----------------------------- 小说下载尽在 http://www.bookben.com - 手机访问 m.bookben.com---书本网整理 附：【本作品来自互联网,本人不做任何负责】内容版权归作者所有! ----------------------------- Chapter 1 1801.I have just returned from a visit to my landlord--the solitaryneighbour that I shall be troubled with. This is certainly a beautifulcountry! Inall England, I do not believe that I could have fixed on asituation so completely removed from the stir of society. A perfect misanthropist'sheaven: and Mr Heathcliffand I are such a suitable pair to divide thedesolationbetween us. A capital fellow! He little imagined how my heartwarmed towards him when I beheld his black eyes withdraw so suspiciouslyunder their brows, as I rode up, and when his fingers sheltered themselves,with a jealous resolution, still farther in his waistcoat, as I announcedmy name. `Mr Heathcliff!' I said.A nod was the answer. `Mr Lockwood, your new tenant, sir. I do myself thehonour ofcalling as soon as possible after my arrival, toexpress the hope thatI have not inconvenienced you by my perseverance in soliciting the occupationof Thrushcross Grange: I heard yesterday you had had some thoughts--' `Thrushcross Grange is my own, sir,' he interrupted, wincing.`I should not allowanyone to inconvenience me, ifI could hinder it--walkin!' The `walk in' was uttered with closed teeth, and expressedthesentiment, `Go tothe deuce': even thegate over which he leant manifestedno sympathizing movement to the words; and I think that circumstance determinedme to accept the invitation: I felt interested in a man who seemed moreexaggeratedly reserved than myself. When he saw my horse's breast fairly pushing the barrier, he didput out his hand to unchain it, and thensullenly preceded meup the causeway,calling, aswe entered the court: `Joseph, take Mr Lockwood's horse; andbring up some wine.' `Here we havethe whole establishment of domestics, I suppose,'was the reflectionsuggested by this compound order.`No wonder the grass grows up between theflags, and cattle are theonly hedge-cutters. Joseph was an elderly, nay, an oldman: very old, perhaps, thoughhale and sinewy. `The Lord help us!' he soliloquized in an undertone ofpeevish displeasure, while relieving me of my horse: looking, meantime,in my face so sourly that I charitably conjectured he must have need ofdivine aid to digest his dinner, and his pious ejaculation had no referenceto my unexpected advent. Wuthering Heights is the name of Mr Heathcliff's dwelling. `Wuthering'being a significantprovincial adjective, descriptive of theatmospherictumult towhich its station isexposed in stormy weather. Pure, bracingventilation they must have up there at all times, indeed; one may guessthe power of the north wind blowing over the edge, by the excessive slantof a few stunted firs at the end of the house; and by a range of gauntthorns all stretching their limbs one way, as ifcraving alms of the sun.Happily, the architect had foresight to build it strong: the narrow windowsare deeply set in the wall, and the corners defended with large juttingstones. Before passing the threshold, I paused to admire a quantityofgrotesque carving lavished over the front, and especially about theprincipaldoor; abovewhich, among a wilderness of crumbling griffins and shamelesslittle boys, I detected thedate `1500', and thename `Hareton Earnshaw'.I would have made a few comments, and requested a short history of theplace from the surly owner; but his attitude at the door appearedto demandmy speedy entrance, or complete departure, and I had no desire to aggravatehis impatience previous to inspecting the penetralium. One step brought us intothe family sitting-room, without anyintroductory lobby or passage: they call it here `the house' preeminently.It includes kitchen andparlour, generally; but I believe at WutheringHeights thekitchen is forced toretreat altogether into another quarter:at least I distinguished a chatter of tongues, and a clatter of culinaryutensils, deep within; and I observed no signs ofroasting, boiling, orbaking, about the huge fireplace; nor any glitter of copper saucepans andtin cullenders onthe walls. One end, indeed, reflected splendidly bothlightand heat from ranks of immense pewter dishes, interspersedwith silverjugs and tankards, towering row after row, on a vast oak dresser, tothevery roof. The latter had never been underdrawn: itsentire anatomy laybare to an inquiring eye, except where a frameof wood laden with oatcakesand clustersof legs of beef, mutton, and ham, concealed it. Above thechimney were sundry villainous ; old guns, and a couple of horse-pistols:and, by way of ornament, three gaudily painted canisters disposed alongits ledge. The floor wasof smooth, white stone; the chairs, high-backed,primitive structures, painted green: one or two heavy black ones lurkingin the shade. In an arch under the dresser, reposed a huge, liver-colouredbitch pointer, surrounded by a swarm of squealing puppies; and other dogshaunted other recesses. The apartment and furniture would havebeen nothing extraordinaryas belonging to a homely, northern farmer, with a stubborn countenance,and stalwart limbs set out to advantagein knee breeches andgaiters. Suchan individual seated inhis armchair, his mug of ale frothing on the roundtable before him, is to beseen in any circuit of five or six milesamongthese hills, ifyou go at the right time after dinner. But Mr Heathcliffforms a singular contrast tohis abode and style of living. He is a dark-skinnedgipsy inaspect, in dress andmanners a gentleman:that is, as much a gentlemanas many a country squire: rather slovenly, perhaps, yet not looking amisswith his negligence, because he has an erect and handsome figure; and rathermorose. Possibly, some people might suspecthim of a degree of under-bredpride; I have a sympathetic chord within that tells me it is nothing ofthe sort: I know, by instinct,his reserve springs from an aversion toshowy displays of feeling--to manifestations of mutual kindliness. He'lllove and hate equally under cover,and esteem it a species of impertinenceto be loved or hated again. No, I'm running ontoo fast: I bestow my ownattributes over liberally on him. Mr Heathcliff may have entirely dissimilarreasons for keeping his handout of the way when he meets a would-be acquaintance,to those which actuate me. Let me hope my constitution is almost peculiar:my dear mother used to say I should never have a comfortable home; andonly last summer I proved myself perfectly unworthy of one. While enjoying a month of fine weather at the sea coast, I wasthrown into the company of a most fascinating creature: a real goddessin my eyes, as long as she took no notice of me. I `never told my love'vocally; still,if looks have language, the merestidiot might have guessedI was over head and ears: she understood me at last, and looked a return--thesweetest of all imaginable looks. And what did I do? I confess it withshame--shrunk icily into myself, like a snail; at every glance retiredcolder and further; till finally the poor innocent was led to doubt herown senses,and, overwhelmed with confusion at her supposed mistake, persuadedher mammato decamp. By this curious turn of disposition I have gainedthe reputationof deliberate heartlessness; how undeserved, I alone canappreciate. I took a seat at the end of the hearthstone oppositethat towardswhich mylandlord advanced, and filled up an interval of silence by attemptingto caress the canine mother, who had lefther nursery, and wassneakingwolfishly tothe back of my legs,her lip curled up, and her white teethwatering for a snatch. My caress provoked a long, guttural gnarl. `You'd better let the dog alone,' growled Mr Heathcliff in unison,checking fiercer demonstrations with a punch of his foot.`She's not accustomedto be spoiled--not kept for a pet.' Then, striding to a side door, he shoutedagain, `Joseph!' Joseph mumbled indistinctlyin the depths of thecellar, but gaveno intimation of ascending; so his master dived down tohim, leaving mevis-agrave;-vis the ruffianly bitch and a pair of grim shaggy sheep-dogs,who shared with her a jealous guardianshipover all my movements. Not anxiousto come in contact with their fangs, I sat still; but, imagining they wouldscarcely understand tacit insults, I unfortunately indulged in winkingand making faces at the trio, and some turn of my physiognomy so irritatedmadam, thatshe suddenly broke into a fury and leapt on my knees. Iflungher back, and hastened to interpose the table between us. This proceedingroused thewhole hive: half a dozen four-footed fiends, of various sizesand ages, issued from hidden dens to the common centre. I felt my heelsand coat-laps peculiar subjects ofassault; and parrying off the largercombatants as effectually as I could with the poker, I was constrainedto demand, aloud, assistance from some of the household in re-establishingpeace. Mr Heathcliff and his man climbed the cellar steps with vexatiousphlegm: I don't think they moved one second faster than usual, though thehearth wasan absolute tempest of worrying and yelping. Happily, aninhabitantof the kitchen made more dispatch: a lusty dame, with tucked-upgown, barearms, and fire-flushed cheeks,rushed into the midst of us flourishinga frying-pan: and usedthat weapon, and hertongue, to such purpose, thatthe storm subsided magically, and she only remained, heaving like a seaafter a high wind, when her master entered on the scene. `What the devil isthe matter?' he asked, eyeing me in a mannerthat I couldill endure after this inhospitable treatment. `What thedevil, indeed!' I muttered. `The herd of possessed swinecould have had no worse spirits in them than those animals of yours, sir.You might as well leave a stranger with a brood of tigers!' `They won't meddle with persons who touch nothing,' he remarked,putting thebottle before me, and restoring the displaced table. `The dogsdo right tobe vigilant. Take a glass of wine?' `No,thank you.'`Not bitten, are you?'`IfI had been, I would have set my signet on the biter.'Heathcliff's countenance relaxed into a grin.`Come, come,' he said, `youare flurried, Mr Lockwood. Here, takealittle wine. Guestsare so exceedingly rare in this house that I and mydogs, Iam willing to own, hardly know how to receive them. Your health,sir!' I bowedand returned the pledge; beginning toperceive that itwould be foolish to sit sulking for the misbehaviour of a pack of curs:besides, I feltloath to yield the fellow further amusement at my expense;since the humour took that turn. He--probably swayed by prudentialconsiderationof the folly of offending agood tenant--relaxeda little in the laconicstyle of chipping off his pronouns and auxiliary verbs, andintroducedwhat he supposed would be a subject of interest to me--a discourse on theadvantages anddisadvantages of my present place of retirement. I foundhim very intelligent on the topics we touched; and before I went home,I was encouraged so far asto volunteer anothervisit tomorrow. He evidentlywished no repetition of my intrusion. I shall go, notwithstanding.It isastonishing howsociable I feel myself compared withhim. [Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 2 Yesterday afternoon set in misty and cold. I had half a mind to spend itby my study fire, instead of wading through heathand mud to WutheringHeights. Oncoming up from dinner, however (N.B. I dine between twelveand one o'clock; the housekeeper, a matronly lady, takenas a fixture alongwith the house,could not, or would not, comprehend my request that I mightbe served at five), on mounting the stairs with thislazy intention, andstepping into theroom, I saw a servant girl on her knees surrounded bybrushes and coal-scuttles, and raising an infernal dust as she extinguishedthe flames with heaps ofcinders. This spectacle drove me back immediately;I took my hat, and, after a four-miles' walk, arrived at Heathcliff's gardengate just in time to escape the first feathery flakes of a snow shower.On that bleakhill top the earth was hard with a black frost,and the air made me shiver through every limb. Being unable to remove thechain, I jumped over, and, running up the flagged causeway bordered withstraggling gooseberry bushes, knocked vainly for admittance, till my knucklestingled and the dogs howled. `Wretched inmates!' I ejaculated mentally, `you deserve perpetualisolation from your species for your churlish inhospitality. At least,I would not keep my doors barredin the day time. I don't care--I willget in!' So resolved, I grasped the latch and shook it vehemently. Vinegar-facedJoseph projected his head from a round window of the barn. `Whet are ye for?' he shouted. `T' maister's dahn i' t' fowld.Go rahnd by th' end ut' laith, if yah went tuh spake tull him.' `Is therenobody inside to open the door?' I hallooed, responsively. `They's nobbut t' missis; and shoo'll nut oppen't an ye mak yerflaysome dinstill neeght.' `Why? Cannot you tell her who I am, eh, Joseph?' `Nor-ne me! Aw'llhae noa hend wi't,' muttered the head, vanishing. The snow began to drive thickly. I seized the handle to essayanother trial; when a young man without coat, and shouldering a pitchfork,appeared in the yard behind. He hailed me to follow him, and, after marchingthrough a wash-house, and a paved area containing a coal shed, pump, andpigeon cot, we atlength arrived in the huge, warm, cheerful apartment,where I was formerly received. It glowed delightfully in the radiance ofan immense fire, compounded of coal, peat, and wood; and near the table,laid for a plentiful evening meal, I was pleased to observe the `missis',an individual whose existence I had never previously suspected. I bowedand waited, thinking she would bid me take a seat. She looked at me, leaningback in her chair, and remained motionless and mute.`Rough weather!' I remarked. `I'm afraid, Mrs Heathcliff, thedoor must bear the consequence of your servants' leisure attendance: Ihad hard work to make them hear me.' She never opened her mouth. I stared--shestared also: at anyrate, she kept her eyes on me in a cool, regardless manner, exceedinglyembarrassing and disagreeable. `Sit down,' said the young man gruffly. `He'll be in soon.' I obeyed; and hemmed, and called the villain Juno, who deigned,atthis second interview, to move the extreme tip of her tail, in tokenofowning my acquaintance. `A beautiful animal!' Icommenced again. `Doyou intend partingwith the little ones, madam?'`They are not mine,'said the amiable hostess, more repellinglythan Heathcliff himself could have replied. `Ah, your favouritesare among these?' I continued, turning toan obscure cushionfull of something like cats. `A strange choice of favourites!' she observed scornfully.Unluckily, it was a heap of dead rabbits. I hemmed once more,and drew closer to the hearth, repeating my commenton the wildness ofthe evening. `You should not have comeout,' she said, rising and reachingfrom the chimney-piece two ofthe painted canisters. Her position before was sheltered from the light; now, I had adistinct view of her whole figure andcountenance. She wasslender, andapparently scarcely past girlhood: an admirable form, and the most exquisitelittle facethat I have ever hadthe pleasure of beholding; small features,very fair; flaxen ringlets, or rather golden, hanging loose on herdelicateneck; and eyes, had they been agreeable in expression, they would havebeen irresistible: fortunately for my susceptible heart, the only sentimentthey evinced hovered between scorn, and akind of desperation,singularlyunnatural to be detected there. The canisters werealmost out of her reach;I made a motion to aid her; she turned upon me as a miser might turn ifanyone attempted to assist him in counting his gold. `I don't want your help,' she snapped; `I can get them for myself.' `Ibeg your pardon!' I hastened to reply. `Were you asked to tea?' she demanded, tying an apron over herneat black frock,and standing with a spoonful of the leafpoised overthe pot. `I shall be glad to have a cup,' I answered.`Were you asked?' she repeated.`No,' I said, half smiling. `You are the proper person toask me.' She flung the tea back, spoon and all, and resumedher chair ina pet; her forehead corrugated, and her red under lip pushedout, likea child's ready to cry. Meanwhile, the youngman had slung on to his person a decidedlyshabby upper garment, and, erecting himself before the blaze, looked downon me from the corner of his eyes, for all the world as if there were somemortal feud unavenged between us. I began to doubt whether he were a servantor not: his dress and speech were both rude, entirely devoid of the superiorityobservable in Mr and Mrs Heathcliff; his thick brown curls were rough anduncultivated, hiswhiskers encroached bearishly over his cheeks, and hishandswere embrowned like those of a common labourer: still his bearingwas free, almost haughty, and he showed none of a domestic's assiduityin attending on the lady of the house. In the absence of clear proofs ofhis condition, I deemed it best to abstain from noticing his curious conduct;and,five minutes afterwards, the entrance of Heathcliff relieved me, insome measure, from my uncomfortable state.`You see, sir, I am come, according to promise!' I exclaimed,assuming the cheerful; `and Ifear I shall be weatherbound for half anhour, if you can afford me shelter during that space.' `Half an hour?' he said, shaking the white flakes from his clothes;`I wonder you should select the thick of a snowstorm to ramble about in.Do you knowthat you run a risk of being lost in themarshes? People familiarwith these moors often miss their road on such evenings; and I can tellyou there is no chance of a change at present.' `Perhaps I can get aguide among your lads, and he might stayat the Grange till morning--could you spare me one?' `No, I could not.' `Oh, indeed! Well, then, I must trust to my own sagacity.'`Umph!' `Are you going to mak th' tea?' demanded he of the shabby coat,shiftinghis ferocious gaze from me to the younglady. `Is he to haveany?' she asked, appealing to Heathcliff. `Get it ready, will you?' was the answer, uttered so savagelythat I started. The tone inwhich the words weresaid revealed a genuinebad nature. Ino longer felt inclined to call Heathcliff a capitalfellow.When the preparations were finished, he invitedme with--`Now, sir, bringforward your chair.' And we all, including the rusticyouth, drew roundthetable: an austere silence prevailing while we discussed our meal. I thought,if I had caused the cloud, it was my duty to make aneffort to dispel it. They could not every day sit so grim and taciturn;and it was impossible, however ill-tempered they might be, that the universalscowl they wore was their everyday countenance. `It is strange,' Ibegan, in the interval of swallowing one cupoftea and receiving another--`it is strange how custom can mould our tastesand ideas: many could not imagine the existence of happiness in a lifeof such completeexile from the worldas you spend, Mr Heathcliff; yetI'll venture to say, that, surrounded by yourfamily, and with your amiablelady as the presiding geniusover your home and heart--' `My amiablelady!' he interrupted, with analmost diabolical sneeron his face. `Where is she--my amiable lady?' `Mrs Heathcliff, your wife, I mean.' `Well, yes--Oh, you wouldintimate that her spirit has taken thepost of ministering angel, and guards the fortunes of Wuthering Heightseven when herbody is gone. Is that it?' Perceivingmyself in a blunder,I attempted to correct it. I mighthave seen therewas too great a disparity between the ages of the partiesto make it likely that they were man and wife. One was about forty:a periodof mental vigour at which men seldom cherish the delusion of being marriedfor love by girls: that dream isreserved for the solace of our decliningyears. The other did not look seventeen. Then it flashed upon me--`The clown at myelbow, who is drinkinghis tea out of a basin and eating his bread with unwashed hands,may beher husband: Heathcliff, junior, of course. Here is the consequence ofbeing buried alive: she has thrown herself away upon that boor from sheerignorance that better individuals existed! A sad pity--I must beware howI cause her to regret her choice.' The last reflection may seem conceited;it was not. My neighbour struck me as bordering on repulsive; I knew, throughexperience, that I was tolerablyattractive. `Mrs Heathcliff is my daughter-in-law,' said Heathcliff, corroboratingmy surmise. He turned, as he spoke, a peculiar look in herdirection: alook of hatred; unless he has a most perverse set of facial muscles thatwill not, like those of other people, interpret the language of his soul. `Ah, certainly--I see now: you are thefavoured possessor of thebeneficent fairy,' I remarked, turning to my neighbour. This was worse than before: the youth grew crimson, and clenchedhis fist, with every appearance of a meditated assault. But he seemed torecollect himself presently, and smothered the storm in a brutal curse,muttered on mybehalf: which, however, I took carenot to notice. `Unhappy in your conjectures, sir,' observed my host; `we neitherof us have the privilege of owning your good fairy; her mate is dead. Isaid she was my daughter-in-law, therefore, she must have married my son.' `And this young man is--' `Not my son, assuredly.' Heathcliff smiled again, as if it wererather too bold a jestto attribute thepaternity of that bear to him. `My name is Hareton Earnshaw,' growled the other; `and I'd counselyou to respect it!' `I've shown no disrespect,' was my reply, laughing internallyat the dignity with which he announced himself.He fixed his eye onme longer than I cared to return the stare, forfear I might be tempted either to box his ears or render my hilarity audible.I began to feel unmistakably out of place in that pleasant family circle.The dismal spiritual atmosphereovercame, and more than neutralized, theglowing physical comforts round me; and I resolved to becautious how Iventured under those rafters a third time. The business of eating being concluded, andno one uttering aword of sociable conversation, I approached a window to examine the weather.A sorrowful sight I saw: dark night coming down prematurely, and skyandhills mingled in one bitter whirl of wind and suffocatingsnow. `I don't thinkit possible for me to get home now without a guide,'I could not help exclaiming. `The roads will be buriedalready; and, iftheywere bare, I could scarcely distinguisha foot in advance. `Hareton, drive those dozen sheep into the barn porch.They'llbe covered ifleft in the fold allnight: and put a plank before them,'said Heathcliff. `How must I do?' I continued, with rising irritation. There was no reply to my question; and on looking round I sawonly Joseph bringing in a pail of porridge for the dogs, and Mrs Heathcliffleaning over the fire, diverting herself with burning a bundle of matcheswhich had fallen from the chimney-piece as sherestored the tea canisterto its place. The former, when he had deposited hisburden, took a criticalsurvey of the room, and in cracked tones, grated out: `Aw woonder hagh yah canfaishion tuh stand thear i' idlenessun war, when all on 'em's goan aght! Bud yah're a nowt, and it's noa usetalking --yah'll niver mend uh yer ill ways, budgoa raight tuh t' divil,like yer mother afore ye!' I imagined, for a moment, that this piece of eloquence was addressedto me; and, sufficiently enraged, stepped towards the aged rascal withan intention of kickinghim out of the door.Mrs Heathcliff, however, checkedme by her answer. `You scandalous old hypocrite!' she replied. `Are you not afraidof being carried away bodily,whenever you mentionthe devil's name? Iwarn you to refrainfrom provoking me, or I'll ask your abduction as aspecial favour. Stop! look here, Joseph,' she continued, taking a long,dark book from a shelf; `I'll show you how far I've progressed in the BlackArt: I shall soon be competent tomake a clear house of it. The red cowdidn't die by chance; and your rheumatism can hardly be reckoned amongprovidential visitations!' `Oh, wicked, wicked!' gasped the elder; `may the Lord deliverus from evil!' `No, reprobate! you are a castaway--be off, orI'll hurt you seriously!I'll have you all modelled in wax and clay; and the first who passesthelimits I fix, shall--I'll not say what he shall be done to--but, you'llsee! Go, I'm looking at you!' Thelittle witch put a mock malignity into her beautiful eyes,and Joseph, trembling with sincere horror, hurried out praying and ejaculating`wicked' as he went. I thought her conduct must be prompted by a speciesof dreary fun; and, now that we were alone, I endeavoured to interest herin my distress. `Mrs Heathcliff,' I said earnestly, `you mustexcuse me for troublingyou. I presume, because, with that face, I'm sure you cannot helpbeinggood-hearted. Do point out some landmarks by which Imay know my way home:I have no more ideahow to get there than you would have how to get toLondon!' `Take the road youcame,' she answered,ensconcing herself ina chair, with a candle, and the longbook open before her. `It is briefadvice, but as sound as I can give.' `Then, ifyou hear of me beingdiscovered dead in abog or a pitfull of snow, your conscience won't whisper that it is partly your fault?' `How so? I cannot escort you. They wouldn't let me go to the endof the garden wall.' `You! I should be sorry toask you to cross thethreshold, formy convenience, on sucha night,' I cried. `I want you to tell me my way,net to show it; or else to persuade Mr Heathcliff to give me a guide.' `Who? There is himself, Earnshaw, Zillah, Joseph, and I. Whichwould you have?' `Are there no boysat the farm?'`No, those are all.'`Then, it follows that I am compelled to stay.' `That you may settle with your host. I have nothingto do withit.'`I hope it will be a lesson to you to make no more rash journeys onthese hills,' cried Heathcliff's stern voice from the kitchen entrance.`Asto staying here, I don't keep accommodations for visitors: you mustshare a bed withHareton or Joseph, if you do.' `I can sleep on a chair in this room,' I replied. `No, no! A stranger is a stranger, be he richor poor: it willnot suit me to permit anyone the range of the place while I amoff guard!'said the unmannerly wretch. With this insult, mypatience was at an end. I uttered an expressionof disgust, and pushed past him into the yard, running against Earnshawin my haste.It was so dark that I could not see the means of exit; and,as I wandered round, I heard another specimen of their civil behaviouramongst each other. At firstthe young man appeared about to befriend me. `I'll go with him as far as the park,' he said. `You'll go with him to hell!' exclaimed his master, or whateverrelation he bore. `And who is tolook after the horses, eh?' A man'slife is of more consequence than oneevening's neglectof the horses: somebodymust go, murmured Mrs Heathcliff, morekindly thanI expected. `Not at your command!' retorted Hareton. `If you set store onhim, you'd better be quiet.' `Then I hope his ghost will haunt you; and I hope Mr Heathcliffwill neverget another tenant till the Grange is aruin!' she answeredsharply. `Hearken, hearken, shoo's cursing on 'em!' muttered Joseph, towardswhom I had been steering.He sat within earshot, milking thecows by the light ofa lantern,which I seized unceremoniously, and, calling out that Iwould send it backonthe morrow, rushed to the nearest postern. `Maister, maister, he's stealing t' lantern!' shouted the ancient,pursuing my retreat. `Hey, Gnasher! Hey, dog! Hey, Wolf, holld him, holldhim!' On opening the little door, two hairy monsters flew at my throat,bearing me down and extinguishing the light; while a mingled guffaw fromHeathcliff and Hareton, put the copestone on my rageand humiliation. Fortunately,the beasts seemed more bent on stretching their paws and yawning, and flourishingtheir tails, than devouring me alive; but they would suffer no resurrection,and I was forced to lie till their malignantmaster pleased to deliverme: then, hatless and trembling with wrath, I ordered the miscreants tolet me out--on their peril to keep me one minute longer-with several incoherentthreats ofretaliation that, intheir indefinite depth of virulency, smackedof King Lear.The vehemence of my agitation brought ona copious bleeding atthe nose, and still Heathcliff laughed, and still Iscolded. I don't knowwhat would have concluded the scene,had there not been one person at handrather more rational than myself, and more benevolent than my entertainer.This wasZillah, the stout housewife; who at length issued forth to inquireinto the nature of the uproar. She thought that some of them had been layingviolent hands on me; and, not daring to attackher master, she turned hervocal artillery against the young scoundrel.`Well, Mr Earnshaw,'she cried, `I wonderwhat you'll have agaitnext! Are we going to murder folkon our very doorstones? I see this housewill neverdo for me--look at t' poor lad, he's fair choking! Wisht,wisht!you mun'n't goon so. Come in, and I'll cure that; there now, hold ye still.' With these words she suddenly splashed a pint of icy water downmy neck, and pulled me into the kitchen. MrHeathcliff followed,his accidentalmerriment expiring quickly in his habitual moroseness. I was sick exceedingly, and dizzy and faint;and thus compelledperforce toaccept lodgings under his roof. He told Zillah to give me aglass of brandy,and then passed on to the inner room; while she condoledwith me on my sorry predicament, and having obeyed his orders, wherebyIwas somewhat revived, ushered me to bed.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 3 While leading the way upstairs, she recommended that I should hide thecandle, and not make a noise; for her master had an odd notion about thechamber she wouldput me in, and neverlet anybody lodge there willingly.I asked the reason. She did not know, she answered: she had only livedthere a year or two; and they had so many queer goings on, shecould notbegin to becurious.Too stupefied to be curious myself, I fastened my door andglancedround for thebed. The whole furniture consisted of a chair, a clothes-press,and a large oak case, withsquares cut out nearthe top resembling coachwindows. Havingapproached this structure I looked inside, and perceivedit to be a singular sort of old-fashioned couch, very conveniently designedto obviate the necessity for every member of the family having a roomtohimself. In fact it formed a little closet, and the ledge of a window,which it enclosed, served as a table. I slid backthe panelled sides, gotin with my light,pulled them togetheragain, and felt secure against thevigilance of Heathcliff, and everyone else. The ledge, where I placed my candle, had a few mildewed bookspiled up in onecorner; and it was covered with writingscratched on thepaint. This writing, however, was nothing but a name repeated in allkindsof characters, large and small--Catherine Earnshaw, here and therevaried to Catherine Heathcliff, and again to Catherine Linton. Invapid listlessness Ileant my head against the window, andcontinued spelling over Catherine Earnshaw--Heathcliff--Linton, till myeyes closed; but they had not rested five minutes when a glare of whiteletters startedfrom the dark as vivid as spectres--the air swarmed withCatherines; and rousing myself to dispel the obtrusivename, I discoveredmycandle wick reclining on one of the antique volumes,and perfuming theplace with an odour of roasted calfskin. I snuffed it off, and, very illat ease under theinfluence of cold and lingering nausea, sat up and spreadopen the injured tome on my knee. It was a Testament, in lean type, andsmelling dreadfully musty: a fly-leaf bore the inscription --`CatherineEarnshaw, her book', and a date some quarter ofa century back. I shutit, and took up another, and another, till I had examined all. Catherine'slibrary was select, and its state of dilapidation proved it to have beenwell used; though not altogether for a legitimate purpose: scarcely onechapter had escaped a pen-and-ink commentary--at least, the appearanceof one--covering every morsel of blank thatthe printer had left. Somewere detached sentences; other parts took the form of a regular diary,scrawled in anunformed childish hand. At the top of an extra page (quitea treasure, probably, when firstlighted on) I was greatly amused to beholdan excellent caricature of my friend Joseph,--rudely, yetpowerfully sketched.An immediate interest kindled within me for the unknown Catherine, andI began forthwith to decipher her faded hieroglyphics. `An awful Sunday!' commenced the paragraph beneath. `I wish myfather were back again. Hindley is a detestable substitute his conductto Heathcliffis atrocious--H. andI are going to rebel--we took our initiatorystep this evening. `All day had been flooding with rain; we could not go to church,so Joseph must needs get up a congregation in the garret; and, while Hindleyand his wife basked downstairs before a comfortablefire--doing anythingbut reading their Bibles, I'll answer for it--Heathcliff, myself, and theunhappy plough-boy, were commanded to take our prayer books, and mount:we were ranged in a row, on a sack of corn, groaning and shivering, andhopingthat Joseph would shiver too, so that he might give us a short homilyfor his own sake. A vain idea! The service lasted precisely three hours;and yet my brother had the face to exclaim, when he saw us descending,"What, done already?" On Sunday evenings we used to be permittedto play,if we did not make much noise;now a mere titter issufficient to sendusinto comers! `"You forget you have a master here," says the tyrant. "I'll demolishthe first who puts me out of temper! I insist on perfect sobriety andsilence.Oh, boy! wasthat you? Frances, darling, pull his hair as you go by: Iheard him snap his fingers." Frances pulled his hair heartily, and thenwent and seated herself on her husband's knee; and there they were, liketwo babies, kissing and talking nonsense by the hour--foolish palaver thatwe should be ashamed of. We made ourselves as snug asour means allowedin the arch of the dresser. I had just fastened our pinafores together,and hung them up for a curtain, when in comes Joseph on an errand fromthe stables. He tears down my handiwork, boxes my ears, and croaks-- `"T' maister nobbut just buried, and Sabbath nut o'ered, und t'sahnd uh t' gospelstill i' yer lugs, and yah darr be laiking! Shame onye!sit ye dahn, ill childer! they's goodbooks eneugh if ye'll read 'em!sit ye dahn, and think uh yer sowls!" `Saying this, he compelled us so to square our positionsthatwe might receivefrom the far-off fire a dull ray to show us the text ofthe lumber thrust upon us. I could notbear the employment.I took my dingyvolume by the scroop, and hurled it into the dog kennel, vowing I hateda good book. Heathcliff kicked his to the same place. Then there was ahubbub! `"Maister Hindley!" shouted our chaplain. "Maister, coom hither!Miss Cathy's riven th' back off `Th' Helmet uh Salvation, un' Heathcliff'spawsed his fit intuh t' first part uh `T' Brooad Way to Destruction!' It'sfair flaysome utyah let 'em goa on this gait. Ech! th' owd man ud uh laced'em properly--but he's goan!" `Hindley hurried up from his paradise on the hearth, and seizingone of us by the collar, and the other by the arm, hurled both into theback kitchen; where, Joseph asseverated, "owd Nick" would fetch usas sureas we were living: and, so comforted, we each sought a separate nook toawait his advent. I reached this book, and a potof ink from a shelf,andpushed the house door ajar to give melight, and I have got the time onwith writing for twenty minutes; but my companion is impatient, and proposesthat we should appropriate the dairywoman's cloak, and have a scamper onthe moors,under its shelter. Apleasant suggestion--and then, if the surlyold man come in, he may believe hisprophecy verified--we cannot be damper,or colder,in the rain than we are here.' ***I suppose Catherine fulfilled her project, for thenext sentence took upanother subject: she waxed lachrymose.`How little did I dream that Hindley would ever make me cry so!'she wrote. `My head aches, tillI cannot keep it on the pillow; and stillI can't give over. Poor Heathcliff! Hindley calls him a vagabond, and won'tlet him sit with us, nor eatwith us any more; and, he says, he andI mustnot play together, and threatens to turn him out of the houseif we breakhis orders. He has been blaming our father (how dared he?) for treatingH. too liberally; and swears he will reduce him to his right place--' ***I began to nod drowsily over the dim page: my eye wandered from manuscriptto print, I saw a red ornamented title--`Seventy Times Seven, and theFirstof the Seventy-First. A Pious Discourse delivered by the Reverend JabesBranderham, in the Chapel of Gimmerden Sough.' And while I was, half consciously,worryingmy brain to guess what Jabes Branderham would make of his subject,I sank back in bed, and fell asleep. Alas, for the effects of bad tea andbad temper! what else could it be that made me passsuch a terrible night?I don't remember another that I can at all compare with it since I wascapable of suffering.I beganto dream, almost before I ceased to be sensible of mylocality. I thought it was morning; and I had set out on my way home, withJoseph fora guide. The snow lay yards deep in our road; and, as weflounderedon, my companion wearied mewith constant reproaches that I had not broughta pilgrim's staff: telling me that I could never get intothe house withoutone, and boastfully flourishing a heavy-headed cudgel,which I understoodtobe so denominated. For a moment I considered it absurdthat I shouldneed such a weapon to gain admittance intomy own residence. Then a newidea flashed across me. Iwas not going there:we were journeying to hearthe famous Jabes Branderham preach from the text--`Seventy Times Seven';and either Joseph, the preacher, or I had committedthe `First of the Seventy-First',and were to be publicly exposed and excommunicated. We came to the chapel. I have passed it really in my walks, twiceor thrice; it lies in a hollow, between two hills; an elevated hollow,near a swamp,whose peaty moistureis said to answer all the purposes ofembalming on the few corpses deposited there. Theroof has been kept wholehitherto; but as the clergyman's stipend is only twenty pounds per annum,and a house with two rooms, threatening speedilyto determine into one,no clergyman will undertake the duties of pastor: especially as it is currentlyreported that his flock wouldrather let him starve than increasethe livingby one penny from their ownpockets. However, inmy dream, Jabes had afull and attentive congregation; and hepreached--good God! what a sermon'.divided intofour hundred and ninety parts, each fully equal to an ordinaryaddress fromthe pulpit, and eachdiscussing a separate sin! Where he searchedfor them,I cannot tell. He had his private manner of interpreting thephrase, and it seemed necessary thebrother should sin different sins onevery occasion. They were of the most curious character: odd transgressionsthat Inever imagined previously. Oh, how weary I grew. How I writhed, and yawned,and nodded, andrevived! How I pinched and pricked myself, and rubbed my eyes, and stoodup, and sat down again, and nudged Joseph to inform me if he would everhave done.I was condemned 10 hear all out: finally, he reachedthe `First ofthe Seventy-First'. At that crisis, a sudden inspirationdescendedon me; I was moved to rise and denounceJabes Branderham as thesinner of the sinthat no Christian need pardon. `Sir,' I exclaimed, `sitting here withinthese four walls, atone stretch, I have endured and forgiven the four hundred and ninety headsof your discourse. Seventy times seven times have I plucked up myhat andbeen about todepart--seventy times seven times have you preposterouslyforcedme to resume my seat. The four hundred and ninety-first is too much.Fellow-martyrs,have at him! Drag him down, and crush him to atoms, thatthe place which knows him may know him no more!' `Thou art the Man!' cries Jabes, after a solemn pause,leaningover his cushion. `Seventy times seventimes didst thou gapinglycontort thy visage--seventy times seven did I take counsel with mysoul--Lo,this is human weakness: thisalso may be absolved! The First of the Seventy-Firstis come. Brethren, execute upon him the judgment written. Such honour haveall His saints!' With that concluding word, the whole assembly, exalting theirpilgrim's staves, rushed roundme in a body; and I,having no weapon toraise in self-defence, commenced grappling with Joseph, my nearest andmost ferocious assailant,for his. In the confluence of the multitude,several clubs crossed; blows, aimed at me, fell on other sconces. Presentlythe whole chapel resounded with rappings and counter-rappings: every man'shand was against his neighbour; and Branderham, unwilling to remain idle,poured forth his zeal in a showerof loud taps on the boards of the pulpit,which responded so smartly that, at last, to my unspeakable relief, theywoke me. And what was it that hadsuggested the tremendous tumult? Whathad played Jabes's part in the row? Merely, the branch of a fir tree thattouched my lattice, as the blast wailed by, andrattled its dry cones againstthe panes! I listened doubtingly an instant; detected the disturber, thenturned and dozed, and dreamt again: if possible, still more disagreeablythan before. This time, Iremembered I was lying in the oak closet, and I hearddistinctly the gusty wind, and the driving of the snow;I heard, also,the fir bough repeat itsteasing sound, and ascribed it to the right cause:but it annoyed me so much, that I resolved to--silence it, if possible;and, I thought, I rose and endeavoured to unhasp the casement.The hookwas solderedinto the staple: a circumstance observed by me when awake,but forgotten.`I must stop it, nevertheless!' I muttered, knocking myknuckles through the glass, and stretching an arm out to seize the importunatebranch; instead of which, myfingers closed on the fingers of a little,ice-cold hand! The intense horrorof nightmare came over me: I tried todraw back my arm, but the hand clung to it, and a most melancholy voicesobbed, `Let mein--let me in!' `Whoare you?' I asked, struggling, meanwhile,to disengage myself. `Catherine Linton,' it replied, shiveringly (why didI think of Linton? I had read Earnshaw twenty times for Linton);`I'm come home: I'd lost my way on the moor!' As it spoke, I discerned,obscurely,a child's face looking through the window. Terror made me cruel;and, finding it useless to attempt shaking the creature off, I pulled itswrist on to the broken pane, and rubbed it to andfro till the blood randown and soaked the bedclothes: still it wailed, `Let me in!' and maintainedits tenacious grip, almost maddening me with fear. `How can I?' I saidat length.`Let me go, if you want me to let you in!' The fingersrelaxed, I snatched mine through the hole, hurriedly piled the books upin a pyramidagainst it, and stopped my ears to exclude the lamentableprayer. I seemed to keep them closed above a quarter of an hour; yet, theinstant I listened again, there was the doleful cry moaning on! `Begone!'I shouted, `I'll neverlet you in, not if you beg for twenty years.' `Itis twentyyears,' mourned the voice: `twenty years. I've been a waif fortwenty years!' Thereat began a feeble scratching outside, and the pileof books moved as if thrust forward. I tried to jump up; but could notstir a limb; and so yelled aloud, in a frenzy of fright. Tomy confusion,I discovered the yell was not ideal: hastyfootsteps approachedmy chamberdoor; somebody pushed it open, with a vigorous hand, and alight glimmeredthrough thesquares at the top of the bed. I sat shuddering yet, and wipingthe perspiration from myforehead: the intruder appeared tohesitate, andmuttered to himself. At last, hesaid in a half-whisper, plainly not expectingan answer, `Is any one here?' Iconsidered it best to confess my presence,for I knew Heathcliff's accents, and feared he might search further, ifI kept quiet. With this intention,I turned and opened the panels. I shallnot soon forgetthe effect my actionproduced. Heathcliffstood near the entrance, in his shirt and trousers:with a candle dripping overhis fingers, and hisface as white as thewallbehind him. The first creak of the oak startled him like an electric shock!the light leaped from his holdto a distance of some feet, and his agitationwas so extreme, that he could hardly pick itup. `It is only yourguest, sir,' I called out, desirousto sparehim the humiliation of exposing his cowardice further. `I had the misfortuneto scream in my sleep, owing to a frightful nightmare. I'm sorryI disturbedyou. `Oh God confound you, MrLockwood! I wish youwere at the--` commencedmy host, setting the candle on a chair, because he found it impossibleto hold itsteady. `And who showed you up into this room?' he continued,crushing his nails into his palms, and grinding his teeth to subdue themaxillary convulsions. `Who was it? I've a good mind to turn them out ofthe house thismoment!' `It was your servant, Zillah,' I replied, flinging myself on tothe floor, and rapidly resuming my garments. `I should not care if youdid, Mr Heathcliff; she richly deserves it. I suppose that she wanted toget anotherproof that the placewas haunted, at my expense. Well, it is--swarmingwith ghosts and goblins! You have reason in shutting it up, I assure you.No one will thank you for adoze in such a den!'`What do you mean?' asked Heathcliff, `and what are you doing?Lie down and finish out the night, since you are here; but, for heaven'ssake! don't repeat that horrid noise; nothing couldexcuse it, unless youwere having your throat cut!' `If thelittle fiend had gotin at the window, she probably wouldhave strangled me!' I returned. `I'm not going to endure the persecutionsof your hospitable ancestorsagain. Was not the Reverend Jabes Branderhamakin to you on the mother's side? And that minx,Catherine Linton, orEarnshaw,or however she was called--she must have been a changeling--wicked littlesoul! She toldme she had been walking the earth these twenty years: ajust punishment forher mortal transgressions, I'veno doubt!' Scarcely were these words uttered, when I recollected the associationof Heathcliff's with Catherine's name in the book,--which hadcompletelyslipped from my memory, tillthus awakened. I blushed at my inconsideration;but,without showing further consciousness of theoffence, I hastened toadd--`The truth is, sir, I passed the first part of the night in'--HereI stopped afresh--I was about to say perusing those old volumes', thenit would have revealed my knowledge of their written, as well as theirprinted, contents: so, correcting myself, Iwent on, `in spelling overthe name scratched on that window-ledge. Amonotonous occupation, calculatedto set me asleep, like counting, or--' `What can you mean by talking in this way to me?'thunderedHeathcliff with savage vehemence. `How--how dare you,under my roof?--God! he's madto speak so!' And hestruck his foreheadwith rage. Idid not know whetherto resent this language or pursue my explanation;but he seemed so powerfully affected that I took pity andproceeded withmy dreams; affirming I had never heard the appellation of `Catherine Linton'before, but reading it often over produced an impression which personifieditself when I had no longermy imagination undercontrol. Heathcliff graduallyfell back into the shelter of the bed, as I spoke;finally sitting downalmost concealedbehind it. I guessed, however, by his irregular and interceptedbreathing, that he struggled to vanquish an excess of violent emotion.Not liking to show him that I had heard the conflict, I continued my toiletterather noisily, looking at my watch, and soliloquized on the length ofthe night: `Not three o'clock yet! I could have taken oath it had beensix. Time stagnates here: we must surely have retired to rest at eight!' `Always at nine in winter, and always rise at four,' said my host,suppressing a groan: and, as I fancied, by the motion of his shadow's arm,dashing a tear from his eyes. `Mr Lockwood,' he added, `you may go intomy room: you'll only be in the way, coming downstairs soearly; and yourchildish outcry has sent sleep to the devil for me.' `And for me, too,' Ireplied. `I'll walk in the yard till daylight,and then I'll be off; and youneed not dread a repetition of my intrusion.I'm now quite cured of seeking pleasure in society, be it country or town.A sensible man ought to find sufficient company in himself.'`Delightful company!' muttered Heathcliff. `Take the candle, andgo where you please. I shall join you directly. Keep out of the yard, though,the dogs are unchained; and the house--Juno mounts sentinel there, and--nay,you can only ramble about the steps and passages. But, away with you! I'llcome in two minutes!' I obeyed, so far as to quit the chamber; when, ignorant wherethe narrow lobbies led, I stood still, and was witness, involuntarily,to a piece of superstition on the part of my landlord,which belied, oddly,his apparent sense. He got on to the bed, and wrenched open the lattice,bursting, ashe pulled at it, into an uncontrollable passion of tears.`Come in! comein!' he sobbed. `Cathy, do come. Oh do--once more!Oh! myheart's darling! hear me this time, Catherine, at last!'The spectre showed a spectre's ordinary caprice: itgave no sign of being;but the snow and wind whirled wildly through, evenreaching my station,and blowing out the light. Therewas such anguish in the gust of grief that accompanied thisraving, that my compassion made me overlook its folly, and I drew off,half angry to have listened at all, andvexed at having related my ridiculousnightmare,since it produced that agony; though why, was beyondmy comprehension. I descended cautiouslyto the lower regions, and landedin the back kitchen, where a gleam of fire, raked compactly together, enabledme to rekindle my candle. Nothing was stirring except a bridled, grey cat,which crept fromthe ashes, and saluted me ew. Two benches, shaped in sections of a circle, nearly enclosed thehearth; on one ofthese I stretched myself, and Grimalkin mounted the other.We were both of us nodding, ere anyone invaded our retreat, and then itwas Joseph, shuffling down a wooden ladder that vanished in the roof, througha trap: theascent to his garret, I suppose. He casta sinister look atthe little flame which I had enticed to play between the ribs, swept thecat from its elevation, and bestowing himself in the vacancy, commencedthe operation of stuffing a three-inch pipe withtobacco. My presenceinhis sanctum was evidently esteemed apiece of impudence too shameful forremark: he silently applied thetube to his lips, folded his arms, andpuffed away. I let him enjoy the luxury unannoyed; and after sucking outhis last wreath, and heaving a profound sigh, he got up, and departedassolemnly as he came. A more elasticfootstep entered next; and now I opened my mouthfor a`good morning', but closed it again, thesalutation unachieved; forHareton Earnshaw was performing his orisons sotto voce, in a seriesof cursesdirected against every object he touched, while he rummaged acorner fora spade or shovel todig through the drifts. He glanced overthe back of the bench, dilating his nostrils, and thought as little ofexchanging civilities with me as with my companionthe cat. I guessed,by his preparations, that egress was allowed, and, leaving my hardcouch,made a movement to follow him. He noticed this, and thrust at an innerdoor with the end of his spade, intimating by an inarticulate sound thatthere was the place where I must go, if I changed my locality; It opened into the house, where the females were already astir,Zillah urging flakes of flame up the chimney with a colossal bellows; andMrs Heathcliff, kneeling on the hearth, reading a book by the aid of theblaze. She held her hand interposed between the furnace heat and her eyes,and seemed absorbed in her occupation; desisting from it only to chidethe servant for coveringher with sparks, or to push away a dog, now andthen, that snoozled its nose over-forwardly into her face. I was surprisedto see Heathcliff there also. He stood by the fire, his back towards me,just finishing a stormy scene to poor Zillah; who ever and anon interruptedher labour to pluck up the corner of her apron, and heave an indignantgroan. `Andyou, you worthless'--he broke out as I entered, turning tohis daughter-in-law, andemploying an epithetas harmless as duck,or sheep,but generally represented by a dash--. `There you are, at your idle tricksagain! The rest of them do earntheir bread--you live on my charity! Putyour trash away, and find something to do. You shall payme for the plagueof having you eternallyin my sight--do you hear, damnable jade?' `I'll put my trashaway, because you can make me, if I refuse,'answered theyoung lady, closing her book, and throwing it on a chair.`But I'll not do anything, though you should swear your tongue out, exceptwhat I please!' Heathcliff lifted his hand, and the speaker sprang to a saferdistance, obviously acquaintedwith its weight. Having no desire to beentertained by a cat-and-dog combat; I stepped forward briskly, as if eagerto partake the warmth of the hearth, and innocent of any knowledge of theinterrupted dispute. Each had enough decorum to suspend further hostilities:Heathcliff placed his fist, out of temptation, in his pockets; Mrs Heathcliffcurled herlip, and walked to aseat far off, where she kept her word byplaying the part of a statue during the remainder of my stay. That wasnot long. I declined joining their breakfast, and, at the first gleam ofdawn, took an opportunity of escaping into the free air, now clear,andstill, and cold as impalpable ice. My landlord hallooedfor me to stop, ere I reached the bottomof the garden,and offered to accompany me across the moor. It was wellhe did, for the whole hill-back was one billowy, white ocean; the swellsandfalls not indicatingcorresponding rises and depressions in the ground:many pits, at least, were filled to a level; and entire ranges ofmounds,the refuse ofthe quarries, blotted from the chart which my yesterday'swalk leftpictured in my mind.I had remarked on one side of the road,at intervals of sixor seven yards, a line of upright stones, continuedthrough thewhole length of the barren: these were erected, and daubedwith lime on purpose to serve as guides in the dark; and also when a fall,like the present, confounded the deep swamps on either hand with the firmerpath: but, excepting a dirty dot pointing up hereand there, all tracesof their existence had vanished: and my companion found it necessary towarn me frequently to steer to the right or left, when I imagined I wasfollowing, correctly, the windings of the road. We exchanged little conversation,and he halted at the entrance of Thrushcross Park, saying, I could makeno error there. Our adieux were limited to a hasty bow, and then I pushedforward, trusting to my own resources; for the porter's lodge is untenantedas yet. The distance from the gate to the Grange is two miles:I believeI managed to make it four; what with losing myself among the trees, andsinking upto the neck in snow:a predicament which only those who haveexperienced it can appreciate. At any rate, whatever were my wanderings,the clockchimed twelve as I entered the house; and that gave exactly anhour for every mile of the usual way from Wuthering Heights. My human fixture andher satellites rushed to welcome me; exclaiming,tumultuously, they had completely given me up; everybody conjectured thatI perished last night;and they were wondering how they must set aboutthe search for my remains. I bid them be quiet, now that they saw me returned,and, benumbed to myvery heart, I dragged upstairs; whence, after puttingon dry clothes, and pacing to and fro thirty orforty minutes, to restorethe animal heat, I am adjournedto my study, feeble as a kitten: almosttoo much so toenjoy the cheerful fire and smoking coffee which the servanthas prepared for my refreshment.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 4 What vain weather-cocks we are! I, who had determined to hold myself independentofall social intercourse, and thanked my stars that, at length, I hadlighted on a spotwhere it was next toimpracticable--I, weak wretch, aftermaintaining till dusk a strugglewith low spirits andsolitude, was finallycompelled to strike my colours; and, under pretence of gaining informationconcerning the necessities ofmy establishment, I desired Mrs Dean, whenshe brought in supper, to sit down while I ate it; hoping sincerely shewould prove a regular gossip, and either rouse me to animation or lullme to sleep by her talk.`You have lived here a considerable time,' I commenced; `did younot say sixteen years?' `Eighteen, sir: I came, when the mistress was married, to waiton her; after she died, the master retained me for his housekeeper.' `Indeed.' There ensued a pause. She was not a gossip, I feared; unless abouther own affairs, and those could hardly interest me. However, having studiedfor an interval, with a fist on either knee,and a cloud of meditationover her ruddy countenance, she ejaculated: `Ah,times are greatly changed since then!'`Yes,' I remarked, `you've seen a good many alterations, I suppose?' `I have: and troubles too,' she said. `Oh, I'll turn the talk on my landlord's family!' I thought tomyself. `A good subject to start--and that pretty girl-widow, Ishouldlike to know her history: whethershe be a native of the country, or, asis more probable, an exotic that the surly indigenae willnot recognizefor kin.' With this intention I asked Mrs Dean why Heathcliff let ThrushcrossGrange, and preferred livingin a situation and residence so much inferior.`Is he not rich enough to keep the estate in good order?' I inquired. `Rich, sir!' she returned. `He has, nobody knows what money, andevery yearit increases. Yes, yes, he's rich enough to live in a finerhouse than this: but he's very near--close-handed; and,if he had meantto flit to Thrushcross Grange, as soon as he heard of a good tenant hecould not have borne to miss the chance of getting a few hundreds more.It is strange people should be so greedy,when they are alone in the world!' `He had a son, it seems?'`Yes, he had one--he is dead.'`And, that young lady, Mrs Heathcliff, is his widow?'`Yes.`Where did she come from originally?'`Why, sir, she is my late master's daughter: Catherine Linton washermaiden name. I nursed her, poor thing! I did wish MrHeathcliff would removehere, and thenwe might have been together again.'`What! Catherine Linton?' Iexclaimed, astonished. But a minute's reflectionconvinced me it was not my ghostly Catherine.`Then,' I continued, `my predecessor's name was Linton?' `It was. `And who is that Earnshaw, Hareton Earnshaw, who lives with MrHeathcliff? are they relations?'`No; he is the late Mrs Linton's nephew.'`The young lady's cousin, then?' `Yes;and her husband was her cousin also: oneon the mother's,the other on the father's side: Heathcliff married Mr Linton's sister.'`I see the house at Wuthering Heights has "Earnshaw" carved overthe frontdoor. Are they an old family?' `Very old, sir; and Hareton is the last of them, as our MissCathyis of us--I mean of the Lintons.Have you been to Wuthering Heights? Ibeg pardon for asking; but I shouldlike to hear how sheis!' `Mrs Heathcliff? She looked very well, and very handsome; yet,I think, not very happy.' `Oh dear, I don't wonder! And how did you like themaster?' `Arough fellow, rather, Mrs Dean. Is not that his character?' `Rough as a saw edge, and hard as whinstone! The less you meddlewith him the better.' `He must have had some ups and downs in life to make him sucha churl. Do you know anything of hishistory?' `It's a cuckoo's, sir--I know all about it: except where he wasborn, and who were his parents, and how he got his money, at first. AndHareton has been cast out like an unfledged dunnock! The unfortunate ladis the only one in all this parish that does not guess how he has beencheated.' `Well,Mrs Dean, it will bea charitable deed totell me somethingof my neighbours: I feel I shall not rest, if I go to bed; so be good enoughto sit and chat an hour.' `Oh, certainly, sir! I'lljust fetch a little sewing, and thenI'llsit as long as you please. But you've caught cold: I saw you shivering,and you must have some gruel to drive it out.' The worthy woman bustled off, and I crouched nearer the fire;my head felt hot, and the rest of me chill: moreover, I was excited, almostto a pitch of foolishness, through my nerves and brain.This caused me to feel, not uncomfortable, but rather fearful (as Iam still) of serious effects fromthe incidents of today and yesterday.She returned presently, bringing a smoking basin and a basket of work;and, having placed the former onthe hob, drew in herseat, evidently pleasedto find me socompanionable. Before I came to live here, she commenced--waiting no furtherinvitationto her story--I was almost always at Wuthering Heights; becausemy mother hadnursed Mr Hindley Earnshaw, that was Hareton's father, andI got used to playing with the children: I ran errands too, and helpedto make hay, and hung about the farm ready for anything that anybody wouldset me to. One fine summer morning--it was the beginning of harvest, Iremember--Mr Earnshaw, the old master, came downstairs, dressed for a journey;and after he had told Joseph what was to be done during the day, he turnedto Hindley, and Cathy, and me--for I sat eating my porridge with them--andhe said, speaking to his son, `Now my bonny man, I'm goingto Liverpooltoday, what shall I bring you? You may choose what you like: only let itbe little, forI shall walk there and back: sixty miles each way, thatis a long spell!' Hindley named a fiddle, and then he asked Miss Cathy;shewas hardly six yearsold, but she could ride any horse in the stable,and she chose a whip. He didnot forget me; for he had a kind heart,thoughhe was rather severe sometimes. Hepromised to bring mea pocketful ofapplesand pears, and then he kissed his children goodbye andset off. It seemed along while to us all--the three days of his absence--andoften did little Cathy askwhen he would be home. Mrs Earnshaw expectedhim by supper time on the third evening, and she put the meal offhourafter hour; there were no signs of his coming, however, and at lastthechildren got tired of running down to the gate to look. Then it grew dark;she would have had them to bed, butthey begged sadly tobe allowed tostay up; and, just about eleven o'clock, the door latch was raised quietlyand instepped the master. He threw himself into a chair, laughing andgroaning, and bid them all stand off, for he was nearly killed--he wouldnot have such another walk for the three kingdoms. `And at the end of it, to beflighted to death!' he said, openinghis greatcoat, which he held bundled up in his arms. `See here,wife! Iwas never so beaten with anythingin my life: but you must e'en take itas a gift of God; though it's as dark almost as if it camefrom the devil.' We crowded round, and over Miss Cathy's head, I had a peep ata dirty, ragged, black-haired child; big enough both to walk and talk:indeed, its face looked older than Catherine's; yet, when it wasset onits feet, it only stared round, and repeated over and over again some gibberish,that nobody could understand. I was frightened, and Mrs Earnshaw was readytofling it out of doors: she did fly up, asking how he could fashion tobring that gipsy brat into the house,when they had their own bairns tofeed and fend for? What he meant to do with it, and whether he were mad?The master tried to explain thematter; but he was really half dead withfatigue, and allthat I could make out, amongst her scolding, was a taleof his seeing itstarving, and houseless, and as good as dumb, in thestreetsof Liverpool;where he picked it up and inquired for its owner. Not a soulknew to whom it belonged, he said; and his money and time being both limited,he thought it better to take ithome with him at once, than run into vainexpenses there: because he was determined he would not leave it as he foundit. Well, the conclusion was that my mistress grumbledherself calm; andMr Earnshaw told me to wash it, and give itclean things, and let it sleepwith thechildren. Hindley and Cathy contented themselves with looking and listeningtill peace was restored: then, both began searchingtheir father's pocketsfor the presents he had promised them. The former was a boy of fourteen,but when hedrew out what had been a fiddle crushed to morsels in the greatcoat,he blubbered aloud; andCathy, when she learned the master had lost herwhip in attending on the stranger, showed herhumour by grinning and spittingat the stupid little thing;earning for her pains a sound blow from herfather to teach her cleaner manners. They entirely refused to have it inbed with them, or even in their room; and I had no more sense, so I putit on the landing of the stairs, hoping it might be gone on themorrow.By chance, orelse attracted by hearing his voice, it crept to Mr Earnshaw'sdoor, and there he found it onquitting his chamber. Inquiries were madeas to how it gotthere; I was obligedto confess, and in recompense formy cowardice and inhumanity was sent out of the house.This was Heathcliff's first introduction to the family. On coming backa few days afterwards (for I did not consider my banishment perpetual)I found they had christened him `Heathcliff': it wasthe name of a sonwhodied in childhood, and it has served him ever since, bothfor Christianand surname. Miss Cathy and he were now verythick; but Hindley hated him!and to saythe truth I did the same; and we plaguedand went on with himshamefully: for Iwasn't reasonable enough to feel my injustice, and themistress never put in a word on hisbehalf when she saw him wronged. He seemed a sullen, patient child; hardened, perhaps, to ill-treatment:he would stand Hindley's blows without winking or shedding a tear, andmy pinches moved him only to draw in a breath and open his eyes, as ifhe had hurt himself by accident and nobody was to blame. This endurancemade old Earnshaw furious, when he discovered his son persecuting the poor,fatherless child, as he called him. He took to Heathcliff strangely, believingall he said (for that matter, he said precious little, andgenerally thetruth),and petting him up far above Cathy, whowas too mischievous andwayward for a favourite. So, from the very beginning, he bred bad feeling in the house;and at Mrs Earnshaw's death, which happened in less than two years after,the young master had learned to regard his fatheras an oppressor ratherthan a friend,and Heathcliff as a usurper of his parent's affections andhis privileges; and he grew bitter with brooding over these injuries. Isympathized awhile;but when the children fell ill ofthe measles, andI had to tend them, and take on me the cares of a woman at once, I changedmy ideas. Heathcliff was dangerously sick: and while he lay at the worsthe wouldhave me constantly by his pillow: I suppose he felt I did a gooddeal for him, and he hadn't wit to guess that I was compelled to do it.However, I will say this, he was thequietest child that ever nurse watchedover. The difference between him and the others forced me to be lesspartial.Cathy and her brother harassedme terribly: he was as uncomplaining asalamb; though hardness, not gentleness, made himgive little trouble.He got through, and the doctor affirmed it was in a great measureowing to me, and praised me for my care. I was vain of his commendations,and softened towards the being bywhose means I earnedthem, and thus Hindleylost his lastally: still I couldn't dote on Heathcliff, and I wonderedoften what my master saw to admire so much in the sullen boy, who never,to my recollection, repaidhis indulgence by any sign of gratitude. Hewas notinsolent to his benefactor, he was simply insensible; though knowingperfectly thehold he had on his heart, and conscioushe had only to speakand all the house would be obliged to bend to his wishes. As an instance,I remember Mr Earnshaw once bought a couple of colts at the parish fair,and gave the lads each one. Heathcliff took the handsomest, but it soonfell lame, and when he discovered it, he said to Hindley-- `You must exchange horses withme: I don't like mine; and if youwon't I shall tell your father of the three thrashingsyou've given methis week, and show him my arm, which is black to the shoulder.' Hindleyput out his tongue and cuffed him over the ears. `You'd better do it atonce,' he persisted, escaping to the porch (they were in the stable):`youwill have to; and if I speak of these blows, you'll get them again withinterest.' `Off,dog!' cried Hindley,threatening him withan iron weightused for weighing potatoes and hay. `Throw it,' he replied, standing still,`and then I'lltell how you boastedthat you would turn me out of doorsas soon as he died, andsee whether he will not turn you out directly.'Hindley threw it, hitting him on the breast, and down he fell, but staggeredup immediately, breathless and white; and, had not I prevented it, he wouldhave gone just so to the master, and got full revengeby letting his conditionplead for him, intimating who had caused it. `Takemy colt, gipsy, then!'said young Earnshaw. `And I pray that he may break your neck: take him,and be damned, you beggarlyinterloper! and wheedle my father out of allhe has: only afterwards showhim what you are, imp of Satan.--And takethat, I hope he'll kick out your brains!' Heathcliff had gone to loose the beast, and shiftit to his ownstall; he was passing behind it, when Hindley finished hisspeech by knockinghim under its feet, and without stopping to examine whether his hopes werefulfilled,ran away as fast as he could. I was surprised to witnesshowcoolly the child gathered himself up,and went on with hisintention; exchangingsaddles and all, and then sitting down on a bundle of hay to overcome thequalm which the violent blow occasioned, before he entered the house. Ipersuaded him easily to let me laythe blame of his bruises on the horse:he minded little what tale was told since he had what hewanted. He complainedso seldom,indeed, of such stirs as these, thatI really thought himnotvindictive: I wasdeceived completely,as you will hear.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 5 In the course of time, Mr Earnshaw began to fail. He had been active andhealthy, yet his strength left him suddenly; and when he was confined tothe chimney comer he grew grievously irritable. A nothingvexed him; andsuspected slightsof his authority nearly threw him into fits. This wasespecially to be remarked if anyone attempted to impose upon, or domineerover, his favourite: he was painfully jealous lest a word should be spokenamiss to him; seeming to havegot into his head the notion that, becausehe liked Heathcliff, all hated, and longed todo him an ill turn. It wasa disadvantageto the lad; for the kinder among us did not wish to fretthe master, so we humoured his partiality; and thathumouring was richnourishment to the child's pride and black tempers. Still it became ina manner necessary; twice, or thrice, Hindley's manifestation of scorn,while his father was near, roused the old man to a fury: he seizedhisstick to strike him, and shook with rage that he could not do it.At last, our curate (we had acurate then who madethe livinganswer by teaching the little Lintons and Earnshaws, and farming his bitof land himself), he advised that the young man should be sent to college;and Mr Earnshaw agreed, though with a heavy spirit, for he said--`Hindleywas nought,and would never thrive as where he wandered.' I hoped heartily we should have peace now. It hurt me to thinkthe master should be made uncomfortable by his own good deed. I fanciedthe discontent of age and disease arose from his family disagreements:as he would have it that it did: really, you know, sir, it was inhis sinkingframe. Wemight have got on tolerably, notwithstanding, butfor two people,Miss Cathy and Joseph, the servant: you sawhim, I dare say, up yonder.He was, and is yet most likely, the wearisomest self-righteous Phariseethat ever ransacked a Bible torake the promises tohimself and fling thecurses on his neighbours. By his knack of sermonizingand pious discoursing,he contrived to make a great impression on Mr Earnshaw; and themore feeblethe master became, the more influence he gained. He was relentless in worryinghim about his soul's concerns,and about ruling hischildren rigidly. Heencouraged him to regard Hindley as a reprobate; and, night after night,heregularly grumbled out a long string oftales against Heathcliff andCatherine: alwaysminding to flatter Earnshaw's weakness by heaping theheaviest blame onthe last. Certainly,she had ways with her such as I never saw a child takeup before; and she put all of us past our patience fifty timesand oftenerin a day:from the hour she came downstairs tillthe hour she went tobed,we had not a minute's security that she wouldn't bein mischief. Her spiritswere always at high-water mark, her tongue always going--singing, laughing,and plaguing everybody who would not do thesame. A wild, wickedslip shewas--but shehad the bonniest eye, the sweetest smile, and lightest footin the parish; and, after all, I believe she meant noharm; for when onceshe made you cryin good earnest, it seldom happened thatshe would notkeep you company, and oblige you to be quiet that you mightcomfort her.She was much too fond of Heathcliff. The greatest punishment we could inventfor her was to keep her separate from him: yet she got chided more thanany of us on his account. In play, she liked exceedingly to act the littlemistress; using her hands freely, and commanding her companions: she didso to me, but I would not bear shopping and ordering; and so I let herknow. Now, MrEarnshaw did not understand jokes from his children: hehad always been strict and grave with them; and Catherine, on her part,had no idea whyher father should becrosser and less patient in his ailingcondition, than he was in his prime. His peevish reproofs wakened in hera naughty delightto provoke him: she was never so happy as when we wereall scolding her at once, and she defying uswith her bold, saucylook,and her ready words turning Joseph's religious curses into ridicule, baitingme, and doingjust what her fatherhated most--showing how her pretendedinsolence, which he thought real, had more powerover Heathcliff thanhiskindness: how theboy would do her bidding in anything,and hisonly when it suited his own inclination. After behaving as badly aspossibleall day, shesometimes came fondling to make it up at night. `Nay, Cathy,'the old man would say, `I cannotlove thee; thou'rt worse than thy brother.Go, say thy prayers, child, and ask God's pardon. I doubt thy mother andI must rue that we ever reared thee!' That made her cry,at first: andthen being repulsed continually hardenedher, and she laughedif I toldher to say she was sorry for her faults, and beg to be forgiven. But the hour came, at last, that ended Mr Earnshaw's troubleson earth. Hedied quietly in his chair one October evening, seated by thefireside. A high wind blustered roundthe house, and roared in the chimney:it sounded wild and stormy, yetit was not cold, andwe were all together--I,a little removedfrom the hearth, busy at my knitting,and Joseph readinghis Bible near the table (for the servants generally sat in thehouse then,after their work was done). Miss Cathy had been sick, and that made herstill; she leant against her father's knee, and Heathcliff was lyingonthe floor with hishead in her lap. I remember the master,before he fellinto adoze, stroking her bonny hair it pleased him rarely to see her gentle--andsaying--`Why canst thou not always be a good lass, Cathy?' And she turnedher face up to his, and laughed, and answered, `Why cannot you always bea good man, father?' But as soon as she saw him vexed again, she kissedhishand, and said she would sing him to sleep. She began singing verylow, till his fingers dropped from hers, and his head sank onhis breast.Then I told her to hush, and not stir, for fear she should wakehim. Weall kept as mute as mice a full half-hour, and should have done longer,only Joseph, having finished his chapter, got up and said that he mustrouse the masterfor prayers and bed.He stepped forward, and called himby name, and touched his shoulder; but hewould not move, so he took thecandle and looked at him. Ithought there was something wrong as he setdown the light; and seizing the children each by an arm, whispered themto `frame upstairs, and make little din--they might pray alone that evening--hehad summut to do'. `I shall bid father good night first,' said Catherine, puttingher arms round his neck, before we could hinder her. The poorthing discoveredher loss directly--she screamed out--`Oh, he's dead, Heathcliff! he's dead!'And they both set up a heart-breaking cry. I joined my wail to theirs, loud and bitter; but Joseph askedwhat we could be thinking of to roar in that way over a saint in heaven.He told me toput on my cloak and run to Gimmerton forthe doctor and theparson. I could not guess the use that either would beof, then. However,I went, through wind and rain, and brought one, the doctor, back with me;the other said he would come in the morning. leaving Joseph to explainmatters, I ran to the children's room: their door was ajar,I saw theyhad never laid down, though itwas past midnight; but they were calmer,and did not need meto console them. Thelittle souls were comforting eachotherwith better thoughtsthan I could have hit on: no parson inthe worldever pictured heaven so beautifully as they did, in their innocent talk:and, while I sobbed and listened, I could not help wishing we were allthere safe together.