Oh, Im aching all over! Dont be alarmed! There shall be an explanation as soon as I can give it; only just have the goodness to step out and order the carriage to take me on to Gimmerton, and tell a servant to seek up a few clothes in my wardrobe. The intruder was Mrs. Heathcliff. She certainly seemed in no laughing predicament her hair streamed on her shoulders, dripping with snow and water; she was dressed in the girlish dress she commonly wore, befitting her age more than her position a low frock with short sleeves, and nothing on either head or neck. The frock was of light silk, and clung to her with wet, and her feet were protected merely by thin slippers; add to this a deep cut under one ear, which only the cold prevented from bleeding profusely, a white face scratched and bruised, and a frame hardly able to support itself through fatigue; and you may fancy my first fright was not much allayed when I had had leisure to examine her. My dear young lady, I exclaimed, Ill stir nowhere, and hear nothing, till you have removed every article of your clothes, and put on dry things; and certainly you shall not go to Gimmerton tonight, so it is needless to order the carriage. Certainly I shall, she said; walking or riding yet Ive no objection to dress myself decently. Andah, see how it flows down my neck now! The fire does make it smart. She insisted on my fulfilling her directions, before she would let me touch her; and not till after the coachman had been instructed to get ready, and a maid set to pack up some necessary attire, did I obtain her consent for binding the wound and helping to change her garments. Now, Ellen, she said, when my task was finished and she was seated in an easychair on the hearth, with a cup of tea before her, you sit down opposite me, and put poor Catherines baby away I dont like to see it! You mustnt think I care little for Catherine, because I behaved so foolishly on entering Ive cried, too, bitterlyyes, more than anyone else has reason to cry. We parted unreconciled, you remember, and I shant forgive myself. But, for all that, I was not going to sympathise with himthe brute beast! Oh, give me the poker! This is the last thing of his I have about me she slipped the gold ring from her third finger, and threw it on the floor. Ill smash it! she continued, striking it with childish spite, and then Ill burn it! and she took and dropped the misused article among the coals. There! he shall buy another, if he gets me back again. Hed be capable of coming to seek me, to tease Edgar. I dare not stay, lest that notion should possess his wicked head! And besides, Edgar has not been kind, has he? And I wont come suing for his assistance; nor will I bring him into more trouble. Necessity compelled me to seek shelter here; though, if I had not learned he was out of the way, Id have halted at the kitchen, washed my face, warmed myself, got you to bring what I wanted, and departed again to anywhere out of the reach of my accursedof that incarnate goblin! Ah, he was in such a fury! If he had caught me! Its a pity Earnshaw is not his match in strength I wouldnt have run till Id seen him all but demolished, had Hindley been able to do it! Well, dont talk so fast, Miss! I interrupted; youll disorder the handkerchief I have tied round your face, and make the cut bleed again. Drink your tea, and take breath, and give over laughing laughter is sadly out of place under this roof, and in your condition! An undeniable truth, she replied. Listen to that child! It maintains a constant wailsend it out of my hearing for an hour; I shant stay any longer. I rang the bell, and committed it to a servants care; and then I inquired what had urged her to escape from Wuthering Heights in such an unlikely plight, and where she meant to go, as she refused remaining with us. I ought, and I wished to remain, answered she, to cheer Edgar and take care of the baby, for two things, and because the Grange is my right home. But I tell you he wouldnt let me! Do you think he could bear to see me grow fat and merrycould bear to think that we were tranquil, and not resolve on poisoning our comfort? Now, I have the satisfaction of being sure that he detests me, to the point of its annoying him seriously to have me within earshot or eyesight I notice, when I enter his presence, the muscles of his countenance are involuntarily distorted into an expression of hatred; partly arising from his knowledge of the good causes I have to feel that sentiment for him, and partly from original aversion. It is strong enough to make me feel pretty certain that he would not chase me over England, supposing I contrived a clear escape; and therefore I must get quite away. Ive recovered from my first desire to be killed by him Id rather hed kill himself! He has extinguished my love effectually, and so Im at my ease. I can recollect yet how I loved him; and can dimly imagine that I could still be loving him, ifno, no! Even if he had doted on me, the devilish nature would have revealed its existence somehow. Catherine had an awfully perverted taste to esteem him so dearly, knowing him so well. Monster! would that he could be blotted out of creation, and out of my memory! Hush, hush! Hes a human being, I said. Be more charitable there are worse men than he is yet! Hes not a human being, she retorted; and he has no claim on my charity. I gave him my heart, and he took and pinched it to death, and flung it back to me. People feel with their hearts, Ellen and since he has destroyed mine, I have not power to feel for him and I would not, though he groaned from this to his dying day, and wept tears of blood for Catherine! No, indeed, indeed, I wouldnt! And here Isabella began to cry; but, immediately dashing the water from her lashes, she recommenced. You asked, what has driven me to flight at last? I was compelled to attempt it, because I had succeeded in rousing his rage a pitch above his malignity. Pulling out the nerves with red hot pincers requires more coolness than knocking on the head. He was worked up to forget the fiendish prudence he boasted of, and proceeded to murderous violence. I experienced pleasure in being able to exasperate him the sense of pleasure woke my instinct of selfpreservation, so I fairly broke free; and if ever I come into his hands again he is welcome to a signal revenge. Yesterday, you know, Mr. Earnshaw should have been at the funeral. He kept himself sober for the purposetolerably sober not going to bed mad at six oclock and getting up drunk at twelve. Consequently, he rose, in suicidal low spirits, as fit for the church as for a dance; and instead, he sat down by the fire and swallowed gin or brandy by tumblerfuls. HeathcliffI shudder to name him! has been a stranger in the house from last Sunday till today. Whether the angels have fed him, or his kin beneath, I cannot tell; but he has not eaten a meal with us for nearly a week. He has just come home at dawn, and gone upstairs to his chamber; locking himself inas if anybody dreamt of coveting his company! There he has continued, praying like a Methodist only the deity he implored is senseless dust and ashes; and God, when addressed, was curiously confounded with his own black father! After concluding these precious orisonsand they lasted generally till he grew hoarse and his voice was strangled in his throathe would be off again; always straight down to the Grange! I wonder Edgar did not send for a constable, and give him into custody! For me, grieved as I was about Catherine, it was impossible to avoid regarding this season of deliverance from degrading oppression as a holiday. I recovered spirits sufficient to bear Josephs eternal lectures without weeping, and to move up and down the house less with the foot of a frightened thief than formerly. You wouldnt think that I should cry at anything Joseph could say; but he and Hareton are detestable companions. Id rather sit with Hindley, and hear his awful talk, than with t little maister and his staunch supporter, that odious old man! When Heathcliff is in, Im often obliged to seek the kitchen and their society, or starve among the damp uninhabited chambers; when he is not, as was the case this week, I establish a table and chair at one corner of the house fire, and never mind how Mr. Earnshaw may occupy himself; and he does not interfere with my arrangements. He is quieter now than he used to be, if no one provokes him more sullen and depressed, and less furious. Joseph affirms hes sure hes an altered man that the Lord has touched his heart, and he is saved so as by fire. Im puzzled to detect signs of the favourable change but it is not my business. Yesterevening I sat in my nook reading some old books till late on towards twelve. It seemed so dismal to go upstairs, with the wild snow blowing outside, and my thoughts continually reverting to the kirkyard and the newmade grave! I dared hardly lift my eyes from the page before me, that melancholy scene so instantly usurped its place. Hindley sat opposite, his head leant on his hand; perhaps meditating on the same subject. He had ceased drinking at a point below irrationality, and had neither stirred nor spoken during two or three hours. There was no sound through the house but the moaning wind, which shook the windows every now and then, the faint crackling of the coals, and the click of my snuffers as I removed at intervals the long wick of the candle. Hareton and Joseph were probably fast asleep in bed. It was very, very sad and while I read I sighed, for it seemed as if all joy had vanished from the world, never to be restored. The doleful silence was broken at length by the sound of the kitchen latch Heathcliff had returned from his watch earlier than usual; owing, I suppose, to the sudden storm. That entrance was fastened, and we heard him coming round to get in by the other. I rose with an irrepressible expression of what I felt on my lips, which induced my companion, who had been staring towards the door, to turn and look at me.  Ill keep him out five minutes, he exclaimed. You wont object?  No, you may keep him out the whole night for me, I answered. Do! put the key in the lock, and draw the bolts. Earnshaw accomplished this ere his guest reached the front; he then came and brought his chair to the other side of my table, leaning over it, and searching in my eyes for a sympathy with the burning hate that gleamed from his as he both looked and felt like an assassin, he couldnt exactly find that; but he discovered enough to encourage him to speak.  You, and I, he said, have each a great debt to settle with the man out yonder! If we were neither of us cowards, we might combine to discharge it. Are you as soft as your brother? Are you willing to endure to the last, and not once attempt a repayment?  Im weary of enduring now, I replied; and Id be glad of a retaliation that wouldnt recoil on myself; but treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends; they wound those who resort to them worse than their enemies.  Treachery and violence are a just return for treachery and violence! cried Hindley. Mrs. Heathcliff, Ill ask you to do nothing; but sit still and be dumb. Tell me now, can you? Im sure you would have as much pleasure as I in witnessing the conclusion of the fiends existence; hell be your death unless you overreach him; and hell be my ruin. Damn the hellish villain! He knocks at the door as if he were master here already! Promise to hold your tongue, and before that clock strikesit wants three minutes of oneyoure a free woman! He took the implements which I described to you in my letter from his breast, and would have turned down the candle. I snatched it away, however, and seized his arm.  Ill not hold my tongue! I said; you mustnt touch him. Let the door remain shut, and be quiet!  