Its no company at all, when people know nothing and say nothing, she muttered. Her companion rose up, but he hadnt time to express his feelings further, for a horses feet were heard on the flags, and having knocked gently, young Linton entered, his face brilliant with delight at the unexpected summons he had received. Doubtless Catherine marked the difference between her friends, as one came in and the other went out. The contrast resembled what you see in exchanging a bleak, hilly, coal country for a beautiful fertile valley; and his voice and greeting were as opposite as his aspect. He had a sweet, low manner of speaking, and pronounced his words as you do thats less gruff than we talk here, and softer. Im not come too soon, am I? he said, casting a look at me I had begun to wipe the plate, and tidy some drawers at the far end in the dresser. No, answered Catherine. What are you doing there, Nelly? My work, Miss, I replied. (Mr. Hindley had given me directions to make a third party in any private visits Linton chose to pay.) She stepped behind me and whispered crossly, Take yourself and your dusters off; when company are in the house, servants dont commence scouring and cleaning in the room where they are! Its a good opportunity, now that master is away, I answered aloud he hates me to be fidgeting over these things in his presence. Im sure Mr. Edgar will excuse me. I hate you to be fidgeting in my presence, exclaimed the young lady imperiously, not allowing her guest time to speak she had failed to recover her equanimity since the little dispute with Heathcliff. Im sorry for it, Miss Catherine, was my response; and I proceeded assiduously with my occupation. She, supposing Edgar could not see her, snatched the cloth from my hand, and pinched me, with a prolonged wrench, very spitefully on the arm. Ive said I did not love her, and rather relished mortifying her vanity now and then besides, she hurt me extremely; so I started up from my knees, and screamed out, Oh, Miss, thats a nasty trick! You have no right to nip me, and Im not going to bear it. I didnt touch you, you lying creature! cried she, her fingers tingling to repeat the act, and her ears red with rage. She never had power to conceal her passion, it always set her whole complexion in a blaze. Whats that, then? I retorted, showing a decided purple witness to refute her. She stamped her foot, wavered a moment, and then, irresistibly impelled by the naughty spirit within her, slapped me on the cheek a stinging blow that filled both eyes with water. Catherine, love! Catherine! interposed Linton, greatly shocked at the double fault of falsehood and violence which his idol had committed. Leave the room, Ellen! she repeated, trembling all over. Little Hareton, who followed me everywhere, and was sitting near me on the floor, at seeing my tears commenced crying himself, and sobbed out complaints against wicked aunt Cathy, which drew her fury on to his unlucky head she seized his shoulders, and shook him till the poor child waxed livid, and Edgar thoughtlessly laid hold of her hands to deliver him. In an instant one was wrung free, and the astonished young man felt it applied over his own ear in a way that could not be mistaken for jest. He drew back in consternation. I lifted Hareton in my arms, and walked off to the kitchen with him, leaving the door of communication open, for I was curious to watch how they would settle their disagreement. The insulted visitor moved to the spot where he had laid his hat, pale and with a quivering lip. Thats right! I said to myself. Take warning and begone! Its a kindness to let you have a glimpse of her genuine disposition. Where are you going? demanded Catherine, advancing to the door. He swerved aside, and attempted to pass. You must not go! she exclaimed, energetically. I must and shall! he replied in a subdued voice. No, she persisted, grasping the handle; not yet, Edgar Linton sit down; you shall not leave me in that temper. I should be miserable all night, and I wont be miserable for you! Can I stay after you have struck me? asked Linton. Catherine was mute. Youve made me afraid and ashamed of you, he continued; Ill not come here again! Her eyes began to glisten and her lids to twinkle. And you told a deliberate untruth! he said. I didnt! she cried, recovering her speech; I did nothing deliberately. Well, go, if you pleaseget away! And now Ill cryIll cry myself sick! She dropped down on her knees by a chair, and set to weeping in serious earnest. Edgar persevered in his resolution as far as the court; there he lingered. I resolved to encourage him. Miss is dreadfully wayward, sir, I called out. As bad as any marred child youd better be riding home, or else she will be sick, only to grieve us. The soft thing looked askance through the window he possessed the power to depart as much as a cat possesses the power to leave a mouse half killed, or a bird half eaten. Ah, I thought, there will be no saving him hes doomed, and flies to his fate! And so it was he turned abruptly, hastened into the house again, shut the door behind him; and when I went in a while after to inform them that Earnshaw had come home rabid drunk, ready to pull the whole place about our ears (his ordinary frame of mind in that condition), I saw the quarrel had merely effected a closer intimacyhad broken the outworks of youthful timidity, and enabled them to forsake the disguise of friendship, and confess themselves lovers. Intelligence of Mr. Hindleys arrival drove Linton speedily to his horse, and Catherine to her chamber. I went to hide little Hareton, and to take the shot out of the masters fowlingpiece, which he was fond of playing with in his insane excitement, to the hazard of the lives of any who provoked, or even attracted his notice too much; and I had hit upon the plan of removing it, that he might do less mischief if he did go the length of firing the gun. IX He entered, vociferating oaths dreadful to hear; and caught me in the act of stowing his son away in the kitchen cupboard. Hareton was impressed with a wholesome terror of encountering either his wild beasts fondness or his madmans rage; for in one he ran a chance of being squeezed and kissed to death, and in the other of being flung into the fire, or dashed against the wall; and the poor thing remained perfectly quiet wherever I chose to put him. There, Ive found it out at last! cried Hindley, pulling me back by the skin of my neck, like a dog. By heaven and hell, youve sworn between you to murder that child! I know how it is, now, that he is always out of my way. But, with the help of Satan, I shall make you swallow the carvingknife, Nelly! You neednt laugh; for Ive just crammed Kenneth, headdownmost, in the Blackhorse marsh; and two is the same as oneand I want to kill some of you I shall have no rest till I do! But I dont like the carvingknife, Mr. Hindley, I answered; it has been cutting red herrings. Id rather be shot, if you please. Youd rather be damned! he said; and so you shall. No law in England can hinder a man from keeping his house decent, and mines abominable! Open your mouth. He held the knife in his hand, and pushed its point between my teeth but, for my part, I was never much afraid of his vagaries. I spat out, and affirmed it tasted detestablyI would not take it on any account. Oh! said he, releasing me, I see that hideous little villain is not Hareton I beg your pardon, Nell. If it be, he deserves flaying alive for not running to welcome me, and for screaming as if I were a goblin. Unnatural cub, come hither! Ill teach thee to impose on a goodhearted, deluded father. Now, dont you think the lad would be handsomer cropped? It makes a dog fiercer, and I love something fierceget me a scissorssomething fierce and trim! Besides, its infernal affectationdevilish conceit it is, to cherish our earswere asses enough without them. Hush, child, hush! Well then, it is my darling! wisht, dry thy eyestheres a joy; kiss me. What! it wont? Kiss me, Hareton! Damn thee, kiss me! By God, as if I would rear such a monster! As sure as Im living, Ill break the brats neck. Poor Hareton was squalling and kicking in his fathers arms with all his might, and redoubled his yells when he carried him upstairs and lifted him over the banister. I cried out that he would frighten the child into fits, and ran to rescue him. As I reached them, Hindley leant forward on the rails to listen to a noise below; almost forgetting what he had in his hands. Who is that? he asked, hearing someone approaching the stairsfoot. I leant forward also, for the purpose of signing to Heathcliff, whose step I recognised, not to come further; and, at the instant when my eye quitted Hareton, he gave a sudden spring, delivered himself from the careless grasp that held him, and fell. There was scarcely time to experience a thrill of horror before we saw that the little wretch was safe. Heathcliff arrived underneath just at the critical moment; by a natural impulse he arrested his descent, and setting him on his feet, looked up to discover the author of the accident. A miser who has parted with a lucky lottery ticket for five shillings, and finds next day he has lost in the bargain five thousand pounds, could not show a blanker countenance than he did on beholding the figure of Mr. Earnshaw above. It expressed, plainer than words could do, the intensest anguish at having made himself the instrument of thwarting his own revenge. Had it been dark, I daresay he would have tried to remedy the mistake by smashing Haretons skull on the steps; but, we witnessed his salvation; and I was presently below with my precious charge pressed to my heart. Hindley descended more leisurely, sobered and abashed. It is your fault, Ellen, he said; you should have kept him out of sight you should have taken him from me! Is he injured anywhere? Injured! I cried angrily; if he is not killed, hell be an idiot! Oh! I wonder his mother does not rise from her grave to see how you use him. Youre worse than a heathentreating your own flesh and blood in that manner! He attempted to touch the child, who, on finding himself with me, sobbed off his terror directly. At the first finger his father laid on him, however, he shrieked again louder than before, and struggled as if he would go into convulsions. You shall not meddle with him! I continued. He hates youthey all hate youthats the truth! A happy family you have; and a pretty state youre come to! I shall come to a prettier, yet, Nelly, laughed the misguided man, recovering his hardness. At present, convey yourself and him away. And hark you, Heathcliff! clear you too quite from my reach and hearing. I wouldnt murder you tonight; unless, perhaps, I set the house on fire but thats as my fancy goes. While saying this he took a pint bottle of brandy from the dresser, and poured some into a tumbler. Nay, dont! I entreated. Mr. Hindley, do take warning. Have mercy on this unfortunate boy, if you care nothing for yourself! Anyone will do better for him than I shall, he answered. Have mercy on your own soul! I said, endeavouring to snatch the glass from his hand. Not I! On the contrary, I shall have great pleasure in sending it to perdition to punish its Maker, exclaimed the blasphemer. Heres to its hearty damnation! He drank the spirits and impatiently bade us go; terminating his command with a sequel of horrid imprecations too bad to repeat or remember. Its a pity he cannot kill himself with drink, observed Heathcliff, muttering an echo of curses back when the door was shut. Hes doing his very utmost; but his constitution defies him. Mr. Kenneth says he would wager his mare that hell outlive any man on this side Gimmerton, and go to the grave a hoary sinner; unless some happy chance out of the common course befall him. I went into the kitchen, and sat down to lull my little lamb to sleep. Heathcliff, as I thought, walked