saucy tongue. The little wretch had done her utmost to hurt her cousins sensitive though uncultivated feelings, and a physical argument was the only mode he had of balancing the account, and repaying its effects on the inflictor. He afterwards gathered the books and hurled them on the fire. I read in his countenance what anguish it was to offer that sacrifice to spleen. I fancied that as they consumed, he recalled the pleasure they had already imparted, and the triumph and everincreasing pleasure he had anticipated from them; and I fancied I guessed the incitement to his secret studies also. He had been content with daily labour and rough animal enjoyments, till Catherine crossed his path. Shame at her scorn, and hope of her approval, were his first prompters to higher pursuits; and instead of guarding him from one and winning him to the other, his endeavours to raise himself had produced just the contrary result. Yes thats all the good that such a brute as you can get from them! cried Catherine, sucking her damaged lip, and watching the conflagration with indignant eyes. Youd better hold your tongue, now, he answered fiercely. And his agitation precluded further speech; he advanced hastily to the entrance, where I made way for him to pass. But ere he had crossed the doorstones, Mr. Heathcliff, coming up the causeway, encountered him, and laying hold of his shoulder askedWhats to do now, my lad? Naught, naught, he said, and broke away to enjoy his grief and anger in solitude. Heathcliff gazed after him, and sighed. It will be odd if I thwart myself, he muttered, unconscious that I was behind him. But when I look for his father in his face, I find her every day more! How the devil is he so like? I can hardly bear to see him. He bent his eyes to the ground, and walked moodily in. There was a restless, anxious expression in his countenance. I had never remarked there before; and he looked sparer in person. His daughterinlaw, on perceiving him through the window, immediately escaped to the kitchen, so that I remained alone. Im glad to see you out of doors again, Mr. Lockwood, he said, in reply to my greeting; from selfish motives partly I dont think I could readily supply your loss in this desolation. Ive wondered more than once what brought you here. An idle whim, I fear, sir, was my answer; or else an idle whim is going to spirit me away. I shall set out for London next week; and I must give you warning that I feel no disposition to retain Thrushcross Grange beyond the twelve months I agreed to rent it. I believe I shall not live there any more. Oh, indeed; youre tired of being banished from the world, are you? he said. But if you be coming to plead off paying for a place you wont occupy, your journey is useless I never relent in exacting my due from anyone. Im coming to plead off nothing about it, I exclaimed, considerably irritated. Should you wish it, Ill settle with you now, and I drew my notebook from my pocket. No, no, he replied, coolly; youll leave sufficient behind to cover your debts, if you fail to return Im not in such a hurry. Sit down and take your dinner with us; a guest that is safe from repeating his visit can generally be made welcome. Catherine! bring the things in where are you? Catherine reappeared, bearing a tray of knives and forks. You may get your dinner with Joseph, muttered Heathcliff, aside, and remain in the kitchen till he is gone. She obeyed his directions very punctually perhaps she had no temptation to transgress. Living among clowns and misanthropists, she probably cannot appreciate a better class of people when she meets them. With Mr. Heathcliff, grim and saturnine, on the one hand, and Hareton, absolutely dumb, on the other, I made a somewhat cheerless meal, and bade adieu early. I would have departed by the back way, to get a last glimpse of Catherine and annoy old Joseph; but Hareton received orders to lead up my horse, and my host himself escorted me to the door, so I could not fulfil my wish. How dreary life gets over in that house! I reflected, while riding down the road. What a realisation of something more romantic than a fairy tale it would have been for Mrs. Linton Heathcliff, had she and I struck up an attachment, as her good nurse desired, and migrated together into the stirring atmosphere of the town! XXXII 1802.This September I was invited to devastate the moors of a friend in the north, and on my journey to his abode, I unexpectedly came within fifteen miles of Gimmerton. The ostler at a roadside publichouse was holding a pail of water to refresh my horses, when a cart of very green oats, newly reaped, passed by, and he remarkedYons frough Gimmerton, nah! Theyre allas three wick after other folk wi ther harvest. Gimmerton? I repeatedmy residence in that locality had already grown dim and dreamy. Ah! I know. How far is it from this? Happen fourteen mile oer th hills; and a rough road, he answered. A sudden impulse seized me to visit Thrushcross Grange. It was scarcely noon, and I conceived that I might as well pass the night under my own roof as in an inn. Besides, I could spare a day easily to arrange matters