WutheringHeights

By

EmilyBrontë

CHAPTERI

1801.—Ihavejustreturnedfromavisittomylandlord—thesolitaryneighbourthatIshallbetroubledwith.Thisiscertainlyabeautifulcountry!InallEngland,IdonotbelievethatIcouldhavefixedonasituationsocompletelyremovedfromthestirofsociety.Aperfectmisanthropist’sheaven:andMr.HeathcliffandIaresuchasuitablepairtodividethedesolationbetweenus.Acapitalfellow!HelittleimaginedhowmyheartwarmedtowardshimwhenIbeheldhisblackeyeswithdrawsosuspiciouslyundertheirbrows,asIrodeup,andwhenhisfingersshelteredthemselves,withajealousresolution,stillfurtherinhiswaistcoat,asIannouncedmyname.

‘Mr.Heathcliff?’Isaid.

Anodwastheanswer.

‘Mr.Lockwood,yournewtenant,sir.Idomyselfthehonourofcallingassoonaspossibleaftermyarrival,toexpressthehopethatIhavenotinconveniencedyoubymyperseveranceinsolicitingtheoccupationofThrushcrossGrange:Iheardyesterdayyouhadhadsomethoughts—’

‘ThrushcrossGrangeismyown,sir,’heinterrupted,wincing.‘Ishouldnotallowanyonetoinconvenienceme,ifIcouldhinderit—walkin!’

The‘walkin’wasutteredwithclosedteeth,andexpressedthesentiment,‘Go to the Deuce:’ even the gate over which he leant manifested nosympathising movement to the words; and I think that circumstancedeterminedmetoaccepttheinvitation:Ifeltinterestedinamanwhoseemedmoreexaggeratedlyreservedthanmyself.

Whenhesawmyhorse’sbreast fairlypushing thebarrier,hedidputouthishandtounchainit,andthensullenlyprecededmeupthecauseway,calling,asweentered thecourt,—‘Joseph, takeMr.Lockwood’shorse;andbringupsomewine.’

‘Herewehavethewholeestablishmentofdomestics,Isuppose,’wasthereflectionsuggestedbythiscompoundorder.‘Nowonderthegrassgrowsupbetweentheflags,andcattlearetheonlyhedge-cutters.’

Josephwasanelderly,nay,anoldman:veryold,perhaps,thoughhaleandsinewy.‘TheLordhelpus!’hesoliloquisedinanundertoneofpeevishdispleasure,whilerelievingmeofmyhorse:looking,meantime,inmyfacesosourlythatIcharitablyconjecturedhemusthaveneedofdivineaidtodigesthisdinner,andhispiousejaculationhadnoreferencetomyunexpected

advent.

WutheringHeightsisthenameofMr.Heathcliff’sdwelling.‘Wuthering’beingasignificantprovincialadjective,descriptiveoftheatmospherictumulttowhichitsstationisexposedinstormyweather.Pure,bracingventilationtheymusthaveupthereatalltimes,indeed:onemayguessthepowerofthenorthwindblowingovertheedge,bytheexcessiveslantofafewstuntedfirsattheendofthehouse;andbyarangeofgauntthornsallstretchingtheirlimbsoneway,asifcravingalmsofthesun.Happily,thearchitecthadforesighttobuilditstrong:thenarrowwindowsaredeeplysetinthewall,andthecornersdefendedwithlargejuttingstones.

Beforepassingthethreshold,Ipausedtoadmireaquantityofgrotesquecarvinglavishedoverthefront,andespeciallyabouttheprincipaldoor;abovewhich,amongawildernessofcrumblinggriffinsandshamelesslittleboys,Idetectedthedate‘1500,’andthename‘HaretonEarnshaw.’Iwouldhavemadeafewcomments,andrequestedashorthistoryoftheplacefromthesurlyowner;buthisattitudeatthedoorappearedtodemandmyspeedyentrance,orcompletedeparture,andIhadnodesiretoaggravatehisimpatienceprevioustoinspectingthepenetralium.

Onestopbroughtusintothefamilysitting-room,withoutanyintroductorylobbyorpassage:theycallithere‘thehouse’pre-eminently.Itincludeskitchenandparlour,generally;butIbelieveatWutheringHeightsthekitchenisforcedtoretreataltogetherintoanotherquarter:atleastIdistinguishedachatteroftongues,andaclatterofculinaryutensils,deepwithin;andIobservednosignsofroasting,boiling,orbaking,aboutthehugefireplace;noranyglitterofcoppersaucepansandtincullendersonthewalls.Oneend,indeed,reflectedsplendidlybothlightandheatfromranksofimmensepewterdishes,interspersedwithsilverjugsandtankards,toweringrowafterrow,onavastoakdresser,totheveryroof.Thelatterhadneverbeenunder-drawn:itsentireanatomylaybaretoaninquiringeye,exceptwhereaframeofwoodladenwithoatcakesandclustersoflegsofbeef,mutton,andham,concealedit.Abovethechimneyweresundryvillainousoldguns,andacoupleofhorse-pistols:and,bywayofornament,threegaudily-paintedcanistersdisposedalongitsledge.Thefloorwasofsmooth,whitestone;thechairs,high-backed,primitivestructures,paintedgreen:oneortwoheavyblackoneslurkingintheshade.Inanarchunderthedresserreposedahuge,liver-colouredbitchpointer,surroundedbyaswarmofsquealingpuppies;andotherdogshauntedotherrecesses.

Theapartmentandfurniturewouldhavebeennothingextraordinaryasbelongingtoahomely,northernfarmer,withastubborncountenance,andstalwartlimbssetouttoadvantageinknee-breechesandgaiters.Suchanindividualseatedinhisarm-chair,hismugofalefrothingontheroundtable

beforehim,istobeseeninanycircuitoffiveorsixmilesamongthesehills,ifyougoattherighttimeafterdinner.ButMr.Heathcliffformsasingularcontrasttohisabodeandstyleofliving.Heisadark-skinnedgipsyinaspect,indressandmannersagentleman:thatis,asmuchagentlemanasmanyacountrysquire:ratherslovenly,perhaps,yetnotlookingamisswithhisnegligence,becausehehasanerectandhandsomefigure;andrathermorose.Possibly,somepeoplemightsuspecthimofadegreeofunder-bredpride;Ihaveasympatheticchordwithinthattellsmeitisnothingofthesort:Iknow,byinstinct,hisreservespringsfromanaversiontoshowydisplaysoffeeling—tomanifestationsofmutualkindliness.He’llloveandhateequallyundercover,andesteemitaspeciesofimpertinencetobelovedorhatedagain.No,I’mrunningontoofast:Ibestowmyownattributesover-liberallyonhim.Mr.Heathcliffmayhaveentirelydissimilarreasonsforkeepinghishandoutofthewaywhenhemeetsawould-beacquaintance,tothosewhichactuateme.Letmehopemyconstitutionisalmostpeculiar:mydearmotherusedtosayIshouldneverhaveacomfortablehome;andonlylastsummerIprovedmyselfperfectlyunworthyofone.

Whileenjoyingamonthoffineweatheratthesea-coast,Iwasthrownintothecompanyofamostfascinatingcreature:arealgoddessinmyeyes,aslongasshetooknonoticeofme.I‘nevertoldmylove’vocally;still,iflookshavelanguage,themerestidiotmighthaveguessedIwasoverheadandears:sheunderstoodmeatlast,andlookedareturn—thesweetestofallimaginablelooks.AndwhatdidIdo?Iconfessitwithshame—shrunkicilyintomyself,likeasnail;ateveryglanceretiredcolderandfarther;tillfinallythepoorinnocentwasledtodoubtherownsenses,and,overwhelmedwithconfusionathersupposedmistake,persuadedhermammatodecamp.BythiscuriousturnofdispositionIhavegainedthereputationofdeliberateheartlessness;howundeserved,Ialonecanappreciate.

Itookaseatattheendofthehearthstoneoppositethattowardswhichmylandlordadvanced,andfilledupanintervalofsilencebyattemptingtocaressthecaninemother,whohadlefthernursery,andwassneakingwolfishlytothebackofmylegs,herlipcurledup,andherwhiteteethwateringforasnatch.Mycaressprovokedalong,gutturalgnarl.

‘You’dbetterletthedogalone,’growledMr.Heathcliffinunison,checkingfiercerdemonstrationswithapunchofhisfoot.‘She’snotaccustomedtobespoiled—notkeptforapet.’Then,stridingtoasidedoor,heshoutedagain,‘Joseph!’

Josephmumbledindistinctlyinthedepthsofthecellar,butgavenointimationofascending;sohismasterdiveddowntohim,leavingmevis-à-vistheruffianlybitchandapairofgrimshaggysheep-dogs,whosharedwithherajealousguardianshipoverallmymovements.Notanxioustocomein

contactwiththeirfangs,Isatstill;but,imaginingtheywouldscarcelyunderstandtacitinsults,Iunfortunatelyindulgedinwinkingandmakingfacesatthetrio,andsometurnofmyphysiognomysoirritatedmadam,thatshesuddenlybrokeintoafuryandleaptonmyknees.Iflungherback,andhastenedtointerposethetablebetweenus.Thisproceedingarousedthewholehive:half-a-dozenfour-footedfiends,ofvarioussizesandages,issuedfromhiddendenstothecommoncentre.Ifeltmyheelsandcoat-lapspeculiarsubjectsofassault;andparryingoffthelargercombatantsaseffectuallyasIcouldwiththepoker,Iwasconstrainedtodemand,aloud,assistancefromsomeofthehouseholdinre-establishingpeace.

Mr.Heathcliffandhismanclimbedthecellarstepswithvexatiousphlegm:Idon’tthinktheymovedonesecondfasterthanusual,thoughthehearthwasanabsolutetempestofworryingandyelping.Happily,aninhabitantofthekitchenmademoredespatch:alustydame,withtucked-upgown,barearms,andfire-flushedcheeks,rushedintothemidstofusflourishingafrying-pan:andusedthatweapon,andhertongue,tosuchpurpose,thatthestormsubsidedmagically,andsheonlyremained,heavinglikeaseaafterahighwind,whenhermasterenteredonthescene.

‘What the devil is the matter?’ he asked, eyeing me in a manner that Icouldillendure,afterthisinhospitabletreatment.

‘Whatthedevil,indeed!’Imuttered.‘Theherdofpossessedswinecouldhavehadnoworsespiritsinthemthanthoseanimalsofyours,sir.Youmightaswellleaveastrangerwithabroodoftigers!’

‘Theywon’tmeddlewithpersonswhotouchnothing,’heremarked,puttingthebottlebeforeme,andrestoringthedisplacedtable.‘Thedogsdorighttobevigilant.Takeaglassofwine?’

‘No,thankyou.’

‘Notbitten,areyou?’

‘IfIhadbeen,Iwouldhavesetmysignetonthebiter.’Heathcliff’scountenancerelaxedintoagrin.

‘Come,come,’hesaid,‘youareflurried,Mr.Lockwood.Here,takealittlewine.GuestsaresoexceedinglyrareinthishousethatIandmydogs,Iamwillingtoown,hardlyknowhowtoreceivethem.Yourhealth,sir?’

Ibowedandreturnedthepledge;beginningtoperceivethatitwouldbefoolishtositsulkingforthemisbehaviourofapackofcurs;besides,Ifeltlothtoyieldthefellowfurtheramusementatmyexpense;sincehishumourtookthatturn.He—probablyswayedbyprudentialconsiderationofthefollyofoffendingagoodtenant—relaxedalittleinthelaconicstyleofchippingoff

hispronounsandauxiliaryverbs,andintroducedwhathesupposedwouldbeasubjectofinteresttome,—adiscourseontheadvantagesanddisadvantagesofmypresentplaceofretirement.Ifoundhimveryintelligentonthetopicswetouched;andbeforeIwenthome,Iwasencouragedsofarastovolunteeranothervisitto-morrow.Heevidentlywishednorepetitionofmyintrusion.Ishallgo,notwithstanding.ItisastonishinghowsociableIfeelmyselfcomparedwithhim.

CHAPTERII

Yesterdayafternoonsetinmistyandcold.Ihadhalfamindtospenditbymystudyfire,insteadofwadingthroughheathandmudtoWutheringHeights.Oncomingupfromdinner,however,(N.B.—Idinebetweentwelveandoneo’clock;thehousekeeper,amatronlylady,takenasafixturealongwiththehouse,couldnot,orwouldnot,comprehendmyrequestthatImightbeservedatfive)—onmountingthestairswiththislazyintention,andsteppingintotheroom,Isawaservant-girlonherkneessurroundedbybrushesandcoal-scuttles,andraisinganinfernaldustassheextinguishedtheflameswithheapsofcinders.Thisspectacledrovemebackimmediately;Itookmyhat,and,afterafour-miles’walk,arrivedatHeathcliff’sgarden-gatejustintimetoescapethefirstfeatheryflakesofasnow-shower.

Onthatbleakhill-toptheearthwashardwithablackfrost,andtheairmademeshiverthrougheverylimb.Beingunabletoremovethechain,Ijumpedover,and,runninguptheflaggedcausewayborderedwithstragglinggooseberry-bushes,knockedvainlyforadmittance,tillmyknucklestingledandthedogshowled.

‘Wretchedinmates!’Iejaculated,mentally,‘youdeserveperpetualisolationfromyourspeciesforyourchurlishinhospitality.Atleast,Iwouldnotkeepmydoorsbarredintheday-time.Idon’tcare—Iwillgetin!’Soresolved,Igraspedthelatchandshookitvehemently.Vinegar-facedJosephprojectedhisheadfromaroundwindowofthebarn.

‘Whatareyefor?’heshouted.‘T’maister’sdowni’t’fowld.Goroundbyth’endo’t’laith,ifyewenttospaketohim.’

‘Istherenobodyinsidetoopenthedoor?’Ihallooed,responsively.

‘There’snobbutt’missis;andshoo’llnotoppen’tanyemak’yerflaysomedinstillneeght.’

‘Why?CannotyoutellherwhomIam,eh,Joseph?’

‘Nor-neme!I’llhaenohendwi’t,’mutteredthehead,vanishing.

Thesnowbegantodrivethickly.Iseizedthehandletoessayanothertrial;whenayoungmanwithoutcoat,andshoulderingapitchfork,appearedintheyardbehind.Hehailedmetofollowhim,and,aftermarchingthroughawash-house,andapavedareacontainingacoal-shed,pump,andpigeon-cot,weatlengtharrivedinthehuge,warm,cheerfulapartmentwhereIwasformerlyreceived.Itgloweddelightfullyintheradianceofanimmensefire,compoundedofcoal,peat,andwood;andnearthetable,laidforaplentifuleveningmeal,Iwaspleasedtoobservethe‘missis,’anindividualwhoseexistenceIhadneverpreviouslysuspected.Ibowedandwaited,thinkingshewouldbidmetakeaseat.Shelookedatme,leaningbackinherchair,andremainedmotionlessandmute.

‘Roughweather!’Iremarked.‘I’mafraid,Mrs.Heathcliff,thedoormustbeartheconsequenceofyourservants’leisureattendance:Ihadhardworktomakethemhearme.’

Sheneveropenedhermouth.Istared—shestaredalso:atanyrate,shekepthereyesonmeinacool,regardlessmanner,exceedinglyembarrassinganddisagreeable.

‘Sitdown,’saidtheyoungman,gruffly.‘He’llbeinsoon.’

I obeyed; andhemmed, and called thevillain Juno,whodeigned, at thissecondinterview,tomovetheextremetipofhertail,intokenofowningmyacquaintance.

‘Abeautifulanimal!’Icommencedagain.‘Doyouintendpartingwiththelittleones,madam?’

‘They are not mine,’ said the amiable hostess, more repellingly thanHeathcliffhimselfcouldhavereplied.

‘Ah,yourfavouritesareamongthese?’Icontinued,turningtoanobscurecushionfullofsomethinglikecats.

‘Astrangechoiceoffavourites!’sheobservedscornfully.

Unluckily,itwasaheapofdeadrabbits.Ihemmedoncemore,anddrewclosertothehearth,repeatingmycommentonthewildnessoftheevening.

‘You should not have come out,’ she said, rising and reaching from thechimney-piecetwoofthepaintedcanisters.

Herpositionbeforewasshelteredfromthelight;now,Ihadadistinctviewofherwholefigureandcountenance.Shewasslender,andapparentlyscarcelypastgirlhood:anadmirableform,andthemostexquisitelittlefacethatIhaveeverhadthepleasureofbeholding;smallfeatures,veryfair;flaxen

ringlets,orrathergolden,hanginglooseonherdelicateneck;andeyes,hadtheybeenagreeableinexpression,thatwouldhavebeenirresistible:fortunatelyformysusceptibleheart,theonlysentimenttheyevincedhoveredbetweenscornandakindofdesperation,singularlyunnaturaltobedetectedthere.Thecanisterswerealmostoutofherreach;Imadeamotiontoaidher;sheturneduponmeasamisermightturnifanyoneattemptedtoassisthimincountinghisgold.

‘Idon’twantyourhelp,’shesnapped;‘Icangetthemformyself.’

‘Ibegyourpardon!’Ihastenedtoreply.

‘Wereyouaskedtotea?’shedemanded,tyinganapronoverherneatblackfrock,andstandingwithaspoonfuloftheleafpoisedoverthepot.

‘Ishallbegladtohaveacup,’Ianswered.

‘Wereyouasked?’sherepeated.

‘No,’Isaid,halfsmiling.‘Youaretheproperpersontoaskme.’

Sheflungtheteaback,spoonandall,andresumedherchairinapet;herforeheadcorrugated,andherredunder-lippushedout,likeachild’sreadytocry.

Meanwhile,theyoungmanhadslungontohispersonadecidedlyshabbyuppergarment,and,erectinghimselfbeforetheblaze,lookeddownonmefromthecornerofhiseyes,foralltheworldasifthereweresomemortalfeudunavengedbetweenus.Ibegantodoubtwhetherhewereaservantornot:hisdressandspeechwerebothrude,entirelydevoidofthesuperiorityobservableinMr.andMrs.Heathcliff;histhickbrowncurlswereroughanduncultivated,hiswhiskersencroachedbearishlyoverhischeeks,andhishandswereembrownedlikethoseofacommonlabourer:stillhisbearingwasfree,almosthaughty,andheshowednoneofadomestic’sassiduityinattendingontheladyofthehouse.Intheabsenceofclearproofsofhiscondition,Ideemeditbesttoabstainfromnoticinghiscuriousconduct;and,fiveminutesafterwards,theentranceofHeathcliffrelievedme,insomemeasure,frommyuncomfortablestate.

‘Yousee,sir,Iamcome,accordingtopromise!’Iexclaimed,assumingthecheerful; ‘and I fear I shall be weather-bound for half an hour, if you canaffordmeshelterduringthatspace.’

‘Halfanhour?’hesaid,shakingthewhiteflakesfromhisclothes;‘Iwonderyoushouldselectthethickofasnow-stormtorambleaboutin.Doyouknowthatyourunariskofbeinglostinthemarshes?Peoplefamiliarwiththesemoorsoftenmisstheirroadonsuchevenings;andIcantellyouthereisnochanceofachangeatpresent.’

‘Perhaps I can get a guide among your lads, and he might stay at theGrangetillmorning—couldyousparemeone?’

‘No,Icouldnot.’

‘Oh,indeed!Well,then,Imusttrusttomyownsagacity.’

‘Umph!’

‘Areyougoingtomak’thetea?’demandedheoftheshabbycoat,shiftinghisferociousgazefrommetotheyounglady.

‘Ishetohaveany?’sheasked,appealingtoHeathcliff.

‘Getitready,willyou?’wastheanswer,utteredsosavagelythatIstarted.Thetoneinwhichthewordsweresaidrevealedagenuinebadnature.InolongerfeltinclinedtocallHeathcliffacapitalfellow.Whenthepreparationswerefinished,heinvitedmewith—‘Now,sir,bringforwardyourchair.’Andweall,includingtherusticyouth,drewroundthetable:anausteresilenceprevailingwhilewediscussedourmeal.

Ithought,ifIhadcausedthecloud,itwasmydutytomakeanefforttodispelit.Theycouldnoteverydaysitsogrimandtaciturn;anditwasimpossible,howeverill-temperedtheymightbe,thattheuniversalscowltheyworewastheirevery-daycountenance.

‘It is strange,’ I began, in the interval of swallowing one cup of tea andreceivinganother—‘itisstrangehowcustomcanmouldourtastesandideas:manycouldnotimaginetheexistenceofhappinessinalifeofsuchcompleteexilefromtheworldasyouspend,Mr.Heathcliff;yet,I’llventuretosay,that,surroundedbyyourfamily,andwithyouramiableladyasthepresidinggeniusoveryourhomeandheart—’

‘Myamiablelady!’heinterrupted,withanalmostdiabolicalsneeronhisface.‘Whereisshe—myamiablelady?’

‘Mrs.Heathcliff,yourwife,Imean.’

‘Well,yes—oh,youwouldintimatethatherspirithastakenthepostofministeringangel,andguardsthefortunesofWutheringHeights,evenwhenherbodyisgone.Isthatit?’

Perceivingmyselfinablunder,Iattemptedtocorrectit.Imighthaveseentherewastoogreatadisparitybetweentheagesofthepartiestomakeitlikelythattheyweremanandwife.Onewasaboutforty:aperiodofmentalvigouratwhichmenseldomcherishthedelusionofbeingmarriedforlovebygirls:thatdreamisreservedforthesolaceofourdecliningyears.Theotherdidnotlookseventeen.

Thenitflasheduponme—‘Theclownatmyelbow,whoisdrinkinghistea

outofabasinandeatinghisbreadwithunwashedhands,maybeherhusband:Heathcliffjunior,ofcourse.Hereistheconsequenceofbeingburiedalive:shehasthrownherselfawayuponthatboorfromsheerignorancethatbetterindividualsexisted!Asadpity—ImustbewarehowIcausehertoregretherchoice.’Thelastreflectionmayseemconceited;itwasnot.Myneighbourstruckmeasborderingonrepulsive;Iknew,throughexperience,thatIwastolerablyattractive.

‘Mrs.Heathcliffismydaughter-in-law,’saidHeathcliff,corroboratingmysurmise.Heturned,ashespoke,apeculiarlookinherdirection:alookofhatred;unlesshehasamostperversesetoffacialmusclesthatwillnot,likethoseofotherpeople,interpretthelanguageofhissoul.

‘Ah, certainly—I see now: you are the favoured possessor of thebeneficentfairy,’Iremarked,turningtomyneighbour.

Thiswasworsethanbefore:theyouthgrewcrimson,andclenchedhisfist,witheveryappearanceofameditatedassault.Butheseemedtorecollecthimselfpresently,andsmotheredthestorminabrutalcurse,mutteredonmybehalf:which,however,Itookcarenottonotice.

‘Unhappyinyourconjectures,sir,’observedmyhost;‘weneitherofushavetheprivilegeofowningyourgoodfairy;hermateisdead.Isaidshewasmydaughter-in-law:therefore,shemusthavemarriedmyson.’

‘Andthisyoungmanis—’

‘Notmyson,assuredly.’

Heathcliffsmiledagain,asifitwererathertooboldajesttoattributethepaternityofthatbeartohim.

‘MynameisHaretonEarnshaw,’growledtheother;‘andI’dcounselyoutorespectit!’

‘I’veshownnodisrespect,’wasmyreply,laughinginternallyatthedignitywithwhichheannouncedhimself.

HefixedhiseyeonmelongerthanIcaredtoreturnthestare,forfearImightbetemptedeithertoboxhisearsorrendermyhilarityaudible.Ibegantofeelunmistakablyoutofplaceinthatpleasantfamilycircle.Thedismalspiritualatmosphereovercame,andmorethanneutralised,theglowingphysicalcomfortsroundme;andIresolvedtobecautioushowIventuredunderthoseraftersathirdtime.

Thebusinessofeatingbeingconcluded,andnooneutteringawordofsociableconversation,Iapproachedawindowtoexaminetheweather.AsorrowfulsightIsaw:darknightcomingdownprematurely,andskyandhillsmingledinonebitterwhirlofwindandsuffocatingsnow.

‘Idon’tthinkitpossibleformetogethomenowwithoutaguide,’Icouldnothelpexclaiming.‘Theroadswillbeburiedalready;and,iftheywerebare,Icouldscarcelydistinguishafootinadvance.’

‘Hareton,drivethosedozensheepintothebarnporch.They’llbecoveredifleftinthefoldallnight:andputaplankbeforethem,’saidHeathcliff.

‘HowmustIdo?’Icontinued,withrisingirritation.

Therewasnoreplytomyquestion;andonlookingroundIsawonlyJosephbringinginapailofporridgeforthedogs,andMrs.Heathcliffleaningoverthefire,divertingherselfwithburningabundleofmatcheswhichhadfallenfromthechimney-pieceassherestoredthetea-canistertoitsplace.Theformer,whenhehaddepositedhisburden,tookacriticalsurveyoftheroom,andincrackedtonesgratedout—‘Awwonderhowyahcanfaishiontostandtheari’idlenessunwar,whenallon’emsgoanout!Budyah’reanowt,andit’snousetalking—yah’llnivermendo’yerillways,butgoaraighttot’divil,likeyermotheraforeye!’

Iimagined,foramoment,thatthispieceofeloquencewasaddressedtome;and,sufficientlyenraged,steppedtowardstheagedrascalwithanintentionofkickinghimoutofthedoor.Mrs.Heathcliff,however,checkedmebyheranswer.

‘Youscandalousoldhypocrite!’shereplied.‘Areyounotafraidofbeingcarriedawaybodily,wheneveryoumentionthedevil’sname?Iwarnyoutorefrainfromprovokingme,orI’llaskyourabductionasaspecialfavour!Stop!lookhere,Joseph,’shecontinued,takingalong,darkbookfromashelf;‘I’llshowyouhowfarI’veprogressedintheBlackArt:Ishallsoonbecompetenttomakeaclearhouseofit.Theredcowdidn’tdiebychance;andyourrheumatismcanhardlybereckonedamongprovidentialvisitations!’

‘Oh, wicked, wicked!’ gasped the elder; ‘may the Lord deliver us fromevil!’

‘No,reprobate!youareacastaway—beoff,orI’llhurtyouseriously!I’llhaveyouallmodelledinwaxandclay!andthefirstwhopassesthelimitsIfixshall—I’llnotsaywhatheshallbedoneto—but,you’llsee!Go,I’mlookingatyou!’

Thelittlewitchputamockmalignityintoherbeautifuleyes,andJoseph,tremblingwithsincerehorror,hurriedout,praying,andejaculating‘wicked’ashewent.Ithoughtherconductmustbepromptedbyaspeciesofdrearyfun;and,nowthatwewerealone,Iendeavouredtointerestherinmydistress.

‘Mrs.Heathcliff,’Isaidearnestly,‘youmustexcusemefortroublingyou.Ipresume,because,withthatface,I’msureyoucannothelpbeinggood-

hearted.DopointoutsomelandmarksbywhichImayknowmywayhome:IhavenomoreideahowtogettherethanyouwouldhavehowtogettoLondon!’

‘Taketheroadyoucame,’sheanswered,ensconcingherselfinachair,withacandle,andthelongbookopenbeforeher.‘Itisbriefadvice,butassoundasIcangive.’

‘Then, if youhearofmebeingdiscovereddead in abogor apit full ofsnow,yourconsciencewon’twhisperthatitispartlyyourfault?’

‘Howso?Icannotescortyou.Theywouldn’tletmegototheendofthegardenwall.’

‘You!Ishouldbesorrytoaskyoutocrossthethreshold,formyconvenience,onsuchanight,’Icried.‘Iwantyoutotellmemyway,nottoshowit:orelsetopersuadeMr.Heathclifftogivemeaguide.’

‘Who?Thereishimself,Earnshaw,Zillah,JosephandI.Whichwouldyouhave?’

‘Aretherenoboysatthefarm?’

‘No;thoseareall.’

‘Then,itfollowsthatIamcompelledtostay.’

‘Thatyoumaysettlewithyourhost.Ihavenothingtodowithit.’

‘Ihopeitwillbealessontoyoutomakenomorerashjourneysonthesehills,’criedHeathcliff’ssternvoicefromthekitchenentrance.‘Astostayinghere,Idon’tkeepaccommodationsforvisitors:youmustshareabedwithHaretonorJoseph,ifyoudo.’

‘Icansleeponachairinthisroom,’Ireplied.

‘No,no!Astrangerisastranger,beherichorpoor:itwillnotsuitmetopermitanyonetherangeoftheplacewhileIamoffguard!’saidtheunmannerlywretch.