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 6 Mr Hindley came home to the funeral;and--a thing that amazed us, and setthe neighbours gossiping right and left--he brought a wife with him. Whatshe was, and where she was born, he never informed us: probably she hadneither money norname to recommend her, or he would scarcely have keptthe union from his father.She was not one that would have disturbed the house much on herownaccount. Every object she saw, the moment she crossed the threshold,appeared to delight her; and every circumstance that took place about her:except thepreparing for the burial, and the presence of the mourners.I thought she was half silly, from her behaviour while that went on: sheran into her chamber, and made mecome with her, though I should havebeendressing the children; and there she sat shivering and clasping her hands,and asking repeatedly: `Are they gone yet?' Thenshe began describingwithhysterical emotion the effect it produced on her to see black; and started,and trembled, and, at last, fella-weeping-and when Iasked what was thematter? answered,she didn't know; butshe felt so afraid of dying! I imaginedher as little likely to dieas myself. She was rather thin, but young,and fresh-complexioned, and her eyes sparkled as bright as diamonds. Idid remark, to be sure, that mounting the stairs made her breathe veryquick: that the least sudden noise set herall in a quiver, andthat shecoughed troublesomely sometimes: but I knew nothing of whatthese symptomsportended, and had no impulse to sympathize with her. We don't in generaltake to foreigners here, Mr Lockwood, unless they take to us first. Young Earnshaw was alteredconsiderably in the three years ofhis absence. He had grown sparer, and lost his colour, andspoke and dressedquite differently; and, onthe very day of his return, he told Joseph andme we mustthenceforth quarter ourselves in the back kitchen, and leavethe house for him. Indeed, he would have carpeted and papered a small spareroom for a parlour; but his wife expressed such pleasure at the white floorand huge glowing fireplace, at the pewter dishesand delf case, and dogkennel, and the wide space there wasto move about in where they usuallysat, that he thought it unnecessary to her comfort, and so dropped theintention. She expressed pleasure, too, at finding a sister among her newacquaintance; andshe prattled to Catherine, and kissed her, and ran aboutwith her, and gave her quantities of presents, at the beginning. Her affectiontired very soon, however, and when she grew peevish, Hindley became tyrannical.A few words from her, evincing a dislike to Heathcliff, were enough torouse in him all his old hatred of the boy. He drove him from their companyto the servants, deprived him of the instructions of the curate, and insistedthat he should labour out ofdoors instead; compelling him to doso ashard as any other lad on the farm. Heathcliff bore his degradationpretty well at first, becauseCathy taught him what she learnt, and worked or played with him in thefields. They both promised fair to grow up as rude as savages; the youngmaster being entirely negligent how they behaved, and what they did, sothey kept clear ofhim. He would not even have seen aftertheir going tochurchon Sundays, only Joseph and the curate reprimanded his carelessnesswhenthey absented themselves; and thatreminded him to order Heathcliffa flogging, and Catherine a fast from dinner or supper. But it was oneof their chief amusements to run away to the moors inthe morning and remainthere all day,and the after punishment grew a mere thing to laugh at.The curate might set as many chaptersas he pleased for Catherine to getby heart, and Joseph might thrash Heathcliff till his arm ached; they forgoteverything theminute they were together again: at least the minute theyhad contrived some naughty plan ofrevenge; and many a time I've criedto myself to watch themgrowing more reckless daily, and I not daring tospeaka syllable, for fearof losing the small power I still retained overthe unfriended creatures. One Sunday evening, it chanced that they werebanished from the sitting-room, for making a noise, or alight offenceof the kind; and when I went to call them tosupper, I could discover themnowhere. We searched the house, above and below, and the yard and stables;they were invisible: and at last, Hindley in a passion told us toboltthe doors, and swore nobody should let them in that night. The householdwent to bed; and I' too anxiousto lie down, opened my lattice and putmyhead out to hearken,though it rained: determined to admit them in spiteof the prohibition, should they return. In a while, I distinguished stepscoming up the road, and the light of a lantern glimmered through the gate.I threw a shawl over my head and ran to prevent them from waking Mr Earnshawby knocking.There was Heathcliff, by himself: it gave me a start to seehim alone. `Whereis Miss Catherine?' I cried hurriedly. `No accident, Ihope?' `At Thrushcross Grange,' he answered; `and I would have been theretoo, but they had not the manners to ask me tostay. `Well, you will catchit!' I said: `you'll never be content till you're sent about your business.What in the world led youwandering to Thrushcross Grange?'`Let me get off my wet clothes, and I'll tell you all about it,Nelly,' he replied. I bid him beware of rousing the master, and while heundressed and I waited to put out the candle, he continued--`Cathy andI escaped from the wash-house to have a ramble at liberty, and gettinga glimpse of the Grange lights, we thought we would just go and see whetherthe Lintons passed their Sunday evenings standing shivering in corners,while their father and mother sat eating and drinking,and singing andlaughing; and burning their eyes out before the fire.Do you think theydo?Or reading sermons, and being catechizedby their manservant,and setto learn a column of Scripture names, if they don'tanswer properly?' `Probably not,' I responded. `They aregood children, no doubt,and don't deserve the treatment you receive, for your bad conduct.' `Don'tyou cant, Nelly,' hesaid: `nonsense! We ran from the topof the Heights to the park, without stopping--Catherine completely beatenin the race, because she was barefoot. You'll have to seek for her shoesin the bog tomorrow. We crept through a broken hedge, gropedour way upthe path, and planted ourselves on a flower plot under the drawing-roomwindow. The light came from thence; they had notput up the shutters,andthe curtains wereonly half closed. Both of us were ableto look in bystanding on the basement, and clinging to the ledge, and we saw--ah! itwas beautiful--a splendid place carpeted with crimson, and crimson-coveredchairs and tables, and a pure white ceiling bordered by gold, a showerof glass dropshanging in silver chains from the centre, and shimmeringwith little soft tapers. Old Mr and Mrs Linton were not there; Edgar andhis sister had it entirely to themselves. Shouldn't they have been happy?We shouldhave thought ourselves in heaven!And now, guess what your goodchildren were doing? Isabella--I believe she is eleven, a year youngerthan Cathy--lay screamingat the farther end of the room, shrieking asif witches were runningred-hot needles intoher. Edgar stood on the hearthweeping silently, and in themiddle of the table sat a little dog, shakingits paw and yelping; which, fromtheir mutual accusations, we understoodthey had nearly pulled in twobetween them. The idiots! That was theirpleasure! to quarrel who should hold a heap of warm hair, and each beginto cry because both, after struggling to get it, refused to take it. Welaughed outrightat the petted things; we did despise them! When wouldyou catch me wishing to have what Catherine wanted? or find us by ourselves,seekingentertainment in yelling, and sobbing, and rolling on theground,divided by the whole room? I'd not exchange, for a thousand lives, my conditionhere, for Edgar Linton's at Thrushcross Grange--not if I might have theprivilege of flinging--Joseph offthe highest gable, and painting the house-frontwith Hindley's blood!' `Hush, hush!' I interrupted. `Still you have not told me, Heathcliff,how Catherine is left behind?' `I told youwe laughed,' he answered. `The Lintons heard us, andwith one accord, they shot like arrows to the door; there was silence,and then a cry, "Oh, mamma, mamma! Oh, papa! Oh,mamma, come here. Oh,papa, oh!" They really did howl out something in that way. We made frightfulnoises to terrify them still more, and then we dropped off the ledge, becausesomebody was drawing the bars, and we felt we had better flee. I had Cathyby the hand, and was urging her on, when all at onceshe fell down. "Run,Heathcliff, run!" she whispered. "They have let the bulldog loose, andheholds me!" The devilhad seized her ankle, Nelly: I heard hisabominablesnorting. She did not yell out--no! she would havescorned to do it, ifshe had been spitted on the hornsof a mad cow. I did,though! I vociferatedcurses enough to annihilateany fiend in Christendom; and I got a storeand thrust it between his jaws, and tried with all my might tocram itdown his throat. A beast of aservant came up witha lantern, at last,shouting--"Keepfast, Skulker, keep fast!" He changed his note, however--whenhe saw Skulker's game. The dog was throttled off; his huge, purple tonguehanginghalf a foot out of his mouth, and his pendent lips streaming withbloodyslaver. The man tookCathy up: she was sick: not from fear,I'mcertain, but frompain. He carried herin; I followed, grumbling execrationsand vengeance. "What prey, Robert?" hallooed Linton fromthe entrance."Skulker has caught a little girl, sir," he replied; "and there's a ladhere", he added, making a clutch at me, "who looks an out-and-outer! Verylike, the robbers were for putting them throughthe window to open thedoors to the gangafter all were asleep, that they might murder us at theirease. Hold yourtongue, you foul-mouthed thief, you! you shall go tothegallows for this.Mr Linton, sir, don't lay by your gun." "No, no, Robert,"said the oldfool. "The rascals knew that yesterday was my rent day: theythought to have me cleverly. Come in; I'll furnish them a reception. There,John, fasten the chain. Give Skulker some water, Jenny. To beard a magistratein his stronghold, and on the Sabbath, too! Where will their insolencestop? Oh, my dear Mary, look here! Don't be afraid, it is but a boy--yetthe villain scowls so plainly inhis face; would it not be a kindness tothe country to hang him at once, before he shows his nature in acts aswell as features?"He pulled me under the chandelier, and Mrs Linton placedherspectacles on her nose and raised her hands in horror. Thecowardlychildren crept nearer also, Isabella lisping--"Frightful thing! Put himin thecellar, papa. He's exactly like the sonof the fortune-teller thatstole my tame pheasant. Isn't he, Edgar?" `While they examined me, Cathy came round; she heard the lastspeech, and laughed. EdgarLinton, after an inquisitive stare, collectedsufficient wit to recognize her. They see us at church, you know, thoughwe seldom meetthem elsewhere. "That's Miss Earnshaw!" he whispered tohis mother, "and look how Skulker has bitten her--how her foot bleeds!" "Miss Earnshaw? Nonsense!"cried the dame; "Miss Earnshaw scouringthe country with a gipsy! And yet, my dear, the child is in mourning--surelyit is--and she may be lamed forlife!" "What culpable carelessness in her brother!" exclaimed Mr Linton,turning from me to Catherine. "I've understood from Shielders" (that wasthe curate,sir) "that he lets her grow up in absolute heathenism.Butwho is this? Where did she pick up this companion? Oho! I declare he isthat strange acquisition my late neighbour made, in his journey to Liverpool--alittle Lascar, or an American or Spanish castaway." "A wickedboy, at all events,"remarked the old lady, "and quiteunfit for a decent house! Did you notice his language, Linton? I'm shockedthat my children should haveheard it." `I recommenced cursing--don't be angry, Nelly--and so Robertwasordered to take me off. I refused togo without Cathy; hedragged me intothe garden, pushed the lantern into my hand, assured me that MrEarnshawshould be informed of my behaviour, and, bidding me march directly, securedthedoor again. The curtains were still looped up at one comer, and I resumedmy station asspy; because, if Catherine had wishedto return, I intendedshattering their great glass panes to a million of fragments, unlesstheylet her out. Shesat on the sofa quietly. Mrs Linton took off the greycloak of the dairymaid which we had borrowed for ourexcursion, shakingher head and expostulating with her, I suppose: she was a young lady, andthey made a distinction between her treatment and mine. Then the woman-servantbrought a basin of warm water,and washed her feet;and Mr Linton mixedatumbler of negus, and Isabella emptieda plateful of cakes into her lap,and Edgar stood gaping at a distance. Afterwards, they dried and combedher beautiful hair, and gave her a pair of enormous slippers, and wheeledher to the fire; and I lefther, as merry as shecould be, dividing herfood between the little dog and Skulker, whose nose she pinched as he ate;and kindling a spark of spirit in the vacant blue eyesof the Lintons--adimreflection from her own enchanting face.I saw they were fullof stupidadmiration;she is so immeasurably superior to them--toeverybody on earth,is she not, Nelly?' `There will more come of this business than you reckon on,' Ianswered, covering him up and extinguishing the light. `You are incurable,Heathcliff; and Mr Hindley will have to proceedto extremities, see ifhe won't.' My words came truer than I desired. The luckless adventure madeEarnshaw furious. And then Mr Linton, to mend matters, paid us a visithimself on the morrow; and read theyoung master such a lecture on theroad he guided his family, that he was stirred to look about him, in earnest.Heathcliff received no flogging, but he was told that the first word hespoke to Miss Catherine should ensure a dismissal; and Mrs Earnshaw undertookto keep hersister-in-law in duerestraint when she returned home; employingart, not force: with force she would have foundit impossible.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 7 Cathy stayed at Thrushcross Grange five weeks: till Christmas. By thattime her ankle was thoroughly cured, and her manners much improved. Themistress visited her often in the interval, and commenced her plan of reformby trying to raise her self-respect with fine clothes and flattery, whichshe took readily; so that, instead of a wild, hatless littlesavage jumpinginto the house, and rushing to squeeze us all breathless, there alightedfrom ahandsome black pony a very dignified person, with brown ringletsfalling fromthe cover of a feathered beaver, and a long cloth habit, whichshe was obliged to hold up with both hands thatshe might sail in. Hindleylifted her from her horse, exclaiming delightedly, `Why, Cathy, you arequite a beauty! I should scarcely have known you: you look like aladynow. Isabella Linton is not to be compared with her, is she, Frances?'`Isabella has not her natural advantages,' repliedhis wife: `butshe must mind and not grow wild again here. Ellen, help Miss Catherineoff with her things--stay, dear, you will disarrange your curls--let meuntie your hat.' I removedthe habit, and thereshone forth, beneatha grand plaidsilk frock, white trousers, and burnished shoes; and, while her eyes sparkledjoyfully when the dogs came bounding up to welcome her, she dare hardlytouch them lest they should fawn upon hersplendid garments. She kissedme gently:I was all flour making the Christmascake, and it would nothave done to giveme a hug; and, then,she looked round forHeathcliff.Mr and Mrs Earnshaw watchedanxiously their meeting; thinking itwouldenable them to judge, in some measure, what grounds they had forhopingto succeed in separating the two friends. Heathcliff was hard to discover, at first. If he were careless,and uncared for, before Catherine's absence,he had been ten times moreso, since.Nobody but I even did him the kindnessto call him a dirty boy,and bid him washhimself, once a week; and children of his age seldom haveanatural pleasure in soap and water. Therefore, not to mention his clothes,which had seen three months' service in mire and dust, and his thick uncombedhair, the surface of his face and hands was dismally beclouded. He mightwell skulk behind the settle, on beholding such a bright, graceful damselenter the house, instead of a rough-headed counterpart of himself, as heexpected. `Is Heathcliff not here?' she demanded, pulling off her gloves,and displaying fingers wonderfully whitenedwith doing nothing and stayingindoors. `Heathcliff, you maycome forward,' criedMr Hindley, enjoyinghis discomfiture, and gratified to see what a forbidding young blackguardhe would be compelled to present himself. `You may come and wish Miss Catherinewelcome, like the other servants.' Cathy, catching a glimpse of her friend in hisconcealment, flewto embrace him; she bestowed seven or eight kisses on his cheek withinthe second, and then stopped, and drawingback, burst into a laugh, exclaiming,`Why, howvery black and crossyou look! and how--how funny and grim! Butthat's because I'm used to Edgar and Isabella Linton. Well, Heathcliff,have you forgotten me?' She had some reason to put the question, for shame and pride threwdouble gloom over his countenance, and kept him immovable. `Shake hands, Heathcliff,' said Mr Earnshaw, condescendingly;`once in a way, that is permitted.' `I shallnot,' replied the boy, finding his tongue at last; `Ishall not stand tobe laughed at. I shall not bear it!' And he would have broken from the circle, but Miss Cathy seizedhim again. `I did not mean to laugh at you,' she said; `I could not hindermyself: Heathcliff, shake hands at least! Whatare you sulky for? It wasonly that you looked odd. If you wash your face and brush your hair, itwill be all right:but you are so dirty!' She gazed concernedly at the dusky fingers she held in her own,and also at her dress; which she feared hadgained no embellishment fromits contact withhis. `You needn't have touched me!' heanswered, following her eyeand snatchingaway his hand. `I shall be as dirty asI please: and I liketo be dirty, andI will be dirty.' With that he dashed head foremost out ofthe room, amid the merrimentof the master and mistress,and to the serious disturbance of Catherine;who could not comprehend how her remarks should have produced such an exhibitionof bad temper. After playing lady's-maid to the newcomer, andputting my cakesin the oven, and makingthe house and kitchen cheerful with great fires,befitting Christmas eve, I prepared to sit downand amuse myself by singingcarols, all alone; regardless ofJoseph's affirmations that heconsideredthe merry tunes I chose as next door to songs. He had retired to privateprayer in hischamber, and Mr and Mrs Earnshaw were engaging Missy's attentionby sundry gay trifles bought for her to present to the little Lintons,as an acknowledgment of their kindness. Theyhad invited them to spendthe morrow at Wuthering Heights, and the invitation had been accepted,onone condition: Mrs Linton begged that her darlings must bekept carefullyapart from that `naughty swearing boy'. Underthese circumstances I remained solitary.I smelt the richscent of the heating spices; and admired the shining kitchen utensils,thepolished clock, decked in holly, thesilver mugs ranged on a tray readyto befilled with mulled ale for supper; and above all, the speckless purityof my particular care--the scoured and well-swept floor. I gave due inwardapplause to every object, and then I remembered how old Earnshaw used tocome in when all was tidied, and call me a cant lass,and slip a shillinginto my handas a Christmas box; and from that I wenton to think of hisfondness for Heathcliff, and his dread lest he shouldsuffer neglect afterdeath had removed him; and that naturally led me to consider the poor lad'ssituation now, and from singing I changed mymind to crying. It struckme soon, however, there wouldbe more sense in endeavouring to repair someof his wrongs than sheddingtears over them: I got up and walked into thecourt to seek him. He was notfar; I found him smoothing the glossycoatof the new pony in the stable, and feeding the other beasts, accordingto custom. `Make haste,Heathcliff!' I said,`the kitchen is so comfortable;and Joseph is upstairs: make haste, and let me dress you smart before MissCathy comes out, and then you can sit together, with the whole hearth toyourselves,and have a long chatter till bedtime.' He proceeded withhis task and never turned his head towards me. `Come--are you coming?' I continued. `There's a little cake foreach of you,nearly enough; and you'll need half an hour's donning.' I waited five minutes,but getting no answer, left him. Catherinesupped withher brother and sister-in-law: Joseph and I joined in an unsociablemeal, seasoned with reproofs on one sideand sauciness on theother. Hiscake and cheese remained on the table all night for the fairies. He managedto continue work till nine o'clock, and then marched dumb and dour to hischamber. Cathy sat up late, having a world of things to order for the receptionof her new friends: she came into the kitchen once to speak to her oldone;but he was gone, andshe only stayed to ask what was the matter withhim, and then went back. In the morning he rose early; and as it wasaholiday carried hisill humour on to themoors; not reappearing till thefamily were departed for church.Fasting and reflection seemed tohavebrought him to abetter spirit. He hung about me for a while, and havingscrewed up hiscourage, exclaimed abruptly: `Nelly, make me decent, I'm going to be good.' `High time, Heathcliff,' I said;`you have grieved Catherine:she's sorry she ever came home, I dare say! Itlooks as if you envied her,because she is more thought of than you.' The notion of envying Catherine was incomprehensible tohim, but the notion of grieving her he understood clearly enough. `Didshe say she was grieved?' he inquired, looking very serious.`She cried when I told her you were off again this morning.'`Well, I cried last night,' he returned,`and I had more reasonto cry than she.' `Yes: you had the reason of going to bed with a proud heart andan empty stomach,' said I. `Proud people breed sad sorrows for themselves.But, if you be ashamed of your touchiness, youmust ask pardon, mind, whenshe comes in. You must go up and offer to kiss her, and say--you know bestwhat to say; only do it heartily, and not asif you thought her convertedinto a stranger by her grand dress. And now, though I have dinner to getready, I'll steal time to arrange you so that Edgar Linton shall look quitea doll beside you: and thathe does. You are younger, and yet, I'll bebound, you are taller and twiceas broad across the shoulders: you couldknock him down in a twinkling? don't you feel that you could?' Heathcliff's face brightened a moment;then it was overcastafresh,and he sighed. `But, Nelly, if I knocked him down twenty times, that wouldn'tmake him less handsome or me more so. I wish I had light hair and afairskin, and was dressed and behaved as well, and had a chance of being asrich as he will be!' `And cried for mamma at every turn,' I added, `and trembled ifa countrylad heaved his fist against you, and satat home all day forashower of rain. Oh, Heathcliff, you are showing a poor spirit! Come tothe glass, and I'll let you see what you should wish. Do you mark thosetwo lines between your eyes; and those thick brows, that instead of risingarched, sink in the middle; and that couple of black fiends, so deeplyburied, who never open their windows boldly, but lurk glinting under them,like devil's spies? Wish and learn to smooth awaythe surly wrinkles, toraise your lids frankly, and change the fiends to confident, innocent angels,suspecting and doubting nothing, and always seeing friends where they arenot sure of foes.Don't get the expression of a vicious cur that appearsto know the kicks it gets are its desert, and yet hates all the world aswell as the kicker, for what it suffers.' `In other words, I must wish for Edgar Linton's great blue eyesand even forehead,' he replied. `I do--and that won't help me to them.' `A good heart will help you to a bonny face, my lad,' I continued,`if you were a regular black; and a bad one willturn the bonniest intosomething worse than ugly. And now that we've done washing, and combing,and sulking--tell me whether you don'tthink yourself rather handsome?I'lltell you, I do. You're fit for a prince in disguise. Who knows butyour father was Emperor of China, and your mother an Indian queen, eachof them able to buy up, withone week's income, Wuthering Heights and ThrushcrossGrange together? And you were kidnapped by wicked sailors and brought toEngland. Were I in your place, I would frame highnotions of my birth;and the thoughts of what I was should give me courage and dignity to supportthe oppressions of a little farmer!' So Ichattered on; and Heathcliff graduallylost his frown andbegan to look quite pleasant, whenall at once our conversation was interruptedby a rumbling sound moving up the road and entering the court. He ran tothe window and I to the door, just in time to behold the two Lintons descendfrom the family carriage,smothered in cloaks and furs, and the Earnshawsdismount from their horses: they often rode to church in winter. Catherinetook a handof each of the children, and brought them into the house andset them before the fire, which quickly put colour into their white faces. I urgedmy companion to hasten now and show his amiable humour,and he willingly obeyed; but ill luck would have it that, as he openedthe door leading from the kitchen on one side,Hindley opened it ontheother. They met, and the master, irritated at seeing him clean and cheerful;or, perhaps, eager to keep his promise to Mrs Linton, shoved him back witha sudden thrust, and angrily bade Joseph `keep the fellow out of the room--sendhim into the garret tilldinner is over. He'll be cramming his fingersin the tarts and stealing the fruit, if left alone with them a minute.' `Nay, sir,'I could not avoid answering, `he'll touch nothing,not he: and I suppose he must have his share of the dainties as well aswe.' `He shall have his shareof my hand, if I catch him downstairsagain tilldark,' cried Hindley. `Begone, you vagabond! What! you are attemptingthe coxcomb, are you? Wait till I get holdof those elegant locks--seeif I won'tpull them a bit longer.' `They are long enough, already,' observed Master Linton, peepingfrom the doorway; `I wonder they don't make his head ache. It's like acolt's mane over his eyes!'He ventured his remark without any intention to insult;but Heathcliff'sviolent nature was not prepared to endure the appearance of impertinencefrom onewhom he seemed to hate, even then, as a rival. He seized atureenof hot apple sauce (the first thing that came under his gripe) anddashedit full against the speaker's face and neck; who instantly commenced alament that brought Isabella and Catherine hurrying to the place. Mr Earnshawsnatched up the culprit directlyand conveyed him to his chamber; where,doubtless, he administered a roughremedy to cool the fit of passion, forhe reappeared redand breathless. I got the dish-cloth and rather spitefullyscrubbed Edgar's nose and mouth, affirming it served him right formeddling.His sister began weeping to go home, and Cathy stood by confounded,blushingfor all. `You should not havespoken to him!' she expostulated with MasterLinton. `He was in a bad temper,and now you've spoilt your visit; andhe'll be flogged:I hate him to be flogged! I can't eatmy dinner. Whydid you speak to him, Edgar?' `I didn't,' sobbed the youth, escaping from my hands, and finishingthe remainder of the purification with his cambric pocket handkerchief.`I promised mamma that I wouldn't say one word to him, and I didn't.' `Well, don't cry,' replied Catherine, contemptuously, `you'renot killed. Don'tmake more mischief; my brother is coming: be quiet! Giveover, Isabella! Has anybody hurt you?' `There, there, children--to your seats!' cried Hindley, bustlingin.`That brute of a ladhas warmed me nicely. Next time, Master Edgar,take the law into your own fists--it will give you anappetite!' The little party recovered its equanimity at sight of the fragrantfeast. They were hungry after their ride, and easily consoled,since noreal harm had befallen them. Mr Earnshaw carved bountiful platefuls,andthe mistress madethem merry with lively talk. I waited behind her chair,and was painedto behold Catherine,with dry eyes and anindifferent air,commence cuttingup the wing of a goose before her. `An unfeeling child,'I thought to myself; `how lightly she dismisses her old playmate's troubles.I could nothave imagined her tobe so selfish.' She lifted a mouthfulto her lips; then she set it down again: her cheeks flushed, and the tearsgushed over them. She slipped her fork to the floor, and hastily divedunder the cloth to concealher emotion. I did not cal her unfeeling long;for Iperceived she was inpurgatory through out the day, and wearyingto find an opportunity of getting by herself, or paying a visit toHeathcliff,who had been locked up b themaster: as I discovered, on endeavouring tointroduce to him private mess of victuals. In the evening we had a dance. Cathy begged that he might b liberatedthen, as Isabella Linton had no partner; her entreaties were vain, andI was appointedto supply the deficiency. We got rid of all gloom in theexcitement of theexercise, and our pleasure was increased by the arrivalof the Gimmerton band, mustering fifteen strong: a trumpet, atrombone,clarionets,bassoon French horns, and a bass viol, besides singers. Theygo the rounds ofall the respectable houses, and receive contributionsevery Christmas, and we esteemed it a first-rate treat to hear them. Afterthe usual carols had been sung, we set them to songs and glees. Mrs Earnshawloved the music, and so they gave us plenty. Catherine loved it too; but she said itsounded sweetest at thetop of the steps,and she went up in the dark; I followed. They shut thehousedoor below, never noting our absence, it was so full people. Shemade no stay at the stair's head, but mounted farther, to the garret whereHeathcliff was confined, and calledhim. I stubbornly declined answeringfor a while; she persevered, and finally persuaded him to hold communionwith her through the boards. I let the poor things converseunmolested,till I supposed the songs were going to cease,and the singers to get somerefreshment;then, I clambered upthe ladder to warn her. Instead of findingher outside, I heard her voice within. The little monkey had crept by theskylight of one garret, along the roof, into the skylight of the other,and it was with the utmost difficulty I could coax her out again. Whenshe did come Heathcliff came withher, and she insisted that I should takehim into the kitchen, as my fellow-servant had gone to a neighbour's tobe removed from the sound of our `devil's psalmody', as it pleased himto call it. I told themI intended by no means to encourage their tricks;but as the prisoner had never broken his fast since yesterday's dinner,I would wink at his cheatingMr Hindley that once. He went down; I sethim a stool by the fire, and offered him a quantity of good things; buthe was sick and could eat little, and my attempts to entertain him werethrown away. He leant his two elbowson his knees, and his chin on hishands, and remained wraptin dumb meditation. On my inquiring the subjectof his thoughts, he answered gravely: `I'm trying to settle how I shall pay Hindley back. I don't carehow long Iwait, if I can only do it at last. I hope he will not diebeforeI do!' `For shame, Heathcliff!' said I. `It is for God to punish wickedpeople; we should learn to forgive.' `No, God won't have the satisfaction that I shall,' he returned.`I only wish I knew the bestway! Let me alone, and I'll plan it out: whileI'm thinking of that I don't feelpain.' But, Mr Lockwood, I forget these tales cannot divert you. I'mannoyed how I should dream of chattering on at such a rate; and your gruelcold, and you nodding for bed!I could have told Heathcliffs history,allthat you need hear, in half a dozen words. Thus interrupting herself, the housekeeper rose, arid proceededto lay aside her sewing; but I felt incapableof moving from the hearth,and I was very far from nodding. `Sit still,Mrs Dean,' I cried, `do sitstill, another half-hour! You've done just right to tell the story leisurely.Thatis the method I like; and you must finish it in the same style. Iam interested in every character you have mentioned, more or less.' `The clock ison the stroke of eleven, sir.' `No matter--I'm not accustomed to go to bed in the long hours.One or two is early enough for a person who lies tillten.' `You shouldn'tlie till ten. There's the very prime of the morninggone long before that time. A person who has not done one half his day'swork by ten o'clock, runs a chance of leaving the other half undone.' `Nevertheless, Mrs Dean, resume your chair; because to morrowI intend lengthening the night till afternoon. I prognosticate for myselfan obstinate cold, at least.' `I hope not,sir. Well, you must allow me to leap over some threeyears; during that space Mrs Earnshaw---' `No, no, I'll allow nothing of the sort!Are you acquainted withthe mood of mindin which, if you were seated alone, and the cat lickingits kitten onthe rug before you, you would watch the operation so intentlythat puss's neglect of one ear would put you seriously out of temper?' `A terriblylazy mood, I should say.' `On the contrary, a tiresomely active one. It is mine, at present;and, therefore, continue minutely. I perceivethat people in theseregionsacquire over people in towns the value that the spider in a dungeon doesover a spider ina cottage, to their various occupants; and yet the deepenedattraction is not entirely owing to the situation of the looker-on. Theydo live more in earnest, more in themselves, and less in surface change,and frivolous external things. I could fancy a love for life here almostpossible; and I was a fixed unbeliever in any love of a year's standing.One state resembles setting a hungry man down to asingle dish, on whichhe may concentrate his entire appetite and do it justice; the other, introducinghim to a table laid out by French cooks: he canperhaps extract as muchenjoyment from the whole; but each part is a mere atom in his regard andremembrance.' `Oh! here we are the same as anywhere else, when you get to knowus,' observedMrs Dean, somewhat puzzled at my speech. `Excuse me,' I responded; `you, my good friend, are a strikingevidence against that assertion. Exceptinga few provincialismsof slightconsequence, you have no marks of the manners whichI am habituated toconsider as peculiar to your class. I am sure youhave thought a greatdeal more than the generality of servants think. You have been compelledto cultivate your reflective facultiesfor want of occasions for fritteringyour life away in silly trifles.' Mrs Dean laughed. `I certainly esteem myself a steady, reasonable kind of body,'she said; `notexactly from living among the hills and seeing one set offaces, and one series of actions, from year's end to year's end; but Ihave undergone sharp discipline, which has taught me wisdom; and then,I have read more than you would fancy, Mr Lockwood. You could not opena book in this library that I have not looked into, and got something outof also: unless it be that range of Greek and Latin and that of French;and those I know one from another: it is as much as you can expect of apoor man's daughter. However, if I am to follow my story in true gossip'sfashion, I had better go on; and instead of leaping three years,I willbe content to pass to the next summer--the summer of 1778, that is, nearlytwenty-three years ago.' [Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 8 On the morning of a fine June day, my first bonny little nursling, andthe last of the ancient Earnshaw stock, was born. We were busy with thehay in a faraway field, when thegirl that usually brought our breakfasts,came running an hour too soon, across the meadow and up the lane, callingme as she ran.`Oh, such a grand bairn!' she panted out. `The finest lad thatever breathed! But the doctor says missis must go: he says she's been ina consumption these many months. I heardhim tell Mr Hindley:and now shehas nothing to keep her,and she'll be dead before winter. You must comehome directly. You're to nurse it, Nelly: to feed it with sugar and milk,and take care of it day and night. I wish I wereyou, because it willbeall yours when there is no missis!'`But is she very ill?' I asked, flingingdown my rake, and tyingmy bonnet. `I guess she is; yet she looks bravely,' replied the girl, `andshe talks as if she thought of living to see it grow a man. She's out ofher head for joy, it's such a beauty! If I were her, I'm certain I shouldnot die: I should get better atthe bare sight of it, in spite of Kenneth.I was fairlymad at him. Dame Archer brought the cherub down to master,in the house,and his face just began to light up, then the old croakersteps forward, and says he: ``Earnshaw, it's a blessing your wife has beenspared to leave you this son. When she came, I felt convinced we shouldn'tkeep her long; and now, I must tell you, the winter will probablyfinishher. Don't take on, and fret about it too much! it can't be helped. Andbesides, you should have known better than to choose such a rush of a lass!' `And what did the master answer?' I inquired.`I think he swore: but I didn't mind him, I was strainingto seethe bairn,' and she began again to describe it rapturously. I, as zealousas herself, hurried eagerly hometo admire, on my part; though I was verysad for Hindley's sake. He had room in his heart only for two idols--hiswife and himself: he doted onboth, and adored one, and I couldn't conceivehow he wouldbear the loss. When we got to Wuthering Heights, there he stood at the frontdoor; and, as Ipassed in, I asked, `How was the baby?' `Nearly ready to runabout, Nell!' he replied, putting on a cheerfulsmile. `And the mistress?' I ventured to inquire; `the doctorsays she's--' `Damn the doctor!' he interrupted, reddening. `Frances is quiteright; she'll be perfectly well by this time next week. Are you going upstairs?will you tell her that I'll come, if she'llpromise not to talk.I lefther because she would not hold her tongue; and she must--tell her Mr Kennethsays she mustbe quiet.' I delivered this message to Mrs Earnshaw; she seemedin flightyspirits, and replied merrily:`I hardly spoke a word, Ellen,and there he has gone out twice,crying. Well, say I promise I won't speak: but that does not bind me notto laugh at him!' Poor soul! Till within a week of her death that gay heart neverfailed her, andher husband persisted doggedly, nay, furiously, in affirmingher health improved every day. When Kenneth warned him that his medicineswere useless at that stage of the malady,and he needn't put him to furtherexpense by attending her, he retorted: `I know you need not--she's well--she does not want any more attendancefrom you! She never was in a consumption. It was a fever; and it is gone:her pulse is asslow as mine now, and her cheek as cool.' He told his wife the same story,and she seemed to believe him;but one night, while leaningon his shoulder, in the act of saying shethought she should be able to get up tomorrow, a fit of coughing tookher--avery slight one--he raised her in his arms; she puther two hands abouthis neck, her face changed, and she was dead. As thegirl had anticipated, the child Hareton fell wholly intomy hands. Mr Earnshaw, provided he saw him healthy and never heard himcry, was contented, as far asregarded him. For himself, he grew desperate:his sorrowwas of that kind that will not lament. He neither wept nor prayed:he cursedand defied: execrated God and man, and gave himself up to recklessdissipation.The servants could not bear his tyrannical and evil conductlong: Joseph and I were the only two that would stay.I had not the heartto leave my charge; and besides,you know I had been his foster-sister,and excused his behaviour more readily than a stranger would. Joseph remainedto hector over tenants and labourers; and because it was his vocation tobe where he had plenty of wickedness to reprove. The master's bad ways and bad companions formed a pretty examplefor Catherineand Heathcliff. His treatment of the latter was enough tomake a fiend of a saint. And, truly, it appeared as if the lad werepossessed of something diabolicalat that period. He delighted to witnessHindley degrading himself past redemption; andbecame daily more notablefor savage sullenness and ferocity. I could not half tell what an infernalhouse we had. The curate dropped calling, andnobody decent came near us,at last; unless Edgar Linton's visits to Miss Cathy might be an exception.At fifteen she was the queen of the countryside; she hadno peer; and shedid turn out a haughty, headstrong creature!I own I did not likeher,after her infancy was past; and I vexed her frequently by tryingto bringdown her arrogance: she nevertook an aversion to me, though. She had awondrous constancy to old attachments: even Heathcliff kepthis hold onher affections unalterably; and young Linton, with all his superiority,found itdifficult to make anequally deep impression. He was my late master:that is his portrait overthe fireplace. It used to hang on one side, andhis wife's on the other; but hers has been removed, or else youmight seesomething of what she was. Canyou make that out? Mrs Dean raised the candle, and I discerned a soft-featured face,exceedingly resembling the younglady at the Heights,but more pensiveand amiable in expression. It formed a sweet picture. The long light haircurled slightly on the temples; the eyes were large and serious; the figurealmost too graceful. I did not marvel how CatherineEarnshaw could forgether first friend for such an individual. I marvelled much how he, witha mind to correspond with his person, could fancy my idea of CatherineEarnshaw. `A very agreeable portrait,' I observed to the housekeeper. `Isit like?' `Yes,' she answered; `but he looked better when he was animated;thatis his everyday countenance: he wanted spirit in general.' Catherine had kept up her acquaintance with the Lintons sinceherfive weeks' residence among them; and as she had no temptation to showher rough side in their company, and had the sense tobe ashamed of beingrude where she experienced such Invariable courtesy,she imposed unwittinglyon the old lady and gentleman, by her ingenious cordiality; gained theadmiration of Isabella, and the heart and soul of her brother: acquisitionsthat flattered her from the first, for she was full of ambition, and ledher to adopt a double character without exactly intending todeceive anyone.In the place where she heard Heathcliff termed a vulgar young ruffian',and `worse than a brute', she took care not to act like him; butat homeshe had smallinclination to practise politeness that would only be laughedat, and restrain an unruly nature when it wouldbring her neither creditnor praise. MrEdgar seldom mustered courage to visit Wuthering Heightsopenly. He had a terror of Earnshaw's reputation, and shrunk from encounteringhim; andyet he was always received with our best attempts at civility:the master himself avoided offending him, knowing why he came;and if hecould not be gracious, kept out of the way. I rather think his appearancethere was distasteful to Catherine: she was not artful, never played thecoquette, and had evidently anobjection to her twofriends meeting atall; for when Heathcliff expressedcontempt of Linton in his presence,she could not half coincide, as she didin his absence; and when Lintonevinced disgust and antipathy to Heathcliff, she dared not treat his sentimentswith indifference, as if depreciation of her playmate were of scarcelyany consequence to her. I've had many a laugh at her perplexities and untoldtroubles, which she vainly strove to hide from my mockery. That soundsill-natured: but she was so proud, it became really impossible to pityher distresses, till she should be chastened into more humility. She didbring herself, finally, to confess,and confide in me: there was not asoul else that she might fashion into an adviser. Mr Hindley had gone from home one afternoon, and Heathcliff presumedto give himself a holiday onthe strength of it. He had reached the ageof sixteen then, I think, and withouthaving bad features,or being deficientinintellect, he contrived to convey an impression of inward and outwardrepulsivenessthat his present aspect retains no traces of. In the firstplace, he had by that time lost the benefit of his early education: continualhard work, begun soon and concluded late, had extinguished any curiosityhe once possessed in pursuitof knowledge, and any love for books or learning.His childhood's sense ofsuperiority, instilled into him by the favoursof oldMr Earnshaw, was faded away. He struggled long to keep up an equalitywith Catherine in her studies, and yieldedwith poignant thoughsilentregret: but heyielded completely; and there was no prevailing on him totake a step in theway of moving upward, when he found he must, necessarily,sink beneath his former level. Then personalappearance sympathized withmental deterioration: he acquired a slouchinggait, and ignoble look; hisnaturally reserved dispositionwas exaggerated intoan almost idiotic excessof unsociable moroseness; and he took a grim pleasure, apparently, in excitingthe aversionrather than the esteem of his few acquaintance. Catherine and he were constant companions still at his seasonsof respite from labour;but he had ceased toexpress his fondnessfor herin words, andrecoiled with angry suspicion from her girlish caresses,as if conscious there could be no gratification in lavishing such marksof affection onhim. On the before-named occasion he came into the houseto announce his intention of doing nothing, while I wasassisting MissCathy to arrange her dress: she had not reckoned on his taking it intohis head to be idle; andimagining she would have the whole placeto herself,she managed, by some means, to inform Mr Edgar of her brother's absence,and was then preparing to receive him. `Cathy,are you busy, this afternoon?' asked Heathcliff. `Areyou going anywhere?' `No, it is raining,' she answered. `Why have you that silk frock on, then?' he said. `Nobody cominghere, I hope?'`Not that I know of,' stammered Miss: `but you should be in thefield now, Heathcliff. It is anhour past dinner time: I thought you weregone.' `Hindley does not often free us from his accursedpresence,' observedthe boy. `I'll not work any more today: I'll stay with you.' `Oh,but Joseph will tell,' she suggested; `you'd better go!' `Joseph is loading lime on the farther side of Pennistow Crag;it will take him till dark, and he'll never know.' So saying, he lounged to the fire,and sat down. Catherine reflectedan instant,with knitted brows--she found it needful to smooth the wayfor an intrusion. `Isabellaand Edgar Linton talked of calling this afternoon,'she said, at the conclusion of a minute's silence. `As it rains, I hardlyexpect them; but they may come, and if they do, you run the risk of beingscolded for no good.' `Order Ellen to say you are engaged, Cathy,' he persisted; `don'tturn me out for those pitiful, silly friends of yours! I'm on the point,sometimes, of complaining that they--but I'll not---' `That they what?'cried Catherine, gazing at him with atroubledcountenance.`Oh, Nelly!' she added petulantly, jerking her head away frommy hands, `you've combed my hair quite out of curl! That's enough;letme alone. What are you on the pointof complaining about, Heathcliff?' `Nothing--only look at the almanac on that wall;' he pointed toa framed sheet hanging near the window, and continued--`The crosses arefor the evenings you have spent with the Lintons, the dots for those spentwith me. Do you see? I'vemarked every day.' `Yes--very foolish: as if I took notice!' replied Catherine ina peevish tone. `And where is the sense of that?' `To show that I do take notice,' said Heathcliff. `And should I always be sitting with you?' she demanded, growingmore irritated. `What good do I get? What do you talk about? You mightbe dumb, ora baby, for anythingyou say to amuse me,or for anything youdo, either!' `Younever told me beforethat I talked too little, or that youdisliked my company, Cathy!' exclaimed Heathcliff, in much agitation.`It's no company at all, when people know nothing and saynothing,'she muttered. Her companion rose up, but he hadn't time to express his feelingsfurther, fora horse's feet were heard on the flags, and having knockedgently, youngLinton entered, his face brilliant with delight at the unexpectedsummons hehad received. Doubtless Catherine marked the difference betweenher friends, as one came in and the other went out. The contrast resembledwhat you see in exchanging a bleak, hilly, coal country for a beautifulfertile valley; and his voice and greeting were as opposite as his aspect. He had asweet, low manner ofspeaking, and pronounced his wordsas you do: that's less gruff than we talk here, and softer. `I'm not come too soon, am I?' he said, casting alook at me:I had begun to wipe the plate, and tidy somedrawers at the far end inthe dresser. `No,' answered Catherine. `What areyou doing there, Nelly?' `My work, miss,' I replied. (Mr Hindley had given me directionsto make a third parry in any private visits Linton chose to pay.) She stepped behindme and whispered crossly, `Take yourself andyour dusters off; when company are in the house, servants don't commencescouring andcleaning in the roomwhere they are!' `It's a good opportunity, now that the master is away,' I answeredaloud: `he hates me to be fidgeting over thesethings in his presence.I'm sure MrEdgar will excuse me.' `I hate you to befidgeting in my presence,' exclaimedthe young lady imperiously, not allowing her guest time to speak:she hadfailed to recover her equanimity since thelittle dispute with Heathcliff. `I'm sorry for it, Miss Catherine,' was my response; and I proceededassiduouslywith my occupation. She, supposing Edgarcould not see her, snatched the cloth frommy hand, and pinched me, with a prolonged wrench, very spitefully on thearm. I've said I did not love her, and rather relished mortifying her vanitynow and then: besides, she hurt meextremely; so I started up from my knees,and screamed out, `Oh, miss, that's a nasty trick! You have no right tonip me, and I'm not going to bear it.' `I didn't touch you, you lying creature!' cried she, her fingerstingling to repeat the act, and her ears red with rage. She never had powerto conceal her passion, it always set her whole complexion in a blaze. `What's that,then?' I retorted, showing a decided purple witnessto refute her. She stamped her foot, wavered a moment, and then irresistiblyimpelledby the naughty spirit within her, slapped me on the cheek a stingingblowthat filled both eyes with water. `Catherine, love! Catherine!' interposed Linton, greatly shockedat 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 nearme on the floor, at seeingmy tears commenced crying himself, and sobbedout complaintsagainst `wicked auntCathy', which drew her fury on to hisunlucky head: sheseized his shoulders, and shook him tillthe poor childwaxed livid, and Edgar thoughtlessly laid hold of her hands todeliverhim. In an instant one was wrung free, and the astonished young manfeltit applied over his own ear in a waythat could not be mistaken for jest.Hedrew back in consternation. I lifted Hareton in myarms, and walkedoff to the kitchen with him, leaving the door of communication open, forI was curious to watch how they wouldsettle their disagreement. The insultedvisitor moved to the spot where he had laid his hat, pale and with a quiveringlip.`That's right!' I said to myself. `Take warning and begone! It'sa kindness to let you have a glimpse of her genuine disposition.' `Whereare you going?' demanded Catherine, advancing to the door. He swerved aside, and attemptedto pass. `You must not go!' she exclaimed energetically. `I must and shall!' he replied in a subduedvoice. `No,' she persisted, grasping the handle; `not yet, Edgar Linton:sit down; you shall not leave me in that temper. I should be miserableall night, and I won't be miserable for you!' `Can I stay after you have struck me?'asked Linton. Catherinewas mute. `You've made me afraid and ashamed of you,' he continued; `I'llnot come here again!' Her eyes began to glisten, and her lids to twinkle. `And you tolda deliberate untruth!'he said. `I didn't!'she cried, recovering her speech; `I did nothing deliberately.Well, go, if you please--get away! And now I'll cry--I'll cry myselfsick!' She dropped down on her knees bya chair, and set to weeping inserious earnest. Edgar persevered in his resolution as far asthe court;there he lingered. I resolvedto encourage him. `Miss is dreadfully wayward, sir,' I called out. `As bad as anymarred child: you'd better be riding home, or elseshe will be sick onlyto grieve us.' The soft thing looked askance through the window: he possessedthe power to depart, as much as a cat possesses the power to leave a mousehalfkilled, or a bird half eaten. Ah, I thought, there will be no savinghim: he's doomed, and flies to his fate! And so it was: he turned abruptly,hastened into the house again, shut the door behind him; and whenI wentin a while after to inform themthat Earnshaw had come home rabid drunk,ready to pull the whole place about our ears (his ordinary frame of mindin that condition), I saerely effected a closer intimacyhad broken the outworks of youthful timidity, and enabled them to forsakethe disguise of friendship, and confess themselves lovers. Intelligenceof Mr Hindley's arrival drove Lintonspeedily tohis horse, and Catherine to her chamber. I went to hide little Hareton,and to take the shot out of the master's fowling-piece, whichhe was fondof playing with in his insane excitement, to the hazard of thelives ofany who provoked, or even attracted his noticetoo much; and I had hitupon the plan of removing it, that hemight do less mischief if he didgothe length of firingthe gun.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 9 He entered, vociferating oaths dreadful to hear; and caught me in theactof stowing his son away in the kitchen cupboard. Hareton was impressedwith a wholesome terror of encountering either his wild beast's fondnessor his madman's rage; for in one he ran a chance of being squeezed andkissed to death, and in theother of being flunginto the fire, or dashedagainst the wall; and the poor thing remained perfectly quiet whereverI chose to put him.`There, I'vefound it out at last!' cried Hindley, pulling meback by the skin of my neck,like a dog. `By heaven and hell, you've swornbetween youto murder that child! I know how it is, now, that he is alwaysout of my way.But, with the help of Satan, I shall make you swallow thecarving-knife, Nelly! You needn't laugh; for I've justcrammed Kenneth,headdownmost, in the Blackhorse marsh; and two is the same as one--andI want tokill some of you: I shall have no rest till I do!' `But I don't like the carving-knife, Mr Hindley,' I answered:`it has been cutting red herrings. I'd rather be shot, if you please.' `You'd rather be damned!' he said; `and so you shall. No law inEngland canhinder a man from keeping his house decent, and mine's abominable!open yourmouth.' He held the knife in his hand, and pushed its pointbetween myteeth: but, for my part, I wasnever much afraid ofhis vagaries. I spatout, and affirmed it tasted detestably--I would not take it on any account. `Oh!' said he, releasing me, `Isee that hideous little villainis notHareton: I beg your pardon, Nell. If it be, he deserves flayingalive for notrunning to welcome me, and for screaming as if I were a goblin.Unnatural cub, come hither! I'll teach thee to imposeon a good-hearted,deludedfather. Now, don't you think the lad would be handsomer cropped?It makes a dog fiercer, and I love something fierce--get me a scissors--somethingfierce and trim! Besides, it's infernal affectation--devilish conceit itis, to cherish ourears--we're asses enough without them.Hush, child,hush! Well then, it is my darling! wisht, dry thy eyes--there's a joy;kiss me. What! it won't? Kiss me, Hareton! Damn thee, kiss me! By God,as if 1 would rear sucha monster! As sure as I'm living, I'll break thebrat's neck.' Poor Hareton was squalling and kicking in his father's arms withall his might, and redoubled his yells when he carried him upstairsandlifted him over the banister. I cried out that he would frighten the childinto fits, and ran to rescue him. As I reached them, Hindley leant forwardon the rails to listen to a noisebelow; almost forgetting what he hadin his hands. `Who is that?' he asked, hearing someone approaching thestair's foot. I leant forward also, for the purpose of signing to Heathcliff,whose step I recognized, not to come farther;and, at the instant whenmy eye quitted Hareton, he gave a sudden spring, delivered himself fromthe careless grasp that held him,and fell. There was scarcely time to experience a thrill of horror beforewe saw that the little wretch was safe. Heathcliff arrived underneath justat 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 partedwith a lucky lotteryticket for five shillings,and finds next day he has lostin the bargain five thousand pounds, couldnot show a blanker countenance than he did on beholding the figureof MrEarnshaw above.It expressed, plainer than words could do, the intenseanguish at having made himself the instrument of thwarting his own revenge.Had it been dark, I dare say, hewould have tried to remedy the mistakebysmashing Hareton's skull on the steps; but we witnessed hissalvation;and I was presently below withmy precious charge pressed to my heart.Hindley descended more leisurely, sobered and abashed. `It is your fault, Ellen,' he said; `you shouldhave kept himout of sight: you should have taken him from me! Is he injured anywhere?' `Injured!' I cried angrily; `if he's not killed,he'll be an idiot!Oh! I wonder his mother does not risefrom her grave to see how you usehim. You're worse than a heathen--treating your own flesh and blood inthat manner!' He attempted to touch the child, who, on finding himselfwithme, sobbed off his terror directly.At the first finger his father laidon him, however, he shrieked again louder than before, and struggled asif he would go into convulsions. `You shall not meddle with him!' I continued. `He hatesyou--theyall hate you--that's the truth! A happy family you have: anda pretty stateyou'recome to!' `I shall come to a prettier, yet, Nelly,' laughedthe misguidedman, recovering his hardness. `At present, convey yourself and him away.And, hark you, Heathcliff! clear you too, quite from my reach and hearing.I wouldn't murder you tonight; unless,perhaps, I set the house on fire:but that's as my fancy goes. While saying this he took a pint bottle of brandy from the dresser,andpoured some into a tumbler. `Nay, don't!' I entreated. `Mr Hindley, do take warning. Havemercy 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 snatchthe glass fromhis hand. `Not I! Onthe contrary, I shall have great pleasure in sendingit to perdition to punish its Maker,' exclaimed the blasphemer. `Here'sto its heartydamnation!' He drankthe spirits and impatiently bade us go; terminating hiscommand precations, too bad to repeat or remember. `It's a pity he cannot kill himself with drink,'observed Heathcliff,mutteringan echo of curses back when the door was shut. `He's doing hisvery utmost; but his constitution defies him. Mr Kenneth sayshe wouldwager his mare, that he'll outlive any man on this side Gimmerton,andgo to the grave ahoary sinner; unlesssome happy chance out of the commoncourse befall him.' I went into the kitchen, and satdown to lull my little lamb tosleep.Heathcliff, as I thought, walked through to the barn.It turnedout afterwards that he only got as far as the other side the settle, whenhe flunghimself on a bench by the wall, removedfrom the fire, and remainedsilent. 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 beneaththe mools heard that-when Miss Cathy, who had listened to the hubbub from her room, put herhead in, and whispered:`Areyou alone, Nelly?' `Yes, miss,' I replied. She enteredand approached the hearth. I, supposingshe was goingto say something, looked up. The expression of her face seemed disturbedand anxious. Her lips were halfasunder, as if she meant to speak, andshe drew a breath; but it escaped in a sigh instead of a sentence. I resumedmy song; not having forgotten herrecent behaviour. `Where's 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. Therefollowed another long pause, during which I perceived a drop or two tricklefrom Catherine's cheek tothe flags. Is she sorry for her shameful conduct?I asked myself. That will be a novelty: but she may come to the point asshe will--I shan't help her!No, she felt small trouble regarding any subject,save herown concerns. `Oh, dear!' she cried at last. `I'm very unhappy!' `A pity,' observed I. `You're hard to please: so many friendsand so few cares, and can'tmake yourself content!' `Nelly, will you keep a secret for me?' she pursued, kneelingdown by me, and lifting her winsome eyes to my face with that sort of lookwhich turns off bad temper, evenwhen one has all theright in the worldtoindulge it. `Is it worth keeping?' I inquired, less sulkily. `Yes, and it worries me, and Imust let it out! I want to knowwhat I should do. Today, Edgar Linton has asked me to marry him, and I'vegiven him an answer. Now, before I tell you whether it was a consent ordenial, you tell me which itought to have been.'`Really, Miss Catherine, how can Iknow?' I replied. `To be sure,considering theexhibition you performed in his presence this afternoon,I might say it would be wiseto refuse him: sincehe asked you after that,he must either be hopelessly stupidor a venturesome fool.' `If you talk so, I won't tell youany more,' she returned peevishly,rising to her feet. `I accepted him, Nelly.Be quick, and say whether Iwas wrong!'`You accepted him! then what good is itdiscussing the matter?You have pledged your word, and cannot retract.'`But, say whether I should have done so--do!' she exclaimed inan irritated tone;chafing her hands together, and frowning. `There aremany things to be considered before that question canbe answered properly,' I said sententiously. `First and fore-most, do youlove Mr Edgar?' `Who can help it? Ofcourse I do,' she answered. Then I puther through the following catechism:for a girl oftwenty-two it was not injudicious. `Why do you love him, Miss Cathy?' `Nonsense, I do--that's sufficient.' `By no means; you must say why?' `Well, becausehe is handsome, and pleasant to be with.' `Bad!' was my commentary. `And because he is young and cheerful.' `Bad,still.' `And becausehe loves me.' `Indifferent, comingthere.' `And he willbe rich, and I shalllike to be the greatest womanof theneighbourhood, and Ishall be proud of having such a husband.' `Worst of all. And now, say how you love him?'`As everybody loves--You're silly,Nelly.'`Not at all--Answer.' `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 ill-natured! It'sno jest to me!' said the young lady, scowling, and turning her face tothe fire. `I'm very far from jesting, Miss Catherine,' I replied. `You loveMrEdgar because he is handsome, and young,and cheerful, and rich, andloves you. The last, however, goes for nothing: you would love him withoutthat, probably; and with it you wouldn't, unless he possessed the fourformer attractions.' `No, to be sure not: I should only pity him--hate him, perhaps,if he were ugly, and a clown.' `But there are several other handsome, rich youngmen in the world:handsomer, possibly, and richerthan he is. What should hinder you fromloving them?' `If there be any, they are out of my way! I've seen none likeEdgar.' `You maysee some; and he won't always be handsome, and young,and may not always be rich.' `Heis now; and I have only to do with the present. I wish youwould speak rationally.' `Well, that settles it: if you have only to do with the present,marry Mr Linton.' `I don't want your permissionfor that--I shall marry him:and yet you have not told mewhether I'm right.' `Perfectly right; ifpeople be right to marry only for the present.And now, letus hear what you areunhappy about. Your brother will be pleased;the old ladyand gentleman will not object, I think;you will escape froma disorderly, comfortless home into a wealthy, respectable one; andyoulove Edgar, and Edgar loves you. Allseems smooth and easy: where is theobstacle?' `Here!and here!' replied Catherine, striking onehand on her forehead, and the other on her breast:`in whichever placethe soul lives.In my soul and in myheart, I'm convincedI'm wrong!' `That's very strange! I cannot make it out.'`It's my secret. Butif you will not mockat me, I'll explainit: I can't do it distinctly: but I'll give you a feeling of how I feel.' She seated herself by me again:her countenance grewsadder andgraver, and her clasped hands trembled. `Nelly, do you neverdream queer dreams?'she said, suddenly,after some minutes' reflection.`Yes, nowand then,' I answered. `And so doI. I've dreamt in mylife dreams that have stayed withme ever after, and changed my ideas: they've gone throughand through me,like wine through water, and altered the colour of my mind. And this isone; I'm going to tell it--but take care not to smile at any part of it.' `Oh! don't, Miss Catherine!' I cried.`We're dismal enoughwithoutconjuring up ghosts and visions to perplex us. Come,come, be merry andlike yourself! Look at little Hareton! he's dreaming nothing dreary. Howsweetly he smiles in his sleep!' `Yes; and how sweetly his father curses in hissolitude! You rememberhim, I dare say, when he was just such another asthat chubby thing: nearlyas young and innocent. However, Nelly, I shall oblige you to listen: it'snot long; and I've no power to be merry tonight.' `I won't hear it, I won't hear it!' I repeated hastily. I was superstitious about dreams then, and am still; and Catherinehad an unusual gloom in heraspect, that made medread something fromwhichI might shape aprophecy, and foresee a fearful catastrophe. She wasvexed,but she did not proceed. Apparently taking upanother subject, sherecommencedin 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 wouldbe miserable in heaven.' `But it is not forthat. I dreamt once that I was there.' `I tell you I won't hearken to your dreams, Miss Catherine! I'llgo tobed,' I interrupted again. She laughed, and held me down; for I made a motion to leave mychair. `This is nothing,' cried she: `I was only going to say that heavendid not seem to be my home; and I broke my heartwith weeping to comebackto earth; and the angels were so angry that they flung me out into themiddle of the heath on the top of Wuthering Heights; where I woke sobbingfor joy. Thatwill do to explain my secret, as well as the other. I'venomore business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be inheaven; andif the wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low, Ishouldn'thave thought of it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so heshall never know how I love him:and that, not because he's handsome, Nelly,but because he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of,his and mine are the same; and Linton's is as different as a moonbeam fromlightning, or frost from fire.' Ere this speech ended, I became sensible of Heathcliff's presence.Having noticed a slight movement, I turned my head, and saw himrise fromthe bench, and steal out noiselessly. He had listened till he heard Catherinesay it would degrade herto marry him, and then he stayed to hear no further.My companion, sitting on the ground, was prevented by the back of the settlefrom remarkinghis presence or departure; but I started, and bade her hush! `Why?' sheasked, gazing nervously round. `Joseph is here,' I answered, catching opportunely the rollofhis cart-wheels upthe road; `and Heathcliff will comein with him. I'mnot sure whether he werenot at the door thismoment.' `Oh, he couldn't overhear meat the door!' said she. `Give meHareton, while you get the supper, and when it is ready ask me to sup withyou. I want to cheat my uncomfortable conscience, and be convinced thatHeathcliff has no notion of these things. He has not, has he? He does notknow what being in love is?' `I see no reason that he should not know, as well as you,' I returned;`and if youare his choice, he will be the most unfortunate creaturethatever was born! As soon as you become Mrs Linton, he loses friend, andlove,and all! Have you considered how you'll bear the separation, and how he'llbe deserted in the world? Because, Miss Catherine---' `He quite deserted! we separated!' she exclaimed, with an accentof indignation. `Who is to separate us, pray? They'll meet the fate ofMilo! Not as long as I live, Ellen: for no mortalcreature. Every Lintonon the face ofthe earth might meltinto nothing, beforeI could consentto forsake Heathcliff. Oh, that's not what I intend--that's notwhat Imean! I shouldn't be Mrs Linton were such a price demanded! He'll be asmuch to me as he has been all his lifetime. Edgar must shake offhis antipathy,and tolerate him, at least. He will, whenhe learns my true feelings towardshim.Nelly, I see now, you think me a selfish wretch; but did it neverstrike 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 ofmybrother's power.' `With your husband'smoney, Miss Catherine?' I asked.`You'llfind him not so pliable as you calculate upon: and,though I'm hardly ajudge, I think that's the worst motive you've given yet forbeing the wifeof young Linton.' `It is not,' retorted she; `it is the best! The others were thesatisfaction of my whims: and for Edgar's sake, too, to satisfy him. Thisis for the sake of one who comprehends in his person my feelings to Edgarand myself. I cannot express it;but surely you and everybody have a notionthat there is or should be an existence of yours beyond you. What werethe use of my creation, if I were entirely contained here? My great miseriesin this world have been Heathcliff's miseries, and I watched and felt eachfrom the beginning: my great thought in living ishimself. If all elseperished, and heremained, I should still continue to be; and if all elseremained, and hewere annihilated, the universe would turn to a mightystranger: I should not seem a part of it. My love for Linton is like thefoliage in the woods: time will change it, I'm well aware, as winter changesthe trees. Mylove for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath:a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Heathcliff!He's always, always in mymind: not as a pleasure, any more than I am alwaysa pleasure to myself, but as my own being.So don't talk of ourseparationagain: it is impracticable; and---' She paused, and hid her face in the folds of my gown; but I jerkedit forcibly away. I wasout of patience withher folly! `If I canmake any sense of your nonsense, miss,' I said, `itonly goes to convince me that you are ignorant of the duties you undertakein marrying; or else that you are a wicked, unprincipled girl. But troubleme with no more secrets: I'll not promise to keep them.' `You'll keep that?' she asked eagerly. `No, I'll not promise,' Irepeated. She was about to insist, when the entrance ofJoseph finishedour conversation; and Catherine removed her seat to a corner, and nursedHareton,while I made the supper. After it wascooked, my fellow-servantand I began to quarrel whoshould carry some toMr Hindley; and we didn'tsettle it tillall was nearly cold.Then we came to the agreement thatwe would let him ask, if he wanted any; for we feared particularly to gointo his presence when he had been some time alone. `Und hah isn't that nowt comed in froughth' field, be this time?What is he abaht? girt eedle seeght!' demanded the old man, lookingroundfor Heathcliff.`I'll call him,' I replied. `He's in the barn, I've no doubt.' I went and called, but got no answer. On returning, I whisperedto Catherine that he had heard a good part of what she said, I was sure;andtold how I saw him quit the kitchen just as she complained of her brother'sconduct regarding him. She jumped up in a fine fright, flung Hareton onto the settle, and ran to seek for her friend herself; not taking leisureto consider why she was so flurried, or how hertalk would have affectedhim. She wasabsent such a while that Joseph proposedwe should wait nolonger. He cunningly conjectured they were staying away inorder to avoidhearing his protracted blessing.They were `ill eneugh for ony fahl manners',he affirmed. And on their behalf he added thatnight a special prayer tothe usual quarter of an hour'ssupplication before meat, and would havetacked another to the end of the grace, had not his young mistress brokenin upon him with a hurried command that he mustrun down the road, andwherever Heathcliff had rambled, find and make him re-enter directly! `I want tospeak to him, and I must, before I go upstairs,'she said. `And the gate is open: he is somewhere out of hearing; for hewouldnot 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, andwalked grumbling forth. Meantime, Catherine paced up and down the floor,exclaiming: `I wonder where heis--I wonder where he can be? What didIsay, Nelly? I've forgotten. Was he vexed at my bad humour this afternoon?Dear! tellme what I've said togrieve him? I do wish he'd come. I dowishhe would!' `Whata noise for nothing!' I cried, though rather uneasy myself.`What a trifle scares you! It's surely no great cause of alarm that Heathcliffshould take a moonlight saunter on the moors, or even lie too sulky tospeak to us in the hay-loft. I'll engage he's lurking there. See if I don'tferret himout!'I departed to renew my search; itsresult was disappointment, and Joseph'squest ended in the same. `Yon lads gets war un war!' observed he on re-entering. `He'sleftth' yate ut t' full swing, and Miss's pony has trodden dahn two rigsuh corn, un plottered through, raight o'erintuh t' meadow! Hahsomdiver,t' maister 'ull play t'devil tomorn, and he'll do weel. He's patienceitsseln wi' sich careless, offald craters--patience itsseln he is! Budhe'll nut be soa allus--yah's see, all on ye! Yah mum'nt drivehim ahtuf his heead for nowt!' `Have youfound Heathcliff, you ass?' interrupted Catherine. `Haveyou been looking for him, as I ordered?' `Awsud more likker lookfor th' horse,' he replied. `It 'ud betuh more sense. Bud, Aw can look fornorther horse nur man uf a neeghtloikethis--as black as t'chimbley! und Hathecliff's noan t'chap to coomat maw whistle--happen he'll be less hard uh hearing wi' ye!' It was a very dark evening for summer: the clouds appearedinclined to thunder, and I said we had better all sit down; the approachingrain would be certain to bring him home without further trouble. However,Catherine would not be persuaded into tranquillity. She kept wanderingto andfro, from the gate to the door, in a state of agitation which permittedno repose; and at length took up a permanent situation on one side of thewall, near the road: where, heedless of my expostulations and the growlingthunder,and the great drops that began to plash around her, she remained,calling at intervals, and then listening, and then crying outright. Shebeat Hareton, or any child, at a goodpassionate fit of crying. About midnight, while we still sat up, the storm came rattlingover 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 ofthe building:a huge bough fell across the roof, and knocked down a portion of the eastchimney-stack, sending a clatter ofstones and soot intothe kitchen fire.We thought a bolt had fallen in the middleof us; and Joseph swung on tohis kneesbeseeching 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; andI shook the handle of his den that I mightascertain if hewere yet living. He replied audibly enough, in a fashionwhich made mycompanion vociferate, more clamorously than before, thata wide distinction might be drawn between saints like himself and sinnerslike his master. But the uproar passed away in twenty minutes, leavingus all unharmed; excepting Cathy, who got thoroughly drenched for her obstinacyin refusing to take shelter, and standing bonnetless and shawl-less tocatch as much water as she could with her hair and clothes. She came inand lay down on the settle, all soaked as she was, turning her face tothe back, and putting her hands before it. `Well, miss!' I exclaimed, touching her shoulder; `you are notbent on getting your death, are you?Do you know what o'clock it is? Halfpast twelve. Come, come to bed! there's no use waiting longer on that foolishboy: he'll be gone to Gimmetton, and he'llstay there now. He guesses weshouldn't wait for him till this late hour: at least, he guesses that onlyMr Hindley would be up; and he'd rather avoid having the door opened bythe master.`Nay, nay, he's noanat Gimmerton,' said Joseph. `Aw's niver wonder,bud he's at t' bothom uf a bog-hoile. This visitation worn't for nowt,and I wod hev ye to look out, miss--yah muh be t' next. Thank Hiven forall! All warks togither for gooid to them as is chozzen, and piked outfro' th' rubbidge! Yah knaw whet t' Scripture ses.' And he began quotingseveral texts, referring us to the chapters and verses where we might findthem. I, having vainly beggedthe wilful girl to rise and remove herwet things, left him preaching and her shivering, and betook myself tobed with little Hareton,who slept as fast asif everyone had beensleepinground him. Iheard Joseph read ona while afterwards; then I distinguishedhis slow step on the ladder, and then I dropped asleep. Coming down somewhatlater than usual, I saw, by the sunbeamspiercing thechinks of the shutters, Miss Catherine still seated near thefireplace. The house door was ajar,too; light entered from its unclosedwindows; Hindley had come out, and stood on the kitchen hearth, haggardand drowsy. `What ails you, Cathy?' he was saying when I entered: `you lookasdismal as a drowned whelp. Why are you so damp and pale, child?' `I've been wet,' she answered reluctantly' `and I'm cold, that'sall.'