through to the barn. It turned out afterwards that he only got as far as the other side the settle, when he flung himself on a bench by the wall, removed from the fire and remained silent. I was rocking Hareton on my knee, and humming a song that began It was far in the night, and the bairnies grat, The mither beneath the mools heard that, when Miss Cathy, who had listened to the hubbub from her room, put her head in, and whisperedAre you alone, Nelly? Yes, Miss, I replied. She entered and approached the hearth. I, supposing she was going to say something, looked up. The expression of her face seemed disturbed and anxious. Her lips were half asunder, as if she meant to speak, and she drew a breath; but it escaped in a sigh instead of a sentence. I resumed my song; not having forgotten her recent behaviour. Wheres Heathcliff? she said, interrupting me. About his work in the stable, was my answer. He did not contradict me; perhaps he had fallen into a doze. There followed another long pause, during which I perceived a drop or two trickle from Catherines cheek to the flags. Is she sorry for her shameful conduct?I asked myself. That will be a novelty but she may come to the pointas she willI shant help her! No, she felt small trouble regarding any subject, save her own concerns. Oh, dear! she cried at last. Im very unhappy! A pity, observed I. Youre hard to please; so many friends and so few cares, and cant make yourself content! Nelly, will you keep a secret for me? she pursued, kneeling down by me, and lifting her winsome eyes to my face with that sort of look which turns off bad temper, even when one has all the right in the world to indulge it. Is it worth keeping? I inquired, less sulkily. Yes, and it worries me, and I must let it out! I want to know what I should do. Today, Edgar Linton has asked me to marry him, and Ive given him an answer. Now, before I tell you whether it was a consent or denial, you tell me which it ought to have been. Really, Miss Catherine, how can I know? I replied. To be sure, considering the exhibition you performed in his presence this afternoon, I might say it would be wise to refuse him since he asked you after that, he must either be hopelessly stupid or a venturesome fool. If you talk so, I wont tell you any more, she returned, peevishly rising to her feet. I accepted him, Nelly. Be quick, and say whether I was wrong! You accepted him! Then what good is it discussing the matter? You have pledged your word, and cannot retract. But say whether I should have done sodo! she exclaimed in an irritated tone; chafing her hands together, and frowning. There are many things to be considered before that question can be answered properly, I said, sententiously. First and foremost, do you love Mr. Edgar? Who can help it? Of course I do, she answered. Then I put her through the following catechism for a girl of twentytwo it was not injudicious. Why do you love him, Miss Cathy? Nonsense, I dothats sufficient. By no means; you must say why? Well, because he is handsome, and pleasant to be with. Bad! was my commentary. And because he is young and cheerful. Bad, still. And because he loves me. Indifferent, coming there. And he will be rich, and I shall like to be the greatest woman of the neighbourhood, and I shall be proud of having such a husband. Worst of all. And now, say how you love him? As everybody lovesYoure silly, Nelly. Not at allAnswer. I love the ground under his feet, and the air over his head, and everything he touches, and every word he says. I love all his looks, and all his actions, and him entirely and altogether. There now! And why? Nay; you are making a jest of it it is exceedingly illnatured! Its no jest to me! said the young lady, scowling, and turning her face to the fire. Im very far from jesting, Miss Catherine, I replied. You love Mr. Edgar because he is handsome, and young, and cheerful, and rich, and loves you. The last, however, goes for nothing you would love him without that, probably; and with it you wouldnt, unless he possessed the four former attractions. No, to be sure not I should only pity himhate him, perhaps, if he were ugly, and a clown. But there are several other handsome, rich young men in the world handsomer, possibly, and richer than he is. What should hinder you from loving them? If there be any, they are out of my way Ive seen none like Edgar. You may see some; and he wont always be handsome, and young, and may not always be rich. He is now; and I have only to do with the present. I wish you would speak rationally. Well, that settles it if you have only to do with the present, marry Mr. Linton. I dont want your permission for thatI shall marry him and yet you have not told me whether Im right. Perfectly right; if people be right to marry only for the present. And now, let us hear what you are unhappy about. Your brother will be pleased; the old lady and gentleman will not object, I think; you will escape from a disorderly, comfortless home into a wealthy, respectable one; and you love Edgar, and Edgar loves you. All seems smooth and easy where is the obstacle? Here! and here! replied Catherine, striking one hand on her forehead, and the other on her breast in whichever place the soul lives. In my soul and in my heart, Im convinced Im wrong! Thats very strange! I cannot make it out. Its my secret. But if you will not mock at me, Ill explain it I cant do it distinctly; but Ill give you a feeling of how I feel. She seated herself by me again her countenance grew sadder and graver, and her clasped hands trembled. Nelly, do you never dream queer dreams? she said, suddenly, after some minutes reflection. Yes, now and then, I answered. And so do I. Ive dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas theyve gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the colour of my mind. And this is one Im going to tell itbut take care not to smile at any part of it. Oh! dont, Miss Catherine! I cried. Were dismal enough without conjuring up ghosts and visions to perplex us. Come, come, be merry and like yourself! Look at little Hareton! hes dreaming nothing dreary. How sweetly he smiles in his sleep! Yes; and how sweetly his father curses in his solitude! You remember him, I daresay, when he was just such another as that chubby thing nearly as young and innocent. However, Nelly, I shall oblige you to listen its not long; and Ive no power to be merry tonight. I wont hear it, I wont hear it! I repeated, hastily. I was superstitious about dreams then, and am still; and Catherine had an unusual gloom in her aspect, that made me dread something from which I might shape a prophecy, and foresee a fearful catastrophe. She was vexed, but she did not proceed. Apparently taking up another subject, she recommenced in a short time. If I were in heaven, Nelly, I should be extremely miserable. Because you are not fit to go there, I answered. All sinners would be miserable in heaven. But it is not for that. I dreamt once that I was there. I tell you I wont hearken to your dreams, Miss Catherine! Ill go to bed, I interrupted again. She laughed, and held me down; for I made a motion to leave my chair. This is nothing, cried she I was only going to say that heaven did not seem to be my home; and I broke my heart with weeping to come back to earth; and the angels were so angry that they flung me out into the middle of the heath on the top of Wuthering Heights; where I woke sobbing for joy. That will do to explain my secret, as well as the other. Ive no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven; and if the wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low, I shouldnt have thought of it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him and that, not because hes handsome, Nelly, but because hes more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same; and Lintons is as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire. Ere this speech ended I became sensible of Heathcliffs presence. Having noticed a slight movement, I turned my head, and saw him rise from the bench, and steal out noiselessly. He had listened till he heard Catherine say it would degrade her to marry him, and then he stayed to hear no further. My companion, sitting on the ground, was prevented by the back of the settle from remarking his presence or departure; but I started, and bade her hush! Why? she asked, gazing nervously round. Joseph is here, I answered, catching opportunely the roll of his cartwheels up the road; and Heathcliff will come in with him. Im not sure whether he were not at the door this moment. Oh, he couldnt overhear me at the door! said she. Give me Hareton, while you get the supper, and when it is ready ask me to sup with you. I want to cheat my uncomfortable conscience, and be convinced that Heathcliff has no notion of these things. He has not, has he? He does not know what being in love is! I see no reason that he should not know, as well as you, I returned; and if you are his choice, hell be the most unfortunate creature that ever was born! As soon as you become Mrs. Linton, he loses friend, and love, and all! Have you considered how youll bear the separation, and how hell bear to be quite deserted in the world? Because, Miss Catherine He quite deserted! we separated! she exclaimed, with an accent of indignation. Who is to separate us, pray? Theyll meet the fate of Milo! Not as long as I live, Ellen for no mortal creature. Every Linton on the face of the earth might melt into nothing before I could consent to forsake Heathcliff. Oh, thats not what I intendthats not what I mean! I shouldnt be Mrs. Linton were such a price demanded! Hell be as much to me as he has been all his lifetime. Edgar must shake off his antipathy, and tolerate him, at least. He will, when he learns my true feelings towards him. Nelly, I see now you think me a selfish wretch; but did it never strike you that if Heathcliff and I married, we should be beggars? whereas, if I marry Linton I can aid Heathcliff to rise, and place him out of my brothers power. With your husbands money, Miss Catherine? I asked. Youll find him not so pliable as you calculate upon and, though Im hardly a judge, I think thats the worst motive youve given yet for being the wife of young Linton. It is not, retorted she; it is the best! The others were the satisfaction of my whims and for Edgars sake, too, to satisfy him. This is for the sake of one who comprehends in his person my feelings to Edgar and myself. I cannot express it; but surely you and everybody have a notion that there is or should be an existence of yours beyond you. What were the use of my creation, if I were entirely contained here? My great miseries in this world have been Heathcliffs miseries, and I watched and felt each from the beginning my great thought in living is himself. If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger I should not seem a part of it.My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods time will change it, Im well aware, as winter changes the trees. My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Heathcliff! Hes always, always in my mind not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being. So dont talk of our separation again it is impracticable; and She paused, and hid her face in the folds of my gown; but I jerked it forcibly away. I was out of patience with her folly! If I can make any sense of your nonsense, Miss, I said, it only goes to convince me that you are ignorant of the duties you undertake in marrying; or else that you are a wicked, unprincipled girl. But trouble me with no more secrets Ill not promise to keep them. Youll keep that? she asked, eagerly. No, Ill not promise, I repeated. She was about to insist, when the entrance of Joseph finished our conversation; and Catherine removed her seat to a corner, and nursed Hareton, while I made the supper. After it was cooked, my