Withthisinsultmypatiencewasatanend.Iutteredanexpressionofdisgust,andpushedpasthimintotheyard,runningagainstEarnshawinmyhaste.ItwassodarkthatIcouldnotseethemeansofexit;and,asIwanderedround,Iheardanotherspecimenoftheircivilbehaviouramongsteachother.Atfirsttheyoungmanappearedabouttobefriendme.

‘I’llgowithhimasfarasthepark,’hesaid.

‘You’llgowithhimtohell!’exclaimedhismaster,orwhateverrelationhebore.‘Andwhoistolookafterthehorses,eh?’

‘Aman’s life is ofmore consequence than one evening’s neglect of thehorses: somebodymust go,’ murmuredMrs. Heathcliff, more kindly than Iexpected.

‘Notatyourcommand!’retortedHareton.‘Ifyousetstoreonhim,you’dbetterbequiet.’

‘ThenIhopehisghostwillhauntyou;andIhopeMr.HeathcliffwillnevergetanothertenanttilltheGrangeisaruin,’sheanswered,sharply.

‘Hearken, hearken, shoo’s cursing on ’em!’ muttered Joseph, towardswhomIhadbeensteering.

Hesatwithinearshot,milkingthecowsbythelightofalantern,whichIseized unceremoniously, and, calling out that I would send it back on themorrow,rushedtothenearestpostern.

‘Maister,maister,he’sstalingt’lanthern!’shoutedtheancient,pursuingmyretreat.‘Hey,Gnasher!Hey,dog!HeyWolf,holldhim,holldhim!’

Onopeningthelittledoor,twohairymonstersflewatmythroat,bearingmedown,andextinguishingthelight;whileamingledguffawfromHeathcliffandHaretonputthecopestoneonmyrageandhumiliation.Fortunately,thebeastsseemedmorebentonstretchingtheirpaws,andyawning,andflourishingtheirtails,thandevouringmealive;buttheywouldsuffernoresurrection,andIwasforcedtolietilltheirmalignantmasterspleasedtodeliverme:then,hatlessandtremblingwithwrath,Iorderedthemiscreantstoletmeout—ontheirperiltokeepmeoneminutelonger—withseveralincoherentthreatsofretaliationthat,intheirindefinitedepthofvirulency,smackedofKingLear.

Thevehemenceofmyagitationbroughtonacopiousbleedingatthenose,andstillHeathclifflaughed,andstillIscolded.Idon’tknowwhatwouldhaveconcludedthescene,hadtherenotbeenonepersonathandrathermorerationalthanmyself,andmorebenevolentthanmyentertainer.ThiswasZillah,thestouthousewife;whoatlengthissuedforthtoinquireintothenatureoftheuproar.Shethoughtthatsomeofthemhadbeenlayingviolenthandsonme;and,notdaringtoattackhermaster,sheturnedhervocalartilleryagainsttheyoungerscoundrel.

‘Well,Mr.Earnshaw,’shecried,‘Iwonderwhatyou’llhaveagaitnext?Arewegoingtomurderfolkonourverydoor-stones?Iseethishousewillneverdoforme—lookatt’poorlad,he’sfairchoking!Wisht,wisht;youmun’n’tgoonso.Comein,andI’llcurethat:therenow,holdyestill.’

Withthesewordsshesuddenlysplashedapintoficywaterdownmyneck,andpulledmeintothekitchen.Mr.Heathclifffollowed,hisaccidental

merrimentexpiringquicklyinhishabitualmoroseness.

Iwassickexceedingly,anddizzy,andfaint;andthuscompelledperforcetoacceptlodgingsunderhisroof.HetoldZillahtogivemeaglassofbrandy,andthenpassedontotheinnerroom;whileshecondoledwithmeonmysorrypredicament,andhavingobeyedhisorders,wherebyIwassomewhatrevived,usheredmetobed.

CHAPTERIII

Whileleadingthewayupstairs,sherecommendedthatIshouldhidethecandle,andnotmakeanoise;forhermasterhadanoddnotionaboutthechambershewouldputmein,andneverletanybodylodgetherewillingly.Iaskedthereason.Shedidnotknow,sheanswered:shehadonlylivedthereayearortwo;andtheyhadsomanyqueergoingson,shecouldnotbegintobecurious.

Toostupefiedtobecuriousmyself,Ifastenedmydoorandglancedroundforthebed.Thewholefurnitureconsistedofachair,aclothes-press,andalargeoakcase,withsquarescutoutnearthetopresemblingcoachwindows.Havingapproachedthisstructure,Ilookedinside,andperceivedittobeasingularsortofold-fashionedcouch,veryconvenientlydesignedtoobviatethenecessityforeverymemberofthefamilyhavingaroomtohimself.Infact,itformedalittlecloset,andtheledgeofawindow,whichitenclosed,servedasatable.Islidbackthepanelledsides,gotinwithmylight,pulledthemtogetheragain,andfeltsecureagainstthevigilanceofHeathcliff,andeveryoneelse.

Theledge,whereIplacedmycandle,hadafewmildewedbookspiledupinonecorner;anditwascoveredwithwritingscratchedonthepaint.Thiswriting,however,wasnothingbutanamerepeatedinallkindsofcharacters,largeandsmall—CatherineEarnshaw,hereandtherevariedtoCatherineHeathcliff,andthenagaintoCatherineLinton.

InvapidlistlessnessIleantmyheadagainstthewindow,andcontinuedspellingoverCatherineEarnshaw—Heathcliff—Linton,tillmyeyesclosed;buttheyhadnotrestedfiveminuteswhenaglareofwhitelettersstartedfromthedark,asvividasspectres—theairswarmedwithCatherines;androusingmyselftodispeltheobtrusivename,Idiscoveredmycandle-wickrecliningononeoftheantiquevolumes,andperfumingtheplacewithanodourofroastedcalf-skin.Isnuffeditoff,and,veryillateaseundertheinfluenceofcoldandlingeringnausea,satupandspreadopentheinjuredtomeonmyknee.Itwas

aTestament,inleantype,andsmellingdreadfullymusty:afly-leafboretheinscription—‘CatherineEarnshaw,herbook,’andadatesomequarterofacenturyback.Ishutit,andtookupanotherandanother,tillIhadexaminedall.Catherine’slibrarywasselect,anditsstateofdilapidationprovedittohavebeenwellused,thoughnotaltogetherforalegitimatepurpose:scarcelyonechapterhadescaped,apen-and-inkcommentary—atleasttheappearanceofone—coveringeverymorselofblankthattheprinterhadleft.Someweredetachedsentences;otherpartstooktheformofaregulardiary,scrawledinanunformed,childishhand.Atthetopofanextrapage(quiteatreasure,probably,whenfirstlightedon)IwasgreatlyamusedtobeholdanexcellentcaricatureofmyfriendJoseph,—rudely,yetpowerfullysketched.AnimmediateinterestkindledwithinmefortheunknownCatherine,andIbeganforthwithtodecipherherfadedhieroglyphics.

‘AnawfulSunday,’commencedtheparagraphbeneath.‘Iwishmyfatherwerebackagain.Hindleyisadetestablesubstitute—hisconducttoHeathcliffisatrocious—H.andIaregoingtorebel—wetookourinitiatorystepthisevening.

‘Alldayhadbeenfloodingwithrain;wecouldnotgotochurch,soJosephmustneedsgetupacongregationinthegarret;and,whileHindleyandhiswifebaskeddownstairsbeforeacomfortablefire—doinganythingbutreadingtheirBibles,I’llanswerforit—Heathcliff,myself,andtheunhappyploughboywerecommandedtotakeourprayer-books,andmount:wewererangedinarow,onasackofcorn,groaningandshivering,andhopingthatJosephwouldshivertoo,sothathemightgiveusashorthomilyforhisownsake.Avainidea!Theservicelastedpreciselythreehours;andyetmybrotherhadthefacetoexclaim,whenhesawusdescending,“What,donealready?”OnSundayeveningsweusedtobepermittedtoplay,ifwedidnotmakemuchnoise;nowameretitterissufficienttosendusintocorners.

‘“Youforgetyouhaveamasterhere,”saysthetyrant.“I’lldemolishthefirstwhoputsmeoutoftemper!Iinsistonperfectsobrietyandsilence.Oh,boy!wasthatyou?Francesdarling,pullhishairasyougoby:Iheardhimsnaphisfingers.”Francespulledhishairheartily,andthenwentandseatedherselfonherhusband’sknee,andtheretheywere,liketwobabies,kissingandtalkingnonsensebythehour—foolishpalaverthatweshouldbeashamedof.Wemadeourselvesassnugasourmeansallowedinthearchofthedresser.Ihadjustfastenedourpinaforestogether,andhungthemupforacurtain,whenincomesJoseph,onanerrandfromthestables.Hetearsdownmyhandiwork,boxesmyears,andcroaks:

‘“T’maisternobbutjustburied,andSabbathnoto’ered,undt’soundo’t’gospelstilli’yerlugs,andyedarrbelaiking!Shameonye!sityedown,illchilder!there’sgoodbookseneughifye’llread’em:sityedown,andthinko’

yersowls!”

‘Sayingthis,hecompelledussotosquareourpositionsthatwemightreceivefromthefar-offfireadullraytoshowusthetextofthelumberhethrustuponus.Icouldnotbeartheemployment.Itookmydingyvolumebythescroop,andhurleditintothedog-kennel,vowingIhatedagoodbook.Heathcliffkickedhistothesameplace.Thentherewasahubbub!

‘“MaisterHindley!”shoutedourchaplain.“Maister,coomhither!MissCathy’sriventh’backoff‘Th’Helmeto’Salvation,’un’Heathcliff’spawsedhisfitintot’firstparto’‘T’BrooadWaytoDestruction!’It’sfairflaysomethatyelet’emgoonthisgait.Ech!th’owdmanwadha’laced’emproperly—buthe’sgoan!”

‘Hindleyhurriedupfromhisparadiseonthehearth,andseizingoneofusbythecollar,andtheotherbythearm,hurledbothintotheback-kitchen;where,Josephasseverated,“owdNick”wouldfetchusassureaswewereliving:and,socomforted,weeachsoughtaseparatenooktoawaithisadvent.Ireachedthisbook,andapotofinkfromashelf,andpushedthehouse-doorajartogivemelight,andIhavegotthetimeonwithwritingfortwentyminutes;butmycompanionisimpatient,andproposesthatweshouldappropriatethedairywoman’scloak,andhaveascamperonthemoors,underitsshelter.Apleasantsuggestion—andthen,ifthesurlyoldmancomein,hemaybelievehisprophecyverified—wecannotbedamper,orcolder,intherainthanwearehere.’

******

I suppose Catherine fulfilled her project, for the next sentence took upanothersubject:shewaxedlachrymose.

‘HowlittledidIdreamthatHindleywouldevermakemecryso!’shewrote.‘Myheadaches,tillIcannotkeepitonthepillow;andstillIcan’tgiveover.PoorHeathcliff!Hindleycallshimavagabond,andwon’tlethimsitwithus,noreatwithusanymore;and,hesays,heandImustnotplaytogether,andthreatenstoturnhimoutofthehouseifwebreakhisorders.Hehasbeenblamingourfather(howdaredhe?)fortreatingH.tooliberally;andswearshewillreducehimtohisrightplace—’

******

Ibegantonoddrowsilyoverthedimpage:myeyewanderedfrommanuscripttoprint.Isawaredornamentedtitle—‘SeventyTimesSeven,andtheFirstoftheSeventy-First.APiousDiscoursedeliveredbytheReverendJabezBranderham,intheChapelofGimmerdenSough.’AndwhileIwas,half-consciously,worryingmybraintoguesswhatJabezBranderhamwouldmakeofhissubject,Isankbackinbed,andfellasleep.Alas,fortheeffectsof

badteaandbadtemper!Whatelsecoulditbethatmademepasssuchaterriblenight?Idon’trememberanotherthatIcanatallcomparewithitsinceIwascapableofsuffering.

Ibegantodream,almostbeforeIceasedtobesensibleofmylocality.Ithoughtitwasmorning;andIhadsetoutonmywayhome,withJosephforaguide.Thesnowlayyardsdeepinourroad;and,asweflounderedon,mycompanionweariedmewithconstantreproachesthatIhadnotbroughtapilgrim’sstaff:tellingmethatIcouldnevergetintothehousewithoutone,andboastfullyflourishingaheavy-headedcudgel,whichIunderstoodtobesodenominated.ForamomentIconsidereditabsurdthatIshouldneedsuchaweapontogainadmittanceintomyownresidence.Thenanewideaflashedacrossme.Iwasnotgoingthere:wewerejourneyingtohearthefamousJabezBranderhampreach,fromthetext—‘SeventyTimesSeven;’andeitherJoseph,thepreacher,orIhadcommittedthe‘FirstoftheSeventy-First,’andweretobepubliclyexposedandexcommunicated.

Wecametothechapel.Ihavepasseditreallyinmywalks,twiceorthrice;itliesinahollow,betweentwohills:anelevatedhollow,nearaswamp,whosepeatymoistureissaidtoanswerallthepurposesofembalmingonthefewcorpsesdepositedthere.Theroofhasbeenkeptwholehitherto;butastheclergyman’sstipendisonlytwentypoundsperannum,andahousewithtworooms,threateningspeedilytodetermineintoone,noclergymanwillundertakethedutiesofpastor:especiallyasitiscurrentlyreportedthathisflockwouldratherlethimstarvethanincreasethelivingbyonepennyfromtheirownpockets.However,inmydream,Jabezhadafullandattentivecongregation;andhepreached—goodGod!whatasermon;dividedintofourhundredandninetyparts,eachfullyequaltoanordinaryaddressfromthepulpit,andeachdiscussingaseparatesin!Wherehesearchedforthem,Icannottell.Hehadhisprivatemannerofinterpretingthephrase,anditseemednecessarythebrothershouldsindifferentsinsoneveryoccasion.Theywereofthemostcuriouscharacter:oddtransgressionsthatIneverimaginedpreviously.

Oh,howwearyIgrow.HowIwrithed,andyawned,andnodded,andrevived!HowIpinchedandprickedmyself,andrubbedmyeyes,andstoodup,andsatdownagain,andnudgedJosephtoinformmeifhewouldeverhavedone.Iwascondemnedtohearallout:finally,hereachedthe‘FirstoftheSeventy-First.’Atthatcrisis,asuddeninspirationdescendedonme;IwasmovedtoriseanddenounceJabezBranderhamasthesinnerofthesinthatnoChristianneedpardon.

‘Sir,’Iexclaimed,‘sittingherewithinthesefourwalls,atonestretch,Ihaveenduredandforgiventhefourhundredandninetyheadsofyourdiscourse.SeventytimesseventimeshaveIpluckedupmyhatandbeen

abouttodepart—Seventytimesseventimeshaveyoupreposterouslyforcedmetoresumemyseat.Thefourhundredandninety-firstistoomuch.Fellow-martyrs,haveathim!Draghimdown,andcrushhimtoatoms,thattheplacewhichknowshimmayknowhimnomore!’

‘ThouarttheMan!’criedJabez,afterasolemnpause,leaningoverhiscushion.‘Seventytimesseventimesdidstthougapinglycontortthyvisage—seventytimessevendidItakecounselwithmysoul—Lo,thisishumanweakness:thisalsomaybeabsolved!TheFirstoftheSeventy-Firstiscome.Brethren,executeuponhimthejudgmentwritten.SuchhonourhaveallHissaints!’

Withthatconcludingword,thewholeassembly,exaltingtheirpilgrim’sstaves,rushedroundmeinabody;andI,havingnoweapontoraiseinself-defence,commencedgrapplingwithJoseph,mynearestandmostferociousassailant,forhis.Intheconfluenceofthemultitude,severalclubscrossed;blows,aimedatme,fellonothersconces.Presentlythewholechapelresoundedwithrappingsandcounterrappings:everyman’shandwasagainsthisneighbour;andBranderham,unwillingtoremainidle,pouredforthhiszealinashowerofloudtapsontheboardsofthepulpit,whichrespondedsosmartlythat,atlast,tomyunspeakablerelief,theywokeme.Andwhatwasitthathadsuggestedthetremendoustumult?WhathadplayedJabez’spartintherow?Merelythebranchofafir-treethattouchedmylatticeastheblastwailedby,andrattleditsdryconesagainstthepanes!Ilisteneddoubtinglyaninstant;detectedthedisturber,thenturnedanddozed,anddreamtagain:ifpossible,stillmoredisagreeablythanbefore.

Thistime,IrememberedIwaslyingintheoakcloset,andIhearddistinctlythegustywind,andthedrivingofthesnow;Iheard,also,thefirboughrepeatitsteasingsound,andascribedittotherightcause:butitannoyedmesomuch,thatIresolvedtosilenceit,ifpossible;and,Ithought,Iroseandendeavouredtounhaspthecasement.Thehookwassolderedintothestaple:acircumstanceobservedbymewhenawake,butforgotten.‘Imuststopit,nevertheless!’Imuttered,knockingmyknucklesthroughtheglass,andstretchinganarmouttoseizetheimportunatebranch;insteadofwhich,myfingersclosedonthefingersofalittle,ice-coldhand!Theintensehorrorofnightmarecameoverme:Itriedtodrawbackmyarm,butthehandclungtoit,andamostmelancholyvoicesobbed,‘Letmein—letmein!’‘Whoareyou?’Iasked,struggling,meanwhile,todisengagemyself.‘CatherineLinton,’itreplied,shiveringly(whydidIthinkofLinton?IhadreadEarnshawtwentytimesforLinton)—‘I’mcomehome:I’dlostmywayonthemoor!’Asitspoke,Idiscerned,obscurely,achild’sfacelookingthroughthewindow.Terrormademecruel;and,findingituselesstoattemptshakingthecreatureoff,Ipulleditswristontothebrokenpane,andrubbedittoandfrotillthe

bloodrandownandsoakedthebedclothes:stillitwailed,‘Letmein!’andmaintaineditstenaciousgrip,almostmaddeningmewithfear.‘HowcanI!’Isaidatlength.‘Letmego,ifyouwantmetoletyouin!’Thefingersrelaxed,Isnatchedminethroughthehole,hurriedlypiledthebooksupinapyramidagainstit,andstoppedmyearstoexcludethelamentableprayer.Iseemedtokeepthemclosedaboveaquarterofanhour;yet,theinstantIlistenedagain,therewasthedolefulcrymoaningon!‘Begone!’Ishouted.‘I’llneverletyouin,notifyoubegfortwentyyears.’‘Itistwentyyears,’mournedthevoice:‘twentyyears.I’vebeenawaiffortwentyyears!’Thereatbeganafeeblescratchingoutside,andthepileofbooksmovedasifthrustforward.Itriedtojumpup;butcouldnotstiralimb;andsoyelledaloud,inafrenzyoffright.Tomyconfusion,Idiscoveredtheyellwasnotideal:hastyfootstepsapproachedmychamberdoor;somebodypusheditopen,withavigoroushand,andalightglimmeredthroughthesquaresatthetopofthebed.Isatshudderingyet,andwipingtheperspirationfrommyforehead:theintruderappearedtohesitate,andmutteredtohimself.Atlast,hesaid,inahalf-whisper,plainlynotexpectingananswer,‘Isanyonehere?’Iconsidereditbesttoconfessmypresence;forIknewHeathcliff’saccents,andfearedhemightsearchfurther,ifIkeptquiet.Withthisintention,Iturnedandopenedthepanels.Ishallnotsoonforgettheeffectmyactionproduced.

Heathcliffstoodneartheentrance,inhisshirtandtrousers;withacandledrippingoverhisfingers,andhisfaceaswhiteasthewallbehindhim.Thefirstcreakoftheoakstartledhimlikeanelectricshock:thelightleapedfromhisholdtoadistanceofsomefeet,andhisagitationwassoextreme,thathecouldhardlypickitup.

‘Itisonlyyourguest,sir,’Icalledout,desiroustosparehimthehumiliationofexposinghiscowardicefurther.‘Ihadthemisfortunetoscreaminmysleep,owingtoafrightfulnightmare.I’msorryIdisturbedyou.’

‘Oh,Godconfoundyou,Mr.Lockwood!Iwishyouwereatthe—’commencedmyhost,settingthecandleonachair,becausehefounditimpossibletoholditsteady.‘Andwhoshowedyouupintothisroom?’hecontinued,crushinghisnailsintohispalms,andgrindinghisteethtosubduethemaxillaryconvulsions.‘Whowasit?I’veagoodmindtoturnthemoutofthehousethismoment?’

‘ItwasyourservantZillah,’Ireplied,flingingmyselfontothefloor,andrapidlyresumingmygarments.‘Ishouldnotcareifyoudid,Mr.Heathcliff;sherichlydeservesit.Isupposethatshewantedtogetanotherproofthattheplacewashaunted,atmyexpense.Well,itis—swarmingwithghostsandgoblins!Youhavereasoninshuttingitup,Iassureyou.Noonewillthankyouforadozeinsuchaden!’

‘Whatdoyoumean?’askedHeathcliff,‘andwhatareyoudoing?Liedownandfinishoutthenight,sinceyouarehere;but,forheaven’ssake!don’trepeatthathorridnoise:nothingcouldexcuseit,unlessyouwerehavingyourthroatcut!’

‘Ifthelittlefiendhadgotinatthewindow,sheprobablywouldhavestrangledme!’Ireturned.‘I’mnotgoingtoendurethepersecutionsofyourhospitableancestorsagain.WasnottheReverendJabezBranderhamakintoyouonthemother’sside?Andthatminx,CatherineLinton,orEarnshaw,orhowevershewascalled—shemusthavebeenachangeling—wickedlittlesoul!Shetoldmeshehadbeenwalkingtheearththesetwentyyears:ajustpunishmentforhermortaltransgressions,I’venodoubt!’

ScarcelywerethesewordsutteredwhenIrecollectedtheassociationofHeathcliff’swithCatherine’snameinthebook,whichhadcompletelyslippedfrommymemory,tillthusawakened.Iblushedatmyinconsideration:but,withoutshowingfurtherconsciousnessoftheoffence,Ihastenedtoadd—‘Thetruthis,sir,Ipassedthefirstpartofthenightin—’HereIstoppedafresh—Iwasabouttosay‘perusingthoseoldvolumes,’thenitwouldhaverevealedmyknowledgeoftheirwritten,aswellastheirprinted,contents;so,correctingmyself,Iwenton—‘inspellingoverthenamescratchedonthatwindow-ledge.Amonotonousoccupation,calculatedtosetmeasleep,likecounting,or—’

‘Whatcanyoumeanbytalkinginthiswaytome!’thunderedHeathcliffwithsavagevehemence.‘How—howdareyou,undermyroof?—God!he’smadtospeakso!’Andhestruckhisforeheadwithrage.

Ididnotknowwhethertoresentthislanguageorpursuemyexplanation;butheseemedsopowerfullyaffectedthatItookpityandproceededwithmydreams;affirmingIhadneverheardtheappellationof‘CatherineLinton’before,butreadingitoftenoverproducedanimpressionwhichpersonifieditselfwhenIhadnolongermyimaginationundercontrol.Heathcliffgraduallyfellbackintotheshelterofthebed,asIspoke;finallysittingdownalmostconcealedbehindit.Iguessed,however,byhisirregularandinterceptedbreathing,thathestruggledtovanquishanexcessofviolentemotion.NotlikingtoshowhimthatIhadheardtheconflict,Icontinuedmytoiletterathernoisily,lookedatmywatch,andsoliloquisedonthelengthofthenight:‘Notthreeo’clockyet!Icouldhavetakenoathithadbeensix.Timestagnateshere:wemustsurelyhaveretiredtorestateight!’

‘Alwaysatnineinwinter,andriseatfour,’saidmyhost,suppressingagroan:and,asIfancied,bythemotionofhisarm’sshadow,dashingatearfromhiseyes.‘Mr.Lockwood,’headded,‘youmaygointomyroom:you’llonlybeintheway,comingdown-stairssoearly:andyourchildishoutcryhas

sentsleeptothedevilforme.’

‘Andforme,too,’Ireplied.‘I’llwalkintheyardtilldaylight,andthenI’llbeoff;andyouneednotdreadarepetitionofmyintrusion.I’mnowquitecuredofseekingpleasureinsociety,beitcountryortown.Asensiblemanoughttofindsufficientcompanyinhimself.’

‘Delightfulcompany!’mutteredHeathcliff.‘Takethecandle,andgowhereyouplease.Ishalljoinyoudirectly.Keepoutoftheyard,though,thedogsareunchained;andthehouse—Junomountssentinelthere,and—nay,youcanonlyrambleaboutthestepsandpassages.But,awaywithyou!I’llcomeintwominutes!’

Iobeyed,sofarastoquitthechamber;when,ignorantwherethenarrowlobbiesled,Istoodstill,andwaswitness,involuntarily,toapieceofsuperstitiononthepartofmylandlordwhichbelied,oddly,hisapparentsense.Hegotontothebed,andwrenchedopenthelattice,bursting,ashepulledatit,intoanuncontrollablepassionoftears.‘Comein!comein!’hesobbed.‘Cathy,docome.Oh,do—oncemore!Oh!myheart’sdarling!hearmethistime,Catherine,atlast!’Thespectreshowedaspectre’sordinarycaprice:itgavenosignofbeing;butthesnowandwindwhirledwildlythrough,evenreachingmystation,andblowingoutthelight.

Therewassuchanguishinthegushofgriefthataccompaniedthisraving,thatmycompassionmademeoverlookitsfolly,andIdrewoff,halfangrytohavelistenedatall,andvexedathavingrelatedmyridiculousnightmare,sinceitproducedthatagony;thoughwhywasbeyondmycomprehension.Idescendedcautiouslytothelowerregions,andlandedintheback-kitchen,whereagleamoffire,rakedcompactlytogether,enabledmetorekindlemycandle.Nothingwasstirringexceptabrindled,greycat,whichcreptfromtheashes,andsalutedmewithaquerulousmew.

Twobenches,shapedinsectionsofacircle,nearlyenclosedthehearth;ononeoftheseIstretchedmyself,andGrimalkinmountedtheother.Wewerebothofusnoddingereanyoneinvadedourretreat,andthenitwasJoseph,shufflingdownawoodenladderthatvanishedintheroof,throughatrap:theascenttohisgarret,Isuppose.HecastasinisterlookatthelittleflamewhichIhadenticedtoplaybetweentheribs,sweptthecatfromitselevation,andbestowinghimselfinthevacancy,commencedtheoperationofstuffingathree-inchpipewithtobacco.Mypresenceinhissanctumwasevidentlyesteemedapieceofimpudencetooshamefulforremark:hesilentlyappliedthetubetohislips,foldedhisarms,andpuffedaway.Ilethimenjoytheluxuryunannoyed;andaftersuckingouthislastwreath,andheavingaprofoundsigh,hegotup,anddepartedassolemnlyashecame.

Amoreelasticfootstepenterednext;andnowIopenedmymouthfora

‘good-morning,’butcloseditagain,thesalutationunachieved;forHaretonEarnshawwasperforminghisorisonsottovoce,inaseriesofcursesdirectedagainsteveryobjecthetouched,whileherummagedacornerforaspadeorshoveltodigthroughthedrifts.Heglancedoverthebackofthebench,dilatinghisnostrils,andthoughtaslittleofexchangingcivilitieswithmeaswithmycompanionthecat.Iguessed,byhispreparations,thategresswasallowed,and,leavingmyhardcouch,madeamovementtofollowhim.Henoticedthis,andthrustataninnerdoorwiththeendofhisspade,intimatingbyaninarticulatesoundthattherewastheplacewhereImustgo,ifIchangedmylocality.

Itopenedintothehouse,wherethefemaleswerealreadyastir;Zillahurgingflakesofflameupthechimneywithacolossalbellows;andMrs.Heathcliff,kneelingonthehearth,readingabookbytheaidoftheblaze.Sheheldherhandinterposedbetweenthefurnace-heatandhereyes,andseemedabsorbedinheroccupation;desistingfromitonlytochidetheservantforcoveringherwithsparks,ortopushawayadog,nowandthen,thatsnoozleditsnoseoverforwardlyintoherface.IwassurprisedtoseeHeathclifftherealso.Hestoodbythefire,hisbacktowardsme,justfinishingastormyscenewithpoorZillah;whoeverandanoninterruptedherlabourtopluckupthecornerofherapron,andheaveanindignantgroan.

‘Andyou,youworthless—’hebrokeoutasIentered,turningtohisdaughter-in-law,andemployinganepithetasharmlessasduck,orsheep,butgenerallyrepresentedbyadash—.‘Thereyouare,atyouridletricksagain!Therestofthemdoearntheirbread—youliveonmycharity!Putyourtrashaway,andfindsomethingtodo.Youshallpaymefortheplagueofhavingyoueternallyinmysight—doyouhear,damnablejade?’