`Oh, she is naughty!' I cried, perceiving the master to be tolerablysober. `Shegot steeped in the shower of yesterday evening, and there shehas sat the nightthrough, and I couldn't prevail on her to stir.' Mr Earnshaw stared at us in surprise. `Thenight through,' herepeated. `What kept her up? not fear of the thunder,surely? That wasoverhours since.' Neither of us wishedto mention Heathcliff's absence, as longas we couldconceal it; so I replied, I didn't know how she took itintoher head to sit up; and she said nothing. The morningwas fresh and cool;Ithrew back the lattice, and presently the room filled with sweet scentsfrom the garden; but Catherine called peevishly to me, `Ellen, shut thewindow. I'm starving!' And her teeth chattered as she shrunk closer tothe almost extinguished embers.`She's ill,' said Hindley, taking her wrist; `I suppose that'sthe reason shewould not go to bed.Damn it! I don't want to be troubledwith more sickness here. What took you into the rain!' `Running after t' lads, as usuald!' croaked Joseph, catching anopportunity, from our hesitation, to thrust in his evil tongue. `If I waryah, maister, I'd just slam t' boards i' their faces all on 'em, gentleand simple! Never a day ut yah're off, but yon cat o' Linton comes sneakinghither; and Miss Nelly, shoo's a fine lass! shoo sits watching for ye i't' kitchen;and as yah're in at one door, he's out at t'other; and, then,wer grand lady goes a coorting of her side! It's bonnybehaviour, lurkingamang t' fields, after twelveo' t' night, wi' that fahl, flaysome divilof a gipsy, Heathcliff! They think I'm blind; butI'm noan: nowtut t' soart!--I seed youngLinton 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' maister's horsefit clatter up t' road.' `Silence, eavesdropper!' criedCatherine; `none of your insolencebeforeme! Edgar Linton came yesterday by chance, Hindley; andit was Iwho told himto be off: because Iknew you would not like to have met himas you were. `Youlie, Cathy, no doubt,' answered her brother, `and you area confounded simpleton! But nevermind Linton at present: tell me, wereyou not with Heathcliff last night? Speak the truth, now. You neednotbe afraid of harming him: though I hate him as much as ever, he did mea good turn a short time since, that will make my conscience tender ofbreaking his neck.To prevent it, I shall send him abouthis business,this very morning; and after he's gone, I'dadvise you all to look sharp:I shall only have the more humour for you. `I never saw Heathclifflast night,' answered Catherine, beginningto sob bitterly: `and if you do turn him out of doors, I'll go with him.But, perhaps, you'll never have an opportunity: perhapshe's gone.' Hereshe burst into uncontrollable grief, and the remainder of her words wereinarticulate. Hindley lavished on her a torrent of scornful abuse, and badeher get to her room immediately, orshe shouldn't cry for nothing! I obligedher to obey; and I shall never forget what a scene she acted when we reachedher chamber: it terrified me. I thought she was going mad, and I beggedJoseph to run for the doctor. It proved the commencement of delirium: MrKenneth,as soon as he saw her, pronounced her dangerously ill; shehada 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 thewindow;and then he left: for he had enough todo in the parish, wheretwo or three miles was the ordinary distance between cottage and cottage. Though I cannot say I made a gentle nurse, and Joseph and themasterwere no better; and though our patient was as wearisome andheadstrongas a patient could be, she weathered it through. Old Mrs Linton paid usseveral visits, tobe sure, and set things to rights, and scolded and orderedus all; and when Catherine was convalescent, she insisted on conveyingher to Thrushcross Grange: for which deliverance we were very grateful.But the poor dame had reason to repent of her kindness: she and her husbandboth took the fever, and died within a few days of each other. Our young lady returned to us, saucier and more passionate, andhaughtier than ever. Heathcliff hadnever been heard of since the eveningof the thunder-storm; and one day I had the misfortune, whenshe had provokedme exceedingly, to lay the blame of his disappearance on her: where indeedit belonged, as she well knew. From thatperiod, for several months, sheceased tohold any communication with me, save in the relation of a mereservant. Joseph fell under a ban also: he would speakhis mind,and lectureher all the same as if she were a littlegirl; and she esteemedherself a woman, and our mistress, and thought that her recent illnessgave her a claim to be treated with consideration. Then the doctor hadsaid 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 tostand up and contradict her. From Mr Earnshaw andhis companions she keptaloof; and tutored by Kenneth, and serious threats of a fit that oftenattended her rages, her brother allowed her whatevershe pleased to demand,and generallyavoided aggravating her fiery temper. Hewas rather tooindulgent in humouring her caprices; not from affection, but from pride:he wished earnestly to see herbring honour to the family by an alliancewith the Lintons, and as longas she let.him aloneshe might trample uslike slaves, for aught he cared! Edgar Linton, as multitudes have beenbefore and will be after him, was infatuated; and believed himself th,ehappiest man alive on the day he led her to GimmertonChapel, three yearssubsequent to his father's death. Much against my inclination, I was persuaded to leave WutheringHeights andaccompany her here. Little Hareton was nearly five years old,and I had just begun to teach him his letters. We madea sad parting; butCatherine's tearswere more powerful than ours. When I refused to go, andwhen she found her entreaties did not move me, she went lamenting to herhusband and brother. The former offered me munificent wages; the latterordered meto pack up: he wanted no women in the house, he said, now thatthere was nomistress; and as to Hareton, the curate should take him inhand, by and by. And so I had but onechoice left: to do as I was ordered.I told the master he got rid of all decent people only to run to ruin alittle faster; I kissed Hareton goodbye; and since then he has been a stranger:and it's very queer to think it, but I've no doubt he has completely forgottenall about Ellen Dean, and thathe was ever more than all the world to her,and she to him! At this point of the housekeeper'sstory, she chanced to glancetowards thetimepiece over the chimney; and was in amazement on seeingthe minute hand measure half past one. She would not hear of staying asecond longer: in truth, I felt ratherdisposed to defer the sequel ofher narrative, myself. And now that she is vanished to her rest, and Ihave meditated for another hour or two,I shall summon courage to go, also,in spite of aching laziness of head and limbs. [Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 10 A charming introduction to a hermit's life! Four weeks' torture, tossing,and sickness! Oh! these bleak winds and bitter northern skies, and impassableroads, anddilatory country surgeons! And, oh, this dearth of the humanphysiognomy! and, worse than all,the terrible intimation of Kenneth thatI need not expect to be outof doors till spring!Mr Heathcliff has just honoured me with a calls About seven daysago he sent me a brace of grouse--the last of the season. Scoundrel! Heis not altogether guiltlessin this illness of mine; and that I hada greatmind to tell him. But, alas! how could I offend a manwho was charitableenough to sit at my bedside a good hour, and talk on some other subjectthan 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 chiefincidents as far as she had gone.Yes: I remember her hero had run off,andnever been heard of for three years; andthe heroine was married. I'llring: she'll be delighted to find me capable of talking cheerfully. MrsDean 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 mustdrop the powders.' `With all my heart! Don't interrupt me. Come and take your seathere. Keep your fingers from that bitter phalanx of vials. Draw your knittingout of your pocket--that will do--now continue the history of Mr Heathcliff,from where you left off, to the present day. Did he finish his educationon the Continent, and come back a gentleman? or. did he get a sizar's placeat college, or escape to America, and earn honours by drawing blood fromhis foster-country? or make a fortune more promptly on the English highways?' `He may have done a little in all these vocations, Mr Lockwood;but I couldn't give my word for any. I stated before that Ididn't knowhow he gained his money; neither am I aware of the means he tookto raisehis mind from the savage ignorance into whichit was sunk: but, with yourleave, I'llproceed in my own fashion, if you think it will amuse and notweary you. Are you feeling better this morning?' `Much.' `That's good news. I got Miss Catherine and myself to ThrushcrossGrange; and, to my agreeabledisappointment, she behaved infinitely betterthan I dared expect. She seemed almost over fond of Mr Linton; and evento his sister she showed plenty ofaffection. They wereboth very attentiveto her comfort, certainly. It was not the thornbending to the honeysuckles,but thehoneysuckles embracing the thorn.There were no mutualconcessions;one stood erect, and theothers yielded: and who can be ill-natured andbad-tempered whenthey encounter neither opposition nor indifference? Iobserved that Mr Edgar had a deeprooted fear of ruffling her humour.Heconcealed it from her; but if ever he heard me answer sharply, or saw anyother servant grow cloudy at some imperious order of hers, he would showhis trouble by afrown of displeasurethat never darkened on his own account.He many a time spoke sternly to me about my pertness; and averred thatthe stabof a knife could notinflict a worse pangthan he suffered atseeing his lady vexed. Not to grievea kind master, I learned to be lesstouchy; and, forthe space of half a year, the gunpowder lay as harmlessas sand, because no fire came near to explode it. Catherine had seasonsof gloom and silence now and then: they were respected with sympathizingsilence by her husband, who ascribed them to an alteration in her constitution,produced by her perilous illness; as she was never subject to depressionof spiritsbefore. The return of sunshine was welcomed by answering sunshinefrom him. I believe I may assertthat they were really in possessionofdeep and growing happiness. It ended.Well, we must be forourselves in the long run;the mild and generous are only more justly selfish than the domineering;and it ended when circumstances causedeach to feel that the ones interestwasnot the chief consideration in theother's thoughts. Ona mellow eveningin September, I was coming from the garden with a heavy basket of appleswhich I had been gathering. It had got dusk, and the moon looked overthehigh wall of the court, causing undefined shadows tolurk in the cornersof the numerous projecting portions of the building. I set my burden onthe house steps by the kitchendoor, and lingered to rest, and drew ina few more breathsof the soft, sweet air; my eyes were onthe moon, andmy backto the entrance, when I heard a voicebehind me say-- `Nelly, is that you?' It was a deep voice, and foreign in tone; yet there was somethingin the manner of pronouncing my name which made it sound familiar. I turnedabout to discover who spoke, fearfully; for the doors were shut, andIhad 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 theside, and held his fingerson 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. Idarednot enter. You do not know me? Look, I'm not a stranger!' A ray fell on hisfeatures; the cheekswere sallow, and half coveredwith black whiskers; the brows lowering, the eyes deep set and singular.I remembered the eyes.`What!' I cried, uncertain whether toregard him as a worldlyvisitor, and I raised my hands inamazement. What! youcome back? Is itreally you? Is it?' `Yes, Heathcliff,'he replied, glancingfrom me up to the windows,which reflected a score ofglittering moons, but showed no lightsfromwithin. `Are they at home? where is she? Nelly, you are not glad! you needn'tbe so disturbed. Is she here? Speak! I want to have one word with her--yourmistress. Go, and say some person from Gimmerton desires tosee her.' `How will she take it?' I exclaimed. `What will she do? The surprisebewilders me--it will put her out of her head! Andyou are Heathcliff!But altered! Nay, there's no comprehending it. Have you been for a soldier?' `Go and carry my message,' he interrupted impatiently. `I'm inhell till you do!'He lifted the latch,and I entered; but when I got to the parlourwhere Mr and Mrs Linton were, I could not persuade myself to proceed. Atlength, I resolvedon making an excuse to ask if they wouldhave the candleslighted, and I opened the door. They sat together ina window whose lattice lay back against thewall, anddisplayed, beyond the garden trees andthe wild green park,thevalley 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, thesough that runs from the marshes joins a beck which follows the bend ofthe glen). Wuthering Heights rose above this silvery vapour; but our oldhouse was invisible; it ratherdips down on the other side. Both theroomand its occupants, and the scene they gazed on,looked wondrously peaceful.I shrank reluctantly from performing my errand; and was actually goingaway leaving itunsaid, after havingput my question about the candles,when a senseof my folly compelled me to return, and mutter--`A personfrom Gimmertonwishes to see you, ma'am.' `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.I'll be back again directly.' Shequitted the apartment; Mr Edgar inquired, carelessly, whoit was. `Someone mistress does not expect,' I replied. `That Heathcliff--yourecollect him, sir,--who used to live at Mr Earnshaw's.' `What! the gipsy--the ploughboy?' he cried. `Why did you not sayso to Catherine?'`Hush! you must not call him by those names, master,' I said.`She'd be sadlygrieved to hear you.She was nearly heartbroken when heran off. I guess his return will makea jubilee to her.' Mr Linton walked to a window on the other side of the room thatoverlooked the court. He unfastened it and leant out. I supposethey werebelow, for he exclaimed quickly--`Don't stand there, love! Bring the personin, if it be anyone particular.' Ere long I heard theclick of the latch,and Catherine flew upstairs, breathless and wild;too excited to show gladness:indeed, by her face, you would rather have surmisedan awful calamity. `Oh, Edgar, Edgar!' she panted, flingingher arms round his neck.`Oh Edgar, darling! Heathcliff's come back-he is!' And shetightened herembraceto a squeeze. `Well,well,' cried her husband crossly, `don't strangle me forthat! He never struck me as such a marvellous treasure.There is no needto be frantic!' `I knowyou didn't like him,' she answered, repressing a littlethe intensity of her delight. `Yet, for my sake, you must be friends now.Shall I tell himto come up?' `Here?'he said, `into the parlour?' `Where else?' she asked. Helooked vexed, and suggested the kitchen as a more suitableplace for him. Mrs Linton eyedhim with a droll expression--half angry,half laughing at his fastidiousness. `No,' she added after a while; `I cannot sitin the kitchen. Settwo tables here, Ellen: one for your master and Miss Isabella, being gentry;the other forHeathcliff and myself, being of thelower orders. Will thatplease you, dear? Or must I have a fire lighted elsewhere? If so, givedirections. I'llrun down and secure my guest. I'm afraidthe joy is toogreat to be real!' She wasabout to dart off again; but Edgar arrested her. `You bid him step up,' hesaid, addressing me!`and, Catherine,try to be glad, without being absurd! the whole household neednot witnessthe sightof your welcoming a runaway servant as abrother.' I descended and found Heathcliff waiting under the porch, evidentlyanticipating an invitation to enter. He followed my guidance without wasteof words, and Iushered him into thepresence of the master and mistress,whose flushed cheeks betrayed signs of warm talking. But the lady's glowedwith another feeling when her friend appeared at the door: she sprangforward,took both his hands, and led him to Linton; and then she seized Linton'sreluctant fingers and crushed them into his. Now fully revealed by thefire and candlelight, I was amazed, more than ever, to behold the transformationof Heathcliff. He had grown a tall, athletic, well-formed man; beside whom,my master seemed quite slender and youth-like. His upright carriage suggestedthe idea ofhis having been in the army. His countenance was mucholderin expression and decision of feature than Mr Linton's; it looked intelligent,and retained no marks offormer degradation. A half-civilized ferocitylurked yet in the depressed brows and eyes full of black fire, but it wassubdued; and his manner was even dignified: quite divested of roughness,though toostern for grace. My master's surprise equalled or exceededmine:he remained fora minute at a loss how to address the ploughboy, as hehad called him. Heathcliff dropped his slight hand, andstood looking athim coolly till he choseto speak. `Sit down,sir,' he said, at length. `Mrs Linton,recalling oldtimes, would have me give you a cordial reception; and, of course, I amgratified when anything occurs to please her.' `And I also,' answered Heathcliff, `especially if it beanythingin which I have a part. I shallstay an hour or two willingly.' He took a seat opposite Catherine, who kept her gaze fixed onhimas if she feared he would vanish were she to remove it. Hedid notraise his to her often: a quick glance now and then sufficed; but it flashedback, each time more confidently, the undisguised delight he drank fromhers. They were too much absorbed in their mutual joy to sufferembarrassment.Not soMr Edgar: he grew pale with pure annoyance: a feelingthat reachedits climax when his ladyrose, and stepping across the rug, seized Heathcliff'shands again, and laughed like one beside herself. `I shall think it a dream tomorrow!' she cried. `I shall not beable to believe that I have seen, and touched, and spoken to you once more.And yet, cruel Heathcliff! you don't deserve this welcome. To be absentand silent forthree years, and never to think of me!' `A little more than you have thought of me,' he murmured. `I heardofyour marriage, Cathy, not long since; and, while waiting in the yardbelow, I meditated this plan:--just to have one glimpse of your face, astare of surprise, perhaps, and pretended pleasure; afterwards settle myscore 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 meetingme with another aspect next time! Nay, you'll not drive me off again. Youwere really sorry for me,were you? Well, there was cause. I've foughtthrough abitter life since I last heard your voice; and you must forgiveme, for I struggled only for you!' `Catherine, unless we are to have cold tea, please to come tothetable,' interrupted Linton, striving to preserve his ordinary tone,and a due measure of politeness. `Mr Heathcliff will havea long walk,whereverhe may lodge tonight; and I'm thirsty.' She took her post before the urn; and Miss Isabella came, summonedby the bell;then, having handed their chairs forward, I left the room.The meal hardlyendured ten minutes.Catherine's cup was never filled:she could neither eat nor drink. Edgar hadmade a slop in his saucer, andscarcely swallowed a mouthful. Their guest did not protract his stay thatevening above an hour longer. I asked, as he departed, if he wentto Gimmerton? `No, to Wuthering Heights,' he answered: `Mr Earnshaw invitedme, 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 outa bit of a hypocrite, and coming into the country to work mischief undera cloak? I mused: I had a presentiment in the bottom of my heart that hehad better have remainedaway. About the middle of the night,I was wakened from my first napby Mrs Linton gliding into my chamber, taking aseat on my bedside, andpulling me by thehair to rouse me. `Icannot rest, Ellen,'she said, by way of apology. `And I wantsome living creature to keep me company in my happiness! Edgar is sulky,because I'm glad of a thing thatdoes not interest him: he refuses to openhis mouth, except to utter pettish, silly speeches; and he affirmed I wascruel and selfish for wishing to talk whenhe was so sick and sleepy. Healways contrives to be sickat the least cross! I gave a few sentencesof commendation to Heathcliff, and he, either for a headache or a pangofenvy, began to cry: so I got up and lefthim.' `What use is it praising Heathcliff to him?' I answered. `As ladsthey had an aversion to each other, and Heathcliff would hate just as muchto hear him praised: it's human nature. LetMr Linton alone about him,unless you.' `But does it not show great weakness?' pursued she. `I'm not envious:I never feel hurt at the brightness of Isabella's yellow hair and the whitenessof her skin, at her dainty elegance, and the fondness all the family exhibitfor her. Even you, Nelly, if we have a dispute sometimes, you back Isabellaat once; and I yield like a foolish mother: I call her adarling, and flatterher into a good temper. It pleases her brother to see us cordial, and thatpleases me. But they are very much alike: they arespoiled children, andfancy the world was made for their accommodation; and though I humour both,I think a smart chastisement might improve them, all the same.' `You're mistaken, Mrs Linton,' said I. `They humour you: I knowwhat there wouldbe to do if they didnot. You can well afford to indulgetheir passingwhims as long as their business is toanticipate all yourdesires. You may, however, fall out,at last, over something of equal consequenceto both sides; and then those you term weak are very capable of being asobstinate asyou.' `And then we shall fight to the death, shan't we, Nelly?' shereturned,laughing. `No! I tell you, I have such faith in Linton's love,that I believe I might killhim, and he wouldn'twish to retaliate.' I advised her to value him the more for his affection. `I do,' she answered, `but he needn't resort to whining for trifles.It is childish; and, instead of melting into tears because Isaid thatHeathcliff was now worthy of anyone's regard, andit would honour the firstgentleman in the country to be his friend, he oughtto have said it forme, and been delighted from sympathy. He must get accustomed to him, andhe may as well like him: considering how Heathcliff has reason to objectto him, I'm sure he behaved excellently!' `What do you thinkof his going to Wuthering Heights?' I inquired.`He is reformed in every respect, apparently:quite a Christian: offeringthe right hand of fellowship to his enemies all around!' `He explained it,' she replied. `I wonderedas much as you. Hesaid he called to gather information concerning me from you, supposingyou resided there still;and Joseph told Hindley, who came out and fellto questioning him of what he had been doing, and how he had been living;and finally, desired himto walk in. There were some persons sitting atcards; Heathcliff joined them; my brother lost some money to him, and,finding himplentifully supplied, he requested that he would come againin the evening:to which he consented. Hindley is too reckless to selecthis acquaintance prudently: he doesn't trouble himself to reflect on thecauses he might have for mistrusting one whomhe has basely injured. ButHeathcliff affirms his principal reason forresuming a connection withhis ancient persecutor is a wish to installhimself in quarters at walkingdistance from the Grange, andan attachment to thehouse where we livedtogether; and likewise a hope thatI shall have more opportunities of seeinghim there thanI could have if he settled in Gimmerton. He means to offerliberal paymentfor permission to lodge at the Heights; and doubtless mybrother's covetousness will prompt him to acceptthe terms: he was alwaysgreedy; thoughwhat he grasps with one hand he flings away with the other.' `It's a nice placefor a young man to fix his dwelling in!' saidI. `Have you no fear of the consequences, `Mrs Linton?' `None for my friend,' she replied: `his stronghead will keephim from danger; a little for Hindley: but he can't be mademorally worsethan heis; and I stand between him and bodily harm. The event of thiseveninghas reconciled me toGod and humanity! I had risen in angry rebellionagainst Providence. Oh, I'veendured very, very bitter misery, Nelly! Ifthat creature knew how bitter, he'd be ashamed to cloud its removal withidle petulance. It was kindness for him which induced meto bear it alone:hadI expressed the agony I frequently felt, he would have been taughtto long for its alleviation as ardently as l. However, it's over, and I'lltake no revenge on his folly; I can afford to suffer anything hereafter!Should themeanest thing alive slap me on the cheek, I'd not only turnthe other, but, I'd ask pardon for provoking it; and, as a proof, I'llgo make my peace with Edgar instantly. Good night! I'm an angel!' In this self-complacent conviction she departed; and the successof her fulfilled resolutionwas obvious on the morrow: Mr Linton had notonly abjured his peevishness (though his spirits seemed still subduedbyCatherine's exuberance of vivacity), but he ventured no objection to hertaking Isabella with her to Wuthering Heights inthe afternoon; and sherewarded him withsuch a summer of sweetness and affection in return,asmade the house a paradise for severaldays; both master and servants profitingfrom the perpetual sunshine. Heathcliff--Mr Heathcliff I should say in future--used the libertyof visiting at Thrushcross Grange cautiously, at first: he seemed estimatinghow far its owner would bearhis intrusion. Catherine, also, deemed itjudicious to moderate her expressions of pleasure in receiving him; andhegradually established his right to be expected. He retained a greatdeal of the reserve for which his boyhood was remarkable; and thatservedto repress allstartling demonstrations of feeling. My master'suneasinessexperienced a lull, and further circumstances diverted it into anotherchannel for aspace. His new source of trouble sprang from the not anticipated misfortuneof Isabella Linton evincing a sudden and irresistible attraction towardsthe toleratedguest. She was at that time a charmingyoung lady of eighteen;infantile in manners, though possessed of keen wit, keen feelings, anda keen temper, too, if irritated. Her brother, who loved her tenderly,was appalled at this fantastic preference. Leaving aside the degradationof an alliance with a nameless man, and the possible fact that his property,indefault of heirs male, might pass into such a one's power, he had senseto comprehend Heathcliff's disposition: to knowthat, though his exteriorwas altered,his mind was unchangeable and unchanged. And he dreaded thatmind: itrevolted him: he shrank forebodingly from the idea of committingIsabella to his keeping. He would have recoiled still more had he beenaware that her attachment rose unsolicited, and wasbestowed where it awakenedno reciprocation of sentiment; for the minute he discoveredits existence,he laid the blame on Heathcliff's deliberate designing. We had all remarked, during some time, that MissLinton frettedand pined over something. She grew cross andwearisome; snapping at andteasing Catherine continually, at the imminent risk of exhausting her limitedpatience. We excused her, to a certain extent, on the plea of ill-health:she was dwindling and fadingbefore our eyes. Butone day, when she hadbeen peculiarly wayward, rejecting her breakfast, complaining that theservants did not do what she told them; that the mistress would allowherto be nothing in the house, and Edgarneglected her; that she had caughta coldwith the doors beingleft open, and we let the parlour firego outon purpose to vex her, with a hundred yet more frivolous accusations, MrsLinton peremptorily insisted that she should get to bed; and, having scoldedher heartily,threatened to send for the doctor. Mention of Kenneth causedher to exclaim, instantly, that her health was perfect, and it was onlyCatherine's harshness which madeher unhappy. `How can you say I am harsh, you naughty fondling?' cried themistress, amazed at the unreasonable assertion. `You are surely losingyour reason. When have I been harsh, tell me?' `Yesterday,' sobbed Isabella, `and now!' `Yesterday!' said her sister-in-law. `On what occasion?' `In our walk along the moor: you told me to ramble where Ipleased,while you sauntered on with MrHeathcliff!' `And that's your notion of harshness?' said Catherine, laughing.`It was no hint that your company was superfluous: we didn't care whetheryou kept with us or not;I merely thought Heathcliffs talk would have nothingentertaining for your ears. `Oh no,' wept the young lady; `you wished meaway, because youknew I liked to be there!' `Is she sane?' asked Mrs Linton, appealing tome. `I'll repeatour conversation, word for word, Isabella; and you point out any charmit could have had for you.' `I don't mind the conversation,' she answered: `I wanted to bewith---' `Well!' said Catherine, perceiving her hesitate to completethesentence. `With him: and I won't be always sent off!' she continued, kindlingup. `You area dog in the manger,Cathy, and desire noone to be lovedbut yourself!' `You are an impertinent little monkey!' exclaimed Mrs Linton,in surprise. `But I'll not believe thisidiocy! It is impossible that youcan covet the admiration of Heathcliff--that youconsider him an agreeableperson! I hope I have misunderstood you, Isabella?' `No, you have not,' said the infatuated girl. `I love him morethan ever you loved Edgar; and he might love me, if you would lethim!' `I wouldn't beyou for a kingdom, then!' Catherine declared emphatically:and sheseemed to speak sincerely. `Nelly, help me to convince her of hermadness. Tell her what Heathcliff is: an unreclaimed creature, withoutrefinement,without cultivation:an arid wilderness of furze and whinstone.I'd as soon put that littlecanary into the parkon a winter's day, asrecommend you to bestow your heart onhim! It is deplorable ignoranceofhis character, child, and nothing else, which makes that dream enter yourhead. Pray, don't imagine that he conceals depths of benevolence and affectionbeneath a stern exterior! He'snot a rough diamond--a pearl-containingoyster of a rustic: he'sa fierce, pitiless, wolfish man. I neversay tohim, "Let thisor that enemy alone,because it would be ungenerous or cruelto harm them"; I say, "Let them alone, because I should hate them to bewronged": and he'dcrush you like a sparrow's egg, Isabella, if he foundyou a troublesome charge. I know he couldn't love a Linton; and yet he'dbe quite capable of marrying your fortune and expectations! avarice isgrowing with him a besettingsin. There's my picture: and I'm hisfriend--somuch so, that had he thought seriously to catch you, I should, perhaps,have held mytongue, and let you fall into his trap.'Miss Linton regardedher sister-in-law with indignation. `For shame! for shame!' she repeatedangrily, `you are worse thantwenty foes, you poisonous friend!' `Ah! you won't believe me, then?' said Catherine. `You think Ispeak from wicked selfishness?'`I'm certain you do,' retorted Isabella;`and I shudder at you!' `Good!' cried the other. `Try for yourself, if that beyour spirit:I have done, and yield the argument to your saucy insolence.' `And I must suffer for her egotism!' she sobbed, as Mrs Lintonleft the room.`All, all is againstme; she has blightedmy single consolation.But she uttered falsehoods, didn't she? Mr Heathcliff is not a fiend: hehas an honourable soul, anda true one, or how could he remember her?' `Banish him from your thoughts, miss,' I said. `He'sa bird ofbad omen: no mate for you. MrsLinton spoke strongly, and yet I can't contradicther.She is better acquainted with his heart than I, or anyone besides;and she would never represent him as worse than he is. Honest people don'thide their deeds. How has he been living? how hashe got rich? why is hestaying at Wuthering Heights, the house of a man whom he abhors? TheysayMr Earnshaw is worse and worse since he came. They sit up all night togethercontinually,and Hindley has beenborrowing money on his land, and doesnothing but playand drink: I heard only a week ago--it was Joseph whotold me--I met him at Gimmerton: "Nelly," he said, "we's hae acrahnr's`quest enah,at ahr folks. One on`em's a'most getten his finger cut offwi' hauding t'other froo' sticking hisseln loike a cawlf. That's maister,yah knaw, `ut's soa up uh going tuh t' grand `sizes. He's noan feard uht' bench uh judges, norther Paul, nur Peter, nur John, nur Matthew, nornoan on `em, nut he! He fair likes--he langs to set his brazened face agean`em! And yon bonny lad Heathcliff, yah mind, he's a rare `un! He can girna laugh as weel's onybody ata raight divil's jest. Does he niver say nowtof his fine living amang us, when he goas tuh t' Grange? This is t' wayon't:--up at sundahn; dice, brandy, cloised shutters, und can'le-lughttill next day at nooin: then, t fooil gangs banning un raving to his cham'er,makking dacent fowks dig thur fingers i' thurlugs fur varry shaume; un'the knave, wah he carn cahnt his brass, un' ate, un' sleep, un' off tohis neighbour's tuh gossip wi' t' wife. I' course, he tells Dame Catherinehah hor father's goold runs intuh his pocket, and her father's songallopsdahn t' Broadroad, while he fleesafore to oppen t' pikes?" Now, MissLinton, Joseph is an old rascal, but no liar; and, ifhis account of Heathcliff'sconduct be true, you would never think of desiring such a husband, wouldyou?' `You are leagued with the rest, Ellen!' she replied. `I'll notlisten to your slanders. What malevolence you musthave to wish to convinceme that there is no happiness in the world!' Whether she would have got over this fancy if left to herselfor persevered in nursing it perpetually, I cannot say: she had little timeto reflect. The day after, there was a justice-meeting at the next town;my master was obliged to attend; and Mr Heathcliff, aware ofhis absence,called rather earlier than usual. Catherine andIsabella were sitting inthe library, on hostile terms, but silent. The latter alarmed at her recentindiscretion, and the disclosure she had made of her secret feelings ina transient fit of passion; the former,on mature consideration, reallyoffended with her companion; and, if she laughed againat her pertness,inclined tomake it no laughing matter to her. She did laugh asshe saw Heathcliff pass the window. I was sweeping the hearth,and I noticeda mischievous smile onher lips. Isabella, absorbed in her meditations,or a book, remained till the door opened; andit was too late to attemptan escape, which she would gladly have done hadit been practicable.`Come in, that's right!' exclaimed the mistress gaily, pullinga chair to the fire. `Here are two people sadly in need of a third to thawthe ice between them; and you are the very one we should both of us choose.Heathcliff, I'm proud to show you, at last, somebody that dotes on youmore than myself.I expect you to feelflattered. Nay, it'snot Nelly;don't lookat her! My poor little sister-in-lawis breaking her heart bymere contemplation of your physical and moral beauty. It lies in your ownpower to be Edgar's brother! No, no, Isabella, you shan'trun off,' shecontinued, arresting, with feigned playfulness,the confounded girl,whohad risen indignantly. `We were quarrelling like cats about you,Heathcliff;and I wasfairly beaten in protestations of devotion and admiration: and,moreover, I was informed that if I would but have the manners to standaside, my rival, as she will ha"e herself to be, wouldshoot a shaft intoyour soul that would fix you for ever, and send my image into eternal oblivion!' `Catherine!' said Isabella, calling upher dignity, and disdainingto struggle from the tight grasp that held her. `I'd thankyou to adhereto the truth and not slander me, even in joke! Mr Heathcliff,be kind enoughto bidthis friend of yoursrelease me: she forgets that you andI arenot intimate acquaintances; and what amuses her is painful to me beyondexpression.' As the guest answered nothing, but took his seat, and looked thoroughlyindifferent what sentiments she cherished concerning him, she turned andwhispered an earnest appeal for liberty to her tormentor. `By no means!' cried Mrs Linton in answer. `Iwon't be named adog in the manger again.You shall stay: now then! Heathcliff, whydon't you evince satisfaction at my pleasant news? Isabella swears thatthe love Edgar has for me is nothing to that she entertains for you. I'msure she made some speech of the kind; did she not, Ellen? And she hasfasted ever sincethe day before yesterday's walk, from sorrow and ragethat I dispatched her out of your society under the idea of its being unacceptable. `I think you belie her,' said Heathcliff, twisting his chair toface them. `She wishes to be out of my society now, at any rate!' And hestared hard at theobject of discourse,as one might do at astrange repulsiveanimal: a centipede from the Indies, for instance, which curiosity leadsone to examine in spite of the aversion it raises. The poor thing couldn'tbear that: she grew white and red in rapid succession, and, while tearsbeaded her lashes, bent thestrength of her small fingers to loosen thefirm clutch of Catherine;and perceiving that as fast as she raised onefinger offher arm another closed down, and shecould not remove thewholetogether, she began to make use ofher nails; and theirsharpness presentlyornamented the detainer's with crescents of red. `There's a tigress!'exclaimed Mrs Linton, setting her free, andshaking her hand with pain. `Begone, for God's sake, and hide your vixenface!How foolish to reveal those talons to him. Can't you fancythe conclusionshe'll draw? Look, Heathcliff! they areinstruments thatwilldo execution--you must beware of your eyes. `I'd wrench them off her fingers, if they ever menaced me,' heanswered brutally,when the door had closed after her. `But what did youmean by teasing the creature in thatmanner, Cathy? You were not speakingthetruth, were you?' `Iassure you I was,' she returned. `She has been pining for yoursake several weeks; and raving about you this morning, and pouringfortha deluge of abuse, because I represented your failings in a plain light,for the purpose of mitigating her adoration. But don'tnotice it further:I wished to punish hersauciness, that's all. I like her too well, my dearHeathcliff, to let you absolutely seize and devour herup.' `And I like hertoo ill to attempt it,' said he, `except in avery ghoulish fashion. You'd hear of odd things if I lived alone with thatmawkish, waxen face: the most ordinary would be painting on its white thecolours of the rainbow, and turning the blue eyes black, every day or two:they detestably resemble Linton's.' `Delectably!' observed Catherine. `They are dove's eyes--angel's!' `She's her brother's heir, is she not?' he asked, after a briefsilence. `I should be sorry to think so,' returned his companion. `Halfa dozen nephewsshall erase her title, please Heaven! Abstract your mindfrom the subjectat present: you are too prone to covet your neighbour'sgoods; remember this neighbour's 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 scarcelymad; and, in short, we'lldismiss the matter, as you advise.' Fromtheir tongues they did dismiss it; and Catherine, probably,from her thoughts. The other,I felt certain, recalled it often inthecourse of the evening. I saw him smile to himself--grin rather--and lapseinto ominous musing whenever Mrs Linton had occasion to be absent fromthe apartment. I determined to watch his movements. My heart invariably cleavedto the master's, in preference toCatherine's side: with reason I imagined,for he was kind, and trustful, and honourable; and she--she could not becalled the opposite, yet she seemed to allow herself such wide latitude,that I had little faith in her principles, and still less sympathy forher feelings. I wanted something to happen which might have the effectof freeing both Wuthering Heights and the Grange of MrHeathcliff, quietly;leaving us as we had been priorto his advent. His visits were a continualnightmare to me; and, I suspected, to my master also. His abode at theHeights was an oppression past explaining. I felt that God had forsakenthe stray sheep there to its own wicked wanderings, and an evil beast prowledbetween it and the fold, waiting his time to spring and destroy.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 11 Sometimes, while meditating on these things in solitude, I've got up ina sudden terror, and put on my bonnet to go see how all was at the farm.I've persuaded my conscience that it was a duty to warn him how peopletalkedregarding his ways; and then I've recollected his confirmed badhabits,and, hopeless of benefiting him, haveflinched from re-enteringthe 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 journeyto Gimmerton. It was about the period that my narrative has reached: abrightfrosty afternoon; the ground bare, andthe road hard and dry. Icame to a stone where the highway branches offon to the moor at your lefthand; a rough sand pillar, with the letters W.H. cut on its north side,on the east, G., and on the south-west, T.G. It serves as guide-posttothe Grange, the Heights, and village. The sun shone yellow on its greyhead, reminding me of summer; and I cannot say why, but all at once, agush of child's sensations flowed into my heart. Hindley and I held ita favourite spot twenty years before.I gazed long at the weather-wornblock, and, stooping down, perceived a hole near the bottom still fullof snail-shells and pebbles, which we were fond of storingthere with moreperishable things; and, as fresh as reality, itappeared that I beheldmy early playmate seated on the withered turf: his dark, square head bentforward, and his little hand scooping out the earth with a piece of slate.`Poor Hindley!' I exclaimed involuntarily. I started: my bodily eye wascheated into a momentary belief that the child lifted its face and staredstraight into mine! It vanished ina twinkling; but immediately I feltanirresistible yearning to be at the Heights. Superstition urged me tocomply with this impulse: supposing he should be dead! I thought--or shoulddie soon!--supposing it were a sign of death! The nearer I got to the housethe moreagitated I grew; andon catching sight ofit I trembled in everylimb. The apparition had outstripped me: it stood looking through the gate.That was my first idea on observing an elf-locked, brown-eyed boy settinghis ruddy countenance against the bars. Further reflection suggestedthismust be Hareton,my Hareton, not altered greatly since I left him,tenmonths since. `God bless thee, darling!' I cried, forgetting instantaneouslymy foolish fears. `Hareton, it's Nelly! Nelly, thy nurse.'He retreated out of arm's length, and picked up a large flint. `I am come tosee thy father, Hareton,' I added, guessing fromthe action that Nelly, if she lived in his memory at all, was not recognizedas onewith 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,fromthe stammering lips of the little fellow, a string of curses, which,whether he comprehended them ornot, were delivered with practised emphasis,and distorted his baby features into a shocking expression of malignity.You maybe certain this grieved more than angered me. Fit to cry, I tookan orangefrom my pocket, and offered it to propitiate him. He hesitated,and then snatched it from my hold; as if he fancied I only intended totempt anddisappoint him. I showed another, keeping it out of his reach. `Who has taught you those fine words, my bairn?' I inquired. `Thecurate?' `Damn the curate, and thee! Gie me that,' he replied. `Tell us where you got your lessons, and you shall have it,' saidI. `Who's your master?' `Devil daddy,' was his answer. `And what doyou learn from daddy?' I continued. He jumped at the fruit;I raised it higher. `What does he teachyou?' I asked. `Naught,' said he, `but to keep out of his gait. Daddy cannotbide me, because I swear at him.' `Ah! and the devil teaches you toswear at daddy?' I observed. `Ah--nay,'he drawled. `Who then?' `Heathcliff.'I asked if he liked Mr Heathcliff. `Ay!'he answered again. Desiring to have hisreasons for liking him, I could only gatherthe sentences--`I known't: he paysdad back what he gies to me--he cursesdaddy for cursing me. He says I mun do as I will.'`And the curate doesnot teach you to read and write then?' Ipursued. `No, I was told the curate should have his--teeth dashed downhis throat,--if he stepped over the threshold--Heathcliff had promisedthat!'I put the orange in his hand, and bade him tell his father thata woman called Nelly Dean was waiting to speak with him, by the gardengate. He went up the walk, and entered the house; but, instead of Hindley,Heathcliff appeared on the doorstones; and I turned directly and ran downthe road as hard as ever I couldrace, making no halttill I gained theguide-post, and feeling as scared asif I had raised a goblin. This isnot much connected with Miss Isabella's affair: except that it urged meto resolve further on mounting vigilant guard, and doing my utmost to checkthe spread of such bad influence at the Grange: even though I should wakea domestic storm, by thwarting Mrs Linton's pleasure. The next time Heathcliffcame, my young lady chanced to be feedingsome pigeons in the court. She had never spoken a word to her sister-in-lawfor three days; but she had likewise droppedher fretful complaining, andwe found it a great comfort. Heathcliff had not the habit ofbestowinga single unnecessary civilityon Miss Linton, I knew. Now, as soon as hebeheld her, hisfirst precaution wasto take a sweeping survey of the housefront. I was standing by the kitchen window, but I drew out of sight.Hethen stepped across the pavement to her, and said something: she seemedembarrassed, and desirous of getting away; to prevent it, he laid his handon her arm. She averted her face: he apparently put some question whichshe had no mindto answer. There wasanother rapid glanceat the house,and supposing himself unseen, the scoundrel had the impudence to embraceher. `Judas! traitor!' I ejaculated. `You area hypocrite, too, areyou? A deliberatedeceiver.' `Who is, Nelly?' said Catherine's voice atmy elbow: I had beenover intent on watching the pair outside to mark her entrance. `Your worthless friend!' Ianswered warmly: `the sneaking rascalyonder. Ah, hehas caught a glimpseof us--he is coming in! I wonder willhe have the art to finda plausible excuse for making love to Miss, whenhe 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 couldn't withhold givingsome 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 presumptuousas to put in my insolent tongue. `To hear you, people might thinkyou 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 thebolts against you!' `God forbid that he should try!' answered the black villain. Idetested him just then. `God keep him meek and patient! Every day Igrowmadder after sending him to heaven!' `Hush!' said Catherine, shutting the inner door. `Don't 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,ifshe chooses; and youhave no right to object. I'm not yourhusband:you needn't be jealous of me!' `I'm not jealous of you,' replied the mistress, `I'm jealousfor you. Clear your face: youshan't scowl at me! If you like Isabella,you shall marry her. But do you like her? Tell the truth,Heathcliff! There,you won't answer. I'm certain you don't!' `And would Mr Linton approve of his sister marrying thatman?'I inquired. `MrLinton should approve,' returned my lady, decisively.`He might spare himself the trouble,' said Heathcliff: `I coulddo as well without his approbation. And as to you, Catherine, Ihave amind to speak a few words now, while we are at it. I want you to be awarethat I know youhave treated me infernally--infernally! Do you hear?And if you flatter yourself that I don't perceive it, you are a fool; andif you think I can be consoled by sweet words, you arean idiot; and ifyou fancy I'll suffer unrevenged, I'll convince you of the contrary, ina very little while! Meantime, thank you for telling me your sister-in-law'ssecret: I swear I'll makethe most of it. And stand you aside!' `What new phase of his character is this?' exclaimed MrsLinton,in amazement.`I've treated you infernally--and you'll take your revenge!How will youtake it, ungrateful brute? How have I treated you infernally?' `I seekno revenge on you,' replied Heathcliff less vehemently.`That's not the plan. The tyrant grinds down his slaves and they don'tturn against him; they crush those beneath them. You are welcome to tortureme to death for your amusement, only allow me to amuse myself a littlein the same style, and refrain from insult as much as you are able. Havinglevelled my palace, don't erect a hovel and complacently admire your owncharity in giving me that for ahome. If I imagined you really wished meto marry Isabel, I'd cut my throat!' `Oh, the evil is that I am not jealous, is it?' cried Catherine.`Well, I won't repeat my offer of a wife: it is as bad as offering Satana lostsoul. Your bliss lies, like his, in inflicting misery. You proveit. Edgar is restored from theill-temper he gave way to at your coming;I begin to besecure and tranquil;and you, restless toknow us at peace,appear resolved on excitinga quarrel. Quarrel with Edgar, if you please,Heathcliff, and deceive his sister: you'll hit on exactly the most efficientmethod of revenging yourself on me.' The conversation ceased.Mrs Linton sat down by the fire, flushedand gloomy. The spirit which served her was growing intractable:she couldneither laynor control it. He stood on the hearth with folded arms, broodingon his evil thoughts; and in this position I leftthem 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; she's in the kitchen, sir,' I answered. `She's sadly putout by Mr Heathcliff's behaviour: and, indeed, I do think it's time toarrange his visits on another footing. There's harm in being too soft,and now it's come to this--`And I relatedthe scene in the court, and,as near as I dared, the whole subsequent dispute. I fancied it could notbe very prejudicial to Mrs Linton; unless she made it so afterwards, byassuming the defensive for her guest. Edgar Linton had difficulty in hearingme to the close. His first words revealed that he did not clear hiswifeof blame. `This is insufferable!' heexclaimed. `It is disgraceful thatshe should own him for afriend, and force his company on me! Call me twomen out of the hall, Ellen. Catherine shall linger no longer to argue withthe low ruffian--I have humoured her enough.' He descended, and bidding the servantswait in the passage,went,followed by me,to the kitchen. Its occupants had recommenced their angrydiscussion: MrsLinton, at least, was scolding with renewed vigour; Heathcliffhad moved to the window, and hung his head, somewhat cowed by her violentrating apparently. He saw the master first, and made a hasty motion thatshe should be silent; which she obeyed, abruptly, on discovering the reasonof his intimation. `How is this?' said Linton, addressing her; `what notion of proprietymust you have to remain here,after the language which has been held toyou by that blackguard? I suppose, because it is his ordinary talk, youthink nothing of it; you are habituated to his baseness, and, perhaps,imagine I can get used to it too!' `Have you beenlistening at the door, Edgar?' asked the mistress,in a tone particularly calculated to provoke her husband,implying bothcarelessness andcontempt of his irritation. Heathcliff, who had raisedhis eyes at the former speech, gave a sneering laugh at the latter;onpurpose, it seemed, to draw Mr Linton's attention to him. He succeeded;but Edgar did not mean to entertain him with any high flights of passion. `I have been so far forbearing with you,sir,' he said quietly;`not that I was ignorant of yourmiserable, degraded character, but I feltyou were only partly responsible for that; and Catherine wishing tokeepup your acquaintance, I acquiesced--foolishly. Your presence is a moralpoison that would contaminate the most virtuous: for that cause, and toprevent worse consequences, I shall deny you hereafter admission into thishouse, and give notice now thatI require your instant departure. Threeminutes' delay will render it involuntary and ignominious.' Heathcliff measured the height and breadth of the speaker withan eye full of derision. `Cathy, this lamb ofyours threatens likea bull!' he said. `Itis in danger of splitting its skull against my knuckles.By God! Mr Linton,I'm mortally sorry that you are not worth knocking down!' My master glanced towards the passage, and signed me to fetchthe men: he had no intention of hazarding a personal encounter. I obeyedthe hint; but Mrs Linton, suspecting something, followed; and whenI attemptedto call them, she pulled me back, slammed the door to, and locked it. `Fair means!' she said, in answer to her husband's look of angrysurprise `If you have not courageto attack him, make an apology, or allowyourself to be beaten. It will correct you of feigning more valourthanyou possess. No,I'll swallow the keybefore you shall getit! I'm delightfullyrewardedfor my kindness to each! After constantindulgence of one's weaknature, and the other's bad one, I earn for thanks two samples of blindingratitude, stupid to absurdity!Edgar, I was defending you and yours;and I wish Heathcliff may flog you sick, for daringto think an evil thoughtof me.!' It did not need the medium of a floggingto produce that effecton the master.He tried to wrest the key from Catherine's grasp, and forsafety she flung it into the hottest part of the fire; whereupon Mr Edgarwas taken with a nervous trembling,and his countenance grew deadly pale.Forhis life he could not avert that access of emotion; mingled anguishand humiliation overcamehim completely. He leant on the back ofa chair,and covered his face. `Oh, heavens! In old days, this would win youknighthood!' exclaimedMrs Linton.`We are vanquished! we are vanquished! Heathcliff would assoon lift a fingerat you as a king would march his armyagainst a colonyof mice. Cheer up! you shan't be hurt! Yourtype is not a lamb, it's asucking leveret.' `I wish you joy of the milk-blooded coward,Cathy!' said her friend.`I complimentyou on your taste. And that is the slavering, shiveringthingyou preferred to me! I would not strike him with my fist, but I'd kickhim 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 resteda push.He'd better have kept his distance; my master quickly sprang erect,and struck him full on the throat a blow that would have levelled a slighterman. It tookhis breath for a minute; and while hechoked, Mr Linton walkedout by the back door into the yard, and from thence to the front entrance. `There! you've done with coming here,' cried Catherine. `Get away,now; he'll return with a brace of pistols, and half a dozen assistants.If he did overhear us, of course he'd neverforgive you. You've playedhim an ill turn, Heathcliff! But go--make haste! I'd rather see Edgaratbay than you.' `Doyou suppose I'm going with that blowburning in my gullet?'he thundered. `By hell, no! I'll crushhis ribs in like a rotten hazelnut before I cross the threshold! If I don't floor him now,I shall murderhim some time; so, as you value his existence, let me get at him!' `He's not coming,' I interposed, framing a bit of a lie. `There'sthe coachmanand the two gardeners; you'll surely not wait to be thrustinto the road by them! Each has a bludgeon; and master will, very likely,be watching from the parlour windows, to see thatthey fulfil his orders.' The gardeners and coachman were there;but Linton was withthem. They had already entered the court. Heathcliff, on second thoughts,resolved toavoid a struggle against the three underlings; he seized thepoker, smashed the lock from the inner door,and made his escape as theytramped in. Mrs Linton, who was very much excited, bade me accompany her upstairs.She didnot know my share incontributing to the disturbance, and I wasanxious to keep her in ignorance. `I'm nearly distracted, Nelly!' she exclaimed, throwing herselfon the sofa. `A thousand smiths' hammers are beating in my head! Tell Isabellato shun me; this uproar is owingto her; and should she or anyone elseaggravate my anger at present, I shall get wild. And,Nelly, say to Edgar,if you see himagain tonight, that I'm in danger of being seriously ill.I wish it may prove true. He has startled and distressed me shockingly!I want tofrighten him. Besides, he might come and begin a string of abuseor complainings; I'm certain I should recriminate, and Godknows wherewe shouldend! Will you do so,my good Nelly? You are aware that I am inno way blamable inthis matter. What possessed him to turn listener? Heathcliff'stalk wasoutrageous, after you left us; but I could soon have divertedhim from Isabella, and the rest meant nothing. Now all is dashed wrongby the fool's craving to hear evilof self, that hauntssome people likea demon! Had Edgar never gathered our conversation, he would never havebeenthe worse for it. Really, when he opened on me in thatunreasonabletone of displeasure after I had scolded Heathcliff till I was hoarse forhim, Idid not care, hardly, what they did to each other; especiallyas I felt that, however the scene closed, we should all be drivenasunderfor nobody knows how long! Well, if I cannot keep Heathcliff for my friend--ifEdgar willbe mean and jealous,I'll try to break their hearts by breakingmy own. Thatwill be a prompt wayof finishing all, when I am pushed toextremity! But it's a deed to be reserved for a forlorn hope; I'd not takeLinton by surprise with it. Tothis point he has been discreet in dreadingto provoke me; you must represent the peril of quitting that policy, andremind him of my passionatetemper, verging, when kindled, on frenzy. Iwish you could dismiss that apathy out of your countenance, and look rathermore anxious about me.' The stolidity with which I received these instructions was, nodoubt, ratherexasperating: for they were delivered in perfect sincerity;but I believed a person who could plan the turning of her fits of passionto account, beforehand, might, by exerting her will, manage to controlherself tolerably, even while under their influence; and I didnot wishto `frighten' her husband, as she said, and multiply his annoyances forthe purpose of serving her selfishness. Therefore I said nothing when Imet the master coming towards the parlour;but I took the liberty of turningback to listen whether they would resume their quarrel together. Hebeganto speak first.`Remain where you are, Catherine,' he said; without any angerin his voice, but with much sorrowful despondency. `I shall not stay. Iam neither come to wrangle nor be reconciled; but I wish just to learnwhether, after this evening's events, you intend to continue your intimacywith-- `Oh, for mercy's sake,' interrupted the mistress, stamping herfoot, `for mercy's sake, let ushear no more of it now! Your cold bloodcannot be worked into a fever:your veins are full of ice-water; but mineare boiling, andthe sight of such chillness makes themdance.' `To get rid of me, answer my question,' persevered Mr Linton.`You must answer it; and that violence does not alarm me. Ihavefound that you can be as stoical asanyone, when you please. Will you giveup Heathcliff hereafter, or will you give up me? It is impossible for youto be my friend and his at the same time; and I absolutelyrequire toknow which you choose.' `I require to be let alone!' exclaimed Catherine furiously. `Idemand it! Don't you see I can scarcely stand? Edgar, you--you 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 armof the sofa, and grindingher teeth, so that you might fancy she would crash them to splinters! MrLinton stood looking at herin sudden compunction and fear. He told meto fetchsome water. She had no breath for speaking. I brought a glassfull; and as she would not drink,I sprinkled it on her face. In a fewseconds she stretched herself out stiff, and turned up her eyes, whileher cheeks, at once blanched and livid, assumed the aspect of death. Lintonlooked terrified. `There isnothing in the worldthe matter,' I whispered. I didnot want him to yield, though I could not help being afraid inmy heart. `She has blood on her lips!' he said, shuddering.`Never mind!' I answered tartly. AndI told him how she had resolved,previous tohis coming, on exhibiting a fit of frenzy. I incautiously gavetheaccount aloud, and she heard me; for she started up--her hair flyingover her shoulders, her eyes flashing, the muscles of her neck and armsstanding outpreternaturally. I made up my mind for broken bones, at least;but she only glared about her foran instant, and thenrushed from theroom.The master directed me to follow; I did,to her chamber door:shehindered me from going farther by securing it against me. As she never offered to descend to breakfast next morning, I wentto 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 morrowafter, and received the same answer. Mr Linton, on his part,spent histime in thelibrary, and did notinquire concerning his wife's occupations.Isabellaand he had had an hour's interview, during which he tried to elicitfrom her some sentiment of proper horror forHeathcliff's advances: buthe could make nothing of her evasive replies, and was obliged to closethe examination unsatisfactorily; adding, however, a solemn warning, thatif she were so insane as to encourage that worthless suitor, itwould dissolveall bonds of relationship betweenherself and him.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 12 While Miss Linton moped about the parkand garden, always silent, and almostalways in tears; and her brother shut himselfup among books that he neveropened--wearying, I guessed, with acontinual vague expectation that Catherine,repenting her conduct, would come of her own accord to ask pardon, andseek a reconciliation--and she fasted pertinaciously, under theidea, probably, that at every meal, Edgar was ready to choke for her absence,and pride alone held himfrom running to casthimself at her feet:I wentabout my household duties, convinced that the Grange had but one sensiblesoul in its walls, and that lodged in my body. Iwasted no condolenceson Miss, nor any expostulations on mymistress; nor did I pay much attentiontothe sighs of my master, who yearned to hear his lady's name, since hemight not hear her voice. I determined they should come about asthey pleasedfor me; and though it was a tiresomely slow process, I began to rejoiceat length in a faint dawn of its progress: as I thought at first.MrsLinton, on the thirdday, unbarred her door, and having finishedthe water inher pitcher and decanter, desired a renewed supply, and abasin of gruel, forshe believed she wasdying. That I set down as a speechmeant for Edgar's ears; I believed no such thing, so I kept it to myselfand broughther some tea and drytoast. She ate and drank eagerly; andsank back on her pillow again clenching her hands and groaning. `Oh, Iwill die,' she exclaimed, `since noone cares anything about me. I wishI had not taken that.'Then a good while after I heard her murmur, `No,I'll notdie--he'd be glad--he does not love me at all--he would nevermiss me!'`Did you want anything, ma'am?' I inquired, still preserving myexternal composure, in spite of her ghastly countenance,and strange exaggeratedmanner. `What is that apathetic being doing?' she demanded, pushing herthick entangled locks fromher wasted face. `Has he fallen into a lethargy,or is he dead?' `Neither,' replied I; `if you mean Mr Linton. He'stolerably well,I think, though his studies occupy him rather more than they ought: heis continually among his books, since he has no other society.' I should not havespoken so, if I had known her true condition,but I could not get rid ofthe notion that she acted a part of her disorder. `Among hisbooks!' she cried, confounded. `And I dying! I on thebrinkof the grave! My God! does he know how I'm altered?' continued she,staring at her reflection in a mirror hanging against the oppositewall.`Is that Catherine Linton! Heimagines me in a pet--in play, perhaps. Cannotyou inform himthat it is frightfulearnest? Nelly, if it be not too late,as soon as I learn how he feels, I'll choose between these two; eitherto starve at once--thatwould be no punishment unless hehad a heart--orto recover, and leave the country. Are youspeaking the truth about himnow? Take care. Is he actuallyso utterly indifferent for my life?' `Why, ma'am,'I answered, `the master has no idea of your beingderanged; and of course he does not fear that you will let yourself dieof hunger.' `You think not? Cannot you tell him I will?' she returned. `Persuadehim! speak of your own mind: say you are certain I will!' `No, you forget, Mrs Linton,'I suggested, `that you have eatensome food with a relish this evening, and tomorrow you will perceive itsgood effects.' `If I wereonly sure it would kill him,' she interrupted, `I'dkill myself directly! These three awful nights, I've never closed mylids--andoh, I've been tormented! I'vebeen haunted, Nelly!But I begin to fancyyou don't like me. How strange! I thought, though everybody hated and despisedeach other, they could not avoidloving me. And they have all turned toenemies in a few hours: they have, I'm positive; the people here.How dreary to meet death, surrounded by their cold faces! Isabella terrifiedand repelled, afraid to enter the room, it would be so dreadfulto watchCatherine go. And Edgar standingsolemnly by to see it over; then offeringprayers of thanks to God for restoring peace to his house, and goingbackto his books! What in the name of all that feels has he to do withbooks, when I am dying?' She could not bear the notion which I had put into her head ofMr Linton's philosophical resignation. Tossingabout, she increasedherfeverish bewilderment to madness, and tore the pillow with her teeth; thenraising herself up all burning, desired that I would open the window. Wewere in the middle of winter, the wind blew strong from thenorth-east,and I objected. Both the expressions flittingover her face, and the changesof her moods, began to alarm me terribly; and brought to my recollectionher former illness, and the doctor's injunction that she should not becrossed. A minute previously she was violent; now, supported on one arm,and not noticing myrefusal to obey her,she seemed to find childish diversioninpulling the feathersfrom the rents she had just made, and ranging themon the sheet according to their different species: her mind had strayedto other associations. `That's a turkey's,'she murmured to herself; `and this is a wildduck's; andthis is a pigeon's.Ah, they put pigeons' feathers in the pillows--nowonder I couldn't die! Let metake care to throw it on the floor whenIlie down. And here is a moor-cock's; and this--I should know it among athousand--it's a lapwing's. Bonny bird; wheeling over our heads in themiddle of the moor. It wanted to get to its nest, forthe clouds had touchedthe swells, and it felt rain coming. This featherwas picked up from theheath, the bird was not shot: we sawits nest in the winter, full of littleskeletons. Heathcliff set a trap over it, and the old ones dare not come.I made him promise he'd never shoot a lapwing after that, and he didn't.Yes, here aremore! Did he shoot my lapwings, Nelly? Are they red, anyof them! Let me look.' `Give over with thatbaby-work!' I interrupted, dragging the pillowaway, and turning the holes towards the mattress, for she was removingits contentsby handfuls. `Lie down and shut your eyes: you're wandering.There's a mess! The down is flying about like snow.' I went here and there collectingit. `I see in you, Nelly,' she continued dreamily, `an aged woman:you have grey hair and bent shoulders. Thisbed is the fairy cave underPeniston Crag, and you are gathering elf-bolts to hurt our heifers;pretending,while I am near, that they are only locks of wool. That's what you'll cometo fifty years hence: I know you are not so now. I'm not wandering: you'remistaken, or else I should believe you really were that witheredhag, and I should think I was under Peniston Crag;and I'm consciousit's night,and there are two candles on the tablemaking the black pressshine like jet.' `The black press? where is that?' I asked. `You are talking inyour sleep!' `It's against thewall, as it always is,' she replied. `It doesappear odd--I see a face init!' `There's no press in the room, and never was,' saidI, resumingmy seat, and looping up the curtain that I mightwatch her. `Don't you see that face?' she inquired, gazingearnestlyat the mirror. And say whatI could, I was incapable of making her comprehendit to be her own; so I rose and covered it with a shawl. `It's behind there still!'she pursued anxiously. `And it stirred.Who is it? Ihope it will not come out when you are gone! Oh! Nelly,theroom is haunted! I'm afraid of being alone!' I took her hand in mine, and bid her be composed:for a successionof shudders convulsed her frame, and she would keep straininghergaze towards the glass. `There's nobody here!' I insisted. `It was yourself, MrsLinton:you knew it a while since.' `Myself!' she gasped, `and theclock is striking twelve! It'strue, then! that's dreadful!' Her fingers clutched theclothes, and gathered them over her eyes.I attemptedto steal to the doorwith an intention ofcalling her husband;but I was summoned back by a piercing shriek--theshawl had dropped fromthe frame. `Why,what is the matter?'cried I. `Who is coward now?Wake up! That is the glass--the mirror, Mrs Linton; and you see yourselfin it, and there am I too, by your side.' Trembling and bewildered, she heldme fast, but the horror graduallypassed fromher countenance; itspaleness gave place to a glow of shame. `Oh, dear! I thoughtI was at home,' she sighed. `I thought Iwas lying in my chamber at WutheringHeights. Because I'mweak, my braingot confused, and I screamed unconsciously. Don tsay anything; but staywith me. I dreadsleeping: my dreams appal me.' `A sound sleep would do you good, ma'am,' I answered; `and I hopethis suffering will prevent your trying starving again.' `Oh, if I were but in my own bed in the old house!' she went onbitterly, wringingher hands, `And thatwind sounding in thefirs by thelattice. Do let me feel it--it comes straight down the moor--do let mehave one breath!' To pacify her, I held the casement ajar a few seconds. A coldblast rushed through; I closed it, and returned to mypost. She lay stillnow, her face bathed in tears. Exhaustion of body had entirely subduedher spirit: our fiery Catherine was no better than awailing child. `How long is it since I shut myself in here?' she asked, suddenlyreviving. `It was Monday evening,' I replied,`and this is Thursday night,or rather Friday morning, at present.`What! of the same week?' she exclaimed. `Only that brief time?' `Long enough to live on nothing but cold water and ill-temper,observed I. `Well, it seems aweary number of hours,' she muttereddoubtfully:`it must be more. I remember being in the parlourafter they had quarrelled,and Edgarbeing cruelly provoking, and me running into this room desperate.As soon as ever I had barred the door, utter blackness overwhelmed me,and Ifell on the floor. Icouldn't explain to Edgar how certain I feltof having a fit,or going raging mad,if he persisted in teasing me! Ihad no command of tongue, or brain, and he didnot guess my agony, perhaps:it barely left me sense to tryto escape from him and his voice. BeforeI recovered sufficiently to see and hear, it began to be dawn, and, Nelly,I'll tell you what I thought, and what has kept recurring and recurringtill I feared for my reason. I thought as I laythere, with my head againstthat table leg, and my eyes dimly discerning thegrey square of the window,that I was enclosed in the oak-panelled bed at home; and my heart achedwith some greatgrief which, just waking, I could not recollect. I pondered,and worriedmyself to discover what it could be, and, most strangely,thewhole last seven years of my life grew a blank! I did not recall that theyhad been at all.I was a child; my father was just buried, and my miseryarose from theseparation that Hindley had ordered between me and Heathcliff.I was laid alone, for the first time; and, rousing from a dismal doze aftera night of weeping, I lifted my hand to push the panels aside: it struckthe table top! I swept it along the carpet,and then memory burst in: mylate anguish was swallowed in a paroxysm of despair.I cannot say why Ifelt so wildly wretched: it must have been temporary derangement, for thereis scarcely cause. But, supposing at twelve years old I had beenwrenchedfrom the Heights, and every early association, and my all in all, as Heathcliffwas at that time, and been converted at a stroke into Mrs Linton, the ladyof Thrushcross Grange, and the wife of a stranger: an exile, and outcast,thenceforth,from what had been my world. You may fancy a glimpse of theabyss where I grovelled! Shake your head as you will, Nelly, youhavehelped to unsettle me! You should have spoken to Edgar, indeed youshould, and compelled him toleave me quiet! Oh, I'm burning! I wish Iwere out of doors! I wish I were a girlagain, half savage and hardy, andfree; and laughing at injuries, not maddening under them! Why am I so changed?why does my blood rush into a hell of tumult at a few words? I'm sure Ishould be myself were I once among the heather on thosehills. Open thewindow again wide: fasten it open! Quick, why don't youmove?' `Because I won't give you your death of cold,' I answered. `You won'tgive me a chance of life, you mean,' shesaid sullenly.`However, I'm not helpless, yet: I'll open it myself.' And slidingfrom the bed before I could hinder her, she crossedthe room,walking very uncertainly, threw it back, and bent out, carelessof the frosty air that cut about her shoulders as keen as a knife. I entreated,and finally attempted toforce her to retire.But I soon found herdeliriousstrength much surpassed mine (she was delirious, I became convincedbyher subsequent actions and ravings). There was no moon,and everythingbeneath lay in misty darkness: not a light gleamed from any house, faror near--all had been extinguished long ago; and those at Wuthering Heightswere never visible--still she asserted she caught their shining. `Look!' she cried eagerly, `that's my room with the candle init, and the trees swaying before it: and the other candleis in Joseph'sgarret. Joseph sits up late, doesn't he? He's waiting till I come homethat he maylock the gate. Well,he'll wait a while yet. It's a rough journey,and a sad heart to travel it; and we must pass by Gimmerton Kirk, to gothat journey! We've braved its ghosts often together, and dared each otherto stand among the graves andask them to come. But, Heathcliff, if I dareyou now, will you venture? If you do, I'll keep you. I'll not lie thereby myself: they may bury me twelve feet deep, and throw the church downover me, but I won't rest till you are with me. I never will!' Shepaused, and resumed with a strange smile. `He's considering--he'drather I'd cometo him! Find a way, then! not through that kirkyard. Youare slow! Be content, you always followed me!' Perceiving it vain to argue against herinsanity, I was planninghow I could reach something to wrap about her, y holdof herself (for I could not trust her alone by the gaping lattice), when,to my consternation, I heard the rattle of the door handle, andMr Lintonentered. Hehad only then come from the library; and, in passing throughthe lobby, had noticed our talking and been attracted by curiosity, orfear, to examine what it signified, at that late hour. `Oh, sir!' I cried, checking the exclamation risen to his lipsat the sight which met him, and the bleak atmosphere of the chamber. `Mypoor mistress is ill, andshe quite masters me: I cannot manage her atall; pray, come and persuade her to go to bed. Forget your anger, for she'shard to guide any way but her own.' `Catherineill?' he said, hastening to us. `Shut the window, Ellen!Catherine! why-- He was silent. The haggardness of Mrs Linton's appearance smotehim speechless, and he could only glance from her to me in horrified astonishment. `She'sbeen fretting here,'I continued, `and eating scarcelyanything, and never complaining; she would admit none of us till this evening,and so we couldn't inform you of her state as we were notaware of it ourselves;but it is nothing.' I felt I uttered my explanations awkwardly; the master frowned.`It is nothing, is it, Ellen Dean?' he saidsternly. `You shall accountmore clearly for keeping me ignorant of this!' And he took his wifeinhis arms, and looked at her with anguish. At first she gave him no glance of recognition; he was invisibleto her abstracted gaze. Thedelirium was not fixed, however; having weanedher eyes from contemplating the outer darkness, by degrees she centredher attentionon him, and discovered who it was that held her. `Ah! you are come, are you, Edgar Linton?' she said, with angryanimation.`You are one of those things that are ever found when leastwanted, and when you are wanted,never! I suppose we shall have plentyof lamentations now--I see we shall--but they can't keep me from my narrowhome out yonder: my resting-place, whereI'm bound before spring is over!Thereit is: not among theLintons, mind, underthe chapel roof, butinthe open air, witha headstone; and youmay please yourself,whether yougo to them or come to me!'