with my landlord, and thus save myself the trouble of invading the neighbourhood again. Having rested awhile, I directed my servant to inquire the way to the village; and, with great fatigue to our beasts, we managed the distance in some three hours. I left him there, and proceeded down the valley alone. The grey church looked greyer, and the lonely churchyard lonelier. I distinguished a moorsheep cropping the short turf on the graves. It was sweet, warm weathertoo warm for travelling; but the heat did not hinder me from enjoying the delightful scenery above and below had I seen it nearer August, Im sure it would have tempted me to waste a month among its solitudes. In winter nothing more dreary, in summer nothing more divine, than those glens shut in by hills, and those bluff, bold swells of heath. I reached the Grange before sunset, and knocked for admittance; but the family had retreated into the back premises, I judged, by one thin, blue wreath, curling from the kitchen chimney, and they did not hear. I rode into the court. Under the porch, a girl of nine or ten sat knitting, and an old woman reclined on the housesteps, smoking a meditative pipe. Is Mrs. Dean within? I demanded of the dame. Mistress Dean? Nay! she answered, she doesnt bide here shoos up at th Heights. Are you the housekeeper, then? I continued. Eea, aw keep th hause, she replied. Well, Im Mr. Lockwood, the master. Are there any rooms to lodge me in, I wonder? I wish to stay all night. T maister! she cried in astonishment. Whet, whoiver knew yah wur coming? Yah sud ha send word. Theys nowt norther dry nor mensful abaht t place nowt there isnt! She threw down her pipe and bustled in, the girl followed, and I entered too; soon perceiving that her report was true, and, moreover, that I had almost upset her wits by my unwelcome apparition, I bade her be composed. I would go out for a walk; and, meantime she must try to prepare a corner of a sittingroom for me to sup in, and a bedroom to sleep in. No sweeping and dusting, only good fire and dry sheets were necessary. She seemed willing to do her best; though she thrust the hearthbrush into the grates in mistake for the poker, and malappropriated several other articles of her craft but I retired, confiding in her energy for a restingplace against my return. Wuthering Heights was the goal of my proposed excursion. An afterthought brought me back, when I had quitted the court. All well at the Heights? I inquired of the woman. Eea, fr owt ee knaw! she answered, skurrying away with a pan of hot cinders. I would have asked why Mrs. Dean had deserted the Grange, but it was impossible to delay her at such a crisis, so I turned away and made my exit, rambling leisurely along, with the glow of a sinking sun behind, and the mild glory of a rising moon in frontone fading, and the other brighteningas I quitted the park, and climbed the stony byroad branching off to Mr. Heathcliffs dwelling. Before I arrived in sight of it, all that remained of day was a beamless amber light along the west but I could see every pebble on the path, and every blade of grass, by that splendid moon. I had neither to climb the gate nor to knockit yielded to my hand. That is an improvement, I thought. And I noticed another, by the aid of my nostrils; a fragrance of stocks and wallflowers wafted on the air from amongst the homely fruittrees. Both doors and lattices were open; and yet, as is usually the case in a coaldistrict, a fine red fire illumined the chimney the comfort which the eye derives from it renders the extra heat endurable. But the house of Wuthering Heights is so large that the inmates have plenty of space for withdrawing out of its influence; and accordingly what inmates there were had stationed themselves not far from one of the windows. I could both see them and hear them talk before I entered, and looked and listened in consequence; being moved thereto by a mingled sense of curiosity and envy, that grew as I lingered. Contrary! said a voice as sweet as a silver bell. That for the third time, you dunce! Im not going to tell you again.


Recollect, or Ill pull your hair! Contrary, then, answered another, in deep but softened tones. And now, kiss me, for minding so well. No, read it over first correctly, without a single mistake. The male speaker began to read he was a young man, respectably dressed and seated at a table, having a book before him. His handsome features glowed with pleasure, and his eyes kept impatiently wandering from the page to a small white hand over his shoulder, which recalled him by a smart slap on the cheek, whenever its owner detected such signs of inattention. Its owner stood behind; her light, shining ringlets blending, at intervals, with his brown looks, as she bent to superintend his studies; and her faceit was lucky he could not see her face, or he would never have been so steady. I could; and I bit my lip in spite, at having thrown away the chance I might have had of doing something besides staring at its smiting beauty. The task was done, not free from further blunders; but the pupil claimed a reward, and received at least five