No! Ive formed my resolution, and by God Ill execute it! cried the desperate being. Ill do you a kindness in spite of yourself, and Hareton justice! And you neednt trouble your head to screen me; Catherine is gone. Nobody alive would regret me, or be ashamed, though I cut my throat this minuteand its time to make an end! I might as well have struggled with a bear, or reasoned with a lunatic. The only resource left me was to run to a lattice and warn his intended victim of the fate which awaited him.  Youd better seek shelter somewhere else tonight! I exclaimed, in rather a triumphant tone. Mr. Earnshaw has a mind to shoot you, if you persist in endeavouring to enter.  Youd better open the door, you  he answered, addressing me by some elegant term that I dont care to repeat.  I shall not meddle in the matter, I retorted again. Come in and get shot, if you please. Ive done my duty. With that I shut the window and returned to my place by the fire; having too small a stock of hypocrisy at my command to pretend any anxiety for the danger that menaced him. Earnshaw swore passionately at me affirming that I loved the villain yet; and calling me all sorts of names for the base spirit I evinced. And I, in my secret heart (and conscience never reproached me), thought what a blessing it would be for him should Heathcliff put him out of misery; and what a blessing for me should he send Heathcliff to his right abode! As I sat nursing these reflections, the casement behind me was banged on to the floor by a blow from the latter individual, and his black countenance looked blightingly through. The stanchions stood too close to suffer his shoulders to follow, and I smiled, exulting in my fancied security. His hair and clothes were whitened with snow, and his sharp cannibal teeth, revealed by cold and wrath, gleamed through the dark.  Isabella, let me in, or Ill make you repent! he girned, as Joseph calls it.  I cannot commit murder, I replied. Mr. Hindley stands sentinel with a knife and loaded pistol.  Let me in by the kitchen door, he said.  Hindley will be there before me, I answered and thats a poor love of yours that cannot bear a shower of snow! We were left at peace in our beds as long as the summer moon shone, but the moment a blast of winter returns, you must run for shelter! Heathcliff, if I were you, Id go stretch myself over her grave and die like a faithful dog. The world is surely not worth living in now, is it? You had distinctly impressed on me the idea that Catherine was the whole joy of your life I cant imagine how you think of surviving her loss.  Hes there, is he? exclaimed my companion, rushing to the gap. If I can get my arm out I can hit him! Im afraid, Ellen, youll set me down as really wicked; but you dont know all, so dont judge. I wouldnt have aided or abetted an attempt on even his life for anything. Wish that he were dead, I must; and therefore I was fearfully disappointed, and unnerved by terror for the consequences of my taunting speech, when he flung himself on Earnshaws weapon and wrenched it from his grasp. The charge exploded, and the knife, in springing back, closed into its owners wrist. Heathcliff pulled it away by main force, slitting up the flesh as it passed on, and thrust it dripping into his pocket. He then took a stone, struck down the division between two windows, and sprang in. His adversary had fallen senseless with excessive pain and the flow of blood, that gushed from an artery or a large vein. The ruffian kicked and trampled on him, and dashed his head repeatedly against the flags, holding me with one hand, meantime, to prevent me summoning Joseph. He exerted preterhuman selfdenial in abstaining from finishing him completely; but getting out of breath, he finally desisted, and dragged the apparently inanimate body on to the settle. There he tore off the sleeve of Earnshaws coat, and bound up the wound with brutal roughness; spitting and cursing during the operation as energetically as he had kicked before. Being at liberty, I lost no time in seeking the old servant; who, having gathered by degrees the purport of my hasty tale, hurried below, gasping, as he descended the steps two at once.  What is ther to do, now? what is ther to do, now?  Theres this to do, thundered Heathcliff, that your masters mad; and should he last another month, Ill have him to an asylum. And how the devil did you come to fasten me out, you toothless hound? Dont stand muttering and mumbling there. Come, Im not going to nurse him. Wash that stuff away; and mind the sparks of your candleit is more than half brandy!  And so yeve been murthering on him? exclaimed Joseph, lifting his hands and eyes in horror. If iver I seed a seeght loike this! May the Lord Heathcliff gave him a push on to his knees in the middle of the blood, and flung a towel to him; but instead of proceeding to dry it up, he joined his hands and began a prayer, which excited my laughter from its odd phraseology. I was in the condition of mind to be shocked at nothing in fact, I was as reckless as some malefactors show themselves at the foot of the gallows.  Oh, I forgot you, said the tyrant. You shall do that. Down with you. And you conspire with him against me, do you, viper? There, that is work fit for you! He shook me till my teeth rattled, and pitched me beside Joseph, who steadily concluded his supplications, and then rose, vowing he would set off for the Grange directly. Mr. Linton was a magistrate, and though he had fifty wives dead, he should inquire into this. He was so obstinate in his resolution, that Heathcliff deemed it expedient to compel from my lips a recapitulation of what had taken place; standing over me, heaving with malevolence, as I reluctantly delivered the account in answer to his questions. It required a great deal of labour to satisfy the old man that Heathcliff was not the aggressor; especially with my hardlywrung replies. However, Mr. Earnshaw soon convinced him that he was alive still; Joseph hastened to administer a dose of spirits, and by their succour his master presently regained motion and consciousness. Heathcliff, aware that his opponent was ignorant of the treatment received while insensible, called him deliriously intoxicated; and said he should not notice his atrocious conduct further, but advised him to get to bed. To my joy, he left us, after giving this judicious counsel, and Hindley stretched himself on the hearthstone. I departed to my own room, marvelling that I had escaped so easily. This morning, when I came down, about half an hour before noon, Mr. Earnshaw was sitting by the fire, deadly sick; his evil genius, almost as gaunt and ghastly, leant against the chimney. Neither appeared inclined to dine, and, having waited till all was cold on the table, I commenced alone. Nothing hindered me from eating heartily, and I experienced a certain sense of satisfaction and superiority, as, at intervals, I cast a look towards my silent companions, and felt the comfort of a quiet conscience within me. After I had done, I ventured on the unusual liberty of drawing near the fire, going round Earnshaws seat, and kneeling in the corner beside him. Heathcliff did not glance my way, and I gazed up, and contemplated his features almost as confidently as if they had been turned to stone. His forehead, that I once thought so manly, and that I now think so diabolical, was shaded with a heavy cloud; his basilisk eyes were nearly quenched by sleeplessness, and weeping, perhaps, for the lashes were wet then his lips devoid of their ferocious sneer, and sealed in an expression of unspeakable sadness. Had it been another, I would have covered my face in the presence of such grief. In his case, I was gratified; and, ignoble as it seems to insult a fallen enemy, I couldnt miss this chance of sticking in a dart his weakness was the only time when I could taste the delight of paying wrong for wrong. Fie, fie, Miss! I interrupted. One might suppose you had never opened a Bible in your life. If God afflict your enemies, surely that ought to suffice you. It is both mean and presumptuous to add your torture to his! In general Ill allow that it would be, Ellen, she continued; but what misery laid on Heathcliff could content me, unless I have a hand in it? Id rather he suffered less, if I might cause his sufferings and he might know that I was the cause. Oh, I owe him so much. On only one condition can I hope to forgive him. It is, if I may take an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; for every wrench of agony return a wrench reduce him to my level. As he was the first to injure, make him the first to implore pardon; and thenwhy then, Ellen, I might show you some generosity. But it is utterly impossible I can ever be revenged, and therefore I cannot forgive him. Hindley wanted some water, and I handed him a glass, and asked him how he was.  Not as ill as I wish, he replied. But leaving out my arm, every inch of me is as sore as if I had been fighting with a legion of imps!  Yes, no wonder, was my next remark. Catherine used to boast that she stood between you and bodily harm she meant that certain persons would not hurt you for fear of offending her. Its well people dont really rise from their grave, or, last night, she might have witnessed a repulsive scene! Are not you bruised, and cut over your chest and shoulders?  I cant say, he answered, but what do you mean? Did he dare to strike me when I was down?  He trampled on and kicked you, and dashed you on the ground, I whispered. And his mouth watered to tear you with his teeth; because hes only half man not so much, and the rest fiend. Mr. Earnshaw looked up, like me, to the countenance of our mutual foe; who, absorbed in his anguish, seemed insensible to anything around him the longer he stood, the plainer his reflections revealed their blackness through his features.  Oh, if God would but give me strength to strangle him in my last agony, Id go to hell with joy, groaned the impatient man, writhing to rise, and sinking back in despair, convinced of his inadequacy for the struggle.  Nay, its enough that he has murdered one of you, I observed aloud. At the Grange, everyone knows your sister would have been living now had it not been for Mr. Heathcliff. After all, it is preferable to be hated than loved by him. When I recollect how happy we werehow happy Catherine was before he cameIm fit to curse the day. Most likely, Heathcliff noticed more the truth of what was said, than the spirit of the person who said it. His attention was roused, I saw, for his eyes rained down tears among the ashes, and he drew his breath in suffocating sighs. I stared full at him, and laughed scornfully. The clouded windows of hell flashed a moment towards me; the fiend which usually looked out, however, was so dimmed and drowned that I did not fear to hazard another sound of derision.  Get up, and begone out of my sight, said the mourner. I guessed he uttered those words, at least, though his voice was hardly intelligible.  I beg your pardon, I replied. But I loved Catherine too; and her brother requires attendance, which, for her sake, I shall supply. Now, that shes dead, I see her in Hindley Hindley has exactly her eyes, if you had not tried to gouge them out, and made them black and red; and her  Get up, wretched idiot, before I stamp you to death! he cried, making a movement that caused me to make one also.  