`Catherine, what have you done?' commenced the master. `Am I nothingto you any more? Do youlove that wretch Heath--' `Hush!' cried Mrs Linton. `Hush, this moment! You mention thatnameand I end the matterinstantly, by a spring from the window! Whatyou touch at present youmay have; but my soul will be on thathill topbefore you lay hands on me again. I don't want you, Edgar: I'm pastwantingyou. Return to your books. I'm glad you possess a consolation, for allyou had in me is gone.' `Her mind wanders, sir,' I interposed. `She hasbeen talking nonsensethe whole evening; but let herhave quiet, and proper attendance, and she'llrally. Hereafter, we must be cautious how we vex her.' `I desire no further advice from you,' answered Mr Linton. `Youknow your mistress's nature, and you encouraged me to harass her. And notto give me one hint of how she has been these three days! It was heartless!Months of sickness could not cause such a change!' I began to defend myself, thinking it too bad to be blamedforanother's wicked waywardness. `I knewMrs Linton's nature to be headstrongand domineering,' cried I; `but I didn't know that you wishedto fosterher fierce temper! I didn't know that, to humourher, I should wink atMr Heathcliff. I performed the duty of a faithful servant in telling you,and I have got afaithful servant's wages! Well, it willteach me to becareful next time.Next time you may gather intelligence for yourself!' `The next time you bring a tale to me, you shall quit my service,Ellen Dean,'he replied. `You'd rather hear nothing about it, I suppose,then, Mr Linton?'said I. `Heathcliff has yourpermission to come acourting to miss, andto drop in at every opportunity your absence offers,on purpose to poisonthe mistress against you?' Confused as Catherine was, her wits were alert at applying ourconversation. `Ah! Nelly has played traitor,' she exclaimed passionately. `Nellyis my hidden enemy. You witch! Soyou do seek elf-bolts to hurt us! Letme go, I'll make her rue! I'll make her howl a recantation!' A maniac's fury kindled under her brows; she struggleddesperatelyto disengage herself from Linton's arms. I felt no inclination to tarrythe event; and,resolving to seek medical aid on my ober.In passing the garden to reach the road, at a place where a bridlehook is driven into the wall, I saw something white moved irregularly,evidently by another agent than the wind. Notwithstanding my hurry, I stayedto examine it, lest ever after I should have the conviction impressed onmy imagination that it was a creature of the other world. My surprise andperplexity were great to discover, by touch more than vision, Miss Isabella'sspringer, Fanny, suspended by a handkerchief, and nearly at its last gasp.I quickly released the animal,and lifted it into the garden. I had seenit follow its mistress upstairs when she went to bed; and wondered muchhow it could have got out there, and what mischievousperson had treateditso. While untying the knot round the hook, it seemed to me that I repeatedlycaught thebeat of horses' feetgalloping at some distance; but there weresuch a number ofthings to occupy my reflections that I hardly gave thecircumstance a thought: though it was a strange sound,in that place, attwoo'clock in the morning. Mr Kenneth was fortunately justissuing from his house to seea patient in the village as I came upthe street; and my account of CatherineLinton's malady induced him to accompany me backimmediately. He was aplain rough man; and he made no scruple to speak hisdoubts of her survivingthis secondattack; unless she were more submissiveto his directions thanshe had shown herself before. `Nelly Dean,' said he, `I can't help fancying there's an extracause for this.What has there been to do at the Grange?We've odd reportsup here. A stout, hearty lass like Catherine, does not fall ill for a trifle;and that sortof people should noteither. It's hard work bringing themthrough fevers, and such things. Howdid it begin?' `The master will inform you,' I answered; `but you are acquaintedwith the Earnshaws' violent dispositions, and Mrs Linton caps themall.I may say this: it commenced in a quarrel. She was struck during a tempestof passion with a kind of fit. That's her account, at least; for she flewoff in the height of it, and locked herself up. Afterwards, she refusedto eat, and now she alternately raves and remains ina half-dream; knowingthose about her, by having her mind filled with allsorts of strange ideasand illusions.'`Mr Linton will be sorry?' observed Kenneth, interrogatively. `Sorry? he'll break his heart should anything happen!' I replied.`Don't alarmhim more than necessary. `Well, I told him to beware,'said my companion; `and he mustbide theconsequences of neglecting my warning! Hasn't he been thick withMr Heathcliff, lately?'`Heathcliff frequently visits atthe Grange,' answered I, `thoughmore on the strength of the mistress having known him when a boy, thanbecause the master likes his company. At present,he's discharged fromthe trouble of calling; owing to some presumptuous aspirations after MissLinton which he manifested. I hardlythink he'll be takenin again.' `And doesMiss Linton turn a cold shoulder on him?' was the doctor'snext question. `I'm not in her confidence,' returned I, reluctant to continuethe subject.`No, she's a sly one,' he remarked, shaking his head. `She keepsher own counsel! But she's areal little fool. I have it from good authority,that, lastnight (and a pretty night it was!) she and Heathcliff were walkingin the plantation at the back of your house, above two hours; andhe pressedher not togo in again, but just mount his horseand away with him! Myinformant said shecould only put him off by pledging her word of honourto be prepared on their first meeting after that: when it was tobe, hedidn't hear; but you urge Mr Linton to look sharp!' This news filled me with fresh fears;I outstripped Kenneth, andran mostof the way back. Thelittle dog was yelping in the garden yet.I spared a minute to open thegate for it, but instead of going to thehouse door, it coursed up and down snuffing the grass, and would have escapedto the road, had I not seized andconveyed it in with me. On ascendingto Isabella's room, my suspicions were confirmed: it was empty. Had I beena few hours sooner, Mrs Linton's illnessmight have arrested her rash step.But what could be done now? There was a bare possibility of overtakingthem if pursued instantly. Icould not pursue them, however; and Idarenot rouse the family, and fill theplace with confusion; still less unfoldthe business to my master, absorbed as he was in his present calamity,and having no heart to spare for a second grief! I saw nothing for itbutto hold my tongue, and suffer mattersto take their course; and Kennethbeing arrived, I went witha badly composed countenance to announce him.Catherine lay ina troubled sleep: her husband had succeeded in soothingthe access of frenzy: he now hung over her pillow, watching every shade,and every change of her painfully expressivefeatures. The doctor, on examining the case for himself, spoke hopefullyto him of its having a favourable termination, if we could only preservearound her perfect and constanttranquillity. To me,he signified the threateningdanger was not so much death, as permanent alienation of intellect. I did notclose my eyes that night, nor did Mr Linton: indeed,we never went to bed; and the servants were all up long before the usualhour, moving through thehouse with stealthy tread, and exchanging whispersas they encountered each other in their vocations. Everyone was active,but Miss Isabella; and they began to remark how sound she slept: herbrother,too, asked if she had risen, and seemed impatientfor her presence, andhurt that she showed so little anxiety for her sister-in-law. I trembledlest he should send me to call her; but I was spared the pain of beingthe first proclaimant of her flight. One of the maids, a thoughtlessgirl,who had been onan early errand to Gimmerton, came panting upstairs, openmouthed,and dashed into the chamber, crying: `Oh, dear, dear! What mun we have next? Master, master, our younglady-- `Hold your noise!' cried Ihastily, enraged at her clamorous manner. `Speak lower, Mary--What is the matter?' said Mr Linton. `Whatails your younglady?' `She's gone, she's gone! Yon' Heathcliff's run offwi' her!' gaspedthe girl. `That is not true!' exclaimed Linton, rising in agitation. `Itcannotbe: how has the ideaentered your head? Ellen Dean, go and seekher. It is incredible: it cannot be.' As he spoke he took the servant to the door,and then repeatedhisdemand to know her reasons for such an assertion. `Why, I met on the road a lad that fetches milk here,' she stammered,`and he asked whether we weren't in trouble at the Grange. I thought hemeant for missis's sickness, so I answered, yes. Then says he, "They'ssomebody goneafter `em, I guess?"I stared. He saw I knew nought aboutit,and he told how a gentleman and lady had stopped to have a horse'sshoe fastened at a blacksmith's shop, two miles out of Gimmerton, not verylong after midnight! and how the blacksmith's lass had got up to spy whothey were: she knew them both directly. And she noticed the man--Heathcliffit was, she felt certain: nobody could mistake him, besides--put a sovereignin her father's hand for payment. The lady had a cloak about her face;but having desired a sup of water, while she drank, it fell back,and shesaw her very plain. Heathcliff held both bridles asthey rode on, and theyset their faces from the village, and went as fast as the rough roads wouldlet them. The lass said nothing toher father, but she told it all overGimmerton this morning.' I ran and peeped, for form's sake, into Isabella's room; confirming,when I returned, the servant's statement.Mr Linton had resumed his seatby the bed; on my re-entrance, he raised his eyes, read the meaning ofmy blank aspect, and dropped them without giving an order, or utteringa word. `Are we to tryany measures for overtaking and bringing her back?'Iinquired. `How should we do?' `She went of her own accord,' answered the master; `she hadaright to go if she pleased. Trouble me no more about her. Hereafter sheis onlymy sister in name: not because I disownher, but because shehasdisowned me.' Andthat was all he saidon the subject: he did not make a singleinquiry further, or mention her in any way, except directing me to sendwhat propertyshe had in the houseto her fresh home, wherever it was,whenI knew it.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 13 For two months thefugitives remained absent; in those twomonths, MrsLinton encountered and conquered the worst shock of what was denominateda brain fever. No mother could have nursed anonly child more devotedlythan Edgar tended her. Day and night he was watching, and patiently enduringall the annoyances that irritable nerves anda shaken reason could inflict;and, though Kenneth remarked that what he saved from the grave would onlyrecompense his care by forming the source of constant future anxiety--infact, that his health and strength were being sacrificed to preserve amere ruin of humanity--he knewno limits in gratitude and joy when Catherine'slifewas declared out of danger; and hour after hour he would sit besideher, tracing the gradual return to bodily health, and flattering his toosanguine hopes with the illusion that her mind would settle back to itsright balance also, and she would soon be entirely herformer self.The first time she left her chamber was at the commencement ofthe following March. Mr Linton hadput on her pillow, in the morning, ahandful of golden crocuses; her eye, long stranger to anygleam of pleasure,caught themin waking, and shonedelighted as she gathered them eagerlytogether. `These are the earliest flowers at the Heights,' she exclaimed.`They remind me of soft thaw winds, and warmsunshine, and nearlymeltedsnow. Edgar, is there not a southwind, and is not thesnow almost gone?' `The snow is quite gone down here, darling,' replied her husband;`and I only see two white spots on the whole range of moors: the sky isblue, and the larks are singing, and the becks and brooks are all brimfull. Catherine,last spring at this time, I was longing to have you underthis roof, now,I wish you were a mile or two up thosehills: the air blowsso sweetly, I feel that it would cure you. `I shall never be there but once more,' said theinvalid; `andthen you'll leave me, andI shall remain for ever. Next spring you'll longagain to have me under this roof, and you'll look back and think you werehappy today.Linton lavished on her the kindest caresses, and tried to cheerher by the fondest words; but, vaguely regarding the flowers, she letthetears collect on her lashes and stream down her cheeks unheeding. Weknewshe was really better, and, therefore, decided that long confinement toa single place produced much of this despondency, and it might be partiallyremoved by a change of scene. The master told me to light a fire in themany-weeks-deserted parlour, and to set an easy chair inthe sunshine bythe window; and then he brought her down, and she sat a long while enjoyingthe genial heat, and, aswe expected, revivedby the objects roundher:which, though familiar, were free from the dreary associations investingher hated sick chamber. By evening, she seemed greatly exhausted; yet noarguments could persuade her to return to that apartment, and I hadtoarrange the parlour sofa for herbed, till another room could be prepared.To obviate the fatigue of mounting and descending the stairs, we fittedup this, where you lie at present: on the same floor with the parlour;and she was soon strong enough to move from one to the other, leaning onEdgar's arm. Ah, Ithought myself she might recover, so waited on as shewas.And there was doublecause to desire it, for on her existencedependedthat of another: we cherished the hope that in a little while, Mr Linton'sheart would be gladdened, and his lands secured from a stranger's gripe,by the birth of an heir. I shouldmention that Isabella sent to herbrother, some six weeksfrom her departure, a short note, announcing hermarriage with Heathcliff.It appeared dry and cold; but at the bottom was dotted inwith pencil anobscure apology, and an entreaty for kind remembrance andreconciliation,if her proceeding had offended him: asserting that she could not help itthen, and being done, she had now nopower to repeal it. Linton did notreply to this, I believe; and, in a fortnight more, I got a long letterwhich I considered odd, coming from the pen of a bride just out of thehoneymoon. I'll read it: for I keep it yet. Any relic of the dead isprecious,if they were valued living. DEAR ELLEN, it begins:-- I came last night to Wuthering Heights, and heard, for the firsttime, that Catherine has been, and is yet, very ill. I must not write toher, I suppose, and my brother is either too angry or too distressed toanswer what I senthim. Still, I must write to somebody, and the only choiceleft me is you. Inform Edgar that I'd give the world to see his face again--thatmy heart returned to Thrushcross Grange in twenty-four hoursafter I leftit, and is there at this moment, full of warmfeelings for him, and Catherine!I can't follow it, though--(those wordsare underlined) theyneednot expect me, and they may draw what conclusions they please; taking care,however, to laynothing at the door of my weak will or deficient affection.The remainder of theletter is for yourself alone. I want to askyou two questions: the firstis--How did you contrive to preservethe commonsympathiesof human nature whenyou resided here? I cannot recognize anysentiment which those around share with me. The second question, I have great interest in; it is this--IsMr Heathcliff a man? Ifso, is he mad? And if not, is he a devil? I shan'ttell my reasons for making this inquiry;but, I beseech you to explain,if you can, what I have married: that is, when you call to seeme; andyou must call, Ellen, very soon. Don't write, but come, and bring me somethingfrom Edgar.Now, you shall hear how I have been received in my new home, asI am led to imagine the Heights will be. It is to amuse myself that I dwellon such subjects as the lackof external comforts: they never occupy mythoughts, except at the moment when Imiss them. I should laugh and dancefor joy, if I found their absence was the total of my miseries, and therest was an unnatural dream! Thesun set behind the Grange, as we turnedon to the moors; bythat, I judged it to be six o'clock; and my companion halted half an hour,to inspect the park, and the gardens, and, probably, the place itself,as well as hecould; so it was dark when we dismounted in the paved yardof the farmhouse, and your old fellow-servant, Joseph, issued out to receiveus by the light of a dip candle. He did it with a courtesy thatredoundedto his credit. His first act was to elevate his torch to a levelalignantly, projecthis under lip, and turn away. Then hetook the two horses, and led theminto the stables; reappearing for thepurpose of locking the outer gate, as if we livedin an ancient castle. Heathcliff stayed to speak to him, andI entered the kitchen--adingy, untidy hole; I dare say you would not know it, it is so changedsince it was in your charge. By the fire stood a ruffianly child, strongin limb and dirty in garb, with a look of Catherine in his eyes and abouthis mouth. `This is Edgar's legal nephew,' I reflected--`mine in a manner;I must shake hands, and--yes--I must kiss him. It is right to establisha good understanding at the beginning.' Iapproached, and, attempting to take his chubby fist, said: `Howdo you do,my dear?' He repliedin a jargon I did not comprehend. `Shallyou and I be friends, Hareton?' was my next essay atconversation. An oath, and a threat to set Throttler on me if I did not `frameoff', rewardedmy perseverance. `Hey, Throttler, lad!' whispered the little wretch, rousing ahalf-bred bulldog from its lair in a corner. Now, wilt tuh be ganging?'he asked authoritatively. Love for my life urged a compliance; I stepped over the thresholdto wait till the others should enter. Mr Heathcliff was nowhere visible;and Joseph, whom I followed to the stables, and requested to accompanyme in, after staring and muttering to himself, screwed up his nose, andreplied: `Mim! mim! mim! Did iver Christian body hear aught like it? MinchingUn' munching! How can Aw tell whet ye say?' `I say, I wish you to comewith me into the house!' I cried, thinkinghim deaf, yet highly disgustedat his rudeness. `Nor nuh me! I getten summat else to do,' he answered,and continuedhis work; moving his lantern jaws meanwhile, and surveying my dress andcountenance (the former a great deal too fine, but the latter, I'm sure,as sad as he could desire) with sovereign contempt. I walked round the yard, and through a wicket, to another door,at which I tookthe liberty of knocking, in hopes some more civil servantmight show himself. After a short suspense, it was opened by a tall, gauntman, without neckerchief, and otherwise extremely slovenly; his featureswere lost inmasses of shaggy hair that hung on his shoulders; and hiseyes, too, were like a ghostly Catherine's with alltheir beauty annihilated. `What'syour business here?'he demanded grimly. `Who are you?' `My name was Isabella Linton,' I replied. `You've seenme before, sir. I'm lately married to MrHeathcliff, and he has broughtme here--I suppose by your permission.' `Is he come back, then?' asked the hermit, glaring likea hungrywolf. `Yes--we came just now,' I said; `but he left me by the kitchendoor; and when I would have gone in, your littleboy played sentinel overthe place, and frightened me off bythe help of a bulldog.' `It's wellthe hellish villain has kept his word!' growled myfuture host, searching the darkness beyond me in expectation of discoveringHeathcliff; and then he indulged in a soliloquy of execrations, and threatsof what he would have done had the `fiend' deceivedhim. I repented having tried this second entrance, andwas almost inclinedto slip awaybefore he finished cursing, but ere I could execute that intention,he orderedme in, and shut and refastened the door.There was a great fire,and that was all the light in thehuge apartment, whose floor had growna uniform grey;and the once brilliant pewter dishes, which used to attractmy gaze when I was a girl, partook of a similarobscurity, created by tarnishand dust. I inquired whether Imight call the maid,and be conducted toabedroom? Mr Earnshawvouchsafed no answer. He walked up and down, withhis hands in his pockets, apparently quite forgetting my presence; andhis abstraction was evidently so deep, and his whole aspectso misanthropical,that I shrank from disturbing him again. You'll not be surprised, Ellen, atmy feeling particularly cheerless,seated in worse than solitude on that inhospitablehearth, and rememberingthat fourmiles distant lay mydelightful home, containing the only peopleI loved on earth; and there might as well be theAtlantic to part us,insteadof those fourmiles: I could not overpass them! I questioned with myself--wheremust I turn for comfort? and--mind you don't tell Edgar, or Catherine--aboveevery sorrow beside, this rose pre-eminent: despairat finding nobody whocould or would bemy ally against Heathcliff! I had sought shelter at WutheringHeights, almost gladly, because I was secured by that arrangement fromliving alone with him; but he knew the people we were coming amongst,andhe did not fear their intermeddling.I sat and thought a doleful time: the clock struck eight, andnine, and still my companion paced to and fro, his headbent on his breast,and perfectlysilent, unless a groan or a bitter ejaculation forced itselfout at intervals. I listened to detect awoman's voice in thehouse, andfilled theinterim with wild regrets and dismal anticipations, which, atlast, spoke audibly in irrepressible sighing and weeping.I was not awarehow openly I grieved, till Earnshaw haltedopposite, in his measured walk,and gave me a stare of newly-awakened surprise. Taking advantage of hisrecovered attention, I exclaimed: `I'm tired with my journey, and I want to go to bed! Where isthe maidservant? Direct me to her, asshe won't come to me!' `We have none,' he answered; `you must wait on yourself!' `Where must I sleep, then?'I sobbed: I was beyond regarding self-respect,weigheddown by fatigue and wretchedness. `Joseph will show you Heathcliff's chamber,' said he; `open thatdoor--he'sin there.' I was going to obey, but he suddenly arrestedme, and added inthe strangest tone: `Be so good as to turn your lock, and draw your bolt--don't omitit!' `Well!' I said. `But why, Mr Earnshaw?' I did notrelish the notionof deliberately fastening myself in with Heathcliff. `Look here!' he replied, pulling from his waistcoat acuriouslyconstructedpistol, having a double-edged spring knife attached to thebarrel. `That's agreat tempter to a desperate man, is itnot? I cannotresist going up with this every night, and trying his door. If once I findit open he's done for! I do it invariably, even though the minute beforeI have been recalling a hundred reasons that should make me refrain: itis some devil thaturges me to thwart my own schemes by killing him. Youfight against that devil for love as long as you may; when the times comes,not all the angels in heaven shall savehim!' I surveyed theweapon inquisitively. A hideous notion struck me:how powerful I should bepossessing such an instrument! I took it fromhis hand, andtouched the blade. He looked astonishedat the expressionmy face assumed during a brief second: it was not horror, it was covetousness.He snatched the pistol back, jealously; shut the knife, and returned itto its concealment. `I don't care if you tell him,' said he. `Put him on his guard,and watch for him. You know the terms we are on, I see: his danger doesnot shock you.' `What has Heathcliffdone to you?' I asked. `In what has he wrongedyou, to warrant this appalling hatred? Wouldn't it be wiserto bid himquit the house?' `No!' thundered Earnshaw, `should he offer to leave me, he's adeadman: persuade him toattempt it, and you are a murderess! Am I tolose all, without a chance of retrieval? Is Hareton to be a beggar?Oh, damnation! I will have it back; and I'll have his goldtoo; and then his blood; and hell shall have his soul! It will be tentimesblacker with that guest than everit was before!' You've acquainted me, Ellen, with your old master's habits.Heis clearly on the verge of madness: hewas so last night atleast. I shudderedtobe near him, and thought on the servant's ill-bred moroseness as comparativelyagreeable. He now recommenced his moody walk, and I raised the latch, andescaped into the kitchen. Joseph was bending over the fire, peering intoa large pan that swungabove it; and a wooden bowl of oatmeal stood onthe settle close by. Thecontents of the pan began to boil, and he turnedto plunge his hand into the bowl; I conjectured that this preparation wasprobably for our supper, and, being hungry, I resolved it should be eatable;so, crying out sharply, `I'll make the porridge!' I removed thevessel out of his reach, and proceeded to take off my hat and riding habit.`Mr Earnshaw', I continued, `directs me to wait on myself: I will. I'mnot going to act the lady among you, for fear I should starve.' `Gooid Lord!' he muttered, sitting down, and stroking his ribbedstockings from the knee to theankle. `If they's tuh be fresh ortherings--justwhenAw gettin used tuh two maisters, if Aw mun hev a mistress seto'er my heead, it's loike time tuh beflitting. Aw niver did think tuhsay t' day ut Aw mud lave th' owld place--but Aw daht it's nigh athend!' This lamentation drew no notice from me: I went briskly to work,sighing to remembera period when it would have been all merry fun; butcompelled speedily to drive off the remembrance.It racked me to recallpast happiness, and the greater peril there was of conjuring up its apparition,the quicker the thible ran round, and the faster the handfuls of meal fellinto thewater. Joseph beheldmy style of cookery with growing indignation. `Thear!' he ejaculated, `Hareton, thah willut sup thy porridgetuh neight; they'll be nowt bud lumps as big as maw nave. Thear, agean!Aw'd fling in bowl un all, if Aw wer yah! There, palet' guilp off, un'then yah'll hae done wi't. Bang, bang. It's a marcy t' bothom isn't deavedaht!' It was rather a rough mess,I own, when poured into thebasins; fourhad been provided, and a gallon pitcherof new milk was broughtfrom the dairy, which Haretonseized and commenceddrinking and spillingfrom the expansive lip. I expostulated, and desired that he should havehis in a mug; affirming that I could not taste the liquid treated so dirtily.The old cynic chose to be vastly offended at this nicety; assuring me,repeatedly, that `the barn was every bit as good' as I, `and every bitas wollsome', and wondering how I could fashion to be so conceited. Meanwhile,the infantruffian continued sucking; and glowered at me defyingly, ashe slavered into the jug. `I shall have my supper in anotherroom,' I said. `Haveyou noplace you calla parlour?' `Parlour!' he echoed sneeringly, `parlour! Nay,we've noa parlours. If yah dunnut loike wer company, there's maister's;un' if yahdunnut loike maister, there's us. `Then I shall go upstairs!' I answered; `show me a chamber.' Iput my basin on a tray, and went myself to fetch some more milk. With greatgrumblings, thefellow rose, and preceded me in my ascent: we mounted tothe garrets; he opening a door, now and then, to look into the apartmentswe passed.`Here's a rahm,' he said, at last, flinging back a cranky boardon hinges. `It's weel eneugh tuh ate a fewporridge in. They's a pack o'corn i' t' corner, thear, meeterly clane; if yah're feared uh muckyingyer grand silk cloes, spread yer hankerchir o' t'top on't.' The `rahm' was a kind of lumber-hole smellingstrong of malt andgrain; various sacks of which articles were piled around, leaving a wide,bare space in the middle. `Why, man!' I exclaimed, facing him angrily, `this is not a placeto sleep in. I wish to see my bedroom. `Bed-rume!'he repeated, in a tone of mockery. `Yah's seeall t' bed-rumes thear is--yon's mine.' He pointedinto the second garret, only differing from the firstin being more naked about the walls, and having a large, low, curtainlessbed, withan indigo-coloured quilt at one end. `What do I want withyours?' I retorted. `I suppose Mr Heathcliffdoes not lodge at the top of the house, does he?'`Oh! it's Maister Hathecliff's yah're wenting!' cried he,as if making a new discovery. `Couldn't ye uh saidsoa, at onst? un then,Aw mud uh telled ye, baht all this wark, ut that'sjust one yah cannutsea--he alIas keeps it locked, un nob'dy iver mells on't but hisseln.' `You've a nice house, Joseph,' I could not refrain from observing,`and pleasant inmates; and I think the concentrated essenceof all themadness inthe world took up its abode in my brain the day I linked myfate with theirs! However, that is not to the present purpose--there areother rooms. For heaven's sake be quick, and let me settle somewhere!' He made no reply to this adjuration; only plodding doggedly downthe wooden steps, and halting before an apartment which, from that haltand the superior qualityof its furniture, I conjectured to be the bestone. There was a carpet: a goodone, but the patternwas obliterated bydust; a fireplace hung with cut paper,dropping to pieces; a handsome oakbedstead with ample crimson curtains of rather expensive material and modernmake; but they had evidently experienced rough usage: the valances hungin festoons, wrenched from their rings, and the iron rod supporting themwas bent in an arc on one side, causing the drapery to trail upon the floor.The chairs were also damaged, many of them severely; and deep indentationsdeformedthe panels of the walls. I was endeavouring to gather resolutionforentering and taking possession, when my fool of a guide announced,`This hereis t' maister's.' Mysupper by this time was cold, my appetitegone, and mypatience exhausted. I insisted on being provided instantlywith a place of refuge, andmeans of repose. `Whear the divil?' began the religious elder. `The Lord blessus! The Lord forgie us! Whear thehell wold ye gang? ye marred,wearisome nowt! Yah seen all bud Hareton's bit ufa cham'er. They's notanother hoile tuhlig dahn in i' th' hahse!' I was so vexed, I flung my tray and its contents on the ground;and then seated myself at thestairs-head, hid my face in my hands, andcried. `Ech! ech!' exclaimed Joseph. `Weel done, Miss Cathy! weel done,Miss Cathy! Hahsiver, t' maistersaIl just tum'le o'er them brocken pots;un' then we's hear summut; we's hear hah it's tuh be. Gooid-for-nowt madling!yah desarve pining froo this to Churstmas, flinging t' precious gifts uhGod under fooit i'yer flaysome rages! Bud Aw'm mista'en ifyah shew yersperrit lang. Will Hathecliff bide sichbonny ways, think ye? Aw nobbutwish he muh cotch ye i' thatplisky. Aw nobbut wish he may.' And sohe went on scolding to his den beneath, taking the candlewith him; and I remained in the dark. The period of reflection succeedingthis sillyaction, compelled meto admit the necessity of smothering mypride and choking my wrath, and bestirring myself to remove itseffects.An unexpected aid presently appeared in the shape of Throttler, whom Inowrecognized as a son of our old Skulker: it had spent its whelphoodat the Grange, and was given by my father to Mr Hindley. I fancy it knewme: it pushed its nose against mine by way of salute, and then hastenedto devour the porridge; while I groped from step to step, collecting theshattered earthenware, and drying the spatters of milk from the banisterwith my pocket handkerchief.Our labours were scarcely over when IheardEarnshaw's tread in the passage; my assistant tucked in his tail, and pressedto the wall; I stole into the nearest doorway.The dog's endeavour to avoidhim was unsuccessful; as I guessed by a scutterdownstairs, and a prolonged,piteous yelping. I had better luck! he passed on, entered his chamber,and shutthe door. Directly after Joseph came upwith Hareton, to puthimto bed. I had found shelter in Hareton's room, and the old man, on seeingme, said: `They's rahm for boath ye un yer pride, now, I sud think, i' thehahse. It's empty; ye may hev it all to yerseln, un Him as allas maks athird, i' such ill company!'Gladly did I take advantage of this intimation; and the minuteI flung myselfinto a chair, by thefire, I nodded, and slept. My slumberwasdeep and sweet, though over far too soon. Mr Heathcliff awoke me; hehad justcome in, and demanded, in his loving manner, what I was doingthere? I told him the cause of my staying up so late--that he had the keyof our room in his pocket. The adjective our gave mortal offence.He swore it was not, nor ever should be, mine; and he'd--But I'll not repeathis language, nor describe his habitual conduct: heis ingenious and unrestingin seeking to gain my abhorrence! I sometimes wonder at him with an intensitythat deadens my fear: yet, I assure you, a tiger or a venomous serpentcould not rouse terror in me equal to that which he wakens. He told meof Catherine's illness, and accusedmy brother of causing it; promisingthat I should be Edgar's proxy in suffering, till he could get hold ofhim. I do hate him--I am wretched--I have been a fool! Beware of utteringone breath of this to anyone at the Grange. I shall expect youevery day--don'tdisappointme! ISABELLA.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 14 As soon as I had perused this epistle, I went to the master, and informedhim that hissister had arrived at the Heights, and sent me a letter expressingher sorrowfor Mrs Linton's situation, and her ardent desire to seehim;with a wish thathe would transmit toher, as early as possible, some tokenof forgiveness by me.`Forgiveness!'said Linton. `I havenothing to forgive her, Ellen.You may call at Wuthering Heights this afternoon, if you like, and saythat I am not angry, but I'm sorry to have lost her; especiallyas I can never think she'll be happy. It is out of the question my goingto see her, however: we are eternally divided; and should she really wishto obligeme, let her persuadethe villain she has married to leave thecountry.' `And you won't write her a little note, sir?'I asked imploringly.`No,' he answered. `It is needless. My communication with Heathcliff'sfamily shall be as sparing as his with mine. Itshall not exist!' MrEdgar's coldness depressed me exceedingly; and allthe wayfrom the Grange I puzzled my brains how to put more heart into whathesaid, when I repeated it; and howto soften his refusal of even a few linesto console Isabella. I dare sayshe had been on the watch for me sincemorning: I saw her looking through the lattice, as I came up the gardencauseway, and I nodded to her; butshe drew back, as ifafraid of beingobserved. I entered without knocking. There never was such a dreary, dismalscene as the formerly cheerful house presented! I must confess, that ifI had been in the young lady's place, I would, at least, have swept thehearth, and wiped the tables with a duster. But she already partook ofthe pervading spirit of neglect which encompassed her. Herpretty facewas wan and listless; her hair uncurled: some locks hanging lanklydown,and some carelessly twisted round her head. Probably she had nottouchedher dress since yester evening. Hindley was not there. Mr Heathcliffsatat a table, turning over some papers in his pocket-book; but he rose whenI appeared, asked me how I did, quite friendly, and offered me a chair.He was the only thing there that seemed decent: and I thought he neverlooked better. So much had circumstances altered their positions, thathe would certainly havestruck a stranger asa born and bred gentleman;and his wife as a thorough little slattern! Shecame forward eagerlytogreet me; and heldout one hand to takethe expected letter.I shook myhead. She wouldn't understand the hint, but followed me to a sideboard,where I went to lay my bonnet, and importuned me in a whisper to give herdirectly what I had brought. Heathcliff guessed the meaning of her manoeuvres,and said:`If you have got anything for Isabella (as no doubt you have,Nelly), give it to her. You needn't make a secret of it! we have no secretsbetween us.' `Oh, I have nothing,' I replied, thinking it best to speak thetruth at once. `My master bidme tell his sister that she must not expecteither a letter or a visit from him at present.He sends his love, ma'am,and his wishesfor your happiness, and his pardon for the grief you haveoccasioned; but he thinks that afterthis time, his household and the householdhere shoulddrop intercommunication, as nothing good could come of keepingit up.' Mrs Heathcliff's lip quivered slightly, and she returned to herseat in the window. Her husband took his stand on the hearthstone, nearme, and began toput questions concerning Catherine. I told him as muchas I thought proper of her illness, and he extorted from me, bycross-examination,most of the facts connected with its origin. I blamed her, as she deserved,for bringing it all on herself; and ended by hoping that he would followMr Linton's example andavoid future interference with his family, forgood or evil. `Mrs Lintonis now just recovering,' I said;`she'll never belikeshe was, but her life is spared; and if you really have aregard forher, you'll shun crossingher way again: nay, you'll move out of this countryentirely; and that you may not regret it, I'll inform you CatherineLintonis as different now from your old friend Catherine Earnshaw, as that younglady isdifferent from me. Her appearance is changed greatly, hercharactermuch more so; and the person who is compelled, ofnecessity, to be hercompanion, will only sustain his affection hereafter by the remembranceofwhat she once was, by common humanity, and a sense of duty!' `That is quite possible,' remarked Heathcliff, forcing himselfto seem calm:`quite possible thatyour master should have nothing butcommon humanity and a sense of duty to fall back upon. But do you imaginethat I shall leave Catherine to his duty and humanity? andcan youcompare my feelings respecting Catherineto his? Before you leavethis house, I must exact a promisefrom you, that you'll get me an interviewwith her: consent or refuse, Iwill see her! What do you say?' `I say,Mr Heathcliff,' I replied, `you must not: you never shall,through my means. Another encounter between you and the master would killheraltogether.' `With your aid, that may be avoided,' he continued; `and shouldthere be danger of such an event--should he be the cause of adding a singletrouble moreto her existence--why, I think I shall be justified in goingtoextremes! I wish youhad sincerity enoughto tell me whether Catherinewould suffer greatly from his loss: the fear that she would restrains me.And there you see the distinctions betweenour feelings: had hebeen inmy place, andI in his, though I hated him with a hatred that turned mylife to gall, I never would have raised a hand against him. You maylookincredulous, if you please! I never would have banished him from her societyas long as she desired his. Themoment her regard ceased, I would havetorn his heart out, and drunk his blood! But, till then--if you don't believeme, you don'tknow me--till then, I would have died byinches before Itouched a single hair of his head!' `And yet,' I interrupted, `you have no scruples in completelyruining all hopes of her perfect restoration,by thrusting yourself intoher remembrance now, when she has nearly forgotten you, and involving herin a new tumult of discord and distress.' `You suppose she has nearly forgottenme?' he said. `Oh, Nelly!you know she has not! You know aswell as I do, that for every thoughtshespends on Linton, she spends a thousand on me! At amost miserableperiodof my life, I had a notion of the kind: it haunted me on my returnto the neighbourhood last summer; but only herown assurance could makeme admit the horrible idea again.And then, Linton would be nothing, norHindley, nor all the dreams that everI dreamt. Two words would comprehendmy future--death and hell: existence, after losing her, wouldbe hell. Yet I was a fool to fancy for a moment that she valued Edgar Linton'sattachment more than mine. If he loved with all the powers of his punybeing, he couldn't love as much in eighty years as I could in a day. AndCatherine has a heart as deep as I have: the sea could be as readily containedin that horse-trough, as herwhole affection be monopolized by him! Tush!He is scarcely a degree dearer to her than her dog, orher horse. It isnot in him to be loved like me: how can shelove in him what he has not?' `Catherineand Edgar are as fond of each other as any two peoplecanbe,' cried Isabella,with sudden vivacity. `No one has a right to talkin thatmanner, and I won't hear my brother depreciated in silence!' `Your brother is wondrous fond of you too, isn't he?' observedHeathcliff scornfully. `He turns you adrift on the world with surprisingalacrity.'`He is not aware of what I suffer,' she replied. `I didn't tellhim that. `You have been telling him something, then:you have written,have you?' `To say that I was married, I did write--you saw the note. `Andnothing since?' `No.' `My young ladyis looking sadly theworse for her changeof condition,'I remarked. `Somebody's love comes short in her case, obviously: whose,I may guess; but, perhaps, I shouldn't say.' `I should guess it was her own,' said Heathcliff. `She degeneratesinto a mere slut! She is tired of trying to please me uncommonlyearly.You'd hardly credit it, but the very morrow of our wedding, she was weepingto go home. However, she'll suitthis house so much the better for notbeing over nice, and I'll take care she does not disgrace me by ramblingabroad.' `Well, sir,' returned I, `I hope you'll consider thatMrs Heathcliffis accustomed to be looked after and waited on; and that she has been broughtup like an only daughter, whom everyone was ready to serve. You must lether have a maid to keep things tidy about her, and you must treat her kindly.Whatever be your notion of Mr Edgar, you cannot doubt that she has acapacityfor strong attachments, or she wouldn't have abandoned the elegances, andcomforts, and friends of her former home, to fix contentedly, in suchawilderness as this,with you.' `She abandoned them undera delusion,' he answered; `picturingin me a hero of romance, andexpecting unlimited indulgences from my chivalrousdevotion. I can hardly regard her in the light of a rational creature,so obstinately has she persisted in forminga fabulous notion ofmy characterand acting on the false impressions she cherished. But, at last, I thinkshe begins to know me: Idon't perceive the silly smiles and grimaces thatprovoked me at first; and the senseless incapability of discerning thatI wasin earnest when I gave her my opinion of her infatuation and herself.It was amarvellous effort ofperspicacity to discover that I did not loveher. I believed, at one time, no lessons could teach her that! And yetit is poorly learnt; for this morning she announced, as a piece of appallingintelligence, that I had actually succeeded in making her hate me! A positivelabourof Hercules, I assure you! If it beachieved, I have cause to returnthanks. Can I trust your assertion, Isabella? Are you sure you hate me?If I let you alone for half a day, won't you come sighing andwheedlingto me again? I dare say she would rather I had seemed all tenderness beforeyou: it wounds her vanity to have the truth exposed. But Idon't care whoknows that the passion waswholly on one side; and I never told hera lieabout it. She cannot accuse me of showing a bit of deceitful softness.The first thing she saw me do,on coming out of theGrange, was to hangup her little dog; and when she pleaded for it, the first words I utteredwere a wish that I had the hanging of every being belonging to her, exceptone: possibly she took that exception for herself. But no brutality disgustedher: I suppose she has an innate admiration ofit, if only her preciousperson were secure from injury! Now, was it not the depth of absurdity--ofgenuineidiocy, for that pitiful, slavish, mean-minded brach todream thatI could love her? Tell your master, Nelly, that I never, in all my life,met with such an abject thing as she is. She even disgraces the name ofLinton; and I've sometimes relented, from pure lack of invention, in myexperiments on what she could endure, and still creep shamefully cringingback! But tell him, also, to set his fraternal and magisterial heart atease: that Ikeep strictly withinthe limits of the law. I have avoided,up to this period, giving her the slightest right to claim a separation;and, what's more, she'd thanknobody for dividing us. If she desired togo, she might: thenuisance of her presence outweighs the gratificationto be derived from tormenting her!' `MrHeathcliff,' said I,`this is the talk ofa madman, and yourwife, most likely, is convincedyou are mad; and, for that reason, shehas borne with you hitherto: but now that you say shemay go, she'll doubtlessavail herself of the permission. You are not so bewitched, ma'am, are you,as to remain with him of your own accord?' `Take care, Ellen!' answered Isabella, her eyes sparkling irefully;there was no misdoubting by their expression thefull success of her partner'sendeavours to make himself detested. `Don't putfaith in a single wordhe speaks. He's a lying fiend! a monster, and not a human being! I've beentold I might leave him before; and I've made the attempt, but I dare notrepeat it! Only, Ellen, promise you'll not mention asyllable of his infamousconversationto my brother or Catherine. Whatever he may pretend, he wishesto provoke Edgar to desperation: he says he has married me on purpose toobtain power over him; and he shan't obtain it--I'll die first! I justhope, I pray, that he may forget his diabolical prudence and kill me! Thesingle pleasureI can imagine is to die or see him dead!' `There--that will do for the present!'said Heathcliff. `Ifyouare called upon in a court of law, you'll remember her language, Nelly!And take a good look at that countenance: she's near the pointwhich wouldsuit me. No; you're not fit to be your own guardian, Isabella, now; andI, being your legal protector, must detain you inmy custody, however distastefulthe obligation may be. Go upstairs; I have something to say to Ellen Deanin private. That's not the way: upstairs, I tell you! Why, this is theroad upstairs, child!' He seized, and thrust her from the room: and returned muttering: `I have no pity! I have no pity! The more the worms writhe, themore I yearn to crush out their entrails! It is a moral teething;and Igrind with greater energy, in proportion to the increase of pain.' `Do you understand what the word pity means?' I said, hasteningto resume my bonnet. `Did you ever feel a touch ofit in your life?' `Put that down!' he interrupted, perceiving my intention to depart.`You are not going yet. Come herenow, Nelly: I must either persuade orcompel you to aid me in fulfilling my determination to seeCatherine, andthat without delay. I swear that I meditate no harm: I don't desire tocauseany disturbance, or to exasperate or insult Mr Linton; I only wishto hear from herself how sheis, and why she has been ill; and to askifanything that I could do would be ofuse to her. Last night, I was in theGrange garden sixhours, and I'll return there tonight; and every nightI'll haunt the place, and every day, till I find an opportunity of entering.If Edgar Linton meets me, I shall not hesitate to knock him down, and givehim enough to insure his quiescence while I stay. If his servants opposeme, Ishall threaten them off with these pistols. But wouldn't it be betterto prevent my coming in contact with them, or their master? And you coulddo it so easily. I'd warn you when I came, and then youmight let me inunobserved, as soon as she was alone, and watch till I departed, your consciencequitecalm: you would be hindering mischief.'I protested against playing that treacherous part in my employer'shouse: and, besides, I urged the cruelty and selfishness of his destroyingMrs Linton's tranquillity for hissatisfaction. `The commonest occurrencestartles her painfully,' I said. `She's all nerves, and she couldn't bearthe surprise, I'm positive. Don't persist, sir! or else, I shall be obligedto inform my master of your designs; and he'll take measures to securehis house and its inmates from anysuch unwarrantable intrusions!' `In that case, I'll takemeasures to secure you, woman!' exclaimedHeathcliff;`you shall not leaveWuthering Heights till tomorrow morning.It is a foolish story to assert that Catherine could not bear to see me;and as to surprising her, I don't desire it:you must prepare herask herif I may come. You say she never mentions my name, and that I am nevermentioned to her. To whom should she mention me if I am a forbidden topicin the house? She thinks you are all spies for her husband. Oh, I've nodoubt she's in hell among you! I guess by her silence, as much as anything,what she feels. You say she is often restless, and anxious-looking;isthat a proof of tranquillity? You talk of her mind being unsettled. Howthe devil could it be otherwise in her frightful isolation? And that insipid,paltry creature attending her from duty and humanity! Frompity and charity! He might as well plant an oak in a flowerpot,and expectit to thrive, as imagine he can restore her to vigour in thesoil ofhis shallow cares! Let us settle it at once: will you stay here,and am I to fight my way to Catherine over Linton and his footmen? Or willyou be my friend as you have been hitherto, and do what I request? Decide!cause there is no reason for my lingering another minute, if you persistin your stubborn ill-nature!' Well, Mr Lockwood,I argued and complained, and flatly refusedhim fifty times; but in the long run he forced me to an agreement. I engagedto carry a letter from him to my mistress; and should she consent, I promisedto let himhave intelligence ofLinton's next absence from home, when hemight come, and get in as he wasable: I wouldn't be there, and my fellow-servantsshould be equally out of the way. Was it right orwrong? I fear it waswrong, though expedient. I thoughtI prevented another explosion by mycompliance; and I thought, too, it might create a favourable crisis inCatherine's mentalillness: and then I remembered Mr Edgar's stern rebukeof my carryingtales; and I tried to smooth away all disquietude on thesubject, by affirming, with frequent iteration, that that betrayal of trust,if it merited so harsh an appellation, should be the last. Notwithstanding,my journey homeward wassadder than my journey thither; andmany misgivingsI had, ere I could prevail on myself toput the missive intoMrs Linton'shand. But here is Kenneth;I'll go down, and tell him how much betteryou are. My history is dree, as we say, and will serve to whileaway another morning. Dree, and dreary! I reflected as the good woman descendedto receivethe doctor; and not exactly ofthe kind which I should have chosen to amuseme. But never mind! I'll extract wholesome medicines from Mrs Dean's bitterherbs; and firstly, let me beware the fascination that lurks in CatherineHeathcliff's brilliant eyes. I should be in a curious taking if I surrenderedmy heart to that young person, and the daughter turned out a second editionof the mother![Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 15 Another week over--and I am so many days nearer health, and spring! I havenow heard all myneighbour's history,at different sittings, as the housekeepercould spare time from moreimportant occupations. I'll continue it in herown words, only alittle condensed. She is, on the whole, a very fair narrator,and I don'tthink I could improve her style.Inthe evening, she said, the evening ofmy visit to the Heights,I knew, as well as if I saw him, that Mr Heathcliffwas about the place;and I shunned going out, because Istill carried his letter in my pocket,and didn't want to be threatened or teasedany more. I had madeup my mindnot to give it till my master went somewhere, as I could not guess howits receipt wouldaffect Catherine. The consequence was,that it did notreachher before the lapseof three days. The fourth was Sunday, and Ibrought it intoher room after the family were gone to church. There wasa manservant left to keep the house with me, and we generallymade a practiceof locking the doors during the hours of service; but on thatoccasionthe weather was so warm and pleasant that I set them wide open, and,tofulfil my engagement, as I knew who would be coming, I told my companionthat the mistress wished verymuch for some oranges, and he mustrun overto the village and get a few, to be paid for on the morrow. He departed,and I went upstairs. Mrs Lintonsat in a loose, white dress, with a light shawl overher shoulders, in the recess of the open window, as usual. Her thick, longhair had been partly removed at the beginning of her illness, and now shewore it simply combed in its natural tresses overher temples and neck.Her appearance was altered, as I had told Heathcliff; butwhen she wascalm, there seemed unearthly beauty in the change. The flash of her eyeshadbeen succeeded by a dreamy and melancholy softness;they no longergave the impression of looking at the objects around her: they appearedalways to gaze beyond, and far beyond--you would have said out of thisworld. Then the paleness of her face--its haggard aspect having vanishedas she recovered flesh--andthe peculiar expression arising from her mentalstate, though painfully suggestive of their causes, added to thetouchinginterest which she awakened; and--invariably to me, I know, and to anyperson who saw her, I should think--refuted more tangible proofs of convalescence,and stamped her as one doomed to decay. A book lay spread on the sill before her,and the scarcely perceptiblewind fluttered its leavesat intervals. I believe Linton had laid it there:for she never endeavoured to divert herself with reading, or occupationof any kind, and he would spend many an hour in trying to entice her attentionto somesubject which had formerly been her amusement. She was consciousof his aim,and in her better moods endured his efforts placidly, onlyshowing their uselessness by now and then suppressinga wearied sigh, andchecking him at last with the saddest of smiles and kisses. At othertimes,she would turnpetulantly away, andhide her face in herhands, or evenpush him off angrily; andthen he took care tolet her alone, for he wascertain of doing no good. Gimmerton chapel bells were still ringing; and the full, mellowflow of the beck in the valley came soothingly on the ear. It was a sweetsubstitute for the yet absent murmur of the summerfoliage, which drownedthat music about the Grange when the trees were in leaf. At Wuthering Heightsit always sounded on quiet days followinga great thaw or a season of steadyrain. And of Wuthering Heights Catherine was thinking as she listened:that is, ifshe thought or listened at all; butshe had the vague, distantlook I mentioned before, which expressed no recognition of material thingseither by ear or eye. `There's a letter for you, Mrs Linton,' I said, gently insertingit in one hand that rested on her knee. `You must read it immediately,because it wants an answer. Shall I break the seal?' `Yes,' she answered, without altering the direction of her eyes.I opened it--itwas very short. `Now', I continued, `read it.' She drewaway her hand, and let it fall. I replaced it in her lap, and stood waitingtill it should please her toglance down; but that movement was solongdelayed that at last I resumed: `Must I read it, ma'am? It is from MrHeathcliff.' There was a start and a troubled gleam of recollection, and astruggle to arrangeher ideas. She lifted the letter, and seemed to peruseit; and when she came to the signature she sighed: yet still I found shehad not gathered its import, for, upon my desiring to hear her reply, shemerely pointed tothe name, and gazed at me with mournful and questioningeagerness. `Well, he wishes to see you,' said I,guessing her need ofaninterpreter. `He'sin the garden by this time, and impatient to know whatanswer I shall bring.' As I spoke, I observed a large dog lying on the sunny grass beneathraise its ears as if about to bark, and then smoothing them back,announce,by a wag ofthe tail, that someone approached whom it did not considera stranger. Mrs Linton bent forward, and listened breathlessly. The minuteafter a step traversed the hall; the open house was too tempting for Heathcliffto resist walking in: most likely he supposed that I was inclined to shirkmy promise, and so resolved to trust to his own audacity. With strainingeagerness Catherine gazed towards the entranceof her chamber. He did nothit the rightroom directly, she motioned me to admithim, but he foundit out ere I could reach the door, and in a stride or two was at her side,and had her grasped in his arms. He neitherspoke nor loosed hishold for some five minutes, duringwhichperiod he bestowed more kisses than ever he gave in his life before,I dare say: but then my mistress had kissed him first, and I plainly sawthat he could hardly bear, for downright agony,to look into her face!The same conviction had stricken him as me, from the instant he beheldher, that there was no prospect of ultimaterecovery there--she was fated,sure to die. `Oh, Cathy! Oh,my life! how can I bear it?' was the first sentencehe uttered, in a tone that did not seek todisguise his despair. And nowhe stared at her so earnestly that I thought the very intensity of hisgaze would bring tears into his eyes;but they burned withanguish: theydid notmelt. `What now?' said Catherine, leaning back, and returning his lookwith a suddenly clouded brow: her humour was a mere vane for constantlyvarying caprices. `You and Edgar have broken myheart, Heathcliff! Andyou both came to bewail the deed to me, as if you were the people to bepitied! I shall not pity you, not I.You have killed me--and thriven onit, I think. How strong you are! How many years do you mean to live afterI am gone?' Heathcliffhad knelt on one knee to embrace her;he attemptedto rise,but she seized his hair, and kept him down. `I wish I could hold you,' shecontinued bitterly, `till we wereboth dead! I shouldn't care what you suffered. I care nothing for yoursufferings. Why shouldn't you suffer? I do! Will you forget me? Will yoube happy when I am in the earth? Will you say twenty years hence, ``That'sthe grave ofCatherine Earnshaw. I loved her long ago, and was wretchedtolose her; but it is past. I've loved many others since: my childrenare dearer to me than she was; and at death, I shall not rejoice that Iam going to her: I shall be sorry that I must leave them!''Will you sayso, Heathcliff?' `Don't torture me till I amas mad as yourself,'cried he, wrenchinghis head free, and grinding his teeth. The two, to a cool spectator,made a strange and fearful picture.Wellmight Catherine deemthat heaven would bea land of exile to her,unless with her mortal body she castaway her moral character also. Herpresent countenance had a wild vindictiveness in its white cheek, and abloodless lip and scintillating eye; and she retained in her closed fingersa portion of the locksshe had been grasping. As to her companion, whileraising himselfwith one hand, he had taken her arm with the other; andso inadequate washis stock of gentleness to the requirements of her condition,that on his letting go I sawfour distinct impressions left blue in thecolourless skin. `Are you possessed with a devil,' he pursued savagely, `to talkin that manner to me when you are dying? Do you reflect that allthosewords will be branded on my memory, and eating deeper eternally after youhave left me? Youknow you lie to say I have killed you: and, Catherine,you know that I could assoon forget you as my existence! Is it not sufficientfor your infernal selfishness, that while you are at peace I shall writhein the torments of hell?' `I shall not be at peace,' moaned Catherine, recalled to a senseof physical weakness bythe violent, unequalthrobbing of her heart, whichbeat visibly and audibly under this excess ofagitation. She said nothingfurther till the paroxysm was over; then she continued, more kindly-- `I'm not wishing you greater torment than I have,Heathcliff.I only wish us never to be parted: and should aword of mine distress youhereafter, think I feel the same distress underground, and for my own sake,forgive me! Come here and kneel down again! You never harmed me in yourlife. Nay, if you nurse anger, that will be worse to remember than my harshwords! Won't you come here again?Do!' Heathcliff wentto the back of her chair, and leant over, butnot so far as to let her see his face, which was livid with emotion. Shebent round to look at him; he would not permit it:turning abruptly, hewalked to the fireplace, where he stood, silent, with his back towardsus. Mrs Linton's glance followed him suspiciously: every movement wokea new sentiment in her. After a pause and a prolonged gaze, she resumed;addressing me in accents of indignant disappointment-- `Oh, you see, Nelly, hewould not relent a moment to keep me outof the grave. That is how I'm loved! Well, never mind. That is notmy Heathcliff. I shall love mine yet; and take him with me: he'sin my soul. And', added she, musingly,`the thing that irksme most inthis shattered prison, after all. I'm tired, tired of being enclosed here.I'm wearying to escape into that glorious world, and to be always there:not seeing it dimly through tears, and yearning for it through the wallsof an aching heart; butreally with it, and in it. Nelly, you think youare better and more fortunate than I; in full health and strength:youare sorry for me--very soon that willbe altered. I shall be sorry foryou. I shall be incomparably beyond and above you all. Iwonderhe won't be near me!' She went on to herself. `I thought he wished it.Heathcliff, dear! you should not be sullen now. Do come to me, Heathcliff.' In her eagerness sherose and supported herself on the arm ofthe chair. At thatearnest appeal he turned to her, looking absolutelydesperate.His eyes, wide and wet, at last flashedfiercely on her; hisbreast heaved convulsively. An instant they held asunder, and then howthey met I hardlysaw, but Catherine made a spring, and he caught her,and they were locked in an embrace from which I thought my mistress wouldnever be released alive: in fact, to my eyes,she seemed directly insensible.He flung himself into the nearest seat, and onmy approaching hurriedlyto ascertain if she hadfainted, he gnashed at me, and foamed like a maddog, and gathered her to him with greedy jealousy. I did not feel as ifI were in the company of a creature of my own species: it appearedthathe would not understand, though Ispoke to him; so I stood off, and heldmy tongue, in great perplexity. A movement of Catherine's relievedme a little presently: sheput upher hand to clasp his neck, and bring her cheek to his as he heldher; while he, in return, covering her with frantic caresses, said wildly-- `You teach me now how cruel you've been--cruel and false. Whydid you despise me? Why did you betray your own heart, Cathy? Ihave not one word of comfort. You deservethis. You have killed yourself.Yes,you may kiss me, andcry; and ring out mykisses and tears: they'llblight you--they'll damn you. You loved me--then what right hadyou to leave me? What right--answer me--for the poor fancy you felt forLinton? Because misery and degradation, and death, and nothing that Godor Satan could inflict would have parted us, you,of your own will,didit. I have not broken your heart--you have broken it; and inbreaking it, you have broken mine. Somuch the worse for me, that I amstrong.Do I want to live? What kind of living will it be when you--oh,God! would you like to live with your soul in the grave?' `Let me alone. let me alone,' sobbed Catherine. `If I have donewrong, I'm dying for it. It is enough! You left me too: but I won't upbraidyou! I forgive you. Forgiveme!' `It is hard to forgive, and to lookat those eyes, and feel thosewasted hands,' he answered.`Kiss me again; and don't let me see your eyes!I forgive what you have done to me. I love my murderer--but yours!How can I?' They were silent--their faces hid against each other, and washedby each other's tears. At least, I suppose the weeping was on both sides;as it seemed Heathcliff could weep on a great occasion like this. I grew very uncomfortable, meanwhile; for the afternoon wore fastaway, the man whom I had sent off returned from his errand, and I coulddistinguish, bythe shine of the westering sun up thevalley, a concoursethickening outside Gimmerton chapel porch. `Service is over,' Iannounced. `My master will be here in halfan hour.' Heathcliff groaned acurse, and strained Catherine closer: shenever moved. Ere long I perceived a group of the servants passing up the roadtowards the kitchen wing. Mr Linton was not far behind; he opened the gatehimself and sauntered slowly up,probably enjoying the lovely afternoonthat breathed as soft as summer. `Now he is here,' I exclaimed. `For Heaven's sake, hurry down!You'll not meet anyone on the front stairs. Dobe quick; and stay amongthe trees till he is fairly in.' `Imust go, Cathy,' said Heathcliff, seeking to extricatehimselffrom his companion's arms. `But if I live, I'llsee you again beforeyouare asleep. I won't stray five yards from your window.' `You must not go!' she answered, holding him as firmly as herstrength allowed.`You shall not, I tell you.' `For one hour,' he pleaded earnestly. `Not for one minute,' she replied. `I must--Linton will beup immediately,' persisted thealarmedintruder. He would have risen, and unfixed her fingers by the act--she clungfast, gasping: there was mad resolution in her face. `No!' she shrieked. `Oh, don't, don't go. It is the last time!Edgar will not hurt us. Heathcliff, I shall die! I shall die!' `Damn the fool! There he is,' cried Heathcliff, sinking back intohis seat. `Hush, my darling! Hush, hush, Catherine! I'll stay. If he shotme so, I'd expire with a blessing on my lips.' And there they were fast again. I heard my master mounting thestairs--the cold sweat ran from my forehead: I was horrified. `Are you going to listen to her ravings?' I saidpassionately.`She does not know what she says. Will you ruin her, because she has notwit to help herself? Get up! You could be free instantly. That is the mostdiabolical deed that ever you did. We are all donefor--master, mistress,and servant. I wrung my hands, and cried out; Mr Linton hastened his step atthe noise. Inthe midst of my agitation, I was sincerely glad to observethat Catherine's arms hadfallen relaxed, and her head hung down. `She's fainted or dead,' I thought: `so much the better.Far betterthat she should be dead, thanlingering a burden and a misery-maker toall about her.' Edgar sprang to his unbidden guest, blanched with astonishmentand rage. What he meant to do, I cannot tell; however, the other stoppedall demonstrations, at once, by placing thelifeless looking form in hisarms. `Look there!' he said; `unless you bea fiend, help her first--thenyou shallspeak to me!' He walked into the parlour, and sat down. Mr Linton summoned me,and withgreat difficulty, and after resorting to many means, we managedto restore her to sensation; but she was all bewildered; she sighed, andmoaned, and knew nobody. Edgar, in his anxiety for her, forgot her hatedfriend. I did not. I went, at the earliest opportunity, and besought himtodepart; affirming that Catherine was better, and he should hear fromme in the morning how she passed the night. `I shall not refuse to go out of doors,' he answered;`but I shallstay in the garden: and, Nelly, mind you keepyour word to morrow.I shallbe under those larch trees. Mind! or I pay another visit, whether Lintonbe in or not. He sent a rapid glance throughthe half-open door of the chamber,and, ascertaining that what I stated was apparently true, delivered thehouse of his luckless presence.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 16 About twelve o'clock that night, was born the Catherine you saw atWutheringHeights: a puny, seven months' child; and two hoursafter the mother died,having never recovered sufficientconsciousness to miss Heathcliff, orknow Edgar. The latter's distractionat his bereavement is a subject toopainful to be dwelt on; its after effects showed how deep the sorrow sunk.A great addition, in my eyes, was his being left without an heir. I bemoanedthat, as I gazed on the feeble orphan; and I mentally abused old Lintonfor (what was only natural partiality) the securing his estate to his owndaughter, instead of his son's. An unwelcomed infant it was, poor thing!It might have wailed out of life, and nobody cared a morsel, during thosefirst hours of existence. We redeemed the neglectafterwards; but its beginningwas as friendless as its end is likely to be.Next morning--brightand cheerful out of doors--stole softenedin through the blinds of the silent room, and suffused the couch and itsoccupant witha mellow, tender glow. Edgar Linton had his head laid onthe pillow, and his eyes shut. His young and fair features were almostas deathlike as those of the formbeside him, and almost as fixed: buthis was the hush of exhausted anguish, and hers of perfectpeace. Her brow smooth, her lids closed, her lips wearing the expressionof a smile; no angel in heavencould be more beautiful than she appeared.And I partook of the infinite calm in which she lay: my mind was neverin a holier frame than while I gazed on that untroubled image of divinerest.I instinctively echoed the words shehad uttered a few hours before:`Incomparablybeyond and above us all! Whether still on earth or now inheaven, her spiritis at home with God!' I don't know if itbe a peculiarity in me, but I am seldom otherwisethan happy while watching in the chamber of death, should no frenziedordespairing mournershare the duty with me. I see a repose that neitherearth nor hell can break, and I feel an assurance of the endless and shadowlesshereafter--the Eternity they have entered--where life is boundless initsduration, and love in its sympathy, and joy in its fulness. I noticed onthat occasion how much selfishness there is even in a love like Mr Linton's,when he so regretted Catherine's blessed release! To be sure,one mighthave doubted, after the wayward and impatient existence she had led, whethershe merited ahaven of peace at last. One might doubt in seasons of coldreflection; but not then, in the presence of her corpse. It asserted itsoed a pledge of equal quiet to its former inhabitant. Do you believe such people are happy in the other world, sir?I'dgive a great deal toknow. I declined answering Mrs Dean'squestion, which struck me as somethingheterodox. She proceeded-- Retracing the courseof Catherine Linton,I fear we have no rightto think she is; but we'll leave her with her Maker. The master looked asleep, and I ventured soon after sunrise toquit the room and steal out to the pure refreshing air. The servants thoughtme gone to shake off the drowsiness of myprotracted watch; inreality,my chief motive was seeing MrHeathcliff. If he had remained among thelarches all night, he would have heard nothing of thestir at the Grange;unless, perhaps, he might catch the gallop of the messenger going to Gimmerton.If he had come nearer, he would probably be aware, from the lights flittingto and fro, and the opening and shuttingof the outer doors, that all wasnot right within. I wished, yet feared, to find him. I felt the terriblenews must be told, and I longed to get it over; but how to do it,I did not know. He was there--at least a few yards farther in the park;leant against an old ash tree, hishat off, and his hair soaked with thedew that had gathered on the budded branches, andfell pattering roundhim. He had been standing a longtime in that position, for I saw a pairof ousels passing and repassing scarcely three feet from him,busy in buildingtheir nest, and regarding his proximity no more than that of a pieceoftimber. They flew off at my approach, and he raised his eyes and spoke-- `She's dead!' he said; `I've not waited for you to learn that.Put your handkerchief away--don't snivel before me. Damn you all! she wantsnone of your tears!' I was weeping as much for him as her; we do sometimes pity creaturesthat have none of the feeling either for themselves or others; and whenI first looked into his face, I perceived that he had got intelligenceof the catastrophe; and a foolish notion struck me that his heart was quelledandhe prayed, because his lips moved and his gaze was bent onthe ground. `Yes, she's dead!' I answered, checking my sobs and drying mycheeks. `Gone to heaven, I hope; where we may, everyone, join her, if wetake due warning and leave our evil ways to follow good!' `Did she take due warning,then?' asked Heathcliff, attemptinga sneer. `Did she die like a saint? Come, give mea true history of theevent. How did--'He endeavoured to pronounce the name, but could not manageit;and compressing his mouth he held a silent combat with his inward agony,defying, meanwhile, my sympathy with an unflinching ferocious stare. `Howdid she die?' heresumed at last--fain, notwithstanding his hardihood,to have a support behind him; for, after the struggle, he trembled, inspite ofhimself, to his veryfinger-ends. `Poor wretch!' I thought; `you have a heart and nerves the sameas your brother men! Why should you be anxious to conceal them? Your pridecannot blind God! You tempt Him to wring them, till He forces a cry ofhumiliation. `Quietly as a lamb!'I answered aloud. `She drew a sigh, and stretchedherself, like a child reviving, and sinking again to sleep; and five minutesafter I felt one little pulse at her heart, and nothing more!' `And--did she ever mention me?' he asked, hesitating, as if hedreaded the answer to his question would introduce details that he couldnot bear to hear. `Her senses never returned; she recognized nobody from the timeyou left her,' I said. `She lies with a sweet smile on her face; and herlatest ideas wandered back to pleasant early days. Her life closed in agentle dream--may she wake as kindly in the other world!' `May she wake in torment!' he cried, with frightful vehemence,stamping his foot, and groaning in a suddenparoxysm of ungovernable passion.`Why, she's a liar to the end! Where isshe? Not there--not in heaven--notperished--where? Oh! you saidyou cared nothing for my sufferings! AndI pray one prayer--I repeat it till my tongue stiffens--Catherine Earnshaw,may you notrest as long as I amliving! You said I killed you--haunt me,then! The murdered do haunt their murderers, I believe. I know thatghosts have wandered on earth. Be with me always--take any form--driveme mad! only do not leave mein this abyss, whereI cannot findyou! Oh, God! it is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! I cannotlive without my soul!' He dashed his head against theknotted trunk; and, lifting uphis eyes, howled, not like a man, but like a savage beast gettinggoadedto death with knives and spears. Iobserved several splashes of blood aboutthe bark of thetree, and his hand and forehead were both stained; probablythe scene I witnessed was a repetition of othersacted during the night.It hardly moved my compassion--it appalled me: still, I felt reluctantto quit himso. But the moment he recollected himself enough to noticeme watching, he thundered a command for me to go, and I obeyed. He wasbeyond my skill to quiet or console!Mrs Linton's funeralwas appointed to take place on the Fridayfollowing her decease; and till then her coffin remained uncovered, andstrewn with flowers and scented leaves, in the greatdrawing-room. Lintonspent his daysand nights there, a sleepless guardian; and--a circumstanceconcealed from all but me--Heathcliff spenthis nights, at least, outside,equally a stranger to repose. I held no communication with him; still,I was conscious of his design to enter, if he could; and on theTuesday,a little after dark, when my master, from sheer fatigue, had been compelledto retire acouple of hours, I went and opened one of the windows; movedby his perseverance, to give him a chance ofbestowing on the faded imageof his idol one final adieu. He did not omit toavail himself of theopportunity,cautiously and briefly: too cautiously to betrayhis presence by the slightestnoise. Indeed, I shouldn't have discovered thathe had been there, exceptfor the disarrangement of the drapery about the corpse's face, and forobserving on the floor a curl of light hair, fastenedwith a silver thread;which, on examination, I ascertained to have been taken from a locket hunground Catherine's neck. Heathcliff had opened the trinket and cast outits contents, replacing them by a black lockof his own. I twisted thetwo, and enclosed them together. Mr Earnshaw was, of course, invited to attend the remains of hissister to the grave; and he sent no excuse, but he never came; so that,besides her husband, the mourners were whollycomposed of tenants and servants.Isabella was not asked. The place of Catherine'sinterment, to the surprise of the villagers,was neither in the chapel under the carved monument of the Lintons, noryet by the tombs of her own relations, outside. It was dug on a green slopein acorner of the kirkyard, where the wall is so low that heath and bilberryplants have climbed over it fromthe moor; and peat mould almost buriesit. Her husband lies in the same spot now; and they have each a simpleheadstone above, and a plain grey block at their feet, to mark the graves.