fellowservant and I began to quarrel who should carry some to Mr. Hindley; and we didnt settle it till all was nearly cold. Then we came to the agreement that we would let him ask, if he wanted any; for we feared particularly to go into his presence when he had been some time alone. And how isnt that nowt comed in fro th field, be this time? What is he about? girt idle seeght! demanded the old man, looking round for Heathcliff. Ill call him, I replied. Hes in the barn, Ive no doubt. I went and called, but got no answer. On returning, I whispered to Catherine that he had heard a good part of what she said, I was sure; and told how I saw him quit the kitchen just as she complained of her brothers conduct regarding him. She jumped up in a fine fright, flung Hareton on to the settle, and ran to seek for her friend herself; not taking leisure to consider why she was so flurried, or how her talk would have affected him. She was absent such a while that Joseph proposed we should wait no longer. He cunningly conjectured they were staying away in order to avoid hearing his protracted blessing. They were ill eneugh for ony fahl manners, he affirmed. And on their behalf he added that night a special prayer to the usual quarterofanhours supplication before meat, and would have tacked another to the end of the grace, had not his young mistress broken in upon him with a hurried command that he must run down the road, and, wherever Heathcliff had rambled, find and make him reenter directly! I want to speak to him, and I must, before I go upstairs, she said. And the gate is open he is somewhere out of hearing; for he would not reply, though I shouted at the top of the fold as loud as I could. Joseph objected at first; she was too much in earnest, however, to suffer contradiction; and at last he placed his hat on his head, and walked grumbling forth. Meantime, Catherine paced up and down the floor, exclaimingI wonder where he isI wonder where he can be! What did I say, Nelly? Ive forgotten. Was he vexed at my bad humour this afternoon? Dear! tell me what Ive said to grieve him? I do wish hed come. I do wish he would! What a noise for nothing! I cried, though rather uneasy myself. What a trifle scares you! Its surely no great cause of alarm that Heathcliff should take a moonlight saunter on the moors, or even lie too sulky to speak to us in the hayloft. Ill engage hes lurking there. See if I dont ferret him out! I departed to renew my search; its result was disappointment, and Josephs quest ended in the same. Yon lad gets war und war! observed he on reentering. Hes left th gate at t full swing, and Misss pony has trodden dahn two rigs o corn, and plottered through, raight oer into t meadow! Hahsomdiver, t maister ull play t devil tomorn, and hell do weel. Hes patience itsseln wi sich careless, offald craterspatience itsseln he is! Bud hell not be soa allusyahs see, all on ye! Yah munnt drive him out of his heead for nowt! Have you found Heathcliff, you ass? interrupted Catherine. Have you been looking for him, as I ordered? I sud more likker look for th horse, he replied. It ud be to more sense. Bud I can look for norther horse nur man of a neeght loike thisas black as t chimbley! und Heathcliffs noan t chap to coom at my whistlehappen hell be less hard o hearing wi ye! It was a very dark evening for summer the clouds appeared inclined to thunder, and I said we had better all sit down; the approaching rain would be certain to bring him home without further trouble. However, Catherine would not be persuaded into tranquillity. She kept wandering to and fro, from the gate to the door, in a state of agitation which permitted no repose; and at length took up a permanent situation on one side of the wall, near the road where, heedless of my expostulations and the growling thunder, and the great drops that began to plash around her, she remained, calling at intervals, and then listening, and then crying outright. She beat Hareton, or any child, at a good passionate fit of crying. About midnight, while we still sat up, the storm came rattling over the Heights in full fury. There was a violent wind, as well as thunder, and either one or the other split a tree off at the corner of the building a huge bough fell across the roof, and knocked down a portion of the east chimneystack, sending a clatter of stones and soot into the kitchenfire. We thought a bolt had fallen in the middle of us; and Joseph swung on to his knees, beseeching the Lord to remember the patriarchs Noah and Lot, and, as in former times, spare the righteous, though he smote the ungodly. I felt some sentiment that it must be a judgment on us also. The Jonah, in my mind, was Mr. Earnshaw; and I shook the handle of his den that I might ascertain if he were yet living. He replied audibly enough, in a fashion which made my companion vociferate, more clamorously than before, that a wide distinction might be drawn between saints like himself and sinners like his master. But the uproar passed away in twenty minutes, leaving us all unharmed; excepting Cathy, who got thoroughly drenched for her obstinacy in refusing to take shelter, and standing bonnetless and shawlless to catch as much water as she could with her hair and clothes. She came in and lay down on the settle, all soaked as she was, turning her face to the back, and putting her hands before it. Well, Miss! I exclaimed, touching her shoulder; you are not bent on getting your death, are you? Do you know what oclock it is? Halfpast twelve. Come, come to bed! theres no use waiting any longer on that foolish boy hell be gone to Gimmerton, and hell stay there now. He guesses we shouldnt wait for him till this late hour at least, he guesses that only Mr. Hindley would be up; and hed rather avoid having the door opened by the master. Nay, nay, hes noan at Gimmerton, said Joseph. Is niver wonder but hes at t bothom of a boghoile. This visitation wornt for nowt, and I wod hev ye to look out, Missyah muh be t next. Thank Hivin for all! All warks togither for gooid to them as is chozzen, and piked out fro th rubbidge! Yah knaw whet t Scripture ses. And he began quoting several texts, referring us to chapters and verses where we might find them. I, having vainly begged the wilful girl to rise and remove her wet things, left him preaching and her shivering, and betook myself to bed with little Hareton, who slept as fast as if everyone had been sleeping round him. I heard Joseph read on a while afterwards; then I distinguished his slow step on the ladder, and then I dropped asleep. Coming down somewhat later than usual, I saw, by the sunbeams piercing the chinks of the shutters, Miss Catherine still seated near the fireplace. The housedoor was ajar, too; light entered from its unclosed windows; Hindley had come out, and stood on the kitchen hearth, haggard and drowsy. What ails you, Cathy? he was saying when I entered you look as dismal as a drowned whelp. Why are you so damp and pale, child? Ive been wet, she answered reluctantly, and Im cold, thats all. Oh, she is naughty! I cried, perceiving the master to be tolerably sober. She got steeped in the shower of yesterday evening, and there she has sat the night through, and I couldnt prevail on her to stir. Mr. Earnshaw stared at us in surprise. The night through, he repeated. What kept her up? not fear of the thunder, surely? That was over hours since. Neither of us wished to mention Heathcliffs absence, as long as we could conceal it; so I replied, I didnt know how she took it into her head to sit up; and she said nothing. The morning was fresh and cool; I threw back the lattice, and presently the room filled with sweet scents from the garden; but Catherine called peevishly to me, Ellen, shut the window.


Im starving! And her teeth chattered as she shrank closer to the almost extinguished embers. Shes ill, said Hindley, taking her wrist; I suppose thats the reason she would not go to bed. Damn it! I dont want to be troubled with more sickness here. What took you into the rain? Running after t lads, as usuald! croaked Joseph, catching an opportunity from our hesitation to thrust in his evil tongue. If I war yah, maister, Id just slam t boards i their faces all on em, gentle and simple! Never a day ut yahre off, but yon cat o Linton comes sneaking hither; and Miss Nelly, shoos a fine lass! shoo sits watching for ye i t kitchen; and as yahre in at one door, hes out at tother; and, then, wer grand lady goes acourting of her side! Its bonny behaviour, lurking amang t fields, after twelve o t night, wi that fahl, flaysome divil of a gipsy, Heathcliff! They think Im blind; but Im noan nowt ut t soart!I seed young Linton boath coming and going, and I seed yah (directing his discourse to me), yah gooid fur nowt, slattenly witch! nip up and bolt into th house, t minute yah heard t maisters horsefit clatter up t road. Silence, eavesdropper! cried Catherine; none of your insolence before me! Edgar Linton came yesterday by chance, Hindley; and it was I who told him to be off because I knew you would not like to have met him as you were. You lie, Cathy, no doubt, answered her brother, and you are a confounded simpleton! But never mind Linton at present tell me, were you not with Heathcliff last night? Speak the truth, now. You need not be afraid of harming him though I hate him as much as ever, he did me a good turn a short time since that will make my conscience tender of breaking his neck. To prevent it, I shall send him about his business this very morning; and after hes gone, Id advise you all to look sharp I shall only have the more humour for you. I never saw Heathcliff last night, answered Catherine, beginning to sob bitterly and if you do turn him out of doors, Ill go with him. But, perhaps, youll never have an opportunity perhaps, hes gone. Here she burst into uncontrollable grief, and the remainder of her words were inarticulate. Hindley lavished on her a torrent of scornful abuse, and bade her get to her room immediately, or she shouldnt cry for nothing! I obliged her to obey; and I shall never forget what a scene she acted when we reached her chamber it terrified me. I thought she was going mad, and I begged Joseph to run for the doctor. It proved the commencement of delirium Mr. Kenneth, as soon as he saw her, pronounced her dangerously ill; she had a fever. He bled her, and he told me to let her live on whey and watergruel, and take care she did not throw herself downstairs or out of the window; and then he left for he had enough to do in the parish, where two or three miles was the ordinary distance between cottage and cottage. Though I cannot say I made a gentle nurse, and Joseph and the master were no better, and though our patient was as wearisome and headstrong as a patient could be, she weathered it through. Old Mrs. Linton paid us several visits, to be sure, and set things to rights, and scolded and ordered us all; and when Catherine was convalescent, she insisted on conveying her to Thrushcross Grange for which deliverance we were very grateful. But the poor dame had reason to repent of her kindness she and her husband both took the fever, and died within a few days of each other. Our young lady returned to us saucier and more passionate, and haughtier than ever. Heathcliff had never been heard of since the evening of the thunderstorm; and, one day, I had the misfortune, when she had provoked me exceedingly, to lay the blame of his disappearance on her where indeed it belonged, as she well knew. From that period, for several months, she ceased to hold any communication with me, save in the relation of a mere servant. Joseph fell under a ban also he would speak his mind, and lecture her all the same as if she were a little girl; and she esteemed herself a woman, and our mistress, and thought that her recent illness gave her a claim to be treated with consideration. Then the