kisses; which, however, he generously returned. Then they came to the door, and from their conversation I judged they were about to issue out and have a walk on the moors. I supposed I should be condemned in Hareton Earnshaws heart, if not by his mouth, to the lowest pit in the infernal regions if I showed my unfortunate person in his neighbourhood then; and feeling very mean and malignant, I skulked round to seek refuge in the kitchen. There was unobstructed admittance on that side also; and at the door sat my old friend Nelly Dean, sewing and singing a song; which was often interrupted from within by harsh words of scorn and intolerance, uttered in far from musical accents. Id rayther, by th haulf, hev em swearing i my lugs froh morn to neeght, nor hearken ye hahsiver! said the tenant of the kitchen, in answer to an unheard speech of Nellys. Its a blazing shame, that I cannot oppen t blessed Book, but yah set up them glories to sattan, and all t flaysome wickednesses that iver were born into th warld! Oh! yere a raight nowt; and shoos another; and that poor ladll be lost atween ye. Poor lad! he added, with a groan; hes witched Im sartin ont. Oh, Lord, judge em, for theres norther law nor justice among wer rullers! No! or we should be sitting in flaming fagots, I suppose, retorted the singer. But wisht, old man, and read your Bible like a Christian, and never mind me. This is Fairy Annies Weddinga bonny tuneit goes to a dance. Mrs. Dean was about to recommence, when I advanced; and recognising me directly, she jumped to her feet, cryingWhy, bless you, Mr. Lockwood! How could you think of returning in this way? Alls shut up at Thrushcross Grange. You should have given us notice! Ive arranged to be accommodated there, for as long as I shall stay, I answered. I depart again tomorrow. And how are you transplanted here, Mrs. Dean? tell me that. Zillah left, and Mr. Heathcliff wished me to come, soon after you went to London, and stay till you returned. But, step in, pray! Have you walked from Gimmerton this evening? From the Grange, I replied; and while they make me lodging room there, I want to finish my business with your master; because I dont think of having another opportunity in a hurry. What business, sir? said Nelly, conducting me into the house. Hes gone out at present, and wont return soon. About the rent, I answered. Oh! then it is with Mrs. Heathcliff you must settle, she observed; or rather with me. She has not learnt to manage her affairs yet, and I act for her theres nobody else. I looked surprised. Ah! you have not heard of Heathcliffs death, I see, she continued. Heathcliff dead! I exclaimed, astonished. How long ago? Three months since but sit down, and let me take your hat, and Ill tell you all about it. Stop, you have had nothing to eat, have you? I want nothing I have ordered supper at home. You sit down too. I never dreamt of his dying! Let me hear how it came to pass. You say you dont expect them back for some timethe young people? NoI have to scold them every evening for their late rambles but they dont care for me. At least, have a drink of our old ale; it will do you good you seem weary. She hastened to fetch it before I could refuse, and I heard Joseph asking whether it warnt a crying scandal that she should have followers at her time of life? And then, to get them jocks out o t maisters cellar! He fair shaamed to bide still and see it. She did not stay to retaliate, but reentered in a minute, bearing a reaming silver pint, whose contents I lauded with becoming earnestness. And afterwards she furnished me with the sequel of Heathcliffs history. He had a queer end, as she expressed it. I was summoned to Wuthering Heights, within a fortnight of your leaving us, she said; and I obeyed joyfully, for Catherines sake. My first interview with her grieved and shocked me she had altered so much since our separation. Mr. Heathcliff did not explain his reasons for taking a new mind about my coming here; he only told me he wanted me, and he was tired of seeing Catherine I must make the little parlour my sittingroom, and keep her with me. It was enough if he were obliged to see her once or twice a day. She seemed pleased at this arrangement; and, by degrees, I smuggled over a great number of books, and other articles, that had formed her amusement at the Grange; and flattered myself we should get on in tolerable comfort. The delusion did not last long. Catherine, contented at first, in a brief space grew irritable and restless. For one thing, she was forbidden to move out of the garden, and it fretted her sadly to be confined to its narrow bounds as spring drew on; for another, in following the house, I was forced to quit her frequently, and she complained of loneliness she preferred quarrelling with Joseph in the kitchen to sitting at peace in her solitude. I did not mind their skirmishes but Hareton was often obliged to seek the kitchen also, when the master wanted to have the house to himself! and though in the beginning she either left it at his approach, or quietly joined in my occupations, and shunned remarking or addressing himand though he was always