‘I’llputmytrashaway,becauseyoucanmakemeifIrefuse,’answeredtheyounglady,closingherbook,andthrowingitonachair.‘ButI’llnotdoanything,thoughyoushouldswearyourtongueout,exceptwhatIplease!’

Heathcliffliftedhishand,andthespeakersprangtoasaferdistance,obviouslyacquaintedwithitsweight.Havingnodesiretobeentertainedbyacat-and-dogcombat,Isteppedforwardbriskly,asifeagertopartakethewarmthofthehearth,andinnocentofanyknowledgeoftheinterrupteddispute.Eachhadenoughdecorumtosuspendfurtherhostilities:Heathcliffplacedhisfists,outoftemptation,inhispockets;Mrs.Heathcliffcurledherlip,andwalkedtoaseatfaroff,whereshekeptherwordbyplayingthepartofastatueduringtheremainderofmystay.Thatwasnotlong.Ideclinedjoiningtheirbreakfast,and,atthefirstgleamofdawn,tookanopportunityofescapingintothefreeair,nowclear,andstill,andcoldasimpalpableice.

MylandlordhalloedformetostopereIreachedthebottomofthegarden,

andofferedtoaccompanymeacrossthemoor.Itwaswellhedid,forthewholehill-backwasonebillowy,whiteocean;theswellsandfallsnotindicatingcorrespondingrisesanddepressionsintheground:manypits,atleast,werefilledtoalevel;andentirerangesofmounds,therefuseofthequarries,blottedfromthechartwhichmyyesterday’swalkleftpicturedinmymind.Ihadremarkedononesideoftheroad,atintervalsofsixorsevenyards,alineofuprightstones,continuedthroughthewholelengthofthebarren:thesewereerectedanddaubedwithlimeonpurposetoserveasguidesinthedark,andalsowhenafall,likethepresent,confoundedthedeepswampsoneitherhandwiththefirmerpath:but,exceptingadirtydotpointinguphereandthere,alltracesoftheirexistencehadvanished:andmycompanionfounditnecessarytowarnmefrequentlytosteertotherightorleft,whenIimaginedIwasfollowing,correctly,thewindingsoftheroad.

Weexchangedlittleconversation,andhehaltedattheentranceofThrushcrossPark,saying,Icouldmakenoerrorthere.Ouradieuxwerelimitedtoahastybow,andthenIpushedforward,trustingtomyownresources;fortheporter’slodgeisuntenantedasyet.Thedistancefromthegatetothegrangeistwomiles;IbelieveImanagedtomakeitfour,whatwithlosingmyselfamongthetrees,andsinkinguptotheneckinsnow:apredicamentwhichonlythosewhohaveexperienceditcanappreciate.Atanyrate,whateverweremywanderings,theclockchimedtwelveasIenteredthehouse;andthatgaveexactlyanhourforeverymileoftheusualwayfromWutheringHeights.

Myhumanfixtureandhersatellitesrushedtowelcomeme;exclaiming,tumultuously,theyhadcompletelygivenmeup:everybodyconjecturedthatIperishedlastnight;andtheywerewonderinghowtheymustsetaboutthesearchformyremains.Ibidthembequiet,nowthattheysawmereturned,and,benumbedtomyveryheart,Idraggedup-stairs;whence,afterputtingondryclothes,andpacingtoandfrothirtyorfortyminutes,torestoretheanimalheat,Iadjournedtomystudy,feebleasakitten:almosttoomuchsotoenjoythecheerfulfireandsmokingcoffeewhichtheservanthadpreparedformyrefreshment.

CHAPTERIV

Whatvainweathercocksweare!I,whohaddeterminedtoholdmyselfindependentofallsocialintercourse,andthankedmystarsthat,atlength,Ihadlightedonaspotwhereitwasnexttoimpracticable—I,weakwretch,aftermaintainingtillduskastrugglewithlowspiritsandsolitude,wasfinally

compelledtostrikemycolours;andunderpretenceofgaininginformationconcerningthenecessitiesofmyestablishment,IdesiredMrs.Dean,whenshebroughtinsupper,tositdownwhileIateit;hopingsincerelyshewouldprovearegulargossip,andeitherrousemetoanimationorlullmetosleepbyhertalk.

‘Youhavelivedhereaconsiderabletime,’Icommenced;‘didyounotsaysixteenyears?’

‘Eighteen,sir:Icamewhenthemistresswasmarried,towaitonher;aftershedied,themasterretainedmeforhishousekeeper.’

‘Indeed.’

Thereensuedapause.Shewasnotagossip,Ifeared;unlessaboutherownaffairs,andthosecouldhardlyinterestme.However,havingstudiedforaninterval,withafistoneitherknee,andacloudofmeditationoverherruddycountenance,sheejaculated—‘Ah,timesaregreatlychangedsincethen!’

‘Yes,’Iremarked,‘you’veseenagoodmanyalterations,Isuppose?’

‘Ihave:andtroublestoo,’shesaid.

‘Oh,I’llturnthetalkonmylandlord’sfamily!’Ithoughttomyself.‘Agoodsubjecttostart!Andthatprettygirl-widow,Ishouldliketoknowherhistory:whethershebeanativeofthecountry,or,asismoreprobable,anexoticthatthesurlyindigenaewillnotrecogniseforkin.’WiththisintentionIaskedMrs.DeanwhyHeathcliffletThrushcrossGrange,andpreferredlivinginasituationandresidencesomuchinferior.‘Ishenotrichenoughtokeeptheestateingoodorder?’Iinquired.

‘Rich,sir!’shereturned.‘Hehasnobodyknowswhatmoney,andeveryyearitincreases.Yes,yes,he’srichenoughtoliveinafinerhousethanthis:buthe’sverynear—close-handed;and,ifhehadmeanttoflittoThrushcrossGrange,assoonasheheardofagoodtenanthecouldnothavebornetomissthechanceofgettingafewhundredsmore.Itisstrangepeopleshouldbesogreedy,whentheyarealoneintheworld!’

‘Hehadason,itseems?’

‘Yes,hehadone—heisdead.’

‘Andthatyounglady,Mrs.Heathcliff,ishiswidow?’

‘Yes.’

‘Wheredidshecomefromoriginally?’

‘Why,sir,sheismylatemaster’sdaughter:CatherineLintonwashermaidenname.Inursedher,poorthing!IdidwishMr.Heathcliffwould

removehere,andthenwemighthavebeentogetheragain.’

‘What!CatherineLinton?’Iexclaimed,astonished.Butaminute’sreflectionconvincedmeitwasnotmyghostlyCatherine.‘Then,’Icontinued,‘mypredecessor’snamewasLinton?’

‘Itwas.’

‘AndwhoisthatEarnshaw:HaretonEarnshaw,wholiveswithMr.Heathcliff?Aretheyrelations?’

‘No;heisthelateMrs.Linton’snephew.’

‘Theyounglady’scousin,then?’

‘Yes;andherhusbandwashercousinalso:oneonthemother’s,theotheronthefather’sside:HeathcliffmarriedMr.Linton’ssister.’

‘IseethehouseatWutheringHeightshas“Earnshaw”carvedoverthefrontdoor.Aretheyanoldfamily?’

‘Veryold,sir;andHaretonisthelastofthem,asourMissCathyisofus—Imean,oftheLintons.HaveyoubeentoWutheringHeights?Ibegpardonforasking;butIshouldliketohearhowsheis!’

‘Mrs.Heathcliff? she lookedverywell, andveryhandsome;yet, I think,notveryhappy.’

‘Ohdear,Idon’twonder!Andhowdidyoulikethemaster?’

‘Aroughfellow,rather,Mrs.Dean.Isnotthathischaracter?

‘Roughasasaw-edge,andhardaswhinstone!Thelessyoumeddlewithhimthebetter.’

‘Hemusthavehadsomeupsanddownsinlifetomakehimsuchachurl.Doyouknowanythingofhishistory?’

‘It’sacuckoo’s,sir—Iknowallaboutit:exceptwherehewasborn,andwhowerehisparents,andhowhegothismoneyatfirst.AndHaretonhasbeencastoutlikeanunfledgeddunnock!Theunfortunateladistheonlyoneinallthisparishthatdoesnotguesshowhehasbeencheated.’

‘Well,Mrs.Dean,itwillbeacharitabledeedtotellmesomethingofmyneighbours:IfeelIshallnotrestifIgotobed;sobegoodenoughtositandchatanhour.’

‘Oh,certainly,sir!I’lljustfetchalittlesewing,andthenI’llsitaslongasyouplease.Butyou’vecaughtcold:Isawyoushivering,andyoumusthavesomegrueltodriveitout.’

Theworthywomanbustledoff,andIcrouchednearerthefire;myhead

felthot,andtherestofmechill:moreover,Iwasexcited,almosttoapitchoffoolishness,throughmynervesandbrain.Thiscausedmetofeel,notuncomfortable,butratherfearful(asIamstill)ofseriouseffectsfromtheincidentsofto-dayandyesterday.Shereturnedpresently,bringingasmokingbasinandabasketofwork;and,havingplacedtheformeronthehob,drewinherseat,evidentlypleasedtofindmesocompanionable.

BeforeIcametolivehere,shecommenced—waitingnofartherinvitationtoherstory—IwasalmostalwaysatWutheringHeights;becausemymotherhadnursedMr.HindleyEarnshaw,thatwasHareton’sfather,andIgotusedtoplayingwiththechildren:Iranerrandstoo,andhelpedtomakehay,andhungaboutthefarmreadyforanythingthatanybodywouldsetmeto.Onefinesummermorning—itwasthebeginningofharvest,Iremember—Mr.Earnshaw,theoldmaster,camedown-stairs,dressedforajourney;and,afterhehadtoldJosephwhatwastobedoneduringtheday,heturnedtoHindley,andCathy,andme—forIsateatingmyporridgewiththem—andhesaid,speakingtohisson,‘Now,mybonnyman,I’mgoingtoLiverpoolto-day,whatshallIbringyou?Youmaychoosewhatyoulike:onlyletitbelittle,forIshallwalkthereandback:sixtymileseachway,thatisalongspell!’Hindleynamedafiddle,andthenheaskedMissCathy;shewashardlysixyearsold,butshecouldrideanyhorseinthestable,andshechoseawhip.Hedidnotforgetme;forhehadakindheart,thoughhewasratherseveresometimes.Hepromisedtobringmeapocketfulofapplesandpears,andthenhekissedhischildren,saidgood-bye,andsetoff.

Itseemedalongwhiletousall—thethreedaysofhisabsence—andoftendidlittleCathyaskwhenhewouldbehome.Mrs.Earnshawexpectedhimbysupper-timeonthethirdevening,andsheputthemealoffhourafterhour;therewerenosignsofhiscoming,however,andatlastthechildrengottiredofrunningdowntothegatetolook.Thenitgrewdark;shewouldhavehadthemtobed,buttheybeggedsadlytobeallowedtostayup;and,justabouteleveno’clock,thedoor-latchwasraisedquietly,andinsteppedthemaster.Hethrewhimselfintoachair,laughingandgroaning,andbidthemallstandoff,forhewasnearlykilled—hewouldnothavesuchanotherwalkforthethreekingdoms.

‘Andattheendofittobeflightedtodeath!’hesaid,openinghisgreat-coat,whichheheldbundledupinhisarms.‘Seehere,wife!Iwasneversobeatenwithanythinginmylife:butyoumuste’entakeitasagiftofGod;thoughit’sasdarkalmostasifitcamefromthedevil.’

Wecrowdedround,andoverMissCathy’sheadIhadapeepatadirty,ragged,black-hairedchild;bigenoughbothtowalkandtalk:indeed,itsfacelookedolderthanCatherine’s;yetwhenitwassetonitsfeet,itonlystaredround,andrepeatedoverandoveragainsomegibberishthatnobodycould

understand.Iwasfrightened,andMrs.Earnshawwasreadytoflingitoutofdoors:shedidflyup,askinghowhecouldfashiontobringthatgipsybratintothehouse,whentheyhadtheirownbairnstofeedandfendfor?Whathemeanttodowithit,andwhetherheweremad?Themastertriedtoexplainthematter;buthewasreallyhalfdeadwithfatigue,andallthatIcouldmakeout,amongstherscolding,wasataleofhisseeingitstarving,andhouseless,andasgoodasdumb,inthestreetsofLiverpool,wherehepickeditupandinquiredforitsowner.Notasoulknewtowhomitbelonged,hesaid;andhismoneyandtimebeingbothlimited,hethoughtitbettertotakeithomewithhimatonce,thanrunintovainexpensesthere:becausehewasdeterminedhewouldnotleaveitashefoundit.Well,theconclusionwas,thatmymistressgrumbledherselfcalm;andMr.Earnshawtoldmetowashit,andgiveitcleanthings,andletitsleepwiththechildren.

HindleyandCathycontentedthemselveswithlookingandlisteningtillpeacewasrestored:then,bothbegansearchingtheirfather’spocketsforthepresentshehadpromisedthem.Theformerwasaboyoffourteen,butwhenhedrewoutwhathadbeenafiddle,crushedtomorselsinthegreat-coat,heblubberedaloud;andCathy,whenshelearnedthemasterhadlostherwhipinattendingonthestranger,showedherhumourbygrinningandspittingatthestupidlittlething;earningforherpainsasoundblowfromherfather,toteachhercleanermanners.Theyentirelyrefusedtohaveitinbedwiththem,orevenintheirroom;andIhadnomoresense,soIputitonthelandingofthestairs,hopingitmightbegoneonthemorrow.Bychance,orelseattractedbyhearinghisvoice,itcrepttoMr.Earnshaw’sdoor,andtherehefounditonquittinghischamber.Inquiriesweremadeastohowitgotthere;Iwasobligedtoconfess,andinrecompenseformycowardiceandinhumanitywassentoutofthehouse.

ThiswasHeathcliff’sfirstintroductiontothefamily.Oncomingbackafewdaysafterwards(forIdidnotconsidermybanishmentperpetual),Ifoundtheyhadchristenedhim‘Heathcliff’:itwasthenameofasonwhodiedinchildhood,andithasservedhimeversince,bothforChristianandsurname.MissCathyandhewerenowverythick;butHindleyhatedhim:andtosaythetruthIdidthesame;andweplaguedandwentonwithhimshamefully:forIwasn’treasonableenoughtofeelmyinjustice,andthemistressneverputinawordonhisbehalfwhenshesawhimwronged.

Heseemedasullen,patientchild;hardened,perhaps,toill-treatment:hewouldstandHindley’sblowswithoutwinkingorsheddingatear,andmypinchesmovedhimonlytodrawinabreathandopenhiseyes,asifhehadhurthimselfbyaccident,andnobodywastoblame.ThisendurancemadeoldEarnshawfurious,whenhediscoveredhissonpersecutingthepoorfatherlesschild,ashecalledhim.HetooktoHeathcliffstrangely,believingallhesaid

(forthatmatter,hesaidpreciouslittle,andgenerallythetruth),andpettinghimupfaraboveCathy,whowastoomischievousandwaywardforafavourite.

So,fromtheverybeginning,hebredbadfeelinginthehouse;andatMrs.Earnshaw’sdeath,whichhappenedinlessthantwoyearsafter,theyoungmasterhadlearnedtoregardhisfatherasanoppressorratherthanafriend,andHeathcliffasausurperofhisparent’saffectionsandhisprivileges;andhegrewbitterwithbroodingovertheseinjuries.Isympathisedawhile;butwhenthechildrenfellillofthemeasles,andIhadtotendthem,andtakeonmethecaresofawomanatonce,Ichangedmyidea.Heathcliffwasdangerouslysick;andwhilehelayattheworsthewouldhavemeconstantlybyhispillow:IsupposehefeltIdidagooddealforhim,andhehadn’twittoguessthatIwascompelledtodoit.However,Iwillsaythis,hewasthequietestchildthatevernursewatchedover.Thedifferencebetweenhimandtheothersforcedmetobelesspartial.Cathyandherbrotherharassedmeterribly:hewasasuncomplainingasalamb;thoughhardness,notgentleness,madehimgivelittletrouble.

Hegotthrough,andthedoctoraffirmeditwasinagreatmeasureowingtome,andpraisedmeformycare.Iwasvainofhiscommendations,andsoftenedtowardsthebeingbywhosemeansIearnedthem,andthusHindleylosthislastally:stillIcouldn’tdoteonHeathcliff,andIwonderedoftenwhatmymastersawtoadmiresomuchinthesullenboy;whonever,tomyrecollection,repaidhisindulgencebyanysignofgratitude.Hewasnotinsolenttohisbenefactor,hewassimplyinsensible;thoughknowingperfectlytheholdhehadonhisheart,andconscioushehadonlytospeakandallthehousewouldbeobligedtobendtohiswishes.Asaninstance,IrememberMr.Earnshawonceboughtacoupleofcoltsattheparishfair,andgavetheladseachone.Heathclifftookthehandsomest,butitsoonfelllame,andwhenhediscoveredit,hesaidtoHindley—

‘Youmustexchangehorseswithme:Idon’tlikemine;andifyouwon’tIshalltellyourfatherofthethreethrashingsyou’vegivenmethisweek,andshowhimmyarm,whichisblacktotheshoulder.’Hindleyputouthistongue,andcuffedhimovertheears.‘You’dbetterdoitatonce,’hepersisted,escapingtotheporch(theywereinthestable):‘youwillhaveto:andifIspeakoftheseblows,you’llgetthemagainwithinterest.’‘Off,dog!’criedHindley,threateninghimwithanironweightusedforweighingpotatoesandhay.‘Throwit,’hereplied,standingstill,‘andthenI’lltellhowyouboastedthatyouwouldturnmeoutofdoorsassoonashedied,andseewhetherhewillnotturnyououtdirectly.’Hindleythrewit,hittinghimonthebreast,anddownhefell,butstaggeredupimmediately,breathlessandwhite;and,hadnotIpreventedit,hewouldhavegonejustsotothemaster,andgotfullrevenge

bylettinghisconditionpleadforhim,intimatingwhohadcausedit.‘Takemycolt,Gipsy,then!’saidyoungEarnshaw.‘AndIpraythathemaybreakyourneck:takehim,andbedamned,youbeggarlyinterloper!andwheedlemyfatheroutofallhehas:onlyafterwardsshowhimwhatyouare,impofSatan.—Andtakethat,Ihopehe’llkickoutyourbrains!’

Heathcliffhadgonetoloosethebeast,andshiftittohisownstall;hewaspassingbehindit,whenHindleyfinishedhisspeechbyknockinghimunderitsfeet,andwithoutstoppingtoexaminewhetherhishopeswerefulfilled,ranawayasfastashecould.Iwassurprisedtowitnesshowcoollythechildgatheredhimselfup,andwentonwithhisintention;exchangingsaddlesandall,andthensittingdownonabundleofhaytoovercomethequalmwhichtheviolentblowoccasioned,beforeheenteredthehouse.Ipersuadedhimeasilytoletmelaytheblameofhisbruisesonthehorse:hemindedlittlewhattalewastoldsincehehadwhathewanted.Hecomplainedsoseldom,indeed,ofsuchstirsasthese,thatIreallythoughthimnotvindictive:Iwasdeceivedcompletely,asyouwillhear.

CHAPTERV

InthecourseoftimeMr.Earnshawbegantofail.Hehadbeenactiveandhealthy,yethisstrengthlefthimsuddenly;andwhenhewasconfinedtothechimney-cornerhegrewgrievouslyirritable.Anothingvexedhim;andsuspectedslightsofhisauthoritynearlythrewhimintofits.Thiswasespeciallytoberemarkedifanyoneattemptedtoimposeupon,ordomineerover,hisfavourite:hewaspainfullyjealouslestawordshouldbespokenamisstohim;seemingtohavegotintohisheadthenotionthat,becausehelikedHeathcliff,allhated,andlongedtodohimanill-turn.Itwasadisadvantagetothelad;forthekinderamongusdidnotwishtofretthemaster,sowehumouredhispartiality;andthathumouringwasrichnourishmenttothechild’sprideandblacktempers.Stillitbecameinamannernecessary;twice,orthrice,Hindley’smanifestationofscorn,whilehisfatherwasnear,rousedtheoldmantoafury:heseizedhissticktostrikehim,andshookwithragethathecouldnotdoit.

At last,ourcurate (wehadacurate thenwhomade the livinganswerbyteachingthelittleLintonsandEarnshaws,andfarminghisbitoflandhimself)advised that the young man should be sent to college; and Mr. Earnshawagreed, though with a heavy spirit, for he said—‘Hindley was nought, andwouldneverthriveaswherehewandered.’

Ihopedheartilyweshouldhavepeacenow.Ithurtmetothinkthemaster

shouldbemadeuncomfortablebyhisowngooddeed.Ifanciedthediscontentofageanddiseasearosefromhisfamilydisagreements;ashewouldhaveitthatitdid:really,youknow,sir,itwasinhissinkingframe.Wemighthavegotontolerably,notwithstanding,butfortwopeople—MissCathy,andJoseph,theservant:yousawhim,Idaresay,upyonder.Hewas,andisyetmostlikely,thewearisomestself-righteousPhariseethateverransackedaBibletorakethepromisestohimselfandflingthecursestohisneighbours.Byhisknackofsermonisingandpiousdiscoursing,hecontrivedtomakeagreatimpressiononMr.Earnshaw;andthemorefeeblethemasterbecame,themoreinfluencehegained.Hewasrelentlessinworryinghimabouthissoul’sconcerns,andaboutrulinghischildrenrigidly.HeencouragedhimtoregardHindleyasareprobate;and,nightafternight,heregularlygrumbledoutalongstringoftalesagainstHeathcliffandCatherine:alwaysmindingtoflatterEarnshaw’sweaknessbyheapingtheheaviestblameonthelatter.

CertainlyshehadwayswithhersuchasIneversawachildtakeupbefore;andsheputallofuspastourpatiencefiftytimesandoftenerinaday:fromthehourshecamedown-stairstillthehourshewenttobed,wehadnotaminute’ssecuritythatshewouldn’tbeinmischief.Herspiritswerealwaysathigh-watermark,hertonguealwaysgoing—singing,laughing,andplaguingeverybodywhowouldnotdothesame.Awild,wickedslipshewas—butshehadthebonniesteye,thesweetestsmile,andlightestfootintheparish:and,afterall,Ibelieveshemeantnoharm;forwhenonceshemadeyoucryingoodearnest,itseldomhappenedthatshewouldnotkeepyoucompany,andobligeyoutobequietthatyoumightcomforther.ShewasmuchtoofondofHeathcliff.Thegreatestpunishmentwecouldinventforherwastokeepherseparatefromhim:yetshegotchidedmorethananyofusonhisaccount.Inplay,shelikedexceedinglytoactthelittlemistress;usingherhandsfreely,andcommandinghercompanions:shedidsotome,butIwouldnotbearslappingandordering;andsoIletherknow.

Now,Mr.Earnshawdidnotunderstandjokesfromhischildren:hehadalwaysbeenstrictandgravewiththem;andCatherine,onherpart,hadnoideawhyherfathershouldbecrosserandlesspatientinhisailingconditionthanhewasinhisprime.Hispeevishreproofswakenedinheranaughtydelighttoprovokehim:shewasneversohappyaswhenwewereallscoldingheratonce,andshedefyinguswithherbold,saucylook,andherreadywords;turningJoseph’sreligiouscursesintoridicule,baitingme,anddoingjustwhatherfatherhatedmost—showinghowherpretendedinsolence,whichhethoughtreal,hadmorepoweroverHeathcliffthanhiskindness:howtheboywoulddoherbiddinginanything,andhisonlywhenitsuitedhisowninclination.Afterbehavingasbadlyaspossibleallday,shesometimescamefondlingtomakeitupatnight.‘Nay,Cathy,’theoldmanwouldsay,‘Icannotlovethee,thou’rtworsethanthybrother.Go,saythyprayers,child,andask

God’spardon.IdoubtthymotherandImustruethatweeverrearedthee!’Thatmadehercry,atfirst;andthenbeingrepulsedcontinuallyhardenedher,andshelaughedifItoldhertosayshewassorryforherfaults,andbegtobeforgiven.

Butthehourcame,atlast,thatendedMr.Earnshaw’stroublesonearth.HediedquietlyinhischaironeOctoberevening,seatedbythefire-side.Ahighwindblusteredroundthehouse,androaredinthechimney:itsoundedwildandstormy,yetitwasnotcold,andwewerealltogether—I,alittleremovedfromthehearth,busyatmyknitting,andJosephreadinghisBiblenearthetable(fortheservantsgenerallysatinthehousethen,aftertheirworkwasdone).MissCathyhadbeensick,andthatmadeherstill;sheleantagainstherfather’sknee,andHeathcliffwaslyingonthefloorwithhisheadinherlap.Irememberthemaster,beforehefellintoadoze,strokingherbonnyhair—itpleasedhimrarelytoseehergentle—andsaying,‘Whycanstthounotalwaysbeagoodlass,Cathy?’Andsheturnedherfaceuptohis,andlaughed,andanswered,‘Whycannotyoualwaysbeagoodman,father?’Butassoonasshesawhimvexedagain,shekissedhishand,andsaidshewouldsinghimtosleep.Shebegansingingverylow,tillhisfingersdroppedfromhers,andhisheadsankonhisbreast.ThenItoldhertohush,andnotstir,forfearsheshouldwakehim.Weallkeptasmuteasmiceafullhalf-hour,andshouldhavedonesolonger,onlyJoseph,havingfinishedhischapter,gotupandsaidthathemustrousethemasterforprayersandbed.Hesteppedforward,andcalledhimbyname,andtouchedhisshoulder;buthewouldnotmove:sohetookthecandleandlookedathim.Ithoughttherewassomethingwrongashesetdownthelight;andseizingthechildreneachbyanarm,whisperedthemto‘frameup-stairs,andmakelittledin—theymightprayalonethatevening—hehadsummuttodo.’

‘Ishallbidfathergood-nightfirst,’saidCatherine,puttingherarmsroundhisneck,beforewecouldhinderher.Thepoorthingdiscoveredherlossdirectly—shescreamedout—‘Oh,he’sdead,Heathcliff!he’sdead!’Andtheybothsetupaheart-breakingcry.

Ijoinedmywailtotheirs,loudandbitter;butJosephaskedwhatwecouldbethinkingoftoroarinthatwayoverasaintinheaven.HetoldmetoputonmycloakandruntoGimmertonforthedoctorandtheparson.Icouldnotguesstheusethateitherwouldbeof,then.However,Iwent,throughwindandrain,andbroughtone,thedoctor,backwithme;theothersaidhewouldcomeinthemorning.LeavingJosephtoexplainmatters,Irantothechildren’sroom:theirdoorwasajar,Isawtheyhadneverlaindown,thoughitwaspastmidnight;buttheywerecalmer,anddidnotneedmetoconsolethem.ThelittlesoulswerecomfortingeachotherwithbetterthoughtsthanIcouldhavehiton:noparsonintheworldeverpicturedheavensobeautifully

astheydid,intheirinnocenttalk;and,whileIsobbedandlistened,Icouldnothelpwishingwewerealltheresafetogether.

CHAPTERVI

Mr.Hindleycamehometothefuneral;and—athingthatamazedus,andsettheneighboursgossipingrightandleft—hebroughtawifewithhim.Whatshewas,andwhereshewasborn,heneverinformedus:probably,shehadneithermoneynornametorecommendher,orhewouldscarcelyhavekepttheunionfromhisfather.

Shewasnotonethatwouldhavedisturbedthehousemuchonherownaccount.Everyobjectshesaw,themomentshecrossedthethreshold,appearedtodelighther;andeverycircumstancethattookplaceabouther:exceptthepreparingfortheburial,andthepresenceofthemourners.Ithoughtshewashalfsilly,fromherbehaviourwhilethatwenton:sheranintoherchamber,andmademecomewithher,thoughIshouldhavebeendressingthechildren:andthereshesatshiveringandclaspingherhands,andaskingrepeatedly—‘Aretheygoneyet?’Thenshebegandescribingwithhystericalemotiontheeffectitproducedonhertoseeblack;andstarted,andtrembled,and,atlast,fella-weeping—andwhenIaskedwhatwasthematter,answered,shedidn’tknow;butshefeltsoafraidofdying!Iimaginedheraslittlelikelytodieasmyself.Shewasratherthin,butyoung,andfresh-complexioned,andhereyessparkledasbrightasdiamonds.Ididremark,tobesure,thatmountingthestairsmadeherbreatheveryquick;thattheleastsuddennoisesetherallinaquiver,andthatshecoughedtroublesomelysometimes:butIknewnothingofwhatthesesymptomsportended,andhadnoimpulsetosympathisewithher.Wedon’tingeneraltaketoforeignershere,Mr.Lockwood,unlesstheytaketousfirst.