doctor had said that she would not bear crossing much; she ought to have her own way; and it was nothing less than murder in her eyes for anyone to presume to stand up and contradict her. From Mr. Earnshaw and his companions she kept aloof; and tutored by Kenneth, and serious threats of a fit that often attended her rages, her brother allowed her whatever she pleased to demand, and generally avoided aggravating her fiery temper. He was rather too indulgent in humouring her caprices; not from affection, but from pride he wished earnestly to see her bring honour to the family by an alliance with the Lintons, and as long as she let him alone she might trample on us like slaves, for aught he cared! Edgar Linton, as multitudes have been before and will be after him, was infatuated and believed himself the happiest man alive on the day he led her to Gimmerton Chapel, three years subsequent to his fathers death. Much against my inclination, I was persuaded to leave Wuthering Heights and accompany her here. Little Hareton was nearly five years old, and I had just begun to teach him his letters. We made a sad parting; but Catherines tears were more powerful than ours. When I refused to go, and when she found her entreaties did not move me, she went lamenting to her husband and brother. The former offered me munificent wages; the latter ordered me to pack up he wanted no women in the house, he said, now that there was no mistress; and as to Hareton, the curate should take him in hand, byandby. And so I had but one choice left to do as I was ordered. I told the master he got rid of all decent people only to run to ruin a little faster; I kissed Hareton, said goodbye; and since then he has been a stranger and its very queer to think it, but Ive no doubt he has completely forgotten all about Ellen Dean, and that he was ever more than all the world to her and she to him! At this point of the housekeepers story she chanced to glance towards the timepiece over the chimney; and was in amazement on seeing the minutehand measure halfpast one. She would not hear of staying a second longer in truth, I felt rather disposed to defer the sequel of her narrative myself. And now that she is vanished to her rest, and I have meditated for another hour or two, I shall summon courage to go also, in spite of aching laziness of head and limbs. X A charming introduction to a hermits life! Four weeks torture, tossing, and sickness! Oh, these bleak winds and bitter northern skies, and impassable roads, and dilatory country surgeons! And oh, this dearth of the human physiognomy! and, worse than all, the terrible intimation of Kenneth that I need not expect to be out of doors till spring! Mr. Heathcliff has just honoured me with a call. About seven days ago he sent me a brace of grousethe last of the season. Scoundrel! He is not altogether guiltless in this illness of mine; and that I had a great mind to tell him. But, alas! how could I offend a man who was charitable enough to sit at my bedside a good hour, and talk on some other subject than pills and draughts, blisters and leeches? This is quite an easy interval. I am too weak to read; yet I feel as if I could enjoy something interesting. Why not have up Mrs. Dean to finish her tale? I can recollect its chief incidents, as far as she had gone. Yes I remember her hero had run off, and never been heard of for three years; and the heroine was married. Ill ring shell be delighted to find me capable of talking cheerfully. Mrs. Dean came. It wants twenty minutes, sir, to taking the medicine, she commenced. Away, away with it! I replied; I desire to have The doctor says you must drop the powders. With all my heart! Dont interrupt me. Come and take your seat here. Keep your fingers from that bitter phalanx of vials. Draw your knitting out of your pocketthat will donow continue the history of Mr. Heathcliff, from where you left off, to the present day. Did he finish his education on the Continent, and come back a gentleman? or did he get a sizars place at college, or escape to America, and earn honours by drawing blood from his fostercountry? or make a fortune more promptly on the English highways? He may have done a little in all these vocations, Mr. Lockwood; but I couldnt give my word for any. I stated before that I didnt know how he gained his money; neither am I aware of the means he took to raise his mind from the savage ignorance into which it was sunk but, with your leave, Ill proceed in my own fashion, if you think it will amuse and not weary you. Are you feeling better this morning? Much. Thats good news. I got Miss Catherine and myself to Thrushcross Grange; and, to my agreeable disappointment, she behaved infinitely better than I dared to expect. She seemed almost overfond of Mr. Linton; and even to his sister she showed plenty of affection. They were both very attentive to her comfort, certainly. It was not the thorn bending to the honeysuckles, but the honeysuckles embracing the thorn. There were no mutual concessions one stood erect, and the others yielded and who can be illnatured and badtempered when they encounter neither opposition nor indifference? I observed that Mr. Edgar had a deeprooted fear of ruffling her humour. He concealed it from her; but if ever he heard me answer sharply, or saw any other servant grow cloudy at some imperious order of hers, he would show his trouble by a frown of displeasure that never darkened on his own account. He many a time spoke sternly to me about my pertness; and averred that the stab of a knife could not inflict a worse pang than he suffered at seeing his lady vexed. Not to grieve a kind master, I learned to be less touchy; and, for the space of half a year, the gunpowder lay as harmless as sand, because no fire came near to explode it. Catherine had seasons of gloom and silence now and then they were respected with sympathising silence by her husband, who ascribed them to an alteration in her constitution, produced by her perilous illness; as she was never subject to depression of spirits before. The return of sunshine was welcomed by answering sunshine from him. I believe I may assert that they were really in possession of deep and growing happiness. It ended. Well, we must be for ourselves in the long run; the mild and generous are only more justly selfish than the domineering; and it ended when circumstances caused each to feel that the ones interest was not the chief consideration in the others thoughts. On a mellow evening in September, I was coming from the garden with a heavy basket of apples which I had been gathering. It had got dusk, and the moon looked over the high wall of the court, causing undefined shadows to lurk in the corners of the numerous projecting portions of the building. I set my burden on the housesteps by the kitchendoor, and lingered to rest, and drew in a few more breaths of the soft, sweet air; my eyes were on the moon, and my back to the entrance, when I heard a voice behind me sayNelly, is that you? It was a deep voice, and foreign in tone; yet there was something in the manner of pronouncing my name which made it sound familiar. I turned about to discover who spoke, fearfully; for the doors were shut, and I had seen nobody on approaching the steps. Something stirred in the porch; and, moving nearer, I distinguished a tall man dressed in dark clothes, with dark face and hair. He leant against the side, and held his fingers on the latch as if intending to open for himself. Who can it be? I thought. Mr. Earnshaw? Oh, no! The voice has no resemblance to his. I have waited here an hour, he resumed, while I continued staring; and the whole of that time all round has been as still as death. I dared not enter. You do not know me? Look, Im not a stranger! A ray fell on his features; the cheeks were sallow, and half covered with black whiskers; the brows lowering, the eyes deepset and singular. I remembered the eyes. What! I cried, uncertain whether to regard him as a worldly visitor, and I raised my hands in amazement. What! you come back? Is it really you? Is it? Yes, Heathcliff, he replied, glancing from me up to the windows, which reflected a score of glittering moons, but showed no lights from within. Are they at home? where is she? Nelly, you are not glad! you neednt be so disturbed. Is she here? Speak! I want to have one word with heryour mistress. Go, and say some person from Gimmerton desires to see her. How will she take it? I exclaimed. What will she do? The surprise bewilders meit will put her out of her head! And you are Heathcliff! But altered! Nay, theres no comprehending it. Have you been for a soldier? Go and carry my message, he interrupted, impatiently. Im in hell till you do! He lifted the latch, and I entered; but when I got to the parlour where Mr. and Mrs. Linton were, I could not persuade myself to proceed. At length I resolved on making an excuse to ask if they would have the candles lighted, and I opened the door. They sat together in a window whose lattice lay back against the wall, and displayed, beyond the garden trees, and the wild green park, the valley of Gimmerton, with a long line of mist winding nearly to its top (for very soon after you pass the chapel, as you may have noticed, the sough that runs from the marshes joins a beck which follows the bend of the glen). Wuthering Heights rose above this silvery vapour; but our old house was invisible; it rather dips down on the other side. Both the room and its occupants, and the scene they gazed on, looked wondrously peaceful. I shrank reluctantly from performing my errand; and was actually going away leaving it unsaid, after having put my question about the candles, when a sense of my folly compelled me to return, and mutter, A person from Gimmerton wishes to see you maam. What does he want? asked Mrs. Linton. I did not question him, I answered. Well, close the curtains, Nelly, she said; and bring up tea. Ill be back again directly. She quitted the apartment; Mr. Edgar inquired, carelessly, who it was. Someone mistress does not expect, I replied. That Heathcliffyou recollect him, sirwho used to live at Mr. Earnshaws. What! The gipsythe ploughboy? he cried. Why did you not say so to Catherine? Hush! you must not call him by those names, master, I said. Shed be sadly grieved to hear you. She was nearly heartbroken when he ran off. I guess his return will make a jubilee to her. Mr. Linton walked to a window on the other side of the room that overlooked the court. He unfastened it, and leant out. I suppose they were below, for he exclaimed quickly Dont stand there, love! Bring the person in, if it be anyone particular. Ere long, I heard the click of the latch, and Catherine flew upstairs, breathless and wild; too excited to show gladness indeed, by her face, you would rather have surmised an awful calamity. Oh, Edgar, Edgar! she panted, flinging her arms round his neck. Oh, Edgar darling! Heathcliffs come backhe is! And she tightened her embrace to a squeeze. Well, well, cried her husband, crossly, dont strangle me for that! He never struck me as such a marvellous treasure. There is no need to be frantic! I know you didnt like him, she answered, repressing a little the intensity of her delight. Yet, for my sake, you must be friends now. Shall I tell him to come up? Here, he said, into the parlour? Where else? she asked. He looked vexed, and suggested the kitchen as a more suitable place for him. Mrs. Linton eyed him with a droll expressionhalf angry, half laughing at his fastidiousness. No, she added, after a while; I cannot sit in the kitchen. Set two tables here, Ellen one for your master and Miss Isabella, being gentry; the other for Heathcliff and myself, being of the lower orders. Will that please you, dear? Or must I have a fire lighted elsewhere? If so, give directions. Ill run down and secure my guest. Im afraid the joy is too great to be real! She