But then, I continued, holding myself ready to flee, if poor Catherine had trusted you, and assumed the ridiculous, contemptible, degrading title of Mrs. Heathcliff, she would soon have presented a similar picture! She wouldnt have borne your abominable behaviour quietly her detestation and disgust must have found voice. The back of the settle and Earnshaws person interposed between me and him; so instead of endeavouring to reach me, he snatched a dinnerknife from the table and flung it at my head. It struck beneath my ear, and stopped the sentence I was uttering; but, pulling it out, I sprang to the door and delivered another; which I hope went a little deeper than his missile. The last glimpse I caught of him was a furious rush on his part, checked by the embrace of his host; and both fell locked together on the hearth. In my flight through the kitchen I bid Joseph speed to his master; I knocked over Hareton, who was hanging a litter of puppies from a chairback in the doorway; and, blessed as a soul escaped from purgatory, I bounded, leaped, and flew down the steep road; then, quitting its windings, shot direct across the moor, rolling over banks, and wading through marshes precipitating myself, in fact, towards the beaconlight of the Grange. And far rather would I be condemned to a perpetual dwelling in the infernal regions than, even for one night, abide beneath the roof of Wuthering Heights again. Isabella ceased speaking, and took a drink of tea; then she rose, and bidding me put on her bonnet, and a great shawl I had brought, and turning a deaf ear to my entreaties for her to remain another hour, she stepped on to a chair, kissed Edgars and Catherines portraits, bestowed a similar salute on me, and descended to the carriage, accompanied by Fanny, who yelped wild with joy at recovering her mistress. She was driven away, never to revisit this neighbourhood but a regular correspondence was established between her and my master when things were more settled. I believe her new abode was in the south, near London; there she had a son born a few months subsequent to her escape. He was christened Linton, and, from the first, she reported him to be an ailing, peevish creature. Mr. Heathcliff, meeting me one day in the village, inquired where she lived. I refused to tell. He remarked that it was not of any moment, only she must beware of coming to her brother she should not be with him, if he had to keep her himself. Though I would give no information, he discovered, through some of the other servants, both her place of residence and the existence of the child. Still, he didnt molest her for which forbearance she might thank his aversion, I suppose. He often asked about the infant, when he saw me; and on hearing its name, smiled grimly, and observed They wish me to hate it too, do they? I dont think they wish you to know anything about it, I answered. But Ill have it, he said, when I want it. They may reckon on that! Fortunately its mother died before the time arrived; some thirteen years after the decease of Catherine, when Linton was twelve, or a little more. On the day succeeding Isabellas unexpected visit I had no opportunity of speaking to my master he shunned conversation, and was fit for discussing nothing. When I could get him to listen, I saw it pleased him that his sister had left her husband; whom he abhorred with an intensity which the mildness of his nature would scarcely seem to allow. So deep and sensitive was his aversion, that he refrained from going anywhere where he was likely to see or hear of Heathcliff. Grief, and that together, transformed him into a complete hermit he threw up his office of magistrate, ceased even to attend church, avoided the village on all occasions, and spent a life of entire seclusion within the limits of his park and grounds; only varied by solitary rambles on the moors, and visits to the grave of his wife, mostly at evening, or early morning before other wanderers were abroad. But he was too good to be thoroughly unhappy long. He didnt pray for Catherines soul to haunt him. Time brought resignation, and a melancholy sweeter than common joy. He recalled her memory with ardent, tender love, and hopeful aspiring to the better world; where he doubted not she was gone. And he had earthly consolation and affections also. For a few days, I said, he seemed regardless of the puny successor to the departed that coldness melted as fast as snow in April, and ere the tiny thing could stammer a word or totter a step it wielded a despots sceptre in his heart. It was named Catherine; but he never called it the name in full, as he had never called the first Catherine short probably because Heathcliff had a habit of doing so. The little one was always Cathy it formed to him a distinction from the mother, and yet a connection with her; and his attachment sprang from its relation to her, far more than from its being his own. I used to draw a comparison between him and Hindley Earnshaw, and perplex myself to explain satisfactorily why their conduct was so opposite in similar circumstances. They had both been fond husbands, and were both attached to their children; and I could not see how they shouldnt both have taken the same road, for good or evil. But, I thought in my mind, Hindley, with apparently the stronger head, has shown himself sadly the worse and the weaker man. When his ship struck, the captain abandoned his post; and the crew, instead of trying to save her, rushed into riot and confusion, leaving no hope for their luckless vessel. Linton, on the contrary, displayed the true courage of a loyal and faithful soul he trusted God; and God comforted him. One hoped, and the other despaired they chose their own lots, and were righteously doomed to endure them. But youll not want to hear my moralising, Mr. Lockwood; youll judge, as well as I can, all these things at least, youll think you will, and thats the same. The end of Earnshaw was what might have been expected; it followed fast on his sisters there were scarcely six months between them. We, at the Grange, never got a very succinct account of his state preceding it; all that I did learn was on occasion of going to aid in the preparations for the funeral. Mr. Kenneth came to announce the event to my master. Well, Nelly, said he, riding into the yard one morning, too early not to alarm me with an instant presentiment of bad news, its yours and my turn to go into mourning at present. Whos given us the slip now, do you think? Who? I asked in a flurry. Why, guess! he returned, dismounting, and slinging his bridle on a hook by the door. And nip up the corner of your apron Im certain youll need it. Not Mr. Heathcliff, surely? I exclaimed. What! would you have tears for him? said the doctor. No, Heathcliffs a tough young fellow he looks blooming today. Ive just seen him. Hes rapidly regaining flesh since he lost his better half. Who is it, then, Mr. Kenneth? I repeated impatiently. Hindley Earnshaw! Your old friend Hindley, he replied, and my wicked gossip though hes been too wild for me this long while. There! I said we should draw water. But cheer up! He died true to his character drunk as a lord. Poor lad! Im sorry, too. One cant help missing an old companion though he had the worst tricks with him that ever man imagined, and has done me many a rascally turn. Hes barely twentyseven, it seems; thats your own age who would have thought you were born in one year? I confess this blow was greater to me than the shock of Mrs. Lintons death ancient associations lingered round my heart; I sat down in the porch and wept as for a blood relation, desiring Mr. Kenneth to get another servant to introduce him to the master. I could not hinder myself from pondering on the questionHad he had fair play? Whatever I did, that idea would bother me it was so tiresomely pertinacious that I resolved on requesting leave to go to Wuthering Heights, and assist in the last duties to the dead. Mr. Linton was extremely reluctant to consent, but I pleaded eloquently for the friendless condition in which he lay; and I said my old master and fosterbrother had a claim on my services as strong as his own. Besides, I reminded him that the child Hareton was his wifes nephew, and, in the absence of nearer kin, he ought to act as its guardian; and he ought to and must inquire how the property was left, and look over the concerns of his brotherinlaw. He was unfit for attending to such matters then, but he bid me speak to his lawyer; and at length permitted me to go. His lawyer had been Earnshaws also I called at the village, and asked him to accompany me.


He shook his head, and advised that Heathcliff should be let alone; affirming, if the truth were known, Hareton would be found little else than a beggar. His father died in debt, he said; the whole property is mortgaged, and the sole chance for the natural heir is to allow him an opportunity of creating some interest in the creditors heart, that he may be inclined to deal leniently towards him. When I reached the Heights, I explained that I had come to see everything carried on decently; and Joseph, who appeared in sufficient distress, expressed satisfaction at my presence. Mr. Heathcliff said he did not perceive that I was wanted; but I might stay and order the arrangements for the funeral, if I chose. Correctly, he remarked, that fools body should be buried at the crossroads, without ceremony of any kind. I happened to leave him ten minutes yesterday afternoon, and in that interval he fastened the two doors of the house against me, and he has spent the night in drinking himself to death deliberately! We broke in this morning, for we heard him sporting like a horse; and there he was, laid over the settle flaying and scalping would not have wakened him. I sent for Kenneth, and he came; but not till the beast had changed into carrion he was both dead and cold, and stark; and so youll allow it was useless making more stir about him! The old servant confirmed this statement, but muttered Id rayther hed goan hisseln for t doctor! I sud ha taen tent o t maister better nor himand he warnt deead when I left, naught o t soart! I insisted on the funeral being respectable. Mr. Heathcliff said I might have my own way there too only, he desired me to remember that the money for the whole affair came out of his pocket. He maintained a hard, careless deportment, indicative of neither joy nor sorrow if anything, it expressed a flinty gratification at a piece of difficult work successfully executed. I observed once, indeed, something like exultation in his aspect it was just when the people were bearing the coffin from the house. He had the hypocrisy to represent a mourner and previous to following with Hareton, he lifted the unfortunate child on to the table and muttered, with peculiar gusto, Now, my bonny lad, you are mine! And well see if one tree wont grow as crooked as another, with the same wind to twist it! The unsuspecting thing was pleased at this speech he played with Heathcliffs whiskers, and stroked his cheek; but I divined its meaning, and observed tartly, That boy must go back with me to Thrushcross Grange, sir. There is nothing in the world less yours than he is! Does Linton say so? he demanded. Of coursehe has ordered me to take him, I replied. Well, said the scoundrel, well not argue the subject now but I have a fancy to try my hand at rearing a young one; so intimate to your master that I must supply the place of this with my own, if he attempt to remove it. I dont engage to let Hareton go undisputed; but Ill be pretty sure to make the other come! Remember to tell him. This hint was enough to bind our hands. I repeated its substance on my return; and Edgar Linton, little interested at the commencement, spoke no more of interfering. Im not aware that he could have done it to any purpose, had he been ever so willing. The guest was now the master of Wuthering Heights he held firm possession, and proved to the attorneywho, in his turn, proved it to Mr. Lintonthat Earnshaw had mortgaged every yard of land he owned for cash to supply his mania for gaming; and he, Heathcliff, was the mortgagee. In that manner Hareton, who should now be the first gentleman in the neighbourhood, was reduced to a state of complete dependence on his fathers inveterate enemy; and lives in his own house as a servant, deprived of the advantage of wages quite unable to right himself, because of his friendlessness, and his ignorance that he has been wronged. XVIII The twelve years, continued Mrs. Dean, following that