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 17 That Friday made the last of our finedays for a month. Inthe evening,the weather broke: the wind shifted from south to northeast, and broughtrain first, and then sleet and snow. On the morrow one couldhardly imaginethat there had been threeweeks of summer: theprimroses and crocuses werehidden under wintry drifts;the larks were silent, the young leaves ofthe early trees smitten and blackened. And dreary, and chill, and dismal,that morrow did creep over! My master kepthis room; I took possessionof the lonely parlour, converting it into anursery: and there Iwas, sittingwith themoaning doll of a child laid on my knee; rocking it to and fro,and watching, meanwhile, the still driving flakesbuild up the uncurtainedwindow, when the door opened, and some person entered, out of breath andlaughing! My anger was greaterthan my astonishmentfor a minute. I supposedit one of the maids, and I cried-`Have done! How dare you show your giddiness here?What wouldMr Linton say if he heard you?' `Excuse me!' answered a familiar voice; `but I know Edgar is inbed, and I cannot stop myself.' With that the speaker came forwardto the fire, pantingand holdingher hand to her side. `I haverun the whole way from Wuthering Heights!' she continued,after a pause; `except whereI've flown. I couldn't count the number offalls I've had. Oh, I'm aching all over! Don't be alarmed! There shallbe an explanation as soon as I can give it; only just have the goodnessto step out and order the carriage to take me on to Gimmerton, andtella servant to seek up a few clothes in my wardrobe.' The intruder was Mrs Heathcliff. She certainly seemed in no laughingpredicament:her hair streamed onher shoulders, dripping with snow andwater; she was dressed in the girlish dress she commonly wore, befittingher age more than her position: a low frock with short sleeves, and nothingon either head or neck. The frock was of light silk, and clung to her withwet, and herfeet were protected merely by thin slippers; add to this adeep cut underone ear, which only the cold prevented from bleeding profusely,a white face scratched and bruised, and a framehardly able to supportitself, through fatigue; andyou may fancy my first fright was notmuchallayed when I had had leisure to examine her. `My dear young lady,' I exclaimed, `I'll stir nowhere, and hearnothing, till you have removed every article of your clothes, and put ondry things; and certainly you shall not go to Gimmerton tonight, so itis needless to order the carriage.'`Certainly, I shall,' she said; `walkingor riding: yet I've noobjection to dressmyself decently. And--ah, see how it flows down my necknow! The fire does make it smart.'She insisted on my fulfilling her directions, before she wouldlet me touch her; and not till after the coachman had been instructed toget ready, and a maid set to pack up some necessary attire, did I obtainher consent for binding the wound and helping to change her garments. `Now, Ellen,' she said, when my task was finished and she wasseated in an easychair on the hearth,with a cup of tea before her, yousit down opposite me, and put poor Catherine's baby away: I don't liketosee it! You mustn't think I care little for Catherine, because I behavedso foolishly on entering: I've cried, too, bitterly--yes, more than anyoneelse has reason to cry. We parted unreconciled,you remember, and I shan'tforgive myself. But, for all that,I was not going to sympathize with him--thebrute beast! Oh,give me the poker! This is the last thing of his I haveabout me.' She slipped the gold ring from her third finger, and threw iton the floor. `I'll smash it!' shecontinued, striking it with childishspite, `and then I'll burn it!' and she took and dropped the misused articleamong the coals. `There! he shall buy another, if he gets me back again.He'd be capable of coming toseek me, to tease Edgar. I dare not stay,lest that notion should possess his wicked head! And besides, Edgar hasnot been kind, has he? And I won't come suing forhis assistance; nor willI bring him intomore trouble. Necessity compelled me to seek shelter here;though, if I had not learned he was out of the way, I'd have halted atthe kitchen, washed my face, warmed myself, got you to bring what I wanted,and departed again to anywhere out of the reach of my accursed--of thatincarnate goblin! Ah! he was in sucha fury! If he had caught me! It'sa pity Earnshaw is nothis match in strength: I wouldn'thave run tillI'd seen him all but demolished, had Hindley been able todo it!' `Well, don'ttalk so fast, miss!'I interrupted; `you'll disorderthe handkerchief I have tied round your face, and make the cut bleed again.Drink your tea, and take breath, and give over laughing: laughter is sadlyoutof place under this roof, and in your condition!' `An undeniable truth,' she replied. `Listento that child! Itmaintains a constant wail--send it out of my hearingfor an hour; I shan'tstay any longer.' I rang the bell, and committed it to a servant's care; and thenI inquired what had urged her to escape from Wuthering Heights in suchan unlikely plight, andwhere she meant to go, as she refused remainingwith us. `Iought, and I wish toremain,' answered she, `to cheer Edgarand take care of the baby, for twothings, and because the Grange is myright home. But I Bell you he wouldn'tlet me! Do you thinkhe could bearto see me grow fat and merry; and could bear to think that we were tranquil,andnot resolve on poisoning our comfort? Now, I havethe satisfactionof being sure that he detests me, to the point of its annoying him seriouslyto have me within earshot or eyesight: I notice, when I enter his presence,the musclesof his countenance are involuntarily distorted into an expressionof hatred;partly arising from his knowledge of thegood causes I havetofeel that sentiment for him, and partly from original aversion. It isstrong enough to make me feel pretty certain that he would not chase meover England, supposing I contrived a clear escape; and therefore I mustget quite away. I've recovered from my first desire to be killed by him:I'd rather he'd kill himself! He has extinguished my loveeffectually,and so I'm at my ease. I canrecollect yet how I loved him; and can dimlyimagine that I could still be loving him, if--no, no! Even if he had dotedon me, the devilish nature would have revealed its existence somehow. Catherinehad an awfully perverted taste to esteem him so dearly, knowing him sowell. Monster!would that he could be blotted out of creation, and outof my memory!' `Hush, hush! He's a human being,' I said. `Be more charitable:there areworse men than he isyet!' `He's not a human being,' she retorted; `and he has no claim onmy charity. I gave him my heart, and he took and pinched it to death, andflung it back to me. People feel with their hearts, Ellen:and since hehas destroyed mine, I have not power to feel for him: and I would not,though he groaned from this tohis dying day, and wept tears of blood forCatherine! No, indeed, indeed, I wouldn't!' And here Isabella began tocry; but, immediately dashing the water from her lashes, sherecommenced.`You asked, what has driven me to flight at last? I was compelled to attemptit, because Ihad succeeded in rousing his rage a pitch above his malignity.Pulling out the nerves with red-hot pincers requires more coolness thanknocking on the head. He was worked up to forget the fiendish prudencehe boasted of, and proceeded to murderous violence. I experienced pleasurein being able to exasperate him; the sense of pleasure woke my instinctof self-preservation, so I fairly broke free; and if ever I come into hishands again he is welcome to a signal revenge.`Yesterday, you know, Mr Earnshaw shouldhave been at the funeral.He kept himself sober for the purpose--tolerably sober: not going to bedmad at six o'clock and getting up drunk at twelve. Consequently he rose,in suicidal low spirits, as fit for the church as for a dance; and instead,he sat down by the fire and swallowed gin or brandy by tumblerfuls. `Heathcliff--I shudder to name him!has been a stranger in thehouse from last Sunday till today. Whether the angels have fed him,orhis kin beneath, Icannot tell; but he has not eaten a mealwith us fornearly a week. He has just come home at dawn, and gone upstairs tohischamber; locking himself in--as if anybody dreamt of coveting his company!There he has continued, praying like a Methodist: only the deity he imploredin senselessdust and ashes; and God, when addressed,was curiously confoundedwith his own black father! After concluding these precious orisons--andthey lasted generally till he grew hoarse and his voice was strangled inhis throat--he would be off again; always straight down to theGrange!I-wonder Edgar did not send for a constable, andgive him into custody!For me, grieved as I was about Catherine, it was impossible to avoid regardingthis season of deliverance from degrading oppressionas a holiday. `I recovered spirits sufficient to hear Joseph's eternal lectureswithout weeping, and to moveup and down the house less with the foot ofa frightened thief than formerly.You wouldn't think that I should cryat anything Joseph could say; but he and Hareton are detestable companions.I'd rather sit with Hindley, and hear his awful talk, thanwith ``t' littlemaister'' and his staunch supporter, that odious old man! WhenHeathcliffis in, I'moften obliged to seek the kitchen andtheir society, or starveamong the dampuninhabited chambers; when he is not, aswas the case thisweek, I establish a table and chair at one comer of the house fire, andnever mind how Mr Earnshaw may occupy himself; and he does not interferewith my arrangements. He is quieter now than he used to be, if no one provokeshim: more sullen and depressed, and less furious. Joseph affirms he's surehe's an altered man: that the Lord has touched his heart, and he is saved``so as by fire''. I'm puzzled to detect signs of the favourable change:but it is notmy business. `Yester-evening I sat in mynook reading some old books till lateon towards twelve. It seemed sodismal to go upstairs, with the wild snowblowing outside, and my thoughts continuallyreverting to the kirkyardand the new-made grave! I dared hardly lift myeyes from the page beforeme, that melancholy scene so instantly usurped its place. Hindley sat opposite,his head leant on his hand; perhaps meditating on the same subject. Hehad ceased drinking at apoint below irrationality, and had neither stirrednor spoken during two or three hours. There was no sound through the housebut the moaningwind, which shook the windows every now and then, the faintcrackling of the coals, and the click of my snuffersas I removed at intervalsthe long wick of the candle. Hareton and Joseph were probably fast asleepin bed. It wasvery, very sad: and while I read I sighed, for it seemedas if all joy had vanished from the world, never to be restored. `The doleful silence was broken at length by the sound of thekitchen latch: Heathcliff had returned from his watch earlier than usual;owing, I suppose, to the sudden storm. That entrance was fastened, andwe beard him coming round to get in by the other. I rose with an irrepressibleexpression of what I felt on my lips, which induced my companion, who hadbeen staring towards the door, to turn and look at me. ``I'Il keep him out five minutes,'' he exclaimed. ``You won'tobject?'' `"No, you may keep him outthe whole night for me,'' I answered.``Do! put the key in the lock,and draw the bolts.'' `Earnshaw accomplished this ere his guest reached the front; hethen came and brought his chair tothe other side of mytable, leaningover it, and searching inmy eyes, a sympathy with the burning hate thatgleamed from his: as he bothlooked and felt likean assassin, he couldn'texactly findthat; but he discovered enough toencourage him to speak. `"You and I'', he said, ``have each a great debt tosettle withthe man out yonder! If we were neither of us cowards, we might combineto discharge it. Are you as soft as your brother? Areyou willing to endureto the last, and not once attempta repayment?'' ``I'mweary of enduring now,'' I replied; ``and I'd be glad ofa retaliation thatwouldn't recoil on myself; but treachery and violenceare spears pointed at both ends: they wound those who resort to them worsethan their enemies.'' ``Treachery and violence are a just return for treacheryand violence!''criedHindley. ``Mrs Heathcliff, I'll askyou to do nothing; but sit stilland be dumb. Tell me now, can you? I'm sure you would have as much pleasureas I inwitnessing the conclusion of the fiend's existence; he'll be yourdeath unless you overreachhim; and he'll be myruin. Damn the hellishvillain! He knocks at the door as if he were masterhere already! Promiseto hold your tongue, and before that clock strikes--it wants three minutesof one--you're a free woman!'' `He took the implements which I described to you in my letterfrom his breast, and would have turned down thecandle. I snatched it away,however, andseized his arm. ` ``I'Il not hold my tongue!'' I said; ``you mustn't touch him.Let the door remain shut, and be quiet!'' ` ``No! I've formed my resolution, and by God I'll execute it!''cried the desperate being. ``I'Il do you a kindness in spite ofyourself,and Haretonjustice! And you needn't trouble yourhead to screen me; Catherineis gone. Nobody alive would regret me, or be ashamed, though I cut my throatthis minute--and it's time to make an end!'' `I might as well have struggled with a bear, or reasoned witha lunatic. The only resource left me was to run to a lattice and warn hisintended victim of the fate which awaited him. `"You'dbetter seek shelter somewhere else tonight!'' I exclaimedin a rathertriumphant tone. ``Mr Earnshaw has a mind to shoot you, ifyou persist in endeavouring to enter.'' ``You'd better open the door, you--"he answered,addressing meby someelegant term that I don't care to repeat. ``I shall not meddle in the matter,'' I retorted again. ``Comein and get shot, if you please!I've done my duty.''`With that I shut the window and returned to my placeby the fire;having too small a stock ofhypocrisy at my command to pretend any anxietyfor the danger that menaced him. Earnshaw swore passionately at me: affirmingthat I loved the villain yet; and calling me all sorts of names for thebase spirit Ievinced. And I, in my secret heart (andconscience neverreproached me),thought what a blessing it would befor him shouldHeathcliff puthim out of misery; and what a blessing for me shouldhe sendHeathcliff to his right abode! As I sat nursing these reflections,the casement behind me was banged on to thefloor by a blow fromthe latterindividual, and his black countenance liked blightingly through.The stanchionsstood too close to suffer his shoulders to follow, and I smiled, exultingin my fancied security. His hair and clotheswere whitened with snow, andhis sharp cannibal teeth, revealed by cold andwrath, gleamed through thedark. `"Isabella, let me in, or I'll make yourepent!'' he ``girned'',as Josephcalls it. I cannot commit murder,'' I replied. ``Mr Hindley stands sentinelwith a knifeand loaded pistol.''``Let me in by the kitchen door,'' he said. ``Hindley willbe there before you,'' I answered: ``andthat'sa poor love ofyours that cannot bear a shower of snow! We were left atpeace on our beds as long as the summer moon shone, but the moment a blastof winter returns, you must run for shelter! Heathcliff, if I were you,I'd go stretch myself over her grave and die like a faithful dog.The worldis surely not worth living in now, is it? You had distinctly impressedon me the idea that Catherine was the whole joy ofyour life: I can't imaginehow you thinkof surviving her loss.'' ``He's there, is he?'' exclaimedmy companion, rushing to thegap. ``If I can get my arm out I can hit him!'' `I'm afraid, Ellen, you'll set medown as really wicked; but youdon'tknow all, so don't judge. I wouldn't have aided or abetted an attemptoneven his life for anything. Wish that he were dead, I must; andtherefore I wasfearfully disappointed, and unnerved by terror for theconsequences of my taunting speech, when he flung himself on Earnshaw'sweapon andwrenched it from hisgrasp. `The charge,exploded, andthe knife, in springing back, closedinto its owners wrist. Heathcliff pulled itaway by main force, slittingup the fleshas it passed on, andthrust it dripping into his pocket. Hethen took a stone,struck down the division between twowindows, and sprangin. His adversary had fallensenseless with excessive pain and the flowof blood, that gushed from an artery or a large vein. The ruffian kickedand trampled on him, and dashed his head repeatedly against the flags,holding me with one hand, meantime, to preventme summoning Joseph.Heexerted preterhuman self-denial in abstaining from finishing him completely;but getting out of breath he finally desisted, and dragged the apparentlyinanimate body on to the settle. There he tore off the sleeve of Earnshaw'scoat, and bound up the wound with brutal roughness; spitting and cursingduring the operation as energetically as he had kicked before. Being atliberty, I lost no time in seeking the old servant; who, havinggatheredby degrees the purport of my hasty tale, hurried below, gasping, as hedescended the steps two at once. ``What is there to do, now? what is there to do, now?'' `"There's this to do,'' thundered Heathcliff, ``that your master'smad; and should he last another month, I'll have him to an asylum. Andhow the devil did you come to fasten me out, you toothless hound?Don'tstand mutteringand mumbling there. Come, I'm not going to nurse him. Washthat stuff away;and mind the sparks of your candle--it is more than halfbrandy!'' `"And so, ye've been murthering on him?''exclaimed Joseph, liftinghis hands andeyes in horror. ``Ifiver I seed a seeghtloike this! Maythe Lord-- -'' `Heathcliff gave hima push on to his knees in the middle of theblood, and flung a towel to him; but instead of proceeding to dry itup,he joined his hands and began a prayer, which excited my laughter fromits odd phraseology. I was in the condition of mind to be shocked at nothing:in fact, I was as reckless assome malefactors show themselves at the footof the gallows. `"Oh, I forgot you,'' said the tyrant. ``You shall do that. Downwith you. And you conspire with him against me, do you, viper? There, thatis work fit for you!'' `He shook me till my teeth rattled, and pitchedme beside Joseph,whosteadily concluded his supplications and then rose, vowing he wouldset off for the Grange directly. Mr Linton was a magistrate, and thoughhe had fifty wives dead, heshould inquire into this. He was so obstinatein his resolution, that Heathcliff deemed itexpedient to compel from mylips a recapitulation of what had taken place; standing over me, heavingwith malevolence, as I reluctantly delivered the account in answer tohisquestions. It required a great deal of labour to satisfy the old man thatHeathcliff was not the aggressor; especially with my hardly wrung replies.However, Mr Earnshaw soon convinced him that he was alive still; Josephhastened to administer a dose ofspirits, and by their succour his masterpresently regained motion and consciousness. Heathcliff, aware that hisopponent wasignorant of the treatment received while insensible, calledhim deliriously intoxicated; and said he should not notice his atrociousconduct further, but advisedhim to get to bed. To my joy, he left us,after giving thisjudicious counsel, and Hindley stretched himself onthehearthstone. I departed to my own room, marvelling that I had escaped soeasily. `This morning, when I camedown, about half an hour before noon,Mr Earnshaw was sittingby the fire, deadly sick; his evil genius, almostas gaunt and ghastly, leant against the chimney. Neither appeared inclinedto dine, and, having waited till all was cold on the table, Icommencedalone. Nothing hindered me from eating heartily, and I experienced a certainsense of satisfaction and superiority, as, at intervals, I cast a looktowards my silent companions, and felt the comfortof a quiet consciencewithin me.After I had done, I ventured on the unusual liberty of drawingnear the fire, going round Earnshaw's seat, andkneeling in the cornerbeside him. `Heathcliff did not glance my way, and Igazed up, and contemplatedhis features almost as confidently as if they had been turnedto stone.His forehead, that I once thought so manly, and that I now think so diabolical,was shaded with a heavy cloud; his basilisk eyes were nearly quenched bysleeplessness, andweeping, perhaps, for the lashes were wet then; hislips devoid of their ferocious sneer, andsealed in an expression of unspeakablesadness. Had it been another,I would have coveredmy face in the presenceof such grief. In his case, I was gratified; and, ignoble as itseemsto insult a fallen enemy, I couldn't miss this chance of stickingin a dart: his weakness was theonly time when I could taste the delightof paying wrong for wrong. `Fie, fie, miss!' I interrupted. `One might suppose you had neveropened a Bible in your life. If God afflict your enemies, surely thatoughtto suffice you.It is both mean and presumptuous to add your torture toHis!'`In general I'll allow that it would be, Ellen,' she continued;`but what misery laid on Heathcliff could content me, unless Ihave a handin it? I'd rather he suffered less, if I might cause his sufferingsand he might know that I was the cause. O, I owe him so much. Ononly one conditioncan I hope to forgive him. It is, if I may take an eyefor an eye, a tooth for a tooth; for every wrench of agony return a wrench:reduce him tomy level. As he was the first to injure,make him the firsttoimplore pardon; and then--why then, Ellen, I might show you some generosity.But it isutterly impossible Ican ever be revenged, and therefore I cannotforgive him. Hindley wanted some water, and I handed him a glass, and askedhim how he was.``Not as ill as I wish,'' he replied. ``But leaving out myarm,every inch of meis as sore as if I had been fighting with a legion ofimps!'' `"Yes, no wonder,'' was my next remark. ``Catherine used to boastthat she stood between you and bodily harm:she meant that certain personswouldnot hurt you for fear of offending her. It's well people don't reallyrise from their grave, or, last night, she might have witnesseda repulsivescene! Are not you bruised and cut overyour chest and shoulders?'' ``I can't say,'' he answered: ``but whatdo you mean? Did he dareto strike me when I was down?" "He trampled on you and kicked you, and dashed you on the ground,''I whispered. ``And his mouth watered to tear you with his teeth; becausehe's only half a man--not so much.'' `Mr Earnshawlooked up, like me, to the countenance of our mutualfoe; who, absorbed in hisanguish, seemed insensible to anything aroundhim: the longer he stood,the plainer his reflections revealedtheir blacknessthrough hisfeatures. `"Oh, if God would but give me strength to strangle him in mylast agony, I'd goto hell with joy,'' groaned the impatient man, writhingto rise, andsinking back in despair, convinced of his inadequacy for thestruggle. `"Nay, it's enough that he has murderedone of you,'' I observedaloud. ``At the Grange, everyoneknows your sister would have been livingnow, had it not been for Mr Heathcliff. After all, it is preferable tobe hated than loved by him. When I recollect how happy we were--how happyCatherine was before he came--I'm fit to curse the day.'' `Most likely, Heathcliff noticed more the truth of what was said,than the spirit of the person who said it. His attention was roused, Isaw, for his eyes rained downtears among the ashes, and he drew his breathin suffocating sighs. Istared full at him, and laughed scornfully. Theclouded windows of hell flashed a moment towards me; the fiend which usuallylooked out, however, was so dimmed and drowned that I did not fear to hazardanother sound of derision. ``Get up, and begoneout of my sight,'' said the mourner. `Iguessed he uttered those words, at least, though his voicewas hardly intelligible. `"I beg your pardon,'' Ireplied. ``But I loved Catherine too;and her brother requires attendance,which, for her sake,I shall supply.Now that she's dead, I see her in Hindley: Hindley has exactly her eyes,if you had not tried to gouge them out, and made them black and red; andher--'' ``Get up,wretched idiot, before I stamp you to death!'' he cried,making a movement that caused me to make one also. ``Butthen,'' I continued,holding myself readyto flee; ``ifpoor Catherine had trusted you, and assumed the ridiculous, contemptible,degrading title of Mrs Heathcliff, she would soon have presented a similarpicture! She wouldn't have borne your abominable behaviour quietly:her detestation and disgust must have found voice.'' `The back of the settle and Earnshaw's person interposed betweenme and him: so instead of endeavouring to reach me, he snatched a dinnerknife from thetable and flung it at my head. It struck beneath my ear,and stopped the sentence I was uttering; but, pulling it out, I sprangto the door and delivered another; which I hope went a little deeper thanhis missile. The last glimpse I caught of him was a furious rush on hispart, checked by the embrace of his host;and both fell lockedtogetheron the hearth. In my flightthrough the kitchen I bid Joseph speed to hismaster; I knocked over Hareton, who was hanging a litter of puppies froma chair back in the doorway; and, blest as a soul escaped from purgatory,I bounded,leaped, and flew down the steep road;then, quitting its windings,shot directacross the moor, rolling over banks, and wading through marshes:precipitating myself, in fact, towards the beacon light of the Grange.And far rather would I be condemned to a perpetual dwelling in the infernalregions, than, even for one night, abide beneaththe roof of WutheringHeights again.' Isabella ceased speaking, andtook a drink of tea;then she rose,and bidding me put on her bonnet, and a great shawl I had brought, andturning a deaf ear to my entreaties for her to remain another hour, shestepped on to a chair, kissed Edgar's and Catherine's portraits, bestowedasimilar salute on me, and descended to the carriage, accompanied by Fanny,who yelped wild with joy at recovering her mistress. She was driven away,never torevisit the neighbourhood: but aregular correspondence was establishedbetween her and my master when things were more settled. I believe hernew abodewas in the south, near London; there she had a son born, a fewmonths subsequent to her escape. He was christened Linton, and, from thefirst, she reported him to be an ailing, peevish creature. MrHeathcliff, meeting me one day in the village, inquired whereshe lived. I refused to tell. He remarked that it wasnot of any moment,only she mustbeware of coming to her brother: she should not be with him,if he had to keep her himself. Though I would give no information, he discovered,through some of the other servants, both her place of residence and theexistence of the child. Still he didn't molest her: for which forbearanceshe mightthank his aversion, I suppose. He often asked about the infant,when he saw me; and on hearing its name, smiled grimly, and observed: `They wish me to hate it too, do they?' `I don't think they wish you to know anything about it,' I answered. `But I'll have it,' he said, `when I want it. They may reckonon that!' Fortunately, its mother died before the time arrived; some thirteenyears after the decease ofCatherine, when Linton was twelve, or a littlemore. On the day succeeding Isabella's unexpected visit, I had no opportunityofspeaking to my master: he shunned conversation, and was fit for discussingnothing. When I could get himto listen, I saw it pleased him that hissister had left her husband; whom heabhorred with an intensity which themildness of his nature would scarcely seem to allow. So deep and sensitivewas his aversion, that he refrained from goinganywhere where he was likelyto see or hear of Heathcliff. Grief, and that together, transformed himinto a complete hermit: he threw up his office of magistrate, ceased evento attend church, avoided the village on all occasions, and spent a lifeof entire seclusion within the limits ofhis park and grounds; only variedby solitary rambles on the moors, and visits to the grave of his wife,mostly at evening, or earlymorning before otherwanderers were abroad.But he was too good to be thoroughly unhappy long. He didn't prayfor Catherine's soul to haunt him. Time brought resignation, and a melancholysweeter than common joy. He recalled her memory with ardent, tender love,and hopeful aspiring to the better world; where he doubted not she wasgone. And he had earthly consolation and affections also.For a fewdays, I said, he seemed regardless of the puny successor to the departed:the coldness melted as fast as snow in April, and ere the tiny thing couldstammer a word or totter a step, itwielded a despot's sceptre in his heart.It was named Catherine; but he never called it the name in full, as hehad never called the first Catherine short; probably because Heathcliffhad a habit of doing so. The little one was always Cathy; it formed tohim a distinction from themother, and yet a connection with her;and hisattachment sprang from its relation to her, farmore than from its beinghis own. I usedto draw a comparisonbetween him and Hindley Earnshaw,andperplex myself to explain satisfactorily why their conduct was sooppositein similar circumstances. They had both been fond husbands, and were bothattached to their children; and I could not see how they shouldn't bothhave taken the same road, for good or evil. But, I thought in my mind,Hindley, with apparently the stronger head, has shown himself sadly theworse and the weaker man. When hisship struck, the captain abandoned hispost; and the crew, instead of trying to save her, rushed into riot andconfusion, leaving no hope for their luckless vessel. Linton, on the contrary,displayed the true courage of a loyal and faithfulsoul: he trusted God;and God comforted him. One hoped, and the other despaired:they chose theirown lots, and were righteously doomed to endure them. But you'll not wantto hear my moralizing, Mr Lockwood: you'll judge as well as I can, allthese things: at least, you'll think you will, and that's the same. Theend of Earnshaw was what might have been expected; it followed fast onhis sister's: there was scarcely six months between them. We, atthe Grange,never gota very succinct account of his statepreceding it; all that Idid learn, wason occasion of goingto aid in the preparations for thefuneral. Mr Kenneth came to announce the event to my master. `Well,Nelly,' said he, riding into the yardone morning, tooearly not to alarm me with an instant presentimentof bad news, `it's yoursand my turn to go into mourning at present. Who's givenus the slip now,do you think?' `Who?' Iasked in a flurry. `Why, guess!' he returned, dismounting, and slinging his bridleon a hook by the door. `And nip up the corner of your apron: I'm certainyou'll need it.' `Not Mr Heathcliff, surely?'I exclaimed. `What! would you have tearsfor him?' said the doctor. `No, Heathcliff'sa tough young fellow: he looks blooming today. I've just seen him. He'srapidly regaining flesh since he lost his better half.' `Who is it then, Mr Kenneth?' I repeatedimpatiently. `Hindley Earnshaw! Your old friend Hindley,' he replied, `andmy wicked gossip: though he's been too wild for methis long while. There!I said we should draw water. But cheer up. He died true to his character:drunk as alord. Poor lad! I'm sorry, too. One can't help missing an oldcompanion: though he had the worst tricks with him that ever man imagined,and has done me many a rascally turn. He's barely twenty-seven,it seems;that's yourown age: who would have thought you were born in one year?' I confess this blow was greater to me than the shock of Mrs Linton'sdeath: ancient associationslingered round my heart; I sat down intheporch and wept asfor a blood relation, desiring Kenneth to get anotherservant to introduce him to themaster. I could not hinder myself frompondering on thequestion--`Had he had fair play?' Whatever I did, thatidea would bother me: it was sotiresomely pertinacious that I resolvedon requesting leave to go to Wuthering Heights, and assist in the lastduties tothe dead. Mr Linton was extremely reluctant to consent, but Ipleaded eloquently for the friendless conditionin which he lay; andIsaid my old master and foster-brother had a claim on my services as strongashis own. Besides, I reminded him that the child Hareton was his wife'snephew, and, in the absence of nearer kin, he ought to actas its guardian;and he ought to and mustinquire how the property was left, and look overthe concerns of his brother-in-law. He was unfit for attending to suchmatters then, but he bid me speak to his lawyer; and at length permittedme to go. His lawyer had been Earnshaw's also: I called at the village,and asked him to accompany me.He shook his head, and advised that Heathcliffshould be let alone; affirming, if the truth were known, Hareton wouldbe found littleelse than a beggar. `His father died in debt,' he said; `thewhole property is mortgaged,and the sole chance for the natural heir is to allow him an opportunityof creating some interest in the creditor's heart, that he may be inclinedto deal leniently towards him.' When I reachedthe Heights, I explained that I hadcome to seeeverything carried on decently;and Joseph, who appeared in sufficientdistress, expressed satisfaction at my presence. Mr Heathcliff said hedid not perceive that I was wanted; but I might stay andorder the arrangementsfor the funeral, if I chose.`Correctly,' he remarked, `that fool's body should be buried atthe crossroads, without ceremony of any kind. I happened to leave him tenminutesyesterday afternoon,and in that intervalhe fastened the two doorsof the house against me, and he has spent the night in drinking himselfto death deliberately! We broke in this morning, for we heard him snortinglike a horse; and there he was, laid over the settle; flaying and scalpingwould not have wakened him. I sent for Kenneth, and he came; but nottillthe beast had changed into carrion: he was both dead and cold, and stark;and so you'll allow it was uselessmaking more stir about him!' The old servant confirmed this statement, but muttered: `Aw'd rayther he'd goan hisseln fur t' doctor! Aw sud uh taentent uh t' maister better nur him--un he warn't deead when Aw left, nowtuh t' soart!' I insisted on the funeral being respectable. Mr Heathcliff saidI might have my own way there too; only,he desired me to remember thatthe money for the whole affair came out of his pocket. He maintained ahard, careless deportment,indicative of neither joy nor sorrow; if anything,it expressed a flinty gratification at a piece of difficult work successfullyexecuted. I observed once, indeed, something like exultation in his aspect:it was just when the peoplewere bearing the coffin from the house. Hehad the hypocrisy to represent a mourner:and previous to following withHareton, he lifted the unfortunate child onto the table and muttered,with peculiar gusto, `Now, my bonny lad, you are mine! And we'llsee if one treewon't grow as crooked as another, with the same wind totwist it!' The unsuspecting thing was pleased at this speech: he playedwith Heathcliff's whiskers, and stroked his cheek; but I divined its meaning,and observedtartly, `That boy must go back with meto Thrushcross Grange,sir. There isnothing in the worldless yours than he is!' `Does Linton say so?' he demanded. `Of course--he hasordered me to take him,' I replied. `Well,' said the scoundrel, `we'll not argue the subject now:but I have a fancy to try my hand at rearing ayoung one; so intimate toyour master that I must supply the place of this with my own, ifhe attemptto remove it. I don't engage to let Hareton go undisputed; but I'llbepretty sure to make the other come!Remember to tell him.' This hint was enough to bind our hands. I repeated its substanceon my return; and Edgar Linton, little interested at the commencement,spoke no more of interfering I'm not aware that he could have done it toany purpose, had he beenever so willing. Theguest was now the master of Wuthering Heights: he held firmpossession, and proved to the attorney--who, in his turn, proved it toMr Linton--that Earnshaw had mortgaged every yardof land he owned, forcash to supply his mania for gaming; and he, Heathcliff, was the mortgagee.In that manner Hareton, who should now be the first gentleman in the neighbourhood,was reduced to a state of complete dependence on his father's inveterateenemy; andlives in his own house as a servant, deprived of the advantageof wages, and quite unable to right himself, because of his friendlessness,and his ignorance that he has been wronged.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 18 The twelve years, continued Mrs Dean, following that dismal period, werethe happiest of my life: my greatesttroubles in their passage rose fromourlittle lady's trifling illnesses, which she had to experience in commonwith all children, rich and poor. For the rest, after the first six months,she grew likea larch, and could walk and talk too, in her own way, beforethe heath blossomed a second time over Mrs Linton's dust. She was themostwinning thing that ever brought sunshine into a desolate house: a realbeauty in face, with the Earnshaws' handsome dark eyes, but the Lintons'fairskin and small features, and yellowcurling hair. Her spirit was high,though not rough, and qualifiedby a heart sensitiveand lively to excessin its affections. That capacity for intenseattachments remindedme ofher mother: still she did not resemble her; for she could be soft and mildas a dove, and she had a gentlevoice and pensive expression: her angerwas never furious; her love never fierce: it wasdeep and tender. However,it must be acknowledged, she had faults to foil her gifts. A propensityto be saucy was one; and aperverse will, that indulged children invariablyacquire, whether they be good-tempered or cross. If a servant chancedtovex her, it was always--`I shall tell papa!' And if he reproved her, evenby a look, you would have thought it a heart-breaking business: I don'tbelieve he everdid speak a harsh word to her. He tookher education entirelyon himself, and made it an amusement. Fortunately, curiosity and a quickintellect urgedher into an apt scholar: she learnedrapidly and eagerly,and did honour to his teaching.Till she reached the age of thirteen, she had not once been beyondthe range of the park by herself.Mr Linton would takeher with him a mileor so outside, on rare occasions; but he trusted her to no one else. Gimmertonwas an unsubstantial name in her ears; the chapel, the only building shehad approached or entered, except her own home. Wuthering Heights and MrHeathcliff did notexist for her: she was a perfect recluse; and, apparently,perfectlycontented. Sometimes, indeed, while surveying the country fromher nursery window, she would observe: `Ellen, how long will it be before I can walk to the top of thosehills? I wonder what lies on the other side--is it the sea?' `No, Miss Cathy,' I wouldanswer; `it is hillsagain, just likethese.' `And what are those golden rocks like when you stand underthem?'she once asked. The abrupt descentof Penistone Crags particularly attracted hernotice;especially when the setting sun shone onit and the topmost heights,and the whole extent of landscape besides lay in shadow. I explained thatthey were bare masses of stone, with hardly enough earth in their cleftsto nourish a stunted tree. `And why are they bright so long after it is evening here?' shepursued. `Because they are a great deal higher upthan we are,' repliedI; `you couldnot climb them, theyare too high and steep. In winter thefrost is always there before it comes to us; and deep into summer I havefound snow underthat black hollow onthe north-east side!' `Oh, you have beenon them!' she cried gleefully. `Then I cango, too, when I am a woman. Has papabeen, Ellen?' `Papa would tell you, miss,' I answered hastily, `that they arenot worth the trouble of visiting.The moors, where youramble with him,are much nicer; and Thrushcross Park is the finest place in the world.' `But I know the park, and Idon't know those,' she murmured toherself. `And I should delight to look round me from the brow of that tallestpoint: my little pony Minny shall take me some time.' One of the maids mentioning theFairy Cave, quite turned her headwith a desire to fulfil this project: she teased Mr Linton about it; andhe promised she should have the journey when she got older. But Miss Catherinemeasured her age by months, and, `Now, am I old enough to go to PenistoneCrags?' wasthe constant question in her mouth. The road thither woundclose by Wuthering Heights. Edgar had not the heart to pass it; soshereceived as constantly the answer, `Not yet, love: not yet. I said Mrs Heathcliff lived above a dozen years after quittingher husband.Her family were of adelicate constitution: she and Edgarboth lackedthe ruddy health that you will generally meet in these parts.What herlast illness was, I am not certain: I conjecture, they died ofthe same thing, a kind of fever, slow at its commencement, but incurable,and rapidly consuming life to wards the close. She wrote to inform herbrother ofthe probable conclusion of a fourmonths' indisposition underwhich she had suffered, and entreated him to come to her, if possible;for she hadmuch to settle, and she wished to bid him adieu, and deliverLinton safelyinto his hands. Her hope was, that Linton might be leftwithhim, as he had been with her: his father, she would fain convince herself,had no desire to assume theburden of his maintenance or education. Mymaster hesitated not a moment in complying with her request: reluctantas he was to leave home at ordinary calls, he flew to answer this;commendingCatherine to my peculiar vigilance, in his absence, with reiterated ordersthat she must not wander out of the park, even undermy escort: he didnotcalculate on her going unaccompanied.He was away three weeks. The first dayor two, my charge sat ina corner of the library, too sadfor either reading or playing: in thatquiet state she caused me little trouble; but it was succeeded by an intervalof impatientfretful weariness; and being too busy, and too old then, torun up and down amusing her, I hit on a method by whichshe might entertainherself. I used to send her on her travels round the grounds--now on foot,and now on a pony; indulging her with a patient audience of all her realand imaginary adventures, when shereturned. The summershone in full prime;and she took such a taste forthis solitary rambling that she often contrived to remain out from breakfasttill tea; and then the evenings were spent in recounting her fanciful tales.I didnot fear her breaking bounds; because the gates were generally locked,and I thoughtshe would scarcely venture forth alone,if they had stoodwide open. Unluckily, my confidence proved misplaced. Catherinecame tome, one morning, at eight o'clock, and said she was that day an Arabianmerchant, going to cross the desert with his caravan; and I must give herplenty of provision for herself and beasts: a horse, and three camels,personated bya large hound and a couple of pointers. I got together goodstore of dainties, and slung them in a basket on one side of the saddle;and she sprang up as gay as a fairy, sheltered by her wide-brimmed hatand gauze veil from the July sun, and trotted off witha merry laugh, mockingmy cautious counsel to avoid galloping, and come back early. The naughtything never made her appearance at tea. One traveller, the hound, beingan old dog and fond of its ease, returned; but neither Cathy, nor the pony,nor the twopointers were visible in any direction: I dispatched emissariesdown this path, and that path,and at last went wandering in search ofher myself. There was a labourer working at a fence round a plantation,on the borders of the grounds. I inquired of him if he had seen our younglady. `I saw her at morn,'he replied; `she would have me to cuthera hazel switch, and then she leapt her Galloway over the hedge yonder,where it is lowest, and gallopedout of sight.' You may guess how I feltat hearing this news. It struck me directlyshe must have started for Penistone Crags. `What will become ofher?' Iejaculated, pushing through a gap which the man was repairing, and makingstraight to the high road. I walked as if for a wager, mile after mile,till a turn brought me in view of the Heights; but no Catherine could Idetect far or near.The Crags lie about a mile and a half beyond Mr Heathcliff'splace, and that isfour from the Grange, so I began to fearnight wouldfall ere I could reach them. `And what if she should have slipped in clamberingamong them?' I reflected, `and been killed, orbroken some of her bones?'My suspense was truly painful; and, at first, it gave me delightful reliefto observe, inhurrying by the farmhouse, Charlie, the fiercest of thepointers, lying under a window, withswelled head and bleeding ear. I openedthe wicket andran to the door, knocking vehemently for admittance. A womanwhom I knew, and who formerly lived at Gimmerton, answered: she had beenservant there since the death of Mr Earnshaw. `Ah,' said she, `you are come a seeking your little mistress!don't be frightened. She's here safe: but I'm glad it isn't the master.' `He is not at home then, is he?' I panted, quite breathless . `No, no,' she replied: `both he and Joseph are off, and I thinkthey won't return this hour or more. Step in and rest you a bit.' I entered, andbeheld my stray lambseated on the hearth, rockingherself in a little chair that had been her mother's when a child. Herhat was hung against the wall, and she seemedperfectly at home, laughingand chattering, in the best spirits imaginable, to Hareton--now a great,strong lad of eighteen--who staredat her with considerable curiosity andastonishment: comprehending precious little of the fluent succession ofremarksand questions which her tongue never ceased pouring forth. `Very well, miss!'I exclaimed, concealing my joy under an angrycountenance. `This is your last ride, till papa comes back. I'll nottrustyou over the threshold again, younaughty, naughty girl!' `Aha, Ellen!'she cried gaily, jumping up and running to my side.`I shall have apretty story to telltonight: and so you've found me out.Have you ever been here in your life before?' `Put that hat on, and home at once,' said I. `I'm dreadfully grievedat you, Miss Cathy: you've done extremely wrong. It's no use pouting andcrying: that won't repay the trouble I've had, scouring the countryafteryou. To think how Mr Linton charged me to keep you in; and you stealingoff so! it shows you are a, cunning little fox, and nobody will put faithin you any more. `What have I done?' sobbed she, instantly checked. `Papa chargedme nothing: he'll not scold me, Ellen--he's never cross, like you!' `Come, come!' I repeated. `I'll tie the riband. Now, letus haveno petulance.Oh, for shame! You thirteen years old, and such a baby!' This exclamation wascaused by her pushing the hat fromher head,and retreating to the chimney out of my reach. `Nay,' said the servant, `don't be hard on the bonnylass, MrsDean. We made her stop: she'dfain have ridden forwards, afeard youshouldbe uneasy. ButHareton offered to go with her, and I thought he should:it's a wild road over the hills.' Hareton,during the discussion, stood with his hands in his pockets,too awkward to speak; though he looked as if he did not relishmy intrusion. `How long am I to wait?' I continued, disregarding the woman'sinterference.`It will be dark in ten minutes. Where is the pony, MissCathy? And whereis Phoenix? I shall leave you, unless you be quick; soplease yourself.' `The pony is in the yard,' she replied, `and Phoenix is shutinthere. He's bitten--and so is Charlie.I was going to tell you all aboutit; butyou are in a bad temper, and don't deserve to hear.' I picked up her hat, and approached to reinstate it; but perceivingthat the people of the house took her part, she commenced capering roundthe room; and on my giving chase, ran like a mouse over and under and behindthe furniture,rendering it ridiculous for me topursue. Hareton and thewoman laughed, and she joined them,and waxed more impertinent still; tillI cried, in great irritation: `Well, Miss Cathy, if you were aware whose house this is,you'dbe glad enough to get out. `It's your father's, isn'tit?' said she, turning to Hareton.`Nay,' he replied, looking down, and blushing bashfully. He could not stand a steady gaze from her eyes, though they werejusthis own. `Whose then--your master's?' she asked. He coloured deeper, with a different feeling, muttered anoath,and turned away. `Who is his master?' continued the tiresome girl, appealing tome. `He talked about ``our house'', and ``our folk''. I thought hehadbeen the owner's son. And he never said, Miss; he should have done, shouldn'the, if he'sa servant?' Hareton grew black as a thunder cloud, at this childish speech.I silently shook myquestioner, and at last succeeded in equipping herfor departure. `Now, getmy horse,' she said,addressing her unknown kinsmanas she would one of thestable-boys at the Grange. `And you maycome withme. I want to see where the goblin-hunter rises in the marsh, and tohearabout the fairishes, as you call them: but make haste! What's thematter? Get my horse, I say. `I'll see thee damned before I be thy servant!' growledthelad. `You'll see me what?' asked Catherine in surprise. `Damned--thousaucy witch!' he replied. `There, Miss Cathy! you see you have gotinto pretty company,I interposed. `Nice words to be used to a young lady! Pray don't begintodispute with him. Come, let us seek for Minny ourselves,and begone.' `But, Ellen,' cried she, staring, fixed in astonishment, `howdare he speak soto me? Mustn't he bemade to do as I ask him? You wickedcreature, I shall tell papa whatyou said.--Now, then!' Hareton did not appear to feel this threat; so the tearsspranginto her eyes with indignation. `You bring the pony,' she exclaimed, turningto the woman,`and let my dog freethis moment!' `Softly, miss,' answered the addressed: `you'll lose nothing bybeingcivil. Though Mr Hareton, there, be not the master's son, he's yourcousin; and I was never hired to serve you.'`He my cousin!' cried Cathy, with a scornful laugh. `Yes,indeed,' responded her reprover. `Oh, Ellen! don't let them say such things,' she pursued, in greattrouble. `Papa is gone to fetch my cousin from London: my cousin is a gentleman'sson. Thatmy'--she stopped, and wept outright; upset at the bare notionof relationship with such a clown. `Hush,hush!' I whispered, `people can have many cousins, andof all sorts, Miss Cathy, without beingany the worse for it; only theyneedn't keep their company, if they be disagreeable and bad.' `He's not--he's not my cousin, Ellen!' she went on, gatheringfresh grieffrom reflection, andflinging herself into my arms for refugefrom the idea.I was much vexed at her and the servant for their mutual revelations;having no doubt of Linton'sapproaching arrival,communicated by the former,being reported to Mr Heathcliff; and feeling as confidentthat Catherine'sfirst thought on her father's return, would be to seek an explanation ofthe latter's assertion concerning her rude-bred kindred. Hareton, recoveringfrom his disgust at being taken for a servant,seemed moved by her distress;and, havingfetched the pony round to the door, he took, to propitiateher, a fine crooked-legged terrier whelp from the kennel, and putting itinto her hand bid her wisht! for he meant nought.Pausing in her lamentations,she surveyed him with a glance of awe and horror, then burst forth anew. I could scarcely refrain from smiling at thisantipathy to thepoorfellow; who was a well-made, athletic youth, good-looking in features,and stout and healthy, but attired in garments befitting his daily occupationsof working on the farm,and lounging among the moors after rabbits andgame. Still, I thought I could detect in his physiognomy a mind owningbetter qualities than his father ever possessed. Good things lost amida wilderness of weeds,to be sure, whose rankness far overtopped theirneglected growth; yet, notwithstanding, evidence of a wealthy soil, thatmight yield luxuriant crops under other and favourable circumstances. MrHeathcliff, I believe, had not treated him physically ill, thanks to hisfearless nature, which offered no temptation to that course of oppression:it had none of the timid susceptibilitythat would have given zest to ill-treatment,in Heathcliff's judgment. He appeared to have bent his malevolenceon makinghim a brute: he was never taught to read or write; never rebukedfor anybad habit which did not annoy his keeper; never led a single step towardsvirtue, or guarded by a single precept against vice. And from what I heard,Joseph contributed much to his deterioration, by a narrow-minded partialitywhich prompted him to flatter and pet him,as a boy, because hewas thehead of the old family. And as he had been in the habit of accusing CatherineEarnshaw and Heathcliff, whenchildren, of puttingthe master past hispatience, and compelling him to seek solace in drinkby what he termedtheir `offalldways', so at presenthe laid the whole burden of Hareton'sfaults on the shoulders of theusurper of his property. If the ladswore,he wouldn't correct him: nor however culpably he behaved. It gave Josephsatisfaction, apparently, to watchhim go the worst lengths: he allowedthat he was ruined: that his soul was abandoned to perdition; but then,he reflected that Heathcliff mustanswer for it. Hareton's blood wouldbe required at his hands; and therelay immense consolation in that thought.Joseph had instilled into him apride of name, and of his lineage; he would,had he dared, have fostered hate between him and the present owner of theHeights: but his dread of that owner amounted to superstition; and heconfinedhis feelingsregarding him to muttered innuendoes and private comminations.I don'tpretend to be intimately acquainted with the mode of living customaryin those days at Wuthering Heights: I only speak from hearsay; for I sawlittle. Thevillagers affirmed Mr Heathcliff was near, and a cruelhard landlord to his tenants; but the house, inside, had regained its ancientaspect of comfort under femalemanagement, and the scenes of riot commonin Hindley's time were not now enacted within its walls. The master wastoo gloomy to seek companionship with any people, good or bad; and he isyet. This, however, is not making progress with my story. Miss Cathyrejected the peace offering of the terrier, and demanded her own dogs,Charlie and Phoenix. They came limping, and hangingtheir heads; and weset out for home, sadly out of sorts, every one of us. I could not wringfrom my little lady how she had spent the day; except that, asI supposed,the goal of her pilgrimage was Penistone Crags;and she arrived withoutadventure to the gate of the farmhouse, when Hareton happened to issueforth, attendedby some canine followers, who attacked her train. Theyhad a smart battle, before theirowners could separate them: that ormedan introduction. Catherine told Hareton who she was,nd where she was going;and asked him to show her the way:finally, beguiling him to accompanyher.He opened the mysteries of the Fairy Cave, and twenty other queerplaces. But, being in disgrace, Iwas not favoured with a description ofthe interesting objects she saw. I could gather, however, that her guidehad been a favourite till she hurt his feelings byaddressing him as aservant; and Heathcliffs housekeeper hurt hers by calling him her cousin.Then the language he had heldto her rankled in her heart; she who wasalways `love', and `darling', and `queen', and `angel', with everybodyat the Grange, to be insulted so shockingly by a stranger! She did notcomprehend it; and hard work I had to obtain a promise that she would notlay the grievancebefore her father. Iexplained how he objected to thewholehousehold at the Heights, and how sorry he would be tofind she hadbeen there; but I insisted most on thefact, that if she revealed my negligenceof his orders, he would perhaps be so angry,that I should have to leave;and Cathy couldn't bear that prospect: she pledged her word, and kept it,for my sake. After all, shewas a sweet little girl.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 19 A letter, edged with black, announced the day ofmy master's return. Isabellawas dead; and he wrote to bid me get mourning for his daughter, and arrangea room, and other accommodations, for his youthful nephew. Catherine ranwild with joy at the idea of welcoming her fatherback; and indulged mostsanguine anticipations of theinnumerable excellences of her `real' cousin.The evening of their expected arrival came. Since early morning, she hadbeenbusy ordering her own small affairs; and now, attired in her new blackfrock--poor thing! her aunt's death impressed her with no definite sorrow--sheobliged me, by constant worrying, to walk with her down through the groundsto meet them.`Linton is just six months younger than I am,' she chattered,as we strolled leisurely over the swells and hollows of mossy turf, undershadow of the trees. `How delightful it will be to have him for aplayfellow!Aunt Isabella sent papa abeautiful lock of his hair; it was lighter thanmine--more flaxen, and quite asfine. I have it carefully preserved ina little glass box: and I've often thought what pleasure it would betosee its owner. Oh!I am happy--and papa, dear, dear papa! Come, Ellen,let us run! come, run.' Sheran, and returned and ran again, many times before my soberfootsteps reached the gate, and then she seated herself on the grassy bankbeside the path, and tried to wait patiently; but that was impossible:she couldn't be still a minute. `How long they are!' she exclaimed. `Ah, I see some dust on theroad they are coming? No! When will they be here? May we not go a littleway--half a mile, Ellen: only just half a mile? Dosay yes: to that clumpof birches at the turn!' I refusedstaunchly. At lengthher suspense was ended: the travellingcarriage rolled in sight. Miss Cathy shrieked and stretched out her arms,as soon as she caught her father's face looking from the window. He descended,nearly as eager as herself: and a considerable interval elapsed eretheyhad a thought tospare for any but themselves. While they exchanged caresses,I took a peep in to see afterLinton. He was asleep in a corner, wrappedin a warm, fur-lined cloak, as if it had been winter. A pale, delicate,effeminate boy, who might have been taken for my master's younger brother,so strong was the resemblance:but there was a sickly peevishness in hisaspect, that Edgar Linton never had. The latter saw me looking; and havingshaken hands, advised me to close the door, and leave him undisturbed;for the journey had fatigued him. Cathy would fain have taken one glance,buther father told her to come on, and theywalked together up the park,while I hastened before to prepare the servants. `Now, darling,' said Mr Linton, addressing his daughter, as theyhalted at the bottom of the front steps; `your cousin is not so strongor so merry as you are,and he has lost his mother, remember, a very shorttime since; therefore, don't expect him to play and run about with youdirectly. And don't harass him much by talking: let him be quiet this evening,at least, will you?' Yes, yes,papa,' answered Catherine: `but I dowant to see him;and he hasn't once looked out.' The carriage stopped; and the sleeper being roused, was liftedto the ground by his uncle. `This is your cousin Cathy, Linton,' he said, putting their littlehands together. `She's fond of youalready; and mind you don't grieve herby crying tonight. Try to be cheerfulnow; the travelling is at an end,and youhave nothing to do but rest and amuse yourself as you please.' `Let me go to bed, then,' answered the boy, shrinking from Catherine'ssalute; and he put his fingers to his eyes to remove incipient tears. `Come, come, there's a good child,' I whispered, leading him in. `You'll make her weep too--see how sorry she is for you!' I do not know whether it were sorrow for him, but his cousin puton as sad a countenance as himself, and returned to her father. All threeentered, and mounted to the library, where tea was laid ready. I proceededto remove Linton's cap and mantle, and placed him on a chair by the table;but he wasno sooner seated than he began to cryafresh. My master inquiredwhat was thematter. `I can't siton a chair,' sobbed the boy. `Go to the sofa, then, and Ellen shall bring you some tea, answeredhis uncle patiently. He had been greatly tried during the journey, I felt convinced,by his fretful ailing charge. Linton slowly trailed himself off, and laydown. Cathy carried a footstool and her cup to his side. At first she satsilent; but that could not last: she had resolved to makea pet of herlittle cousin, as she wouldhave him to be; and she commenced strokinghis curls, and kissing his cheek, and offering him tea in her saucer, likea baby. This pleased him, for he was not much better: he dried hiseyes,and lightened into a faint smile. `Oh, he'll do very well,' said the master to me, after watchingthem a minute. `Very well, if we can keep him, Ellen. The company of achild of his ownage will instil new spirit into him soon, and by wishingfor strength he'll gain it.' `Ay, if we can keep him!' I mused to myself; and sore misgivingscame over me that there was slight hope of that.And then, I thought,howeverwill that weakling live at Wuthering Heights, between his father and Hareton,what playmates and instructors they'll be. Our doubts were presently decidedeven earlier than I expected. I had just taken the children upstairs, aftertea was finished, and seen Linton asleep--he would not suffer me to leavehim till that was the case--Ihad come down, and was standing by the tablein the hall, lighting a bedroom candle for Mr Edgar,when a maid steppedout of the kitchen and informedme that Mr Heathcliff's servantJosephwas at the door, and wished to speak with the master. `I shall askhim what he wants first,' I said, in considerabletrepidation. `A very unlikely hour to be troubling people, and the instantthey have returned from along journey. I don't think the master can seehim.' Joseph had advanced through the kitchen as I uttered these words,and now presented himself inthe hall. He was donned in his Sundaygarments,with his most sanctimonious and sourest face, and, holding his hatin onehand and his stick in the other, he proceeded to clean his shoes on themat. `Good evening, Joseph,' I said coldly. `What business brings youhere tonight?' `It's Maister LintonAw mun spake tull,' he answered, waving medisdainfully aside. `Mr Linton is going to bed; unlessyou have something particularto say, I'm sure he won't hear it now,' I continued. `You had better sitdown in there, and entrust your message to me. `Which is his rahm?'pursued the fellow, surveying the range ofclosed doors. I perceived he was bent on refusing my mediation, so very reluctantlyI went upto the library, and announced the unseasonable visitor, advisingthat he should be dismissed till next day. Mr Linton had no time to empowerme to do so, for Joseph mounted close at my heels, and, pushing into theapartment, planted himself at the far side of the table, with his two fistsclapped on the head of his stick, and began in an elevated tone, as ifanticipating opposition: `Heathcliff has sendme for his lad, and Aw munn't goa back 'bouthim.' Edgar Linton was silent a minute; an expression of exceeding sorrowovercast his features: he would have pitied the child on his own account;but, recalling Isabella'shopes and fears, andanxious wishes for her son,and her commendations of himto his care, he grieved bitterly at the prospectof yielding him up, andsearched in his heart how it might be avoided.No plan offered itself: the very exhibition of any desire to keep him wouldhave rendered the claimant more peremptory: there was nothing left butto resign him. However, he was not going to rouse him from his sleep. `Tell Mr Heathcliff,' he answered calmly, `that his son shallcome to Wuthering Heights tomorrow. He is in bed, and too tired to go thedistance now. You may also tell him that the mother of Linton desired himto remainunder my guardianship; and, at present, his health is very precarious.' `Noa!' said Joseph, giving a thud with his propon the floor,and assuming an authoritative air; `noa! that manes nowt. Hathecliff maksnoa 'cahnt uh t'mother, nur yah norther; bud he'll hev his lad; und Awmun tak him--soa nah yah knaw!' `You shall not tonight!' answered Linton decisively. `Walk downstairsat once, and, repeat to your master what I have said. Ellen, show him down.Go--' And, aiding the indignantelder with a lift bythe arm, he ridthe room of him, and closed the door. `Varrah weell!' shouted Joseph, as he slowly drew off. `Tuhmorn,he's come hisseln, un thrust him aht, if yah darr!'[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 20 To obviate the danger of this threat being fulfilled, Mr Lintoncommissionedme to take the boy home early, on Catherine's pony; and, said he: `As weshall now have no influence over his destiny, good or bad, you must saynothing of where he is gone, to my daughter: she cannotassociate withhim hereafter, and it isbetter for her to remain in ignorance of his proximity;lest she should be restless, and anxious to visitthe Heights. Merely tellher his father sent for him suddenly, and he hasbeen obliged to leaveus.'Linton was very reluctant to beroused from his bed at five o'clock,and astonished to be informed that he must prepare for further travelling;but I softened off the matter by stating that he was going tospend sometime with his father, Mr Heathcliff, who wished to see him somuch, hedid not liketo defer the pleasure till he should recover from his latejourney. `Myfather!' he cried, in strange perplexity. `Mamma never toldme I had afather. Where does he live? I'd rather stay with uncle.' `He lives a little distance from the Grange,' I replied; `justbeyond those hills: not so far, but you may walk over here when you gethearty. And you should be glad to gohome, and to see him. You must tryto love him, as you didyour mother, and then he will love you.' `But why have I not heard of him before?' asked Linton. `Why didn'tmamma and he live together, as other people do?' `He had business to keep him in the north,' I answered, `and yourmother's health required her to reside in the south.' `And why didn't mamma speak to me about him?' persevered the child.`She often talked of uncle, and I learnt to love him long ago. How am Itolove papa? I don't know him.' `Oh, all children love their parents,' I said. `Your mother, perhaps,thought you would want to be with him if she mentioned him often to you.Let us make haste. An early rideon such a beautiful morning is much preferableto an hour's more sleep. `Is she to go with us,' he demanded: `the little girl Isaw yesterday?' replied I. `Is uncle?' he continued. `No, I shall be your companion there,' I said. Linton sank back on his pillow and fell into a brown study. `I won't go without uncle,' he cried at length: `I can't tellwhere you mean to take me.' I attempted to persuade him of the naughtiness of showing reluctancetomeet his father; still he obstinatelyresisted any progress towardsdressing, andI had to call for mymaster's assistance in coaxing him outofbed. The poor thing was finally got off,with several delusive assurancesthat his absence should be short; that Mr Edgarand Cathy would visit him,and other promises, equally ill-founded, which Iinvented and reiteratedat intervals throughoutthe way. The pure heather-scented air,and thebright sunshine, and the gentle canter of Minny, relieved his despondencyafter a while. He began to put questions concerning his new home, and itsinhabitants, withgreater interest andliveliness. `Is Wuthering Heights aspleasant a place as Thrushcross Grange?'he inquired,turning to take a last glance into thevalley, whence a lightmist mounted and formed a fleecy cloud on the skirts of the blue. `It is not so buried in trees,' I replied, `and it is not quiteso large, but you can see the country beautifully all round; and the airis healthier for you--fresher and dryer. You will, perhaps, think the buildingold and darkat first; though it is a respectable house: the next bestin the neighbourhood. And you will have such nice rambles on the moors.Hareton Earnshaw--that is Miss Cathy's other cousin, and so yoursin amanner--will show you all the sweetest spots; and you can bring a bookin fine weather,and make a green hollow your study; and, now and then,your uncle may join you in a walk: he does, frequently,walk out on thehills.' `And what is my father like?' he asked. `Is he as young and handsomeasuncle?' `He's as young,' said I; `buthe has black hair and eyes, andlooks sterner; and he is taller and bigger altogether. He'll not seem toyou so gentle and kind at first, perhaps, because it is not his way: still,mind you, be frank and cordial with him; and naturally he'll be fonderof you thanany uncle, for you are his own.' `Blackhair and eyes!' mused Linton. `I can't fancy him. ThenI am not like him, am I?' `Not much,' I answered: not a morsel, I thought, surveying withregretthe white complexionand slim frame of mycompanion, and his largelanguid eyes--his mother's eyes, save that, unless a morbid touchinesskindled them a moment, they had not a vestige ofher sparkling spirit. `How strange that he should never cometo see mamma and me!' hemurmured. `Has he ever seen me? If he have, I must havebeen a baby. Iremember not a single thing about him!' `Why, Master Linton,' said I, `three hundred milesis a greatdistance; and ten years seem very different in length to a grown-uppersoncompared with what they do to you.It is probable Mr Heathcliff proposedgoing from summer to summer, but never found a convenient opportunity;and now it is too late. Don't trouble him with questions on the subject:it will disturb him, for no good.' The boy was fully occupied with his own cogitations for the remainderof the ride, till we halted before the farmhouse garden gate. I watchedto catch his impressions in his countenance. He surveyed the carved frontand low-browed lattices, the straggling gooseberry bushes and crooked firs,with solemn intentness, and thenshook his head: his private feelings entirelydisapproved of the exterior of his new abode. But he had sense to postponecomplaining:there might be compensation within.Before he dismounted,I went and opened the door. It was half past six; the family had just finishedbreakfast; the servant was clearing and wiping down the table. Joseph stoodby his master's chair telling some tale concerning a lame horse; and Haretonwas preparingfor the hay field. `Hallo, Nelly!' cried Mr Heathcliff,when he saw me. `I fearedI should have to come down and fetch my property myself. You've broughtit, have you?Let us see what we can make of it.' He got up and strode tothe door. Hareton and Joseph followedin gaping curiosity. Poor Linton ran a frightened eye over the faces ofthe three. `Sure-ly,' said Joseph, after agrave inspection, `he's swoppedwi' ye,maister, an' yon's his lass!' Heathcliff, having stared his son into an ague of confusion, uttereda scornful laugh. `God! what a beauty! what a lovely, charming thing!' he exclaimed.`Haven't they reared it on snails and sour milk, Nelly? Oh, damn my soul!but that's worse than I expected--and the devil knows I was not sanguine!' I bidthe trembling and bewildered child getdown, and enter.He did not thoroughly comprehend the meaning of his father's speech, orwhether it were intended for him: indeed, he was not yet certain that thegrim, sneering stranger was his father. But he clungto me with growingtrepidation; and on Mr Heathcliff's taking a seat andbidding him `comehither', he hidhis face on my shoulder and wept. `Tut, tut!' said Heathcliff, stretching out a hand and dragginghimroughly between his knees, and then holding up his head by the chin.`None ofthat nonsense! We'renot going to hurt thee, Linton--isn't thatthy name? Thou art thy mother's child, entirely! Where is my sharein thee, puling chicken?' He took off the boy's cap and pushedback his thick flaxen curls,felt his slender arms andhis small fingers; during which examination,Linton ceased crying, and lifted his great blue eyes to inspectthe inspector. `Do you know me?' asked Heathcliff, having satisfied himself thatthe limbs were all equally frail and feeble. `No,' said Linton, with a gaze of vacant fear.`You've heard of me,I dare say?' `No,' he replied again. `No? What a shame ofyour mother, never to waken your filialregardfor me! You are my son, then, I'll tell you; and your mother was a wickedslut to leave you in ignorance of the sort of father you possessed. Now,don't wince, andcolour up! Though itis something to see you havenot white blood. Be a good lad; and I'll do for you. Nelly, if you be tiredyou may sit down; if not, get home again. I guess you'll report what youhear and see to the cipher at the Grange; and this thing won't be settledwhile you linger about it.' `Well,' replied I, `I hope you'll be kind to the boy, Mr Heathcliff,or you'llnot keep him long; and he's all you have akin in the wide world,that you will ever know--remember.' `I'll be very kind to him, you needn't fear,' he said,laughing. `Onlynobody else must be kind to him: I'm jealous of monopolizinghis affection. And, to begin my kindness, Joseph, bring the lad some breakfast.Hareton, you infernal calf, begone to your work.Yes, Nell,' he added,when they had departed, `my son isprospective owner ofyour place, andI should not wish him to die till I was certain of being hissuccessor.Besides, he's mine, and I want the triumph of seeing my descendantfairly lord of their estates: my child hiring their children to till theirfather's lands for wages. That is the sole consideration which can makeme endure the whelp: I despisehim for himself, andhate him for the memorieshe revives! But that consideration is sufficient: he's as safe with me,and shall be tended as carefully as your master tends his own. I have aroom upstairs, furnished for him in handsome style: I've engaged a tutor,also, to come three times a week, from twenty miles distance, to teachhim what he pleases to learn. I've ordered Haretonto obey him; and infact I've arrangedeverything with a view to preserve thesuperior andthe gentleman in him, above his associates. I do regret, however, thathe so little deserves the trouble; if I wishedany blessing in the world,it was to findhim a worthy object of pride; and I'm bitterly disappointedwith thewhey-faced whining wretch!' While he was speaking, Josephreturned bearing a basin of milkporridge, and placed it before Linton. He stirred round the homely messwith a look of aversion, and affirmed he could not eat it. I saw the oldmanservant shared largely in his master's scorn of the child; thoughhewas compelled to retain the sentimentin his heart, because Heathcliffplainly meant his underlingsto hold him in honour. `Cannot ate it?' repeated he, peering in Linton's face, and subduinghis voice toa whisper, for fear of being overheard. `But Maister Haretonnivir ate naught else, when hewer a little un; andwhat were gooid eneughfor him's gooid eneugh for ye,Aw's rayther think!'`I shan't eat it!' answered Linton snappishly. `Take itaway.' Joseph snatched up the foodindignantly, and brought it to us. `Isthere aught ails th' victuals?' he asked thrusting the tray under Heathcliff'snose. `What should ail them?' he said. `Wah!' answered Joseph, `yon dainty chap says he cannut ate em.But Aw guess it'sraight! His mother wer just soa--we wera'most too muckyto sow t' corn for makking her breead.'`Don't mention his mother to me,' said the master angrily. `Gethim something that he can eat, that's all. What is his usual food, Nelly?' I suggested boiled milk or tea; and the housekeeper received instructionsto prepare some. Come, I reflected, his father's selfishnessmay contributeto hiscomfort. He perceives his delicate constitution, and the necessityof treating him tolerably. I'll console Mr Edgar by acquainting him withthe turn Heathcliff's humour has taken. Having noexcuse for lingeringlonger I slipped out, while Linton was engaged in timidly rebuilding theadvances of a friendly sheepdog. But he was too much on the alert to becheated: as I closed the door, I heard a cry, and a frantic repetitionofthe words: `Don't leave me! I'll not stay here! I'll not stay here!' Then thelatch was raised andfell: they did not suffer him tocome forth. I mounted Minny, and urged herto a trot; and so mybrief guardianshipended.