YoungEarnshawwasalteredconsiderablyinthethreeyearsofhisabsence.Hehadgrownsparer,andlosthiscolour,andspokeanddressedquitedifferently;and,ontheverydayofhisreturn,hetoldJosephandmewemustthenceforthquarterourselvesintheback-kitchen,andleavethehouseforhim.Indeed,hewouldhavecarpetedandpaperedasmallspareroomforaparlour;buthiswifeexpressedsuchpleasureatthewhitefloorandhugeglowingfireplace,atthepewterdishesanddelf-case,anddog-kennel,andthewidespacetherewastomoveaboutinwheretheyusuallysat,thathethoughtitunnecessarytohercomfort,andsodroppedtheintention.

Sheexpressedpleasure,too,atfindingasisteramonghernewacquaintance;andsheprattledtoCatherine,andkissedher,andranaboutwith

her,andgaveherquantitiesofpresents,atthebeginning.Heraffectiontiredverysoon,however,andwhenshegrewpeevish,Hindleybecametyrannical.Afewwordsfromher,evincingadisliketoHeathcliff,wereenoughtorouseinhimallhisoldhatredoftheboy.Hedrovehimfromtheircompanytotheservants,deprivedhimoftheinstructionsofthecurate,andinsistedthatheshouldlabouroutofdoorsinstead;compellinghimtodosoashardasanyotherladonthefarm.

Heathcliffborehisdegradationprettywellatfirst,becauseCathytaughthimwhatshelearnt,andworkedorplayedwithhiminthefields.Theybothpromisedfairtogrowupasrudeassavages;theyoungmasterbeingentirelynegligenthowtheybehaved,andwhattheydid,sotheykeptclearofhim.HewouldnotevenhaveseenaftertheirgoingtochurchonSundays,onlyJosephandthecuratereprimandedhiscarelessnesswhentheyabsentedthemselves;andthatremindedhimtoorderHeathcliffaflogging,andCatherineafastfromdinnerorsupper.Butitwasoneoftheirchiefamusementstorunawaytothemoorsinthemorningandremainthereallday,andtheafterpunishmentgrewamerethingtolaughat.ThecuratemightsetasmanychaptersashepleasedforCatherinetogetbyheart,andJosephmightthrashHeathclifftillhisarmached;theyforgoteverythingtheminutetheyweretogetheragain:atleasttheminutetheyhadcontrivedsomenaughtyplanofrevenge;andmanyatimeI’vecriedtomyselftowatchthemgrowingmorerecklessdaily,andInotdaringtospeakasyllable,forfearoflosingthesmallpowerIstillretainedovertheunfriendedcreatures.OneSundayevening,itchancedthattheywerebanishedfromthesitting-room,formakinganoise,oralightoffenceofthekind;andwhenIwenttocallthemtosupper,Icoulddiscoverthemnowhere.Wesearchedthehouse,aboveandbelow,andtheyardandstables;theywereinvisible:and,atlast,Hindleyinapassiontoldustoboltthedoors,andsworenobodyshouldlettheminthatnight.Thehouseholdwenttobed;andI,too,anxioustoliedown,openedmylatticeandputmyheadouttohearken,thoughitrained:determinedtoadmittheminspiteoftheprohibition,shouldtheyreturn.Inawhile,Idistinguishedstepscominguptheroad,andthelightofalanternglimmeredthroughthegate.IthrewashawlovermyheadandrantopreventthemfromwakingMr.Earnshawbyknocking.TherewasHeathcliff,byhimself:itgavemeastarttoseehimalone.

‘WhereisMissCatherine?’Icriedhurriedly.‘Noaccident,Ihope?’‘AtThrushcrossGrange,’heanswered;‘andIwouldhavebeentheretoo,buttheyhadnotthemannerstoaskmetostay.’‘Well,youwillcatchit!’Isaid:‘you’llneverbecontenttillyou’resentaboutyourbusiness.WhatintheworldledyouwanderingtoThrushcrossGrange?’‘Letmegetoffmywetclothes,andI’lltellyouallaboutit,Nelly,’hereplied.Ibidhimbewareofrousingthemaster,andwhileheundressedandIwaitedtoputoutthecandle,hecontinued—‘CathyandIescapedfromthewash-housetohavearambleat

liberty,andgettingaglimpseoftheGrangelights,wethoughtwewouldjustgoandseewhethertheLintonspassedtheirSundayeveningsstandingshiveringincorners,whiletheirfatherandmothersateatinganddrinking,andsingingandlaughing,andburningtheireyesoutbeforethefire.Doyouthinktheydo?Orreadingsermons,andbeingcatechisedbytheirmanservant,andsettolearnacolumnofScripturenames,iftheydon’tanswerproperly?’‘Probablynot,’Iresponded.‘Theyaregoodchildren,nodoubt,anddon’tdeservethetreatmentyoureceive,foryourbadconduct.’‘Don’tcant,Nelly,’hesaid:‘nonsense!WeranfromthetopoftheHeightstothepark,withoutstopping—Catherinecompletelybeatenintherace,becauseshewasbarefoot.You’llhavetoseekforhershoesinthebogto-morrow.Wecreptthroughabrokenhedge,gropedourwayupthepath,andplantedourselvesonaflower-plotunderthedrawing-roomwindow.Thelightcamefromthence;theyhadnotputuptheshutters,andthecurtainswereonlyhalfclosed.Bothofuswereabletolookinbystandingonthebasement,andclingingtotheledge,andwesaw—ah!itwasbeautiful—asplendidplacecarpetedwithcrimson,andcrimson-coveredchairsandtables,andapurewhiteceilingborderedbygold,ashowerofglass-dropshanginginsilverchainsfromthecentre,andshimmeringwithlittlesofttapers.OldMr.andMrs.Lintonwerenotthere;Edgarandhissistershaditentirelytothemselves.Shouldn’ttheyhavebeenhappy?Weshouldhavethoughtourselvesinheaven!Andnow,guesswhatyourgoodchildrenweredoing?Isabella—Ibelievesheiseleven,ayearyoungerthanCathy—layscreamingatthefartherendoftheroom,shriekingasifwitcheswererunningred-hotneedlesintoher.Edgarstoodonthehearthweepingsilently,andinthemiddleofthetablesatalittledog,shakingitspawandyelping;which,fromtheirmutualaccusations,weunderstoodtheyhadnearlypulledintwobetweenthem.Theidiots!Thatwastheirpleasure!toquarrelwhoshouldholdaheapofwarmhair,andeachbegintocrybecauseboth,afterstrugglingtogetit,refusedtotakeit.Welaughedoutrightatthepettedthings;wediddespisethem!WhenwouldyoucatchmewishingtohavewhatCatherinewanted?orfindusbyourselves,seekingentertainmentinyelling,andsobbing,androllingontheground,dividedbythewholeroom?I’dnotexchange,forathousandlives,myconditionhere,forEdgarLinton’satThrushcrossGrange—notifImighthavetheprivilegeofflingingJosephoffthehighestgable,andpaintingthehouse-frontwithHindley’sblood!’

‘Hush,hush!’Iinterrupted.‘Stillyouhavenottoldme,Heathcliff,howCatherineisleftbehind?’

‘Itoldyouwelaughed,’heanswered.‘TheLintonsheardus,andwithoneaccordtheyshotlikearrowstothedoor;therewassilence,andthenacry,“Oh,mamma,mamma!Oh,papa!Oh,mamma,comehere.Oh,papa,oh!”Theyreallydidhowloutsomethinginthatway.Wemadefrightfulnoisestoterrifythemstillmore,andthenwedroppedofftheledge,becausesomebody

wasdrawingthebars,andwefeltwehadbetterflee.IhadCathybythehand,andwasurgingheron,whenallatonceshefelldown.“Run,Heathcliff,run!”shewhispered.“Theyhaveletthebull-dogloose,andheholdsme!”Thedevilhadseizedherankle,Nelly:Iheardhisabominablesnorting.Shedidnotyellout—no!shewouldhavescornedtodoit,ifshehadbeenspittedonthehornsofamadcow.Idid,though:IvociferatedcursesenoughtoannihilateanyfiendinChristendom;andIgotastoneandthrustitbetweenhisjaws,andtriedwithallmymighttocramitdownhisthroat.Abeastofaservantcameupwithalantern,atlast,shouting—“Keepfast,Skulker,keepfast!”Hechangedhisnote,however,whenhesawSkulker’sgame.Thedogwasthrottledoff;hishuge,purpletonguehanginghalfafootoutofhismouth,andhispendentlipsstreamingwithbloodyslaver.ThemantookCathyup;shewassick:notfromfear,I’mcertain,butfrompain.Hecarriedherin;Ifollowed,grumblingexecrationsandvengeance.“Whatprey,Robert?”hallooedLintonfromtheentrance.“Skulkerhascaughtalittlegirl,sir,”hereplied;“andthere’saladhere,”headded,makingaclutchatme,“wholooksanout-and-outer!Veryliketherobberswereforputtingthemthroughthewindowtoopenthedoorstothegangafterallwereasleep,thattheymightmurderusattheirease.Holdyourtongue,youfoul-mouthedthief,you!youshallgotothegallowsforthis.Mr.Linton,sir,don’tlaybyyourgun.”“No,no,Robert,”saidtheoldfool.“Therascalsknewthatyesterdaywasmyrent-day:theythoughttohavemecleverly.Comein;I’llfurnishthemareception.There,John,fastenthechain.GiveSkulkersomewater,Jenny.Tobeardamagistrateinhisstronghold,andontheSabbath,too!Wherewilltheirinsolencestop?Oh,mydearMary,lookhere!Don’tbeafraid,itisbutaboy—yetthevillainscowlssoplainlyinhisface;woulditnotbeakindnesstothecountrytohanghimatonce,beforeheshowshisnatureinactsaswellasfeatures?”Hepulledmeunderthechandelier,andMrs.Lintonplacedherspectaclesonhernoseandraisedherhandsinhorror.Thecowardlychildrencreptneareralso,Isabellalisping—“Frightfulthing!Puthiminthecellar,papa.He’sexactlylikethesonofthefortune-tellerthatstolemytamepheasant.Isn’the,Edgar?”

‘Whiletheyexaminedme,Cathycameround;sheheardthelastspeech,andlaughed.EdgarLinton,afteraninquisitivestare,collectedsufficientwittorecogniseher.Theyseeusatchurch,youknow,thoughweseldommeetthemelsewhere.“That’sMissEarnshaw?”hewhisperedtohismother,“andlookhowSkulkerhasbittenher—howherfootbleeds!”

‘“MissEarnshaw?Nonsense!”criedthedame;“MissEarnshawscouringthecountrywithagipsy!Andyet,mydear,thechildisinmourning—surelyitis—andshemaybelamedforlife!”

‘“Whatculpablecarelessnessinherbrother!”exclaimedMr.Linton,

turningfrommetoCatherine.“I’veunderstoodfromShielders”’(thatwasthecurate,sir)‘“thatheletshergrowupinabsoluteheathenism.Butwhoisthis?Wheredidshepickupthiscompanion?Oho!Ideclareheisthatstrangeacquisitionmylateneighbourmade,inhisjourneytoLiverpool—alittleLascar,oranAmericanorSpanishcastaway.”

‘“Awickedboy,atallevents,”remarkedtheoldlady,“andquiteunfitforadecenthouse!Didyounoticehislanguage,Linton?I’mshockedthatmychildrenshouldhaveheardit.”

‘Irecommencedcursing—don’tbeangry,Nelly—andsoRobertwasorderedtotakemeoff.IrefusedtogowithoutCathy;hedraggedmeintothegarden,pushedthelanternintomyhand,assuredmethatMr.Earnshawshouldbeinformedofmybehaviour,and,biddingmemarchdirectly,securedthedooragain.Thecurtainswerestillloopedupatonecorner,andIresumedmystationasspy;because,ifCatherinehadwishedtoreturn,Iintendedshatteringtheirgreatglasspanestoamillionoffragments,unlesstheyletherout.Shesatonthesofaquietly.Mrs.Lintontookoffthegreycloakofthedairy-maidwhichwehadborrowedforourexcursion,shakingherheadandexpostulatingwithher,Isuppose:shewasayounglady,andtheymadeadistinctionbetweenhertreatmentandmine.Thenthewoman-servantbroughtabasinofwarmwater,andwashedherfeet;andMr.Lintonmixedatumblerofnegus,andIsabellaemptiedaplatefulofcakesintoherlap,andEdgarstoodgapingatadistance.Afterwards,theydriedandcombedherbeautifulhair,andgaveherapairofenormousslippers,andwheeledhertothefire;andIlefther,asmerryasshecouldbe,dividingherfoodbetweenthelittledogandSkulker,whosenoseshepinchedasheate;andkindlingasparkofspiritinthevacantblueeyesoftheLintons—adimreflectionfromherownenchantingface.Isawtheywerefullofstupidadmiration;sheissoimmeasurablysuperiortothem—toeverybodyonearth,isshenot,Nelly?’

‘Therewillmorecomeofthisbusinessthanyoureckonon,’Ianswered,coveringhimupandextinguishingthelight.‘Youareincurable,Heathcliff;andMr.Hindleywillhavetoproceedtoextremities,seeifhewon’t.’MywordscametruerthanIdesired.ThelucklessadventuremadeEarnshawfurious.AndthenMr.Linton,tomendmatters,paidusavisithimselfonthemorrow,andreadtheyoungmastersuchalectureontheroadheguidedhisfamily,thathewasstirredtolookabouthim,inearnest.Heathcliffreceivednoflogging,buthewastoldthatthefirstwordhespoketoMissCatherineshouldensureadismissal;andMrs.Earnshawundertooktokeephersister-in-lawinduerestraintwhenshereturnedhome;employingart,notforce:withforceshewouldhavefounditimpossible.

CHAPTERVII

CathystayedatThrushcrossGrangefiveweeks:tillChristmas.Bythattimeheranklewasthoroughlycured,andhermannersmuchimproved.Themistressvisitedheroftenintheinterval,andcommencedherplanofreformbytryingtoraiseherself-respectwithfineclothesandflattery,whichshetookreadily;sothat,insteadofawild,hatlesslittlesavagejumpingintothehouse,andrushingtosqueezeusallbreathless,there‘lightedfromahandsomeblackponyaverydignifiedperson,withbrownringletsfallingfromthecoverofafeatheredbeaver,andalongclothhabit,whichshewasobligedtoholdupwithbothhandsthatshemightsailin.Hindleyliftedherfromherhorse,exclaimingdelightedly,‘Why,Cathy,youarequiteabeauty!Ishouldscarcelyhaveknownyou:youlooklikealadynow.IsabellaLintonisnottobecomparedwithher,isshe,Frances?’‘Isabellahasnothernaturaladvantages,’repliedhiswife:‘butshemustmindandnotgrowwildagainhere.Ellen,helpMissCatherineoffwithherthings—Stay,dear,youwilldisarrangeyourcurls—letmeuntieyourhat.’

Iremovedthehabit,andthereshoneforthbeneathagrandplaidsilkfrock,whitetrousers,andburnishedshoes;and,whilehereyessparkledjoyfullywhenthedogscameboundinguptowelcomeher,shedaredhardlytouchthemlesttheyshouldfawnuponhersplendidgarments.Shekissedmegently:IwasallflourmakingtheChristmascake,anditwouldnothavedonetogivemeahug;andthenshelookedroundforHeathcliff.Mr.andMrs.Earnshawwatchedanxiouslytheirmeeting;thinkingitwouldenablethemtojudge,insomemeasure,whatgroundstheyhadforhopingtosucceedinseparatingthetwofriends.

Heathcliffwashardtodiscover,atfirst.Ifhewerecareless,anduncaredfor,beforeCatherine’sabsence,hehadbeententimesmoresosince.NobodybutIevendidhimthekindnesstocallhimadirtyboy,andbidhimwashhimself,onceaweek;andchildrenofhisageseldomhaveanaturalpleasureinsoapandwater.Therefore,nottomentionhisclothes,whichhadseenthreemonths’serviceinmireanddust,andhisthickuncombedhair,thesurfaceofhisfaceandhandswasdismallybeclouded.Hemightwellskulkbehindthesettle,onbeholdingsuchabright,gracefuldamselenterthehouse,insteadofarough-headedcounterpartofhimself,asheexpected.‘IsHeathcliffnothere?’shedemanded,pullingoffhergloves,anddisplayingfingerswonderfullywhitenedwithdoingnothingandstayingindoors.

‘Heathcliff,youmaycomeforward,’criedMr.Hindley,enjoyinghisdiscomfiture,andgratifiedtoseewhataforbiddingyoungblackguardhewouldbecompelledtopresenthimself.‘YoumaycomeandwishMissCatherinewelcome,liketheotherservants.’

Cathy,catchingaglimpseofherfriendinhisconcealment,flewtoembracehim;shebestowedsevenoreightkissesonhischeekwithinthesecond,andthenstopped,anddrawingback,burstintoalaugh,exclaiming,‘Why,howveryblackandcrossyoulook!andhow—howfunnyandgrim!Butthat’sbecauseI’musedtoEdgarandIsabellaLinton.Well,Heathcliff,haveyouforgottenme?’

Shehadsomereasontoputthequestion,forshameandpridethrewdoublegloomoverhiscountenance,andkepthimimmovable.

‘Shakehands,Heathcliff,’saidMr.Earnshaw,condescendingly;‘onceinawaythatispermitted.’

‘Ishallnot,’repliedtheboy,findinghistongueatlast;‘Ishallnotstandtobelaughedat.Ishallnotbearit!’Andhewouldhavebrokenfromthecircle,butMissCathyseizedhimagain.

‘Ididnotmeantolaughatyou,’shesaid;‘Icouldnothindermyself:Heathcliff,shakehandsatleast!Whatareyousulkyfor?Itwasonlythatyoulookedodd.Ifyouwashyourfaceandbrushyourhair,itwillbeallright:butyouaresodirty!’

Shegazedconcernedlyattheduskyfingerssheheldinherown,andalsoatherdress;whichshefearedhadgainednoembellishmentfromitscontactwithhis.

‘Youneedn’thavetouchedme!’heanswered,followinghereyeandsnatchingawayhishand.‘IshallbeasdirtyasIplease:andIliketobedirty,andIwillbedirty.’

Withthathedashedheadforemostoutoftheroom,amidthemerrimentofthe master and mistress, and to the serious disturbance of Catherine; whocould not comprehend how her remarks should have produced such anexhibitionofbadtemper.

Afterplayinglady’s-maidtothenew-comer,andputtingmycakesintheoven,andmakingthehouseandkitchencheerfulwithgreatfires,befittingChristmas-eve,Ipreparedtositdownandamusemyselfbysingingcarols,allalone;regardlessofJoseph’saffirmationsthatheconsideredthemerrytunesIchoseasnextdoortosongs.Hehadretiredtoprivateprayerinhischamber,andMr.andMrs.EarnshawwereengagingMissy’sattentionbysundrygaytriflesboughtforhertopresenttothelittleLintons,asanacknowledgmentoftheirkindness.TheyhadinvitedthemtospendthemorrowatWutheringHeights,andtheinvitationhadbeenaccepted,ononecondition:Mrs.Lintonbeggedthatherdarlingsmightbekeptcarefullyapartfromthat‘naughtyswearingboy.’

UnderthesecircumstancesIremainedsolitary.Ismelttherichscentoftheheatingspices;andadmiredtheshiningkitchenutensils,thepolishedclock,deckedinholly,thesilvermugsrangedonatrayreadytobefilledwithmulledaleforsupper;andaboveall,thespecklesspurityofmyparticularcare—thescouredandwell-sweptfloor.Igavedueinwardapplausetoeveryobject,andthenIrememberedhowoldEarnshawusedtocomeinwhenallwastidied,andcallmeacantlass,andslipashillingintomyhandasaChristmas-box;andfromthatIwentontothinkofhisfondnessforHeathcliff,andhisdreadlestheshouldsufferneglectafterdeathhadremovedhim:andthatnaturallyledmetoconsiderthepoorlad’ssituationnow,andfromsingingIchangedmymindtocrying.Itstruckmesoon,however,therewouldbemoresenseinendeavouringtorepairsomeofhiswrongsthansheddingtearsoverthem:Igotupandwalkedintothecourttoseekhim.Hewasnotfar;Ifoundhimsmoothingtheglossycoatofthenewponyinthestable,andfeedingtheotherbeasts,accordingtocustom.

‘Makehaste,Heathcliff!’Isaid,‘thekitchenissocomfortable;andJosephisup-stairs:makehaste,andletmedressyousmartbeforeMissCathycomesout, and thenyou can sit together,with thewhole hearth to yourselves, andhavealongchattertillbedtime.’

Heproceededwithhistask,andneverturnedhisheadtowardsme.

‘Come—areyoucoming?’Icontinued.‘There’salittlecakeforeachofyou,nearlyenough;andyou’llneedhalf-an-hour’sdonning.’

Iwaitedfiveminutes,butgettingnoanswerlefthim.Catherinesuppedwithherbrotherandsister-in-law:JosephandIjoinedatanunsociablemeal,seasonedwithreproofsononesideandsaucinessontheother.Hiscakeandcheeseremainedonthetableallnightforthefairies.Hemanagedtocontinueworktillnineo’clock,andthenmarcheddumbanddourtohischamber.Cathysatuplate,havingaworldofthingstoorderforthereceptionofhernewfriends:shecameintothekitchenoncetospeaktoheroldone;buthewasgone,andsheonlystayedtoaskwhatwasthematterwithhim,andthenwentback.Inthemorningheroseearly;and,asitwasaholiday,carriedhisill-humourontothemoors;notre-appearingtillthefamilyweredepartedforchurch.Fastingandreflectionseemedtohavebroughthimtoabetterspirit.Hehungaboutmeforawhile,andhavingscreweduphiscourage,exclaimedabruptly—‘Nelly,makemedecent,I’mgoingtobegood.’

‘Hightime,Heathcliff,’Isaid;‘youhavegrievedCatherine:she’ssorrysheevercamehome,Idaresay!Itlooksasifyouenviedher,becausesheismorethoughtofthanyou.’

The notion of envying Catherine was incomprehensible to him, but thenotionofgrievingherheunderstoodclearlyenough.

‘Didshesayshewasgrieved?’heinquired,lookingveryserious.

‘ShecriedwhenItoldheryouwereoffagainthismorning.’

‘Well, Icried lastnight,’he returned, ‘andIhadmore reason tocry thanshe.’

‘Yes:youhadthereasonofgoingtobedwithaproudheartandanemptystomach,’saidI.‘Proudpeoplebreedsadsorrowsforthemselves.But,ifyoubeashamedofyourtouchiness,youmustaskpardon,mind,whenshecomesin.Youmustgoupandoffertokissher,andsay—youknowbestwhattosay;onlydoitheartily,andnotasifyouthoughtherconvertedintoastrangerbyhergranddress.Andnow,thoughIhavedinnertogetready,I’llstealtimetoarrangeyousothatEdgarLintonshalllookquiteadollbesideyou:andthathedoes.Youareyounger,andyet,I’llbebound,youaretallerandtwiceasbroadacrosstheshoulders;youcouldknockhimdowninatwinkling;don’tyoufeelthatyoucould?’

Heathcliff’sfacebrightenedamoment;thenitwasovercastafresh,andhesighed.

‘But,Nelly,ifIknockedhimdowntwentytimes,thatwouldn’tmakehimlesshandsomeormemoreso.IwishIhadlighthairandafairskin,andwasdressedandbehavedaswell,andhadachanceofbeingasrichashewillbe!’

‘Andcriedformammaateveryturn,’Iadded,‘andtrembledifacountryladheavedhisfistagainstyou,andsatathomealldayforashowerofrain.Oh,Heathcliff,youareshowingapoorspirit!Cometotheglass,andI’llletyouseewhatyoushouldwish.Doyoumarkthosetwolinesbetweenyoureyes;andthosethickbrows,that,insteadofrisingarched,sinkinthemiddle;andthatcoupleofblackfiends,sodeeplyburied,whoneveropentheirwindowsboldly,butlurkglintingunderthem,likedevil’sspies?Wishandlearntosmoothawaythesurlywrinkles,toraiseyourlidsfrankly,andchangethefiendstoconfident,innocentangels,suspectinganddoubtingnothing,andalwaysseeingfriendswheretheyarenotsureoffoes.Don’tgettheexpressionofaviciouscurthatappearstoknowthekicksitgetsareitsdessert,andyethatesalltheworld,aswellasthekicker,forwhatitsuffers.’

‘Inotherwords,ImustwishforEdgarLinton’sgreatblueeyesandevenforehead,’hereplied.‘Ido—andthatwon’thelpmetothem.’

‘Agoodheartwillhelpyoutoabonnyface,mylad,’Icontinued,‘ifyouwerearegularblack;andabadonewillturnthebonniestintosomethingworsethanugly.Andnowthatwe’vedonewashing,andcombing,andsulking—tellmewhetheryoudon’tthinkyourselfratherhandsome?I’lltellyou,Ido.You’refitforaprinceindisguise.WhoknowsbutyourfatherwasEmperorofChina,andyourmotheranIndianqueen,eachofthemabletobuy

up,withoneweek’sincome,WutheringHeightsandThrushcrossGrangetogether?AndyouwerekidnappedbywickedsailorsandbroughttoEngland.WereIinyourplace,Iwouldframehighnotionsofmybirth;andthethoughtsofwhatIwasshouldgivemecourageanddignitytosupporttheoppressionsofalittlefarmer!’

SoIchatteredon;andHeathcliffgraduallylosthisfrownandbegantolookquitepleasant,whenallatonceourconversationwasinterruptedbyarumblingsoundmovinguptheroadandenteringthecourt.HerantothewindowandItothedoor,justintimetobeholdthetwoLintonsdescendfromthefamilycarriage,smotheredincloaksandfurs,andtheEarnshawsdismountfromtheirhorses:theyoftenrodetochurchinwinter.Catherinetookahandofeachofthechildren,andbroughtthemintothehouseandsetthembeforethefire,whichquicklyputcolourintotheirwhitefaces.

Iurgedmycompaniontohastennowandshowhisamiablehumour,andhewillinglyobeyed;butillluckwouldhaveitthat,asheopenedthedoorleadingfromthekitchenononeside,Hindleyopeneditontheother.Theymet,andthemaster,irritatedatseeinghimcleanandcheerful,or,perhaps,eagertokeephispromisetoMrs.Linton,shovedhimbackwithasuddenthrust,andangrilybadeJoseph‘keepthefellowoutoftheroom—sendhimintothegarrettilldinnerisover.He’llbecramminghisfingersinthetartsandstealingthefruit,ifleftalonewiththemaminute.’

‘Nay,sir,’Icouldnotavoidanswering,‘he’lltouchnothing,nothe:andIsupposehemusthavehisshareofthedaintiesaswellaswe.’

‘Heshallhavehisshareofmyhand,ifIcatchhimdownstairstilldark,’criedHindley.‘Begone,youvagabond!What!youareattemptingthecoxcomb,areyou?WaittillIgetholdofthoseelegantlocks—seeifIwon’tpullthemabitlonger!’

‘Theyarelongenoughalready,’observedMasterLinton,peepingfromthedoorway;‘Iwondertheydon’tmakehisheadache.It’slikeacolt’smaneoverhiseyes!’

Heventuredthisremarkwithoutanyintentiontoinsult;butHeathcliff’sviolentnaturewasnotpreparedtoenduretheappearanceofimpertinencefromonewhomheseemedtohate,eventhen,asarival.Heseizedatureenofhotapplesauce(thefirstthingthatcameunderhisgrip)anddasheditfullagainstthespeaker’sfaceandneck;whoinstantlycommencedalamentthatbroughtIsabellaandCatherinehurryingtotheplace.Mr.Earnshawsnatcheduptheculpritdirectlyandconveyedhimtohischamber;where,doubtless,headministeredaroughremedytocoolthefitofpassion,forheappearedredandbreathless.Igotthedishcloth,andratherspitefullyscrubbedEdgar’snoseandmouth,affirmingitservedhimrightformeddling.Hissisterbeganweeping

togohome,andCathystoodbyconfounded,blushingforall.

‘Youshouldnothavespokentohim!’sheexpostulatedwithMasterLinton.‘Hewasinabadtemper,andnowyou’vespoiltyourvisit;andhe’llbeflogged:Ihatehimtobeflogged!Ican’teatmydinner.Whydidyouspeaktohim,Edgar?’

‘Ididn’t,’sobbedtheyouth,escapingfrommyhands,andfinishingtheremainderofthepurificationwithhiscambricpocket-handkerchief.‘IpromisedmammathatIwouldn’tsayonewordtohim,andIdidn’t.’