dismal period were the happiest of my life my greatest troubles in their passage rose from our little ladys trifling illnesses, which she had to experience in common with all children, rich and poor. For the rest, after the first six months, she grew like a larch, and could walk and talk too, in her own way, before the heath blossomed a second time over Mrs. Lintons dust. She was the most winning thing that ever brought sunshine into a desolate house a real beauty in face, with the Earnshaws handsome dark eyes, but the Lintons fair skin and small features, and yellow curling hair. Her spirit was high, though not rough, and qualified by a heart sensitive and lively to excess in its affections. That capacity for intense attachments reminded me of her mother still she did not resemble her for she could be soft and mild as a dove, and she had a gentle voice and pensive expression her anger was never furious; her love never fierce it was deep and tender. However, it must be acknowledged, she had faults to foil her gifts. A propensity to be saucy was one; and a perverse will, that indulged children invariably acquire, whether they be good tempered or cross. If a servant chanced to vex her, it was alwaysI shall tell papa! And if he reproved her, even by a look, you would have thought it a heartbreaking business I dont believe he ever did speak a harsh word to her. He took her education entirely on himself, and made it an amusement. Fortunately, curiosity and a quick intellect made her an apt scholar she learned rapidly and eagerly, and did honour to his teaching. Till she reached the age of thirteen she had not once been beyond the range of the park by herself. Mr. Linton would take her with him a mile or so outside, on rare occasions; but he trusted her to no one else. Gimmerton was an unsubstantial name in her ears; the chapel, the only building she had approached or entered, except her own home. Wuthering Heights and Mr. Heathcliff did not exist for her she was a perfect recluse; and, apparently, perfectly contented. Sometimes, indeed, while surveying the country from her nursery window, she would observe Ellen, how long will it be before I can walk to the top of those hills? I wonder what lies on the other sideis it the sea? No, Miss Cathy, I would answer; it is hills again, just like these. And what are those golden rocks like when you stand under them? she once asked. The abrupt descent of Penistone Crags particularly attracted her notice; especially when the setting sun shone on it and the topmost heights, and the whole extent of landscape besides lay in shadow. I explained that they were bare masses of stone, with hardly enough earth in their clefts to nourish a stunted tree. And why are they bright so long after it is evening here? she pursued. Because they are a great deal higher up than we are, replied I; you could not climb them, they are too high and steep. In winter the frost is always there before it comes to us; and deep into summer I have found snow under that black hollow on the northeast side! Oh, you have been on them! she cried gleefully. Then I can go, too, when I am a woman. Has papa been, Ellen? Papa would tell you, Miss, I answered, hastily, that they are not worth the trouble of visiting. The moors, where you ramble with him, are much nicer; and Thrushcross Park is the finest place in the world. But I know the park, and I dont know those, she murmured to herself. And I should delight to look round me from the brow of that tallest point my little pony Minny shall take me some time. One of the maids mentioning the Fairy Cave, quite turned her head with a desire to fulfil this project she teased Mr. Linton about it; and he promised she should have the journey when she got older. But Miss Catherine measured her age by months, and, Now, am I old enough to go to Penistone Crags? was the constant question in her mouth. The road thither wound close by Wuthering Heights. Edgar had not the heart to pass it; so she received as constantly the answer, Not yet, love not yet. I said Mrs. Heathcliff lived above a dozen years after quitting her husband. Her family were of a delicate constitution she and Edgar both lacked the ruddy health that you will generally meet in these parts. What her last illness was, I am not certain I conjecture, they died of the same thing, a kind of fever, slow at its commencement, but incurable, and rapidly consuming life towards the close. She wrote to inform her brother of the probable conclusion of a fourmonths indisposition under which she had suffered, and entreated him to come to her, if possible; for she had much to settle, and she wished to bid him adieu, and deliver Linton safely into his hands. Her hope was that Linton might be left with him, as he had been with her his father, she would fain convince herself, had no desire to assume the burden of his maintenance or education. My master hesitated not a moment in complying with her request reluctant as he was to leave home at ordinary calls, he flew to answer this; commanding Catherine to my peculiar vigilance, in his absence, with reiterated orders that she must not wander out of the park, even under my escort he did not calculate on her going unaccompanied. He was away three weeks. The first day or two my charge sat in a corner of the library, too sad for either reading or playing in that quiet state she caused me little trouble; but it was succeeded by an interval of impatient, fretful weariness; and being too busy, and too old then, to run up and down amusing her, I hit on a method by which she might entertain herself. I used to send her on her travels round the groundsnow on foot, and now on a pony; indulging her with a patient audience of all her real and imaginary adventures when she returned. The summer shone in full prime; and she took such a taste for this solitary rambling that she often contrived to remain out from breakfast till tea; and then the evenings were spent in recounting her fanciful tales. I did not fear her breaking bounds; because the gates were generally locked, and I thought she would scarcely venture forth alone, if they had stood wide open. Unluckily, my confidence proved misplaced. Catherine came to me, one morning, at eight oclock, and said she was that day an Arabian merchant, going to cross the Desert with his caravan; and I must give her plenty of provision for herself and beasts a horse, and three camels, personated by a large hound and a couple of pointers. I got together good store of dainties, and slung them in a basket on one side of the saddle; and she sprang up as gay as a fairy, sheltered by her widebrimmed hat and gauze veil from the July sun, and trotted off with a merry laugh, mocking my cautious counsel to avoid galloping, and come back early. The naughty thing never made her appearance at tea. One traveller, the hound, being an old dog and fond of its ease, returned; but neither Cathy, nor the pony, nor the two pointers were visible in any direction I despatched emissaries down this path, and that path, and at last went wandering in search of her myself. There was a labourer working at a fence round a plantation, on the borders of the grounds. I inquired of him if he had seen our young lady. I saw her at morn, he replied she would have me to cut her a hazel switch, and then she leapt her Galloway over the hedge yonder, where it is lowest, and galloped out of sight. You may guess how I felt at hearing this news. It struck me directly she must have started for Penistone Crags. What will become of her? I ejaculated, pushing through a gap which the man was repairing, and making straight to the high road. I walked as if for a wager, mile after mile, till a turn brought me in view of the Heights; but no Catherine could I detect, far or near. The Crags lie about a mile and a half beyond Mr. Heathcliffs place, and that is four from the Grange, so I began to fear night would fall ere I could reach them. And what if she should have slipped in clambering among them, I reflected, and been killed, or broken some of her bones? My suspense was truly painful; and, at first, it gave me delightful relief to observe, in hurrying by the farmhouse, Charlie, the fiercest of the pointers, lying under a window, with swelled head and bleeding ear. I opened the wicket and ran to the door, knocking vehemently for admittance. A woman whom I knew, and who formerly lived at Gimmerton, answered she had been servant there since the death of Mr. Earnshaw. Ah, said she, you are come aseeking your little mistress! Dont be frightened. Shes here safe but Im glad it isnt the master. He is not at home then, is he? I panted, quite breathless with quick walking and alarm. No, no, she replied both he and Joseph are off, and I think they wont return this hour or more. Step in and rest you a bit. I entered, and beheld my stray lamb seated on the hearth, rocking herself in a little chair that had been her mothers when a child. Her hat was hung against the wall, and she seemed perfectly at home, laughing and chattering, in the best spirits imaginable, to Haretonnow a great, strong lad of eighteenwho stared at her with considerable curiosity and astonishment comprehending precious little of the fluent succession of remarks and questions which her tongue never ceased pouring forth. Very well, Miss! I exclaimed, concealing my joy under an angry countenance. This is your last ride, till papa comes back. Ill not trust you over the threshold again, you naughty, naughty girl! Aha, Ellen! she cried, gaily, jumping up and running to my side. I shall have a pretty story to tell tonight; and so youve found me out. Have you ever been here in your life before? Put that hat on, and home at once, said I. Im dreadfully grieved at you, Miss Cathy youve done extremely wrong! Its no use pouting and crying that wont repay the trouble Ive had, scouring the country after you. To think how Mr. Linton charged me to keep you in; and you stealing off so! It shows you are a cunning little fox, and nobody will put faith in you any more. What have I done? sobbed she, instantly checked. Papa charged me nothing hell not scold me, Ellenhes never cross, like you! Come, come! I repeated. Ill tie the riband. Now, let us have no petulance. Oh, for shame! You thirteen years old, and such a baby! This exclamation was caused by her pushing the hat from her head, and retreating to the chimney out of my reach. Nay, said the servant, dont be hard on the bonny lass, Mrs. Dean. We made her stop shed fain have ridden forwards, afeard you should be uneasy. Hareton offered to go with her, and I thought he should its a wild road over the hills. Hareton, during the discussion, stood with his hands in his pockets, too awkward to speak; though he looked as if he did not relish my intrusion. How long am I to wait? I continued, disregarding the womans interference. It will be dark in ten minutes. Where is the pony, Miss Cathy? And where is Phoenix? I shall leave you, unless you be quick; so please yourself. The pony is in the yard, she replied, and Phoenix is shut in there. Hes bittenand so is Charlie. I was going to tell you all about it; but you are in a bad temper, and dont deserve to hear. I picked up her hat, and approached to reinstate it; but perceiving that the people of the house took her part, she commenced capering round the room; and on my giving chase, ran like a mouse over and under and behind the furniture, rendering it ridiculous for me to pursue. Hareton and the woman laughed, and she joined them, and waxed more impertinent still; till I cried, in great irritationWell, Miss Cathy, if you were aware whose house this is youd be glad enough to get out. Its your fathers, isnt it? said she, turning to Hareton. Nay, he replied, looking down, and blushing bashfully. He could not stand a steady gaze from her eyes, though they were just his own. Whose thenyour masters? she asked. He coloured deeper, with a