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 21 We had sad work with little Cathy that day; she rose in high glee, eagerto join her cousin, and such passionate tears andlamentations followedthe news of his departure, that Edgar himself was obliged to soothe her,by affirming he should come back soon: he added, however, `if I can gethim'; and there were no hopes of that. This promise poorly pacified her:but time was more potent; and though still at intervals she inquired ofher father when Linton would return, beforeshe did see him again his featureshad waxed sodim in her memory that she did not recognize him.When Ichanced to encounterthe housekeeper of Wuthering Heightsin paying business visits to Gimmerton,I used to ask how the young mastergot on; for he lived almost as secluded as Catherine herself, and was neverto beseen. I could gatherfrom her that he continued in weak health, andwas a tiresome inmate. Shesaid Mr Heathcliff seemed to dislike him everlonger and worse, though he took some trouble toconceal it: he had anantipathy to the sound of his voice, and could not do at all with his sittingin the same room with him many minutes together. There seldom passed muchtalk between them: Linton learnt his lessons and spent his evenings ina small apartment they called the parlour: or else layin bed all day:for he was constantly getting coughs, and colds, and aches, and pains ofsome sort. `And I never knew such a faint-hearted creature,' added thewoman;`nor one so careful of hisseln. He will go on, if I leave the windowopena bit late in the evening. Oh! it's killing! a breath ofnight air!And he must have a fire in the middle of summer; and Joseph's baccapipeis poison; and he must always have sweets and dainties,and always milk,milkfor ever--heeding naught how the rest of us are pinched inwinter;and there he'll sit, wrapped in his furred cloak in his chair by the fire,some toast and water or other slop on the hob to sip at; and if Hareton,forpity, comes to amusehim--Hareton is not bad-natured, though he's rough--they'resure to part, one swearing and the other crying. I believe the master wouldrelish Earnshaw's thrashing him to a mummy, if he were not his son; andI'm certain he would be fit to turn him out of doors, if he knewhalf thenursing he gives hisseln. But then, he won't go into danger of temptation:he never enters the parlour, and should Linton show those ways in the housewhere he is, he sends him upstairs directly.' I divined, from thisaccount, that utter lack of sympathy hadrendered young Heathcliff selfish and disagreeable, ifhe were not so originally;and my interest in him, consequently, decayed: though still I was movedwith a sense ofgrief at his lot, and a wish that he had been left withus. Mr Edgar encouraged me to gain information: hethought a great dealabout him, I fancy, and would have run some risk to see him; and he toldme once to ask the housekeeper whether he ever cameinto the village? Shesaid he had only been twice, on horseback, accompanying his father, andboth times he pretended to be quite knocked up for three or fourdays afterwards.The housekeeper left, ifI recollect rightly,two years after he came;and another, whom I did not know,was her successor: she lives there still. Time wore on at the Grange in itsformer pleasant way,till MissCathy reached sixteen. On the anniversary of her birth we never manifestedany signs of rejoicing, because it was also the anniversary of my latemistress's death. Her father invariably spent that day alone in the library;and walked, at dusk, as far as Gimmerton kirkyard, where he would frequentlyprolong his stay beyond midnight. Therefore Catherine was thrownon herown resources for amusement. This both of March was a beautiful springday,and when her father had retired, my young lady came downdressed forgoing out, and said she had asked to have a ramble on the edge of the moorswith me;and Mr Linton had given her leave, if we went only a shortdistanceand were back within the hour. `So make haste, Ellen!' she cried. `I know where I wishto go;where a colonyof moor game are settled: I want to see whether they havemade their nestsyet. `That must be agood distance up,' Ianswered; `they don't breedon the edge of the moor. `No, it's not,' she said. `I've gone very near with papa.' I put on my bonnetand sallied out, thinking nothing more of thematter. She bounded before me, and returned to my side, and was offagainlike a young greyhound; and, at first, I found plenty of entertainmentin listening to the larks singing far and near, and enjoying the sweet,warm sunshine;and watching her, mypet, and my delight,with her goldenringlets flying loose behind,and her bright cheek, as soft and pure inits bloom as a wild rose, and her eyes radiant with cloudless pleasure.She was a happy creature, and an angel, in those days. It's a pity shecould not be content. `Well,' said I, `where are your moor game, MissCathy? We shouldbe at them: the Grange park fence is a great way off now.' `Oh, a little farther--only a little farther, Ellen,' was heranswer continually. `Climb to that hillock, pass that bank, and by thetime you reachthe other side I shall have raised the birds.' But there were so many hillocks and banks to climb and pass, that,at length, I began to be weary, and told her we musthalt, and retraceoursteps. I shouted to her, as she had outstripped me a long way; sheeither did not hear or did not regard, for she still sprang on, andI wascompelled to follow. Finally, shedived into a hollow;and before I camein sight of her again, she was two miles nearer Wuthering Heights thanher own home; and I beheld acouple of persons arrest her, one of whomI felt convincedwas Mr Heathcliff himself. Cathy had been caught in the fact of plundering, or, at least,huntingout the nests of thegrouse. The Heights were Heathcliff's land,and he was reproving the poacher. `I've neither taken any nor found any,' she said, as I toiledto them, expanding her hands in corroboration of thestatement. `I didn'tmean to take them; but papa told me there were quantities up here, andI wished to see the eggs.' Heathcliff glanced at me with an ill-meaning smile, expressinghis acquaintance with the party, and, consequently, his malevolence towardsit, and demanded who `papa' was? `Mr Linton of Thrushcross Grange,'she replied. `I thought youdid not know me, or you wouldn't have spokenin that way.' `You suppose papa is highly esteemed and respected then?' he saidsarcastically. `And what are you?' inquired Catherine, gazing curiously on thespeaker. `That man I've seen beforeIs he your son?' Shepointed to Hareton, the other individual, who had gained nothingbut increasedbulk and strength bythe addition of two years to his age:he seemed as awkward and rough as ever. `Miss Cathy,' I interrupted, `it will be three hours instead ofone that we are out, presently. We reallymust go back.' `No, that man is not my son,' answered Heathcliff, pushing measide. `But I haveone, and you have seen him before too;and, though yournurse is in a hurry, I think both you and she would bethe better for alittle rest. Will you just turn this nab of heath, and walk into my house?You'll get home earlier for theease; and you shall receive a kind welcome. I whisperedCatherine that she mustn't, on any account, accedeto the proposal: it wasentirely out of the question. `Why?' sheasked, aloud. `I'm tired of running, and the groundis dewy: I can't sit here. Let us go, Ellen. Besides, he says I have seenhis son. He's mistaken, I think; but I guesswhere he lives: at the farmhouseI visited in coming from Penistone Crags. Don't you?' `I do.Come, Nelly, hold your tongue--it willbe a treat for hertolook in on us. Hareton, get forwards with the lass. You shall walkwithme, Nelly.' `No,she's not going to any such place,' I cried, struggling torelease my arm, which he had seized:but she was almost at the doorstonesalready, scampering round thebrow at full speed. Her appointed companiondid not pretend to escort her: he shied off bythe roadside, and vanished. `Mr Heathcliff, it's very wrong,' I continued: `you knowyou meanno good. Andthere she'll see Linton, and all willbe told as soon as everwe return; and Ishall have the blame. `I want her to seeLinton,' he answered; `he's looking betterthese few days: it's not often he's fit to be seen.And we'll soon persuadeher to keep the visit secret: where is the harm ofit?' `The harm of itis, that her father would hate me if he foundI suffered her to enter your house;and I am convinced you have a bad designin encouragingher to do so,' I replied. `My design is as honest as possible. I'll inform you of its wholescope,' he said. `That the two cousins may fall in love, and get married.I'm acting generously to your master: his young chit has no expectations,and should she second mywishes, she'll be provided for at onceas jointsuccessor with Linton.' `If Linton died,' I answered, `and his life is quite uncertain,Catherine would be the heir.' `No, she would not,'he said. `There is no clause in the willto secure it so:his property would go to me; but, to prevent disputes,I desire their union, and am resolved to bring it about.' `And I'm resolved she shall never approach your house with meagain,' I returned, as we reached the gate, where Miss Cathy waited ourcoming. Heathcliff bid me bequiet; and, preceding us up the path, hastenedto open the door. My young lady gave him several looks, as ifshe couldnot exactlymake up her mind what to think of him; but now he smiled whenhe met her eye, and softened his voice in addressing her; and I was foolishenough to imagine the memory of her mother might disarm him from desiringher injury. Linton stood on the hearth. He had been out walking in thefields, for his cap was on, and he was calling to Joseph to bring him dryshoes. He had grown tall of his age, still wanting some months of sixteen.His featureswere pretty yet, andhis eye and complexion brighter thanI remembered them, though with merely temporary lustre borrowed fromthesalubrious air and genial sun. `Now, who is that?' asked Mr Heathcliff,turning to Cathy. `Canyou tell?' `Yourson?' she said, having doubtfully surveyed, first one andthen the other. `Yes, yes,' answeredhe: `but is this theonly time you have beheldhim? Think! Ah! you have a short memory. Linton, don't you recall yourcousin, that youused to tease us so with wishing to see?' `What, Linton!' cried Cathy, kindling into joyfulsurprise atthe name.`Is that little Linton? He's taller than I am! Are you, Linton?' The youth stepped forward, andacknowledged himself: she kissedhim fervently, and they gazed with wonder atthe change time had wroughtin the appearance of each. Catherine had reached her full height; her figurewas both plumpand slender, elasticas steel, and her whole aspect sparklingwith healthand spirits. Linton's looks and movements were very languid,and his formextremely slight; but there was a grace in his manner thatmitigated these defects, and rendered him not unpleasing. After exchangingnumerous marks of fondness with him, his cousinwent to Mr Heathcliff,who lingered by the door, dividing his attention between the objects insideand those thatlay without: pretending, that is,to observe the latter,and really noting the former alone. `And you are my uncle, then!' shecried, reaching up to salutehim. `I thought I liked you,though you were cross at first. Why don'tyou visit at the Grange with Linton? To live all these years such closeneighbours, andnever see us, is odd: what have you doneso for?' `I visited it once or twice toooften before you were born,' heanswered. `There--damn it! If you have any kisses to spare, give them toLinton: they are thrown away on me. `Naughty Ellen!' exclaimed Catherine,flying to attack me nextwith her lavish caresses. `Wicked Ellen! to try to hinder me from entering.But I'll take this walk everymorning in future: may I, uncle? and sometimesbring papa.Won't you be glad tosee us?' `Of course!' replied the uncle,with a hardly suppressed grimace,resulting from his deep aversion to both theproposed visitors. `But stay,'he continued, turning towards the young lady. `Now I think of it, I'd bettertell you. Mr Linton has a prejudice against me: eof our lives, with unchristian ferocity; and, if you mention coming hereto him, he'll put a veto on your visits altogether. Therefore, you mustnot mention it, unless you be careless of seeing your cousin hereafter:you may come, if you will, but you must not mention it.' `Why did you quarrel?' asked Catherine, considerably crest-fallen. `He thought me too poor to wed his sister,' answered Heathcliff,`and was grieved that I got her: his pride was hurt, and he'll never forgiveit.' `That's wrong!' saidthe young lady: `some time, I'll tell himso. But Linton and I have noshare in your quarrel. I'll not come here,then; he shall come to the Grange.' `It will betoo far for me,' murmured her cousin:`to walk fourmiles would kill me. No, come here, Miss Catherine, now and then: not everymorning, but once or twice a week.' The father launched towards hisson a glance of bitter contempt. `I am afraid, Nelly, I shall lose my labour,' he muttered to me.`Miss Catherine, asthe ninny calls her,will discover his value, and sendhim to the devil. Now, if it had been Hareton!--Do you know that, twentytimes a day, Icovet Hareton, with all his degradation?I'd have lovedthe lad had he been someone else. But I think he's safe fromherlove. I'll pit him against that paltry creature, unless it bestir itselfbriskly. We calculate it will scarcely last till it is eighteen. Oh, confoundthe vapid thing! He's absorbedin drying his feet, and never looks at her.--Linton!' `Yes,father,' answered the boy. `Have you nothing to show yourcousin anywhere about? not evena rabbit or a weasel'snest? Take her into the garden, before you changeyour shoes; and into the stable to see your horse. `Wouldn't yourather sit here?' asked Linton, addressing Cathyin atone which expressedreluctance to move again. `I don't know,' she replied, casting a longing look to the door,andevidently eager to be active. He kept his seat, and shrankcloser to the fire. Heathcliff rose,and went into the kitchen, and from thence to the yard, calling out forHareton. Hareton responded, and presently the two reentered. The youngman had been washing himself, as was visible by the glow on his cheeksand his wettedhair. `Oh, I'll ask you, uncle,' cried Miss Cathy, recollecting thehousekeeper's assertion. `That is not my cousin, is he?' `Yes,' he replied, `your mother's nephew. Don't you like him?'Catherine looked queer. `Is henot a handsome lad?'he continued. The uncivillittle thing stood on tiptoe, andwhispered a sentencein Heathcliff'sear. He laughed; Hareton darkened: I perceived he was very sensitive tosuspected slights,and had obviously a dim notion of his inferiority. Buthis master or guardian chased the frown by exclaiming: `You'll be the favourite among us, Hareton! She says you are a--Whatwas it? Well,something very flattering. Here! you go with her round thefarm. And behave like a gentleman, mind! Don't use any bad words; and don'tstare when the young lady is not looking at you, and be ready tohide yourface when she is; and, when you speak, say your words slowly, and keepyour hands out of your pockets. Be off, and entertain her as nicely asyou can. He watched the couple walking past the window. Earnshawhad hiscountenance completely averted from his companion. He seemed studying thefamiliar landscape with a stranger's and an artist's interest. Catherinetook a sly look at him, expressing small admiration. She thenturned herattention to seeking out objects of amusementfor herself, and trippedmerrily on, lilting a tune to supply the lack of conversation. `I've tied his tongue,' observed Heathcliff.`He'll not venturea single syllable, allthe time! Nelly, yourecollect me at his age--nay,some years younger. Did I ever look so stupid: so ``gaumless'', as Josephcalls it?' `Worse,' I replied, `because more sullenwith it.' `I've a pleasure in him,' hecontinued, reflecting aloud. `Hehas satisfied my expectations. If he were a born fool I should not enjoyit half so much. But he's no fool; and I can sympathize with all his feelings,having feltthem myself. I know what he suffers now,for instance, exactly:it is merelya beginning of what he shall suffer, though. And he'll neverbe able to emerge from his bathos of coarsenessand ignorance. I've gothim faster than his scoundrel of a father secured me, and lower; for hetakes a pride in his brutishness. I've taught him to scorn everything extra-animalas sillyand weak. Don't you think Hindley would be proud of his son,ifhe could see him? almost as proud as Iam of mine. But there's this difference;one is gold put to the use of paving-stones, and the other is tinpolishedto ape a service of silver. Mine has nothing valuable about it;yet I shall have the merit of making it go as far as suchpoor stuff cango. His had first-rate qualities, and they are lost: rendered worsethan unavailing. I have nothing to regret; he would have more than anybut I are aware of. And the best of it is, Hareton is damnably fond ofme! You'll own that I'veoutmatched Hindley there. If the dead villaincould rise from his grave to abuse me for his offspring's wrongs, I shouldhave the funof seeing the said offspring fight him back again, indignantthat he should dare to rail at the one friend hehas in the world!' Heathcliff chuckled a fiendish laugh at the idea. I made no reply,because I saw that he expected none. Meantime, our young companion, whosat too removed from us to hear whatwas said, began to evince symptomsof uneasiness, probablyrepenting that he had denied himself the treatof Catherine's society for fear of a littlefatigue. His father remarkedthe restlessglances wandering tothe window, and the hand irresolutelyextendedtowards his cap. `Get up, you idle boy!' he exclaimed, with assumed heartiness.`Away after them! they arejust at the corner, by the stand of hives.' Linton gathered his energies, and left the hearth. The latticewas open, and, as he stepped out,I heard Cathy inquiring of her unsociableattendant,what was that inscription over thedoor? Hareton staredup,and scratched hishead like a true clown. `It's some damnable writing,' he answered. `I cannot read it.' `Can't read it?' cried Catherine; `I can read it: it's English.But I want to know why it is there.' Linton giggled: the first appearance of mirth he had exhibited. `He does not know his letters,' he said to his cousin. `Couldyou believe inthe existence of such a colossal dunce?' `Is he all as he should be?' asked Miss Cathy seriously; `or ishe simple: not right? I've questioned him twice now, and each time he lookedso stupid I think he does not understand me. I can hardly understand him,I'm sure!' Linton repeated his laugh, and glanced at Hareton tauntingly;who certainly did not seem quite clear of comprehension at that moment. `There's nothing thematter but laziness;is there, Earnshaw?'he said. `My cousin fancies you are an idiot. There you experiencetheconsequence of scorning ``book-larning'', asyou would say. Have you noticed,Catherine, his frightful Yorkshire pronunciation?' `Why, where the devil isthe use on't?' growled Hareton, moreready in answering his daily companion. He was about to enlarge further,but the two youngsters broke into a noisy fit of merriment; my giddy missbeing delighted to discover that shemight turn his strange talk to matterof amusement. `Where is the use ofthe devil in that sentence?' tittered Linton.`Papa told you not to say any bad words, and you can't open your mouthwithout one. Dotry to behave like agentleman, now do!' `If thou weren't more a lass than a lad, I'd fell thee this minute,I would;pitiful lath of a crater!' retorted the angry boor, retreating,while hisface burnt with mingled rage and mortification; for he was consciousof being insulted, and embarrassed how to resent it. Mr Heathcliff having overheard the conversation, as well as I,smiled when he saw him go; but immediately afterwards cast a look of singularaversion on the flippant pair, who remained chattering in the doorway:the boy finding animation enough while discussing Hareton'sfaults anddeficiencies, andrelating anecdotes of his goings-on; and the girl relishinghis pert and spiteful sayings, without considering the ill nature theyevinced: but I began to dislike, more than to compassionate Linton, andto excusehis father, in some measure, for holdinghim cheap. We stayedtill afternoon: I could not tear Miss Cathy away, before;but happily my master had not quitted his apartment, and remained ignorantof our prolonged absence. As we walked home, I wouldfain have enlightenedmy chargeon the characters ofthe people we had quitted; but she gotitinto her head thatI was prejudiced against them. `Aha!'she cried, `you takepapa's side, Ellen: you are partial,I know; or else you wouldn't have cheated me so many years into the notionthat Linton lived a long way from here. I'm really extremely angry; onlyI'm so pleased I can't showit! But you must hold your tongue about myuncle: he's my uncle, remember; and I'll scold papa for quarrelling withhim. And so she ran on, till I dropped endeavouringto convince herof her mistake. She didnot mention the visit that night, because she didnot see Mr Linton. Next day it all came out,sadly to my chagrin;and stillI was not altogether sorry: I thought the burden of directing and warningwould be moreefficiently borne byhim than me. But he was too timid ingiving satisfactory reasonsfor his wish that she should shun connectionwith the household of the Heights, and Catherine liked goodreasons forevery restraint that harassed her petted will. `Papa!' she exclaimed, after themorning's salutations, `guesswhom I saw yesterday, in my walk on the moors. Ah, papa, you started! you'venot done right, have you, now? I saw--But listen, and you shall hear howI found you out; and Ellen, who is in league with you, andyet pretendedto pityme so, when I kept hoping, and was always disappointed about Linton'scomingback!' She gave a faithful account of her excursion and its consequences;andmy master, though hecast more than one reproachful look at me, saidnothing tillshe had concluded. Then he drew her to him, and asked if sheknew why he had concealed Linton's near neighbourhood from her. Could shethink it was to deny her a pleasure that she might harmlessly enjoy? `It was because you disliked Mr Heathcliff,' she answered. `Then you believe I care more for my own feelings than yours,Cathy?' he said. `No, it wasnot because I disliked Mr Heathcliff, butbecause Mr Heathcliff dislikes me; and is a most diabolical man, delightingto wrong and ruin those he hates, if they give him the slightest opportunity.I knew that you could not keep up an acquaintance with your cousin, withoutbeing broughtinto contact with him; and I knew he would detest you onmy account; so foryour own good, and nothing else, I tookprecautionsthat you should not see Linton again. I meant to explain this some timeas yougrew older, and I'm sorry I delayed it.'`But Mr Heathcliff was quite cordial, papa,' observed Catherine,not at allconvinced; `and he didn't object to ourseeing each other:hesaid I might come tohis house when I pleased; only I mustnot tellyou, becauseyou had quarrelled with him, and would not forgive him formarrying aunt Isabella. And you won't. You are the one to be blamed:he is willing to let usbe friends, at least; Linton and I; andyou are not. My master, perceiving that she would not take his word for heruncle-in-law's evil disposition, gave a hasty sketch of his conduct toIsabella, and the manner in which Wuthering Heights became his property.He could not bear to discourse long upon the topic; for though he spokelittle of it, he still felt the same horror and detestation of his ancientenemy that had occupied his heart ever since MrsLinton's death. `Shemighthave been living yet, if it had not been for him!' was his constant bitterreflection; and, in his eyes, Heathcliff seemed a murderer. Miss Cathy--conversantwith no bad deeds except herown slight acts of disobedience, injustice,and passion, rising fromhot temper and thoughtlessness, andrepented ofon the day they were committed--was amazed at the blackness of spirit thatcould brood on and cover revenge for years, and deliberately prosecuteits plans without a visitationof remorse. She appeared so deeply impressedand shockedat this new view of human nature--excluded from all her studiesand all her ideas till now--thatMr Edgar deemed it unnecessary to pursuethe subject. He merely added: `You will know hereafter, darling, why I wish you to avoid hishouse and family; now return to your old employments and amusements, andthinkno more about them.'Catherine kissed herfather and sat down quietly to her lessonsfor a couple of hours, according to custom; then she accompanied him intothe grounds, andthe whole day passedas usual: but in theevening, whenshe hadretired to her room,and I went to help her to undress, I foundher crying, on her knees by the bedside. `Oh, fie, silly child!' I exclaimed. `If you had any real griefs,you'd be ashamed to waste a tear on this little contrariety. You neverhad one shadow of substantial sorrow, Miss Catherine. Suppose, for a minute,that master and I were dead, and you were by yourself in the world: howwould you feel then? Compare the present occasionwith such an afflictionas that, and be thankful for the friends you have, instead of covetingmore.' `I'm not crying for myself, Ellen,' she answered, `it's for him.He expected to see me again tomorrow, and there he'll be so disappointed:and he'll wait for me, and I shan't come!' `Nonsense,' said I, `do you imagine he has thought as much ofyou as you have ofhim? Hasn't he Hareton for a companion? Not one in ahundred would weep at losing a relation they had just seen twice, fortwoafternoons. Linton will conjecture how it is, and trouble himself no furtherabout you.' `But may I not writea note to tell him why I cannot come?' sheasked, rising to her feet. `And just send those books I promised to lendhim?His books are not asnice as mine, and hewanted to have them extremely,when I told him how interesting they were. May I not, Ellen?' `No, indeed!no, indeed!' repliedI, with decision. `Then he wouldwrite to you, and there'd never be an end of it. No, Miss Catherine, theacquaintance mustbe dropped entirely:so papa expects, andI shall seethat it is done.' `But how can one little note---' she recommenced,putting on animploring countenance. `Silence!' I interrupted. `We'll not begin with your little notes.Get into bed.' She threwat me a very naughtylook, so naughty that I would notkissher good night at first: I covered herup, and shut her door, in greatdispleasure; but, repenting half way, I returned softly, and lo! therewas miss standing at the table with a bit of blank paper before her anda pencil in her hand, which she guiltily slipped outof sight, on my entrance. `You'll get nobody to take that, Catherine,' I said, `if you writeit; and at present I shall put out your candle.' I set the extinguisheron the flame, receiving as I did so a slapon my hand,and petulant `Cross thing!' I then quitted her again, and shedrew the boltin one of her worst,most peevish humours. The letter wasfinished and forwarded to its destination by a milk-fetcher who came fromthe village: but that I didn't learn till some timeafterwards. Weeks passedon, and Cathy recovered her temper; though she grew wondrous fond of stealingoff to corners by herself; and often, if I camenear her suddenly whilereading, she would start and bendover the book, evidently desirous tohide it; and I detected edges of loose paper stickingout beyond the leaves.She also got a trick of coming down early in the morning and lingeringabout the kitchen, as if she were expecting the arrival of something: andshe had a smalldrawer in a cabinet in the library, which she would trifleover for hours, and whose key she took special care toremove when sheleft it. One day, as she inspected this drawer, I observed that the playthings,and trinkets which recently formed its contents, were transmuted into bitsof folded paper.My curiosity and suspicions were aroused; I determinedto take a peep at her mysterious treasures; so, at night, as soon as sheand my master were safe upstairs, I searchedand readily found among myhouse keys one that would fit the lock. Having opened, I emptied the wholecontents into my apron, and took them with me toexamine at leisure inmy own chamber. Though I could not but suspect, I was still surprised todiscover that theywere a mass of correspondence--daily almost, it musthave been--from Linton Heathcliff: answers to documentsforwarded by her.Theearlier dated were embarrassed and short; gradually, however, theyexpanded into copious love letters, foolish, as the age of the writer renderednatural, yetwith touches here and there which I thought were borrowedfrom a more experienced source. Some of them struck me as singularly oddcompounds of ardour and flatness;commencing in strongfeeling, and concludingin the affected, wordy way that a schoolboy might use to a fancied, incorporealsweetheart. Whether they satisfied Cathy, I don't know; but theyappearedvery worthless trash to me. After turning over as many as I thought proper,I tied them in a handkerchief and setthem aside, relocking the vacantdrawer. Following her habit,my young lady descended early, andvisitedthe kitchen: I watched her go to the door, on the arrival of a certainlittle boy; and, while the dairymaid filled hiscan, she tucked somethinginto his jacket pocket, and plucked something out. I went round bythegarden, and laid wait for the messenger; who fought valorously todefendhis trust, andwe spilt the milk between us; but I succeeded in abstractingthe epistle; and, threatening serious consequences if he did not look sharphome, I remained under the wall and perused Miss Cathy's affectionate composition.It was more simple and moreeloquent than her cousin's; very pretty andvery silly. I shook my head, and went meditating into the house. The daybeing wet, she could not divert herself with rambling about the park; so,at the conclusion of her morning studies, sheresorted to the solace ofthe drawer.Her father sat reading at the table; and I, on purpose,hadsought a bit of work in some unripped fringes of the window curtain, keepingmy eye steadily fixed on her proceedings. Never did any bird flying backto a plundered nest whichit had left brimful of chirping young ones, expressmore complete despair in its anguished cries and flutterings, than sheby her single `Oh!' and thechange that transfigured her late happy countenance.Mr Linton looked up. `What is the matter,love? Have you hurt yourself?' he said. His tone and look assured her he had not been the discovererof the hoard. `No, papa!' she gasped. `Ellen! Ellen! come upstairs-I'm sick!'I obeyed her summons, and accompanied her out.`Oh, Ellen! you havegot them,' she commenced immediately, droppingon her knees, when we were enclosed alone. `Oh,give them to me, andI'llnever, never do so again! Don't tellpapa. You have not told papa, Ellen?sayyou have not? I've been exceedingly naughty, but I won'tdo it anymore!' Witha grave severity in my manner, I bid herstand up. `So,' I exclaimed, `Miss Catherine, you are tolerably far on,it seems: you may well be ashamed of them! A fine bundle of trash you studyin your leisure hours, to be sure: why, it's good enough to be printed!And what do you suppose the master will think when I display it beforehim? I haven'tshown it yet, but you needn't imagine I shall keep yourridiculous secrets. For shame! and you must have led the way in writingsuch absurdities: he would not have thought of beginning, I'm certain.' `I didn't! I didn't!' sobbed Cathy fit to break her heart. `Ididn't once think of loving him till--' `Loving!' cried I,as scornfully as I could utter the word.`Loving! Did anybody ever hear the like! I might just as well talkof loving the miller who comes once a year to buy our corn. Pretty loving,indeed! and both times together you have seen Lintonhardly four hoursin your life! Now here is the babyish trash. I'm going with it to the library;and we'll see what your father says to such loving.' She sprang at her precious epistles, but I heldthem above myhead; and then she poured out further frantic entreaties that I would burnthem--do anything rather thanshow them. And beingreally fully as inclinedto laugh as scold--for I esteemed it all girlish vanity--I atlength relentedin a measure, and asked: `If I consent to burn them, will you promise faithfully neitherto send nor receive a letter again, nor a book (for I perceive you havesent him books),nor locks of hair, nor rings, nor playthings?' `We don't send playthings!'cried Catherine, herpride overcomingher shame. `Nor anythingat all, then, my lady,' I said. `Unless you will,here I go.' `I promise, Ellen!' shecried, catching my dress. `Oh, put themin the fire, do,do!' But when I proceeded to open a place with the poker, the sacrificewas too painful to be borne. She earnestlysupplicated that I would spareher one or two. `One or two,Ellen, to keep for Linton's sake!' I unknotted the handkerchief, and commenced dropping them in froman angle, and the flame curled up the chimney. `I will have one, you cruel wretch!' she screamed, darting herhand into the fire, and drawing forth some half consumed fragments, atthe expense of herfingers. `Very well--and I will have some to exhibit to papa!' I answered,shaking back the rest into the bundle, and turning anew to the door. She emptied her blackened piecesinto the flames, andmotionedme to finishthe immolation. It was done; I stirred up the ashes, and interredthem under ashovelful of coals; and she mutely, and with a sense of intenseinjury, retired to her private apartment. Idescended to tell mymasterthat the younglady's qualm of sickness was almost gone, but I judged itbest for her to lie down a while. She wouldn't dine; but she reappearedattea, pale, and red about the eyes, and marvellously subduedin outwardaspect. Next morning I answered the letter by a slip of paper, inscribed,`Master Heathcliff is requested to send nomore notes to Miss Linton, asshe will not receive them.' And, thenceforth, the little boy came withvacant pockets.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 22 Summer drew to an end, and early autumn: it was past Michaelmas, but theharvest was late that year, and a fewof our fields were still uncleared.Mr Linton and his daughter ong the reapers;atthe carrying of the last sheaves, they stayed till dusk, and the eveninghappening to be chill and damp, my master caught a bad cold, that settlingobstinately on his lungs, confined him indoorsthroughout the wholeofthe winter, nearlywithout intermission.Poor Cathy, frightened from her little romance, had been considerablysadder and duller since itsabandonment; and herfather insisted on herreading less, andtaking more exercise. She had his companionship no longer;I esteemed ita duty to supply itslack, as much as possible, with mine:an inefficient substitute; for I could only spare twoor three hours, frommy numerous diurnal occupations,to follow her footsteps, and then my societywas obviously less desirable than his. On an afternoon in October, or the beginning of November--a freshwatery afternoon, when the turf and paths were rustling with moist,witheredleaves, and the cold, blue sky was half hidden by clouds--dark grey streamers,rapidly mounting from the west, and boding abundant rain--I requested myyoung lady to forego her ramble, because I was certain of showers. Sherefused;and I unwillingly donned a cloak, and took my umbrella to accompanyher on a stroll to the bottomof the park; a formal walk which she generallyaffected iflow-spirited--and that she invariably was when Mr Edgar hadbeen worse than ordinary, a thing never known from hisconfession, butguessed both by her and me, from hisincreased silence and the melancholyofhis countenance. Shewent sadly on: therewas no running or boundingnow, though the chill wind mightwell have tempted her to a race. And often,from the side of my eye, I could detect her raising ahand, and brushingsomething off her cheek. I gazed round for a means of diverting her thoughts.On one side of the road rose a high, rough bank, where hazels and stuntedoaks, with their roots half exposed, held uncertain tenure: the soil wastoo loose for the latter; and strong winds had blown some nearly horizontal.Insummer, Miss Catherine delighted to climb along thesetrunks, and sitin the branches, swinging twenty feetabove the ground; and I, pleasedwith her agility and her light, childish heart, still considered it properto scold everytime I caught her atsuch an elevation, but so that sheknew there was no necessity for descending. From dinner to tea she wouldlie in her breeze-rocked cradle, doing nothing except singing old songs--mynursery lore--to herself, orwatching the birds, joint tenants, feed andentice their young ones to fly: or nestling with closed lids, half thinking,half dreaming, happier than words can express. `Look, miss!' I exclaimed, pointing to a nook under the rootsof one twisted tree. `Winter is not here yet. There's a little flower upyonder, the last bud from the multitude of bluebells that clouded thoseturf steps in July with alilac mist. Will youclamber up, and pluck itto show to papa?' Cathy stared a long time at the lonely blossom trembling in itsearthy shelter, and replied, at length: `No, I'll not touch it: but itlooks melancholy, does it not,Ellen?' `Yes,' I observed, `about as starved and sackless as you:yourcheeks are bloodless; let us take hold of hands and run. You're so low,I dare say I shall keep up with you. `No,' she repeated, and continued saunteringon, pausing, at intervals,to muse over a bit of moss, or a tuft of blanched grass, or afungus spreadingits bright orange among the heaps of brown foliage; and, ever and anon,her hand was lifted to her averted face. `Catherine, why are you crying, love?' Iasked, approaching andputting my arm over her shoulder. `You mustn't cry because papa has a cold;be thankful it is nothing worse. She now put no further restraint onher tears; her breath wasstifled bysobs. `Oh, it will be something worse,'she said. `And what shallI do when papa and you leave me, and I am by myself? I can't forget yourwords, Ellen; they are always in my ear. How life will be changed, howdreary the world will be, when papa and you are dead.' `None can tell, whether you won't die before us,' I replied. `It'swrong to anticipate evil. We'll hope there areyears and years to comebefore any of usgo: master is young,and I am strong, andhardly forty-five.Mymother lived till eighty, a canty dameto the last. And suppose Mr Lintonwere spared till he saw sixty, that would be more years than you have counted,miss. And would it not be foolish to mourn a calamity above twenty yearsbeforehand?' `But Aunt Isabella was younger than papa,' she remarked,gazingup with timid hope to seek furtherconsolation. `Aunt Isabella had not youand me to nurse her,' I replied. `Shewasn't as happy as master: she hadn't as much to live for. All you needdo, is to wait well on your father,and cheer him by letting him see youcheerful; and avoid giving him anxiety on any subject: mind that, Cathy!I'll not disguise but you might kill him, if you were wild and reckless,and cherished a foolish,fanciful affection for the son of a person whowould be glad to have him in his grave; and allowed him to discover thatyou fretted over the separation he had judged it expedient to make.' `I fret about nothing on earth except papa's illness,' answeredmycompanion. `I care for nothing in comparison with papa. And I'll never--never--oh,never, while I have my senses, do an act orsay a word to vex him. I lovehim better than myself, Ellen; and I know itby this: I pray every nightthat I may live after him; because I would rather be miserable than thathe should be: that proves I love him better thanmyself.' `Good words,' I replied. `But deeds must prove it also; and afterhe iswell, remember you don't forget resolutions formed in the hour offear.'As we talked, we neared a door that opened on the road; and myyoung lady, lightening into sunshine again, climbed up and seated herselfon thetop of the wall, reaching over to gather some hips that bloomedscarlet on the summit branches of the wildrose trees, shadowing the highwayside: the lower fruit had disappeared, but only birds could touch the upper,except from Cathy's present station. In stretching to pull them, her hatfell off; and as the doorwas locked, she proposed scrambling down to recoverit. Ibid her be cautious lest she got a fall,and she nimbly disappeared.But the return was no such easy matter: the stones were smooth and neatlycemented, and the rose-bushes and blackberry stragglers could yield noassistance in re-ascending. I, like a fool, didn't recollect that, tillI heard her laughing and exclaiming: `Ellen, you'll have to fetchthe key, or else I must run roundto theporter's lodge. I can't scale the ramparts on this side!' `Stay where you are,' I answered, `I have my bundle of keys inmy pocket:perhaps I may manageto open it; if not I'll go.' Catherine amused herself with dancing to and fro before the door,while I tried all the large keys in succession. I hadapplied the last,andfound that none would do; so, repeating my desire that she would remainthere, I was about to hurry home as fast as I could, when an approachingsound arrested me. It was the trot of a horse;Cathy's dance stopped, andin a minute the horse stopped also. `Who is that?' I whispered. `Ellen, Iwish you could open the door,' whisperedback my companionanxiously. `Ho, Miss Linton!' cried a deep voice (the rider's), `I'm gladto meet you. Don't be in haste to enter, for I have anexplanation to askand obtain.' `I shan't speak to you,Mr Heathcliff,' answered Catherine. `Papasays you are a wicked man, and you hate both him and me; and Ellen saysthe same.' `That is nothing to the purpose,' said Heathcliff. (He it was.)`I don't hate my son, I suppose; and it is concerninghim that I demandyour attention. Yes; you have cause to blush. Two or three months since,were you not in the habit of writing to Linton? making love in play,eh?You deserved, both of you, flogging for that! You especially, the elder;and less sensitive, as it turns out. I've got your letters, and ifyougive me any pertness I'll send them to your father.I presume you grewweary of the amusement and dropped it, didn't you? Well, you dropped Lintonwith it into a slough of despond. He was in earnest: in love, really. Astrue as I live, he's dying foryou; breaking his heart at your fickleness:not figuratively, but actually. Though Hareton has made hima standingjest for six weeks, and I have used more serious measures, and attemptedto frighten him out of his idiotcy, he getsworse daily; and he'll be underthe sod before summer, unless you restore him!' `How can you lie so glaringly to the poor child?' I calledfrom the inside. `Pray ride on! How can you deliberately get up such paltryfalsehoods? Miss Cathy, I'll knock the lock off with a stone: you won'tbelieve that vile nonsense. You can feel in yourself, it is impossiblethat a person should die for love of a stranger.' `I was not aware there wereeavesdroppers,' muttered the detectedvillain. `Worthy Mrs Dean, I like you, but I don't like your double-dealing,'he added aloud. `How could you lie so glaringly, as to affirm I hated the``poor child''? and invent bugbear stories to terrify her from my doorstones?CatherineLinton (the very name warms me), my bonnie lass, I shallbe fromhome all thisweek; go and see if I have not spoken truth: do, there'sa darling! Just imagine your father in my place, and Linton in yours; thenthink how you would value your careless lover if herefused to stir a stepto comfort you, when your father himself entreated him; and don't, frompure stupidity, fall into the same error. I swear, on my salvation, he'sgoing to his grave, and none but you can save him!' The lock gave way and I issued out. `Iswear Linton is dying,' repeated Heathcliff, looking hard atme. `And grief and disappointment are hastening his death.Nelly, if youwon't let her go, you can walk over yourself. But I shall not return tillthis timenext week; and I think your master himself would scarcely objectto her visiting her cousin!' `Come in,' said I, taking Cathyby the arm and half-forcing herto re-enter; for she lingered, viewing with troubled eyes the featuresof the speaker, too stern to express his inward deceit. He pushed his horse close, and, bending down, observed: `Miss Catherine, I'll owe to you thatI have little patience withLinton;and Hareton and Joseph have less. I'll own that he's with a harshset. He pines for kindness, as well as love; anda kind word from youwouldbe his best medicine. Don't mindMrs Dean's cruel cautions; but be generous,and contrive to see him.He dreams of you dayand night, and cannot bepersuaded that you don't hate him, since you neither write nor call.' I closed the door, and rolled a stone to assist the loosened lockin holding it; and spreading my umbrella, I drew my charge underneath:for the rain began to drive through the moaning branches of the trees,and warned us to avoid delay. Our hurry prevented any comment on the encounterwith Heathcliff, as we stretched towards home; but I divined instinctivelythat Catherine's heart was clouded now in double darkness. Herfeatureswere so sad,they did not seem hers: she evidently regarded what she hadheard as every syllable true. The master had retired to rest before we came in. Cathy stoleto his room to inquire how he was; he had fallen asleep. She returned,and asked me to sit withher in the library. We took our tea together;and afterwards she lay down on the rug, andtold me not to talk,for shewas weary. I got a book, and pretended to read. As soon as she supposedme absorbed in my occupation, she recommenced her silent weeping: it appeared,at present,her favourite diversion. I suffered her to enjoy it a while;then I expostulated: deriding and ridiculing all Mr Heathcliff's assertionsabout his son, as if I were certain she would coincide. Alas! I hadn'tskill to counteract the effect his account had produced: it wasjust whathe intended. `You may be right,Ellen,' she answered; `but I shall neverfeelat ease till I know. And I must tell Linton it is not my fault that I don'twrite, and convince him that I shall not change.' What use were anger and protestations against her silly credulity?We parted that night--hostile;but next day beheld me on the road to WutheringHeights, bythe side of my wilful young mistress's pony. I couldn't bearto witness her sorrow: to see her pale dejected countenance, and heavyeyes; andI yielded, in the faint hope that Linton himself mightprove,by his reception of us, howlittle of the tale was founded on fact.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 23 The rainy night had ushered in a misty morning--half frost, half drizzleand temporarybrooks crossed our path--gurgling from the uplands. My feetwere thoroughly wetted; I was cross and low; exactly thehumour suitedfor making the most of these disagreeable things. We entered the farmhouseby the kitchen way, to ascertain whether MrHeathcliff were really absent;because I putslight faith in his own affirmation.Joseph seemed sitting in a sort of elysium alone, beside a roaringfire; a quartof ale on the table near him, bristling with large piecesof toasted oatcake; andhis black, short pipe in his mouth. Catherine ranto the hearth to warm herself. I asked if the master ained so long unanswered, that I thought the old man had grown deaf,and repeated itlouder. `Na-ay!' he snarled, or rather screamed through hisnose. `Na-ay!yah muhgoa back whear yah coom frough.' `Joseph!' cried a peevish voice, simultaneously with me, fromthe inner room. `How often am I to call you? Thereare only a few red ashesnow. Joseph! come this moment. Vigorous puffs, and a resolute stare into the grate declared hehad no ear for this appeal.The housekeeper and Hareton were invisible;one gone on an errand, and the other at his work, probably. We knew Linton'stones, and entered. `Oh, I hope you'll die in agarret! starved to death,' said theboy,mistaking our approach for that ofhis negligent attendant. He stopped, on observing his error;his cousin flew to him. `Is that you, Miss Linton?' he said, raising his head from thearm of the great chair, in which he reclined. `No--don't kiss me: it takesmy breath. Dear me! Papa said you would call,' continued he, after recoveringa little from Catherine's embrace; while she stood by liking verycontrite.`Will you shut the door, if you please? you leftit open; and those--thosedetestable creatures won't bring coals to the fire. It's so cold!'I stirred up the cinders, and fetcheda scuttleful myself.Theinvalid complained of being covered with ashes; but he had a tiresome cough,and looked feverish and ill, so I did not rebuke his temper. `Well, Linton,' murmured Catherine, when his corrugated brow relaxed.`Are you glad to see me? Can I do you any good?' `Why didn't you come before?' heasked. `You should have come,instead ofwriting. It tired medreadfully, writing those long letters.I'd far rather have talked to you. Now, I can neither bear to talk, noranythingelse. I wonder whereZillah is! Will you (looking at me) stepinto the kitchenand see?' I had received no thanks for my other service; and being unwillingto run out to and fro at his behest, I replied: `Nobody is out therebut Joseph.' `I wantto drink,' he exclaimed fretfully,turning away. `Zillahis constantlygadding off to Gimmerton since papawent: it's miserable!And I'm obliged to come down here--theyresolved never to hear me upstairs.' `Is your father attentive to you, Master Heathcliff?' I asked,perceiving Catherine to be checked in her friendly advances. `Attentive? He makesthem a little more attentive at least,'he cried. `The wretches! Do you know, Miss Linton, that brute Hareton laughsat me!I hate him! indeed, I hate them all: they are odious beings.' Cathy begansearching for some water; she lighted on a pitcherin the dresser, filled a tumbler, and broughtit. He bid her add aspoonfulof wine froma bottle on the table; and having swallowed a small portion,appeared more tranquil, and said she was very kind. `And are you glad to see me?' asked she, reiterating her formerquestion, and pleased to detect the faint dawn of a smile. `Yes, I am. It's something new to hear a voice likeyours!' hereplied. `But I have been vexed, because you wouldn't come. Andpapa swore it wasowing to me: he called me a pitiful,shuffling, worthlessthing; and said you despised me; and if he had beenin my place, he wouldbe more the master of the Grangethan your father, bythis time. But youdon't despise me,do you, Miss-- `I wish you would say Catherine, or Cathy,' interrupted my younglady. `Despise you? No! Next to papa and Ellen, I love you better thananybody living. I don't love Mr Heathcliff, though; and I dare not comewhen he returns;will he stay away many days?' `Not many,' answered Linton; `but he goeson to the moors frequently,since theshooting season commenced; and you might spend an hour or twowith me in hisabsence. Do say you will. I think I should not be peevishwith you: you'd not provoke me, and you'd always be ready to help me, wouldn'tyou?' `Yes,'said Catherine, stroking his long soft hair; `if I couldonly get papa'sconsent, I'd spend half my time with you. Pretty Linton!Iwish you were my brother.' `And then you would like me aswell as your father?' observedhe, more cheerfully. `But papa says you would love me better than him andall the world, if you were my wife; so I'd rather you were that.' `No,I should never love anybody better than papa,' she returnedgravely. `And people hate their wives, sometimes; but not their sistersand brothers: and if youwere the latter you would live with us, and papawould be as fond of you as he isof me.' Linton denied that people ever hated their wives; but Cathy affirmedthey did, and, in her wisdom, instanced his own father's aversion toheraunt. I endeavoured to stop her thoughtless tongue. I couldn't succeedtill everything she knew was out. Master Heathcliff, much irritated, assertedher relationwas false. `Papa told me; and papa does not tell falsehoods,' she answeredpertly. `Ny papa scorns yours!' cried Linton. `He calls him a sneakingfool!' `Yours is a wicked man,' retorted Catherine, `and you are verynaughty to dare to repeat what he says. He must be wicked to have madeAunt Isabella leave him as she did!' `She didn't leavehim,' said the boy; `you shan't contradict me!' `Shedid!' cried my younglady. `Well, I'll tell you something!'said Linton. `Your motherhated your father: now then.' `Oh!' exclaimed Catherine, too enraged to continue.`And she lovedmine!'added he. `You little liar! I hate you now,' she panted, and her face grewred with passion. `She did! she did!' sang Linton, sinking into the recess of hischair, and leaning back hishead to enjoy the agitation of the other disputant,who stood behind. `Hush,Master Heathcliff!' I said; `that's yourfather's tale,too, Isuppose.' `It isn't:you hold your tongue!' he answered. `Shedid, she did,Catherine! she did, she did!' Cathy, beside herself, gave the chair a violent push, and causedhim to fall against one arm. He was immediately seized by a suffocatingcough that soon ended his triumph. It lasted so long that it frightenedeven me. As to his cousin, she wept, with all her might; aghast atthemischief she had done: though she said nothing. I heldhim till the fitexhausted itself.Then he thrust me away, and leant his head down silently.Catherine quelled her lamentations also, took a seat opposite, and lookedsolemnlyinto the fire. `How do you feel now, Master Heathcliff?' I inquired, after waitingten minutes. `I wish she felt as I do,' he replied: `spiteful, cruelthing! Hareton never touches me: henever struck me in his life. And Iwas better today: and there--` his voice died in a whimper. `I didn't strike you!' muttered Cathy, chewing her lip to preventanother burstof emotion. He sighed and moaned like one under greatsuffering, and keptit up for a quarter of an hour; on purpose to distress his cousin apparently,for whenever he caught astifled sob from herhe put renewed pain and pathosinto the inflections of his voice. `I'm sorry I hurt you, Linton,' she said at length, racked beyondendurance. `But I couldn't havebeen hurt by that little push, andI had no idea that youcould, either: you're not much, areyou, Linton?Don't let me go home thinking I've done you harm. Answer! speak to me.' `I can't speak to you,' hemurmured; `you've hurt me so, thatI shall lie awake all night choking with this cough. If you had it you'dknow what it was; but you'll be comfortably asleep while I'm inagony, and nobody near me. I wonder how you would like to pass those fearfulnights!' And he began to wail aloud, for very pityof himself. `Since you are in the habitof passing dreadful nights,' I said,`it won't be miss who spoils your ease: you'd be the same had she nevercome. However, she shall not disturb you again; and perhaps you'll getquieter when we leave you. `Must I go?' asked Catherine dolefully,bending over him. `Doyou want me to go, Linton?' `You can't alter what you've done,' he replied pettishly, shrinkingfrom her, `unless you alter itfor the worse by teasing me into a fever.' `Well, then,I must go?' she repeated. `Let me alone, at least,' said he; `I can't bear your talking.' She lingered, and resisted my persuasions to departure a tiresomewhile; but as he neither lookedup nor spoke, she finally made a movementto the door and I followed. We were recalled by a scream. Linton had slidfrom his seat onto the hearthstone, and lay writhing in the mere perversenessof an indulged plague of achild, determined tobe as grievous and harassingas it can. I thoroughly gauged his disposition fromhis behaviour, andsaw at once it would be folly to attempt humouring him. Not so my companion:she ran back in terror, knelt down, and cried, and soothed, and entreated,till he gre lack of breath: by no means from compunction atdistressing her. `I shall lift him onthe settle,' I said,`and he may roll aboutas he pleases: we can't stop to watch him. I hope you are satisfied, MissCathy, that you are not the person to benefit him; and that hiscondition ofhealth is not occasioned by attachment to you. Now, then,there he is! Come away: as soon as he knows there is nobody by to carefor his nonsense, he'll be glad to lie still.' She placed a cushionunder his head, and offered him some water;he rejected the latter, and tossed uneasily on the former, as if itwerea stone or a block of wood. She tried to put it morecomfortably. `I can't do with that,'he said; `it's not high enough.' Catherine brought another to lay aboveit. `That's too high,' murmured the provoking thing. `How must I arrange it, then?' she askeddespairingly. He twined himself up toher, as she half knelt by the settle,and convertedher shoulder into a support. `No, that won't do,' I said. `You'll be content with the cushion,Master Heathcliff. Miss haswasted too much timeon you already: we cannotremain five minutes longer.' `Yes, yes, we can!' replied Cathy. `He'sgood and patient now.He's beginning to think I shall have far greater misery than he will tonight,if I believe he is the worse for my visit; and then I dare not come again.Tell the truthabout it, Linton; for I mustn't come, if I have hurt you.'`You must come, to cure me,' he answered. `You oughtto come,because you have hurt me: you know you have extremely! I was notas illwhen you entered as I am at present--was I?' `But you've made yourself ill by crying and being in a passion.' `I didn't do it at all,' said his cousin. `However, we'll be friends now. And youwant me: you would wish to see me sometimes, really?' `I told you I did,' he replied impatiently. `Sit onthe settleand let melean on your knee. That's as mamma usedto do, whole afternoonstogether. Sit quite still and don't talk: but you may sing a song, if youcan sing; or you may say a nice long interesting ballad--one of thoseyoupromised to teachme: or a story. I'd rather have a ballad, though: begin.' Catherine repeated the longest she could remember. The employmentpleased both mightily. Linton would have another; and after that another,notwithstanding my strenuous objections; and so they went on until theclock struck twelve, and we heardHareton in the court, returning for hisdinner. `And tomorrow, Catherine,will you be here tomorrow?' asked youngHeathcliff, holding her frock asshe rose reluctantly. `No,' I answered, `nor next day neither.' She, however, gave adifferent response evidently, for his forehead cleared as she stooped andwhispered in his ear. `You won't go tomorrow, recollect,miss!' I commenced, when wewere out of the house. `You are not dreaming of it, are you?'`Oh, I'll take good care,' I continued: `I'll have that lock mended,and you can escape by no way else.' `I can get over the wall,' she said, laughing. `TheGrange isnot a prison, Ellen, and you are not my jailer. And besides,I'm almostseventeen:I'm a woman. And I'mcertain Linton e to look afterhim. I'm older than he is, you know, andwiser:less childish,am I not? And he'll soon do as I direct him, with some slightcoaxing. He's a pretty little darling when he's good. I'd make such a petof him, if he were mine. We shouldnever quarrel, should we, after we wereused to each other? Don't you like him, Ellen?' `Like him?' I exclaimed. `The worst-tempered bit of a sickly slipthatever struggled into its teens. Happily, as Mr Heathcliff conjectured,he'll not win twenty. I doubt whether he'll see spring, indeed. And smallloss to hisfamily whenever he drops off. And luckyit is for us that hisfather took him: the kinder he was treated, the more tedious and selfishhe'd be. I'm glad you have no chance of having himfor a husband, MissCatherine.' My companion waxed serious at hearing this speech. To speak ofhis death soregardlessly, wounded her feelings. `He's younger thanI,' she answered, after a protracted pauseof meditation, `and he ought to live the longest: hewill--he must liveaslong as I do. He's as strong now as when he first came into the north;I'm positive of that. It's only a cold that ails him, the same as papahas. You say papa will get better, and why shouldn't he?' `Well, well,' Icried, `after all, we needn't trouble ourselves;for listen, miss, and mind, I'll keep my word,--if you attempt going toWuthering Heights again, with or without me, I shall inform Mr Linton,and, unless he allow it, the intimacy with your cousin must notbe revived.' `It hasbeen revived,' muttered Cathy sulkily. `Must not be continued,then,' I said. `We'll see,'was her reply, and she set off at a gallop, leavingme totoil in the rear. Weboth reached home before our dinner time; my master supposedwe had been wandering through the park, and therefore he demanded no explanationof our absence. As soon as I entered, I hastened to change my soaked shoesand stockings; but sitting such a whileat the Heights had done the mischief.Onthe succeeding morning I was laid up, and during threeweeks I remainedincapacitated for attending to my duties: a calamity never experiencedprior to that period, and never, I am thankfulto say, since. My little mistress behaved like an angel, in coming to wait onme, and cheermy solitude: the confinement brought me exceedingly low.It is wearisome,to a stirring activebody: but few have slighter reasonsfor complaint than I had. The moment Catherine left Mr Linton's room, sheappeared at my bedside. Her day wasdivided between us; no amusement usurpeda minute: sheneglected her meals,her studies, and herplay; and she wasthefondest nurse that ever watched. She must have had a warmheart, whenshe lovedher father so, to give so much to me. I said her days weredividedbetween us; but the master retired early, and Igenerally needed nothingafter six o'clock; thus the evening was her own.Poor thing! I never consideredwhat she did with herself after tea. And though frequently, when she lookedin tobid me good night, Iremarked a fresh colour in her cheeksand apinkness over her slender fingers;instead of fancying the hue borrowedfroma cold ride across the moors, I laid itto the charge of a hot firein the library.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 24 At the close of three weeks, I ber, and move aboutthe house. And on the first occasion of my sitting up in the evening, Iasked Catherine to read tome, because my eyes were weak. We were in thelibrary, the master having gone to bed: she consented, rather unwillingly,I fancied; and imagining my sort ofbooks did not suit her, I bid her placeherself in the choice of what she perused. She selected one of her ownfavourites, and got forward steadilyabout an hour; then came frequentquestions.`Ellen, are not you tired? Hadn't you better lie down now?You'llbe sick, keeping up so long, Ellen.' `No, no, dear, I'm not tired,' I returned continually.Perceiving me immovable, sheessayed another method of showing her disrelishfor heroccupation. It changed to yawning, and stretching, and:`Ellen, I'm tired.' `Give over then and talk,' I answered. That was worse: she fretted and sighed, and liked at her watchtill eight, andfinally went to her room, completely overdone with sleep;judging by herpeevish, heavy look,and the constant rubbing she inflictedon her eyes. The following night she seemed more impatient still; and onthe third from recovering my company, she complained of a headache, andleft me. I thought her conduct odd; and having remained alone a long while,Iresolved on going and inquiring whether she were better, and asking herto come and lie on the sofa, insteadof upstairs in the dark. No Catherinecould I discover upstairs, and none below. The servants affirmed they hadnot seen her. I listened at Mr Edgar's door; all was silence. I returnedto her apartment, extinguished my candle, and seated myself in the window. The moon shone bright; a sprinklingof snow covered the ground,and I reflected that she might, possibly, have taken it into her head towalk about the garden, for refreshment. I did detect a figure creepingalong the inner fence of the park; but it was notmy young mistress: onits emerging into the light, I recognized one of the grooms. He stoodaconsiderable period, viewing the carriage-road through the grounds;thenstarted off at abrisk pace, as if hehad detected something, and reappearedpresently,leading miss's pony;and there she was, just dismounted, andwalking by its side. The man took his charge stealthily across the grasstowards thestable. Cathy entered by the casement window of the drawing-room,andglided noiselessly up to where I awaited her. She putthe door gentlyto, slipped off her snowy shoes, untied her hat, and was proceeding, unconsciousof my espionage, to lay aside her mantle, when I suddenly roseand revealedmyself. The surprise petrified her an instant: she utteredan inarticulateexclamation, and stood fixed. `My dear Miss Catherine,' I began,too vividly impressed by herrecent kindness to break into a scold, `where have you been riding outat this hour? Andwhy should you try to deceive me, by telling a tale?Wherehave you been? Speak.' `To the bottom ofthe park,' she stammered. `I didn'ttell a tale.' `And nowhere else?' I demanded.`No,' was the muttered reply. `Oh, Catherine!' I cried sorrowfully. `You know you have beendoing wrong, or you wouldn't be driven to uttering an untruth to me. Thatdoes grieve me. I'd rather be three months ill, than hear you frame a deliberatelie.' She sprang forward, and bursting into tears,threw her arms roundmy neck. `Well,Ellen, I'm so afraidof you being angry,'she said. `Promisenot to be angry, and you shallknow the very truth:I hate to hide it.' We sat down in the window-seat; I assured her I would not scold,whatever her secret might be,and I guessed it of course; so she commenced: `I've been to Wuthering Heights, Ellen, and I've never missedgoing a day since you fell ill; except thrice before, and twice after youleft your room. Igave Michael books and pictures to prepare Minny everyevening, and toput her back in the stable: you mustn't scold himeither, mind. I was at the Heights by half-pastsix, and generally stayedtill half pasteight, and then galloped home. It was not to amuse myselfthat I went: Iwas often wretched all the time. Now and then I was happy;once in a week perhaps. At first, Iexpected there wouldbe sad work persuadingyou to letme keep my word to Linton: for I had engaged to call again nextday, ; but,as you stayed upstairs on the morrow, Iescaped that trouble; and while Michael was refastening the lockof thepark door in the afternoon, I gotpossession of the key, and told him howmy cousin wished me to visit him, because he was sick,and couldn't cometo the Grange; and how papa would object tomy going: and then Inegotiatedwith him about the pony. He is fond of reading, and he thinks of leavingsoon to get married; so he offered, if I would lend him books out of thelibrary, to dowhat I wished: but Ipreferred giving himmy own, and thatsatisfied him better. `On my second visit, Lintonseemed in lively spirits; and Zillah(that is theirhousekeeper) made usa clean room and a good fire, and toldus that, as Joseph was out at a prayer meeting and Hareton Earnshaw wasoff with his dogs--robbing our woods of pheasants, as I heard afterwards--wemight do what we liked. She brought me some warm wine and gingerbread,and appeared exceedinglygood-natured; and Linton sat in the armchair,and I in the little rocking-chair on thehearthstone, and we laughed andtalked somerrily, and found so much to say: we planned where we wouldgo, and what wewould do in summer. I needn't repeat that, because youwould call it silly. `One time, however, we were near quarrelling. Hesaid the pleasantestmanner ofspending a hot July day was lying from morning till eveningona bank of heath inthe middle of the moors, with the beeshumming dreamilyabout among the bloom, and the larks singing high up overhead, and theblue sky and bright sun shining steadily and cloudlessly. That was hismost perfect idea of heaven's happiness: mine was rocking in a rustlinggreen tree, with a west wind blowing, and bright white clouds flittingrapidly above; and not only larks, but throstles, and blackbirds, and linnets,and cuckoos pouring out music on every side,and the moors seen at a distance,brokeninto cool dusky dells; but close by great swells of longgrass undulatingin waves to the breeze;and woods and sounding water, and the whole worldawakeand wild with joy. He wanted all to liein an ecstasy of peace; Iwanted all to sparkle and dancein a glorious jubilee. I said his heavenwould be only half alive; and he said mine would be drunk: I said I shouldfall asleep inhis; and he said he could not breathe inmine, and beganto grow very snappish. At last, we agreed to try both, as soonas the rightweather came; and then we kissed each other and were friends. `After sitting stillan hour, I looked atthe great room withits smooth uncarpeted floor, and thought how niceit would be to play in,if we removed thetable; and I asked Linton to call Zillah in to help us,and we'd have a game at blind-man's buff; she should tryto catch us: youusedto, you know, Ellen.He wouldn't: there was no pleasure in it, hesaid; but he consented to play atball with me. We found two in a cupboard,among a heap of old toys, tops, and hoops, andbattledores, and shuttlecocks.One wasmarked C., and the other H.; I wished to have the C., because thatstood for Catherine, and the H. might be for Heathcliff, his name; butthe bran came out of H., and Linton didn't like it. I beat him constantly,and he got cross again, andcoughed, and returned to his chair. That night,though, he easily recovered hisgood humour: he was charmed with two orthree pretty songs--your songs, Ellen;and when I was obliged to go, hebegged and entreated me to comethe following evening; and I promised.Minny and Iwent flying home as light as air; and I dreamt of WutheringHeights andmy sweet, darling cousin, till morning. `On the morrow I was sad; partly because you were poorly, andpartly that I wished my father knew, and approved of my excursions: butit was beautiful moonlight after tea;and, as I rode on, the gloom cleared.I shall have another happy evening, I thought to myself: and what delightsme more, my pretty Linton will. I trotted up their garden, and was turninground to the back, when that fellow Earnshaw met me, took my bridle, andbid me go in by the front entrance. He patted Minny's neck, and said shewas a bonny beast, and appeared as ifhe wanted me to speak to him. I onlytold him to leave my horse alone, or else it would kick him. He answeredin his vulgar accent, ``It wouldn't do much hurt if it did"; andsurveyedits legs with a smile. I was half inclined to make it try; however, hemoved off to open the door, and, as he raised the latch, he looked up tothe inscription above, and said, with a stupid mixture of awkwardness andelation: ` ``MissCatherine! I can read yon, nah.'' ` ``Wonderful,'' I exclaimed. ``Pray let us hear you--youaregrown clever!'' `He spelt, and drawled over by syllables, the name--"Hareton Earnshaw".` ``And the figures?'' I cried encouragingly, perceiving thathe came to a dead halt.` ``I cannot tell them yet,'' he answered. ``Oh, you dunce!'' I said, laughing heartily athis failure. `The fool stared, with a grin hovering about his lips, and a scowlgathering over his eyes, as if uncertain whether hemight not join in mymirth: whether it were not pleasant familiarity, or whatit really was,contempt. I settled his doubts, by suddenly retrieving my gravity and desiringhim to walk away, for I came to see Linton, not him.He reddened--I sawthat by the moonlight--dropped his hand from the latch, and skulked off,a picture of mortified vanity. Heimagined himself to be as accomplishedasLinton, I suppose, because he could spell his own name; and was marvellouslydiscomfited that I didn't think the same.' `Stop, Miss Catherine, dear!' I interrupted. `I shall not scold,but I don't like your conduct there. If you had remembered that Haretonwas yourcousin as much as Master Heathcliff, you would have felt how improperit was to behave in that way. At least, it was praiseworthy ambition forhim to desire to be as accomplished as Linton; and probablyhe did notlearn merely to show off: you had made him ashamed of his ignorance before,I have no doubt; and he wished to remedy it and please you. To sneer athis imperfect attempt was very bad breeding. Had you been brought up inhis circumstances,would you be less rude? He was as quick and as intelligenta child as ever you were; and I'm hurt that heshould be despised now,because that base Heathcliff has treated him so unjustly.' `Well, Ellen, you won't cryabout it, will you?'she exclaimed,surprised at my earnestness. `But wait, and you shall hear if he connedhis A B C to please me; and if itwere worth while being civil to the brute.I entered; Linton was lying on the settle, and halfgot up to welcome me. ` ``I'm ill tonight, Catherine, love,'' he said; ``and you musthave all the talk, and let me listen. Come,and sit by me. I wassure youwouldn't break your word, andI'll make you promise again, before you go.'' `I knew now that I mustn't tease him, as he `was ill; and I spokesoftly and put no questions, and avoided irritating him in any way. I hadbrought some of my nicest books for him; he asked me to read a little ofone,and I was about to comply, when Earnshaw burst the door open: havinggathered venomwith reflection. He advanced direct to us, seized Lintonby the arm, and swung him off the seat. ``Get to thy own room!'' he said, in a voice almost inarticulatewith passion; and his face looked swelled and furious. ``Take her thereif she comes to see thee: thou shalln't keep me out of this. Begone wi'ye both!''`He swore at us, andleft Linton no time to answer, nearly throwinghim into thekitchen; and he clenched his fist asI followed, seeminglylonging to knock me down. I wasafraid for a moment,and I let one volumefall; he kicked it after me, and shut us out. I heard a malignant, cracklylaugh by the fire, and turning, beheld that odious Joseph standing rubbinghis bony hands, and quivering. ``Aw wer sure he'dsarve ye eht! He's agrand lad! He's gettent' raight sperrit in him! He knaws--Aye, he knaws, as weel as Awdo, who sud be t'maisteryonder--Ech, ech, ech! He mad ye skiftproperly!Ech, ech, ech!'' ``Where must we go?'' I said to my cousin, disregarding the oldwretch's mockery.`Linton was white and trembling. He was not pretty then,Ellen:oh no! he looked frightful; for his thin face and large eyes were wroughtinto an expression of frantic, powerless fury. He grasped thehandle ofthe door, and shook it: it wasfastened inside. ``If you don't let me in I'll kill you!--If you don't let me in,I'll kill you!'' he rather shrieked than said. ``Devil! devil!--I'll killyou--I'll kill you!'' `Joseph uttered his croaking laugh again. ``Thear, that's t'father!'' he cried. ``That's father! We'vealIas summut uhorther side in us. Niver heed Hareton, lad--dunnut be `feard--hecannot getat thee!'' `I took hold of Linton's hands, and tried to pull him away; butheshrieked so shockingly that I dared not proceed. At last his cries werechoked by a dreadful fit of coughing; blood gushed from his mouth, andhe fell onthe ground. I ran into the yard, sick with terror; and calledfor Zillah, asloud as I could. Shesoon heard me: she was milking thecows in a shed behind thebarn, `and hurrying from her work, she inquiredwhat there was to do? I hadn't breath to explain; dragging her in, I lookedabout for Linton. Earnshaw hadcome out to examine the mischief he hadcaused, and he was then conveying the poor thing upstairs. Zillah andIascended after him;but he stopped me atthe top of the steps, and saidI shouldn't go in: I must go home. I exclaimed that he had killed Linton,and I would enter. Joseph lockedthe door, and declared I shoulddo ``no sich stuff'', and asked me whetherI were ``bahn to be as mad ashim''. I stood crying, till the housekeeper reappeared. She affirmed hewould be better in a bit, buthe couldn't do with that shrieking and din;and she took me,and nearly carried me into the house. `Ellen, I was ready to tear my hair off my head! I sobbed andwept so that my eyes were almost blind; and the ruffian you have such sympathywith stood opposite: presuming every now and then to bid me ``wisht'',and denying that it was his fault; and, finally, frightened by my assertionsthatI would tell papa, and that he should be put in prison andhanged,he commenced blubbering himself, and hurried out to hide his cowardly agitation.Still, I was not rid of him: when at length they compelled me to depart,and I had gotsome hundred yards off the premises, hesuddenly issued fromthe shadow of the roadside, and checked Minny and took hold of me. ``Miss Catherine, I'm ill grieved,'' he began, ``but it'sraythertoo bad--'' `I gave him a cut with my whip, thinking perhaps he would murderme. He let go, thundering one of his horrid curses, and I galloped homemore than half out of my senses. `I didn't bid you good night that evening, and I didn't go toWuthering Heights the next: I wished to, exceedingly; butI was strangelyexcited, and dreaded to hear that Linton was dead, sometimes; and sometimesshuddered at the thought of encountering Hareton. On the third day Itookcourage: at least, I couldn't bear longer suspense, and stole off oncemore. I went at five o'clock, and walked; fancying I might manage to creepinto the house,and up to Linton's room, unobserved. However, the dogsgave notice of my approach. Zillah received me, and saying, ``the lad wasmending nicely'',showed me into a small, tidy, carpeted apartment, where,to my inexpressible joy, Ibeheld Linton laid on a little sofa, readingone of my books. But he would neither speak to me nor look at me, througha whole hour,Ellen: he has such an unhappy temper. And e, when he did open his mouth, it was to utter the falsehood that I hadoccasionedthe uproar, and Hareton was not to blame! Unable to reply, exceptpassionately, I got up and walked from the room. He sent after me a faint``Catherine!'' He did not reckon onbeing answered so: but I wouldn't turnback; and the morrow was the second day on which I stayed at home, nearlydetermined to visit him no more. But it was so miserable going to bed andgetting up, and never hearing anything about him, that my resolution meltedinto air before it was properly formed. It had appeared wrong to take thejourney once; now it seemed wrong to refrain. Michael came to ask if hemust saddle Minny; I said ``Yes'', and considered myself doing a duty asshe bore me over the hills. I was forced to pass the front windows to getto the court: it was no use trying toconceal my presence.``Young master is inthe house,'' said Zillah, as she saw me makingfor the parlour. I went in; Earnshaw was there also, but he quittedtheroom directly. Linton sat in the great armchair half asleep; walking uptothe fire, I began ina serious tone, partly meaning it tobe true: ``As you don't like me, Linton, and as you think I come on purposeto hurt you, and pretend that I do so every time, this is our last meeting:let us say goodbye; and tell MrHeathcliff that you have no wish to seeme, and that he mustn't invent any more falsehoods on the subject.'' ` ``Sit down and take your hat off, Catherine,'' he answered.