as sullen and silent as possibleafter a while, she changed her behaviour, and became incapable of letting him alone talking at him; commenting on his stupidity and idleness; expressing her wonder how he could endure the life he livedhow he could sit a whole evening staring into the fire, and dozing. Hes just like a dog, is he not, Ellen? she once observed, or a carthorse? He does his work, eats his food, and sleeps eternally! What a blank, dreary mind he must have! Do you ever dream, Hareton? And, if you do, what is it about? But you cant speak to me! Then she looked at him; but he would neither open his mouth nor look again. Hes, perhaps, dreaming now, she continued. He twitched his shoulder as Juno twitches hers. Ask him, Ellen. Mr. Hareton will ask the master to send you upstairs, if you dont behave! I said. He had not only twitched his shoulder but clenched his fist, as if tempted to use it. I know why Hareton never speaks, when I am in the kitchen, she exclaimed, on another occasion. He is afraid I shall laugh at him. Ellen, what do you think? He began to teach himself to read once; and, because I laughed, he burned his books, and dropped it was he not a fool? Were not you naughty? I said; answer me that. Perhaps I was, she went on; but I did not expect him to be so silly. Hareton, if I gave you a book, would you take it now? Ill try! She placed one she had been perusing on his hand; he flung it off, and muttered, if she did not give over, he would break her neck. Well, I shall put it here, she said, in the tabledrawer; and Im going to bed. Then she whispered me to watch whether he touched it, and departed. But he would not come near it; and so I informed her in the morning, to her great disappointment. I saw she was sorry for his persevering sulkiness and indolence her conscience reproved her for frightening him off improving himself she had done it effectually. But her ingenuity was at work to remedy the injury while I ironed, or pursued other such stationary employments as I could not well do in the parlour, she would bring some pleasant volume and read it aloud to me. When Hareton was there, she generally paused in an interesting part, and left the book lying about that she did repeatedly; but he was as obstinate as a mule, and, instead of snatching at her bait, in wet weather he took to smoking with Joseph; and they sat like automatons, one on each side of the fire, the elder happily too deaf to understand her wicked nonsense, as he would have called it, the younger doing his best to seem to disregard it. On fine evenings the latter followed his shooting expeditions, and Catherine yawned and sighed, and teased me to talk to her, and ran off into the court or garden the moment I began; and, as a last resource, cried, and said she was tired of living her life was useless. Mr. Heathcliff, who grew more and more disinclined to society, had almost banished Earnshaw from his apartment. Owing to an accident at the commencement of March, he became for some days a fixture in the kitchen. His gun burst while out on the hills by himself; a splinter cut his arm, and he lost a good deal of blood before he could reach home. The consequence was that, perforce, he was condemned to the fireside and tranquillity, till he made it up again. It suited Catherine to have him there at any rate, it made her hate her room upstairs more than ever and she would compel me to find out business below, that she might accompany me. On Easter Monday, Joseph went to Gimmerton fair with some cattle; and, in the afternoon, I was busy getting up linen in the kitchen. Earnshaw sat, morose as usual, at the chimney corner, and my little mistress was beguiling an idle hour with drawing pictures on the windowpanes, varying her amusement by smothered bursts of songs, and whispered ejaculations, and quick glances of annoyance and impatience in the direction of her cousin, who steadfastly smoked, and looked into the grate. At a notice that I could do with her no longer intercepting my light, she removed to the hearthstone. I bestowed little attention on her proceedings, but, presently, I heard her beginIve found out, Hareton, that I wantthat Im gladthat I should like you to be my cousin now, if you had not grown so cross to me, and so rough. Hareton returned no answer. Hareton, Hareton, Hareton! do you hear? she continued. Get off wi ye! he growled, with uncompromising gruffness. Let me take that pipe, she said, cautiously advancing her hand and abstracting it from his mouth. Before he could attempt to recover it, it was broken, and behind the fire. He swore at her and seized another. Stop, she cried, you must listen to me first; and I cant speak while those clouds are floating in my face. Will you go to the devil! he exclaimed, ferociously, and let me be! No, she persisted, I wont I cant tell what to do to make you talk to me; and you are determined not to understand. When I call you stupid, I dont mean anything I dont mean that I despise you. Come, you shall take notice of me, Hareton you are my cousin, and you shall own me. I shall have naught to do wi you and your mucky pride, and your