‘Well,don’tcry,’repliedCatherine,contemptuously;‘you’renotkilled.Don’tmakemoremischief;mybrotheriscoming:bequiet!Hush,Isabella!Hasanybodyhurtyou?’

‘There,there,children—toyourseats!’criedHindley,bustlingin.‘Thatbruteofaladhaswarmedmenicely.Nexttime,MasterEdgar,takethelawintoyourownfists—itwillgiveyouanappetite!’

Thelittlepartyrecovereditsequanimityatsightofthefragrantfeast.Theywerehungryaftertheirride,andeasilyconsoled,sincenorealharmhadbefallenthem.Mr.Earnshawcarvedbountifulplatefuls,andthemistressmadethemmerrywithlivelytalk.Iwaitedbehindherchair,andwaspainedtobeholdCatherine,withdryeyesandanindifferentair,commencecuttingupthewingofagoosebeforeher.‘Anunfeelingchild,’Ithoughttomyself;‘howlightlyshedismissesheroldplaymate’stroubles.Icouldnothaveimaginedhertobesoselfish.’Sheliftedamouthfultoherlips:thenshesetitdownagain:hercheeksflushed,andthetearsgushedoverthem.Sheslippedherforktothefloor,andhastilydivedundertheclothtoconcealheremotion.Ididnotcallherunfeelinglong;forIperceivedshewasinpurgatorythroughouttheday,andwearyingtofindanopportunityofgettingbyherself,orpayingavisittoHeathcliff,whohadbeenlockedupbythemaster:asIdiscovered,onendeavouringtointroducetohimaprivatemessofvictuals.

Intheeveningwehadadance.Cathybeggedthathemightbeliberatedthen,asIsabellaLintonhadnopartner:herentreatieswerevain,andIwasappointedtosupplythedeficiency.Wegotridofallgloomintheexcitementoftheexercise,andourpleasurewasincreasedbythearrivaloftheGimmertonband,musteringfifteenstrong:atrumpet,atrombone,clarionets,bassoons,Frenchhorns,andabassviol,besidessingers.Theygotheroundsofalltherespectablehouses,andreceivecontributionseveryChristmas,andweesteemeditafirst-ratetreattohearthem.Aftertheusualcarolshadbeensung,wesetthemtosongsandglees.Mrs.Earnshawlovedthemusic,andsotheygaveusplenty.

Catherinelovedittoo:butshesaiditsoundedsweetestatthetopofthe

steps,andshewentupinthedark:Ifollowed.Theyshutthehousedoorbelow,nevernotingourabsence,itwassofullofpeople.Shemadenostayatthestairs’-head,butmountedfarther,tothegarretwhereHeathcliffwasconfined,andcalledhim.Hestubbornlydeclinedansweringforawhile:shepersevered,andfinallypersuadedhimtoholdcommunionwithherthroughtheboards.Iletthepoorthingsconverseunmolested,tillIsupposedthesongsweregoingtocease,andthesingerstogetsomerefreshment:thenIclambereduptheladdertowarnher.Insteadoffindingheroutside,Iheardhervoicewithin.Thelittlemonkeyhadcreptbytheskylightofonegarret,alongtheroof,intotheskylightoftheother,anditwaswiththeutmostdifficultyIcouldcoaxheroutagain.Whenshedidcome,Heathcliffcamewithher,andsheinsistedthatIshouldtakehimintothekitchen,asmyfellow-servanthadgonetoaneighbour’s,toberemovedfromthesoundofour‘devil’spsalmody,’asitpleasedhimtocallit.ItoldthemIintendedbynomeanstoencouragetheirtricks:butastheprisonerhadneverbrokenhisfastsinceyesterday’sdinner,IwouldwinkathischeatingMr.Hindleythatonce.Hewentdown:Isethimastoolbythefire,andofferedhimaquantityofgoodthings:buthewassickandcouldeatlittle,andmyattemptstoentertainhimwerethrownaway.Heleanthistwoelbowsonhisknees,andhischinonhishandsandremainedraptindumbmeditation.Onmyinquiringthesubjectofhisthoughts,heansweredgravely—‘I’mtryingtosettlehowIshallpayHindleyback.Idon’tcarehowlongIwait,ifIcanonlydoitatlast.IhopehewillnotdiebeforeIdo!’

‘Forshame,Heathcliff!’saidI.‘ItisforGodtopunishwickedpeople;weshouldlearntoforgive.’

‘No,Godwon’thavethesatisfactionthatIshall,’hereturned.‘IonlywishIknewthebestway!Letmealone,andI’llplanitout:whileI’mthinkingofthatIdon’tfeelpain.’

‘But,Mr.Lockwood,Iforgetthesetalescannotdivertyou.I’mannoyedhowIshoulddreamofchatteringonatsucharate;andyourgruelcold,andyounoddingforbed!IcouldhavetoldHeathcliff’shistory,allthatyouneedhear,inhalfadozenwords.’

***

Thusinterruptingherself,thehousekeeperrose,andproceededtolayasidehersewing;butIfeltincapableofmovingfromthehearth,andIwasveryfarfromnodding.‘Sitstill,Mrs.Dean,’Icried;‘dositstillanotherhalf-hour.You’vedonejustrighttotellthestoryleisurely.ThatisthemethodIlike;andyoumustfinishitinthesamestyle.Iaminterestedineverycharacteryouhavementioned,moreorless.’

‘Theclockisonthestrokeofeleven,sir.’

‘Nomatter—I’mnotaccustomedtogotobedinthelonghours.Oneortwoisearlyenoughforapersonwholiestillten.’

‘Youshouldn’tlietillten.There’stheveryprimeofthemorninggonelongbeforethattime.Apersonwhohasnotdoneone-halfhisday’sworkbyteno’clock,runsachanceofleavingtheotherhalfundone.’

‘Nevertheless,Mrs.Dean,resumeyourchair;becauseto-morrowIintendlengtheningthenighttillafternoon.Iprognosticateformyselfanobstinatecold,atleast.’

‘Ihopenot,sir.Well,youmustallowmetoleapoversomethreeyears;duringthatspaceMrs.Earnshaw—’

‘No,no,I’llallownothingofthesort!Areyouacquaintedwiththemoodofmindinwhich,ifyouwereseatedalone,andthecatlickingitskittenontherugbeforeyou,youwouldwatchtheoperationsointentlythatpuss’sneglectofoneearwouldputyouseriouslyoutoftemper?’

‘Aterriblylazymood,Ishouldsay.’

‘Onthecontrary,atiresomelyactiveone.Itismine,atpresent;and,therefore,continueminutely.Iperceivethatpeopleintheseregionsacquireoverpeopleintownsthevaluethataspiderinadungeondoesoveraspiderinacottage,totheirvariousoccupants;andyetthedeepenedattractionisnotentirelyowingtothesituationofthelooker-on.Theydolivemoreinearnest,moreinthemselves,andlessinsurface,change,andfrivolousexternalthings.Icouldfancyaloveforlifeherealmostpossible;andIwasafixedunbelieverinanyloveofayear’sstanding.Onestateresemblessettingahungrymandowntoasingledish,onwhichhemayconcentratehisentireappetiteanddoitjustice;theother,introducinghimtoatablelaidoutbyFrenchcooks:hecanperhapsextractasmuchenjoymentfromthewhole;buteachpartisamereatominhisregardandremembrance.’

‘Oh!hereweare the sameasanywhereelse,whenyouget toknowus,’observedMrs.Dean,somewhatpuzzledatmyspeech.

‘Excuseme,’Iresponded;‘you,mygoodfriend,areastrikingevidenceagainstthatassertion.Exceptingafewprovincialismsofslightconsequence,youhavenomarksofthemannerswhichIamhabituatedtoconsideraspeculiartoyourclass.Iamsureyouhavethoughtagreatdealmorethanthegeneralityofservantsthink.Youhavebeencompelledtocultivateyourreflectivefacultiesforwantofoccasionsforfritteringyourlifeawayinsillytrifles.’

Mrs.Deanlaughed.

‘Icertainlyesteemmyselfasteady,reasonablekindofbody,’shesaid;‘not

exactlyfromlivingamongthehillsandseeingonesetoffaces,andoneseriesofactions,fromyear’sendtoyear’send;butIhaveundergonesharpdiscipline,whichhastaughtmewisdom;andthen,Ihavereadmorethanyouwouldfancy,Mr.Lockwood.YoucouldnotopenabookinthislibrarythatIhavenotlookedinto,andgotsomethingoutofalso:unlessitbethatrangeofGreekandLatin,andthatofFrench;andthoseIknowonefromanother:itisasmuchasyoucanexpectofapoorman’sdaughter.However,ifIamtofollowmystoryintruegossip’sfashion,Ihadbettergoon;andinsteadofleapingthreeyears,Iwillbecontenttopasstothenextsummer—thesummerof1778,thatisnearlytwenty-threeyearsago.’

CHAPTERVIII

OnthemorningofafineJunedaymyfirstbonnylittlenursling,andthelastoftheancientEarnshawstock,wasborn.Wewerebusywiththehayinafar-awayfield,whenthegirlthatusuallybroughtourbreakfastscamerunninganhourtoosoonacrossthemeadowandupthelane,callingmeassheran.

‘Oh,suchagrandbairn!’shepantedout.‘Thefinestladthateverbreathed!Butthedoctorsaysmissismustgo:hesaysshe’sbeeninaconsumptionthesemanymonths.IheardhimtellMr.Hindley:andnowshehasnothingtokeepher,andshe’llbedeadbeforewinter.Youmustcomehomedirectly.You’retonurseit,Nelly:tofeeditwithsugarandmilk,andtakecareofitdayandnight.IwishIwereyou,becauseitwillbeallyourswhenthereisnomissis!’

‘Butissheveryill?’Iasked,flingingdownmyrakeandtyingmybonnet.

‘Iguesssheis;yetshelooksbravely,’repliedthegirl,‘andshetalksasifshethoughtoflivingtoseeitgrowaman.She’soutofherheadforjoy,it’ssuchabeauty!IfIwereherI’mcertainIshouldnotdie:Ishouldgetbetteratthebaresightofit,inspiteofKenneth.Iwasfairlymadathim.DameArcherbroughtthecherubdowntomaster,inthehouse,andhisfacejustbegantolightup,whentheoldcroakerstepsforward,andsayshe—“Earnshaw,it’sablessingyourwifehasbeensparedtoleaveyouthisson.Whenshecame,Ifeltconvincedweshouldn’tkeepherlong;andnow,Imusttellyou,thewinterwillprobablyfinishher.Don’ttakeon,andfretaboutittoomuch:itcan’tbehelped.Andbesides,youshouldhaveknownbetterthantochoosesucharushofalass!”’

‘Andwhatdidthemasteranswer?’Iinquired.

‘Ithinkheswore:butIdidn’tmindhim,Iwasstrainingtoseethebairn,’

andshebeganagaintodescribeitrapturously.I,aszealousasherself,hurriedeagerlyhometoadmire,onmypart;thoughIwasverysadforHindley’ssake.Hehadroominhisheartonlyfortwoidols—hiswifeandhimself:hedotedonboth,andadoredone,andIcouldn’tconceivehowhewouldbeartheloss.

WhenwegottoWutheringHeights,therehestoodatthefrontdoor;and,asIpassedin,Iasked,‘howwasthebaby?’

‘Nearlyreadytorunabout,Nell!’hereplied,puttingonacheerfulsmile.

‘Andthemistress?’Iventuredtoinquire;‘thedoctorsaysshe’s—’

‘Damnthedoctor!’heinterrupted,reddening.‘Francesisquiteright:she’llbeperfectlywellbythistimenextweek.Areyougoingup-stairs?willyoutellherthatI’llcome,ifshe’llpromisenottotalk.Ileftherbecauseshewouldnotholdhertongue;andshemust—tellherMr.Kennethsaysshemustbequiet.’

IdeliveredthismessagetoMrs.Earnshaw;sheseemedinflightyspirits,andrepliedmerrily,‘Ihardlyspokeaword,Ellen,andtherehehasgoneouttwice,crying.Well,sayIpromiseIwon’tspeak:butthatdoesnotbindmenottolaughathim!’

Poorsoul!Tillwithinaweekofherdeaththatgayheartneverfailedher;andherhusbandpersisteddoggedly,nay,furiously,inaffirmingherhealthimprovedeveryday.WhenKennethwarnedhimthathismedicineswereuselessatthatstageofthemalady,andheneedn’tputhimtofurtherexpensebyattendingher,heretorted,‘Iknowyouneednot—she’swell—shedoesnotwantanymoreattendancefromyou!Sheneverwasinaconsumption.Itwasafever;anditisgone:herpulseisasslowasminenow,andhercheekascool.’

He toldhiswife the samestory,andshe seemed tobelievehim;butonenight, while leaning on his shoulder, in the act of saying she thought sheshouldbeabletogetupto-morrow,afitofcoughingtookher—averyslightone—heraisedherinhisarms;sheputhertwohandsabouthisneck,herfacechanged,andshewasdead.

Asthegirlhadanticipated,thechildHaretonfellwhollyintomyhands.Mr.Earnshaw,providedhesawhimhealthyandneverheardhimcry,wascontented,asfarasregardedhim.Forhimself,hegrewdesperate:hissorrowwasofthatkindthatwillnotlament.Heneitherweptnorprayed;hecursedanddefied:execratedGodandman,andgavehimselfuptorecklessdissipation.Theservantscouldnotbearhistyrannicalandevilconductlong:JosephandIweretheonlytwothatwouldstay.Ihadnotthehearttoleavemycharge;andbesides,youknow,Ihadbeenhisfoster-sister,andexcusedhisbehaviourmorereadilythanastrangerwould.Josephremainedtohectorover

tenantsandlabourers;andbecauseitwashisvocationtobewherehehadplentyofwickednesstoreprove.

Themaster’sbadwaysandbadcompanionsformedaprettyexampleforCatherineandHeathcliff.Histreatmentofthelatterwasenoughtomakeafiendofasaint.And,truly,itappearedasiftheladwerepossessedofsomethingdiabolicalatthatperiod.HedelightedtowitnessHindleydegradinghimselfpastredemption;andbecamedailymorenotableforsavagesullennessandferocity.Icouldnothalftellwhataninfernalhousewehad.Thecuratedroppedcalling,andnobodydecentcamenearus,atlast;unlessEdgarLinton’svisitstoMissCathymightbeanexception.Atfifteenshewasthequeenofthecountry-side;shehadnopeer;andshedidturnoutahaughty,headstrongcreature!IownIdidnotlikeher,afterinfancywaspast;andIvexedherfrequentlybytryingtobringdownherarrogance:shenevertookanaversiontome,though.Shehadawondrousconstancytooldattachments:evenHeathcliffkepthisholdonheraffectionsunalterably;andyoungLinton,withallhissuperiority,founditdifficulttomakeanequallydeepimpression.Hewasmylatemaster:thatishisportraitoverthefireplace.Itusedtohangononeside,andhiswife’sontheother;buthershasbeenremoved,orelseyoumightseesomethingofwhatshewas.Canyoumakethatout?

Mrs.Deanraisedthecandle,andIdiscernedasoft-featuredface,exceedinglyresemblingtheyoungladyattheHeights,butmorepensiveandamiableinexpression.Itformedasweetpicture.Thelonglighthaircurledslightlyonthetemples;theeyeswerelargeandserious;thefigurealmosttoograceful.IdidnotmarvelhowCatherineEarnshawcouldforgetherfirstfriendforsuchanindividual.Imarvelledmuchhowhe,withamindtocorrespondwithhisperson,couldfancymyideaofCatherineEarnshaw.

‘Averyagreeableportrait,’Iobservedtothehouse-keeper.‘Isitlike?’

‘Yes,’sheanswered; ‘buthe lookedbetterwhenhewasanimated; that ishiseverydaycountenance:hewantedspiritingeneral.’

CatherinehadkeptupheracquaintancewiththeLintonssinceherfive-weeks’residenceamongthem;andasshehadnotemptationtoshowherroughsideintheircompany,andhadthesensetobeashamedofbeingrudewheresheexperiencedsuchinvariablecourtesy,sheimposedunwittinglyontheoldladyandgentlemanbyheringeniouscordiality;gainedtheadmirationofIsabella,andtheheartandsoulofherbrother:acquisitionsthatflatteredherfromthefirst—forshewasfullofambition—andledhertoadoptadoublecharacterwithoutexactlyintendingtodeceiveanyone.IntheplacewheresheheardHeathclifftermeda‘vulgaryoungruffian,’and‘worsethanabrute,’shetookcarenottoactlikehim;butathomeshehadsmallinclinationtopractisepolitenessthatwouldonlybelaughedat,andrestrainanunrulynaturewhenit

wouldbringherneithercreditnorpraise.

Mr.EdgarseldommusteredcouragetovisitWutheringHeightsopenly.HehadaterrorofEarnshaw’sreputation,andshrunkfromencounteringhim;andyethewasalwaysreceivedwithourbestattemptsatcivility:themasterhimselfavoidedoffendinghim,knowingwhyhecame;andifhecouldnotbegracious,keptoutoftheway.IratherthinkhisappearancetherewasdistastefultoCatherine;shewasnotartful,neverplayedthecoquette,andhadevidentlyanobjectiontohertwofriendsmeetingatall;forwhenHeathcliffexpressedcontemptofLintoninhispresence,shecouldnothalfcoincide,asshedidinhisabsence;andwhenLintonevinceddisgustandantipathytoHeathcliff,shedarednottreathissentimentswithindifference,asifdepreciationofherplaymatewereofscarcelyanyconsequencetoher.I’vehadmanyalaughatherperplexitiesanduntoldtroubles,whichshevainlystrovetohidefrommymockery.Thatsoundsill-natured:butshewassoprouditbecamereallyimpossibletopityherdistresses,tillsheshouldbechastenedintomorehumility.Shedidbringherself,finally,toconfess,andtoconfideinme:therewasnotasoulelsethatshemightfashionintoanadviser.

Mr.Hindleyhadgonefromhomeoneafternoon,andHeathcliffpresumedtogivehimselfaholidayonthestrengthofit.Hehadreachedtheageofsixteenthen,Ithink,andwithouthavingbadfeatures,orbeingdeficientinintellect,hecontrivedtoconveyanimpressionofinwardandoutwardrepulsivenessthathispresentaspectretainsnotracesof.Inthefirstplace,hehadbythattimelostthebenefitofhisearlyeducation:continualhardwork,begunsoonandconcludedlate,hadextinguishedanycuriosityheoncepossessedinpursuitofknowledge,andanyloveforbooksorlearning.Hischildhood’ssenseofsuperiority,instilledintohimbythefavoursofoldMr.Earnshaw,wasfadedaway.HestruggledlongtokeepupanequalitywithCatherineinherstudies,andyieldedwithpoignantthoughsilentregret:butheyieldedcompletely;andtherewasnoprevailingonhimtotakeastepinthewayofmovingupward,whenhefoundhemust,necessarily,sinkbeneathhisformerlevel.Thenpersonalappearancesympathisedwithmentaldeterioration:heacquiredaslouchinggaitandignoblelook;hisnaturallyreserveddispositionwasexaggeratedintoanalmostidioticexcessofunsociablemoroseness;andhetookagrimpleasure,apparently,inexcitingtheaversionratherthantheesteemofhisfewacquaintances.

Catherineandhewereconstantcompanionsstillathisseasonsofrespitefromlabour;buthehadceasedtoexpresshisfondnessforherinwords,andrecoiledwithangrysuspicionfromhergirlishcaresses,asifconscioustherecouldbenogratificationinlavishingsuchmarksofaffectiononhim.Onthebefore-namedoccasionhecameintothehousetoannouncehisintentionofdoingnothing,whileIwasassistingMissCathytoarrangeherdress:shehad

notreckonedonhistakingitintohisheadtobeidle;andimaginingshewouldhavethewholeplacetoherself,shemanaged,bysomemeans,toinformMr.Edgarofherbrother’sabsence,andwasthenpreparingtoreceivehim.

‘Cathy,areyoubusythisafternoon?’askedHeathcliff.‘Areyougoinganywhere?’

‘No,itisraining,’sheanswered.

‘Whyhaveyouthatsilkfrockon,then?’hesaid.‘Nobodycominghere,Ihope?’

‘NotthatIknowof,’stammeredMiss:‘butyoushouldbeinthefieldnow,Heathcliff.Itisanhourpastdinnertime:Ithoughtyouweregone.’

‘Hindleydoesnotoftenfreeusfromhisaccursedpresence,’observedtheboy.‘I’llnotworkanymoreto-day:I’llstaywithyou.’

‘Oh,butJosephwilltell,’shesuggested;‘you’dbettergo!’

‘JosephisloadinglimeonthefurthersideofPenistoneCrags;itwilltakehimtilldark,andhe’llneverknow.’

So,saying,heloungedtothefire,andsatdown.Catherinereflectedaninstant,withknittedbrows—shefounditneedfultosmooththewayforanintrusion.‘IsabellaandEdgarLintontalkedofcallingthisafternoon,’shesaid,attheconclusionofaminute’ssilence.‘Asitrains,Ihardlyexpectthem;buttheymaycome,andiftheydo,youruntheriskofbeingscoldedfornogood.’

‘OrderEllentosayyouareengaged,Cathy,’hepersisted;‘don’tturnmeoutforthosepitiful,sillyfriendsofyours!I’monthepoint,sometimes,ofcomplainingthatthey—butI’llnot—’

‘Thattheywhat?’criedCatherine,gazingathimwithatroubledcountenance.‘Oh,Nelly!’sheaddedpetulantly,jerkingherheadawayfrommyhands,‘you’vecombedmyhairquiteoutofcurl!That’senough;letmealone.Whatareyouonthepointofcomplainingabout,Heathcliff?’

‘Nothing—onlylookatthealmanackonthatwall;’hepointedtoaframedsheethangingnearthewindow,andcontinued,‘ThecrossesarefortheeveningsyouhavespentwiththeLintons,thedotsforthosespentwithme.Doyousee?I’vemarkedeveryday.’

‘Yes—veryfoolish:asifItooknotice!’repliedCatherine,inapeevishtone.‘Andwhereisthesenseofthat?’

‘ToshowthatIdotakenotice,’saidHeathcliff.

‘AndshouldIalwaysbesittingwithyou?’shedemanded,growingmore

irritated.‘WhatgooddoIget?Whatdoyoutalkabout?Youmightbedumb,orababy,foranythingyousaytoamuseme,orforanythingyoudo,either!’

‘YounevertoldmebeforethatI talkedtoolittle,or thatyoudislikedmycompany,Cathy!’exclaimedHeathcliff,inmuchagitation.

‘It’snocompanyatall,whenpeopleknownothingandsaynothing,’shemuttered.

Hercompanionroseup,buthehadn’ttimetoexpresshisfeelingsfurther,forahorse’sfeetwereheardontheflags,andhavingknockedgently,youngLintonentered,hisfacebrilliantwithdelightattheunexpectedsummonshehadreceived.DoubtlessCatherinemarkedthedifferencebetweenherfriends,asonecameinandtheotherwentout.Thecontrastresembledwhatyouseeinexchangingableak,hilly,coalcountryforabeautifulfertilevalley;andhisvoiceandgreetingwereasoppositeashisaspect.Hehadasweet,lowmannerofspeaking,andpronouncedhiswordsasyoudo:that’slessgruffthanwetalkhere,andsofter.

‘I’mnotcometoosoon,amI?’hesaid,castingalookatme:Ihadbeguntowipetheplate,andtidysomedrawersatthefarendinthedresser.

‘No,’answeredCatherine.‘Whatareyoudoingthere,Nelly?’

‘Mywork,Miss,’Ireplied.(Mr.HindleyhadgivenmedirectionstomakeathirdpartyinanyprivatevisitsLintonchosetopay.)

She stepped behind me and whispered crossly, ‘Take yourself and yourdusters off; when company are in the house, servants don’t commencescouringandcleaningintheroomwheretheyare!’

‘It’sagoodopportunity,nowthatmasterisaway,’Iansweredaloud:‘hehatesmetobefidgetingoverthesethingsinhispresence.I’msureMr.Edgarwillexcuseme.’

‘I hate you to be fidgeting in my presence,’ exclaimed the young ladyimperiously,notallowingherguesttimetospeak:shehadfailedtorecoverherequanimitysincethelittledisputewithHeathcliff.

‘I’m sorry for it, Miss Catherine,’ was my response; and I proceededassiduouslywithmyoccupation.

She,supposingEdgarcouldnotseeher,snatchedtheclothfrommyhand,andpinchedme,withaprolongedwrench,veryspitefullyonthearm.I’vesaidIdidnotloveher,andratherrelishedmortifyinghervanitynowandthen:besides,shehurtmeextremely;soIstartedupfrommyknees,andscreamedout,‘Oh,Miss,that’sanastytrick!Youhavenorighttonipme,andI’mnotgoingtobearit.’

‘Ididn’ttouchyou,youlyingcreature!’criedshe,herfingerstinglingtorepeattheact,andherearsredwithrage.Sheneverhadpowertoconcealherpassion,italwayssetherwholecomplexioninablaze.

‘What’sthat,then?’Iretorted,showingadecidedpurplewitnesstorefuteher.

She stampedher foot,waveredamoment, and then, irresistibly impelledbythenaughtyspiritwithinher,slappedmeonthecheek:astingingblowthatfilledbotheyeswithwater.

‘Catherine,love!Catherine!’interposedLinton,greatlyshockedatthedoublefaultoffalsehoodandviolencewhichhisidolhadcommitted.

‘Leavetheroom,Ellen!’sherepeated,tremblingallover.

LittleHareton,whofollowedmeeverywhere,andwassittingnearmeonthefloor,atseeingmytearscommencedcryinghimself,andsobbedoutcomplaintsagainst‘wickedauntCathy,’whichdrewherfuryontohisunluckyhead:sheseizedhisshoulders,andshookhimtillthepoorchildwaxedlivid,andEdgarthoughtlesslylaidholdofherhandstodeliverhim.Inaninstantonewaswrungfree,andtheastonishedyoungmanfeltitappliedoverhisownearinawaythatcouldnotbemistakenforjest.Hedrewbackinconsternation.IliftedHaretoninmyarms,andwalkedofftothekitchenwithhim,leavingthedoorofcommunicationopen,forIwascurioustowatchhowtheywouldsettletheirdisagreement.Theinsultedvisitormovedtothespotwherehehadlaidhishat,paleandwithaquiveringlip.

‘That’sright!’Isaidtomyself.‘Takewarningandbegone!It’sakindnesstoletyouhaveaglimpseofhergenuinedisposition.’

‘Whereareyougoing?’demandedCatherine,advancingtothedoor.

Heswervedaside,andattemptedtopass.

‘Youmustnotgo!’sheexclaimed,energetically.

‘Imustandshall!’herepliedinasubduedvoice.

‘No,’shepersisted,graspingthehandle;‘notyet,EdgarLinton:sitdown;youshallnotleavemeinthattemper.Ishouldbemiserableallnight,andIwon’tbemiserableforyou!’

‘CanIstayafteryouhavestruckme?’askedLinton.

Catherinewasmute.

‘You’vemademeafraidandashamedofyou,’hecontinued;‘I’llnotcomehereagain!’

Hereyesbegantoglistenandherlidstotwinkle.

‘Andyoutoldadeliberateuntruth!’hesaid.

‘Ididn’t!’shecried,recoveringherspeech;‘Ididnothingdeliberately.Well,go,ifyouplease—getaway!AndnowI’llcry—I’llcrymyselfsick!’

Shedroppeddownonherkneesbyachair,andsettoweepinginseriousearnest.Edgarperseveredinhisresolutionasfarasthecourt;therehelingered.Iresolvedtoencouragehim.

‘Missisdreadfullywayward,sir,’Icalledout.‘Asbadasanymarredchild:you’dbetterberidinghome,orelseshewillbesick,onlytogrieveus.’

Thesoftthinglookedaskancethroughthewindow:hepossessedthepowertodepartasmuchasacatpossessesthepowertoleaveamousehalfkilled,orabirdhalfeaten.Ah,Ithought,therewillbenosavinghim:he’sdoomed,andfliestohisfate!Andsoitwas:heturnedabruptly,hastenedintothehouseagain,shutthedoorbehindhim;andwhenIwentinawhileaftertoinformthemthatEarnshawhadcomehomerabiddrunk,readytopullthewholeplaceaboutourears(hisordinaryframeofmindinthatcondition),Isawthequarrelhadmerelyeffectedacloserintimacy—hadbrokentheoutworksofyouthfultimidity,andenabledthemtoforsakethedisguiseoffriendship,andconfessthemselveslovers.