different feeling, muttered an oath, and turned away. Who is his master? continued the tiresome girl, appealing to me. He talked about our house, and our folk. I thought he had been the owners son. And he never said Miss he should have done, shouldnt he, if hes a servant? Hareton grew black as a thundercloud at this childish speech. I silently shook my questioner, and at last succeeded in equipping her for departure. Now, get my horse, she said, addressing her unknown kinsman as she would one of the stableboys at the Grange. And you may come with me. I want to see where the goblinhunter rises in the marsh, and to hear about the fairishes, as you call them but make haste! Whats the matter? Get my horse, I say. Ill see thee damned before I be thy servant! growled the lad. Youll see me what! asked Catherine in surprise. Damnedthou saucy witch! he replied. There, Miss Cathy! you see you have got into pretty company, I interposed. Nice words to be used to a young lady! Pray dont begin to dispute with him. Come, let us seek for Minny ourselves, and begone. But, Ellen, cried she, staring fixed in astonishment, how dare he speak so to me? Mustnt he be made to do as I ask him? You wicked creature, I shall tell papa what you said.Now, then! Hareton did not appear to feel this threat; so the tears sprang into her eyes with indignation. You bring the pony, she exclaimed, turning to the woman, and let my dog free this moment! Softly, Miss, answered she addressed; youll lose nothing by being civil. Though Mr. Hareton, there, be not the masters son, hes your cousin and I was never hired to serve you. He my cousin! cried Cathy, with a scornful laugh. Yes, indeed, responded her reprover. Oh, Ellen! dont let them say such things, she pursued in great trouble. Papa is gone to fetch my cousin from London my cousin is a gentlemans son. That my she stopped, and wept outright; upset at the bare notion of relationship with such a clown. Hush, hush! I whispered; people can have many cousins and of all sorts, Miss Cathy, without being any the worse for it; only they neednt keep their company, if they be disagreeable and bad. Hes nothes not my cousin, Ellen! she went on, gathering fresh grief from reflection, and flinging herself into my arms for refuge from the idea. I was much vexed at her and the servant for their mutual revelations; having no doubt of Lintons approaching arrival, communicated by the former, being reported to Mr. Heathcliff; and feeling as confident that Catherines first thought on her fathers return would be to seek an explanation of the latters assertion concerning her rudebred kindred. Hareton, recovering from his disgust at being taken for a servant, seemed moved by her distress; and, having fetched the pony round to the door, he took, to propitiate her, a fine crookedlegged terrier whelp from the kennel, and putting it into her hand, bid her whist! for he meant nought. Pausing in her lamentations, she surveyed him with a glance of awe and horror, then burst forth anew. I could scarcely refrain from smiling at this antipathy to the poor fellow; who was a wellmade, athletic youth, goodlooking in features, and stout and healthy, but attired in garments befitting his daily occupations of working on the farm and lounging among the moors after rabbits and game. Still, I thought I could detect in his physiognomy a mind owning better qualities than his father ever possessed. Good things lost amid a wilderness of weeds, to be sure, whose rankness far overtopped their neglected growth; yet, notwithstanding, evidence of a wealthy soil, that might yield luxuriant crops under other and favourable circumstances. Mr. Heathcliff, I believe, had not treated him physically ill; thanks to his fearless nature, which offered no temptation to that course of oppression he had none of the timid susceptibility that would have given zest to illtreatment, in Heathcliffs judgment. He appeared to have bent his malevolence on making him a brute he was never taught to read or write; never rebuked for any bad habit which did not annoy his keeper; never led a single step towards virtue, or guarded by a single precept against vice. And from what I heard, Joseph contributed much to his deterioration, by a narrowminded partiality which prompted him to flatter and pet him, as a boy, because he was the head of the old family. And as he had been in the habit of accusing Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, when children, of putting the master past his patience, and compelling him to seek solace in drink by what he termed their offald ways, so at present he laid the whole burden of Haretons faults on the shoulders of the usurper of his property. If the lad swore, he wouldnt correct him nor however culpably he behaved. It gave Joseph satisfaction, apparently, to watch him go the worst lengths he allowed that the lad was ruined that his soul was abandoned to perdition; but then he reflected that Heathcliff must answer for it. Haretons blood would be required at his hands; and there lay immense consolation in that thought. Joseph had instilled into him a pride of name, and of his lineage; he would, had he dared, have fostered hate between him and the present owner of the Heights but his dread of that owner amounted to superstition; and he confined his feelings regarding him to muttered innuendoes and private comminations. I dont pretend to be intimately acquainted with the mode of living customary in those days at Wuthering Heights I only speak from hearsay; for I saw little. The villagers affirmed Mr. Heathcliff was near, and a cruel hard landlord to his tenants; but the house, inside, had regained its ancient aspect of comfort under female management, and the scenes of riot common in Hindleys time were not now enacted within its walls. The master was too gloomy to seek companionship with any people, good or bad; and he is yet. This, however, is not making progress with my story. Miss Cathy rejected the peaceoffering of the terrier, and demanded her own dogs, Charlie and Phoenix. They came limping and hanging their heads; and we set out for home, sadly out of sorts, every one of us. I could not wring from my little lady how she had spent the day; except that, as I supposed, the goal of her pilgrimage was Penistone Crags; and she arrived without adventure to the gate of the farmhouse, when Hareton happened to issue forth, attended by some canine followers, who attacked her train. They had a smart battle, before their owners could separate them that formed an introduction. Catherine told Hareton who she was, and where she was going; and asked him to show her the way finally, beguiling him to accompany her. He opened the mysteries of the Fairy Cave, and twenty other queer places. But, being in disgrace, I was not favoured with a description of the interesting objects she saw. I could gather, however, that her guide had been a favourite till she hurt his feelings by addressing him as a servant; and Heathcliffs housekeeper hurt hers by calling him her cousin. Then the language he had held to her rankled in her heart; she who was always love, and darling, and queen, and angel, with everybody at the Grange, to be insulted so shockingly by a stranger! She did not comprehend it; and hard work I had to obtain a promise that she would not lay the grievance before her father. I explained how he objected to the whole household at the Heights, and how sorry he would be to find she had been there; but I insisted most on the fact, that if she revealed my negligence of his orders, he would perhaps be so angry that I should have to leave; and Cathy couldnt bear that prospect she pledged her word, and kept it for my sake. After all, she was a sweet little girl. XIX A letter, edged with black, announced the day of my masters return. Isabella was dead; and he wrote to bid me get mourning for his daughter, and arrange a room, and other accommodations, for his youthful nephew. Catherine ran wild with joy at the idea of welcoming her father back; and indulged most sanguine anticipations of the innumerable excellencies of her real cousin. The evening of their expected arrival came. Since early morning she had been busy ordering her own small affairs; and now attired in her new black frockpoor thing! her aunts death impressed her with no definite sorrowshe obliged me, by constant worrying, to walk with her down through the grounds to meet them. Linton is just six months younger than I am, she chattered, as we strolled leisurely over the swells and hollows of mossy turf, under shadow of the trees. How delightful it will be to have him for a playfellow! Aunt Isabella sent papa a beautiful lock of his hair; it was lighter than minemore flaxen, and quite as fine. I have it carefully preserved in a little glass box; and Ive often thought what a pleasure it would be to see its owner. Oh! I am happyand papa, dear, dear papa! Come, Ellen, let us run! come, run. She ran, and returned and ran again, many times before my sober footsteps reached the gate, and then she seated herself on the grassy bank beside the path, and tried to wait patiently; but that was impossible she couldnt be still a minute. How long they are! she exclaimed. Ah, I see, some dust on the roadthey are coming! No! When will they be here? May we not go a little wayhalf a mile, Ellen, only just half a mile? Do say Yes to that clump of birches at the turn! I refused staunchly. At length her suspense was ended the travelling carriage rolled in sight. Miss Cathy shrieked and stretched out her arms as soon as she caught her fathers face looking from the window. He descended, nearly as eager as herself; and a considerable interval elapsed ere they had a thought to spare for any but themselves. While they exchanged caresses I took a peep in to see after Linton. He was asleep in a corner, wrapped in a warm, furlined cloak, as if it had been winter. A pale, delicate, effeminate boy, who might have been taken for my masters younger brother, so strong was the resemblance but there was a sickly peevishness in his aspect that Edgar Linton never had. The latter saw me looking; and having shaken hands, advised me to close the door, and leave him undisturbed; for the journey had fatigued him. Cathy would fain have taken one glance, but her father told her to come, and they walked together up the park, while I hastened before to prepare the servants. Now, darling, said Mr. Linton, addressing his daughter, as they halted at the bottom of the front steps your cousin is not so strong or so merry as you are, and he has lost his mother, remember, a very short time since; therefore, dont expect him to play and run about with you directly. And dont harass him much by talking let him be quiet this evening, at least, will you? Yes, yes, papa, answered Catherine but I do want to see him; and he hasnt once looked out. The carriage stopped; and the sleeper being roused, was lifted to the ground by his uncle. This is your cousin Cathy, Linton, he said, putting their little hands together. Shes fond of you already; and mind you dont grieve her by crying tonight. Try to be cheerful now; the travelling is at an end, and you have nothing to do but rest and amuse yourself as you please. Let me go to bed, then, answered the boy, shrinking from Catherines salute; and he put his fingers to remove incipient tears. Come, come, theres a good child, I whispered, leading him in. Youll make her weep toosee how sorry she is for you! I do not know whether it was sorrow for him, but his cousin put on as sad a countenance as himself, and returned to her father. All three entered, and mounted to the library, where tea was laid ready. I proceeded to remove Lintons cap and mantle, and placed him on a chair by the table; but he was no sooner seated than he began to cry afresh. My master inquired what was the matter. I cant sit on a chair, sobbed the boy. Go to the sofa, then, and Ellen shall