was about to dart off again; but Edgar arrested her. You bid him step up, he said, addressing me; and, Catherine, try to be glad, without being absurd. The whole household need not witness the sight of your welcoming a runaway servant as a brother. I descended, and found Heathcliff waiting under the porch, evidently anticipating an invitation to enter. He followed my guidance without waste of words, and I ushered him into the presence of the master and mistress, whose flushed cheeks betrayed signs of warm talking. But the ladys glowed with another feeling when her friend appeared at the door she sprang forward, took both his hands, and led him to Linton; and then she seized Lintons reluctant fingers and crushed them into his. Now, fully revealed by the fire and candlelight, I was amazed, more than ever, to behold the transformation of Heathcliff. He had grown a tall, athletic, wellformed man; beside whom my master seemed quite slender and youthlike. His upright carriage suggested the idea of his having been in the army. His countenance was much older in expression and decision of feature than Mr. Lintons; it looked intelligent, and retained no marks of former degradation. A halfcivilised ferocity lurked yet in the depressed brows and eyes full of black fire, but it was subdued; and his manner was even dignified quite divested of roughness, though stern for grace. My masters surprise equalled or exceeded mine he remained for a minute at a loss how to address the ploughboy, as he had called him. Heathcliff dropped his slight hand, and stood looking at him coolly till he chose to speak. Sit down, sir, he said, at length. Mrs. Linton, recalling old times, would have me give you a cordial reception; and, of course, I am gratified when anything occurs to please her. And I also, answered Heathcliff, especially if it be anything in which I have a part. I shall stay an hour or two willingly. He took a seat opposite Catherine, who kept her gaze fixed on him as if she feared he would vanish were she to remove it. He did not raise his to her often a quick glance now and then sufficed; but it flashed back, each time more confidently, the undisguised delight he drank from hers. They were too much absorbed in their mutual joy to suffer embarrassment. Not so Mr. Edgar he grew pale with pure annoyance a feeling that reached its climax when his lady rose, and stepping across the rug, seized Heathcliffs hands again, and laughed like one beside herself. I shall think it a dream tomorrow! she cried. I shall not be able to believe that I have seen, and touched, and spoken to you once more. And yet, cruel Heathcliff! you dont deserve this welcome. To be absent and silent for three years, and never to think of me! A little more than you have thought of me, he murmured. I heard of your marriage, Cathy, not long since; and, while waiting in the yard below, I meditated this planjust to have one glimpse of your face, a stare of surprise, perhaps, and pretended pleasure; afterwards settle my score with Hindley; and then prevent the law by doing execution on myself. Your welcome has put these ideas out of my mind; but beware of meeting me with another aspect next time! Nay, youll not drive me off again. You were really sorry for me, were you? Well, there was cause. Ive fought through a bitter life since I last heard your voice; and you must forgive me, for I struggled only for you! Catherine, unless we are to have cold tea, please to come to the table, interrupted Linton, striving to preserve his ordinary tone, and a due measure of politeness. Mr. Heathcliff will have a long walk, wherever he may lodge tonight; and Im thirsty. She took her post before the urn; and Miss Isabella came, summoned by the bell; then, having handed their chairs forward, I left the room. The meal hardly endured ten minutes. Catherines cup was never filled she could neither eat nor drink. Edgar had made a slop in his saucer, and scarcely swallowed a mouthful. Their guest did not protract his stay that evening above an hour longer. I asked, as he departed, if he went to Gimmerton? No, to Wuthering Heights, he answered Mr. Earnshaw invited me, when I called this morning. Mr. Earnshaw invited him! and he called on Mr. Earnshaw! I pondered this sentence painfully, after he was gone. Is he turning out a bit of a hypocrite, and coming into the country to work mischief under a cloak? I mused I had a presentiment in the bottom of my heart that he had better have remained away. About the middle of the night, I was wakened from my first nap by Mrs. Linton gliding into my chamber, taking a seat on my bedside, and pulling me by the hair to rouse me. I cannot rest, Ellen, she said, by way of apology. And I want some living creature to keep me company in my happiness! Edgar is sulky, because Im glad of a thing that does not interest him he refuses to open his mouth, except to utter pettish, silly speeches; and he affirmed I was cruel and selfish for wishing to talk when he was so sick and sleepy. He always contrives to be sick at the least cross! I gave a few sentences of commendation to Heathcliff, and he, either for a headache or a pang of envy, began to cry so I got up and left him. What use is it praising Heathcliff to him? I answered. As lads they had an aversion to each other, and Heathcliff would hate just as much to hear him praised its human nature. Let Mr. Linton alone about him, unless you would like an open quarrel between them. But does it not show great weakness? pursued she. Im not envious I never feel hurt at the brightness of Isabellas yellow hair and the whiteness of her skin, at her dainty elegance, and the fondness all the family exhibit for her. Even you, Nelly, if we have a dispute sometimes, you back Isabella at once; and I yield like a foolish mother I call her a darling, and flatter her into a good temper. It pleases her brother to see us cordial, and that pleases me. But they are very much alike they are spoiled children, and fancy the world was made for their accommodation; and though I humour both, I think a smart chastisement might improve them all the same. Youre mistaken, Mrs. Linton, said I. They humour you I know what there would be to do if they did not. You can well afford to indulge their passing whims as long as their business is to anticipate all your desires. You may, however, fall out, at last, over something of equal consequence to both sides; and then those you term weak are very capable of being as obstinate as you. And then we shall fight to the death, shant we, Nelly? she returned, laughing. No! I tell you, I have such faith in Lintons love, that I believe I might kill him, and he wouldnt wish to retaliate. I advised her to value him the more for his affection. I do, she answered, but he neednt resort to whining for trifles. It is childish and, instead of melting into tears because I said that Heathcliff was now worthy of anyones regard, and it would honour the first gentleman in the country to be his friend, he ought to have said it for me, and been delighted from sympathy. He must get accustomed to him, and he may as well like him considering how Heathcliff has reason to object to him, Im sure he behaved excellently! What do you think of his going to Wuthering Heights? I inquired. He is reformed in every respect, apparently quite a Christian offering the right hand of fellowship to his enemies all around! He explained it, she replied. I wonder as much as you. He said he called to gather information concerning me from you, supposing you resided there still; and Joseph told Hindley, who came out and fell to questioning him of what he had been doing, and how he had been living; and finally, desired him to walk in. There were some persons sitting at cards; Heathcliff joined them; my brother lost some money to him, and, finding him plentifully supplied, he requested that he would come again in the evening to which he consented. Hindley is too reckless to select his acquaintance prudently he doesnt trouble himself to reflect on the causes he might have for mistrusting one whom he has basely injured. But Heathcliff affirms his principal reason for resuming a connection with his ancient persecutor is a wish to install himself in quarters at walking distance from the Grange, and an attachment to the house where we lived together; and likewise a hope that I shall have more opportunities of seeing him there than I could have if he settled in Gimmerton. He means to offer liberal payment for permission to lodge at the Heights; and doubtless my brothers covetousness will prompt him to accept the terms he was always greedy; though what he grasps with one hand he flings away with the other. Its a nice place for a young man to fix his dwelling in! said I. Have you no fear of the consequences, Mrs. Linton? None for my friend, she replied his strong head will keep him from danger; a little for Hindley but he cant be made morally worse than he is; and I stand between him and bodily harm. The event of this evening has reconciled me to God and humanity! I had risen in angry rebellion against Providence. Oh, Ive endured very, very bitter misery, Nelly! If that creature knew how bitter, hed be ashamed to cloud its removal with idle petulance. It was kindness for him which induced me to bear it alone had I expressed the agony I frequently felt, he would have been taught to long for its alleviation as ardently as I. However, its over, and Ill take no revenge on his folly; I can afford to suffer anything hereafter! Should the meanest thing alive slap me on the cheek, Id not only turn the other, but Id ask pardon for provoking it; and, as a proof, Ill go make my peace with Edgar instantly. Good night! Im an angel! In this selfcomplacent conviction she departed; and the success of her fulfilled resolution was obvious on the morrow Mr. Linton had not only abjured his peevishness (though his spirits seemed still subdued by Catherines exuberance of vivacity), but he ventured no objection to her taking Isabella with her to Wuthering Heights in the afternoon; and she rewarded him with such a summer of sweetness and affection in return as made the house a paradise for several days; both master and servants profiting from the perpetual sunshine. HeathcliffMr. Heathcliff I should say in futureused the liberty of visiting at Thrushcross Grange cautiously, at first he seemed estimating how far its owner would bear his intrusion. Catherine, also, deemed it judicious to moderate her expressions of pleasure in receiving him; and he gradually established his right to be expected. He retained a great deal of the reserve for which his boyhood was remarkable; and that served to repress all startling demonstrations of feeling. My masters uneasiness experienced a lull, and further circumstances diverted it into another channel for a space. His new source of trouble sprang from the not anticipated misfortune of Isabella Linton evincing a sudden and irresistible attraction towards the tolerated guest. She was at that time a charming young lady of eighteen; infantile in manners, though possessed of keen wit, keen feelings, and a keen temper, too, if irritated. Her brother, who loved her tenderly, was appalled at this fantastic preference. Leaving aside the degradation of an alliance with a nameless man, and the possible fact that his property, in default of heirs male, might pass into such a ones power, he had sense to comprehend Heathcliffs disposition to know that, though his exterior was altered, his mind was unchangeable and unchanged. And he dreaded that mind it revolted him he shrank forebodingly from the idea of committing Isabella to its keeping. He would have recoiled still more had he been aware that her attachment rose unsolicited, and was bestowed where it awakened no reciprocation of sentiment; for the minute he discovered its existence he laid the blame on Heathcliffs