IntelligenceofMr.Hindley’sarrivaldroveLintonspeedilytohishorse,andCatherinetoherchamber.IwenttohidelittleHareton,andtotaketheshotoutofthemaster’sfowling-piece,whichhewasfondofplayingwithinhisinsaneexcitement,tothehazardofthelivesofanywhoprovoked,orevenattractedhisnoticetoomuch;andIhadhitupontheplanofremovingit,thathemightdolessmischiefifhedidgothelengthoffiringthegun.

CHAPTERIX

Heentered,vociferatingoathsdreadfultohear;andcaughtmeintheactofstowinghissonawayinthekitchencupboard.Haretonwasimpressedwithawholesometerrorofencounteringeitherhiswildbeast’sfondnessorhismadman’srage;forinoneheranachanceofbeingsqueezedandkissedtodeath,andintheotherofbeingflungintothefire,ordashedagainstthewall;andthepoorthingremainedperfectlyquietwhereverIchosetoputhim.

‘There,I’vefounditoutatlast!’criedHindley,pullingmebackbytheskinofmyneck,likeadog.‘Byheavenandhell,you’veswornbetweenyoutomurderthatchild!Iknowhowitis,now,thatheisalwaysoutofmyway.But,withthehelpofSatan,Ishallmakeyouswallowthecarving-knife,Nelly!Youneedn’tlaugh;forI’vejustcrammedKenneth,head-downmost,inthe

Black-horsemarsh;andtwoisthesameasone—andIwanttokillsomeofyou:IshallhavenoresttillIdo!’

‘ButIdon’tlikethecarving-knife,Mr.Hindley,’Ianswered;‘ithasbeencuttingredherrings.I’dratherbeshot,ifyouplease.’

‘You’dratherbedamned!’hesaid;‘andsoyoushall.NolawinEnglandcanhinderamanfromkeepinghishousedecent,andmine’sabominable!Openyourmouth.’Heheldtheknifeinhishand,andpusheditspointbetweenmyteeth:but,formypart,Iwasnevermuchafraidofhisvagaries.Ispatout,andaffirmedittasteddetestably—Iwouldnottakeitonanyaccount.

‘Oh!’saidhe,releasingme,‘IseethathideouslittlevillainisnotHareton:Ibegyourpardon,Nell.Ifitbe,hedeservesflayingalivefornotrunningtowelcomeme,andforscreamingasifIwereagoblin.Unnaturalcub,comehither!I’llteachtheetoimposeonagood-hearted,deludedfather.Now,don’tyouthinktheladwouldbehandsomercropped?Itmakesadogfiercer,andIlovesomethingfierce—getmeascissors—somethingfierceandtrim!Besides,it’sinfernalaffectation—devilishconceititis,tocherishourears—we’reassesenoughwithoutthem.Hush,child,hush!Wellthen,itismydarling!wisht,drythyeyes—there’sajoy;kissme.What!itwon’t?Kissme,Hareton!Damnthee,kissme!ByGod,asifIwouldrearsuchamonster!AssureasI’mliving,I’llbreakthebrat’sneck.’

PoorHaretonwassquallingandkickinginhisfather’sarmswithallhismight,andredoubledhisyellswhenhecarriedhimup-stairsandliftedhimoverthebanister.Icriedoutthathewouldfrightenthechildintofits,andrantorescuehim.AsIreachedthem,Hindleyleantforwardontherailstolistentoanoisebelow;almostforgettingwhathehadinhishands.‘Whoisthat?’heasked,hearingsomeoneapproachingthestairs’-foot.Ileantforwardalso,forthepurposeofsigningtoHeathcliff,whosestepIrecognised,nottocomefurther;and,attheinstantwhenmyeyequittedHareton,hegaveasuddenspring,deliveredhimselffromthecarelessgraspthatheldhim,andfell.

Therewasscarcelytimetoexperienceathrillofhorrorbeforewesawthatthelittlewretchwassafe.Heathcliffarrivedunderneathjustatthecriticalmoment;byanaturalimpulsehearrestedhisdescent,andsettinghimonhisfeet,lookeduptodiscovertheauthoroftheaccident.Amiserwhohaspartedwithaluckylotteryticketforfiveshillings,andfindsnextdayhehaslostinthebargainfivethousandpounds,couldnotshowablankercountenancethanhedidonbeholdingthefigureofMr.Earnshawabove.Itexpressed,plainerthanwordscoulddo,theintensestanguishathavingmadehimselftheinstrumentofthwartinghisownrevenge.Haditbeendark,IdaresayhewouldhavetriedtoremedythemistakebysmashingHareton’sskullonthesteps;but,wewitnessedhissalvation;andIwaspresentlybelowwithmy

preciouschargepressedtomyheart.Hindleydescendedmoreleisurely,soberedandabashed.

‘Itisyourfault,Ellen,’hesaid;‘youshouldhavekepthimoutofsight:youshouldhavetakenhimfromme!Isheinjuredanywhere?’

‘Injured!’Icriedangrily;‘ifheisnotkilled,he’llbeanidiot!Oh!Iwonderhismotherdoesnotrisefromhergravetoseehowyouusehim.You’reworsethanaheathen—treatingyourownfleshandbloodinthatmanner!’Heattemptedtotouchthechild,who,onfindinghimselfwithme,sobbedoffhisterrordirectly.Atthefirstfingerhisfatherlaidonhim,however,heshriekedagainlouderthanbefore,andstruggledasifhewouldgointoconvulsions.

‘Youshallnotmeddlewithhim!’Icontinued.‘Hehatesyou—theyallhateyou—that’sthetruth!Ahappyfamilyyouhave;andaprettystateyou’recometo!’

‘Ishallcometoaprettier,yet,Nelly,’laughedthemisguidedman,recoveringhishardness.‘Atpresent,conveyyourselfandhimaway.Andharkyou,Heathcliff!clearyoutooquitefrommyreachandhearing.Iwouldn’tmurderyouto-night;unless,perhaps,Isetthehouseonfire:butthat’sasmyfancygoes.’

While saying this he took a pint bottle of brandy from the dresser, andpouredsomeintoatumbler.

‘Nay,don’t!’Ientreated.‘Mr.Hindley,dotakewarning.Havemercyonthisunfortunateboy,ifyoucarenothingforyourself!’

‘AnyonewilldobetterforhimthanIshall,’heanswered.

‘Havemercyonyourownsoul!’ I said,endeavouring tosnatch theglassfromhishand.

‘NotI!Onthecontrary,IshallhavegreatpleasureinsendingittoperditiontopunishitsMaker,’exclaimedtheblasphemer.‘Here’stoitsheartydamnation!’

Hedrankthespiritsandimpatientlybadeusgo;terminatinghiscommandwithasequelofhorridimprecationstoobadtorepeatorremember.

‘It’sapityhecannotkillhimselfwithdrink,’observedHeathcliff,mutteringanechoofcursesbackwhenthedoorwasshut.‘He’sdoinghisveryutmost;buthisconstitutiondefieshim.Mr.Kennethsayshewouldwagerhismarethathe’lloutliveanymanonthissideGimmerton,andgotothegraveahoarysinner;unlesssomehappychanceoutofthecommoncoursebefallhim.’

Iwentintothekitchen,andsatdowntolullmylittlelambtosleep.Heathcliff,asIthought,walkedthroughtothebarn.Itturnedoutafterwardsthatheonlygotasfarastheothersidethesettle,whenheflunghimselfonabenchbythewall,removedfromthefireandremainedsilent.

IwasrockingHaretononmyknee,andhummingasongthatbegan,—

Itwasfarinthenight,andthebairniesgrat,

Themitherbeneaththemoolsheardthat,

whenMissCathy,whohadlistenedtothehubbubfromherroom,putherheadin,andwhispered,—‘Areyoualone,Nelly?’

‘Yes,Miss,’Ireplied.

Sheenteredandapproachedthehearth.I,supposingshewasgoingtosaysomething,lookedup.Theexpressionofherfaceseemeddisturbedandanxious.Herlipswerehalfasunder,asifshemeanttospeak,andshedrewabreath;butitescapedinasighinsteadofasentence.Iresumedmysong;nothavingforgottenherrecentbehaviour.

‘Where’sHeathcliff?’shesaid,interruptingme.

‘Abouthisworkinthestable,’wasmyanswer.

Hedidnotcontradictme;perhapshehadfallenintoadoze.Therefollowedanotherlongpause,duringwhichIperceivedadroportwotricklefromCatherine’scheektotheflags.Isshesorryforhershamefulconduct?—Iaskedmyself.Thatwillbeanovelty:butshemaycometothepoint—asshewill—Isha’n’thelpher!No,shefeltsmalltroubleregardinganysubject,saveherownconcerns.

‘Oh,dear!’shecriedatlast.‘I’mveryunhappy!’

‘Apity,’observedI.‘You’rehardtoplease;somanyfriendsandsofewcares,andcan’tmakeyourselfcontent!’

‘Nelly,willyoukeepasecretforme?’shepursued,kneelingdownbyme,andliftingherwinsomeeyestomyfacewiththatsortoflookwhichturnsoffbadtemper,evenwhenonehasalltherightintheworldtoindulgeit.

‘Isitworthkeeping?’Iinquired,lesssulkily.

‘Yes,anditworriesme,andImustletitout!IwanttoknowwhatIshoulddo.To-day,EdgarLintonhasaskedmetomarryhim,andI’vegivenhimananswer.Now,beforeItellyouwhetheritwasaconsentordenial,youtellmewhichitoughttohavebeen.’

‘Really,MissCatherine,howcanIknow?’Ireplied.‘Tobesure,consideringtheexhibitionyouperformedinhispresencethisafternoon,I

mightsayitwouldbewisetorefusehim:sinceheaskedyouafterthat,hemusteitherbehopelesslystupidoraventuresomefool.’

‘Ifyoutalkso,Iwon’ttellyouanymore,’shereturned,peevishlyrisingtoherfeet.‘Iacceptedhim,Nelly.Bequick,andsaywhetherIwaswrong!’

‘Youacceptedhim!Thenwhatgoodisitdiscussingthematter?Youhavepledgedyourword,andcannotretract.’

‘ButsaywhetherIshouldhavedoneso—do!’sheexclaimedinanirritatedtone;chafingherhandstogether,andfrowning.

‘Therearemanythingstobeconsideredbeforethatquestioncanbeansweredproperly,’Isaid,sententiously.‘Firstandforemost,doyouloveMr.Edgar?’

‘Whocanhelpit?OfcourseIdo,’sheanswered.

ThenIputherthroughthefollowingcatechism:foragirloftwenty-twoitwasnotinjudicious.

‘Whydoyoulovehim,MissCathy?’

‘Nonsense,Ido—that’ssufficient.’

‘Bynomeans;youmustsaywhy?’

‘Well,becauseheishandsome,andpleasanttobewith.’

‘Bad!’wasmycommentary.

‘Andbecauseheisyoungandcheerful.’

‘Bad,still.’

‘Andbecausehelovesme.’

‘Indifferent,comingthere.’

‘And he will be rich, and I shall like to be the greatest woman of theneighbourhood,andIshallbeproudofhavingsuchahusband.’

‘Worstofall.Andnow,sayhowyoulovehim?’

‘Aseverybodyloves—You’resilly,Nelly.’

‘Notatall—Answer.’

‘Ilovethegroundunderhisfeet,andtheairoverhishead,andeverythinghetouches,andeverywordhesays.Iloveallhislooks,andallhisactions,andhimentirelyandaltogether.Therenow!’

‘Andwhy?’

‘Nay;youaremakingajestofit:itisexceedinglyill-natured!It’snojest

tome!’saidtheyounglady,scowling,andturningherfacetothefire.

‘I’mveryfarfromjesting,MissCatherine,’Ireplied.‘YouloveMr.Edgarbecauseheishandsome,andyoung,andcheerful,andrich,andlovesyou.Thelast,however,goesfornothing:youwouldlovehimwithoutthat,probably;andwithityouwouldn’t,unlesshepossessedthefourformerattractions.’

‘No,tobesurenot:Ishouldonlypityhim—hatehim,perhaps,ifhewereugly,andaclown.’

‘Butthereareseveralotherhandsome,richyoungmenintheworld:handsomer,possibly,andricherthanheis.Whatshouldhinderyoufromlovingthem?’

‘Iftherebeany,theyareoutofmyway:I’veseennonelikeEdgar.’

‘Youmay see some; andhewon’t alwaysbehandsome, andyoung, andmaynotalwaysberich.’

‘Heisnow;andIhaveonlytodowiththepresent.Iwishyouwouldspeakrationally.’

‘Well, that settles it: if you have only to dowith the present,marryMr.Linton.’

‘I don’t want your permission for that—I shall marry him: and yet youhavenottoldmewhetherI’mright.’

‘Perfectlyright;ifpeopleberighttomarryonlyforthepresent.Andnow,letushearwhatyouareunhappyabout.Yourbrotherwillbepleased;theoldladyandgentlemanwillnotobject,Ithink;youwillescapefromadisorderly,comfortlesshomeintoawealthy,respectableone;andyouloveEdgar,andEdgarlovesyou.Allseemssmoothandeasy:whereistheobstacle?’

‘Here!andhere!’repliedCatherine,strikingonehandonherforehead,andtheotheronherbreast:‘inwhicheverplacethesoullives.Inmysoulandinmyheart,I’mconvincedI’mwrong!’

‘That’sverystrange!Icannotmakeitout.’

‘It’smysecret.Butifyouwillnotmockatme,I’llexplainit:Ican’tdoitdistinctly;butI’llgiveyouafeelingofhowIfeel.’

Sheseatedherselfbymeagain:hercountenancegrewsadderandgraver,andherclaspedhandstrembled.

‘Nelly,doyouneverdreamqueerdreams?’shesaid,suddenly,aftersomeminutes’reflection.

‘Yes,nowandthen,’Ianswered.

‘AndsodoI.I’vedreamtinmylifedreamsthathavestayedwithmeeverafter,andchangedmyideas:they’vegonethroughandthroughme,likewinethroughwater,andalteredthecolourofmymind.Andthisisone:I’mgoingtotellit—buttakecarenottosmileatanypartofit.’

‘Oh!don’t,MissCatherine!’Icried.‘We’redismalenoughwithoutconjuringupghostsandvisionstoperplexus.Come,come,bemerryandlikeyourself!LookatlittleHareton!he’sdreamingnothingdreary.Howsweetlyhesmilesinhissleep!’

‘Yes;andhowsweetlyhisfathercursesinhissolitude!Yourememberhim,Idaresay,whenhewasjustsuchanotherasthatchubbything:nearlyasyoungandinnocent.However,Nelly,Ishallobligeyoutolisten:it’snotlong;andI’venopowertobemerryto-night.’

‘Iwon’thearit,Iwon’thearit!’Irepeated,hastily.

Iwassuperstitiousaboutdreamsthen,andamstill;andCatherinehadanunusualgloominheraspect,thatmademedreadsomethingfromwhichImightshapeaprophecy,andforeseeafearfulcatastrophe.Shewasvexed,butshedidnotproceed.Apparentlytakingupanothersubject,sherecommencedinashorttime.

‘IfIwereinheaven,Nelly,Ishouldbeextremelymiserable.’

‘Becauseyouarenotfittogothere,’Ianswered.‘Allsinnerswouldbemiserableinheaven.’

‘Butitisnotforthat.IdreamtoncethatIwasthere.’

‘ItellyouIwon’thearkentoyourdreams,MissCatherine!I’llgotobed,’Iinterruptedagain.

Shelaughed,andheldmedown;forImadeamotiontoleavemychair.

‘Thisisnothing,’criedshe:‘Iwasonlygoingtosaythatheavendidnotseemtobemyhome;andIbrokemyheartwithweepingtocomebacktoearth;andtheangelsweresoangrythattheyflungmeoutintothemiddleoftheheathonthetopofWutheringHeights;whereIwokesobbingforjoy.Thatwilldotoexplainmysecret,aswellastheother.I’venomorebusinesstomarryEdgarLintonthanIhavetobeinheaven;andifthewickedmanintherehadnotbroughtHeathcliffsolow,Ishouldn’thavethoughtofit.ItwoulddegrademetomarryHeathcliffnow;soheshallneverknowhowIlovehim:andthat,notbecausehe’shandsome,Nelly,butbecausehe’smoremyselfthanIam.Whateveroursoulsaremadeof,hisandminearethesame;andLinton’sisasdifferentasamoonbeamfromlightning,orfrostfromfire.’

ErethisspeechendedIbecamesensibleofHeathcliff’spresence.Havingnoticedaslightmovement,Iturnedmyhead,andsawhimrisefromthe

bench,andstealoutnoiselessly.HehadlistenedtillheheardCatherinesayitwoulddegradehertomarryhim,andthenhestayedtohearnofurther.Mycompanion,sittingontheground,waspreventedbythebackofthesettlefromremarkinghispresenceordeparture;butIstarted,andbadeherhush!

‘Why?’sheasked,gazingnervouslyround.

‘Josephishere,’Ianswered,catchingopportunelytherollofhiscartwheelsuptheroad;‘andHeathcliffwillcomeinwithhim.I’mnotsurewhetherhewerenotatthedoorthismoment.’

‘Oh,hecouldn’toverhearmeatthedoor!’saidshe.‘GivemeHareton,whileyougetthesupper,andwhenitisreadyaskmetosupwithyou.Iwanttocheatmyuncomfortableconscience,andbeconvincedthatHeathcliffhasnonotionofthesethings.Hehasnot,hashe?Hedoesnotknowwhatbeinginloveis!’

‘Iseenoreasonthatheshouldnotknow,aswellasyou,’Ireturned;‘andifyouarehischoice,he’llbethemostunfortunatecreaturethateverwasborn!AssoonasyoubecomeMrs.Linton,helosesfriend,andlove,andall!Haveyouconsideredhowyou’llbeartheseparation,andhowhe’llbeartobequitedesertedintheworld?Because,MissCatherine—’

‘Hequitedeserted!weseparated!’sheexclaimed,withanaccentofindignation.‘Whoistoseparateus,pray?They’llmeetthefateofMilo!NotaslongasIlive,Ellen:fornomortalcreature.EveryLintononthefaceoftheearthmightmeltintonothingbeforeIcouldconsenttoforsakeHeathcliff.Oh,that’snotwhatIintend—that’snotwhatImean!Ishouldn’tbeMrs.Lintonweresuchapricedemanded!He’llbeasmuchtomeashehasbeenallhislifetime.Edgarmustshakeoffhisantipathy,andtoleratehim,atleast.Hewill,whenhelearnsmytruefeelingstowardshim.Nelly,Iseenowyouthinkmeaselfishwretch;butdiditneverstrikeyouthatifHeathcliffandImarried,weshouldbebeggars?whereas,ifImarryLintonIcanaidHeathclifftorise,andplacehimoutofmybrother’spower.’

‘Withyourhusband’smoney,MissCatherine?’Iasked.‘You’llfindhimnotsopliableasyoucalculateupon:and,thoughI’mhardlyajudge,Ithinkthat’stheworstmotiveyou’vegivenyetforbeingthewifeofyoungLinton.’

‘Itisnot,’retortedshe;‘itisthebest!Theotherswerethesatisfactionofmywhims:andforEdgar’ssake,too,tosatisfyhim.ThisisforthesakeofonewhocomprehendsinhispersonmyfeelingstoEdgarandmyself.Icannotexpressit;butsurelyyouandeverybodyhaveanotionthatthereisorshouldbeanexistenceofyoursbeyondyou.Whatweretheuseofmycreation,ifIwereentirelycontainedhere?MygreatmiseriesinthisworldhavebeenHeathcliff’smiseries,andIwatchedandfelteachfromthe

beginning:mygreatthoughtinlivingishimself.Ifallelseperished,andheremained,Ishouldstillcontinuetobe;andifallelseremained,andhewereannihilated,theuniversewouldturntoamightystranger:Ishouldnotseemapartofit.—MyloveforLintonislikethefoliageinthewoods:timewillchangeit,I’mwellaware,aswinterchangesthetrees.MyloveforHeathcliffresemblestheeternalrocksbeneath:asourceoflittlevisibledelight,butnecessary.Nelly,IamHeathcliff!He’salways,alwaysinmymind:notasapleasure,anymorethanIamalwaysapleasuretomyself,butasmyownbeing.Sodon’ttalkofourseparationagain:itisimpracticable;and—’

Shepaused,andhidherfaceinthefoldsofmygown;butIjerkeditforciblyaway.Iwasoutofpatiencewithherfolly!

‘IfIcanmakeanysenseofyournonsense,Miss,’Isaid,‘itonlygoestoconvincemethatyouareignorantofthedutiesyouundertakeinmarrying;orelsethatyouareawicked,unprincipledgirl.Buttroublemewithnomoresecrets:I’llnotpromisetokeepthem.’

‘You’llkeepthat?’sheasked,eagerly.

‘No,I’llnotpromise,’Irepeated.

Shewasabouttoinsist,whentheentranceofJosephfinishedourconversation;andCatherineremovedherseattoacorner,andnursedHareton,whileImadethesupper.Afteritwascooked,myfellow-servantandIbegantoquarrelwhoshouldcarrysometoMr.Hindley;andwedidn’tsettleittillallwasnearlycold.Thenwecametotheagreementthatwewouldlethimask,ifhewantedany;forwefearedparticularlytogointohispresencewhenhehadbeensometimealone.

‘Andhowisn’tthatnowtcomedinfro’th’field,bethistime?Whatisheabout?girtidleseeght!’demandedtheoldman,lookingroundforHeathcliff.

‘I’llcallhim,’Ireplied.‘He’sinthebarn,I’venodoubt.’

Iwentandcalled,butgotnoanswer.Onreturning,IwhisperedtoCatherinethathehadheardagoodpartofwhatshesaid,Iwassure;andtoldhowIsawhimquitthekitchenjustasshecomplainedofherbrother’sconductregardinghim.Shejumpedupinafinefright,flungHaretonontothesettle,andrantoseekforherfriendherself;nottakingleisuretoconsiderwhyshewassoflurried,orhowhertalkwouldhaveaffectedhim.ShewasabsentsuchawhilethatJosephproposedweshouldwaitnolonger.Hecunninglyconjecturedtheywerestayingawayinordertoavoidhearinghisprotractedblessing.Theywere‘illeneughforonyfahlmanners,’heaffirmed.Andontheirbehalfheaddedthatnightaspecialprayertotheusualquarter-of-an-hour’ssupplicationbeforemeat,andwouldhavetackedanothertotheendofthegrace,hadnothisyoungmistressbrokeninuponhimwithahurried

commandthathemustrundowntheroad,and,whereverHeathcliffhadrambled,findandmakehimre-enterdirectly!

‘Iwanttospeaktohim,andImust,beforeIgoupstairs,’shesaid.‘Andthegateisopen:heissomewhereoutofhearing;forhewouldnotreply,thoughIshoutedatthetopofthefoldasloudasIcould.’

Josephobjectedatfirst;shewastoomuchinearnest,however,tosuffercontradiction;andatlastheplacedhishatonhishead,andwalkedgrumblingforth.Meantime,Catherinepacedupanddownthefloor,exclaiming—‘Iwonderwhereheis—Iwonderwherehecanbe!WhatdidIsay,Nelly?I’veforgotten.Washevexedatmybadhumourthisafternoon?Dear!tellmewhatI’vesaidtogrievehim?Idowishhe’dcome.Idowishhewould!’

‘Whatanoisefornothing!’Icried,thoughratheruneasymyself.‘Whatatriflescaresyou!It’ssurelynogreatcauseofalarmthatHeathcliffshouldtakeamoonlightsaunteronthemoors,orevenlietoosulkytospeaktousinthehay-loft.I’llengagehe’slurkingthere.SeeifIdon’tferrethimout!’

Idepartedtorenewmysearch;itsresultwasdisappointment,andJoseph’squestendedinthesame.

‘Yonladgetswarundwar!’observedheonre-entering.‘He’sleftth’gateatt’fullswing,andMiss’sponyhastroddendahntworigso’corn,andplotteredthrough,raighto’erintot’meadow!Hahsomdiver,t’maister‘ullplayt’devilto-morn,andhe’lldoweel.He’spatienceitsselnwi’sichcareless,offaldcraters—patienceitsselnheis!Budhe’llnotbesoaallus—yah’ssee,allonye!Yahmun’n’tdrivehimoutofhisheeadfornowt!’

‘HaveyoufoundHeathcliff,youass?’interruptedCatherine.‘Haveyoubeenlookingforhim,asIordered?’

‘Isudmorelikkerlookforth’horse,’hereplied.‘It’udbetomoresense.BudIcanlookfornortherhorsenurmanofaneeghtloikethis—asblackast’chimbley!undHeathcliff’snoant’chaptocoomatmywhistle—happenhe’llbelesshardo’hearingwi’ye!’

Itwasaverydarkeveningforsummer:thecloudsappearedinclinedtothunder,andIsaidwehadbetterallsitdown;theapproachingrainwouldbecertaintobringhimhomewithoutfurthertrouble.However,Catherinewouldnotbepersuadedintotranquillity.Shekeptwanderingtoandfro,fromthegatetothedoor,inastateofagitationwhichpermittednorepose;andatlengthtookupapermanentsituationononesideofthewall,neartheroad:where,heedlessofmyexpostulationsandthegrowlingthunder,andthegreatdropsthatbegantoplasharoundher,sheremained,callingatintervals,andthenlistening,andthencryingoutright.ShebeatHareton,oranychild,atagoodpassionatefitofcrying.

Aboutmidnight,whilewestillsatup,thestormcamerattlingovertheHeightsinfullfury.Therewasaviolentwind,aswellasthunder,andeitheroneortheothersplitatreeoffatthecornerofthebuilding:ahugeboughfellacrosstheroof,andknockeddownaportionoftheeastchimney-stack,sendingaclatterofstonesandsootintothekitchen-fire.Wethoughtabolthadfalleninthemiddleofus;andJosephswungontohisknees,beseechingtheLordtorememberthepatriarchsNoahandLot,and,asinformertimes,sparetherighteous,thoughhesmotetheungodly.Ifeltsomesentimentthatitmustbeajudgmentonusalso.TheJonah,inmymind,wasMr.Earnshaw;andIshookthehandleofhisdenthatImightascertainifhewereyetliving.Herepliedaudiblyenough,inafashionwhichmademycompanionvociferate,moreclamorouslythanbefore,thatawidedistinctionmightbedrawnbetweensaintslikehimselfandsinnerslikehismaster.Buttheuproarpassedawayintwentyminutes,leavingusallunharmed;exceptingCathy,whogotthoroughlydrenchedforherobstinacyinrefusingtotakeshelter,andstandingbonnetlessandshawllesstocatchasmuchwaterasshecouldwithherhairandclothes.Shecameinandlaydownonthesettle,allsoakedasshewas,turningherfacetotheback,andputtingherhandsbeforeit.

‘Well,Miss!’Iexclaimed,touchinghershoulder;‘youarenotbentongettingyourdeath,areyou?Doyouknowwhato’clockitis?Half-pasttwelve.Come,cometobed!there’snousewaitinganylongeronthatfoolishboy:he’llbegonetoGimmerton,andhe’llstaytherenow.Heguessesweshouldn’twaitforhimtillthislatehour:atleast,heguessesthatonlyMr.Hindleywouldbeup;andhe’dratheravoidhavingthedooropenedbythemaster.’

‘Nay,nay,he’snoanatGimmerton,’saidJoseph.‘I’sniverwonderbuthe’satt’bothomofabog-hoile.Thisvisitationworn’tfornowt,andIwodhev’yetolookout,Miss—yahmuhbet’next.ThankHivinforall!Allwarkstogitherforgooidtothemasischozzen,andpikedoutfro’th’rubbidge!Yahknawwhett’Scriptureses.’Andhebeganquotingseveraltexts,referringustochaptersandverseswherewemightfindthem.

I,havingvainlybeggedthewilfulgirltoriseandremoveherwetthings,lefthimpreachingandhershivering,andbetookmyselftobedwithlittleHareton,whosleptasfastasifeveryonehadbeensleepingroundhim.IheardJosephreadonawhileafterwards;thenIdistinguishedhisslowstepontheladder,andthenIdroppedasleep.

Comingdownsomewhatlaterthanusual,Isaw,bythesunbeamspiercingthechinksoftheshutters,MissCatherinestillseatednearthefireplace.Thehouse-doorwasajar,too;lightenteredfromitsunclosedwindows;Hindleyhadcomeout,andstoodonthekitchenhearth,haggardanddrowsy.

‘Whatailsyou,Cathy?’hewassayingwhenIentered:‘youlookasdismalasadrownedwhelp.Whyareyousodampandpale,child?’