bring you some tea, answered his uncle patiently. He had been greatly tried, during the journey, I felt convinced, by his fretful ailing charge. Linton slowly trailed himself off, and lay down. Cathy carried a footstool and her cup to his side. At first she sat silent; but that could not last she had resolved to make a pet of her little cousin, as she would have him to be; and she commenced stroking his curls, and kissing his cheek, and offering him tea in her saucer, like a baby. This pleased him, for he was not much better he dried his eyes, and lightened into a faint smile. Oh, hell do very well, said the master to me, after watching them a minute. Very well, if we can keep him, Ellen. The company of a child of his own age will instil new spirit into him soon, and by wishing for strength hell gain it. Ay, if we can keep him! I mused to myself; and sore misgivings came over me that there was slight hope of that. And then, I thought, how ever will that weakling live at Wuthering Heights? Between his father and Hareton, what playmates and instructors theyll be. Our doubts were presently decidedeven earlier than I expected. I had just taken the children upstairs, after tea was finished, and seen Linton asleephe would not suffer me to leave him till that was the caseI had come down, and was standing by the table in the hall, lighting a bedroom candle for Mr. Edgar, when a maid stepped out of the kitchen and informed me that Mr. Heathcliffs servant Joseph was at the door, and wished to speak with the master. I shall ask him what he wants first, I said, in considerable trepidation. A very unlikely hour to be troubling people, and the instant they have returned from a long journey. I dont think the master can see him. Joseph had advanced through the kitchen as I uttered these words, and now presented himself in the hall. He was donned in his Sunday garments, with his most sanctimonious and sourest face, and, holding his hat in one hand, and his stick in the other, he proceeded to clean his shoes on the mat. Good evening, Joseph, I said, coldly. What business brings you here tonight? Its Maister Linton I mun spake to, he answered, waving me disdainfully aside. Mr. Linton is going to bed; unless you have something particular to say, Im sure he wont hear it now, I continued. You had better sit down in there, and entrust your message to me. Which is his rahm? pursued the fellow, surveying the range of closed doors. I perceived he was bent on refusing my mediation, so very reluctantly I went up to the library, and announced the unseasonable visitor, advising that he should be dismissed till next day. Mr. Linton had no time to empower me to do so, for Joseph mounted close at my heels, and, pushing into the apartment, planted himself at the far side of the table, with his two fists clapped on the head of his stick, and began in an elevated tone, as if anticipating opposition Hathecliff has sent me for his lad, and I munnt goa back bout him. Edgar Linton was silent a minute; an expression of exceeding sorrow overcast his features he would have pitied the child on his own account; but, recalling Isabellas hopes and fears, and anxious wishes for her son, and her commendations of him to his care, he grieved bitterly at the prospect of yielding him up, and searched in his heart how it might be avoided. No plan offered itself the very exhibition of any desire to keep him would have rendered the claimant more peremptory there was nothing left but to resign him. However, he was not going to rouse him from his sleep. Tell Mr. Heathcliff, he answered calmly, that his son shall come to Wuthering Heights tomorrow. He is in bed, and too tired to go the distance now. You may also tell him that the mother of Linton desired him to remain under my guardianship; and, at present, his health is very precarious. Noa! said Joseph, giving a thud with his prop on the floor, and assuming an authoritative air. Noa! that means naught.


Hathecliff maks noa count o t mother, nor ye norther; but hell heu his lad; und I mun tak himsoa now ye knaw! You shall not tonight! answered Linton decisively. Walk downstairs at once, and repeat to your master what I have said. Ellen, show him down. Go And, aiding the indignant elder with a lift by the arm, he rid the room of him and closed the door. Varrah weell! shouted Joseph, as he slowly drew off. Tomorn, hes come hisseln, and thrust him out, if ye darr! XX To obviate the danger of this threat being fulfilled, Mr. Linton commissioned me to take the boy home early, on Catherines pony; and, said heAs we shall now have no influence over his destiny, good or bad, you must say nothing of where he is gone to my daughter she cannot associate with him hereafter, and it is better for her to remain in ignorance of his proximity; lest she should be restless, and anxious to visit the Heights. Merely tell her his father sent for him suddenly, and he has been obliged to leave us. Linton was very reluctant to be roused from his bed at five oclock, and astonished to be informed that he must prepare for further travelling; but I softened off the matter by stating that he was going to spend some time with his father, Mr. Heathcliff, who wished to see him so much, he did not like to defer the pleasure till he should recover from his late journey. My father! he cried, in strange perplexity. Mamma never told me I had a father. Where does he live? Id rather stay with uncle. He lives a little distance from the Grange, I replied; just beyond those hills not so far, but you may walk over here when you get hearty. And you should be glad to go home, and to see him. You must try to love him, as you did your mother, and then he will love you. But why have I not heard of him before? asked Linton. Why didnt mamma and he live together, as other people do? He had business to keep him in the north, I answered, and your mothers health required her to reside in the south. And why didnt mamma speak to me about him? persevered the child. She often talked of uncle, and I learnt to love him long ago. How am I to love papa? I dont know him. Oh, all children love their parents, I said. Your mother, perhaps, thought you would want to be with him if she mentioned him often to you. Let us make haste. An early ride on such a beautiful morning is much preferable to an hours more sleep. Is she to go with us, he demanded, the little girl I saw yesterday? Not now, replied I. Is uncle? he continued. No, I shall be your companion there, I said. Linton sank back on his pillow and fell into a brown study. I wont go without uncle, he cried at length I cant tell where you mean to take me. I attempted to persuade him of the naughtiness of showing reluctance to meet his father; still he obstinately resisted any progress towards dressing, and I had to call for my masters assistance in coaxing him out of bed. The poor thing was finally got off, with several delusive assurances that his absence should be short that Mr. Edgar and Cathy would visit him, and other promises, equally illfounded, which I invented and reiterated at intervals throughout the way. The pure heatherscented air, the bright sunshine, and the gentle canter of Minny, relieved his despondency after a while. He began to put questions concerning his new home, and its inhabitants, with greater interest and liveliness. Is Wuthering Heights as pleasant a place as Thrushcross Grange? he inquired, turning to take a last glance into the valley, whence a light mist mounted and formed a fleecy cloud on the skirts of the blue. It is not so buried in trees, I replied, and it is not quite so large, but you can see the country beautifully all round; and the air is healthier for youfresher and drier. You will, perhaps, think the building old and dark at first; though it is a respectable house the next best in the neighbourhood. And you will have such nice rambles on the moors. Hareton Earnshawthat is, Miss Cathys other cousin, and so yours in a mannerwill show you all the sweetest spots; and you can bring a book in fine weather, and make a green hollow your study; and, now and then, your uncle may join you in a walk he does, frequently, walk out on the hills. And what is my father like? he asked. Is he as young and handsome as uncle? Hes as young, said I; but he has black hair and eyes, and looks sterner; and he is taller and bigger altogether. Hell not seem to you so gentle and kind at first, perhaps, because it is not his way still, mind you, be frank and cordial with him; and naturally hell be fonder of you than any uncle, for you are his own. Black hair and eyes! mused Linton. I cant fancy him. Then I am not like him, am I? Not much, I answered not a morsel, I thought, surveying with regret the white complexion and slim frame of my companion, and his large languid eyeshis mothers eyes, save that, unless a morbid touchiness kindled them a moment, they had not a vestige of her sparkling spirit. How strange that he should never come to see mamma and me! he murmured. Has he ever seen me? If he has, I must have been a baby. I remember not a single thing about him! Why, Master Linton, said I, three hundred miles is a great distance; and ten years seem very different in length to a grownup person compared with what they do to you. It is probable Mr. Heathcliff proposed going from summer to summer, but never found a convenient opportunity; and now it is too late. Dont trouble him with questions on the subject it will disturb him, for no good. The boy was fully occupied with his own cogitations for the remainder of the ride, till we halted before the farmhouse gardengate. I watched to catch his impressions in his countenance. He surveyed the carved front and lowbrowed lattices, the straggling gooseberrybushes and crooked firs, with solemn intentness, and then shook his head his private feelings entirely disapproved of the exterior of his new abode. But he had sense to postpone complaining there might be compensation within. Before he dismounted, I went and opened the door. It was halfpast six; the family had just finished breakfast the servant was clearing and wiping down the table. Joseph stood by his masters chair telling some tale concerning a lame horse; and Hareton was preparing for the hayfield. Hallo, Nelly! said Mr. Heathcliff, when he saw me. I feared I should have to come down and fetch my property myself. Youve brought it, have you? Let us see what we can make of it. He got up and strode to the door Hareton and Joseph followed in gaping curiosity. Poor Linton ran a frightened eye over the faces of the three. Surely, said Joseph after a grave inspection, hes swapped wi ye, Maister, an yons his lass! Heathcliff, having stared his son into an ague of confusion, uttered a scornful laugh. God! what a beauty! what a lovely, charming thing! he exclaimed. Havent they reared it on snails and sour milk, Nelly? Oh, damn my soul! but thats worse than I expectedand the devil knows I was not sanguine! I bid the trembling and bewildered child get down, and enter. He did not thoroughly comprehend the meaning of his fathers speech, or whether it were intended for him indeed, he was not yet certain that the grim, sneering stranger was his father. But he clung to me with growing trepidation; and on Mr. Heathcliffs taking a seat and bidding him come hither he hid his face on my shoulder and wept. Tut, tut! said Heathcliff, stretching out a hand and dragging him roughly between his knees, and then holding up his head by the chin. None of that nonsense! Were not going to hurt thee, Lintonisnt that thy name? Thou art thy mothers child, entirely! Where is my share in thee, puling chicken? He took off the boys cap and pushed back his thick flaxen curls, felt his slender arms and his small fingers; during which examination Linton ceased crying, and lifted his great blue eyes to inspect the inspector. Do you know me? asked Heathcliff, having satisfied himself that the limbs were