deliberate designing. We had all remarked, during some time, that Miss Linton fretted and pined over something. She grew cross and wearisome; snapping at and teasing Catherine continually, at the imminent risk of exhausting her limited patience. We excused her, to a certain extent, on the plea of illhealth she was dwindling and fading before our eyes. But one day, when she had been peculiarly wayward, rejecting her breakfast, complaining that the servants did not do what she told them; that the mistress would allow her to be nothing in the house, and Edgar neglected her; that she had caught a cold with the doors being left open, and we let the parlour fire go out on purpose to vex her, with a hundred yet more frivolous accusations, Mrs. Linton peremptorily insisted that she should get to bed; and, having scolded her heartily, threatened to send for the doctor. Mention of Kenneth caused her to exclaim, instantly, that her health was perfect, and it was only Catherines harshness which made her unhappy. How can you say I am harsh, you naughty fondling? cried the mistress, amazed at the unreasonable assertion. You are surely losing your reason. When have I been harsh, tell me? Yesterday, sobbed Isabella, and now! Yesterday! said her sisterinlaw. On what occasion? In our walk along the moor you told me to ramble where I pleased, while you sauntered on with Mr. Heathcliff! And thats your notion of harshness? said Catherine, laughing. It was no hint that your company was superfluous? We didnt care whether you kept with us or not; I merely thought Heathcliffs talk would have nothing entertaining for your ears. Oh, no, wept the young lady; you wished me away, because you knew I liked to be there! Is she sane? asked Mrs. Linton, appealing to me. Ill repeat our conversation, word for word, Isabella; and you point out any charm it could have had for you. I dont mind the conversation, she answered I wanted to be with Well? said Catherine, perceiving her hesitate to complete the sentence. With him and I wont be always sent off! she continued, kindling up. You are a dog in the manger, Cathy, and desire no one to be loved but yourself! You are an impertinent little monkey! exclaimed Mrs. Linton, in surprise. But Ill not believe this idiocy! It is impossible that you can covet the admiration of Heathcliffthat you consider him an agreeable person! I hope I have misunderstood you, Isabella? No, you have not, said the infatuated girl. I love him more than ever you loved Edgar, and he might love me, if you would let him! I wouldnt be you for a kingdom, then! Catherine declared, emphatically and she seemed to speak sincerely. Nelly, help me to convince her of her madness. Tell her what Heathcliff is an unreclaimed creature, without refinement, without cultivation; an arid wilderness of furze and whinstone. Id as soon put that little canary into the park on a winters day, as recommend you to bestow your heart on him! It is deplorable ignorance of his character, child, and nothing else, which makes that dream enter your head. Pray, dont imagine that he conceals depths of benevolence and affection beneath a stern exterior! Hes not a rough diamonda pearlcontaining oyster of a rustic hes a fierce, pitiless, wolfish man. I never say to him, Let this or that enemy alone, because it would be ungenerous or cruel to harm them; I say, Let them alone, because I should hate them to be wronged and hed crush you like a sparrows egg, Isabella, if he found you a troublesome charge. I know he couldnt love a Linton; and yet hed be quite capable of marrying your fortune and expectations avarice is growing with him a besetting sin. Theres my picture and Im his friendso much so, that had he thought seriously to catch you, I should, perhaps, have held my tongue, and let you fall into his trap. Miss Linton regarded her sisterinlaw with indignation. For shame! for shame! she repeated, angrily.


You are worse than twenty foes, you poisonous friend! Ah! you wont believe me, then? said Catherine. You think I speak from wicked selfishness? Im certain you do, retorted Isabella; and I shudder at you! Good! cried the other. Try for yourself, if that be your spirit I have done, and yield the argument to your saucy insolence. And I must suffer for her egotism! she sobbed, as Mrs. Linton left the room. All, all is against me she has blighted my single consolation. But she uttered falsehoods, didnt she? Mr. Heathcliff is not a fiend he has an honourable soul, and a true one, or how could he remember her? Banish him from your thoughts, Miss, I said. Hes a bird of bad omen no mate for you. Mrs. Linton spoke strongly, and yet I cant contradict her. She is better acquainted with his heart than I, or anyone besides; and she never would represent him as worse than he is. Honest people dont hide their deeds. How has he been living? how has he got rich? why is he staying at Wuthering Heights, the house of a man whom he abhors? They say Mr. Earnshaw is worse and worse since he came. They sit up all night together continually, and Hindley has been borrowing money on his land, and does nothing but play and drink I heard only a week agoit was Joseph who told meI met him at Gimmerton.  Nelly, he said, wes hae a crowners quest enow, at ahr folks. One on em s amost getten his finger cut off wi hauding t other fro stickin hisseln loike a cawlf. Thats maister, yeah knaw, at s soa up o going tuh t grand sizes. Hes noan feared o t bench o judges, norther Paul, nur Peter, nur John, nur Matthew, nor noan on em, not he! He fair likeshe langs to set his brazened face agean em! And yon bonny lad Heathcliff, yah mind, hes a rare un. He can girn a laugh as well s onybody at a raight divils jest. Does he niver say nowt of his fine living amang us, when he goes to t Grange? This is t way on tup at sundown dice, brandy, cloised shutters, und canlelight till next day at noon then, tfooil gangs banning und raving to his chamer, makking dacent fowks dig thur fingers i thur lugs fur varry shame; un the knave, why he can caint his brass, un ate, un sleep, un off to his neighbours to gossip wi t wife. I course, he tells Dame Catherine how her fathurs goold runs into his pocket, and her fathurs son gallops down t broad road, while he flees afore to oppen t pikes! Now, Miss Linton, Joseph is an old rascal, but no liar; and, if his account of Heathcliffs conduct be true, you would never think of desiring such a husband, would you? You are leagued with the rest, Ellen! she replied. Ill not listen to your slanders. What malevolence you must have to wish to convince me that there is no happiness in the world! Whether she would have got over this fancy if left to herself, or persevered in nursing it perpetually, I cannot say she had little time to reflect. The day after, there was a justicemeeting at the next town; my master was obliged to attend; and Mr. Heathcliff, aware of his absence, called rather earlier than usual. Catherine and Isabella were sitting in the library, on hostile terms, but silent the latter alarmed at her recent indiscretion, and the disclosure she had made of her secret feelings in a transient fit of passion; the former, on mature consideration, really offended with her companion; and, if she laughed again at her pertness, inclined to make it no laughing matter to her. She did laugh as she saw Heathcliff pass the window. I was sweeping the hearth, and I noticed a mischievous smile on her lips. Isabella, absorbed in her meditations, or a book, remained till the door opened; and it was too late to attempt an escape, which she would gladly have done had it been practicable. Come in, thats right! exclaimed the mistress, gaily, pulling a chair to the fire. Here are two people sadly in need of a third to thaw the ice between them; and you are the very one we should both of us choose. Heathcliff, Im proud to show you, at last, somebody that dotes on you more than myself. I expect you to feel flattered. Nay, its not Nelly; dont look at her! My poor little sisterinlaw is breaking her heart by mere contemplation of your physical and moral beauty. It lies in your own power to be Edgars brother! No, no, Isabella, you shant run off, she continued, arresting, with feigned playfulness, the confounded girl, who had risen indignantly. We were quarrelling like cats about you, Heathcliff; and I was fairly beaten in protestations of devotion and admiration and, moreover, I was informed that if I would but have the manners to stand aside, my rival, as she will have herself to be, would shoot a shaft into your soul that would fix you forever, and send my image into eternal oblivion! Catherine! said Isabella, calling up her dignity, and disdaining to struggle from the tight grasp that held her, Id thank you to adhere to the truth and not slander me, even in joke! Mr. Heathcliff, be kind enough to bid this friend of yours release me she forgets that you and I are not intimate acquaintances; and what amuses her is painful to me beyond expression. As the guest answered nothing, but took his seat, and looked thoroughly indifferent what sentiments she cherished concerning him, she turned and whispered an earnest appeal for liberty to her tormentor. By no means! cried Mrs. Linton in answer. I wont be named a dog in the manger again. You shall stay now then! Heathcliff, why dont you evince satisfaction at my pleasant news? Isabella swears that the love Edgar has for me is nothing to that she entertains for you. Im sure she made some speech of the kind; did she not, Ellen? And she has fasted ever since the day before yesterdays walk, from sorrow and rage that I despatched her out of your society under the idea of its being unacceptable. I think you belie her, said Heathcliff, twisting his chair to face them. She wishes to be out of my society now, at any rate! And he stared hard at the object of discourse, as one might do at a strange repulsive animal a centipede from the Indies, for instance, which curiosity leads one to examine in spite of the aversion it raises. The poor thing couldnt bear that; she grew white and red in rapid succession, and, while tears beaded her lashes, bent the strength of her small fingers to loosen the firm clutch of Catherine; and perceiving that as fast as she raised one finger off her arm another closed down, and she could not remove the whole together, she began to make use of her nails; and their sharpness presently ornamented the detainers with crescents of red. Theres a tigress! exclaimed Mrs. Linton, setting her free, and shaking her hand with pain. Begone, for Gods sake, and hide your vixen face! How foolish to reveal those talons to him. Cant you fancy the conclusions hell draw? Look, Heathcliff! they are instruments that will do executionyou must beware of your eyes. Id wrench them off her fingers, if they ever menaced me, he answered, brutally, when the door had closed after her. But what did you mean by teasing the creature in that manner, Cathy? You were not speaking the truth, were you? I assure you I was, she returned. She has been dying for your sake several weeks, and raving about you this morning, and pouring forth a deluge of abuse, because I represented your failings in a plain light, for the purpose of mitigating her adoration. But dont notice it further I wished to punish her sauciness, thats all. I like her too well, my dear Heathcliff, to let you absolutely seize and devour her up. And I like her too ill to attempt it, said he, except in a very ghoulish fashion. Youd hear of odd things if I lived alone with that mawkish, waxen face the most ordinary would be painting on its white the colours of the rainbow, and turning the blue eyes black, every day or two they detestably resemble Lintons. Delectably! observed Catherine. They are doves eyesangels! Shes her brothers heir, is she not? he asked, after a brief silence. I should be sorry to think so, returned his companion. Half