damned mocking tricks! he answered. Ill go to hell, body and soul, before I look sideways after you again. Side out o t gate, now, this minute! Catherine frowned, and retreated to the windowseat chewing her lip, and endeavouring, by humming an eccentric tune, to conceal a growing tendency to sob. You should be friends with your cousin, Mr. Hareton, I interrupted, since she repents of her sauciness. It would do you a great deal of good it would make you another man to have her for a companion. A companion! he cried; when she hates me, and does not think me fit to wipe her shoon! Nay, if it made me a king, Id not be scorned for seeking her goodwill any more. It is not I who hate you, it is you who hate me! wept Cathy, no longer disguising her trouble. You hate me as much as Mr. Heathcliff does, and more. Youre a damned liar, began Earnshaw why have I made him angry, by taking your part, then, a hundred times? and that when you sneered at and despised me, andGo on plaguing me, and Ill step in yonder, and say you worried me out of the kitchen! I didnt know you took my part, she answered, drying her eyes; and I was miserable and bitter at everybody; but now I thank you, and beg you to forgive me what can I do besides? She returned to the hearth, and frankly extended her hand. He blackened and scowled like a thundercloud, and kept his fists resolutely clenched, and his gaze fixed on the ground. Catherine, by instinct, must have divined it was obdurate perversity, and not dislike, that prompted this dogged conduct; for, after remaining an instant undecided, she stooped and impressed on his cheek a gentle kiss. The little rogue thought I had not seen her, and, drawing back, she took her former station by the window, quite demurely. I shook my head reprovingly, and then she blushed and whisperedWell! what should I have done, Ellen? He wouldnt shake hands, and he wouldnt look I must show him some way that I like himthat I want to be friends. Whether the kiss convinced Hareton, I cannot tell he was very careful, for some minutes, that his face should not be seen, and when he did raise it, he was sadly puzzled where to turn his eyes. Catherine employed herself in wrapping a handsome book neatly in white paper, and having tied it with a bit of ribbon, and addressed it to Mr. Hareton Earnshaw, she desired me to be her ambassadress, and convey the present to its destined recipient. And tell him, if hell take it, Ill come and teach him to read it right, she said; and, if he refuse it, Ill go upstairs, and never tease him again. I carried it, and repeated the message; anxiously watched by my employer. Hareton would not open his fingers, so I laid it on his knee. He did not strike it off, either. I returned to my work. Catherine leaned her head and arms on the table, till she heard the slight rustle of the covering being removed; then she stole away, and quietly seated herself beside her cousin. He trembled, and his face glowed all his rudeness and all his surly harshness had deserted him he could not summon courage, at first, to utter a syllable in reply to her questioning look, and her murmured petition. Say you forgive me, Hareton, do. You can make me so happy by speaking that little word. He muttered something inaudible. And youll be my friend? added Catherine, interrogatively. Nay, youll be ashamed of me every day of your life, he answered; and the more ashamed, the more you know me; and I cannot bide it. So you wont be my friend? she said, smiling as sweet as honey, and creeping close up. I overheard no further distinguishable talk, but, on looking round again, I perceived two such radiant countenances bent over the page of the accepted book, that I did not doubt the treaty had been ratified on both sides; and the enemies were, thenceforth, sworn allies. The work they studied was full of costly pictures; and those and their position had charm enough to keep them unmoved till Joseph came home. He, poor man, was perfectly aghast at the spectacle of Catherine seated on the same bench with Hareton Earnshaw, leaning her hand on his shoulder; and confounded at his favourites endurance of her proximity it affected him too deeply to allow an observation on the subject that night. His emotion was only revealed by the immense sighs he drew, as he solemnly spread his large Bible on the table, and overlaid it with dirty banknotes from his pocketbook, the produce of the days transactions. At length he summoned Hareton from his seat. Tak these in to t maister, lad, he said, and bide there. Is gang up to my own rahm. This hoiles neither mensful nor seemly for us we mun side out and seearch another. Come, Catherine, I said, we must side out too Ive done my ironing. Are you ready to go? It is not eight oclock! she answered, rising unwillingly. Hareton, Ill leave this book upon the chimneypiece, and Ill bring some more tomorrow. Ony books that yah leave, I shall tak into th hahse, said Joseph, and itll be mitch if yah find em agean; soa, yah may plase yerseln! Cathy threatened that his library should pay for hers; and, smiling as she passed Hareton, went singing upstairs lighter of heart, I