``You are so much happier thanI am, you ought to be better. Papa talksenough of my defects, and shows enough scorn of me, to make it naturalI should doubt myself.I doubt whether I amnot altogether as worthlessas he callsme, frequently; and then I feel so crossand bitter, I hateeverybody! I am worthless, and bad in temper, and bad in spirit,almost always; and, if you choose, you may say goodbye: you'll get ridof an annoyance. Only, Catherine, do me this justice: believe that if Imight be as sweet, and as kind, and as good as you are, I would be; aswillingly, and more so, than as happy and as healthy. And believe thatyour kindness has made me love youdeeper than if I deserved your love:and though I couldn't, and cannothelp showing my nature to you, I regretit and repent it; and shall regretand repent it till Idie!'' `I felt he spoke the truth; andI felt I must forgive him: and,though he shouldquarrel the next moment, I must forgive him again. Wewere reconciled; but we cried, both of us, the whole time I stayed: notentirely for sorrow; yet I was sorry Linton had that distorted nature.He'll never let his friends be at ease, and he'll never be at ease himself!I have always gone to his little parlour, since that night; because hisfather returned the day after. `About three times, I think, we have been merry and hopeful, aswe were the first evening; the rest of my visits were dreary and troubled:now with his selfishnessand spite, and now with his sufferings:but I'velearned to endure the former with nearly as little resentment asthe latter.Mr Heathcliff purposelyavoids me:I have hardly seen him at all. Last Sunday, indeed, coming earlier thanusual, Iheard him abusing poor Linton, cruelly, for his conduct ofthenight before. I can't tell how he knew of it, unless he listened. Lintonhad certainly behaved provokingly:however, it was the business of nobodybut me, and I interrupted Mr Heathcliff's lectureby entering and tellinghim so. He burst into a laugh, and went away, saying he was glad Itookthat view of thematter. Since then, I've told Linton he must whisper hisbitter things. Now Ellen, you have heard all; and I can't be preventedfrom going to Wuthering Heights except by inflicting misery ontwo people;whereas, if you'll only not tell papa, my going need disturb the tranquillityof none.You'll not tell, will you? It will bevery heartless if you do.' `I'll make up my mind on that point by tomorrow, Miss Catherine,'I replied. `It requires some study;and so I'll leave you to your rest,andgo think it over.' Ithought it over aloud, in my master's presence; walking straightfromher room to his, andrelating the whole story: with the exceptionof her conversations with her cousin, and any mention of Hareton. Mr Lintonwas alarmedand distressed, morethan he would acknowledge to me. In themorning, Catherine learnt my betrayal of her confidence, and she learntalso that her secret visits were to end. In vain she wept and writhed againstthe interdict, and implored her father to have pity on Linton: all shegot to comfort her was a promise that he would write and give him leavetocome to the Grange when he pleased; butexplaining that he must no longerexpectto see Catherine at Wuthering Heights. Perhaps, had he beenawareof his nephew'sdisposition and state of health, he would have seen fitto withhold even that slight consolation.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 25 `These things happened last winter, sir,' said Mrs Dean; `hardly more thana year ago. Lastwinter, I did not think, at another twelve months' end,Ishould be amusing a stranger to the family with relatingthem! Yet, whoknows how long you'll be astranger? You're tooyoung to rest alwayscontented,living by yourself; and I someway fancy no one could see Catherine Lintonand not love her. You smile; but why do you look so lively and interested,when I talk about her? and why have you asked me to hang her picture overyour fireplace? and why--'`Stop, my good friend!' I cried. `It may be very possible thatI should love her; butwould she love me? Idoubt it too much toventuremy tranquillity by running into temptation: and thenmy home is not here.I'm of the busyworld, and to its arms I must return. Go on. Was Catherineobedient toher father's commands?' `She was,' continued the housekeeper. `Her affection for him wasstill the chief sentiment in her heart; and he spoke without anger: hespoke in the deep tenderness of one about to leave his treasure amid perilsand foes, where his rememberedwords would be the only aid that he couldbequeath to guide her. He said to me, a few days afterwards: `"I wishmy nephew would write, Ellen, or call. Tell me, sincerely,what you think of him: is he changed for the better, or is there a prospectof improvement, as he grows a man?'' ` ``He's very delicate, sir,'' I replied; ``and scarcely likelyto reach manhood; but this I can say, he does notresemble his father;and if Miss Catherine had the misfortune to marry him, he would not bebeyond her control: unless she were extremely and foolishly indulgent.However, master, you'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with him,and see whether he would suit her: it wants four years and more to hisbeingof age.'' ' Edgar sighed; and walking to the window, looked out towards GimmertonKirk. It was a misty afternoon, but the February sun shone dimly, and wecould just distinguish thetwo fir trees in theyard, and the sparely scatteredgravestones. `I've prayed often', he half soliloquized, `for the approach ofwhat is coming; and now Ibegin to shrink, andfear it. I thought the memoryof the hour I came down that glen a bridegroom would be less sweet thanthe anticipation that I was soon, in a few months, or, possibly, weeks,to be carried up, and laidin its lonely hollow! Ellen, I've been veryhappy with my little Cathy: through winter nights and summer days she wasa livinghope at my side. ButI've been as happy musing by myself amongthose stones, under that old church: lying, through the long June evenings,on thegreen mound of her mother's grave and wishing--yearning for thetime when I might lie beneath it. What can I do for Cathy? How must I quither? I'd not care one moment for Linton being Heathcliff's son; nor forhis taking her from me, if he could console her for my loss. I'd notcarethat Heathcliff gained his ends, andtriumphed in robbingme of my lastblessing! But should Linton be unworthy--only a feeble tool to his father--Icannot abandon her to him! And, hard though it be to crush her buoyantspirit, I must persevere in making her sad whileI live, and leaving hersolitary when I die. Darling! I'd rather resign her toGod, and lay herin the earth before me.' Resign her to God,as it is, sir,' I answered, `and if weshouldlose you--which may He forbid--under His providence, I'll stand her friendand counsellor to the last. Miss Catherineis a good girl: I don't fearthat she will go wilfully wrong; and people who do their duty are alwaysfinally rewarded.' Spring advanced; yet my master gathered no real strength, thoughhe resumed hiswalks in the groundswith his daughter. To her inexperiencednotions, this itself was a sign of convalescence; and then his cheek wasoften flushed, and his eyes were bright: she felt sure of his recovering.On her seventeenth birthday, he did not visit the churchyard: it was raining,and I observed: `You'll surely not go out tonight, sir?' He answered: `No, I'll defer it this year alittle longer.' He wrote again to Linton, expressing his great desire to see him;and, had theinvalid been presentable, I've nodoubt his father would havepermitted him to come. As it was, being instructed, he returned an answer,intimating that Mr Heathcliff objected to his calling at the Grange; buthis uncle's kind remembrance delighted him, and he hoped to meet him, sometimes,in his rambles, and personally to petition that his cousin and he mightnot remain longso utterly divided. That part of his letter was simple, and probably his own. Heathcliffknew he could plead eloquently enough for Catherine's company, then. `I donot ask', he said, `that she may visit here; but, am I neverto see her, because my father forbids me to go to her home, and you forbidher to come tomine? Do now and then, ride with her towards the Heights;and let us exchange a few words, in your presence! We have done nothingto deserve this separation; andyou are not angry with me; you have noreason to dislike me, you allow, yourself. Dear uncle! send me a kind notetomorrow, and leave to join you anywhere you please,except at ThrushcrossGrange. Ibelieve an interviewwould convince you that my father's characteris not mine: he affirms I am more your nephew than his son; and thoughI have faults which render me unworthy of Catherine, she has excused them,and forher sake, you shouldalso. You inquire after my health--it is better;but while I remain cut off from all hope, and doomed to solitude, or thesociety of those who never did and never will like me, how can I be cheerfuland well?' Edgar, though he felt for the boy, could not consent togranthis request; because he could notaccompany Catherine.He said, in summer,perhaps, theymight meet: meantime, he wished him to continue writing atintervals, and engaged to give him what advice and comfort he was ableby letter; beingwell aware of his hard position in hisfamily. Lintoncomplied; and had he been unrestrained, would probably have spoiled allby filling his epistleswith complaints and lamentations: but his fatherkept a sharp watch over him; and, of course, insisted on every line thatmy master sent being shown; so, instead of penninghis peculiar personalsufferings and distresses, the themes constantly uppermost in his thoughts,he harped on the cruel obligation of being held asunder from his friendand love; and gently intimatedthat Mr Linton must allow an interview soon,or he should fear he was purposely deceiving him with empty promises. Cathy was a powerful ally at home; and, between them, they atlength persuaded my master to acquiesce in their having a ride or a walktogether about once a week, under my guardianship, and onthe moors nearesttheGrange: for June found him still declining; and though he had set asideyearly a portion of his income for my young lady's fortune, he had a naturaldesire that she might retain--or at least return in a short time to--thehouse ofher ancestors; and he considered her only prospect of doing thatwas by a union with his heir;he had no idea that the latter was failingalmost as fast as himself; norhad anyone; I believe: no doctor visitedthe Heights, and no one saw Master Heathcliff tomake report of his conditionamong us. I, for my part, beganto fancy my forebodings were false, andthat he must be actually rallying, when he mentioned riding andwalkingon the moors,and seemed so earnest in pursuing his object. I could notpicture a father treating a dying child as tyrannically and wickedly asI afterwards learned Heathcliff had treated him, to compel this apparenteagerness: his efforts redoubling the more imminently his avaricious andunfeeling plans were threatened withdefeat by death.[Next Chapter][Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 26 Summer was alreadypast its prime, whenEdgar reluctantly yielded his assenttotheir entreaties, and Catherine and I set out on our firstride to joinher cousin. It was a close, sultry day: devoid of sunshine, but with asky too dappled and hazy to threaten rain; and our place of meetinghadbeen fixed at theguide-stone, by the crossroads. On arriving there, however,a little herd-boy, dispatchedas a messenger, toldus that:`Maister Linton wer just ut this side th' Heights: and he'd bemitch obleeged to us to gang on a bit farther.' `Then Master Linton has forgot the first injunction of his uncle,'I observed: `he bid us keep on the Grange land, andhere we are off atonce.' `Well, we'll turn our horses' heads round,when we reach him,'answered my companion, `our excursion shall lie towards home.' But when we reached him,and that was scarcely a quarter of amile from his own door, we found he had no horse; andwe were forced todismount, and leave ours to graze.He lay on the heath,awaiting our approach,and did notrise till we came within a few yards. Then he walked so feebly,and looked sopale, that I immediately exclaimed: `Why, Master Heathcliff, you are not fit for enjoying a ramble,this morning.How ill you do look!' Catherine surveyedhim with grief and astonishment; and changedthe ejaculation of joy on her lips, to one of alarm; and the congratulationon their long-postponedmeeting, to an anxious inquiry, whether he wereworsethan usual? `No--better--better!' he panted, trembling, and retaining herhand asif he needed its support, while his large blue eyes wandered timidlyoverher; the hollowness round them transforming to haggard wildness thelanguid expression they oncepossessed. `But you have been worse,' persisted his cousin; `worse than whenI saw you last; you are thinner, and-- `I'm tired,' he interrupted hurriedly. `It is too hot for walking,let us rest here. And, in the morning, I often feel sick--papa saysI growso fast.' Badly satisfied, Cathy sat down, and he reclined beside her. `This is something like your paradise,' said she,making an effortat cheerfulness. `You recollect the two days we agreed to spend in theplace and way each thoughtpleasantest? This issurely yours, only thereare clouds: butthen they are so soft and mellow: it is nicer than sunshine.Next week, if you can, we'll ride down to the Grange Park, and trymine.' Linton did not appear to remember what she talked of; and he hadevidently great difficulty in sustaining any kind of conversation. Hislack of interest in the subjects she started, and his equal incapacityto contribute to her entertainment, were so obvious that she could notconceal herdisappointment. An indefinite alteration had come over hiswhole personand manner. The pettishness that might be caressed into fondness,had yielded to a listless apathy; there was less of the peevish temperofa child which frets and teases on purpose to be soothed, and more ofthe self-absorbed moroseness of a confirmed invalid, repelling consolation,and ready to regard the good-humoured mirth of others as an insult. Catherineperceived, as well as I did, that he held it rather a punishment,thana gratification,to endure our company; and she made no scruple of proposing,presently,to depart. That proposal, unexpectedly, rousedLinton from hislethargy, and threw him into a strange state of agitation. He glanced fearfullytowards theHeights, begging shewould remain anotherhalf-hour at least. `But I think', said Cathy, `you'd be more comfortable at homethan sitting here; and I cannot amuse you today, I see, by my tales, andsongs, and chatter: you have grown wiser than I, in these six months;youhave little tastefor my diversions now: or else, if I could amuse you,I'd willingly stay.' `Stay to rest yourself,' he replied. `And Catherine, don't think,or say that I'm very unwell: it is the heavy weatherand heat thatmake medull; and I walked about, before you came, a great deal for me.Tell uncle I'm in tolerable health, will you?' `I'll tell him that you say so, Linton. I couldn't affirmthat you are,'observed my young lady, wondering at his pertinacious assertionof what wasevidently an untruth. `And be here againnext Thursday,' continued he, shunning herpuzzled gaze. `And give him my thanks for permitting you to come--my bestthanks,Catherine. And-and, if you did meet my father, and he askedyou about me, don't lead him to suppose that I've been extremely silentand stupid: don't look sad and downcast, as you aredoing--he'llbe angry.' `I care nothing for his anger,' exclaimed Cathy, imagining shewould be its object. `But I do,' said her cousin, shuddering. `Don't provokehim against me, Catherine, for he isvery hard.' `Is he severe to you, Master Heathcliff?' I inquired. `Has hegrown weary of indulgence, and passed from passive to active hatred?' Linton looked at me,but did not answer; and, after keeping herseat by his side another ten minutes,during which his head fell drowsilyonhis breast, and he uttered nothing except suppressed moans of exhaustionor pain, Cathy began to seek solace in looking for bilberries, and sharingthe produce of her researches with me: she did notoffer them to him, forshe saw further notice would only weary and annoy. `Isit half an hour now,Ellen?' she whispered in my ear,at last.`I can't tell why we should stay. He's asleep, and papa will be wantingus back.' `Well, we must not leave him asleep,' Ianswered; `wait tillhewakes, and be patient. You were mighty eager to set off, but your longingto see poor Linton has soon evaporated!' `Why did he wish to see me?' returned Catherine. `In hiscrossest humours,formerly, I liked him better than I doin his presentcurious mood.It's just as if it were a task he was compelled to perform--thisinterview--forfear his father should scold him. But I'm hardly goingtocome to give Mr Heathcliff pleasure;whatever reason he may have for orderingLinton to undergo this penance. And, though I'm glad he's better in health,I'm sorry he's so much less pleasant, and so much less affectionate tome.' `You think he is better in health then?' I said. `Yes,' she answered; `because he always made such a great dealof his sufferings, you know. He is not tolerably well, as he told me totell papa; but he's better, very likely.' `There you differ with me, Miss Cathy,' I remarked; `I shouldconjecture himto be far worse.' Linton here started from his slumber in bewildered terror, andasked if anyone had called his name.`No,' said Catherine; `unless in dreams.I cannot conceive howyou manage to doze out of doors, in the morning.' `I thought I heard my father,' he gasped, glancing up to the frowningnab above us. `You are sure nobody spoke?' `Quite sure,' replied his cousin. `Only Ellen and I were disputingconcerning your health. Are youtruly stronger, Linton, than when weseparatedin winter? If you be I'm certain one thing isnot stronger--your regardfor me: speak,--are you?' The tears gushed from Linton's eyes as he answered, `Yes, yes,I am!' And, still under the spell of the imaginary voice, hisgaze wanderedup and down to detect its owner. Cathy rose. `For today we must part,'she said. `AndI won't conceal thatI have been sadly disappointed withourmeeting; though I'llmention it to nobodybut you: not that I standin awe of Mr Heathcliff.' `Hush,'murmured Linton: `for God's sake, hush! He's coming.'And he clungto Catherine's arm, striving to detain her; but at that announcementshe hastily disengaged herself, and whistled to Minny, who obeyed her likeadog. `I'll be here next Thursday,' she cried, springing to the saddle.`Goodbye.Quick, Ellen!' And so we left him, scarcely conscious of our departure, soabsorbedwas he in anticipating his father's approach. Before we reached home, Catherine's displeasure softenedintoa perplexed sensation of pity and regret, largely blended with vague, uneasydoubts about Linton's actual circumstances, physical and social;in whichI partook, though I counselled her not to say much;for a second journeywould make usbetter judges. My master requested an account of our ongoings.His nephew's offering ofthanks was duly delivered, Miss Cathy gently touchingon the rest:I also threw little light on his inquiries, for I hardly knewwhat to hide, and what to reveal. [Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 27 Seven days glided away, every one marking its course by the henceforthrapid alteration of Edgar Linton's state. The havoc that months had previouslywrought was now emulated by the inroads of hours. Catherine, we would fainhave deluded yet: but herown quick spirit refused to delude her: it divinedin secret, and brooded on the dreadful probability, gradually ripeninginto certainty. She had not the heart to mention her ride, when Thursdaycame round; I mentioned it for her, and obtained permission to order herout of doors: for the library, where her father stopped a short time daily--thebrief period he could bearto sit up--and his chamber, had become her wholeworld. She grudged each moment that did not find her bending over hispillow,or seated by his side: Her countenance grew wanwith watching and sorrow,and my mastergladly dismissed herto what he flatteredhimself would bea happy change of scene and society; drawing comfort fromthe hope thatshe would not now be left entirely alone after his death.He had a fixed idea, I guessed by several observations he letfall, that, as his nephew resembledhim in person, he would resemble himinmind; for Linton's letters bore few or no indications of his defectivecharacter. And I, through pardonable weakness,refrained from correctingthe error;asking myself what good there would be in disturbing his lastmoments with information that he had neither power nor opportunity to turnto account. We deferred our excursion till the afternoon; a golden afternoonof August: every breath from the hills so full oflife, that it seemedwhoever respired it, though dying, might revive.Catherine's face wasjustlike the landscape--shadows and sunshine flitting over it in rapid succession;butthe shadows rested longer, and the sunshine was more transient; andher poor little heart reproached itself for even that passing forgetfulnessof its cares. We discerned Linton watching at the same spot he hadselectedbefore. My young mistress alighted, and told me that, as she was resolvedto stay a very little while, Ihad better hold the pony and remain on horseback;but I dissented: I wouldn't risk losingsight of the charge committed tome a minute; so we climbed the slope ofheath together. Master Heathcliffreceived us with greater animation on this occasion: not the animationof high spirits though, nor yet of joy; it looked more like fear. `It is late!' he said, speaking short and with difficulty. `Isnot your father very ill? I thought you wouldn't come.' `Whywon't you be candid?' cried Catherine, swallowingher greeting. `Why cannot you say at once you don't want me? It is strange,Linton, thatfor the second time you have brought me here on purpose, apparently,to distress us both, and for no reason besides!' Linton shivered, and glanced at her, halfsupplicating, half ashamed;but his cousin's patience was not sufficient to endure this enigmaticalbehaviour. `My father is veryill,' she said; `andwhy am I called fromhisbedside? Why didn't you send to absolve me from my promise, when'' youwished I wouldn'tkeep it? Come! I desire an explanation: playingand triflingare completely banished out of my mind; and I can't dance attendance onyour affectations now!' `My affectations!' he murmured; `what are they? For Heaven's sake,Catherine, don't look so angry!Despise me as much as you please; I amaworthless, cowardly wretch: I can't be scorned enough; but I'm too meanfor youranger. Hate my father, and spare mefor contempt.' `Nonsense!' cried Catherine, in a passion. `Foolish, silly boy!And there!he trembles, as if Iwere really going totouch him! You needn'tbespeak contempt, Linton: anybody willhave it spontaneously at your service.Get off! I shall return home: it is folly dragging you from the hearthstone,and pretending--what do we pretend? Let go my frock! If I pitied you forcryingand looking so very frightened, you should spurn such pity. Ellen,tell himhow disgraceful thisconduct is. Rise, and don't degrade yourselfinto an abject reptile--don't!' With streaming face and an expression ofagony, Linton had thrownhis nerveless frame along the ground: he seemed convulsed with exquisiteterror. `Oh!' he sobbed, `I cannot bear it! Catherine, Catherine, I'ma traitor, too,and I dare not tell you! But leave me, and I shall be killed!Dear Catherine, my life is in your hands: and you have said youloved me, and if you did, it wouldn'tharm you. You'll notgo, then? kind,sweet, good Catherine! And perhaps you willconsent--and he'll letme die with you!'My young lady, on witnessing his intense anguish, stooped to raisehim.The old feeling of indulgent tendernessovercame her vexation, andshe grew thoroughly moved and alarmed. `Consent to what?' she asked. `To stay?Tell me the meaning ofthis strange talk,and I will. You contradict your own words, and distractme! Be calm and frank, and confess at once all that weighs on your heart.You wouldn't injure me, Linton, would you? You wouldn't let any enemy hurtme, if youcould prevent it? I'll believe you area coward for yourself,but not a cowardly betrayer ofyour best friend.' `But my father threatened me,' gasped the boy, clasping his attenuatedfingers, `and I dread him--I dread him! I dare not tell!' `Oh, well!' said Catherine, with scornful compassion, `keep yoursecret: I'm no coward. Save yourself; I'm not afraid!' Her magnanimity provokedhis tears: he wept wildly, kissing hersupporting hands,and yet could not summon courage to speak out. I wascogitating what the mystery might be, and determined Catherine should neversuffer, to benefit him or anyone else, by my goodwill; when hearing a rustleamong the ling, I looked up and saw Mr Heathcliff almost close upon us,descending the Heights. He didn't cast a glance towards my companions,though they were sufficiently near for Linton's sobs tobe audible; buthailing me in thealmost hearty tone he assumed to none besides, and thesincerity of which I couldn't avoid doubting, he said: `It is something to see youso near"to my house,Nelly. How areyou atthe Grange? Let us hear. The rumour goes', he added in alower tone,`that Edgar Linton is on his deathbed: perhaps they exaggerate his illness!' `No; my master is dying,' I replied: `it is trueenough. A sadthing it will be for us all, but a blessing for him!' `How long will he last, do youthink?' he asked. `Idon't know,' I said.`Because,' he continued, looking at the two young people, whowere fixed under his eye--Linton appeared as if he could not venture tostir or raise his head, and Catherine could not move, on his account--`becausethat lad yonder seems determined to beat me; and I'd thank his uncle tobe quick, and go before him.Hallo! has the whelpbeen playing that gamelong? I did givehim some lessons about snivelling. Ishe pretty livelywithMiss Linton generally?' `Lively?no--he has shown thegreatest distress,' I answered.`To see him, I should say, that instead of rambling with his sweethearton the hills, he ought to be in bed, under thehands of a doctor.' `He shall be in a day or two,' muttered Heathcliff.`But first--getup, Linton! Get up!' he shouted. `Don't grovel on the groundthere: up,this moment!' Linton had sunk prostrate againin another paroxysm of helplessfear, caused by his father's glance towards him, I suppose: there was nothingelse to produce such humiliation. He madeseveral efforts to obey, buthis little strength was annihilated for the time, and he fell back againwith a moan. Mr Heathcliff advanced, and liftedhim to lean against a ridgeof turf. `Now,' said he, with curbed ferocity, `I'm getting angry; andif you don't command that paltry spirit of yours--Damn you! getup directly!' `I will, Father,' he panted. `Only, let me alone, or I shallfaint.I've done as you wished, I'm sure. Catherine will tell you that I--thatI--have been cheerful. Ah! keep by me, Catherine: give me your hand.' `Take mine,' said his father; `stand on your feet. There now--she'lllend you her arm: that's right, look at her. You would imagine Iwas the devil himself, Miss Linton, to excite such horror. Be so kind asto walk home with him, will you? He shudders if I touch him.' `Linton, dear!' whispered Catherine, `I can't go to WutheringHeights: papa has forbidden me. He'll not harm you: why are you so afraid?' `I can never re-enter that house,' he answered.`I'm notto re-enter it without you!' `Stop!' cried his father. `We'll respect Catherine's filial scruples.Nelly, takehim in, and I'll follow your advice concerning the doctor,without delay.' `You'll do well,'replied I. `But I must remain with my mistress:to mind your son is not my business.' `You are very stiff,' said Heathcliff, `I know that: but you'llforce me to pinch the baby and make it scream before it moves yourcharity.Come, then, my hero. Are you willing to return, escorted by me?' He approached once more, and made as if he would seize the fragilebeing; but, shrinking back, Linton clung to his cousin, and imploredherto accompany him,with a frantic importunity that admitted no denial. HoweverI disapproved, I couldn't hinder her: indeed, how could she have refusedhim herself? What was filling himwith dread we had nomeans of discerning:but therehe was, powerless under its grip, and any addition seemed capableof shocking him into idiotcy. Wereached the threshold: Catherinewalkedin, and I stood waiting till she had conducted the invalid to a chair,expecting her out immediately; when Mr Heathcliff, pushing me forward,exclaimed: `My house is not stricken with the plague, Nelly; and Ihave amind to be hospitable today: sit down, and allow me to shut the door.' He shut and lockedit also. I started. `You shall have tea before you go home,'he added. `I am by myself.Hareton is gone with some cattle to the Lees, and Zillah and Joseph areoff on a journey of pleasure;and, though I'm usedto being alone, I'drather have some interesting company,if I can get it. Miss Linton, takeyour seat by him. I give you what I have: the present ishardlyworth accepting; but I have nothing else tooffer. It is Linton,I mean.How she does stare! It's odd whata savage feeling I have to anything thatseems afraid of me! Had I been born where laws are less strict and tastesless dainty, Ishould treat myself,to a slow vivisection of thosetwo,as an evening's amusement. He drew in his breath, struck the table, and swore to himself,`By hell! I hate them.' `I'm not afraid of you!' exclaimed Catherine,who could not hearthe latter part of his speech. She stepped close up; her black eyes flashingwith passionand resolution. `Give me that key: Iwill have it!' she said.`I wouldn't eator drink here, if I were starving.' Heathcliff had the key in his hand thatremained on the table.He looked up, seized with a sort of surprise at her boldness; or, possibly,reminded byher voice and glance, of the person fromwhom she inheritedit. She snatched at the instrument, and half succeeded in getting it outof hisloosened fingers: but her action recalled him to the present; herecoveredit speedily. `Now, Catherine Linton,' he said, `stand off,or I shall knockyou down; and that will make Mrs Dean mad.' Regardless of this warning, she captured his closed hand and itscontentsagain. `We will go!'she repeated, exerting her utmostefforts to cause the iron muscles to relax; and finding that hernailsmade no impression, she applied her teeth pretty sharply. Heathcliff glancedatme a glance that kept me from interfering a moment. Catherine was toointent on his fingers to notice his face. He opened them suddenly, andresigned the object of dispute; but, ere she had well secured it, he seizedher with the liberated hand, and,pulling her on his knee, administeredwith theother a shower of terrific slaps on the side of the head, eachsufficient to have fulfilled his threat, had she beenable to fall. At this diabolical violence I rushed onhim furiously. `You villain!'I began to cry, `you villain!' A touch on the chestsilenced me: I am stout,and soon put out of breath; and, what with that and the rage, I staggereddizzily back, and felt readyto suffocate, or to burst a blood vessel.The scene was over in two minutes; Catherine, released,put her two handsto her temples, and looked just as if she were not sure whether her earswereoff or on. She trembled like a reed, poor thing, and leant againstthe table perfectly bewildered. `I know how to chastise children, you see,' said the scoundrelgrimly, as he stooped to repossess himself ofthe key, which had droppedto the floor.`Go to Linton now, as I told you; and cry at your ease! Ishall be your father, tomorrow--all the father you'll have in a few days--andyou shall have plenty of that.You can bear plenty;you're no weakling:you shall have a daily taste, if I catch such a devil of a temper inyoureyes again!' Cathy ran to me instead of Linton, and knelt down and put herburning cheekon my lap, weeping aloud. Her cousin had shrunk into a cornerof the settle,as quiet as a mouse,congratulating himself, I dare say,that the correction had lighted on another than him. Mr Heathcliff, perceivingus all confounded, rose, and expeditiously made the tea himself. The cupsand saucers were laid ready. He poured it out, and handed me acup. `Wash away yourspleen,' he said. `And help your own naughty petand mine.It is not poisoned, though I prepared it. I'm going out to seekyour horses.' Our first thought, on his departure, was to force an exitsomewhere.We tried the kitchen door, but that was fastened outside: welooked atthe windows--they were too narrow for even Cathy's little figure. `Master into,' I cried, seeing we were regularly imprisoned: `youknowwhat your diabolicalfather is after, andyou shall tell us, or I'llbox your ears, as he has done your cousin's.' `Yes, Linton, you must tell,' said Catherine. `It was for yoursake I came;and it will be wickedly ungrateful if you refuse.' `Give me some tea, I'm thirsty, and thenI'll tell you,' he answered.`Mrs Dean, go away. I don't like you standing over me. Now, Catherine,you are letting your tears fall into my cup. I won't drink that. Give meanother.' Catherine pushed another to him, and wiped her face. I felt disgustedat thelittle wretch's composure, since he was no longer in terror forhimself. The anguish he had exhibited on the moor subsided as soon as everhe entered Wuthering Heights; so I guessed he had been menaced with anawfulvisitation of wrath if he failed in decoying us there; and, thataccomplished, hehad no further immediate fears. `Papa wants us to bemarried,' he continued, after sipping someof the liquid. `And he knows your papa wouldn't let us marry now; and he'safraid of my dying, if we wait; so we are to be married in the morning,and you are to stay here all night; and if you doas he wishes, you shallreturn home next day, and take me with you.' `Take you with her, pitiful changeling?'I exclaimed. `You marry?Why, the man is mad; or he thinksus fools, every one.And do you imaginethat beautiful young lady, that healthy, hearty girl, will tie herselfto a little perishing monkey like you! Areyou cherishing the notion thatanybody, let alone Miss Catherine Linton, would have you for ahusband?You want whipping for bringing us in here at all, with your dastardly pulingtricks; and--don't look so silly, now! I've a very good mind to shake youseverely, for your contemptible treachery, and your imbecile conceit.' Idid give him a slight shaking; but it brought on the cough,and he took tohis ordinary resource of moaning and weeping, and Catherinerebuked me.`Stay all night? No,' she said, looking slowly round. `Ellen,I'll burn that doordown, but I'll get out.' And she would have commenced the execution of her threat directly,but Linton was up in alarm for his dear self again. He clasped her in histwo feeble arms, sobbing: `Won't you have me, and save me? not let me come tothe Grange?Oh! darling Catherine! you mustn't go and leave me, after all.You mustobey my father--you must!' `I must obey my own,' she replied, `and relieve him from thiscruel suspense. The whole night! What would he think?he'll be distressedalready. I'll either break or burn a way out of the house. Be quiet!You'rein no danger; but if you hinder me--Linton, I love papa better than you!' The mortal terrorhe felt of Mr Heathcliff's anger, restored tothe boy his coward's eloquence. Catherinewas near distraught:still, shepersisted that she must go home, and tried entreaty in her turn, persuadinghim to subdue his selfish agony. While they were thus occupied, our gaolerre-entered. `Your beasts have trotted off,' he said, `and--now, Linton! snivellingagain? What has she been doing to you? Come, come--have done, andget tobed. In a month or two, my lad, you'll be able to pay her back her presenttyrannies with a vigorous hand. You're pining for pure love, are you not?nothing else in the world: and she shall have you! There, to bed! Zillahwon't be here tonight; you must undress yourself. Hush! hold your noise!Once in your own room, I'll not come near you: you needn't fear. By chanceyou've managedtolerably. I'll lookto the rest.' He spoke these words, holding the door open for his son to pass;and the latter achieved his exit exactly as a spanielmight, which suspectedthe person who attended on it of designing a spiteful squeeze. The lockwas re-secured. Heathcliff approached the fire,where my mistress and Istood silent. Catherine looked up,and instinctively raised her hand toher cheek: his neighbourhood revived a painful sensation. Anybody elsewould have been incapable of regarding the childish act with sternness,but he scowled on her, and muttered: `Oh! you are not afraid of me? Your courage is well disguised:you seem damnably afraid!' `I am afraid now,' she replied, `because, if I stay,papawill be miserable; and how can I endure making him miserable;--whenhe--whenhe--Mr Heathcliff, let me go home! I promise to marry Linton: papawould like me to, and I love him--why should you wish to force me to dowhat I'll willingly do of myself?' `Let him dare to force you!' I cried. `There's law in the land,thank God thereis; though we be in an out-of-the-way place. I'dinform if he were my own son: and it's felony without benefit of clergy!' `Silence!' said the ruffian. `To the devil with your clamour!I don'twant you to speak. Miss Linton, I shallenjoy myself remarkablyin thinking your fatherwill be miserable: Ishall not sleep for satisfaction.You could have hit on nosurer way of fixing your residence undermy rooffor the next twenty-four hours, than informing me that such an event wouldfollow. As to your promise to marry Linton, I'll take care you shall keepit; for you shall not quit this place till it is fulfilled.' `Send Ellen, then, to let papa know I'm safe!'exclaimed Catherine,weeping bitterly. `Or marry me now. Poor papa! Ellen, he'll think we'relost. What shall we do?' `Not he! He'll think you are tired of waitingon him, and runoff for a little amusement,' answeredHeathcliff. `You cannot deny thatyou entered my house of your own accord, in contempt of his injunctionsto the contrary. And it is quite natural that you should desire amusementat your age; arid that you would weary of nursing a sick man, and thatman only your father. Catherine, his happiest days were over whenyour days began. He cursed you, I dare say, for coming into the world (Idid, at least); and it wouldjust do if he cursedyou as he wentout ofit. I'd join him. I don't love you! How should I? Weep away.Asfar as I can see, it will be your chief diversion hereafter; unless Lintonmake amends for other losses: and your provident parent appears to fancyhe may. His letters of advice and consolation entertained me vastly. Inhis last he recommended my jewel to be careful of his; and kind to herwhen he got her. Careful and kind--that's paternal. But Lintonrequireshis whole stock of care and kindness for himself. Linton can play the littletyrant well. He'll undertake to tortureany number of cats, if their teethbe drawn and their claws pared. You'll be able to tell his uncle fine talesof his kindness, when you get home again, I assure you.' `You're right there!' I said; `explain your son's character. Showhis resemblance to yourself; and then, I hope, Miss Cathy will think twicebefore she takes the cockatrice!' `I don't much mind speaking of hisamiable qualities now,' heanswered; `because she must either accept him orremain a prisoner, andyou along with her, till your master dies. I can detain you both, quiteconcealed, here. If you doubt, encourage her to retract her word, and you'llhave an opportunity of judging!' `I'll not retract my word,' said Catherine. `I'll marry him withinthis hour, if I may go to Thrushcross Grange afterwards. Mr Heathcliff,you're a cruel man, but you're not a fiend; and you won't, from meremalice, destroy irrevocably all my happiness. If papa thought I had lefthim on purpose, and if he died before I returned, could I bear to live?I've given over crying: but I'm going to kneel here,at your knee; andI'll not get up, and I'll not take myeyes from your face till you lookback atme! No, don't turn away! do look! You'll see nothing to provokeyou. I don't hate you. I'm notangry that you struck me. Have you neverloved anybody in all your life, uncle? never? Ah! you mustlook once. I'm so wretched, you can't help being sorry and pitying me.' `Keep your eft's fingers off; and move, or I'll kick you!' criedHeathcliff, brutally repulsing her. `I'd rather be hugged by a snake. Howthe devil can youdream of fawning on me? I detest you!' He shrugged his shoulders: shook himself, indeed, as if his fleshcrept with aversion; and thrust back his chair; while I got up, and openedmy mouth, to commence adownright torrent ofabuse. But I was rendereddumb in the middle of the first sentence, by a threat that I shouldbeshown into a room by myself the very next syllable I uttered. It was growingdark--we heard a sound of voices at the gardengate. Our host hurried outinstantly: he had his wits about him; we had not. There wasa talkof two or three minutes, and he returned alone. `I thought it had been your cousin Hareton,' I observed to Catherine.`I wish hewould arrive! Who knows but he might take our part?' `It was three servants sent to seek you from the Grange,' saidHeathcliff, overhearing me. `Youshould have opened alattice and calledout: but I could swear that chit is glad you didn't. She's glad to be obligedto stay, I'm certain.' At learning the chance we had missed, we both gave vent to ourgrief without control; and he allowed us to wail on till nine o'clock.Then he bid us go upstairs, through the kitchen, to Zillah's chamber; andI whispered my companion to obey: perhaps we might contrive to get throughthe window there, or into a garret, and out by its skylight. The window,however, was narrow, like those below, and the garret trap was safefromour attempts; for we were fastenedin as before. We neither of us lay down:Catherine took her station by the lattice, and watchedanxiously for morning;a deep sigh being the only answer I could obtain to my frequent entreatiesthat she would try to rest. Iseated myself in a chair, and rocked toandfro, passing harsh judgment on mymany derelictions ofduty; from which,it struck me then, all the misfortunes of all my employers sprang. It wasnot the case, in reality, I am aware; but itwas, in my imagination, thatdismal night; and I thought Heathcliff himself less guilty than I. At seven o'clock he came, and inquired if Miss Linton had risen. She ran to the door immediately, and answered, `Yes.' `Here, then,'he said, opening it, and pulling her out I rose to follow, but he turnedthe lock again. I demanded my release.`Be patient,' he replied; `I'll send up your breakfast ina while.' I thumped on the panels, and rattled the latch angrily; and Catherineasked why Iwas still shut up? He answered, I must try to endure it anotherhour, and they went away. I endured it two or three hours; at length, Iheard a footstep: not Heathcliff's. `I've brought you something to eat,' said a voice; `oppent door!' Complying eagerly, I beheld Hareton, laden with food enough tolast me all day. `Tak it,' he added, thrusting the tray into my hand. `Stay one minute,' I began. `Nay,' cried he, and retired, regardless of any prayers I couldpour forth to detain him.And there I remainedenclosed the whole day, and the whole ofthe next night; and another, and another. Five nightsand four days I remained,altogether,seeing nobody but Hareton, once every morning; and he was amodel of a jailer: surly, and dumb, anddeaf to every attempt at movinghissense of justice or compassion.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 28 On the fifth morning, or rather afternoon, a different step approached--lighterand shorter; and, this time, the person entered the room. It was Zillah;donned in herscarlet shawl, with a black silk bonnet on her head, anda willow basket swung to her arm.`Eh, dear! Mrs Dean!' she exclaimed. `Well! there is a talk aboutyou at Gimmerton. I never thought but you weresunk in the Blackhorse marsh,andmissy with you, tillmaster told me you'dbeen found, and he'dlodgedyou here! What! and you must have got on an island, sure? And how longwere you in the hole? Did master save you, Mrs Dean? But you're not sothin--you've not been so poorly, haveyou?' `Your master is a true scoundrel!' I replied. `But heshall answerfor it. He needn't have raised that tale: itshall all be laid bare!' `What do you mean?' asked zillah.`It's not his tale: they tellthat in thevillage--about your being lost in the marsh: and I calls toEarnshaw, when I come in--"Eh, they'squeer things, Mr Hareton, happenedsince I wentoff. It's a sad pityof that likely younglass, and cant NellyDean.'' He stared. I thought hehad not heard aught,so I told him therumour. The master listened, andhe just smiled to himself, and said, ``Ifthey have been in the marsh, they are out now, Zillah.Nelly Dean is lodged,at this minute, in your room. You can tell her to flit, when you go up;here is the key. The bog water got into her head, and she would have runhome quite flighty; but I fixedher till she came round to her senses.You can bid her go to the Grangeat once, if she be able, and carry a messagefrom me, thather young lady will follow in time to attend the squire'sfuneral."' `Mr Edgar is not dead?' I gasped. `Oh! Zillah, Zillah!' `No, no; sit you down, my good mistress,' she replied, `you'reright sickly yet. He's not dead: Doctor Kenneth thinks he may last anotherday. I met him on the road and asked.' Instead of sitting down, I snatched my outdoor things, and hastenedbelow, for the way was free. Onentering the house, I looked about forsomeone to give information of Catherine. The placewas filled with sunshine,and the door stood wide open; but nobody seemed at hand. As I hesitatedwhether to go off at once, or return and seek my mistress, a slight coughdrew my attention to the hearth. Linton lay on the settle, sole tenant,sucking a stick of sugar-candy, and pursuing my movements with apatheticeyes. `Where is Miss Catherine?' I demanded sternly, supposing I couldfrighten him into giving intelligence, by catching him thus, alone. Hesucked on like an innocent. `Is she gone?' I said. `No,' he replied; `she's upstairs: she's not to go; we won't lether.' `You won't let her, little idiot!' I exclaimed.`Direct me toher room immediately, orI'll make you sing out sharply.' `Papa would make you sing out, if you attempted to get there,'he answered. `He says I'm not to be soft with Catherine: she's my wife,and it's shameful that she should wish to leaveme. He says, she hatesme and wants meto die, that she mayhave my money; but she shan't haveit: and she shan't go home! She never shall!--she may cry,and be sickas much as she pleases!' He resumed his former occupation, closing his lids, as if he meantto drop asleep.`Master Heathcliff,'I resumed, `have youforgotten all Catherine'skindness to you last winter, when you affirmed you loved her, and whenshe brought you books and sung you songs, and came manya time throughwind and snow to see you?She wept to miss oneevening, because youwouldbe disappointed; and you felt then that she was a hundred times too goodto you: and now you believe the liesyour father tells, though you knowhe detests you both. And you join him against her. That's fine gratitude,is itnot?' The corner of Linton's mouth fell,and he took the sugar-candyfrom his lips. `Did she come to Wuthering Heights, because she hated you?' Icontinued. `Think for yourself!As to your money, she does not even knowthat you will have any. And you say she's sick; and yet, you leave heralone, up there in a strange house! You who have felt what it is to beso neglected! You couldpity your own sufferings; and she pitied them too;but you won't pity hers!I shed tears, MasterHeathcliff, you see--an elderlywoman, and a servant merely--and you, after pretending such affection,and havingreason to worship her almost, store every tear you have foryourself, and liethere quite at ease.Ah! you're a heartless, selfishboy!' `I can't stay with her,' he answered crossly. `I'll not stay bymyself. She cries so I can't bear it. And she won't give over, thoughIsay I'll call my father. I did call him once, and he threatened to strangleher, if she was not quiet; but she began again the instant he left theroom, moaning andgrieving all night long, though I screamed for vexationthat I couldn't sleep.' `IsMr Heathcliff out?' I inquired, perceiving that the wretchedcreature hadno power to sympathize with his cousin's mental tortures. `He's in the court,' he replied, `talking toDr Kenneth; who saysuncle is dying, truly, at last. I'm glad, for I shall bemaster of theGrange after him--and Catherine always spoke of it as her house.It isn't hers!It's mine: papa sayseverything she has is mine. All hernicebooks are mine; she offered to give me them, and her prettybirds,and her pony Minny, if I would get the key of our room, and let her out;but I told her she had nothing to give, they were all,all mine. And thenshe cried, and took a little picture from her neck, and said I should havethat; twopictures in a gold case, on one side her mother, and on the other,uncle, when they were young. That was yesterday--I said they weremine, too; and tried to get them from her. The spiteful thing wouldn'tlet me: she pushed me off, and hurt me. I shrieked out--that frightensher--she heard papa coming, and she broke the hinges and divided the case,and gave meher mother's portrait; the other she attempted to hide: butpapa asked what was the matter,and I explained it. He took the one I hadaway, and orderedher to resign hers to me; she refused, and he--he struckherdown, and wrenched it off the chain, and crushed it with his foot.' `And wereyou pleased to see her struck?' I asked: having my designsin encouraging his talk. `I winked,' he answered: `I wink tosee my father strikea dogor a horse, he does it so hard. YetI was glad at first--she deserved punishingfor pushingme: but when papa was gone, she made me come to the windowand showed me her cheek cut on theinside, against her teeth, and her mouthfilling with blood; and then she gathered up the bitsof the picture, andwent and sat downwith her face to thewall, and she has never spoken tome since: and I sometimes think she can't speak for pain. I don't liketo think so; but she's a naughty thing for crying continually; and shelooks so paleand wild, I'm afraidof her.' `And you can get the key if you choose?' I said.`Yes, when I'm upstairs,' he answered; `but I can't walk upstairsnow.`In what apartment is it?' I asked. `Oh,' he cried, `I shan't tell you where itis! It is our secret.Nobody, neither Hareton nor Zillah, is to know. There! you've tired me--goaway, go away!' And he turned his face on to his arm, and shut his eyesagain. I considered it best to depart without seeing Mr Heathcliff, andbring a rescue for my young lady from the Grange. On reaching it, the astonishmentof my fellow-servants to see me, and their joy also, was intense; and whenthey heard that their little mistress was safe, two or three were aboutto hurry up andshout the news at MrEdgar's door: but I bespoke the announcementof it, myself. How changed I found him, even inthose few days! He layan image of sadness and resignation waiting his death. Very young he looked;though his actual age was thirty-nine, one would have called him ten yearsyounger, at least. He thought of Catherine; for he murmured her name. Itouched his hand, and spoke.`Catherine is coming, dear master!' I whispered; `she is aliveand well; and will be here, I hope, tonight.' I trembled at the first effects of this intelligence: he halfrose up, looked eagerly roundthe apartment, and then sank back in a swoon.As soon as he recovered, I relatedour compulsory visit, and detentionat the Heights. I said Heathcliff forced meto go in: which was not quitetrue. I uttered as little aspossible against Linton; nor did I describeall his father's brutal conduct--my intentions being to add no bitterness,ifI could help it, to his already overflowing cup. He divined that one of his enemy's purposeswas to secure thepersonal property, as well as the estate, to his son: or rather himself;yet why he did not wait till his decease was a puzzle to my master,becauseignorant how nearly he and his nephew would quit the world together. However,he felt thathis will had better be altered: instead of leaving Catherine'sfortune at her owndisposal, he determined to put itin the hands of trusteesfor her use during life, and forher children, if shehad any, after her.By that means, it could not fall toMr Heathcliff shouldLinton die. Having received his orders,I dispatched a man to fetch the attorney,and four more, provided with serviceable weapons,to demand my young ladyof her jailer. Both parties were delayed very late. The single servantreturned first. He said Mr Green, the lawyer, was out when he arrived athis house,and he had to wait two hours for his re-entrance; and then MrGreen told him he had a little business in the village that must bedone;but he would beat Thrushcross Grange before morning. The four men cameback unaccompanied also. They brought word that Catherine ; and Heathcliff would notsuffer them to see her.I scolded the stupid fellows well for listening to that tale, which I wouldnot carry to mymaster; resolving totake a whole bevy upto the Heights,at daylight, and storm it literally, unlessthe prisoner were quietly surrenderedto us. Her father shall seeher, I vowed, and vowed again, if thatdevil be killed on his own doorstones in tryingto prevent it! Happily, I was spared the journey and the trouble. I had gonedownstairs at three o'clock to fetch a jug of water; and was passing throughthe hall withit in my hand, when a sharp knock at thefront door mademe jump. `Oh! it is Green,' I said, recollecting myself--`only Green,'and I went on, intending to send somebody else to open it; butthe knockwas repeated: not loud, and still importunately. I putthe jug on the banisterand hastenedto admit him myself.The harvest moon shone clear outside.It was not the attorney. My ownsweet little mistress sprang on my neck,sobbing: `Ellen! Ellen! is papa alive?' `Yes,' I cried: `yes, my angel, he is. God bethanked, you aresafewith us again!' She wanted to run, breathless as she was, upstairs to Mr Linton'sroom; but I compelled her to sitdown on a chair, andmade her drink, andwashed her pale face, chafing it into a faint colour with my apron. ThenIsaid I must go first, and tell of her arrival; imploring her to say,she should be happy withyoung Heathcliff. She stared, but sooncomprehendingwhy I counselled her to utter the falsehood,she assured me she would notcomplain. Icouldn't abide to bepresent at their meeting. I stood outsidethe chamber door a quarter of anhour, and hardly ventured near the bed,then. All was composed, however: Catherine's despair was as silent as herfather's joy. Shesupported him calmly, in appearance; andhe fixed onher features his raised eyes, that seemed dilating with ecstasy. He died blissfully, Mr Lockwood: he died so. Kissing her cheek,he murmured. `I am going to her; and you, darling child, shall come tous!'and never stirred or spoke again; but continuedthat rapt, radiant gaze,till his pulse imperceptibly stopped and his souldeparted. None couldhave noticed the exact minute of his death, it was soentirely withouta struggle. Whether Catherine had spent her tears, or whether the grief weretoo weighty to let them flow, she sat there dry-eyed till the sun rose:she sat till noon, and would still have remained brooding over that deathbed,but I insisted on her coming away and taking some repose. It was well Isucceeded in removing her; for atdinner time appearedthe lawyer, havingcalled at Wuthering Heights toget his instructionshow to behave. He hadsold himself to Mr Heathcliff, and that was the cause of his delay in obeyingmy master's summons. Fortunately, no thought of worldly affairs crossedthe latter's mind, to disturb him, after his daughter's arrival. Mr Greentook upon himself toorder everything andeverybody aboutthe place. He gave all the servants, but me, notice to quit. Hewould havecarried his delegated authority to the point of insisting that Edgar Lintonshould not be buried beside his wife, but in the chapel, with his family.There was thewill, however, to hinder that, and my loud protestationsagainstany infringement of its directions. The funeral was hurried over;Catherine, Mrs Linton Heathcliff now, was suffered tostay at the Grangetill her father's corpse had quitted it. She toldme that her anguish had at last spurred Linton to incurthe risk of liberating her. She heard the men I sent disputingat the door,and she gathered the sense of Heathcliff's answer. It drove herdesperate.Linton, who had been conveyed up to the little parlour soon after I left,was terrified into fetching the key before his father re-ascended. He hadthecunning to unlock and relock the door,without shutting it;and whenhe should have gone to bed, hebegged to sleep withHareton, and his petitionwas granted for once. Catherine stole out before break of day. She darenot try the doors, lest the dogsshould raise an alarm; she visited theempty chambers and examined their windows; and, luckily, lighting onhermother's, she goteasily out of its lattice, and on to the ground, by meansof the fir treeclose by. Her accomplice suffered for his share in theescape, notwithstanding his timid contrivances.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 29 The evening after the funeral, my young lady and I were seated in the library;now musing mournfully--one of us despairingly--on our loss, now venturingconjecturesas to the gloomy future.We had just agreed the best destiny which could await Catherine,would be apermission to continue resident atthe Grange; at least, duringLinton's life: he being allowed to join her there, and I to remain as housekeeper.That seemed rather too favourable an arrangement to be hoped for: and yetI did hope, and began to cheer up under the prospect of retaining my homeandmy employment, and, above all, my beloved young mistress; when a servant--oneof the discarded ones, not yet departed--rushedhastily in, and said`thatdevil Heathcliff' was coming through the court: should he fasten the doorin his face? If we had been mad enough to order that proceeding, we had nottime. He made no ceremony of knockingor announcing his name: he was master,and availed himself of the master's privilege to walk straight in,withoutsaying a word. The sound of our informant's voice directed him to the library:he entered, and motioning him out, shut the door. It was the same roominto which he had been ushered, as a guest,eighteen yearsbefore: the same moon shone through the window; and thesame autumn landscape lay outside. We had not yet lighted a candle, butall the apartment was visible, even to theportraits on the wall: the splendidhead of Mrs Linton, and the graceful one of her husband. Heathcliff advancedto the hearth. Time had little altered his person either. Therewas thesame man: hisdark face rather sallower and more composed, his frame astone or two heavier, perhaps, and no other difference. Catherine had risen,with an impulse to dash out,when she saw him. `Stop!' he said, arresting her by thearm. `No more runnings away!Where would you go? I'm come to fetch you home; and I hope you'll be adutiful daughter, and not encourage my son to further disobedience. I wasembarrassed how to punish him when I discovered his part in the business:he's such acobweb, a pinch would annihilate him; but you'll see by hislook that he has received his due! I brought him down oneevening, theday before yesterday, and just set him in a chair, and never touched himafterwards. I sent Hareton out, and we had the room to ourselves. In twohours, I called Joseph to carry him up again; and since then my presenceis as potent on his nerves as a ghost; and I fancy he sees me often, thoughI amnot near. Hareton says he wakes and shrieks in the nightby the hourtogether,and calls you to protect him from me;and, whether you like yourprecious mate or not, you must come: he's yourconcern now; I yieldallmy interest in him to you. `Why notlet Catherine continue here?' I pleaded, `and send MasterLinton to her.As you hate them both, you'd not missthem: they canonly be a daily plague toyour unnatural heart. `I'm seeking a tenant for the Grange,' he answered; `and I wantmy children about me, to be sure. Besides,that lass owes me her servicesfor her bread. I'm not goingto nurture her in luxury and idleness afterLinton has gone. Make haste and getready, now; and don't oblige me tocompel you.' `I shall,' said Catherine. `Linton is all I have to love in theworld, and though you have done what you could to make him hateful to me,and me to him,you cannot make us hate each other. AndI defy youto hurt him when I am by, and I defy you to frighten me!' You are a boastful champion,' replied Heathcliff; `but I don'tlike you well enough to hurt him: you shall get the full benefit of thetorment, as long as it lasts. It is not I who will make him hateful toyou--it is his ownsweet spirit. He's as bitter as gall atyour desertionand its consequences: don't expect thanks for this noble devotion. I heardhimdraw a pleasant picture to Zillah ofwhat he would do if he were asstrong as I: the inclination is there, and his very weakness will sharpenhis wits to find a substitute for strength.' `I know he has a bad nature,' said Catherine: `he's your son.But I'm glad I've a better, to forgive it; and Iknow he loves me, andfor that reason Ilove him. Mr Heathcliff, you havenobody to loveyou; and, however miserable you make us, we shall still have the revengeof thinking that your cruelty arises from your greater misery.You aremiserable, are you not? Lonely,like the devil, and envious like him? Nobodyloves you--nobody will cryfor you when you die! I wouldn't be you!' Catherine spoke with a kind of dreary triumph: she seemed to havemade up her mind to enterinto the spirit of her future family, and drawpleasure from the griefs of her enemies. `You shall be sorry to beyourself presently',said her father-in-law,`if you stand there another minute. Begone, witch, and get your things!' She scornfully withdrew. In her absence, I began to beg for Zillah'splace at theHeights, offering toresign mine to her; but he would sufferit on no account. He bid me be silent; and then,for the first time, allowedhimself a glance round the room and a look at the pictures. HavingstudiedMrs Linton, he said: `I shall have that home. Not because I need it, but--' He turnedabruptly to the fire, and continued, with what, for lack of a better word,I must call a smile--`I'Il tell you what I did yesterday! I got thesexton,who was digging Linton's grave, to remove theearth off her coffin-lid,and I opened it. I thought, once, Iwould have stayed there: when I sawherface again--it.is hers yet!--he had ~ hard work to stir me; but hesaid it would change if the air blew on it, and so I struck one sideofthe coffin loose, and covered it up: not Linton's side, damn him! I wishhe'dbeen soldered in lead. And I bribed the sexton to pull it away whenI'm laidthere, and slide mine out too; I'll have it made so: andthen,by the time Linton gets to us he'll not know which is which!' `You werevery wicked, Mr Heathcliff!' I exclaimed, `were younot ashamed to disturb the dead?' `I disturbed nobody,Nelly,' he replied; `and I gave some easeto myself. I shall be a great deal more comfortable now; andyou'll havea better chance of keeping meunderground, when I get there. Disturbedher? No! she has disturbed me, night and day, through eighteen years--incessantly--remorselessly--tillyesternight; and yesternight I t Iwas sleeping thelastsleep by that sleeper, with my heart stopped and mycheek frozen againsthers.' `And if she had been dissolved into earth, or worse, what wouldyou have dreamtof then?' I said. `Of dissolving with her, and being more happy still!' he answered.`Do you suppose I dread any change of that sort?I expected such a transformationon raising the lid: butI'm better pleased that it should not commencetill I shareit. Besides, unless I had received a distinct impression ofher passionless features, that strange feeling would hardly have been removed.It began oddly. You know I was wild after she died; and eternally, fromdawn to dawn, praying herto return to me her spirit! I have a strong faithin ghosts: I have a conviction that theycan, and do, exist among us! Theday shewas buried there came a fall of snow.In the evening I went tothe churchyard. It blew bleak as winter--allround was solitary. I didn'tfear that her fool of a husband would wanderup the den so late; and noone else had business to bring them there. Being alone, and conscioustwoyards of loose earth was the sole barrier between us, I said to myself--"I'llhave her in my arms again! If she be cold, I'll think it is this northwindthat chills me; and if she be motionless, it is sleep." I gota spade from the toolhouse, and beganto delve with all mymight--it scrapedthecoffin; I fell to work with my hands; the wood commenced cracking aboutthe screws; I was on thepoint of attaining my object, when it seemed thatI heard asigh from someone above, close at the edge of the grave, andbending down. "IfI can only get this off," I muttered, "Iwish they mayshovel in the earth over usboth!" and I wrenched at it more desperatelystill. There was another sigh, close at my ear. I appeared to feel thewarm breath of it displacing thesleet-laden wind. I knew no living thingin flesh and blood was by; but, as certainly as you perceive the approachto some substantial body in the dark, though it cannot be discerned,socertainly I felt that Cathy was there: not under me, but on the earth.A sudden sense of relief flowed from my heart through every limb. I relinquishedmy labour of agony, andturned consoled at once: unspeakably consoled.Her presence was with me: it remained while I refilled the grave, and ledme home. You may laugh, if you will; but I was sure I should see her there.I was sureshe was with me, andI could not help talking to her. Havingreached the Heights, I rushed eagerly to the door.It was fastened; and,I remember, that accursed Earnshaw and my wife opposed my entrance. I rememberstopping to kick the breath out of him, and then hurrying upstairs, tomy room and hers. I looked round impatiently--I felt her by me--I couldalmost see her,and yet I could not!I ought to have sweatblood then, from the anguish of my yearning--from the fervour of my supplicationsto havebut one glimpse! I had not one. She showed herself, as she oftenwas in life, a devil to me! And, since then, sometimes more and sometimesless, I've been the sport of that intolerable torture! Infernal! keepingmy nerves at such a stretch, that, if they had not resembled catgut, theywould long ago have relaxed to the feebleness of Linton's. When I sat inthehouse with Hareton, it seemed that on going out, I should meet her;when I walked on the moors I should meet her coming in. When I went fromhome, I hastened to return: she must be somewhere at the Heights,I was certain! And when I slept in her chamber--I was beaten out of that.I couldn't lie there; for the moment I closed my eyes, she was eitheroutsidethe window, or sliding back the panels, or entering the room, or even restingher darling head on the same pillow as she did when a child; and I mustopen my lids to see. And so I openedand closed them a hundred times anight--to be always disappointed! It racked me! I've often groaned aloud,till that old rascal Joseph no doubt believed that my conscience was playingthe fiend inside of me. Now, since I've seen her,I'm pacified--a little.It ~s a strange way of killing! not by inches, but by fractions and hairbreadths,to beguile me with the spectre of a hope, through eighteen years!' Mr Heathcliff paused and wiped his forehead; his hair clung toit, wet withperspiration; his eyes were fixed on the red embers of thefire, the brows not contracted, but raised next the temples; diminishingthe grim aspect of his countenance, but imparting a peculiarlook of trouble,and a painful appearanceof mental tension towards one absorbing subject.Heonly half addressed me, and I maintainedsilence. I didn't like to hearhim talk! After a short period he resumed his meditation on the picture,took it down and leant it against the sofa to contemplate it at betteradvantage; andwhile so occupied Catherine entered, announcing that shewas ready, when her pony should be saddled. `Send that over tomorrow,' saidHeathcliff to me; then turningto her, he added--`You may do without your pony: it is a fine evening,and you'll need no ponies at Wuthering Heights; for what journeys you take,your own feet will serve you.Come along.' `Goodbye, Ellen!' whispered my dear little mistress. As she kissedme, her lips felt like ice. `Come and see me, Ellen; don't forget.' `Take care you do no such thing, Mrs Dean!' said her new father.`When I wish to speak to you I'llcome here. I want none of your pryingat my house!' He signed her to precede him; and casting back a look that cutmy heart, she obeyed. I watched them from the window, walk down the garden.Heathcliff fixed Catherine's arm under his: though she disputed the actat first evidently; and with rapid strides he hurried her into thealley,whose trees concealed them.[NextChapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 30 I have paid a visit to the Heights, but I have not seen her since she left:Joseph held thedoor in his hand when I called to askafter her, and wouldn'tlet me pass.He said Mrs Linton was `thrang', and the master was not in.Zillah has told me something of the way they go on, otherwise I shouldhardly know who was dead and wholiving. She thinks Catherine haughty,and does notlike her, I can guess by her talk. My young lady asked someaid of her when she first came; but Mr Heathcliff told her to follow herownbusiness, and let his daughter-in-law look after herself; and Zillahwillingly acquiesced, being a narrow-minded, selfish woman. Catherine evinceda child's annoyance atthis neglect; repaidit with contempt, and thusenlisted my informant among her enemies, as securelyas if she had doneher some great wrong. I had a long talk with Zillah about six weeks ago,a little before you came, one day when we foregatheredon the moor; andthisis what she told me.`The first thing MrsLinton did', she said, `on her arrival atthe Heights, was to run upstairs, without even wishing good evening tome and Joseph; she shut herself into Linton's room, and remained till morning.Then, while the master and Earnshaw were at breakfast, she entered thehouse, and asked all in a quiver if the doctormight be sent for? her cousinwas very ill. `"We know that!" answered Heathcliff; "but hislife is not wortha farthing, and I won't spend a farthing on him." `"But I cannot tell how to do," she said; "and if nobody willhelp me, he'll die!" `"Walk out of the room," cried themaster, "and let me never heara word more about him! Nonehere care what becomes of him; if you do, actthe nurse; if you do not, lock him up and leave him." `Then she began to bother me, and I said I'd had enough plaguewith the tiresome thing; we each had our tasks, and hers was to waitonLinton, Mr Heathcliff bid me leave that labour toher. `How they managed together, I can't tell. I fancy he fretted agreat deal, and moaned hisseln night and day; and she had precious littlerest:one could guess by her white face and heavy eyes. She sometimes cameinto the kitchen all wildered like, and looked as if she would fain begassistance; but Iwas not going to disobey the master: I never dare disobeyhim, Mrs Dean; and, though I thought it wrong that Kenneth should not besent for, it was no concern of mine either to advise or complain, and Ialways refused to meddle. Once or twice, after we had gone to bed, I'vehappened to openmy door again and seen her sitting crying on the stairs'top; and then I've shut myself in quick, for fear of being moved to interfere.Idid pity her then, I'm sure: still I didn't wish to lose my place, youknow. `At last, one night she came boldly intomy chamber, and frightenedme out of my wits, by saying: `"Tell Mr Heathcliffthat his son is dying--I'm sure he is, thistime. Get up, instantly, and tell him." `Having uttered this speech,she vanished again. I lay a quarterof anhour listening and trembling. Nothing stirred--the house istaken, I said to myself. He's got over it. I needn'tdisturb them;and I began to doze.But my sleep was marred a second timeby a sharp ringing of the bell--the only bell we have, put up on purposefor Linton; and the master called to me to see what was the matter,andinform them that he wouldn't have that noise repeated.`I delivered Catherine's message.He cursed to himself, and ina few minutes came out with a lighted candle, and proceeded to their room.I followed. MrsHeathcliff was seated by the bedside, with her hands foldedon her knees. Her father-in-law went up, held the light to Linton's face,lookedat him, and touched him; afterwards he turned to her. `"Now--Catherine," he said, "how do you feel?" `She was dumb.`"How do you feel, Catherine?" he repeated. `"He's safe, and I'm free,"she answered: "I should feel well--but",she continued, with a bitterness she couldn't conceal, "you have left meso long to struggle against death alone,that I feel and see only death!I feel like death!" `And she looked like it, too! I gave her a little wine. Haretonand Joseph, who had been wakenedby the ringing and the sound of feet,and heard our talk from outside, now entered. Joseph was fain, I believe,of the lad'sremoval; Hareton seemed a thought bothered: though he wasmore taken up with staring at Catherine than thinking of Linton. But themaster bid him get off to bed again: we didn't want his help. He afterwardsmade Joseph remove the body to his chamber,and told me to return to mine,and Mrs Heathcliff remained by herself.`In the morning, he sent me to tell her she must come down tobreakfast: she hadundressed, and appeared going to sleep, and said shewas ill; at whichI hardly wondered. Iinformed Mr Heathcliff, and he replied: `"Well, lether be till after the funeral; and go up now and thento get her what is needful; and, as soon as she seems better, tell me."' Cathy stayed upstairs a fortnight, according to Zillah; who visitedher twice a day, and would have been rather more friendly, but her attemptsat increasing kindness were proudly and promptly repelled. Heathcliff went up once, to show her Linton's will. He had bequeathedthe whole of his, and what had been her, movable property to his father:the poor creature was threatened, or coaxed, into that act during her week'sabsence, when his uncle died. The lands, being a minor, he could not meddlewith. However,Mr Heathcliff has claimed and kept them in his wife's rightand his also: Isuppose legally: at any rate, Catherine,destitute of cashandfriends, cannot disturb his possession. `Nobody', said Zillah, `everapproached her door,except thatonce, butI; and nobody asked anything about her. The first occasion ofher coming down into the house was on a Sunday afternoon. She had criedout, when I carried up her dinner, that she couldn't bear any longer beingin the cold: and I told herthe master was goingto Thrushcross Grange,and Earnshaw and I needn't hinderher from descending;so, as soon as sheheard Heathcliff's horse trot off, she made her appearance donned in black,and her yellow curls combed back behind her ears as plain asa Quaker:she couldn't comb them out. `Joseph and I generally go to chapel on Sundays'; the kirk, youknow, has no minister now,explained Mrs Dean; and they call the Methodists'or Baptists' place (I can't say which it is), at Gimmerton, achapel. `Josephhad gone,' she continued, `but I thought proper to bide at home. Youngfolks arealways the better for an elder's overlooking; and Hareton, withall hisbashfulness, isn't amodel of nice behaviour. I let himknow thathis cousin would very likely sit with us, and shehad been always usedto see the Sabbath respected; so he had as good leave his guns and bitsof indoor work alone, while she stayed. He coloured up at the news, andcast his eyes over his hands and clothes. The train-oil and gunpowder wereshovedout of sight in a minute. I saw he meant to give her his company;and I guessed, by his way,he wanted to be presentable; so, laughing, asI durst not laugh when the master is by, I offered to help him,if he would,and joked at his confusion. He grew sullen, and began toswear. `Now, Mrs Dean,' Zillah went on, seeing me not pleased by hermanner, `you happen think your young lady too fine for Mr Hareton;andhappen you're right: but I own I should love well to bring her pride apeglower. And what willall her learning andher daintiness do for her,now? She's as poor as you or I:poorer I'll be bound: you're saving, andI'm doing my little all that road.' Hareton allowed Zillah to give himher aid; and she flattered him into agood humour: so, when Catherine came,half forgettingher former insults, he tried to make himself agreeable,bythe housekeeper's account. `Missis walked in', she said, `as chill as an icicle, and as highas a princess. Igot up and offered her my seat in the armchair. No, sheturned up her nose at my civility.Earnshaw rose, too, and bid her cometo the settle, and sit close by the fire: he was sure she was starved. `"I've beenstarved a month and more," she answered,resting onthe word as scornful as she could. `And she got a chair for herself,and placed it at a distancefrom both ofus. Having sat till she was warm, she began to look round,and discovereda number of books inthe dresser; she wasinstantly uponher feet again, stretching to reach them: but they were too high up. Hercousin, after watching her endeavours a while, at last summoned courageto help her; she held her frock, and he filled it with the first that cameto hand. `That was a great advance for the lad. She didn't thank him; still,he felt gratified that she had accepted his assistance, and ventured tostand behind as she examined them, and even to stoop and point out whatstruckhis fancy in certainold pictures which they contained; nor washe daunted by thesaucy style in whichshe jerked the page from his finger:he contented himself with going a bit farther back, and looking at herinstead of the book. She continued reading, or seeking for something toread. His attention became, by degrees, quite centred in thestudy of herthick, silky curls: her face he couldn't see, and she couldn't see him.And, perhaps, not quite awake towhat he did, but attracted like a childto a candle, atlast he proceeded from staring to touching; he put outhis hand and stroked one curl, asgently as if it werea bird. He mighthavestuck a knife into her neck, she started round in such a taking. `"Getaway, this moment! How dare you touch me? Why are you stoppingthere?" she cried, in a tone of disgust. "I can't endure you! I'll go upstairsagain, if you come near me." `Mr Hareton recoiled, looking as foolishas he could do: he satdown in the settle very quiet, and she continued turning over her volumesanother half-hour; finally, Earnshaw crossed over, and whispered to me: `"Will you ask her to read to us, Zillah? I'm stalled of doingnaught; and I do like--I could like to hear her! Dunnot say I wanted it,but ask of yourseln." `"Mr Hareton wishes you would read to us, ma'am," I said immediately."He'd take it very kind--he'd be much obliged." `She frowned; and lookingup, answered: `"Mr Hareton, and the whole set of you, will be good enough tounderstand that I reject any pretence at kindness you havethe hypocrisyto offer! I despise you, and will have nothing to say to any of you! WhenI would have given my life for one kind word, even to see one of your faces,you all kept off. But I won't complain to you! I'mdriven down here bythe cold; not either to amuse you or enjoy your society." `"What could I ha' done?" began Earnshaw. "Howwas I to blame?" `"Oh! you are an exception," answeredMrs Heathcliff. "I nevermissed such a concern as you." `"But I offered morethan once, and asked," he said, kindlingup at her pertness, "I asked Mr Heathcliff to letme wake for you 宍"Besilent! I'll goout of doors, or anywhere, rather than have your disagreeablevoice inmy ear!" said my lady. `Hareton muttered she might go to hell, for him!and unslinginghis gun, restrained himself from his Sunday occupations no longer. He talkednow, freely enough; and she presently saw fit toretreat to her solitude:but the frost had set in, and, in spite of herpride, she was forced tocondescend to our company, moreand more. However, Itook care there shouldbe no further scorning at my good nature: ever since, I've been as stiffasherself; and she hasno lover or liker among us: and she does not deserveone;for, let them say the least word to her, and she'll curlback withoutrespect of anyone! She'll snap at the master himself, and as goodas dareshim to thrash her; and the more hurt she gets, the more venomous she grows.' At first, on hearing this account from Zillah,I determined toleavemy situation, take acottage, and get Catherine to come and livewith me: butMr Heathcliff would as soon permit that as he would set upHareton in an independent house; and I can see no remedy, at present, unlessshe could marry again: and that scheme it does not come within my provinceto arrange. Thus ended Mrs Dean's story. Notwithstanding the doctor's prophecy,I am rapidly recovering strength;and though it be only the second weekin January, I propose getting out on horseback in a day or two, and ridingover to Wuthering Heights, to inform my landlord that I shall spend thenext six months in London; and, if he likes, he may look out for anothertenant to take the place afterOctober. I would notpass another winterhere for much.