a dozen nephews shall erase her title, please heaven! Abstract your mind from the subject at present you are too prone to covet your neighbours goods; remember this neighbours goods are mine. If they were mine, they would be none the less that, said Heathcliff; but though Isabella Linton may be silly, she is scarcely mad; and, in short, well dismiss the matter, as you advise. From their tongues they did dismiss it; and Catherine, probably, from her thoughts. The other, I felt certain, recalled it often in the course of the evening. I saw him smile to himselfgrin ratherand lapse into ominous musing whenever Mrs. Linton had occasion to be absent from the apartment. I determined to watch his movements. My heart invariably cleaved to the masters, in preference to Catherines side with reason I imagined, for he was kind, and trustful, and honourable; and sheshe could not be called opposite, yet she seemed to allow herself such wide latitude, that I had little faith in her principles, and still less sympathy for her feelings. I wanted something to happen which might have the effect of freeing both Wuthering Heights and the Grange of Mr. Heathcliff quietly; leaving us as we had been prior to his advent. His visits were a continual nightmare to me; and, I suspected, to my master also. His abode at the Heights was an oppression past explaining. I felt that God had forsaken the stray sheep there to its own wicked wanderings, and an evil beast prowled between it and the fold, waiting his time to spring and destroy. XI Sometimes, while meditating on these things in solitude, Ive got up in a sudden terror, and put on my bonnet to go see how all was at the farm. Ive persuaded my conscience that it was a duty to warn him how people talked regarding his ways; and then Ive recollected his confirmed bad habits, and, hopeless of benefiting him, have flinched from reentering the dismal house, doubting if I could bear to be taken at my word. One time I passed the old gate, going out of my way, on a journey to Gimmerton. It was about the period that my narrative has reached a bright frosty afternoon; the ground bare, and the road hard and dry. I came to a stone where the highway branches off on to the moor at your left hand; a rough sandpillar, with the letters W.H. cut on its north side, on the east, G., and on the southwest, T.G. It serves as a guidepost to the Grange, the Heights, and village. The sun shone yellow on its grey head, reminding me of summer; and I cannot say why, but all at once a gush of childs sensations flowed into my heart. Hindley and I held it a favourite spot twenty years before. I gazed long at the weatherworn block; and, stooping down, perceived a hole near the bottom still full of snailshells and pebbles, which we were fond of storing there with more perishable things; and, as fresh as reality, it appeared that I beheld my early playmate seated on the withered turf his dark, square head bent forward, and his little hand scooping out the earth with a piece of slate. Poor Hindley! I exclaimed, involuntarily. I started my bodily eye was cheated into a momentary belief that the child lifted its face and stared straight into mine! It vanished in a twinkling; but immediately I felt an irresistible yearning to be at the Heights. Superstition urged me to comply with this impulse supposing he should be dead! I thoughtor should die soon!supposing it were a sign of death! The nearer I got to the house the more agitated I grew; and on catching sight of it I trembled in every limb. The apparition had outstripped me it stood looking through the gate. That was my first idea on observing an elflocked, browneyed boy setting his ruddy countenance against the bars. Further reflection suggested this must be Hareton, my Hareton, not altered greatly since I left him, ten months since. God bless thee, darling! I cried, forgetting instantaneously my foolish fears. Hareton, its Nelly! Nelly, thy nurse. He retreated out of arms length, and picked up a large flint. I am come to see thy father, Hareton, I added, guessing from the action that Nelly, if she lived in his memory at all, was not recognised as one with me. He raised his missile to hurl it; I commenced a soothing speech, but could not stay his hand the stone struck my bonnet; and then ensued, from the stammering lips of the little fellow, a string of curses, which, whether he comprehended them or not, were delivered with practised emphasis, and distorted his baby features into a shocking expression of malignity. You may be certain this grieved more than angered me. Fit to cry, I took an orange from my pocket, and offered it to propitiate him. He hesitated, and then snatched it from my hold; as if he fancied I only intended to tempt and disappoint him. I showed another, keeping it out of his reach. Who has taught you those fine words, my bairn? I inquired. The curate? Damn the curate, and thee! Gie me that, he replied. Tell us where you got your lessons, and you shall have it, said I. Whos your master? Devil daddy, was his answer. And what do you learn from daddy? I continued. He jumped at the fruit; I raised it higher. What does he teach you? I asked. Naught, said he, but to keep out of his gait. Daddy cannot bide me, because I swear at him. Ah! and the devil teaches you to swear at daddy? I observed. Aynay, he drawled. Who, then? Heathcliff. I asked if he liked Mr. Heathcliff. Ay! he answered again. Desiring to have his reasons for liking him, I could only gather the sentencesI knownt he pays dad back what he gies to mehe curses daddy for cursing me. He says I mun do as I will. And the curate does not teach you to read and write, then? I pursued. No, I was told the curate should have his  teeth dashed down his  throat, if he stepped over the thresholdHeathcliff had promised that! I put the orange in his hand, and bade him tell his father that a woman called Nelly Dean was waiting to speak with him, by the garden gate. He went up the walk, and entered the house; but, instead of Hindley, Heathcliff appeared on the doorstones; and I turned directly and ran down the road as hard as ever I could race, making no halt till I gained the guidepost, and feeling as scared as if I had raised a goblin. This is not much connected with Miss Isabellas affair except that it urged me to resolve further on mounting vigilant guard, and doing my utmost to check the spread of such bad influence at the Grange even though I should wake a domestic storm, by thwarting Mrs. Lintons pleasure. The next time Heathcliff came my young lady chanced to be feeding some pigeons in the court. She had never spoken a word to her sisterinlaw for three days; but she had likewise dropped her fretful complaining, and we found it a great comfort. Heathcliff had not the habit of bestowing a single unnecessary civility on Miss Linton, I knew. Now, as soon as he beheld her, his first precaution was to take a sweeping survey of the housefront. I was standing by the kitchenwindow, but I drew out of sight. He then stepped across the pavement to her, and said something she seemed embarrassed, and desirous of getting away; to prevent it, he laid his hand on her arm. She averted her face he apparently put some question which she had no mind to answer. There was another rapid glance at the house, and supposing himself unseen, the scoundrel had the impudence to embrace her. Judas! Traitor! I ejaculated. You are a hypocrite, too, are you? A deliberate deceiver. Who is, Nelly? said Catherines voice at my elbow I had been overintent on watching the pair outside to mark her entrance. Your worthless friend! I answered, warmly the sneaking rascal yonder. Ah, he has caught a glimpse of ushe is coming in! I wonder will he have the heart to find a plausible excuse for making love to Miss, when he told you he hated her? Mrs. Linton saw Isabella tear herself free, and run into the garden; and a minute after, Heathcliff opened the door. I couldnt withhold giving some loose to my indignation; but Catherine angrily insisted on silence, and threatened to order me out of the kitchen, if I dared to be so presumptuous as to put in my insolent tongue. To hear you, people might think you were the mistress! she cried. You want setting down in your right place! Heathcliff, what are you about, raising this stir? I said you must let Isabella alone!I beg you will, unless you are tired of being received here, and wish Linton to draw the bolts against you! God forbid that he should try! answered the black villain. I detested him just then. God keep him meek and patient! Every day I grow madder after sending him to heaven! Hush! said Catherine, shutting the inner door! Dont vex me. Why have you disregarded my request? Did she come across you on purpose? What is it to you? he growled. I have a right to kiss her, if she chooses; and you have no right to object. I am not your husband you neednt be jealous of me! Im not jealous of you, replied the mistress; Im jealous for you. Clear your face you shant scowl at me! If you like Isabella, you shall marry her. But do you like her? Tell the truth, Heathcliff! There, you wont answer. Im certain you dont. And would Mr. Linton approve of his sister marrying that man? I inquired. Mr. Linton should approve, returned my lady, decisively. He might spare himself the trouble, said Heathcliff I could do as well without his approbation. And as to you, Catherine, I have a mind to speak a few words now, while we are at it. I want you to be aware that I know you have treated me infernallyinfernally! Do you hear? And if you flatter yourself that I dont perceive it, you are a fool; and if you think I can be consoled by sweet words, you are an idiot and if you fancy Ill suffer unrevenged, Ill convince you of the contrary, in a very little while! Meantime, thank you for telling me your sisterinlaws secret I swear Ill make the most of it. And stand you aside! What new phase of his character is this? exclaimed Mrs. Linton, in amazement. Ive treated you infernallyand youll take your revenge! How will you take it, ungrateful brute? How have I treated you infernally? I seek no revenge on you, replied Heathcliff, less vehemently. Thats not the plan. The tyrant grinds down his slaves and they dont turn against him; they crush those beneath them. You are welcome to torture me to death for your amusement, only allow me to amuse myself a little in the same style, and refrain from insult as much as you are able. Having levelled my palace, dont erect a hovel and complacently admire your own charity in giving me that for a home. If I imagined you really wished me to marry Isabel, Id cut my throat! Oh, the evil is that I am not jealous, is it? cried Catherine. Well, I wont repeat my offer of a wife it is as bad as offering Satan a lost soul. Your bliss lies, like his, in inflicting misery. You prove it. Edgar is restored from the illtemper he gave way to at your coming; I begin to be secure and tranquil; and you, restless to know us at peace, appear resolved on exciting a quarrel. Quarrel with Edgar, if you please, Heathcliff, and deceive his sister youll hit on exactly the most efficient method of revenging yourself on me. The conversation ceased. Mrs. Linton sat down by the fire, flushed and gloomy. The spirit which served her was growing intractable she could neither lay nor control it. He stood on the hearth with folded arms, brooding on his evil thoughts; and in this position I left them to seek the master, who was wondering what kept Catherine below so long. Ellen, said he, when I entered, have you seen your mistress? Yes; shes in the kitchen, sir, I answered. Shes sadly put out by Mr. Heathcliffs behaviour and, indeed, I do think its time to arrange his visits on another footing. Theres harm in being too soft, and now its come to this. And I related the scene in the court, and, as near as I dared, the whole subsequent dispute. I fancied it could