venture to say, than ever she had been under that roof before; except, perhaps, during her earliest visits to Linton. The intimacy thus commenced grew rapidly; though it encountered temporary interruptions. Earnshaw was not to be civilized with a wish, and my young lady was no philosopher, and no paragon of patience; but both their minds tending to the same pointone loving and desiring to esteem, and the other loving and desiring to be esteemedthey contrived in the end to reach it. You see, Mr. Lockwood, it was easy enough to win Mrs. Heathcliffs heart. But now, Im glad you did not try. The crown of all my wishes will be the union of those two. I shall envy no one on their wedding day there wont be a happier woman than myself in England! XXXIII On the morrow of that Monday, Earnshaw being still unable to follow his ordinary employments, and therefore remaining about the house, I speedily found it would be impracticable to retain my charge beside me, as heretofore. She got downstairs before me, and out into the garden, where she had seen her cousin performing some easy work; and when I went to bid them come to breakfast, I saw she had persuaded him to clear a large space of ground from currant and gooseberry bushes, and they were busy planning together an importation of plants from the Grange. I was terrified at the devastation which had been accomplished in a brief halfhour; the blackcurrant trees were the apple of Josephs eye, and she had just fixed her choice of a flowerbed in the midst of them. There! That will be all shown to the master, I exclaimed, the minute it is discovered. And what excuse have you to offer for taking such liberties with the garden? We shall have a fine explosion on the head of it see if we dont! Mr. Hareton, I wonder you should have no more wit than to go and make that mess at her bidding! Id forgotten they were Josephs, answered Earnshaw, rather puzzled; but Ill tell him I did it. We always ate our meals with Mr. Heathcliff. I held the mistresss post in making tea and carving; so I was indispensable at table. Catherine usually sat by me, but today she stole nearer to Hareton; and I presently saw she would have no more discretion in her friendship than she had in her hostility. Now, mind you dont talk with and notice your cousin too much, were my whispered instructions as we entered the room. It will certainly annoy Mr. Heathcliff, and hell be mad at you both. Im not going to, she answered. The minute after, she had sidled to him, and was sticking primroses in his plate of porridge. He dared not speak to her there he dared hardly look; and yet she went on teasing, till he was twice on the point of being provoked to laugh. I frowned, and then she glanced towards the master whose mind was occupied on other subjects than his company, as his countenance evinced; and she grew serious for an instant, scrutinizing him with deep gravity. Afterwards she turned, and recommenced her nonsense; at last, Hareton uttered a smothered laugh. Mr. Heathcliff started; his eye rapidly surveyed our faces, Catherine met it with her accustomed look of nervousness and yet defiance, which he abhorred. It is well you are out of my reach, he exclaimed. What fiend possesses you to stare back at me, continually, with those infernal eyes? Down with them! and dont remind me of your existence again. I thought I had cured you of laughing. It was me, muttered Hareton. What do you say? demanded the master. Hareton looked at his plate, and did not repeat the confession. Mr. Heathcliff looked at him a bit, and then silently resumed his breakfast and his interrupted musing. We had nearly finished, and the two young people prudently shifted wider asunder, so I anticipated no further disturbance during that sitting when Joseph appeared at the door, revealing by his quivering lip and furious eyes that the outrage committed on his precious shrubs was detected. He must have seen Cathy and her cousin about the spot before he examined it, for while his jaws worked like those of a cow chewing its cud, and rendered his speech difficult to understand, he began I mun hev my wage, and I mun goa! I hed aimed to dee wheare Id sarved fur sixty year; and I thowt Id lug my books up into t garret, and all my bits o stuff, and they sud hev t kitchen to theirseln; for t sake o quietness. It wur hard to gie up my awn hearthstun, but I thowt I could do that! But nah, shoos taan my garden fro me, and by th heart, maister, I cannot stand it! Yah may bend to th yoak an ye willI noan used to t, and an old man doesnt sooin get used to new barthens. Id rayther arn my bite an my sup wi a hammer in th road! Now, now, idiot! interrupted Heathcliff, cut it short! Whats your grievance? Ill interfere in no quarrels between you and Nelly. She may thrust you into the coalhole for anything I care. Its noan Nelly! answered Joseph. I sudnt shift for Nellynasty ill nowt as shoo is. Thank God! shoo cannot stale t sowl o nobdy! Shoo wer niver soa handsome, but what a body mud look at her bout winking. Its yon flaysome, graceless quean, thats witched our lad, wi her bold een and her forrard waystillNay! it fair