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 31 Yesterday was bright, calm, and frosty. I went to the Heights as I proposed;my housekeeper entreated me to beara little note from her to her younglady, and I did not refuse, for the worthy woman was notconscious of anythingodd in her request. The front door stood open, butthe jealous gate wasfastened, as at my last visit; I knocked, and invokedEarnshaw from amongthe garden beds; he unchained it, and I entered. The fellow is as handsomea rustic as need be seen. I tookparticular notice ofhim this time; butthen he does his best, apparently, tomake the least of his advantages.I asked if Mr Heathcliff were at home? He answered, No; but hewould be in at dinner time. It was eleven o'clock, and I announced my intentionof going inand waiting for him,at which he immediately flung down histools and accompanied me, in the office of watchdog, not as a substitutefor the host. We entered together; Catherine was there, making herself usefulin preparing some vegetables for the approaching meal; she looked moresulkyand less spirited than when I had seenher first. She hardly raisedher eyes to notice me, and continued her employment with the same disregardto common forms of politeness as before; never returning mybow and goodmorning by the slightest acknowledgment. `Shedoes not seem so amiable', I thought,`as Mrs Dean wouldpersuade me to believe. She's a beauty, it is true; but not an angel.' Earnshaw surlily bidher remove her things to the kitchen. `Removethemyourself,' she said,pushing them from her as soon as she had done;and retiring to a stool by the window, whereshe began to carve figuresof birds and beasts out of the turnip parings in her lap. I approachedher, pretending to desirea view of the garden; and, as I fancied,adroitlydropped Mrs Dean's note on to her knee, unnoticed by Hareton--but she askedaloud, `What isthat?' and chucked it off. `A letter from your old acquaintance, the housekeeper at the Grange,'I answered; annoyed at her exposing my kind deed, and fearful lest it shouldbe imagined a missive of my own. She wouldgladly have gatheredit up atthis information, but Hareton beat her; heseized and put it inhis waistcoat,sayingMr Heathcliff shouldlook at it first. Thereat, Catherine silentlyturned her face from us, and, very stealthily, drew out her pocket handkerchiefand applied it to her eyes; and her cousin, after struggling awhile tokeep down his softer feelings,pulled out the letter and flung it on thefloor beside her, as ungraciouslyas he could. Catherine caught andperusedit eagerly; then she but a fee concerning the inmates,rational andirrational, of her former home; and gazing towards the hills,murmured in soliloquy: `I shouldlike to be riding Minny down there! I should like tobe climbing up there! Oh! I'm tired--I'm stalled, Hareton!' Andshe leant her pretty head back against the sill, with half a yawn andhalfa sigh, and lapsed into an aspect of abstractedsadness: neither caringnor knowing whether we remarked her. `Mrs Heathcliff,' I said, after sitting some time mute, `you arenot aware that I am an acquaintance of yours? so intimate that I thinkit strange you won't come and speak to me. My housekeeper never weariesof talking about and praising you; and she'll be greatly disappointed ifI return with no news of or from you, except that you received her letterand said nothing!' She appeared to wonder at this speech, and asked: `Does Ellen like you?' `Yes, very well,' I replied unhesitatingly. `Youmust tell her,' she continued, `that I would answer her letter,but l have nomaterials for writing: not even a book from which I mighttear a leaf.' `No books!' I exclaimed. `How do you contrive to livehere withoutthem? ifl may take the liberty to inquire. Though provided witha largelibrary, I'm frequently very dullat the Grange; take my books away, andI should be desperate!' `I was always reading, when I had them,' said Catherine; `andMr Heathcliff never reads; so he took itinto his head to destroy my books.I have not had a glimpse of one for weeks. Only once, I searched throughJoseph's store of theology, to his great irritation; and once, Hareton,I came upon a secret stock in your room--some Latin and Greek, andsometales and poetry: all old friends. Ibrought the last here--and you gatheredthem, as a magpie gathers silver spoons, for the mere love of stealing!They are ofno use to you; or else you concealed them in the bad spiritthat as you cannot enjoy them nobody else shall. Perhaps your envycounselled Mr Heathcliff to rob meof my treasures? ButI've most of themwritten on my brain and printed inmy heart, and you cannot deprive meof those!' Earnshaw blushed crimson whenhis cousin made thisrevelationof his private literary accumulations, and stammered an indignant denialof her accusations.' `Mr Hareton is desirous of increasing his amount of knowledge,'I said, coming to his rescue. `He is not envious but emulousof your attainments. He'll be a clever scholar in a few years.' `And he wants me to sink into a dunce, meantime,' answeredCatherine. `Yes, I hear him trying to spell and read to himself, andprettyblunders he makes! I wish you would repeat Chevy Chase as you did yesterday:it was extremely funny. I heard you; and I heard you turning over the dictionaryto seek out the hard words, and then cursing because you couldn'treadtheir explanations!' The young man evidently thought it too bad that he should be laughedat for his ignorance, and then laughed at for trying to remove it.I hada similar notion; and, remembering Mrs Dean's anecdote of his first attemptat enlightening the darkness in which hehad been reared, I observed: `But, Mrs Heathcliff, we have each had a commencement, and eachstumbled and tottered on the threshold; had our teachers scorned insteadof aiding us,we should stumble and totter yet.' `Oh!' she replied, `I don't ents: still,he has no right to appropriatewhat is mine, and make it ridiculous tome with his vile mistakes and mispronunciations! Those books, both proseand verse, wereconsecrated to me byother associations; and I hate tohave them debased and profaned in his mouth! Besides, of all, he has selectedmy favouritepieces that I love the most to repeat, as if out of deliberatemalice.' Hareton's chest heaved in silence a minute: he laboured undera severe sense of mortification andwrath, which it was no easy task tosuppress. I rose, and, from a gentlemanly idea of relieving his embarrassment,took up my station in thedoorway, surveying the external prospect as Istood. He followed my example, and left the room; but presently reappeared,bearing half a dozen volumes in hishands, which he threw into Catherine'slap, exclaiming: `Take them! I never want to hear, or read, or think of them again!' `I won't have them now,' she answered. `I shall connect them withyou, and hate them.' She opened one that had obviously been oftenturned over, andreada portion in the drawling tone of a beginner; then laughed, and threwitfrom her. `And listen,' she continued provokingly, commencing a verseofan old ballad in thesame fashion. But his self-love would endure no further torment: I heard, andnot altogether disapprovingly, a manual check given to her saucy tongue.The little wretch had done her utmost to hurt her cousin s sensitive thoughuncultivated feelings, and a physical argument was the only mode hehadof balancing the account, and repaying its effectson the inflicter. Heafterwards gathered the books and hurled them on the fire. I read in hiscountenance what anguish it was to offer that sacrificeto spleen. I fanciedthat as they consumed, he recalled the pleasure they had already imparted,andthe triumph and ever-increasing pleasurehe had anticipated from them;and I fancied I guessed the incitement to his secret studies also. He hadbeen content with daily labour and rough animal enjoyments, till Catherinecrossed hispath. Shame at her scorn, and hope of her approval, were hisfirst prompters to higher pursuits; and, instead of guarding him from oneand winning him to the other, his endeavours to rise himself had producedjust the contrary result. `Yes; that's all thegood that such a brute as you can getfromthem!' cried Catherine, sucking her damaged lip, andwatching the conflagrationwith indignant eyes. `You'd better hold your tongue, now,' he answered fiercely. And his agitation precluding further speech, he advanced hastilyto the entrance, where I made way for him to pass. But ere he hadcrossedthe doorstones, Mr Heathcliff, coming up the causeway, encountered him,and laying hold of his shoulder, asked: "What's to do now, my lad?' `Naught, naught,' he said, and broke away to enjoy his grief andanger in solitude. Heathcliff gazed after him, and sighed. `It will be odd if I thwart myself,' he muttered, unconsciousthat I was behind him. `Butwhen I look for his father in his face, I findher every day more. How the devil is he so like? I canhardly bearto see him.' He bent his eyes to the ground, and walked moodily in. There wasa restless, anxious expression in his countenance I had never remarkedthere before; and he looked sparer in person. His daughter-in-law, on perceivinghim through the window, immediately escaped to the kitchen, so that I remainedalone. `I'm glad to see you out of doors again, Mr Lockwood,'he said,in reply to my greeting; `from selfish motives partly: I don't think Icould readilysupply your loss in this desolation. I've wondered more thanonce what brought you here. `An idle whim, I fear, sir,' was my answer; `or else an idle whimis going tospirit me away. I shall set out for London, next week; andI must give you warning that I feel no disposition to retain ThrushcrossGrange beyond the twelve months I agreed to rent it. 1 believe Ishallnot live there any more.' `Oh, indeed; you're tiredof being banished from the world, areyou?' he said. `But if you be coming to plead off paying for a place youwon't occupy, your journey is useless: I never relent in exacting my duefrom anyone.' `I'm coming to pleadoff nothing about it,' I exclaimed, considerablyirritated. `Should you wish it, I'll settle withyou now,' and I drewmynotebook from my pocket. `No, no,' hereplied coolly; `you'll leave sufficientbehind tocover your debts, if you fail to return: I'm not in such a hurry. Sitdownand take your dinner with us; a guest that is safe from repeating his visitcan generally be made welcome. Catherine, bring thethings in: where areyou?' Catherine reappeared, bearing a tray of knives andforks. `You may get your dinner with Joseph,' muttered Heathcliff aside,`and remain inthe kitchen till he is gone.' She obeyedhis directions very punctually: perhaps she had notemptationto transgress. Living among clowns and misanthropists, she probablycannot appreciate a better class of people whenshe meets them. WithMr Heathcliff, grim and saturnine, on the one hand, and Hareton,absolutely dumb, on the other, I made a somewhat cheerless meal, and bidadieu early. I would have departed by the back way, to get a last glimpseofCatherine and annoy old Joseph; but Hareton received orders to leadup my horse, and my host himself escorted me to the door, so I could notfulfil my wish. `How dreary life gets over in that house!' l reflected, whileriding down theroad. `What a realization of something more romantic thana fairytale it would have been for Mrs Linton Heathcliff, had she andI struck up an attachment, as her good nurse desired, and migrated togetherinto the stirring atmosphere of the town!'[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 32 1802.-This September I was invited to devastatethe moors of a friendin the north, and on my journey tohis abode, I unexpectedly came withinfifteen miles of Gimmerton. The ostler at a roadsidepublic house was holdinga pail of water to refresh my horses, when a cart of very green oats, newlyreaped, passed by, and he remarked:`Yon's frough Gimmerton, nah! They're allas three wickafter otherfolk wi' ther harvest.' `Gimmerton ?` I repeated--my residence in that locality had alreadygrown dim anddreamy. `Ah! I know.How far is it from this?' `Happen fourteen mile o'er th' hills; and a rough road,' he answered. A sudden impulse seized me tovisit Thrushcross Grange. It wasscarcely noon, and I conceived thatI might as well passthe night undermy own roof as in an inn. Besides, I could spare a day easily to arrangematters with my landlord, and thus save myself thetrouble of invadingthe neighbourhood again.Having rested a while, I directed myservant toinquire the way to the village; and, with great fatigue to ourbeasts,we managed the distance in somethree hours. I left him there, and proceeded down the valley alone. The greychurch looked greyer, and the lonely churchyard lonelier. I distinguisheda moor sheep cropping the short turf on the graves. It was sweet, warmweather--too warm for travelling;but the heat did nothinder me from enjoyingthe delightful scenery above and below: hadI seen it nearer August, I'msure it would have tempted me to waste a month among its solitudes.Inwinter nothing more dreary, in summer nothing more divine, than those glensshut in by hills, and those bluff, bold swells of heath. I reached the Grange before sunset, and knocked for admittance;but the family had retreated' into the back premises, I judged, by onethin, blue wreath curling from the kitchen chimney, and they did not hear.I rode into the court. Under the porch, a girl of nine or ten sat knitting,and an old woman reclined on the house steps, smoking a meditativepipe. `Is Mrs Dean within?' I demanded of the dame. `Mistress Dean? Nay!' she answered, `shoo doesn't bide here: shoo'sup at th' Heights.' `Are youthe housekeeper, then?' I continued. `Ea, Aw keep th' house,' she replied.`Well, I'm Mr Lockwood, the master. Are there any rooms to lodgeme in,I wonder? I wish to stay here all night.' `T' maister!' she cried in astonishment. `Whet,whoiver knew yahwur coming? Yah sud ha' send word. They's nowt norther dry normensfulabaht t' place: nowt there isn't!' She threw down her pipe and bustled in, the girlfollowed, andI entered too; soon perceiving that her report was true, and, moreover,that I had almost upset herwits by my unwelcomeapparition, I bid herbe composed. I would go out for a walk; and, meantime,she must try toprepare a corner of a sitting-room for me to sup in, and a bedroom to sleepin. No sweepingand dusting, only good fire and dry sheets were necessary.She seemedwilling to do her best; though she thrust the hearth-brush intothegrates in mistake for the poker, and malappropriated several otherarticles of hercraft: but I retired, confiding in her energy for a resting-placeagainst my return. Wuthering Heights was the goalof my proposed excursion.An afterthought broughtme back, when I had quitted the court. `All well at the Heights?' I inquiredof the woman. `Eea, f'r owt Ee knaw,' she answered, skurrying away with a panof hot cinders.I would have asked why Mrs Dean had deserted the Grange,but itwas impossibleto delay her at sucha crisis, so I turned away and mademy exit, rambling leisurely along with the glow of a sinking sun behind,and the mild glory of a rising moon in front--one fading, and the otherbrightening--asI quitted the park, and climbed the stony by-road branchingoff to Mr Heathcliff's dwelling. Before I arrived in sight of it, all thatremainedof day was a beamless amber lightalong the west: but I couldsee every pebble on the path, and every blade of grass, by that splendidmoon. I had neither to climb thegate nor to knock--it yielded tomy hand.That is an improvement, I thought. And I noticed another, by the aid ofmy nostrils; a fragrance of stocks and wallflowers wafted on the air fromamongst the homely fruit trees. Both doors and lattices were open; and yet, as is usually thecase in acoal district, a fine, red fire illumined the chimney: the comfortwhich the eyederives from it renders the extra heat endurable. But thehouse of Wuthering Heights isso large, that the inmates have plenty ofspace for withdrawing out of its influence; and accordingly, what inmatesthere were had stationed themselves not far from one of the windows. Icould bothsee them and hear them talk before I entered, and looked andlistened in consequence; being moved thereto by a mingled sense of curiosityand envy, that grew as I lingered. `Con-trary!' said a voice as sweet as a silver bell--`Thatfor the third time, you dunce! I'm not goingto tell you again. Recollect,or I'll pull your hair!' `Contrary, then,' answered another, indeep but softened tones.`And now, kissme, for minding so well.' `No, read it over first correctly, without a single mistake.' The male speaker began to read: he was a youngman, respectablydressed and seated at a table, having a bookbefore him. His handsome featuresglowed with pleasure, and his eyes kept impatiently wandering from thepage to a small white hand over his shoulder, which recalled him by a smartslap on the cheek, whenever its owner detected such signs of inattention.Its owner stood behind; her light, shining ringlets blending, at intervals,with his brown locks, as she bent to superintend his studies; and herface--itwas lucky hecould not see her face, or he would never have been so steady.I could: and I bit my lip in spite, at having thrown away the chance Imight have had of doing something besides staring at its smiling beauty. The task was done, not free from further blunders; but the pupilclaimed a reward, and receivedat least five kisses: which, however, hegenerously returned. Then they came to the door, and from their conversationI judgedthey were about to issue out and have awalk on the moors. IsupposedI should be condemned in HaretonEarnshaw's heart, ifnot by his mouth,to the lowest pit in the infernal regions, if I showed my `unfortunateperson in his neighbourhoodthen; and feeling very mean and malignant,I skulked round to seek refugein the kitchen. There was unobstructed admittanceon that side also, and at the door sat my old friend Nelly Dean, sewingand singing a song; which was often interrupted from within by harshwordsof scorn and intolerance, utteredin far from musical accents. `Aw'd rayther, by th' haulf, hev `em swearing i' my lugs froughmorn to neeght, nur hearken yah, hahsiver!' said the tenant of the kitchen,in answer toan unheard speech ofNelly's. `It's a blazing shaime, ut Awcannut oppen t' blessed Book, bud yah set up them glories tuh Sattan, un'all t' flaysome wickednesses ut iverwer born intuh t' warld! Oh! yah'era raight nowt; un' shoo's another; un' that poor lad'll be lost atweenye. Poor lad!' he added, witha groan; `he's witched: Aw'm sartinon't!O Lord, judge `em, fur they's norther law nur justice amang wer rullers!' `No! or weshould be sitting inflaming fagots, I suppose,' retortedthe singer. `But wisht, old man,and read your Bible like a Christian,andnever mind me. This is "Fairy Annie's `Wedding"--a bonny tune--it goesto a dance.' Mrs Dean wasabout to recommence,when I advanced; andrecognizingme directly, she jumpedto her feet, crying:`Why, bless you, Mr Lockwood! How could you think of returningin this way? All's shut up at Thrushcross Grange. You should have givenus notice!' `I've arranged to beaccommodated there, for as long as I shallstay,' I answered. `I depart again tomorrow. And how are you transplantedhere, Mrs Dean? tell me that.' `Zillah left,and Mr Heathcliff wished me to come, soon afteryou went to London, and stay till you returned. But, step in, pray! Haveyou walked from Gimmerton this evening?' `From the Grange,' I replied; `and while they makeme lodgingroom there, I want to finish my business with your master; becauseI don'tthink of having another opportunity in a hurry.' `What business, sir?' saidNelly, conducting meinto the house.`He'sgone out at present,and won't return soon.' `About the rent,' I answered. `Oh! then it is withMrs Heathcliff you must settle,' she observed;`or rather with me. She has notlearnt to manage heraffairs yet, and Iact for her: there's nobody else.' I looked surprised. `Ah! you have not heard of Heathcliff's death, I see,' she continued. `Heathcliff dead!' Iexclaimed, astonished. `How long ago?' `Three months since: but sit down and let me take your hat, andI'll tell you allabout it. Stop, you have had nothing to eat, have you?' `I want nothing: I haveordered supper at home. You sit down too.I never dreamt of his dying! Let mehear how it came to pass. You say youdon't expect them back for some time--the young people?' `No--I have to scoldthem every evening for their late rambles:but they don't care for me. At least have a drink of our old ale; it willdo you good: youseem weary.' She hastened to fetch itbefore I could refuse, and I heard Josephasking whether`it warn't a crying scandal that she should have felliesat her time of life? And then, to get them jocks out uh' t' maister'scellar!He fair shaamed to `bide still and see it.' She did not stay to retaliate, but re-entered in a minute, bearinga reaming silver pint,whose contents I lauded with becomingearnestness.And afterwards she furnished me with the sequel of HeathclifFs history.He had a `queer' end, as she expressed it. I was summoned to Wuthering Heights, within a fortnight of yourleaving us, she said; and I obeyed joyfully, forCatherine's sake. Myfirstinterview with her grieved and shocked me: she had altered so much sinceour separation.Mr Heathcliff did not explain his reasons for taking anew mind about my coming here; he onlytold me he wanted me, and he wastired ofseeing Catherine: I must make the littleparlour my sitting-room,and keep her with me. Itwas enough if he were obliged to see her onceor twice a day. She seemed pleased at this arrangement; and, bydegrees,I smuggled over a great number of books, and other articles, that had formedher amusement at the Grange; and flattered myself we should get on in tolerablecomfort. The delusion did notlast long. Catherine, contented at first,in a brief space grew irritable and restless. For one thing, she was forbiddento move outof the garden, and it fretted her sadlyto be confined to itsnarrow bounds as spring drew on; for another, in following the house,Iwas forced to quit her frequently, and she complained of loneliness: shepreferred quarrelling with Joseph in the kitchen to sitting at peace inher solitude. I did not mind their skirmishes: but Hareton was often obligedto seek the kitchen also, when the master wanted tohave the house to himself;and though in the beginning sheeither left it at his approach, or quietlyjoined in my occupations, and shunned remarking oraddressing him--andthough he was always as sullenand silent as possible--after a while shechanged herbehaviour, and became incapable of letting him alone: talkingat him; commenting on his stupidity and idleness; expressingher wonderhow he could endure the life he lived--how he could sit a wholeeveningstaring into the fire and dozing.`He's just like a dog, is he not, Ellen?' she once observed, `ora carthorse? He does his work, eats his food, and sleeps eternally! Whata blank, dreary mind he must have! Do youever dream, Hareton?And, ifyou do, what is it about? But youcan't speak to me!' Then she looked at him; but he would neither open his mouth norlook again.`He's, perhaps, dreaming now,' she continued. `He twitched hisshoulderas Juno twitches hers. Ask him, Ellen.' `Mr Hareton will ask the master to send you upstairs, if you don'tbehave!'I said. He had not only twitched his shoulder but clenched hisfist, asif tempted to use it. `I know why Hareton never speaks, when I am in the kitchen,' sheexclaimed, on another occasion. `He is afraid I shall laugh at him. Ellen,what do you think? He began to teach himself to read once; and becauseI laughed, heburned his books, and dropped it: was he not a fool?' `Were not you naughty?' I said; `answer me that.' `Perhaps I was,' shewent on; `but I did not expect him to beso silly. Hareton,if I gave you a book, would you take it now? I'll try!' She placed one she had been perusing on hishand; he flung itoff, and muttered, if she did not give over, he would breakher neck. "Well, I shall put it here,' she said, `in the table drawer; andI'mgoing to bed.' Then she whispered me to watch whether he touched it, and departed.But he would not come near it; and so I informed her in the morning, toher greatdisappointment. I saw she was sorry for his persevering sulkinessand indolence: her conscience reproved her for frightening him off improvinghimself: she had done it effectually. But heringenuity was at work toremedy the injury: while I ironed, or pursued other stationary employmentsI could not well do in the parlour, she would bring some pleasant volumeand read it aloud to me. `When Hareton was there, she generally pausedin an interesting part, and left the book lying about: that she did repeatedly;but he was as obstinate as a mule, and, insteadof snatching at her bait,in wet weather he took to smoking with Joseph; and they sat like automatons,one on each side of the fire, the elder happily too deaf to understandher wickednonsense, as he would have called it, the younger doing hisbest to seem to disregard it. On fine evenings the latter followed hisshooting expeditions, and Catherine yawned andsighed, and teased me totalk to her, and ran off into thecourt or garden, themoment I began;and, as a last resource, cried, and said she was tired of living:her lifewas useless.Mr Heathcliff, who grew more and more disinclined to society,had almost banished Earnshaw out of his apartment. Owing to an accidentat the commencement of March, he became forsome days a fixture in thekitchen. His gun burst while out on the hills by himself; a splinter cuthis arm, and he lost a good deal of blood before he could reach home. Theconsequence was that, perforce, he was condemned to thefireside and tranquillity,till hemade it up again. Itsuited Catherine to have him there: at anyrate, it made herhate her room upstairs more than ever: and she wouldcompel me to find out business below, that she might accompany me. On Easter Monday, Joseph went to Gimmerton fair with some cattle;and, in the afternoon, I wasbusy getting up linen in the kitchen. Earnshawsat, morose as usual, at the chimney-corner, and my little mistress wasbeguiling an idlehour with drawing pictures on the window panes; varyingher amusementby smothered bursts of songs, and whispered ejaculations,and quick glances of annoyance and impatience in the direction of her cousin,who steadfastly smoked, and looked into the grate. At a notice that I coulddo with her no longer intercepting my light, she removed to the hearthstone.Ibestowed little attention on her proceedings, but, presently, I heardher begin: `I've found out, Hareton, that I want--that I'm glad--that I shouldlike you to bemy cousin now, if you had not grown socross to me, andso rough.' Hareton returned no answer. `Hareton, Hareton, Hareton! do you hear?' she continued. `Getoff wi' ye!' he growled, with uncompromising gruffness. `Let me take that pipe,' shesaid, cautiously advancing her handand abstracting it from his mouth. Before he could attempt to recover it, it was broken, and behindthe fire. He swore at her and seized another. `Stop,' she cried, `you must listen to me first; and I can't speakwhile those clouds are floating in my face.' `Will you go to the devil!' he exclaimed ferociously, `and letme be!' `No,' shepersisted, `I won't:I can't tell what todo to makeyou talk to me; and you are determined not to understand. When I call youstupid, I don't mean anything:I don't mean that I despise you. Come, youshall take noticeof me, Hareton! you are my cousin, and you shall ownme. `I shall have naught todo wi' you and your mucky pride, and yourdamned mocking tricks!' he answered. `I'll go to hell, body and soul, beforeI look sideways after you again. Side out O' t' gait, now; this minute!' Catherine frowned, and retreated to the window-seat chewing herlip, and endeavouring, by humming an eccentrictune, to conceal a growingtendency to sob. `You should be friends with your cousin, Mr Hareton,'I interrupted,`sinceshe repents of her sauciness. It would do you a great deal of good:it would make you another manto have her for a companion.' `A companion?' he cried; `when she hates me, and does not thinkme fit to wipe her shoon! Nay! if it made me a king, I'd not be scornedforseeking her goodwillany more.' `It is not I who hate you, it is you who hate me!' wept Cathy,no longer disguising her trouble. `You hate me as much as Mr Heathcliffdoes, and more.' `You're adamned liar,' began Earnshaw: `why have I made him angry,by taking your part, then, a hundred times? and that whenyou sneered atand despised me, and--Goon plaguing me, and I'll step in yonder,and sayyou worried me out of the kitchen!' `I didn't know you took my part,' she answered,drying her eyes;`andI was miserable and bitter at everybody;but now I thank you,andbeg you to forgive me: what canI do besides?' She returned to the hearth, and frankly extended her hand. Heblackened and scowled like a thunder cloud, and kept his fists resolutelyclenched, and his gaze fixed on the ground. Catherine, by instinct, musthave divined it was obdurate perversity,and not dislike, that promptedthis dogged conduct; for,after remaining an instant undecided, she stoopedand impressed on his cheek a gentle kiss.The little rogue thought I hadnot seen her, and, drawing back, she took her former station by the urely. I shook myhead reprovingly, and then she blushedand whispered: `Well! what should I havedone, Ellen? He wouldn't shake hands,and he wouldn't look: I must show him some way that I like him--that Iwantto be friends.' Whether the kiss convinced Hareton, Icannot tell: he was verycareful, for some minutes, that his face should not be seen, and when hedid raise it, he was sadly puzzled where to turn his eyes. Catherine employed herself in wrapping a handsome book neatlyin white paper, and having tied it with a bit of ribband, and addressedit to `Mr Hareton Earnshaw', she desired me to beher ambassadress, andconvey the present to its destined recipient. `And tell him, if he'll take it I'll come and teach him to readit right,' she said; `and, if he refuse it, I'll go upstairs, and nevertease him again.' I carried it, andrepeated the message; anxiously watched by myemployer. Hareton would not open his fingers, soI laid it on his knee.He did not strike off, either. I returned to my work. Catherine leanedher head and arms on the table, till she heard the slightest rustle ofthe covering beingremoved; then she stole away, and quietly seated herselfbeside her cousin. He trembled,and his face glowed:all his rudeness andall his surly harshness had deserted him: he could not summon courage,at first, toutter a syllable in reply to her questioning look, and hermurmured petition. `Say you forgive me, Hareton,do? You can make me so happy byspeaking that little word.' He muttered something inaudible.`And you'll be my friend?' added Catherine interrogatively. `Nay, you'll be ashamed of me every day of your life,' he answered;`and themore, the more you know me; and I cannot bide it.' `Soyou won't be my friend?' she said, smiling as sweet as honey,and creeping close up. I overheard no furtherdistinguishable talk, but, on looking roundagain, I perceived two such radiant countenancesbent over the page ofthe accepted book,that I did not doubtthe treaty had been ratified onboth sides; and the enemies were, thenceforth, sworn allies. The work they studied was full of costly pictures; and those andtheir position had charm enough to keep them unmoved till Joseph came home.He, poor man, was perfectly aghastat the spectacle of Catherine seatedon the same bench with Hareton Earnshaw, leaning her hand on his shoulder;and confounded at his favourite's endurance of her proximity: it affectedhim too deeply to allow an observation on the subject that night. His emotionwas only revealed by the immense sighs he drew, as he solemnlyspread hislarge Bible on the table, and overlaid it withdirty bank-notes from hispocket-book,the produce of the day's transactions. At length, he summonedHareton fromhis seat. `Tak' these in tuh t' maister, lad,' he said, `un' bide thar.Aw's gang up tuh myawn rahm. This hoile's norther mensful nor seemly furus: wemun side aht and seearch another.' `Come, Catherine,' Isaid, `we must "sideout" too; I've donemy ironing, are you ready to go?' `It is not eight o'clock!' she answered, rising unwillingly. `Hareton,I'll leave this book upon the chimney-piece, and I'll bring some more tomorrow.' `Ony books ut yah leave, Aw suall tak' intuh th' hahse,' saidJoseph, `un it'll be mitch if yah find em agean; soa, yah muh plase yourseln!' Cathy threatened that his library should pay for hers; and, smilingas she passedHareton, went singing upstairs: lighter of heart, I ventureto say, than ever she had been under that roof before; except, perhaps,during her earliest visits to Linton. The intimacythus commenced, grewrapidly; though it encounteredtemporaryinterruptions. Earnshaw was not to be civilized with a wish,and my young lady was no philosopher, and no paragon of patience;but boththeir minds tending to the same point--one loving and desiring to esteem,and the otherloving and desiring to be esteemed--theycontrived in theend to reach it. You see, Mr Lockwood, it was easy enough to win Mrs Heathcliff'sheart. But now, I'm glad you did not try. Thecrown of all my wishes willbe the union of those two. I shall envy no one on their wedding day: therewon't be a happier woman than myself in England![Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 33 On the morrow of that Monday, Earnshaw being stillunable to follow hisordinary employments, and therefore remaining about the house, I speedilyfound it would be impracticable to retain my charge beside me, as heretofore.She got downstairs before me, and out into the garden, where she had seenher cousin performing some easywork; and when I went to bid them cometo breakfast, I saw she had persuaded him to clear a large space of groundfrom currant and gooseberry bushes, and they were busy planning togetheran importation of plants from the Grange.I was terrified at the devastation which had been accomplishedin a brief half-hour; theblack-currant trees were the apple of Joseph'seye, and shehad just fixed her choice of a flower bed in the midst ofthem. `There! Thatwill be all shown tothe master,' I exclaimed, `theminute it is discovered. And whatexcuse have you to offer for taking suchliberties with the garden? `We shall have a fine explosion on the headof it: see if wedon't! Mr Hareton, Iwonder you should have no more wit,than to go and make that mess at her bidding!' `I'd forgotten they were Joseph's,' answered Earnshaw, ratherpuzzled; `but I'll tell him I did it.' `We always ate our meals with Mr Heathcliff. I held the mistress'spost in making tea and carving; so I was indispensable at table. Catherineusually satby me, but today shestole nearer to Hareton; and I presentlysaw she would have no more discretion in her friendship than she had inher hostility.`Now, mind you don'ttalk with and noticeyour cousin too much,'were my whispered instructions as we entered the room. `It will certainlyannoy Mr Heathcliff, and he'll be mad at you both.' `I'm not going to,' she answered. The minuteafter, she had sidled to him, and was sticking primrosesin his plate of porridge. He dared not speak to her there: he dared hardly look; and yetshe went on teasing, till he wastwice on the point of being provoked tolaugh; and I frowned, and then she glanced towards the master: whose mindwas occupied on other subjects than his company, as his countenance evinced;and she grewserious for an instant, scrutinizing him with deep gravity.Afterwards she turned, and recommenced her nonsense; at last, Hareton uttereda smothered laugh. Mr Heathcliff started; his eye rapidly surveyed ourfaces. Catherine met it with her accustomed look of nervousness and yetdefiance, which he abhorred. `It is well you are out of my reach,' heexclaimed. "What fiendpossesses you to stare back at me,continually, with those infernal eyes?Down with them!and don't remind me of your existence again. I thoughtI had cured you of laughing.' `It was me,' muttered Hareton. "What do you say?' demanded themaster. Hareton looked at his plate,and did not repeat the confession.Mr Heathcliff looked athim a bit, and then silently resumed hisbreakfastand his interrupted musing. `We had nearly finished, and the two youngpeople prudently shifted wider asunder, so I anticipated no further disturbanceduring that sitting: when Joseph appeared at the door, revealing by hisquivering lip and furious eyes, that the outrage committed on his preciousshrubs was detected. He must have seen Cathy and her cousin about thespotbefore he examined it, for while his jaws worked like those ofa cow chewingits cud, and rendered his speech difficult to understand, he began: `Aw mun hev my wage, and Aw mun goa! Aw bed aimed tuh dee,wheare Aw'd sarved fur sixty year; `un Aw thowt Aw'd lug my books upintuht' garret, un' all my bits uh stuff, un' they sud hev t' kitchen tuh theirseln;fur t' sake uh quietness. It wur hard tuh gie up my awn hearthstun, budAw thowt Aw could do that! Bud, nah, shoo's taan my garden froughme, un'by th' heart, maister, Aw cannot stand it! Yah muh bend tuh th'yoak, anye will Aw noan usedto `t, and an ow'd man dosen't sooingetused tuh new barthens. Aw'd rayther arn my bite an' my sup wi' a hammerin th' road!' `Now, now, idiot!' interrupted Heathcliff, `cut it short! `What'syour grievance? I'll interfere in no quarrels between youand Nelly. Shemay thrust you into the coal-hole for anything I care.' `It's noan Nelly!' answered Joseph. `Awsudn't shift fur Nellie--nastyill nowt as shoo is. Thank God! shoo cannot stale t' sowlo' nob'dy!Shoo wer niver soa handsome, bud whet a body mud look at her `baht winking.It's yon flaysome, graceless quean, ut s witched ahr lad, wi' her boldeen un' her forrard ways--till--Nay! it fair brusts my heart! He's forgettenall Ee done for him, un'made on him, un' goan un' riven up a whole rowut t' grandest currant trees, i' t' garden!' And here he lamented outright;unmanned bya sense of his bitter injuries, andEarnshaw's ingratitudeand dangerous condition.`Is the fool drunk?'asked Mr Heathcliff.`Hareton, is it youhe's finding fault with?' `I've pulled up two or three bushes,' replied the young man; `butI'm going to set `em again.' `And why have you pulled them up?' said the master. Catherineunwisely put in her tongue. "We wanted to plant some flowers there,'she cried. `I'm the onlyperson to blame,for I wished him to do it.' `And who thedevil gave you leaveto touch a stick aboutthe place?' demanded her father-in-law, much surprised. `And who orderedyou to obey her?' he added, turning to Hareton. The latter was speechless; his cousin replied: `Youshouldn't grudge a few yards of earth for me to ornament,when you have taken all my land!' `Your land, insolent slut! You never had any,' saidHeathcliff. `And my money,' she continued; returninghis angry glare, andmeantime biting apiece of crust, the remnant of her breakfast. `Silence!' he exclaimed. `Getdone, and begone!' `And Hareton's land,and his money,' pursued the recklessthing.`Hareton and Iare friends now; andI shall tell him allabout you!' The master seemed confounded a moment:he grew pale, and roseup, eyeing her all the while, with an expression of mortal hate. `If youstrike me, Hareton will strike you,' she said; `so youmayas well sit down.' `If Hareton does notturn you out of the room, I'll strike himto hell,' thundered Heathcliff. `Damnable witch! dare you pretend to rousehim against me?Off with her! Do youhear? Fling her intothe kitchen!I'll kill her, Ellen Dean, if you let her come into my sight again!' Hareton tried, under his breath, to persuade her to go. `Drag heraway!' he cried savagely. `Are you staying to talk?'Andhe approached to execute his own command. `He'll not obey you, wicked man, any more,' said Catherine; `andhe'llsoon detest you as much as I do.' "Wisht! wisht!' muttered the young man reproachfully. `I willnot hear you speak so to him. Have done.' `But youwon't let him strikeme?' she cried. `Come, then,' hewhispered earnestly. It was too late: Heathcliffhad caught hold of her. `Now you go!' he said to Earnshaw.`Accursed witch! thistime she has provoked me when I could not bear it; and I'll make her repentit for ever!' He had his hand in her hair; Hareton attempted to releasethelocks, entreatinghim not to hurt her that once. Heathcliff's black eyesflashed; he seemed ready to tearCatherine in pieces,and I was just workedup to risk coming to the rescue, when of a sudden his fingers relaxed;he shifted his grasp from her head to her arm, andgazed intently in herface. Then he drew his hand over his eyes, stood a moment to collect himselfapparently, and turning anew to Catherine, said withassumed calmness:`You must learn to avoid putting me in a passion, or I shall really murderyou some time! Go with Mrs Dean, and keep with her; and confine your insolenceto her ears. As to Hareton Earnshaw, if I see him listen to you, I'll sendhim seeking his bread where he can get it! Your love will make him an outcastand a beggar. Nelly, take her; and leave me all of you! Leave me!' I led my young lady out: she was too glad of her escape to resist;theother followed, and Mr Heathcliff had the room to himself till dinner.I had counselled Catherineto get hers upstairs; but, as soon as heperceivedher vacant seat, he sent me to call her. He spoke to none of us, ate verylittle, and wentout directly afterwards, intimating that he should notreturn before evening. The two new friends established themselves in the house duringhis absence; when I heard Hareton sternly check his cousin, on her offeringa revelationof her father-in-law's conduct to his father. He said he wouldn'tsuffer a word to be uttered to him, in his disparagement: if hewere thedevil, it didn't signify: he would stand by him; and he'd rather she wouldabuse himself, as she used to, thanbegin on Mr Heathcliff. Catherine waswaxing cross at this; but he found means to make her hold her tongue, byasking howshe would like him to speak ill of her father? and thenshe comprehended that Earnshaw took the master's reputation home to himself;and was attached by tiesstronger than reasoncould break--chains,forgedby habit, which it would be cruel to attempt to loosen. She showed agoodheart, thenceforth, in avoiding both complaints and expressions of antipathyconcerning Heathcliff; and confessed to me her sorrow that she had endeavouredto raise a bad spirit betweenhim and Hareton: indeed, I don't believeshe has ever breathed a syllable,in the latter's hearing, against heroppressor since. `When this slight disagreement was over, they were thick again,and as busy as possible in their several occupations of pupiland teacher.I came in to sit with them,after I had done my work; and I felt so soothedand comfortedto watch them, that I did not notice howtime got on. Youknow, they both appearedin a measure my children: I had longbeen proudof one; and now, I was sure,the other would be asource of equal satisfaction.His honest, warm, and intelligent nature shook off rapidly the clouds ofignorance and degradation in whichit had been bred; and Catherine's sincerecommendationsacted as a spur to his industry. His brightening mind brightenedhis features, and added spirit and nobility to their aspect: I could hardlyfancy itthe same individual I had beheld on the day I discovered my littlelady at `Wuthering Heights, after her expeditionto the Crags. `WhileIadmired and they laboured, dusk grew on, and with it returned the master.He came upon us quite unexpectedly, entering by the front way, and hada full view of the whole three, ere we could raise our heads to glanceat him. Well, I reflected, there wasnever a pleasanter, or more harmlesssight; and it will be a burningshame to scold them.The red firelightglowed on their two bonny heads, and revealed their faces animatedwiththe eager interest of children; for,--though he was twenty-three andsheeighteen, each had so much of novelty to feel and learn, that neither experiencednor evinced the sentiments of sober disenchanted maturity. They lifted their eyes together, to encounter Mr Heathcliff: perhapsyou have never remarked that their eyes are precisely similar, and theyare those ofCatherine Earnshaw. The present Catherine has no other likenessto her, except a breadth of forehead, and a certain arch of the nostrilthat makes her appear rather haughty, whether shewill or not. `With Haretonthe resemblance is carried further: it is singular at all times, then itwas particularly striking; because his senses were alert, and his mentalfaculties wakened to unwonted activity. I suppose this resemblance disarmedMr Heathcliff: he walked to the hearthin evident agitation; but it quicklysubsided as he looked at the young man: or, I should say, altered its character;for itwas there yet. He took the book from his hand, and glanced at theopen page, then returned it without any observation; merely signing Catherineaway: her companion lingered very little behind her, and I was abouttodepart also, but he bid me sit still.`It is a poor conclusion, is it not?' he observed, having broodeda while on the scene he had just witnessed: `an absurd termination to myviolent exertions? I get levers and mattocks to demolish the two houses,and train myself to be capableof working like Hercules, and when everythingis ready and in my power, I find the will to lift a slate off either roofhas vanished! My old enemies have not beaten me; now wouldbe the precisetime to revenge myself ontheir representatives: I could do it; and nonecould hinder me.But where is the use? I don't care for striking; I can'ttake the trouble to raise my hand! That sounds asif I had been labouringthe whole time only to exhibita fine trait of magnanimity. It is far frombeing the case: I have lost the faculty of enjoying their destruction,and I amtoo idle to destroy for nothing. `Nelly,there is a strange change approaching: I'm in its shadowat present. I take so little interest in my daily life, that I hardly rememberto eat and drink. Thosetwo who have left the room are the only objectswhich retain a distinct material appearance to me; and that appearancecauses me pain, amounting to agony. About her I won't speak; andI don't desire to think; but I earnestly wish she were invisible: her presenceinvokes onlymaddening sensations. He moves me differently: and yetifI could do it without seeming insane, I'd never see him again. You'll perhapsthink me rather inclined to become so,' he added, making an effort to smile,`if I try to describe the thousand forms of past associationsand ideashe awakens or embodies. But you'll not talk of whatI tell you; and mymind is so eternally secluded in itself, it is tempting at last to turnit out to another. `Five minutes ago, Haretonseemed a personification of my youth,not a humanbeing: I felt to himin such a variety ofways, that it wouldhave been impossible to have accosted him rationally. In the first place,his startling likeness to Catherine connected him fearfully with her. That,however, which you may suppose the most potent to arrest my imagination,is actually the least: for what is not connected with her to me? and whatdoes not recall her? I cannot look down to this floor, but her featuresare shaped in the flags! In every cloud, in every tree--filling the airat night, andcaught by glimpses in every object by day--I am surroundedwith her image! The most ordinary faces of men and women--my own features--mockmewith a resemblance. The entire world is a dreadful collection of memorandathat she did exist, and that I have lost her! Well, Hareton's aspect wasthe ghost of my immortal love;of my wild endeavours to hold my right;my degradation, my pride, my happiness,and my anguish: `Butit is frenzy to repeat these thoughts to you: only it willlet you know why, with a reluctance to be always alone, his society isno benefit; rather an aggravation of the constant torment I suffer; andit partlycontributes to render me regardlesshow he and his cousin goon together. I can give them noattention, any more.`But what do you mean by a change, MrHeathcliff?' I said,alarmed at his manner: though he was neither in danger of losing hissenses,nor dying, according to my judgment; he was quite strong and healthy: and,as to his reason, from childhood he had a delight in dwelling on dark things,and entertaining odd fancies. He might have had a monomaniaon the subjectof hisdeparted idol; but on every other pointhis wits were as sound asmine. `I shall not know that till it comes,' he said, `I'm only halfconscious of it now. `You have no feelings of illness,have you?' I asked. `No, Nelly, I have not,' he answered. `Then you are not afraid of death?' I pursued. `Afraid? No!' he replied. `I have neither a fear,nor a presentiment,nor a hope of death. Why should I? `With my hard constitution and temperatemode ofliving, and unperilous occupations, I oughtto, and probably shall,remain above ground till there isscarcely a black hair on my head. Andyet I cannot continue in this condition! I have toremind myself to breathe--almostto remind my heart to beat! And it is likebending back a stiffspring;it is by compulsion that I dothe slightest act not prompted by one thought;and by compulsion that I notice anything alive or dead, whichis not associatedwith one universal idea. I have a single wish, and my whole being and facultiesare yearning to attain It. They have yearned towards it so long, and sounwaveringly, thatI'm convinced it will be reached--andsoon--becauseit has devoured my existence: I am swallowed up in the anticipation ofits fulfilment. My confessions have notrelieved me; but they may accountfor some otherwise unaccountable phasesof humour which I show. O God!It is a long fight, I wish it were over!' He began to pace the room, muttering terrible things to himself,till I was inclined to believe,as he said Joseph did, that consciencehad turnedhis heart to an earthly hell. I wondered greatly howit wouldend. Though he seldom before hadrevealed this state of mind, even by looks,it was his habitual mood, I hadno doubt: he asserted it himself;but nota soul, from his general bearing,would have conjectured the fact. Youdid not when you saw him, Mr Lockwood: and at theperiod of which I speakhe was just thesame as then; only fonder of continued solitude, and perhapsstill more laconic in company.[Next Chapter] [Tableof Contents] [Previous Chapter][Tableof Contents] Chapter 34 For some days after that evening, Mr Heathcliff shunned meeting us at meals;yet he would not consent formally to exclude Hareton and Cathy. He hadan aversion toyielding so completely to his feelings, choosing ratherto absent himself; and eating once in twenty-four hours seemed sufficientsustenancefor him.One night, after the family were in bed, I heardhim go downstairs,and out at the front door. Idid not hear him re-enter, and in themorningI found he was still away. We were in April then: the weather was sweetand warm, the grass as green as showers and sun could make it, and thetwo dwarf apple trees near the southern wall in full bloom. After breakfast,Catherine insisted on my bringing a chair andsitting with my workunderthe fir trees at the end of the house; and she beguiled Hareton, who hadperfectly recovered from his accident, to dig andarrange her little garden,which was shifted to that corner by the influence of Joseph's complaints.I was comfortably revelling in the spring fragrance around, and the beautifulsoft blue overhead, when my young lady, who had run down near the gateto procure some primrose roots for aborder, returned only half laden,and informed us that Mr Heathcliff was coming in. `And he spoke to me,'she added, with a perplexed countenance. "What did he say?' asked Hareton. `He told meto begone as fast asI could,' she answered. `Buthe looked so different from his usual look that I stopped a moment to stareat him.' `Hoost bright and cheerful. No, almostnothing--verymuch excited, and wild and glad!' she replied. `Night walking amuses him, then,' I remarked, affecting a carelessmanner: in reality as surprisedas she was, and anxious to ascertainthetruth of her statement; for to see the master looking glad would not bean everyday spectacle. I framed an excuse to go in. Heathcliff stood atthe open door, he was pale, and he trembled: yet, certainly, he had a strange,joyful glitter in his eyes,that altered the aspect of his whole face. `Will you havesome breakfast?' I said. `You must be hungry, ramblingabout all night!' I wanted to discover where he had been, but I did notlike to ask directly. `No, I'm not hungry,' he answered, averting his head, and speakingrather contemptuously, as if he guessed I was trying to divine theoccasionof his good humour. I felt perplexed: I didn't know whether it werenot a proper opportunityto offer a bit of admonition.`I don't think it right to wander out of doors,' I observed, `insteadofbeing in bed: it is not wise, at any rate, this moist season. I daresay you'll catch a bad cold, or a fever: you have something the matterwith you now!' `Nothing but what I can bear,' hereplied; `and with the greatestpleasure, provided you'll leave me alone; get in, and don't annoy me.' I obeyed: and, in passing, I noticed he breathed as fast as acat. `Yes!' I reflected to myself, `we shallhave a fit of illness.I cannot conceive what he hasbeen doing.' That noon he sat down to dinner with us, and received a heaped-upplate from my hands, as if he intended to make amends for previous fasting. `I've neither cold nor fever, Nelly,' he remarked, in allusionto my morning's speech; `and I'm ready to dojustice to the food you giveme. He took his knife and fork, and was going to commence eating,whenthe inclination appeared to become suddenly extinct. Helaid themon the table, looked eagerly towards the window, then rose and went out.`We sawhim walking to and fro in the garden while we concluded our meal,and Earnshaw said he'd go and ask why he would not dine: he thought wehad grieved him some way. `Well, is he coming?' cried Catherine, when her cousin returned. `Nay,' he answered; `but he's not angry:he seemed rare and pleasedindeed; only I made him impatientby speaking to him twice; and then hebid me be off to you: he wondered howI could want the company of anybodyelse.' I set his plate to keep warm on the fender; and after an houror two he re-entered, when the room was clear, in no degree calmer: thesame unnatural--it was unnatural--appearance of joy under his black brows;the samebloodless hue, and his teeth visible, now and then, in a kindof smile; his frame shivering, notas one shivers with chill or weakness,but as a tight-stretched cordvibrates--a strong thrilling, rather thantrembling. I will ask what is thematter, I thought; or who should? And Iexclaimed: `Have you heard any good news, Mr Heathcliff?You look uncommonlyanimated.'`Where should good news come from to me?' he said. `I'm animatedwith hunger;and, seemingly, I must not eat.' `Yourdinner is here,' I returned; `why won'tyou get it?' `I don't want it now;' he muttered hastily;`I'll wait till supper.And, Nelly, once for all, let mebeg you to warn Hareton and the otheraway from me. Iwish to be troubled by nobody: I wish tohave this placeto myself.' `Is there some new reason for this banishment?' I inquired. `Tellme r Heathcliff? `Where were you lastnight? I'mnot putting the questionthrough idle curiosity, but--' `You are putting thequestion through very idle curiosity,' heinterrupted, with a laugh. `Yet I'll answer it. Last night I was on thethreshold of hell. Today, I am withinsight of my heaven. I have my eyeson it:hardly three feet tosever me! And now you'd better go! You'll neithersee nor hear anything to frighten you, if yourefrain from prying.' Having swept the hearth and wiped thetable, I departed; moreperplexed than ever. He did not quit the house againthat afternoon, and no one intrudedon his solitude; till, at eight o'clock, I deemed it proper, though unsummoned,tocarry a candle and his supper to him. He was leaning against the ledgeof an open lattice, butnot looking out: hisface was turned to the interiorgloom. The fire had smouldered to ashes;the room was filled with the damp,mild air of the cloudy evening; and so still, that not onlythe murmurof the beck down Gimmerton was distinguishable,but its ripples and itsgurgling over thepebbles, or through the large stones which it could notcover. I uttered an ejaculation of discontent at seeingthe dismal grate,andcommenced shutting the casements, one after another, till I came tohis. `Must I close this?' I asked, in order to rouse him; for he wouldnot stir. The light flashed on hisfeatures as I spoke.Oh, Mr Lockwood,I cannot express what a terrible start I got by the momentaryview! Thosedeep black eyes! That smile, and ghastly paleness! It appeared to me, notMr Heathcliff, but a goblin; and, in my terror, I let the candle bend towardsthe wall, andit left me in darkness. `Yes, close it,' he replied, in his familiar voice. `There, thatis pure awkwardness! Why didyou hold the candle horizontally? Be quick,and bring another.' I hurried out in a foolish state of dread, and said to Joseph:`The master wishes you totake him a light andrekindle the fire.' For I dare not go inmyself again just then. Joseph rattledsome fire into the shovel, and went; but he broughtit back immediately, with the supper trayin his other hand, explainingthat Mr Heathcliff was goingto bed, and he wanted nothing to eat tillmorning. We heard him mount the stairs directly; he did not proceed tohis ordinary chamber, but turned into that with the panelled bed: its window,as I mentioned before, iswide enough for anybody to get through; and itstruck me that he plotted another midnight excursion, of which he had ratherwe had no suspicion. `Is he a ghoul or a vampire?'I mused. I had read of such hideousincarnate demons. And then I set myself to reflect how I had tended himin infancy, and watched him grow to youth, and followed him almost throughhis whole course; and what absurd nonsense it was to yield to thatsenseof horror. `Butwhere did he come from, the little dark thing, harbouredby a good man to his bane?' muttered Superstition, as I dozed into unconsciousness.And I began, half dreaming, to weary myself with imagining some fit parentagefor him; and, repeating my waking meditations, I tracked his existenceover again,with grim variations; at last, picturinghis death and funeral:of which, all I can remember is, being exceedingly vexed athaving thetask of dictating an inscription for his monument, and consulting the sextonabout it; and,as he had no surname, and we could not `tell his age, wewere obliged to content ourselves with the single word, `Heathcliff'. Thatcame true: we were. If you enter the kirkyard, you'llread on his headstone,only that,and the date of his death. Dawn restoredme to common sense. I rose, and went into the garden,as soon as I could see,to ascertain if there were any footmarks underhis window. There were none. `He has stayedat home~ought, `and he'll beall right today.' I prepared breakfast for the household, as was myusualcustom, but told Hareton and Catherine to get theirs ere the master camedown, forhe lay late. They preferred taking it out of doors, under thetrees, and I set a little table to accommodate them. Onmy re-entrance, I found Mr Heathcliff below. He and Josephwere conversing about some farming business; he gave clear, minute directionsconcerningthe matter discussed, but he spoke rapidly, and turned his headcontinually aside, and had the same excited expression, even more exaggerated.` he took his seat in the place hegenerallychose, and I put a basin of coffee before him. He drew it nearer, and thenrested his arms on the table, and looked at the opposite wall, as I supposed,surveying one particular portion, up and down, with glittering, restlesseyes, and with such eager interest that he stopped breathing during halfa minute together. `Come now,I exclaimed, pushingsome bread against his hand, `eatand drink that, while itis hot: it has been waiting near an hour.' He didn't notice me, and yet he smiled. I'd rather have seen himgnash his teeth than smileso. `Mr Heathcliff! master!' I cried, `don't, for God's sake, stareas if yousaw an unearthly vision.' `Don't, forGod's sake, shout soloud,' he replied. `Turn round,and tellme, are we by ourselves?' `Of course,' was my answer; `of course we are.' Still I involuntarily obeyedhim, as if I were not quite sure.`Witha sweep of his hand he cleared a vacant space in front amongthebreakfast things,and leant forward togaze more at his ease. Now, I perceived he was notlooking at the wall;for when I regardedhim alone, it seemed exactly that he gazed at something within twoyards'distance. And whatever it was, it communicated, apparently, both pleasureand pain in exquisite extremes: at least the anguished, yet raptured, expressionof his countenance suggested that idea.The fancied object was not fixed:eitherhis eyes pursued it with unwearied diligence, and, evenin speakingto me, were never weaned away. I vainly reminded him of his protractedabstinencefrom food: if he stirred to touch anything in compliance withmy entreaties, if he stretched his hand out to get a piece of bread, hisfingersclenched before theyreached it, and remained on the table, forgetfulof their aim. I sat, a model of patience, trying to attract his absorbed attentionfrom its engrossing speculation; till hegrew irritable, and got--up, askingwhy Iwould not allow him to have his own timein taking his meals?andsaying that on the next occasion, Ineedn't wait: I might set the thingsdown and go. Having uttered thesewords he left the house, slowly sauntereddown the garden path, and disappeared through the gate. The hours crept anxiously by: another evening came. I did notretire torest till late, and when I did, I could not sleep. He returnedafter midnight, and, instead of going to bed, shut himself into the roombeneath. I listened, and tossed about, and, finally, dressed anddescended.It was tooirksome to lie up there, harassing my brain with a hundredidlemisgivings. I distinguished Mr Heathcliff's step, restlessly measuringthefloor, and he frequently broke thesilence by a deep inspiration, resemblinga groan. He muttered detachedwords also; the onlyone I could catch wasthe name of Catherine, coupled with some wild term of endearment or suffering;and spokenas one would speak to a person present:low and earnest, andwrung from the depth of his soul. Ihad not courage to walk straight intothe apartment; but I desired to divert him from his reverie, and thereforefell foul of the kitchen fire,stirred it, and began to scrape the cinders.It drew him forth sooner than I expected. He opened the door immediately,and said: `Nelly, come here--is it morning? Come in with your light.' `It is striking four,' I answered. `You want a candle to takeupstairs: you might have lit one at this fire.' `No, I don't wish to go upstairs,' he said. `Come in, and kindleme a fire, anddo anything there isto do about the room.' `I must blow the coals red first, before I can carry any,' I replied,getting a chair and the bellows. He roamed to and fro, meantime, in a state approaching distraction;his heavy sighs succeeding each other so thick as toleave no space forcommon breathing between. "When day breaks I'll send forGreen,' he said; `I wish to makesome legal inquiries of him while I can bestow a thought on those matters,and while I can act calmly. I have not written my will yet;and how toleave my property I cannot determine. I wish I could annihilate it fromthe face of the earth.' `I would nottalk so, Mr Heathcliff,' I interposed. `Let yourwill be a while:you'll be spared to repent of your many injustices yet.I never expected that your nerves would bedisordered: they are, at present,marvellouslyso, however; and almost entirely through your own fault. Theway you'vepassed these three last days might knock up a Titan. Dotakesome food, and some repose. You need only look at yourself in a glass tosee how you require both. Your cheeks are hollow, and your eyes bloodshot,like a person starving withhunger and going blind with loss of sleep.' `It is not my fault that I cannot eat or rest,'he replied. `Iassureyou it is through nosettled designs. I'll do both as soonas Ipossibly can. But you might as well bid a man struggling in the water restwithin arm's length of the shore! I must reach it first, and then I'llrest. Well, nevermind Mr Green: as torepenting of my injustices, I'vedoneno injustice, and I repent of nothing. I'm too happy; and yet I'mnot happy enough. My soul's bliss kills my body,but does not satisfyitself.' `Happy, master?' I cried. `Strange happiness! If you would hearme without being angry,I might offer some advice that would make you happier. "What is that?' he asked. `Give it.' `You are aware, Mr Heathcliff,' I said,`that from the time youwere thirteen years old, you have lived a selfish, unchristian life; andprobably hardly had a Bible in your hands during all that period. You musthave forgotten the contents of the book, and you may not have space tosearch it now. Could it be hurtful to send for someone--some minister ofanydenomination, it does not matter which--to explain it, and show youhow very far you have erred from its precepts; and how unfit you will beforits heaven, unless achange takes place `before you die?' `I'm rather obliged than angry, Nelly,' he said, `for you remindme of the manner that I desireto be buried in. It is to be carried tothe churchyard in the evening. You andHareton may, if you please, accompanyme:and mind, particularly, to notice that the sexton obeys my directionsconcerningthe two coffins! No minister need come; nor need anything besaid over me.--I tell you I have nearly attained my heaven; andthat of others is altogetherunvalued and uncovered by me. `And supposing you persevered in your obstinate fast, and diedby that means, and they refused to bury you in the precincts of the kirk?'I said, shocked at his godless indifference. `How would you like it?' `They won't do that,' he replied: `if they did, you must havemeremoved secretly: and if you neglect it you shall prove, practically,that thedead are not annihilated!' As soon as he heard theother members of thefamily stirring heretired to his den, and I breathed freer. But in the afternoon, while Josephand Hareton were at their work, he came into the kitchen again, and, witha wild look, bidme come and sit in the house: he wantedsomebody withhim. I declined: telling him plainly that hisstrange talk and manner frightenedme,and I had neither the nerve nor the will to be his companion alone. `I believe you think mea fiend,' he said, with his dismal laugh:something too horrible to live under a decent roof.' Then turning to Catherine,who was there, and who drew behind me at his approach, he added, half sneeringly--`Willyoucome, chuck? I'll not hurt you. No! toyou I've made myselfworse than thedevil. Well, there is one who won't shrink from mycompany! By God! she's relentless. Oh, damn it! It's unutterably too muchfor flesh and blood to bear--even mine.' He solicited the society of no one more. At dusk, he went intohis chamber. Through thewhole night, and farinto the morning, weheardhim groaning and murmuring to himself. Hareton wasanxious to enter; butI bade him fetch Mr Kenneth, and he should go in and seehim. When he came,and I requestedadmittance and triedto open the door, I found it locked;and Heathcliff bid us bedamned. He was better, and would beleft alone;so the doctor went away. The following evening was very wet: indeed it poured down tillday-dawn; and, as I took my morning walk round the house, I observed themaster'swindow swinging open, and the rain driving straight in.He cannotbe in bed, I thought: those showers would drenchhim through. He musteitherbe up or out. But I'll make no more ado, I'll go boldly and look. Having succeeded in obtaining entrance with another key, I ranto unclose the panels, for the chamber was vacant; quickly pushing themaside, I peeped in. Mr Heathcliff was there--laid on his back. His eyesmet mine so keenand fierce, I started; and then heseemed to smile. Icould not think himdead: but his face and throat were washed with rain;thebedclothes dripped, and he was ~ perfectly still. Thelattice, flappingto and fro, had grazed one hand that restedon the sill; no blood trickledfrom the broken skin, andwhen I put my fingers to it, I could doubt nomore: he was dead and stark! I hasped the window; I combed hisblack long hair fromhis forehead;I triedto close his eyes: to extinguish, if possible, that frightful,lifelike gaze of exultation before anyone else beheld it. They would notshut: they seemed to sneer at my attempts: and hisparted lips and sharpwhite teeth sneered too! Taken with another fit of cowardice, I cried outfor Joseph. Joseph shuffled up and made a noise; but resolutely refusedto meddle with him. `Th' divil's harried off his soul,' he cried, `and he muh hevhis carcass intuh t' bargain, for ow't Awcare! Ech! what a wicked un helooks girning at death!' and the old sinner grinned in mockery. I thoughthe intendedto cut a caper roundthe bed; but, suddenly composing himself,he fell on his knees, and raised his hands, and returned thanks that thelawful master and the ancient stock were restored to their rights. I felt stunned by the awfulevent; and my memoryunavoidably recurredto former times with a sort ofoppressive sadness. But poor Hareton, themost wronged, wasthe only one that really suffered much. He sat by thecorpse all night,weeping in bitter earnest. He pressed its hand, and kissedthe sarcastic savage face that everyone else shrankfrom contemplating;and bemoaned him with that strong grief which springs naturally from agenerous heart, though it be tough as tempered steel. Mr Kenneth was perplexed to pronounce of what disorder the masterdied. I concealed the fact of his having swallowed nothing for four days,fearing it might lead to trouble, and then, Iam persuaded, he didnotabstain on purpose: it was the consequence of his strange illness, notthe cause. `We buried him, to the scandal of the wholeneighbourhood, ashe wished. Earnshaw andI, the sexton, and six men to carry thecoffin,comprehended the whole attendance. The six men departed when they had letit down into the grave: we stayedto see it covered. Hareton, with a streamingface, dug green sods, and laidthem over the brown mould himself: at presentit is as smooth and verdant as its companion mounds--and I hope its tenantsleeps as soundly. But the country folk, if youask them, would swear onthe Bible that he walks: thereare those who speak to having methim near the church, andon the moor, and even in this house. Idle tales,you'll say, and so say I. Yet that old man by the kitchen fire affirmshe has seen two on `em, looking out of his chamber window, on every rainynight since hisdeath: and an odd thing happened to meabout a month ago.I was going to the Grange one evening--a dark evening, threateningthunder--and,just atthe turn of the Heights, I encountered a littleboy with a sheepand two lambs before him; he was crying terribly; and I supposed the lambswere skittish, and would not be guided. "What's the matter, my little man?' I asked. `There's Heathcliff and a woman, yonder,under t' nab,' he blubbered,`un' I darnut pass `em.' I saw nothing; but neither the sheep nor he would go on; so Ibid him take theroad lower down. He probably raised the phantoms fromthinking, as he traversed the moors alone, on the nonsense he had heardhis parents andcompanions repeat. Yet, still, I don't like being out inthedark now; and I don't like being left by myself in this grim house:I cannot help it; I shall be glad when they leave it, and shift to theGrange. `They are going to the Grange, then,' Isaid. `Yes,' answered Mrs Dean, `is soon as they aremarried, and thatwill be on New Year's Day.' `And who will live here, then?' `Why, Joseph will take care of the house, and, perhaps, a ladto keep him company. They will live in the kitchen, and therest will beshut up.' `For the use of such ghosts as choose to inhabit it,' I observed. `No, Mr Lockwood,' said Nelly, shaking her head. `I believe thedead are at peace: but it is not right to speak of them with levity.' At that moment the garden gate swung to; the ramblers were returning. `They areafraid of nothing,' I grumbled, watchingtheirapproach through the window. `Together they wouldbrave Satan and all hislegions.' As theystepped on to the doorstones, and halted to take a lastlook at the moon--or, more correctly, at each other by her light--I feltirresistibly impelled to escape them again; and, pressing a remembranceinto the hand of Mrs Dean, and disregarding herexpostulations at myrudeness,I vanished through the kitchen as they opened the house-door; and so shouldhave confirmedJoseph in his opinion of his fellow-servant's gayindiscretions,had henot fortunately recognized me for a respectable character by thesweet ring of a sovereign at his feet. My walk home was lengthened by a diversion in the direction ofthe kirk. `When beneath its walls, I perceived decay had made progress,even in seven months: many awindow showed black gaps deprived of glass;and slates jutted off, here andthere, beyond the right line of the roof,to be graduallyworked off in comingautumn storms. I sought, and soon discovered, the three headstones on the slopenext the moor: the middle onegrey, and half buried in heath: Edgar Linton'sonly harmonized by the turf and moss creeping up its foot: Heathcliff'sstill bare. I lingered round them, under that benign sky; watched the mothsfluttering among the heath and harebells, listened to the soft wind breathingthrough thegrass, and wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquietslumbersfor the sleepers in that quiet earth. ----------------------------- 小说下载尽在 http://www.bookben.com - 手机访问 m.bookben.com---书本网整理 附：【本作品来自互联网,本人不做任何负责】内容版权归作者所有! -----------------------------