all equally frail and feeble. No, said Linton, with a gaze of vacant fear. Youve heard of me, I daresay? No, he replied again. No! What a shame of your mother, never to waken your filial regard for me! You are my son, then, Ill tell you; and your mother was a wicked slut to leave you in ignorance of the sort of father you possessed. Now, dont wince, and colour up! Though it is something to see you have not white blood. Be a good lad; and Ill do for you. Nelly, if you be tired you may sit down; if not, get home again. I guess youll report what you hear and see to the cipher at the Grange; and this thing wont be settled while you linger about it. Well, replied I, I hope youll be kind to the boy, Mr. Heathcliff, or youll not keep him long; and hes all you have akin in the wide world, that you will ever knowremember. Ill be very kind to him, you neednt fear, he said, laughing. Only nobody else must be kind to him Im jealous of monopolising his affection. And, to begin my kindness, Joseph, bring the lad some breakfast. Hareton, you infernal calf, begone to your work. Yes, Nell, he added, when they had departed, my son is prospective owner of your place, and I should not wish him to die till I was certain of being his successor. Besides, hes mine, and I want the triumph of seeing my descendant fairly lord of their estates; my child hiring their children to till their fathers lands for wages. That is the sole consideration which can make me endure the whelp I despise him for himself, and hate him for the memories he revives! But that consideration is sufficient hes as safe with me, and shall be tended as carefully as your master tends his own. I have a room upstairs, furnished for him in handsome style; Ive engaged a tutor, also, to come three times a week, from twenty miles distance, to teach him what he pleases to learn. Ive ordered Hareton to obey him and in fact Ive arranged everything with a view to preserve the superior and the gentleman in him, above his associates. I do regret, however, that he so little deserves the trouble if I wished any blessing in the world, it was to find him a worthy object of pride; and Im bitterly disappointed with the wheyfaced, whining wretch! While he was speaking, Joseph returned bearing a basin of milkporridge, and placed it before Linton who stirred round the homely mess with a look of aversion, and affirmed he could not eat it. I saw the old manservant shared largely in his masters scorn of the child; though he was compelled to retain the sentiment in his heart, because Heathcliff plainly meant his underlings to hold him in honour. Cannot ate it? repeated he, peering in Lintons face, and subduing his voice to a whisper, for fear of being overheard. But Maister Hareton nivir ate naught else, when he wer a little un; and what wer gooid enough for hims gooid enough for ye, Is rayther think! I shant eat it! answered Linton, snappishly. Take it away. Joseph snatched up the food indignantly, and brought it to us. Is there aught ails th victuals? he asked, thrusting the tray under Heathcliffs nose. What should ail them? he said. Wah! answered Joseph, yon dainty chap says he cannut ate em. But I guess its raight! His mother wer just soawe wer amost too mucky to sow t corn for makking her breead. Dont mention his mother to me, said the master, angrily. Get him something that he can eat, thats all. What is his usual food, Nelly? I suggested boiled milk or tea; and the housekeeper received instructions to prepare some. Come, I reflected, his fathers selfishness may contribute to his comfort. He perceives his delicate constitution, and the necessity of treating him tolerably. Ill console Mr. Edgar by acquainting him with the turn Heathcliffs humour has taken. Having no excuse for lingering longer, I slipped out, while Linton was engaged in timidly rebuffing the advances of a friendly sheepdog. But he was too much on the alert to be cheated as I closed the door, I heard a cry, and a frantic repetition of the words Dont leave me! Ill not stay here! Ill not stay here! Then the latch was raised and fell they did not suffer him to come forth. I mounted Minny, and urged her to a trot; and so my brief guardianship ended. XXI We had sad work with little Cathy that day she rose in high glee, eager to join her cousin, and such passionate tears and lamentations followed the news of his departure that Edgar himself was obliged to soothe her, by affirming he should come back soon he added, however, if I can get him; and there were no hopes of that. This promise poorly pacified her; but time was more potent; and though still at intervals she inquired of her father when Linton would return, before she did see him again his features had waxed so dim in her memory that she did not recognise him. When I chanced to encounter the housekeeper of Wuthering Heights, in paying business visits to Gimmerton, I used to ask how the young master got on; for he lived almost as secluded as Catherine herself, and was never to be seen. I could gather from her that he continued in weak health, and was a tiresome inmate. She said Mr. Heathcliff seemed to dislike him ever longer and worse, though he took some trouble to conceal it he had an antipathy to the sound of his voice, and could not do at all with his sitting in the same room with him many minutes together. There seldom passed much talk between them Linton learnt his lessons and spent his evenings in a small apartment they called the parlour or else lay in bed all day for he was constantly getting coughs, and colds, and aches, and pains of some sort. And I never know such a fainthearted creature, added the woman; nor one so careful of hisseln. He will go on, if I leave the window open a bit late in the evening. Oh! its killing, a breath of night air! And he must have a fire in the middle of summer; and Josephs baccapipe is poison; and he must always have sweets and dainties, and always milk, milk foreverheeding naught how the rest of us are pinched in winter; and there hell sit, wrapped in his furred cloak in his chair by the fire, with some toast and water or other slop on the hob to sip at; and if Hareton, for pity, comes to amuse himHareton is not badnatured, though hes roughtheyre sure to part, one swearing and the other crying. I believe the master would relish Earnshaws thrashing him to a mummy, if he were not his son; and Im certain he would be fit to turn him out of doors, if he knew half the nursing he gives hisseln. But then he wont go into danger of temptation he never enters the parlour, and should Linton show those ways in the house where he is, he sends him upstairs directly. I divined, from this account, that utter lack of sympathy had rendered young Heathcliff selfish and disagreeable, if he were not so originally; and my interest in him, consequently, decayed though still I was moved with a sense of grief at his lot, and a wish that he had been left with us. Mr. Edgar encouraged me to gain information he thought a great deal about him, I fancy, and would have run some risk to see him; and he told me once to ask the housekeeper whether he ever came into the village? She said he had only been twice, on horseback, accompanying his father; and both times he pretended to be quite knocked up for three or four days afterwards. That housekeeper left, if I recollect rightly, two years after he came; and another, whom I did not know, was her successor; she lives there still. Time wore on at the Grange in its former pleasant way till Miss Cathy reached sixteen. On the anniversary of her birth we never manifested any signs of rejoicing, because it was also the anniversary of my late mistresss death. Her father invariably spent that day alone in the library; and walked, at dusk, as far as Gimmerton kirkyard, where he would frequently prolong his stay beyond midnight. Therefore Catherine was thrown on her own resources for amusement. This twentieth of March was a beautiful spring day, and when her father had retired, my young lady came down dressed for going out, and said she asked to have a ramble on the edge of the moor with me Mr. Linton had given her leave, if we went only a short distance and were back within the hour. So make haste, Ellen! she cried. I know where I wish to go; where a colony of moorgame are settled I want to see whether they have made their nests yet. That must be a good distance up, I answered; they dont breed on the edge of the moor. No, its not, she said. Ive gone very near with papa. I put on my bonnet and sallied out, thinking nothing more of the matter. She bounded before me, and returned to my side, and was off again like a young greyhound; and, at first, I found plenty of entertainment in listening to the larks singing far and near, and enjoying the sweet, warm sunshine; and watching her, my pet and my delight, with her golden ringlets flying loose behind, and her bright cheek, as soft and pure in its bloom as a wild rose, and her eyes radiant with cloudless pleasure. She was a happy creature, and an angel, in those days. Its a pity she could not be content. Well, said I, where are your moorgame, Miss Cathy? We should be at them the Grange parkfence is a great way off now. Oh, a little furtheronly a little further, Ellen, was her answer, continually. Climb to that hillock, pass that bank, and by the time you reach the other side I shall have raised the birds. But there were so many hillocks and banks to climb and pass, that, at length, I began to be weary, and told her we must halt, and retrace our steps. I shouted to her, as she had outstripped me a long way; she either did not hear or did not regard, for she still sprang on, and I was compelled to follow. Finally, she dived into a hollow; and before I came in sight of her again, she was two miles nearer Wuthering Heights than her own home; and I beheld a couple of persons arrest her, one of whom I felt convinced was Mr. Heathcliff himself. Cathy had been caught in the fact of plundering, or, at least, hunting out the nests of the grouse. The Heights were Heathcliffs land, and he was reproving the poacher. Ive neither taken any nor found any, she said, as I toiled to them, expanding her hands in corroboration of the statement. I didnt mean to take them; but papa told me there were quantities up here, and I wished to see the eggs. Heathcliff glanced at me with an illmeaning smile, expressing his acquaintance with the party, and, consequently, his malevolence towards it, and demanded who papa was? Mr. Linton of Thrushcross Grange, she replied. I thought you did not know me, or you wouldnt have spoken in that way. You suppose papa is highly esteemed and respected, then? he said, sarcastically. And what are you? inquired Catherine, gazing curiously on the speaker. That man Ive seen before. Is he your son? She pointed to Hareton, the other individual, who had gained nothing but increased bulk and strength by the addition of two years to his age he seemed as awkward and rough as ever. Miss Cathy, I interrupted, it will be three hours instead of one that we are out, presently. We really must go back. No, that man is not my son, answered Heathcliff, pushing me aside. But I have one, and you have seen him before too; and, though your nurse is in a hurry, I think both you and she would be the better for a little rest. Will you just turn this nab of heath, and walk into my house? Youll get home earlier for the ease; and you shall receive a kind welcome. I whispered Catherine that she mustnt, on any account, accede to the proposal it was entirely out of the question. Why? she asked, aloud. Im tired of running, and the ground is dewy I cant sit here. Let us go, Ellen. Besides, he says I have seen his son. Hes mistaken, I think; but I guess where he lives at the farmhouse I visited in coming from Penistone Crags. Dont you? I do. Come, Nelly, hold your tongueit will be a treat for her to look in on us. Hareton, get forwards with the