brusts my heart! Hes forgotten all Ive done for him, and made on him, and goan and riven up a whole row o t grandest curranttrees i t garden! and here he lamented outright; unmanned by a sense of his bitter injuries, and Earnshaws ingratitude and dangerous condition. Is the fool drunk? asked Mr. Heathcliff. Hareton, is it you hes finding fault with? Ive pulled up two or three bushes, replied the young man; but Im going to set em again. And why have you pulled them up? said the master. Catherine wisely put in her tongue. We wanted to plant some flowers there, she cried. Im the only person to blame, for I wished him to do it. And who the devil gave you leave to touch a stick about the place? demanded her fatherinlaw, much surprised. And who ordered you to obey her? he added, turning to Hareton. The latter was speechless; his cousin repliedYou shouldnt grudge a few yards of earth for me to ornament, when you have taken all my land! Your land, insolent slut! You never had any, said Heathcliff. And my money, she continued; returning his angry glare, and meantime biting a piece of crust, the remnant of her breakfast. Silence! he exclaimed. Get done, and begone! And Haretons land, and his money, pursued the reckless thing. Hareton and I are friends now; and I shall tell him all about you! The master seemed confounded a moment he grew pale, and rose up, eyeing her all the while, with an expression of mortal hate. If you strike me, Hareton will strike you, she said; so you may as well sit down. If Hareton does not turn you out of the room, Ill strike him to hell, thundered Heathcliff. Damnable witch! dare you pretend to rouse him against me? Off with her! Do you hear? Fling her into the kitchen! Ill kill her, Ellen Dean, if you let her come into my sight again! Hareton tried, under his breath, to persuade her to go. Drag her away! he cried, savagely. Are you staying to talk? And he approached to execute his own command. Hell not obey you, wicked man, any more, said Catherine; and hell soon detest you as much as I do. Wisht! wisht! muttered the young man, reproachfully; I will not hear you speak so to him. Have done. But you wont let him strike me? she cried. Come, then, he whispered earnestly. It was too late Heathcliff had caught hold of her. Now, you go! he said to Earnshaw. Accursed witch! this time she has provoked me when I could not bear it; and Ill make her repent it forever! He had his hand in her hair; Hareton attempted to release her locks, entreating him not to hurt her that once. Heathcliffs black eyes flashed; he seemed ready to tear Catherine in pieces, and I was just worked up to risk coming to the rescue, when of a sudden his fingers relaxed; he shifted his grasp from her head to her arm, and gazed intently in her face. Then he drew his hand over his eyes, stood a moment to collect himself apparently, and turning anew to Catherine, said, with assumed calmnessYou must learn to avoid putting me in a passion, or I shall really murder you some time! Go with Mrs. Dean, and keep with her; and confine your insolence to her ears. As to Hareton Earnshaw, if I see him listen to you, Ill send him seeking his bread where he can get it! Your love will make him an outcast and a beggar. Nelly, take her; and leave me, all of you! Leave me! I led my young lady out she was too glad of her escape to resist; the other followed, and Mr. Heathcliff had the room to himself till dinner. I had counselled Catherine to dine upstairs; but, as soon as he perceived her vacant seat, he sent me to call her. He spoke to none of us, ate very little, and went out directly afterwards, intimating that he should not return before evening. The two new friends established themselves in the house during his absence; where I heard Hareton sternly check his cousin, on her offering a revelation of her fatherinlaws conduct to his father. He said he wouldnt suffer a word to be uttered in his disparagement if he were the devil, it didnt signify; he would stand by him; and hed rather she would abuse himself, as she used to, than begin on Mr. Heathcliff. Catherine was waxing cross at this; but he found means to make her hold her tongue, by asking how she would like him to speak ill of her father? Then she comprehended that Earnshaw took the masters reputation home to himself; and was attached by ties stronger than reason could breakchains, forged by habit, which it would be cruel to attempt to loosen. She showed a good heart, thenceforth, in avoiding both complaints and expressions of antipathy concerning Heathcliff; and confessed to me her sorrow that she had endeavoured to raise a bad spirit between him and Hareton indeed, I dont believe she has ever breathed a syllable, in the latters hearing, against her oppressor since. When this slight disagreement was over, they were friends again, and as busy as possible in their several occupations of pupil and teacher. I came in to sit with them, after I had done my work; and I felt so soothed and comforted to watch them, that I did not notice how time got on. You know, they both appeared in a measure my children I had long been proud of one; and now, I was