‘I’vebeenwet,’sheansweredreluctantly,‘andI’mcold,that’sall.’

‘Oh,sheisnaughty!’Icried,perceivingthemastertobetolerablysober.‘Shegotsteepedintheshowerofyesterdayevening,andthereshehassatthenightthrough,andIcouldn’tprevailonhertostir.’

Mr.Earnshawstaredatusinsurprise.‘Thenightthrough,’herepeated.‘Whatkeptherup?notfearofthethunder,surely?Thatwasoverhourssince.’

NeitherofuswishedtomentionHeathcliff’sabsence,aslongaswecouldconcealit;soIreplied,Ididn’tknowhowshetookitintoherheadtositup;andshesaidnothing.Themorningwasfreshandcool;Ithrewbackthelattice,andpresentlytheroomfilledwithsweetscentsfromthegarden;butCatherinecalledpeevishlytome,‘Ellen,shutthewindow.I’mstarving!’Andherteethchatteredassheshrankclosertothealmostextinguishedembers.

‘She’sill,’saidHindley,takingherwrist;‘Isupposethat’sthereasonshewouldnotgotobed.Damnit!Idon’twanttobetroubledwithmoresicknesshere.Whattookyouintotherain?’

‘Runningaftert’lads,asusuald!’croakedJoseph,catchinganopportunityfromourhesitationtothrustinhiseviltongue.‘IfIwaryah,maister,I’djustslamt’boardsi’theirfacesallon’em,gentleandsimple!Neveradayutyah’reoff,butyoncato’Lintoncomessneakinghither;andMissNelly,shoo’safinelass!shoositswatchingforyei’t’kitchen;andasyah’reinatonedoor,he’soutatt’other;and,then,wergrandladygoesa-courtingofherside!It’sbonnybehaviour,lurkingamangt’fields,aftertwelveo’t’night,wi’thatfahl,flaysomedivilofagipsy,Heathcliff!TheythinkI’mblind;butI’mnoan:nowtutt’soart!—IseedyoungLintonboathcomingandgoing,andIseedyah’(directinghisdiscoursetome),‘yahgooidfurnowt,slattenlywitch!nipupandboltintoth’house,t’minuteyahheardt’maister’shorse-fitclatterupt’road.’

‘Silence,eavesdropper!’criedCatherine;‘noneofyourinsolencebeforeme!EdgarLintoncameyesterdaybychance,Hindley;anditwasIwhotoldhimtobeoff:becauseIknewyouwouldnotliketohavemethimasyouwere.’

‘Youlie,Cathy,nodoubt,’answeredherbrother,‘andyouareaconfoundedsimpleton!ButnevermindLintonatpresent:tellme,wereyounotwithHeathclifflastnight?Speakthetruth,now.Youneednotbeafraidofharminghim:thoughIhatehimasmuchasever,hedidmeagoodturnashorttimesincethatwillmakemyconsciencetenderofbreakinghisneck.To

preventit,Ishallsendhimabouthisbusinessthisverymorning;andafterhe’sgone,I’dadviseyoualltolooksharp:Ishallonlyhavethemorehumourforyou.’

‘IneversawHeathclifflastnight,’answeredCatherine,beginningtosobbitterly:‘andifyoudoturnhimoutofdoors,I’llgowithhim.But,perhaps,you’llneverhaveanopportunity:perhaps,he’sgone.’Heresheburstintouncontrollablegrief,andtheremainderofherwordswereinarticulate.

Hindleylavishedonheratorrentofscornfulabuse,andbadehergettoherroomimmediately,orsheshouldn’tcryfornothing!Iobligedhertoobey;andIshallneverforgetwhatascenesheactedwhenwereachedherchamber:itterrifiedme.Ithoughtshewasgoingmad,andIbeggedJosephtorunforthedoctor.Itprovedthecommencementofdelirium:Mr.Kenneth,assoonashesawher,pronouncedherdangerouslyill;shehadafever.Hebledher,andhetoldmetoletherliveonwheyandwater-gruel,andtakecareshedidnotthrowherselfdownstairsoroutofthewindow;andthenheleft:forhehadenoughtodointheparish,wheretwoorthreemileswastheordinarydistancebetweencottageandcottage.

ThoughIcannotsayImadeagentlenurse,andJosephandthemasterwerenobetter,andthoughourpatientwasaswearisomeandheadstrongasapatientcouldbe,sheweathereditthrough.OldMrs.Lintonpaidusseveralvisits,tobesure,andsetthingstorights,andscoldedandorderedusall;andwhenCatherinewasconvalescent,sheinsistedonconveyinghertoThrushcrossGrange:forwhichdeliverancewewereverygrateful.Butthepoordamehadreasontorepentofherkindness:sheandherhusbandbothtookthefever,anddiedwithinafewdaysofeachother.

Ouryoungladyreturnedtoussaucierandmorepassionate,andhaughtierthanever.Heathcliffhadneverbeenheardofsincetheeveningofthethunder-storm;and,oneday,Ihadthemisfortune,whenshehadprovokedmeexceedingly,tolaytheblameofhisdisappearanceonher:whereindeeditbelonged,asshewellknew.Fromthatperiod,forseveralmonths,sheceasedtoholdanycommunicationwithme,saveintherelationofamereservant.Josephfellunderabanalso:hewouldspeakhismind,andlectureherallthesameasifshewerealittlegirl;andsheesteemedherselfawoman,andourmistress,andthoughtthatherrecentillnessgaveheraclaimtobetreatedwithconsideration.Thenthedoctorhadsaidthatshewouldnotbearcrossingmuch;sheoughttohaveherownway;anditwasnothinglessthanmurderinhereyesforanyonetopresumetostandupandcontradicther.FromMr.Earnshawandhiscompanionsshekeptaloof;andtutoredbyKenneth,andseriousthreatsofafitthatoftenattendedherrages,herbrotherallowedherwhatevershepleasedtodemand,andgenerallyavoidedaggravatingherfierytemper.Hewasrathertooindulgentinhumouringhercaprices;notfrom

affection,butfrompride:hewishedearnestlytoseeherbringhonourtothefamilybyanalliancewiththeLintons,andaslongasshelethimaloneshemighttrampleonuslikeslaves,foraughthecared!EdgarLinton,asmultitudeshavebeenbeforeandwillbeafterhim,wasinfatuated:andbelievedhimselfthehappiestmanaliveonthedayheledhertoGimmertonChapel,threeyearssubsequenttohisfather’sdeath.

Muchagainstmyinclination,IwaspersuadedtoleaveWutheringHeightsandaccompanyherhere.LittleHaretonwasnearlyfiveyearsold,andIhadjustbeguntoteachhimhisletters.Wemadeasadparting;butCatherine’stearsweremorepowerfulthanours.WhenIrefusedtogo,andwhenshefoundherentreatiesdidnotmoveme,shewentlamentingtoherhusbandandbrother.Theformerofferedmemunificentwages;thelatterorderedmetopackup:hewantednowomeninthehouse,hesaid,nowthattherewasnomistress;andastoHareton,thecurateshouldtakehiminhand,by-and-by.AndsoIhadbutonechoiceleft:todoasIwasordered.Itoldthemasterhegotridofalldecentpeopleonlytoruntoruinalittlefaster;IkissedHareton,saidgood-by;andsincethenhehasbeenastranger:andit’sveryqueertothinkit,butI’venodoubthehascompletelyforgottenallaboutEllenDean,andthathewasevermorethanalltheworldtoherandshetohim!

**

Atthispointofthehousekeeper’sstoryshechancedtoglancetowardsthetime-pieceoverthechimney;andwasinamazementonseeingtheminute-handmeasurehalf-pastone.Shewouldnothearofstayingasecondlonger:intruth,Ifeltratherdisposedtodeferthesequelofhernarrativemyself.Andnowthatsheisvanishedtoherrest,andIhavemeditatedforanotherhourortwo,Ishallsummoncouragetogoalso,inspiteofachinglazinessofheadandlimbs.

CHAPTERX

Acharmingintroductiontoahermit’slife!Fourweeks’torture,tossing,andsickness!Oh,thesebleakwindsandbitternorthernskies,andimpassableroads,anddilatorycountrysurgeons!Andoh,thisdearthofthehumanphysiognomy!and,worsethanall,theterribleintimationofKenneththatIneednotexpecttobeoutofdoorstillspring!

Mr.Heathcliffhasjusthonouredmewithacall.Aboutsevendaysagohesentmeabraceofgrouse—thelastoftheseason.Scoundrel!Heisnotaltogetherguiltlessinthisillnessofmine;andthatIhadagreatmindtotell

him.But,alas!howcouldIoffendamanwhowascharitableenoughtositatmybedsideagoodhour,andtalkonsomeothersubjectthanpillsanddraughts,blistersandleeches?Thisisquiteaneasyinterval.Iamtooweaktoread;yetIfeelasifIcouldenjoysomethinginteresting.WhynothaveupMrs.Deantofinishhertale?Icanrecollectitschiefincidents,asfarasshehadgone.Yes:Irememberherherohadrunoff,andneverbeenheardofforthreeyears;andtheheroinewasmarried.I’llring:she’llbedelightedtofindmecapableoftalkingcheerfully.Mrs.Deancame.

‘Itwantstwentyminutes,sir,totakingthemedicine,’shecommenced.

‘Away,awaywithit!’Ireplied;‘Idesiretohave—’

‘Thedoctorsaysyoumustdropthepowders.’

‘Withallmyheart!Don’tinterruptme.Comeandtakeyourseathere.Keepyourfingersfromthatbitterphalanxofvials.Drawyourknittingoutofyourpocket—thatwilldo—nowcontinuethehistoryofMr.Heathcliff,fromwhereyouleftoff,tothepresentday.DidhefinishhiseducationontheContinent,andcomebackagentleman?ordidhegetasizar’splaceatcollege,orescapetoAmerica,andearnhonoursbydrawingbloodfromhisfoster-country?ormakeafortunemorepromptlyontheEnglishhighways?’

‘Hemayhavedonealittleinallthesevocations,Mr.Lockwood;butIcouldn’tgivemywordforany.IstatedbeforethatIdidn’tknowhowhegainedhismoney;neitheramIawareofthemeanshetooktoraisehismindfromthesavageignoranceintowhichitwassunk:but,withyourleave,I’llproceedinmyownfashion,ifyouthinkitwillamuseandnotwearyyou.Areyoufeelingbetterthismorning?’

‘Much.’

‘That’sgoodnews.’

**

IgotMissCatherineandmyselftoThrushcrossGrange;and,tomyagreeabledisappointment,shebehavedinfinitelybetterthanIdaredtoexpect.Sheseemedalmostover-fondofMr.Linton;andeventohissistersheshowedplentyofaffection.Theywerebothveryattentivetohercomfort,certainly.Itwasnotthethornbendingtothehoneysuckles,butthehoneysucklesembracingthethorn.Therewerenomutualconcessions:onestooderect,andtheothersyielded:andwhocanbeill-naturedandbad-temperedwhentheyencounterneitheroppositionnorindifference?IobservedthatMr.Edgarhadadeep-rootedfearofrufflingherhumour.Heconcealeditfromher;butifeverheheardmeanswersharply,orsawanyotherservantgrowcloudyatsomeimperiousorderofhers,hewouldshowhistroublebyafrownof

displeasurethatneverdarkenedonhisownaccount.Hemanyatimespokesternlytomeaboutmypertness;andaverredthatthestabofaknifecouldnotinflictaworsepangthanhesufferedatseeinghisladyvexed.Nottogrieveakindmaster,Ilearnedtobelesstouchy;and,forthespaceofhalfayear,thegunpowderlayasharmlessassand,becausenofirecameneartoexplodeit.Catherinehadseasonsofgloomandsilencenowandthen:theywererespectedwithsympathisingsilencebyherhusband,whoascribedthemtoanalterationinherconstitution,producedbyherperilousillness;asshewasneversubjecttodepressionofspiritsbefore.Thereturnofsunshinewaswelcomedbyansweringsunshinefromhim.IbelieveImayassertthattheywerereallyinpossessionofdeepandgrowinghappiness.

Itended.Well,wemustbeforourselvesinthelongrun;themildandgenerousareonlymorejustlyselfishthanthedomineering;anditendedwhencircumstancescausedeachtofeelthattheone’sinterestwasnotthechiefconsiderationintheother’sthoughts.OnamelloweveninginSeptember,IwascomingfromthegardenwithaheavybasketofappleswhichIhadbeengathering.Ithadgotdusk,andthemoonlookedoverthehighwallofthecourt,causingundefinedshadowstolurkinthecornersofthenumerousprojectingportionsofthebuilding.Isetmyburdenonthehouse-stepsbythekitchen-door,andlingeredtorest,anddrewinafewmorebreathsofthesoft,sweetair;myeyeswereonthemoon,andmybacktotheentrance,whenIheardavoicebehindmesay,—‘Nelly,isthatyou?’

Itwasadeepvoice,andforeignintone;yettherewassomethinginthemannerofpronouncingmynamewhichmadeitsoundfamiliar.Iturnedabouttodiscoverwhospoke,fearfully;forthedoorswereshut,andIhadseennobodyonapproachingthesteps.Somethingstirredintheporch;and,movingnearer,Idistinguishedatallmandressedindarkclothes,withdarkfaceandhair.Heleantagainsttheside,andheldhisfingersonthelatchasifintendingtoopenforhimself.‘Whocanitbe?’Ithought.‘Mr.Earnshaw?Oh,no!Thevoicehasnoresemblancetohis.’

‘Ihavewaitedhereanhour,’heresumed,whileIcontinuedstaring;‘andthewholeofthattimeallroundhasbeenasstillasdeath.Idarednotenter.Youdonotknowme?Look,I’mnotastranger!’

Arayfellonhisfeatures;thecheeksweresallow,andhalfcoveredwithblackwhiskers;thebrowslowering,theeyesdeep-setandsingular.Irememberedtheeyes.

‘What!’Icried,uncertainwhethertoregardhimasaworldlyvisitor,andIraisedmyhandsinamazement.‘What!youcomeback?Isitreallyyou?Isit?’

‘Yes,Heathcliff,’hereplied,glancingfrommeuptothewindows,which

reflectedascoreofglitteringmoons,butshowednolightsfromwithin.‘Aretheyathome?whereisshe?Nelly,youarenotglad!youneedn’tbesodisturbed.Isshehere?Speak!Iwanttohaveonewordwithher—yourmistress.Go,andsaysomepersonfromGimmertondesirestoseeher.’

‘Howwillshetakeit?’Iexclaimed.‘Whatwillshedo?Thesurprisebewildersme—itwillputheroutofherhead!AndyouareHeathcliff!Butaltered!Nay,there’snocomprehendingit.Haveyoubeenforasoldier?’

‘Goandcarrymymessage,’heinterrupted,impatiently.‘I’minhelltillyoudo!’

Heliftedthelatch,andIentered;butwhenIgottotheparlourwhereMr.andMrs.Lintonwere,Icouldnotpersuademyselftoproceed.AtlengthIresolvedonmakinganexcusetoaskiftheywouldhavethecandleslighted,andIopenedthedoor.

Theysattogetherinawindowwhoselatticelaybackagainstthewall,anddisplayed,beyondthegardentrees,andthewildgreenpark,thevalleyofGimmerton,withalonglineofmistwindingnearlytoitstop(forverysoonafteryoupassthechapel,asyoumayhavenoticed,thesoughthatrunsfromthemarshesjoinsabeckwhichfollowsthebendoftheglen).WutheringHeightsroseabovethissilveryvapour;butouroldhousewasinvisible;itratherdipsdownontheotherside.Boththeroomanditsoccupants,andthescenetheygazedon,lookedwondrouslypeaceful.Ishrankreluctantlyfromperformingmyerrand;andwasactuallygoingawayleavingitunsaid,afterhavingputmyquestionaboutthecandles,whenasenseofmyfollycompelledmetoreturn,andmutter,‘ApersonfromGimmertonwishestoseeyouma’am.’

‘Whatdoeshewant?’askedMrs.Linton.

‘Ididnotquestionhim,’Ianswered.

‘Well,closethecurtains,Nelly,’shesaid;‘andbringuptea.I’llbebackagaindirectly.’

Shequittedtheapartment;Mr.Edgarinquired,carelessly,whoitwas.

‘Someonemistressdoesnotexpect,’Ireplied.‘ThatHeathcliff—yourecollecthim,sir—whousedtoliveatMr.Earnshaw’s.’

‘What!thegipsy—theploughboy?’hecried.‘WhydidyounotsaysotoCatherine?’

‘Hush!youmustnotcallhimbythosenames,master,’Isaid.‘She’dbesadlygrievedtohearyou.Shewasnearlyheartbrokenwhenheranoff.Iguesshisreturnwillmakeajubileetoher.’

Mr.Lintonwalkedtoawindowontheothersideoftheroomthatoverlookedthecourt.Heunfastenedit,andleantout.Isupposetheywerebelow,forheexclaimedquickly:‘Don’tstandthere,love!Bringthepersonin,ifitbeanyoneparticular.’Erelong,Iheardtheclickofthelatch,andCatherineflewup-stairs,breathlessandwild;tooexcitedtoshowgladness:indeed,byherface,youwouldratherhavesurmisedanawfulcalamity.

‘Oh,Edgar,Edgar!’shepanted,flingingherarmsroundhisneck.‘Oh,Edgardarling!Heathcliff’scomeback—heis!’Andshetightenedherembracetoasqueeze.

‘Well,well,’criedherhusband,crossly,‘don’tstranglemeforthat!Heneverstruckmeassuchamarvelloustreasure.Thereisnoneedtobefrantic!’

‘Iknowyoudidn’tlikehim,’sheanswered,repressingalittletheintensityofherdelight.‘Yet,formysake,youmustbefriendsnow.ShallItellhimtocomeup?’

‘Here,’hesaid,‘intotheparlour?’

‘Whereelse?’sheasked.

Helookedvexed,andsuggestedthekitchenasamoresuitableplaceforhim.Mrs.Lintoneyedhimwithadrollexpression—halfangry,halflaughingathisfastidiousness.

‘No,’sheadded,afterawhile;‘Icannotsitinthekitchen.Settwotableshere,Ellen:oneforyourmasterandMissIsabella,beinggentry;theotherforHeathcliffandmyself,beingofthelowerorders.Willthatpleaseyou,dear?OrmustIhaveafirelightedelsewhere?Ifso,givedirections.I’llrundownandsecuremyguest.I’mafraidthejoyistoogreattobereal!’

Shewasabouttodartoffagain;butEdgararrestedher.

‘Youbidhimstepup,’hesaid,addressingme;‘and,Catherine,trytobeglad,withoutbeingabsurd.Thewholehouseholdneednotwitnessthesightofyourwelcomingarunawayservantasabrother.’

Idescended,andfoundHeathcliffwaitingundertheporch,evidentlyanticipatinganinvitationtoenter.Hefollowedmyguidancewithoutwasteofwords,andIusheredhimintothepresenceofthemasterandmistress,whoseflushedcheeksbetrayedsignsofwarmtalking.Butthelady’sglowedwithanotherfeelingwhenherfriendappearedatthedoor:shesprangforward,tookbothhishands,andledhimtoLinton;andthensheseizedLinton’sreluctantfingersandcrushedthemintohis.Now,fullyrevealedbythefireandcandlelight,Iwasamazed,morethanever,tobeholdthetransformationofHeathcliff.Hehadgrownatall,athletic,well-formedman;besidewhommymasterseemedquiteslenderandyouth-like.Hisuprightcarriagesuggested

theideaofhishavingbeeninthearmy.HiscountenancewasmucholderinexpressionanddecisionoffeaturethanMr.Linton’s;itlookedintelligent,andretainednomarksofformerdegradation.Ahalf-civilisedferocitylurkedyetinthedepressedbrowsandeyesfullofblackfire,butitwassubdued;andhismannerwasevendignified:quitedivestedofroughness,thoughsternforgrace.Mymaster’ssurpriseequalledorexceededmine:heremainedforaminuteatalosshowtoaddresstheploughboy,ashehadcalledhim.Heathcliffdroppedhisslighthand,andstoodlookingathimcoollytillhechosetospeak.

‘Sitdown,sir,’hesaid,atlength.‘Mrs.Linton,recallingoldtimes,wouldhavemegiveyouacordialreception;and,ofcourse,Iamgratifiedwhenanythingoccurstopleaseher.’

‘AndIalso,’answeredHeathcliff,‘especiallyifitbeanythinginwhichIhaveapart.Ishallstayanhourortwowillingly.’

HetookaseatoppositeCatherine,whokepthergazefixedonhimasifshefearedhewouldvanishwereshetoremoveit.Hedidnotraisehistoheroften:aquickglancenowandthensufficed;butitflashedback,eachtimemoreconfidently,theundisguiseddelighthedrankfromhers.Theyweretoomuchabsorbedintheirmutualjoytosufferembarrassment.NotsoMr.Edgar:hegrewpalewithpureannoyance:afeelingthatreacheditsclimaxwhenhisladyrose,andsteppingacrosstherug,seizedHeathcliff’shandsagain,andlaughedlikeonebesideherself.

‘Ishallthinkitadreamto-morrow!’shecried.‘IshallnotbeabletobelievethatIhaveseen,andtouched,andspokentoyouoncemore.Andyet,cruelHeathcliff!youdon’tdeservethiswelcome.Tobeabsentandsilentforthreeyears,andnevertothinkofme!’

‘Alittlemorethanyouhavethoughtofme,’hemurmured.‘Iheardofyourmarriage,Cathy,notlongsince;and,whilewaitingintheyardbelow,Imeditatedthisplan—justtohaveoneglimpseofyourface,astareofsurprise,perhaps,andpretendedpleasure;afterwardssettlemyscorewithHindley;andthenpreventthelawbydoingexecutiononmyself.Yourwelcomehasputtheseideasoutofmymind;butbewareofmeetingmewithanotheraspectnexttime!Nay,you’llnotdrivemeoffagain.Youwerereallysorryforme,wereyou?Well,therewascause.I’vefoughtthroughabitterlifesinceIlastheardyourvoice;andyoumustforgiveme,forIstruggledonlyforyou!’

‘Catherine,unlesswearetohavecoldtea,pleasetocometothetable,’interruptedLinton,strivingtopreservehisordinarytone,andaduemeasureofpoliteness.‘Mr.Heathcliffwillhavealongwalk,whereverhemaylodgeto-night;andI’mthirsty.’

Shetookherpostbeforetheurn;andMissIsabellacame,summonedbythebell;then,havinghandedtheirchairsforward,Ilefttheroom.Themealhardlyenduredtenminutes.Catherine’scupwasneverfilled:shecouldneithereatnordrink.Edgarhadmadeaslopinhissaucer,andscarcelyswallowedamouthful.Theirguestdidnotprotracthisstaythateveningaboveanhourlonger.Iasked,ashedeparted,ifhewenttoGimmerton?

‘No,toWutheringHeights,’heanswered:‘Mr.Earnshawinvitedme,whenIcalledthismorning.’

Mr.Earnshawinvitedhim!andhecalledonMr.Earnshaw!Iponderedthissentencepainfully,afterhewasgone.Isheturningoutabitofahypocrite,andcomingintothecountrytoworkmischiefunderacloak?Imused:Ihadapresentimentinthebottomofmyheartthathehadbetterhaveremainedaway.

Aboutthemiddleof thenight,IwaswakenedfrommyfirstnapbyMrs.Lintonglidingintomychamber,takingaseatonmybedside,andpullingmebythehairtorouseme.

‘Icannotrest,Ellen,’shesaid,bywayofapology.‘AndIwantsomelivingcreaturetokeepmecompanyinmyhappiness!Edgarissulky,becauseI’mgladofathingthatdoesnotinteresthim:herefusestoopenhismouth,excepttoutterpettish,sillyspeeches;andheaffirmedIwascruelandselfishforwishingtotalkwhenhewassosickandsleepy.Healwayscontrivestobesickattheleastcross!IgaveafewsentencesofcommendationtoHeathcliff,andhe,eitherforaheadacheorapangofenvy,begantocry:soIgotupandlefthim.’

‘WhatuseisitpraisingHeathclifftohim?’Ianswered.‘Asladstheyhadanaversiontoeachother,andHeathcliffwouldhatejustasmuchtohearhimpraised:it’shumannature.LetMr.Lintonaloneabouthim,unlessyouwouldlikeanopenquarrelbetweenthem.’

‘Butdoesitnotshowgreatweakness?’pursuedshe.‘I’mnotenvious:IneverfeelhurtatthebrightnessofIsabella’syellowhairandthewhitenessofherskin,atherdaintyelegance,andthefondnessallthefamilyexhibitforher.Evenyou,Nelly,ifwehaveadisputesometimes,youbackIsabellaatonce;andIyieldlikeafoolishmother:Icallheradarling,andflatterherintoagoodtemper.Itpleasesherbrothertoseeuscordial,andthatpleasesme.Buttheyareverymuchalike:theyarespoiledchildren,andfancytheworldwasmadefortheiraccommodation;andthoughIhumourboth,Ithinkasmartchastisementmightimprovethemallthesame.’

‘You’remistaken,Mrs.Linton,’saidI.‘Theyhumouryou:Iknowwhattherewouldbetodoiftheydidnot.Youcanwellaffordtoindulgetheir

passingwhimsaslongastheirbusinessistoanticipateallyourdesires.Youmay,however,fallout,atlast,oversomethingofequalconsequencetobothsides;andthenthoseyoutermweakareverycapableofbeingasobstinateasyou.’

‘Andthenweshallfighttothedeath,sha’n’twe,Nelly?’shereturned,laughing.‘No!Itellyou,IhavesuchfaithinLinton’slove,thatIbelieveImightkillhim,andhewouldn’twishtoretaliate.’

Iadvisedhertovaluehimthemoreforhisaffection.

‘Ido,’sheanswered,‘butheneedn’tresorttowhiningfortrifles.Itischildishand,insteadofmeltingintotearsbecauseIsaidthatHeathcliffwasnowworthyofanyone’sregard,anditwouldhonourthefirstgentlemaninthecountrytobehisfriend,heoughttohavesaiditforme,andbeendelightedfromsympathy.Hemustgetaccustomedtohim,andhemayaswelllikehim:consideringhowHeathcliffhasreasontoobjecttohim,I’msurehebehavedexcellently!’

‘WhatdoyouthinkofhisgoingtoWutheringHeights?’Iinquired.‘Heisreformedineveryrespect,apparently:quiteaChristian:offeringtherighthandoffellowshiptohisenemiesallaround!’

‘Heexplainedit,’shereplied.‘Iwonderasmuchasyou.Hesaidhecalledtogatherinformationconcerningmefromyou,supposingyouresidedtherestill;andJosephtoldHindley,whocameoutandfelltoquestioninghimofwhathehadbeendoing,andhowhehadbeenliving;andfinally,desiredhimtowalkin.Thereweresomepersonssittingatcards;Heathcliffjoinedthem;mybrotherlostsomemoneytohim,and,findinghimplentifullysupplied,herequestedthathewouldcomeagainintheevening:towhichheconsented.Hindleyistoorecklesstoselecthisacquaintanceprudently:hedoesn’ttroublehimselftoreflectonthecauseshemighthaveformistrustingonewhomhehasbaselyinjured.ButHeathcliffaffirmshisprincipalreasonforresumingaconnectionwithhisancientpersecutorisawishtoinstallhimselfinquartersatwalkingdistancefromtheGrange,andanattachmenttothehousewherewelivedtogether;andlikewiseahopethatIshallhavemoreopportunitiesofseeinghimtherethanIcouldhaveifhesettledinGimmerton.HemeanstoofferliberalpaymentforpermissiontolodgeattheHeights;anddoubtlessmybrother’scovetousnesswillprompthimtoaccepttheterms:hewasalwaysgreedy;thoughwhathegraspswithonehandheflingsawaywiththeother.’

‘It’saniceplaceforayoungmantofixhisdwellingin!’saidI.‘Haveyounofearoftheconsequences,Mrs.Linton?’

‘Noneformyfriend,’shereplied:‘hisstrongheadwillkeephimfrom

danger;alittleforHindley:buthecan’tbemademorallyworsethanheis;andIstandbetweenhimandbodilyharm.TheeventofthiseveninghasreconciledmetoGodandhumanity!IhadriseninangryrebellionagainstProvidence.Oh,I’veenduredvery,verybittermisery,Nelly!Ifthatcreatureknewhowbitter,he’dbeashamedtoclouditsremovalwithidlepetulance.Itwaskindnessforhimwhichinducedmetobearitalone:hadIexpressedtheagonyIfrequentlyfelt,hewouldhavebeentaughttolongforitsalleviationasardentlyasI.However,it’sover,andI’lltakenorevengeonhisfolly;Icanaffordtosufferanythinghereafter!Shouldthemeanestthingaliveslapmeonthecheek,I’dnotonlyturntheother,butI’daskpardonforprovokingit;and,asaproof,I’llgomakemypeacewithEdgarinstantly.Good-night!I’manangel!’