lass. You shall walk with me, Nelly. No, shes not going to any such place, I cried, struggling to release my arm, which he had seized but she was almost at the doorstones already, scampering round the brow at full speed. Her appointed companion did not pretend to escort her he shied off by the roadside, and vanished. Mr. Heathcliff, its very wrong, I continued you know you mean no good. And there shell see Linton, and all will be told as soon as ever we return; and I shall have the blame. I want her to see Linton, he answered; hes looking better these few days; its not often hes fit to be seen. And well soon persuade her to keep the visit secret where is the harm of it? The harm of it is, that her father would hate me if he found I suffered her to enter your house; and I am convinced you have a bad design in encouraging her to do so, I replied. My design is as honest as possible. Ill inform you of its whole scope, he said. That the two cousins may fall in love, and get married. Im acting generously to your master his young chit has no expectations, and should she second my wishes shell be provided for at once as joint successor with Linton. If Linton died, I answered, and his life is quite uncertain, Catherine would be the heir. No, she would not, he said. There is no clause in the will to secure it so his property would go to me; but, to prevent disputes, I desire their union, and am resolved to bring it about. And Im resolved she shall never approach your house with me again, I returned, as we reached the gate, where Miss Cathy waited our coming. Heathcliff bade me be quiet; and, preceding us up the path, hastened to open the door. My young lady gave him several looks, as if she could not exactly make up her mind what to think of him; but now he smiled when he met her eye, and softened his voice in addressing her; and I was foolish enough to imagine the memory of her mother might disarm him from desiring her injury. Linton stood on the hearth. He had been out walking in the fields, for his cap was on, and he was calling to Joseph to bring him dry shoes. He had grown tall of his age, still wanting some months of sixteen. His features were pretty yet, and his eye and complexion brighter than I remembered them, though with merely temporary lustre borrowed from the salubrious air and genial sun. Now, who is that? asked Mr. Heathcliff, turning to Cathy. Can you tell? Your son? she said, having doubtfully surveyed, first one and then the other. Yes, yes, answered he but is this the only time you have beheld him? Think! Ah! you have a short memory. Linton, dont you recall your cousin, that you used to tease us so with wishing to see? What, Linton! cried Cathy, kindling into joyful surprise at the name. Is that little Linton? Hes taller than I am! Are you Linton? The youth stepped forward, and acknowledged himself she kissed him fervently, and they gazed with wonder at the change time had wrought in the appearance of each. Catherine had reached her full height; her figure was both plump and slender, elastic as steel, and her whole aspect sparkling with health and spirits. Lintons looks and movements were very languid, and his form extremely slight; but there was a grace in his manner that mitigated these defects, and rendered him not unpleasing. After exchanging numerous marks of fondness with him, his cousin went to Mr. Heathcliff, who lingered by the door, dividing his attention between the objects inside and those that lay without pretending, that is, to observe the latter, and really noting the former alone. And you are my uncle, then! she cried, reaching up to salute him. I thought I liked you, though you were cross at first. Why dont you visit at the Grange with Linton? To live all these years such close neighbours, and never see us, is odd what have you done so for? I visited it once or twice too often before you were born, he answered. Theredamn it! If you have any kisses to spare, give them to Linton they are thrown away on me. Naughty Ellen! exclaimed Catherine, flying to attack me next with her lavish caresses. Wicked Ellen! to try to hinder me from entering. But Ill take this walk every morning in future may I, uncle? and sometimes bring papa. Wont you be glad to see us? Of course, replied the uncle, with a hardly suppressed grimace, resulting from his deep aversion to both the proposed visitors. But stay, he continued, turning towards the young lady. Now I think of it, Id better tell you. Mr. Linton has a prejudice against me we quarrelled at one time of our lives, with unchristian ferocity; and, if you mention coming here to him, hell put a veto on your visits altogether. Therefore, you must not mention it, unless you be careless of seeing your cousin hereafter you may come, if you will, but you must not mention it. Why did you quarrel? asked Catherine, considerably crestfallen. He thought me too poor to wed his sister, answered Heathcliff, and was grieved that I got her his pride was hurt, and hell never forgive it. Thats wrong! said the young lady some time Ill tell him so. But Linton and I have no share in your quarrel. Ill not come here, then; he shall come to the Grange. It will be too far for me, murmured her cousin to walk four miles would kill me. No, come here, Miss Catherine, now and then not every morning, but once or twice a week. The father launched towards his son a glance of bitter contempt. I am afraid, Nelly, I shall lose my labour, he muttered to me. Miss Catherine, as the ninny calls her, will discover his value, and send him to the devil. Now, if it had been Hareton!Do you know that, twenty times a day, I covet Hareton, with all his degradation? Id have loved the lad had he been someone else. But I think hes safe from her love. Ill pit him against that paltry creature, unless it bestir itself briskly. We calculate it will scarcely last till it is eighteen. Oh, confound the vapid thing! Hes absorbed in drying his feet, and never looks at her.Linton! Yes, father, answered the boy. Have you nothing to show your cousin anywhere about, not even a rabbit or a weasels nest? Take her into the garden, before you change your shoes; and into the stable to see your horse. Wouldnt you rather sit here? asked Linton, addressing Cathy in a tone which expressed reluctance to move again. I dont know, she replied, casting a longing look to the door, and evidently eager to be active. He kept his seat, and shrank closer to the fire. Heathcliff rose, and went into the kitchen, and from thence to the yard, calling out for Hareton. Hareton responded, and presently the two reentered. The young man had been washing himself, as was visible by the glow on his cheeks and his wetted hair. Oh, Ill ask you, uncle, cried Miss Cathy, recollecting the housekeepers assertion. That is not my cousin, is he? Yes, he, replied, your mothers nephew. Dont you like him! Catherine looked queer. Is he not a handsome lad? he continued. The uncivil little thing stood on tiptoe, and whispered a sentence in Heathcliffs ear. He laughed; Hareton darkened I perceived he was very sensitive to suspected slights, and had obviously a dim notion of his inferiority. But his master or guardian chased the frown by exclaiming Youll be the favourite among us, Hareton! She says you are aWhat was it? Well, something very flattering. Here! you go with her round the farm. And behave like a gentleman, mind! Dont use any bad words; and dont stare when the young lady is not looking at you, and be ready to hide your face when she is; and, when you speak, say your words slowly, and keep your hands out of your pockets. Be off, and entertain her as nicely as you can. He watched the couple walking past the window. Earnshaw had his countenance completely averted from his companion. He seemed studying the familiar landscape with a strangers and an artists interest. Catherine took a sly look at him, expressing small admiration. She then turned her attention to seeking out objects of amusement for herself, and tripped merrily on, lilting a tune to supply the lack of conversation. Ive tied his tongue, observed Heathcliff. Hell not venture a single syllable all the time! Nelly, you recollect me at his agenay, some years younger. Did I ever look so stupid so gaumless, as Joseph calls it? Worse, I replied, because more sullen with it. Ive a pleasure in him, he continued, reflecting aloud. He has satisfied my expectations. If he were a born fool I should not enjoy it half so much. But hes no fool; and I can sympathise with all his feelings, having felt them myself. I know what he suffers now, for instance, exactly it is merely a beginning of what he shall suffer, though. And hell never be able to emerge from his bathos of coarseness and ignorance. Ive got him faster than his scoundrel of a father secured me, and lower; for he takes a pride in his brutishness. Ive taught him to scorn everything extraanimal as silly and weak. Dont you think Hindley would be proud of his son, if he could see him? almost as proud as I am of mine. But theres this difference; one is gold put to the use of pavingstones, and the other is tin polished to ape a service of silver. Mine has nothing valuable about it; yet I shall have the merit of making it go as far as such poor stuff can go. His had firstrate qualities, and they are lost rendered worse than unavailing. I have nothing to regret; he would have more than any but I are aware of. And the best of it is, Hareton is damnably fond of me! Youll own that Ive outmatched Hindley there. If the dead villain could rise from his grave to abuse me for his offsprings wrongs, I should have the fun of seeing the said offspring fight him back again, indignant that he should dare to rail at the one friend he has in the world! Heathcliff chuckled a fiendish laugh at the idea. I made no reply, because I saw that he expected none. Meantime, our young companion, who sat too removed from us to hear what was said, began to evince symptoms of uneasiness, probably repenting that he had denied himself the treat of Catherines society for fear of a little fatigue. His father remarked the restless glances wandering to the window, and the hand irresolutely extended towards his cap. Get up, you idle boy! he exclaimed, with assumed heartiness. Away after them! they are just at the corner, by the stand of hives. Linton gathered his energies, and left the hearth. The lattice was open, and, as he stepped out, I heard Cathy inquiring of her unsociable attendant what was that inscription over the door? Hareton stared up, and scratched his head like a true clown. Its some damnable writing, he answered. I cannot read it. Cant read it? cried Catherine; I can read it its English. But I want to know why it is there. Linton giggled the first appearance of mirth he had exhibited. He does not know his letters, he said to his cousin. Could you believe in the existence of such a colossal dunce? Is he all as he should be? asked Miss Cathy, seriously; or is he simple not right? Ive questioned him twice now, and each time he looked so stupid I think he does not understand me. I can hardly understand him, Im sure! Linton repeated his laugh, and glanced at Hareton tauntingly; who certainly did not seem quite clear of comprehension at that moment. Theres nothing the matter but laziness; is there, Earnshaw? he said. My cousin fancies you are an idiot. There you experience the consequence of scorning booklarning, as you would say. Have you noticed, Catherine, his frightful Yorkshire pronunciation? Why, where the devil is the use ont? growled Hareton, more ready in answering his daily companion. He was about to enlarge further, but the two youngsters broke into a noisy fit of merriment my giddy miss being delighted to discover that she might turn his strange talk to matter of amusement. Where is the use of the devil in that sentence? tittered Linton. Papa told you not to say any bad words, and you cant open your mouth without one.