sure, the other would be a source of equal satisfaction. His honest, warm, and intelligent nature shook off rapidly the clouds of ignorance and degradation in which it had been bred; and Catherines sincere commendations acted as a spur to his industry. His brightening mind brightened his features, and added spirit and nobility to their aspect I could hardly fancy it the same individual I had beheld on the day I discovered my little lady at Wuthering Heights, after her expedition to the Crags. While I admired and they laboured, dusk drew on, and with it returned the master. He came upon us quite unexpectedly, entering by the front way, and had a full view of the whole three, ere we could raise our heads to glance at him. Well, I reflected, there was never a pleasanter, or more harmless sight; and it will be a burning shame to scold them. The red firelight glowed on their two bonny heads, and revealed their faces animated with the eager interest of children; for, though he was twentythree and she eighteen, each had so much of novelty to feel and learn, that neither experienced nor evinced the sentiments of sober disenchanted maturity. They lifted their eyes together, to encounter Mr. Heathcliff perhaps you have never remarked that their eyes are precisely similar, and they are those of Catherine Earnshaw. The present Catherine has no other likeness to her, except a breadth of forehead, and a certain arch of the nostril that makes her appear rather haughty, whether she will or not. With Hareton the resemblance is carried farther it is singular at all times, then it was particularly striking; because his senses were alert, and his mental faculties wakened to unwonted activity. I suppose this resemblance disarmed Mr. Heathcliff he walked to the hearth in evident agitation; but it quickly subsided as he looked at the young man or, I should say, altered its character; for it was there yet. He took the book from his hand, and glanced at the open page, then returned it without any observation; merely signing Catherine away her companion lingered very little behind her, and I was about to depart also, but he bid me sit still. It is a poor conclusion, is it not? he observed, having brooded awhile on the scene he had just witnessed an absurd termination to my violent exertions? I get levers and mattocks to demolish the two houses, and train myself to be capable of working like Hercules, and when everything is ready and in my power, I find the will to lift a slate off either roof has vanished! My old enemies have not beaten me; now would be the precise time to revenge myself on their representatives I could do it; and none could hinder me. But where is the use? I dont care for striking I cant take the trouble to raise my hand! That sounds as if I had been labouring the whole time only to exhibit a fine trait of magnanimity. It is far from being the case I have lost the faculty of enjoying their destruction, and I am too idle to destroy for nothing. Nelly, there is a strange change approaching; Im in its shadow at present. I take so little interest in my daily life that I hardly remember to eat and drink. Those two who have left the room are the only objects which retain a distinct material appearance to me; and that appearance causes me pain, amounting to agony. About her I wont speak; and I dont desire to think; but I earnestly wish she were invisible her presence invokes only maddening sensations. He moves me differently and yet if I could do it without seeming insane, Id never see him again! Youll perhaps think me rather inclined to become so, he added, making an effort to smile, if I try to describe the thousand forms of past associations and ideas he awakens or embodies. But youll not talk of what I tell you; and my mind is so eternally secluded in itself, it is tempting at last to turn it out to another. Five minutes ago Hareton seemed a personification of my youth, not a human being; I felt to him in such a variety of ways, that it would have been impossible to have accosted him rationally. In the first place, his startling likeness to Catherine connected him fearfully with her. That, however, which you may suppose the most potent to arrest my imagination, is actually the least for what is not connected with her to me? and what does not recall her? I cannot look down to this floor, but her features are shaped in the flags! In every cloud, in every treefilling the air at night, and caught by glimpses in every object by dayI am surrounded with her image! The most ordinary faces of men and womenmy own featuresmock me with a resemblance. The entire world is a dreadful collection of memoranda that she did exist, and that I have lost her! Well, Haretons aspect was the ghost of my immortal love; of my wild endeavours to hold my right; my degradation, my pride, my happiness, and my anguish But it is frenzy to repeat these thoughts to you only it will let you know why, with a reluctance to be always alone, his society is no benefit; rather an aggravation of the constant torment I suffer and it partly contributes to render me regardless how he and his cousin go on together.