not be very prejudicial to Mrs. Linton; unless she made it so afterwards, by assuming the defensive for her guest. Edgar Linton had difficulty in hearing me to the close. His first words revealed that he did not clear his wife of blame. This is insufferable! he exclaimed. It is disgraceful that she should own him for a friend, and force his company on me! Call me two men out of the hall, Ellen. Catherine shall linger no longer to argue with the low ruffianI have humoured her enough. He descended, and bidding the servants wait in the passage, went, followed by me, to the kitchen. Its occupants had recommenced their angry discussion Mrs. Linton, at least, was scolding with renewed vigour; Heathcliff had moved to the window, and hung his head, somewhat cowed by her violent rating apparently. He saw the master first, and made a hasty motion that she should be silent; which she obeyed, abruptly, on discovering the reason of his intimation. How is this? said Linton, addressing her; what notion of propriety must you have to remain here, after the language which has been held to you by that blackguard? I suppose, because it is his ordinary talk you think nothing of it you are habituated to his baseness, and, perhaps, imagine I can get used to it too! Have you been listening at the door, Edgar? asked the mistress, in a tone particularly calculated to provoke her husband, implying both carelessness and contempt of his irritation. Heathcliff, who had raised his eyes at the former speech, gave a sneering laugh at the latter; on purpose, it seemed, to draw Mr. Lintons attention to him. He succeeded; but Edgar did not mean to entertain him with any high flights of passion. Ive been so far forbearing with you, sir, he said quietly; not that I was ignorant of your miserable, degraded character, but I felt you were only partly responsible for that; and Catherine wishing to keep up your acquaintance, I acquiescedfoolishly. Your presence is a moral poison that would contaminate the most virtuous for that cause, and to prevent worse consequences, I shall deny you hereafter admission into this house, and give notice now that I require your instant departure. Three minutes delay will render it involuntary and ignominious. Heathcliff measured the height and breadth of the speaker with an eye full of derision. Cathy, this lamb of yours threatens like a bull! he said. It is in danger of splitting its skull against my knuckles. By God! Mr. Linton, Im mortally sorry that you are not worth knocking down! My master glanced towards the passage, and signed me to fetch the men he had no intention of hazarding a personal encounter. I obeyed the hint; but Mrs. Linton, suspecting something, followed; and when I attempted to call them, she pulled me back, slammed the door to, and locked it. Fair means! she said, in answer to her husbands look of angry surprise. If you have not courage to attack him, make an apology, or allow yourself to be beaten. It will correct you of feigning more valour than you possess. No, Ill swallow the key before you shall get it! Im delightfully rewarded for my kindness to each! After constant indulgence of ones weak nature, and the others bad one, I earn for thanks two samples of blind ingratitude, stupid to absurdity! Edgar, I was defending you and yours; and I wish Heathcliff may flog you sick, for daring to think an evil thought of me! It did not need the medium of a flogging to produce that effect on the master. He tried to wrest the key from Catherines grasp, and for safety she flung it into the hottest part of the fire; whereupon Mr. Edgar was taken with a nervous trembling, and his countenance grew deadly pale. For his life he could not avert that excess of emotion mingled anguish and humiliation overcame him completely. He leant on the back of a chair, and covered his face. Oh, heavens! In old days this would win you knighthood! exclaimed Mrs. Linton. We are vanquished! we are vanquished! Heathcliff would as soon lift a finger at you as the king would march his army against a colony of mice. Cheer up! you shant be hurt! Your type is not a lamb, its a sucking leveret. I wish you joy of the milkblooded coward, Cathy! said her friend. I compliment you on your taste. And that is the slavering, shivering thing you preferred to me! I would not strike him with my fist, but Id kick him with my foot, and experience considerable satisfaction. Is he weeping, or is he going to faint for fear? The fellow approached and gave the chair on which Linton rested a push. Hed better have kept his distance my master quickly sprang erect, and struck him full on the throat a blow that would have levelled a slighter man. It took his breath for a minute; and while he choked, Mr. Linton walked out by the back door into the yard, and from thence to the front entrance. There! youve done with coming here, cried Catherine. Get away, now; hell return with a brace of pistols and halfadozen assistants. If he did overhear us, of course hed never forgive you. Youve played me an ill turn, Heathcliff! But gomake haste! Id rather see Edgar at bay than you. Do you suppose Im going with that blow burning in my gullet? he thundered. By hell, no! Ill crush his ribs in like a rotten hazelnut before I cross the threshold! If I dont floor him now, I shall murder him some time; so, as you value his existence, let me get at him! He is not coming, I interposed, framing a bit of a lie. Theres the coachman and the two gardeners; youll surely not wait to be thrust into the road by them! Each has a bludgeon; and master will, very likely, be watching from the parlourwindows to see that they fulfil his orders. The gardeners and coachman were there but Linton was with them. They had already entered the court. Heathcliff, on the second thoughts, resolved to avoid a struggle against three underlings he seized the poker, smashed the lock from the inner door, and made his escape as they tramped in. Mrs. Linton, who was very much excited, bade me accompany her upstairs. She did not know my share in contributing to the disturbance, and I was anxious to keep her in ignorance. Im nearly distracted, Nelly! she exclaimed, throwing herself on the sofa. A thousand smiths hammers are beating in my head! Tell Isabella to shun me; this uproar is owing to her; and should she or anyone else aggravate my anger at present, I shall get wild. And, Nelly, say to Edgar, if you see him again tonight, that Im in danger of being seriously ill. I wish it may prove true. He has startled and distressed me shockingly! I want to frighten him. Besides, he might come and begin a string of abuse or complainings; Im certain I should recriminate, and God knows where we should end! Will you do so, my good Nelly? You are aware that I am no way blamable in this matter. What possessed him to turn listener? Heathcliffs talk was outrageous, after you left us; but I could soon have diverted him from Isabella, and the rest meant nothing. Now all is dashed wrong; by the fools craving to hear evil of self, that haunts some people like a demon! Had Edgar never gathered our conversation, he would never have been the worse for it. Really, when he opened on me in that unreasonable tone of displeasure after I had scolded Heathcliff till I was hoarse for him, I did not care hardly what they did to each other; especially as I felt that, however the scene closed, we should all be driven asunder for nobody knows how long! Well, if I cannot keep Heathcliff for my friendif Edgar will be mean and jealous, Ill try to break their hearts by breaking my own. That will be a prompt way of finishing all, when I am pushed to extremity! But its a deed to be reserved for a forlorn hope; Id not take Linton by surprise with it. To this point he has been discreet in dreading to provoke me; you must represent the peril of quitting that policy, and remind him of my passionate temper, verging, when kindled, on frenzy. I wish you could dismiss that apathy out of that countenance, and look rather more anxious about me. The stolidity with which I received these instructions was, no doubt, rather exasperating for they were delivered in perfect sincerity; but I believed a person who could plan the turning of her fits of passion to account, beforehand, might, by exerting her will, manage to control herself tolerably, even while under their influence; and I did not wish to frighten her husband, as she said, and multiply his annoyances for the purpose of serving her selfishness. Therefore I said nothing when I met the master coming towards the parlour; but I took the liberty of turning back to listen whether they would resume their quarrel together. He began to speak first. Remain where you are, Catherine, he said; without any anger in his voice, but with much sorrowful despondency. I shall not stay. I am neither come to wrangle nor be reconciled; but I wish just to learn whether, after this evenings events, you intend to continue your intimacy with Oh, for mercys sake, interrupted the mistress, stamping her foot, for mercys sake, let us hear no more of it now! Your cold blood cannot be worked into a fever your veins are full of icewater; but mine are boiling, and the sight of such chillness makes them dance. To get rid of me, answer my question, persevered Mr. Linton. You must answer it; and that violence does not alarm me. I have found that you can be as stoical as anyone, when you please. Will you give up Heathcliff hereafter, or will you give up me? It is impossible for you to be my friend and his at the same time; and I absolutely require to know which you choose. I require to be let alone! exclaimed Catherine, furiously. I demand it! Dont you see I can scarcely stand? Edgar, youyou leave me! She rang the bell till it broke with a twang; I entered leisurely. It was enough to try the temper of a saint, such senseless, wicked rages! There she lay dashing her head against the arm of the sofa, and grinding her teeth, so that you might fancy she would crash them to splinters! Mr. Linton stood looking at her in sudden compunction and fear. He told me to fetch some water. She had no breath for speaking. I brought a glass full; and as she would not drink, I sprinkled it on her face. In a few seconds she stretched herself out stiff, and turned up her eyes, while her cheeks, at once blanched and livid, assumed the aspect of death. Linton looked terrified. There is nothing in the world the matter, I whispered. I did not want him to yield, though I could not help being afraid in my heart. She has blood on her lips! he said, shuddering. Never mind! I answered, tartly. And I told him how she had resolved, previous to his coming, on exhibiting a fit of frenzy. I incautiously gave the account aloud, and she heard me; for she started upher hair flying over her shoulders, her eyes flashing, the muscles of her neck and arms standing out preternaturally. I made up my mind for broken bones, at least; but she only glared about her for an instant, and then rushed from the room. The master directed me to follow; I did, to her chamberdoor she hindered me from going further by securing it against me. As she never offered to descend to breakfast next morning, I went to ask whether she would have some carried up. No! she replied, peremptorily. The same question was repeated at dinner and tea; and again on the morrow after, and received the same answer. Mr. Linton, on his part, spent his time in the library, and did not inquire concerning his wifes occupations. Isabella and he had had an hours interview, during which he tried to elicit from her some sentiment of proper horror for Heathcliffs advances but he could make nothing of her evasive replies, and was obliged to close the examination unsatisfactorily; adding, however, a solemn warning, that if she were so insane as to encourage that worthless suitor, it would dissolve all bonds of relationship between herself and him.