In this self-complacent conviction she departed; and the success of herfulfilled resolution was obvious on the morrow: Mr. Linton had not onlyabjuredhispeevishness(thoughhisspiritsseemedstillsubduedbyCatherine’sexuberance of vivacity), but he ventured no objection to her taking Isabellawithher toWutheringHeights in the afternoon; and she rewardedhimwithsuch a summer of sweetness and affection in return as made the house aparadise for several days; both master and servants profiting from theperpetualsunshine.

Heathcliff—Mr.HeathcliffIshouldsayinfuture—usedthelibertyofvisitingatThrushcrossGrangecautiously,atfirst:heseemedestimatinghowfaritsownerwouldbearhisintrusion.Catherine,also,deemeditjudicioustomoderateherexpressionsofpleasureinreceivinghim;andhegraduallyestablishedhisrighttobeexpected.Heretainedagreatdealofthereserveforwhichhisboyhoodwasremarkable;andthatservedtorepressallstartlingdemonstrationsoffeeling.Mymaster’suneasinessexperiencedalull,andfurthercircumstancesdiverteditintoanotherchannelforaspace.

HisnewsourceoftroublesprangfromthenotanticipatedmisfortuneofIsabellaLintonevincingasuddenandirresistibleattractiontowardsthetoleratedguest.Shewasatthattimeacharmingyoungladyofeighteen;infantileinmanners,thoughpossessedofkeenwit,keenfeelings,andakeentemper,too,ifirritated.Herbrother,wholovedhertenderly,wasappalledatthisfantasticpreference.Leavingasidethedegradationofanalliancewithanamelessman,andthepossiblefactthathisproperty,indefaultofheirsmale,mightpassintosuchaone’spower,hehadsensetocomprehendHeathcliff’sdisposition:toknowthat,thoughhisexteriorwasaltered,hismindwasunchangeableandunchanged.Andhedreadedthatmind:itrevoltedhim:heshrankforebodinglyfromtheideaofcommittingIsabellatoitskeeping.Hewouldhaverecoiledstillmorehadhebeenawarethatherattachmentroseunsolicited,andwasbestowedwhereitawakenednoreciprocationof

sentiment;fortheminutehediscovereditsexistencehelaidtheblameonHeathcliff’sdeliberatedesigning.

Wehadallremarked,duringsometime,thatMissLintonfrettedandpinedoversomething.Shegrewcrossandwearisome;snappingatandteasingCatherinecontinually,attheimminentriskofexhaustingherlimitedpatience.Weexcusedher,toacertainextent,onthepleaofill-health:shewasdwindlingandfadingbeforeoureyes.Butoneday,whenshehadbeenpeculiarlywayward,rejectingherbreakfast,complainingthattheservantsdidnotdowhatshetoldthem;thatthemistresswouldallowhertobenothinginthehouse,andEdgarneglectedher;thatshehadcaughtacoldwiththedoorsbeingleftopen,andwelettheparlourfiregooutonpurposetovexher,withahundredyetmorefrivolousaccusations,Mrs.Lintonperemptorilyinsistedthatsheshouldgettobed;and,havingscoldedherheartily,threatenedtosendforthedoctor.MentionofKennethcausedhertoexclaim,instantly,thatherhealthwasperfect,anditwasonlyCatherine’sharshnesswhichmadeherunhappy.

‘HowcanyousayIamharsh,younaughtyfondling?’criedthemistress,amazedattheunreasonableassertion.‘Youaresurelylosingyourreason.WhenhaveIbeenharsh,tellme?’

‘Yesterday,’sobbedIsabella,‘andnow!’

‘Yesterday!’saidhersister-in-law.‘Onwhatoccasion?’

‘Inourwalkalongthemoor:youtoldmetoramblewhereIpleased,whileyousaunteredonwithMr.Heathcliff!’

‘Andthat’syournotionofharshness?’saidCatherine,laughing.‘Itwasnohintthatyourcompanywassuperfluous?Wedidn’tcarewhetheryoukeptwithusornot;ImerelythoughtHeathcliff’stalkwouldhavenothingentertainingforyourears.’

‘Oh,no,’wepttheyounglady;‘youwishedmeaway,becauseyouknewIlikedtobethere!’

‘Isshesane?’askedMrs.Linton,appealingtome.‘I’llrepeatourconversation,wordforword,Isabella;andyoupointoutanycharmitcouldhavehadforyou.’

‘Idon’tmindtheconversation,’sheanswered:‘Iwantedtobewith—’

‘Well?’saidCatherine,perceivingherhesitatetocompletethesentence.

‘Withhim:andIwon’tbealwayssentoff!’shecontinued,kindlingup.‘Youareadoginthemanger,Cathy,anddesirenoonetobelovedbutyourself!’

‘Youareanimpertinentlittlemonkey!’exclaimedMrs.Linton,insurprise.‘ButI’llnotbelievethisidiotcy!ItisimpossiblethatyoucancovettheadmirationofHeathcliff—thatyouconsiderhimanagreeableperson!IhopeIhavemisunderstoodyou,Isabella?’

‘No,youhavenot,’saidtheinfatuatedgirl.‘IlovehimmorethaneveryoulovedEdgar,andhemightloveme,ifyouwouldlethim!’

‘Iwouldn’tbeyouforakingdom,then!’Catherinedeclared,emphatically:andsheseemedtospeaksincerely.‘Nelly,helpmetoconvinceherofhermadness.TellherwhatHeathcliffis:anunreclaimedcreature,withoutrefinement,withoutcultivation;anaridwildernessoffurzeandwhinstone.I’dassoonputthatlittlecanaryintotheparkonawinter’sday,asrecommendyoutobestowyourheartonhim!Itisdeplorableignoranceofhischaracter,child,andnothingelse,whichmakesthatdreamenteryourhead.Pray,don’timaginethatheconcealsdepthsofbenevolenceandaffectionbeneathasternexterior!He’snotaroughdiamond—apearl-containingoysterofarustic:he’safierce,pitiless,wolfishman.Ineversaytohim,“Letthisorthatenemyalone,becauseitwouldbeungenerousorcrueltoharmthem;”Isay,“Letthemalone,becauseIshouldhatethemtobewronged:”andhe’dcrushyoulikeasparrow’segg,Isabella,ifhefoundyouatroublesomecharge.Iknowhecouldn’tloveaLinton;andyethe’dbequitecapableofmarryingyourfortuneandexpectations:avariceisgrowingwithhimabesettingsin.There’smypicture:andI’mhisfriend—somuchso,thathadhethoughtseriouslytocatchyou,Ishould,perhaps,haveheldmytongue,andletyoufallintohistrap.’

MissLintonregardedhersister-in-lawwithindignation.

‘Forshame!forshame!’sherepeated,angrily.‘Youareworsethantwentyfoes,youpoisonousfriend!’

‘Ah!youwon’tbelieveme,then?’saidCatherine.‘YouthinkIspeakfromwickedselfishness?’

‘I’mcertainyoudo,’retortedIsabella;‘andIshudderatyou!’

‘Good!’criedtheother.‘Tryforyourself,ifthatbeyourspirit:Ihavedone,andyieldtheargumenttoyoursaucyinsolence.’—

‘AndImustsufferforheregotism!’shesobbed,asMrs.Lintonlefttheroom.‘All,allisagainstme:shehasblightedmysingleconsolation.Butsheutteredfalsehoods,didn’tshe?Mr.Heathcliffisnotafiend:hehasanhonourablesoul,andatrueone,orhowcouldherememberher?’

‘Banishhimfromyourthoughts,Miss,’Isaid.‘He’sabirdofbadomen:nomateforyou.Mrs.Lintonspokestrongly,andyetIcan’tcontradicther.

SheisbetteracquaintedwithhisheartthanI,oranyonebesides;andsheneverwouldrepresenthimasworsethanheis.Honestpeopledon’thidetheirdeeds.Howhashebeenliving?howhashegotrich?whyishestayingatWutheringHeights,thehouseofamanwhomheabhors?TheysayMr.Earnshawisworseandworsesincehecame.Theysitupallnighttogethercontinually,andHindleyhasbeenborrowingmoneyonhisland,anddoesnothingbutplayanddrink:Iheardonlyaweekago—itwasJosephwhotoldme—ImethimatGimmerton:“Nelly,”hesaid,“we’shaeacrowner’s‘questenow,atahrfolks’.Oneon’em’sa’mostgettenhisfingercutoffwi’haudingt’otherfro’stickin’hisselnloikeacawlf.That’smaister,yeahknaw,’at’ssoaupo’goingtuht’grand’sizes.He’snoanfearedo’t’bencho’judges,northerPaul,nurPeter,nurJohn,nurMatthew,nornoanon’em,nothe!Hefairlikes—helangstosethisbrazenedfaceagean’em!AndyonbonnyladHeathcliff,yahmind,he’sarare’un.Hecangirnalaughaswell’sonybodyataraightdivil’sjest.Doesheniversaynowtofhisfinelivingamangus,whenhegoestot’Grange?Thisist’wayon’t:—upatsun-down:dice,brandy,cloisedshutters,undcan’le-lighttillnextdayatnoon:then,t’fooilgangsbanningundravingtohischam’er,makkingdacentfowksdigthurfingersi’thurlugsfurvarryshame;un’theknave,whyhecancainthisbrass,un’ate,un’sleep,un’offtohisneighbour’stogossipwi’t’wife.I’course,hetellsDameCatherinehowherfathur’sgooldrunsintohispocket,andherfathur’ssongallopsdownt’broadroad,whilehefleesaforetooppent’pikes!”Now,MissLinton,Josephisanoldrascal,butnoliar;and,ifhisaccountofHeathcliff’sconductbetrue,youwouldneverthinkofdesiringsuchahusband,wouldyou?’

‘Youareleaguedwiththerest,Ellen!’shereplied.‘I’llnotlistentoyourslanders.Whatmalevolenceyoumusthavetowishtoconvincemethatthereisnohappinessintheworld!’

Whethershewouldhavegotoverthisfancyiflefttoherself,orperseveredinnursingitperpetually,Icannotsay:shehadlittletimetoreflect.Thedayafter,therewasajustice-meetingatthenexttown;mymasterwasobligedtoattend;andMr.Heathcliff,awareofhisabsence,calledratherearlierthanusual.CatherineandIsabellaweresittinginthelibrary,onhostileterms,butsilent:thelatteralarmedatherrecentindiscretion,andthedisclosureshehadmadeofhersecretfeelingsinatransientfitofpassion;theformer,onmatureconsideration,reallyoffendedwithhercompanion;and,ifshelaughedagainatherpertness,inclinedtomakeitnolaughingmattertoher.ShedidlaughasshesawHeathcliffpassthewindow.Iwassweepingthehearth,andInoticedamischievoussmileonherlips.Isabella,absorbedinhermeditations,orabook,remainedtillthedooropened;anditwastoolatetoattemptanescape,whichshewouldgladlyhavedonehaditbeenpracticable.

‘Comein,that’sright!’exclaimedthemistress,gaily,pullingachairtothe

fire.‘Herearetwopeoplesadlyinneedofathirdtothawtheicebetweenthem;andyouaretheveryoneweshouldbothofuschoose.Heathcliff,I’mproudtoshowyou,atlast,somebodythatdotesonyoumorethanmyself.Iexpectyoutofeelflattered.Nay,it’snotNelly;don’tlookather!Mypoorlittlesister-in-lawisbreakingherheartbymerecontemplationofyourphysicalandmoralbeauty.ItliesinyourownpowertobeEdgar’sbrother!No,no,Isabella,yousha’n’trunoff,’shecontinued,arresting,withfeignedplayfulness,theconfoundedgirl,whohadrisenindignantly.‘Wewerequarrellinglikecatsaboutyou,Heathcliff;andIwasfairlybeateninprotestationsofdevotionandadmiration:and,moreover,IwasinformedthatifIwouldbuthavethemannerstostandaside,myrival,asshewillhaveherselftobe,wouldshootashaftintoyoursoulthatwouldfixyouforever,andsendmyimageintoeternaloblivion!’

‘Catherine!’saidIsabella,callingupherdignity,anddisdainingtostrugglefromthetightgraspthatheldher,‘I’dthankyoutoadheretothetruthandnotslanderme,eveninjoke!Mr.Heathcliff,bekindenoughtobidthisfriendofyoursreleaseme:sheforgetsthatyouandIarenotintimateacquaintances;andwhatamusesherispainfultomebeyondexpression.’

As theguest answerednothing, but tookhis seat, and looked thoroughlyindifferent what sentiments she cherished concerning him, she turned andwhisperedanearnestappealforlibertytohertormentor.

‘Bynomeans!’criedMrs.Lintoninanswer.‘Iwon’tbenamedadoginthemangeragain.Youshallstay:nowthen!Heathcliff,whydon’tyouevincesatisfactionatmypleasantnews?IsabellaswearsthattheloveEdgarhasformeisnothingtothatsheentertainsforyou.I’msureshemadesomespeechofthekind;didshenot,Ellen?Andshehasfastedeversincethedaybeforeyesterday’swalk,fromsorrowandragethatIdespatchedheroutofyoursocietyundertheideaofitsbeingunacceptable.’

‘Ithinkyoubelieher,’saidHeathcliff,twistinghischairtofacethem.‘Shewishestobeoutofmysocietynow,atanyrate!’

Andhestaredhardattheobjectofdiscourse,asonemightdoatastrangerepulsiveanimal:acentipedefromtheIndies,forinstance,whichcuriosityleadsonetoexamineinspiteoftheaversionitraises.Thepoorthingcouldn’tbearthat;shegrewwhiteandredinrapidsuccession,and,whiletearsbeadedherlashes,bentthestrengthofhersmallfingerstoloosenthefirmclutchofCatherine;andperceivingthatasfastassheraisedonefingeroffherarmanothercloseddown,andshecouldnotremovethewholetogether,shebegantomakeuseofhernails;andtheirsharpnesspresentlyornamentedthedetainer’swithcrescentsofred.

‘There’satigress!’exclaimedMrs.Linton,settingherfree,andshaking

herhandwithpain.‘Begone,forGod’ssake,andhideyourvixenface!Howfoolishtorevealthosetalonstohim.Can’tyoufancytheconclusionshe’lldraw?Look,Heathcliff!theyareinstrumentsthatwilldoexecution—youmustbewareofyoureyes.’

‘I’dwrenchthemoffherfingers,iftheyevermenacedme,’heanswered,brutally,whenthedoorhadclosedafterher.‘Butwhatdidyoumeanbyteasingthecreatureinthatmanner,Cathy?Youwerenotspeakingthetruth,wereyou?’

‘IassureyouIwas,’shereturned.‘Shehasbeendyingforyoursakeseveralweeks,andravingaboutyouthismorning,andpouringforthadelugeofabuse,becauseIrepresentedyourfailingsinaplainlight,forthepurposeofmitigatingheradoration.Butdon’tnoticeitfurther:Iwishedtopunishhersauciness,that’sall.Ilikehertoowell,mydearHeathcliff,toletyouabsolutelyseizeanddevourherup.’

‘AndIlikehertooilltoattemptit,’saidhe,‘exceptinaveryghoulishfashion.You’dhearofoddthingsifIlivedalonewiththatmawkish,waxenface:themostordinarywouldbepaintingonitswhitethecoloursoftherainbow,andturningtheblueeyesblack,everydayortwo:theydetestablyresembleLinton’s.’

‘Delectably!’observedCatherine.‘Theyaredove’seyes—angel’s!’

‘She’sherbrother’sheir,isshenot?’heasked,afterabriefsilence.

‘Ishouldbesorrytothinkso,’returnedhiscompanion.‘Halfadozennephewsshallerasehertitle,pleaseheaven!Abstractyourmindfromthesubjectatpresent:youaretoopronetocovetyourneighbour’sgoods;rememberthisneighbour’sgoodsaremine.’

‘Iftheyweremine,theywouldbenonethelessthat,’saidHeathcliff;‘butthoughIsabellaLintonmaybesilly,sheisscarcelymad;and, inshort,we’lldismissthematter,asyouadvise.’

Fromtheirtonguestheydiddismissit;andCatherine,probably,fromherthoughts.Theother,Ifeltcertain,recalleditofteninthecourseoftheevening.Isawhimsmiletohimself—grinrather—andlapseintoominousmusingwheneverMrs.Lintonhadoccasiontobeabsentfromtheapartment.

Ideterminedtowatchhismovements.Myheartinvariablycleavedtothemaster’s,inpreferencetoCatherine’sside:withreasonIimagined,forhewaskind,andtrustful,andhonourable;andshe—shecouldnotbecalledopposite,yetsheseemedtoallowherselfsuchwidelatitude,thatIhadlittlefaithinherprinciples,andstilllesssympathyforherfeelings.IwantedsomethingtohappenwhichmighthavetheeffectoffreeingbothWutheringHeightsandthe

GrangeofMr.Heathcliffquietly;leavingusaswehadbeenpriortohisadvent.Hisvisitswereacontinualnightmaretome;and,Isuspected,tomymasteralso.HisabodeattheHeightswasanoppressionpastexplaining.IfeltthatGodhadforsakenthestraysheeptheretoitsownwickedwanderings,andanevilbeastprowledbetweenitandthefold,waitinghistimetospringanddestroy.

CHAPTERXI

Sometimes,whilemeditatingonthesethingsinsolitude,I’vegotupinasuddenterror,andputonmybonnettogoseehowallwasatthefarm.I’vepersuadedmyconsciencethatitwasadutytowarnhimhowpeopletalkedregardinghisways;andthenI’verecollectedhisconfirmedbadhabits,and,hopelessofbenefitinghim,haveflinchedfromre-enteringthedismalhouse,doubtingifIcouldbeartobetakenatmyword.

OnetimeIpassedtheoldgate,goingoutofmyway,onajourneytoGimmerton.Itwasabouttheperiodthatmynarrativehasreached:abrightfrostyafternoon;thegroundbare,andtheroadhardanddry.Icametoastonewherethehighwaybranchesoffontothemooratyourlefthand;aroughsand-pillar,withthelettersW.H.cutonitsnorthside,ontheeast,G.,andonthesouth-west,T.G.Itservesasaguide-posttotheGrange,theHeights,andvillage.Thesunshoneyellowonitsgreyhead,remindingmeofsummer;andIcannotsaywhy,butallatonceagushofchild’ssensationsflowedintomyheart.HindleyandIhelditafavouritespottwentyyearsbefore.Igazedlongattheweather-wornblock;and,stoopingdown,perceivedaholenearthebottomstillfullofsnail-shellsandpebbles,whichwewerefondofstoringtherewithmoreperishablethings;and,asfreshasreality,itappearedthatIbeheldmyearlyplaymateseatedonthewitheredturf:hisdark,squareheadbentforward,andhislittlehandscoopingouttheearthwithapieceofslate.‘PoorHindley!’Iexclaimed,involuntarily.Istarted:mybodilyeyewascheatedintoamomentarybeliefthatthechildlifteditsfaceandstaredstraightintomine!Itvanishedinatwinkling;butimmediatelyIfeltanirresistibleyearningtobeattheHeights.Superstitionurgedmetocomplywiththisimpulse:supposingheshouldbedead!Ithought—orshoulddiesoon!—supposingitwereasignofdeath!ThenearerIgottothehousethemoreagitatedIgrew;andoncatchingsightofitItrembledineverylimb.Theapparitionhadoutstrippedme:itstoodlookingthroughthegate.Thatwasmyfirstideaonobservinganelf-locked,brown-eyedboysettinghisruddycountenanceagainstthebars.FurtherreflectionsuggestedthismustbeHareton,myHareton,notalteredgreatlysinceIlefthim,tenmonthssince.

‘Godblessthee,darling!’Icried,forgettinginstantaneouslymyfoolishfears.‘Hareton,it’sNelly!Nelly,thynurse.’

Heretreatedoutofarm’slength,andpickedupalargeflint.

‘Iamcometoseethyfather,Hareton,’Iadded,guessingfromtheactionthatNelly, ifshe lived inhismemoryatall,wasnot recognisedasonewithme.

Heraisedhismissiletohurlit;Icommencedasoothingspeech,butcouldnotstayhishand:thestonestruckmybonnet;andthenensued,fromthestammeringlipsofthelittlefellow,astringofcurses,which,whetherhecomprehendedthemornot,weredeliveredwithpractisedemphasis,anddistortedhisbabyfeaturesintoashockingexpressionofmalignity.Youmaybecertainthisgrievedmorethanangeredme.Fittocry,Itookanorangefrommypocket,andofferedittopropitiatehim.Hehesitated,andthensnatcheditfrommyhold;asifhefanciedIonlyintendedtotemptanddisappointhim.Ishowedanother,keepingitoutofhisreach.

‘Whohastaughtyouthosefinewords,mybairn?’Iinquired.‘Thecurate?’

‘Damnthecurate,andthee!Giemethat,’hereplied.

‘Telluswhereyougotyourlessons,andyoushallhaveit,’saidI.‘Who’syourmaster?’

‘Devildaddy,’washisanswer.

‘Andwhatdoyoulearnfromdaddy?’Icontinued.

Hejumpedatthefruit;Iraisedithigher.‘Whatdoesheteachyou?’Iasked.

‘Naught,’saidhe,‘buttokeepoutofhisgait.Daddycannotbideme,becauseIswearathim.’

‘Ah!andthedevilteachesyoutoswearatdaddy?’Iobserved.

‘Ay—nay,’hedrawled.

‘Who,then?’

‘Heathcliff.’

‘IaskedifhelikedMr.Heathcliff.’

‘Ay!’heansweredagain.

Desiringtohavehisreasonsforlikinghim,Icouldonlygatherthesentences—‘Iknown’t:hepaysdadbackwhathegiestome—hecursesdaddyforcursingme.HesaysImundoasIwill.’

‘Andthecuratedoesnotteachyoutoreadandwrite,then?’Ipursued.

‘No,Iwastoldthecurateshouldhavehis—teethdasheddownhis—throat,ifhesteppedoverthethreshold—Heathcliffhadpromisedthat!’

Iputtheorangeinhishand,andbadehimtellhisfatherthatawomancalledNellyDeanwaswaitingtospeakwithhim,bythegardengate.Hewentupthewalk,andenteredthehouse;but,insteadofHindley,Heathcliffappearedonthedoor-stones;andIturneddirectlyandrandowntheroadashardaseverIcouldrace,makingnohalttillIgainedtheguide-post,andfeelingasscaredasifIhadraisedagoblin.ThisisnotmuchconnectedwithMissIsabella’saffair:exceptthatiturgedmetoresolvefurtheronmountingvigilantguard,anddoingmyutmosttocheckthespreadofsuchbadinfluenceattheGrange:eventhoughIshouldwakeadomesticstorm,bythwartingMrs.Linton’spleasure.

ThenexttimeHeathcliffcamemyyoungladychancedtobefeedingsomepigeonsinthecourt.Shehadneverspokenawordtohersister-in-lawforthreedays;butshehadlikewisedroppedherfretfulcomplaining,andwefounditagreatcomfort.HeathcliffhadnotthehabitofbestowingasingleunnecessarycivilityonMissLinton,Iknew.Now,assoonashebeheldher,hisfirstprecautionwastotakeasweepingsurveyofthehouse-front.Iwasstandingbythekitchen-window,butIdrewoutofsight.Hethensteppedacrossthepavementtoher,andsaidsomething:sheseemedembarrassed,anddesirousofgettingaway;topreventit,helaidhishandonherarm.Sheavertedherface:heapparentlyputsomequestionwhichshehadnomindtoanswer.Therewasanotherrapidglanceatthehouse,andsupposinghimselfunseen,thescoundrelhadtheimpudencetoembraceher.

‘Judas!Traitor!’Iejaculated.‘Youareahypocrite,too,areyou?Adeliberatedeceiver.’

‘Who is, Nelly?’ said Catherine’s voice at my elbow: I had been over-intentonwatchingthepairoutsidetomarkherentrance.

‘Yourworthlessfriend!’Ianswered,warmly:‘thesneakingrascalyonder.Ah,hehascaughtaglimpseofus—heiscomingin!IwonderwillhehavethehearttofindaplausibleexcuseformakinglovetoMiss,whenhetoldyouhehatedher?’

Mrs.LintonsawIsabellatearherselffree,andrunintothegarden;andaminuteafter,Heathcliffopenedthedoor.Icouldn’twithholdgivingsomeloosetomyindignation;butCatherineangrilyinsistedonsilence,andthreatenedtoordermeoutofthekitchen,ifIdaredtobesopresumptuousastoputinmyinsolenttongue.

‘Tohearyou,peoplemightthinkyouwerethemistress!’shecried.‘You

wantsettingdowninyourrightplace!Heathcliff,whatareyouabout,raisingthisstir?IsaidyoumustletIsabellaalone!—Ibegyouwill,unlessyouaretiredofbeingreceivedhere,andwishLintontodrawtheboltsagainstyou!’

‘Godforbidthatheshouldtry!’answeredtheblackvillain.Idetestedhimjustthen.‘Godkeephimmeekandpatient!EverydayIgrowmadderaftersendinghimtoheaven!’

‘Hush!’saidCatherine,shuttingtheinnerdoor!‘Don’tvexme.Whyhaveyoudisregardedmyrequest?Didshecomeacrossyouonpurpose?’

‘Whatisittoyou?’hegrowled.‘Ihavearighttokissher,ifshechooses;andyouhavenorighttoobject.Iamnotyourhusband:youneedn’tbejealousofme!’

‘I’mnotjealousofyou,’repliedthemistress;‘I’mjealousforyou.Clearyourface:yousha’n’tscowlatme!IfyoulikeIsabella,youshallmarryher.Butdoyoulikeher?Tellthetruth,Heathcliff!There,youwon’tanswer.I’mcertainyoudon’t.’

‘And would Mr. Linton approve of his sister marrying that man?’ Iinquired.

‘Mr.Lintonshouldapprove,’returnedmylady,decisively.

‘Hemightsparehimselfthetrouble,’saidHeathcliff:‘Icoulddoaswellwithouthisapprobation.Andastoyou,Catherine,Ihaveamindtospeakafewwordsnow,whileweareatit.IwantyoutobeawarethatIknowyouhavetreatedmeinfernally—infernally!Doyouhear?AndifyouflatteryourselfthatIdon’tperceiveit,youareafool;andifyouthinkIcanbeconsoledbysweetwords,youareanidiot:andifyoufancyI’llsufferunrevenged,I’llconvinceyouofthecontrary,inaverylittlewhile!Meantime,thankyoufortellingmeyoursister-in-law’ssecret:IswearI’llmakethemostofit.Andstandyouaside!’

‘Whatnewphaseofhischaracteristhis?’exclaimedMrs.Linton,inamazement.‘I’vetreatedyouinfernally—andyou’lltakeyourrevenge!Howwillyoutakeit,ungratefulbrute?HowhaveItreatedyouinfernally?’

‘Iseeknorevengeonyou,’repliedHeathcliff,lessvehemently.‘That’snottheplan.Thetyrantgrindsdownhisslavesandtheydon’tturnagainsthim;theycrushthosebeneaththem.Youarewelcometotorturemetodeathforyouramusement,onlyallowmetoamusemyselfalittleinthesamestyle,andrefrainfrominsultasmuchasyouareable.Havinglevelledmypalace,don’terectahovelandcomplacentlyadmireyourowncharityingivingmethatforahome.IfIimaginedyoureallywishedmetomarryIsabel,I’dcutmythroat!’

‘Oh,theevilisthatIamnotjealous,isit?’criedCatherine.‘Well,Iwon’trepeatmyofferofawife:itisasbadasofferingSatanalostsoul.Yourblisslies,likehis,ininflictingmisery.Youproveit.Edgarisrestoredfromtheill-temperhegavewaytoatyourcoming;Ibegintobesecureandtranquil;andyou,restlesstoknowusatpeace,appearresolvedonexcitingaquarrel.QuarrelwithEdgar,ifyouplease,Heathcliff,anddeceivehissister:you’llhitonexactlythemostefficientmethodofrevengingyourselfonme.’

Theconversationceased.Mrs.Lintonsatdownbythefire,flushedandgloomy.Thespiritwhichservedherwasgrowingintractable:shecouldneitherlaynorcontrolit.Hestoodonthehearthwithfoldedarms,broodingonhisevilthoughts;andinthispositionIleftthemtoseekthemaster,whowaswonderingwhatkeptCatherinebelowsolong.

‘Ellen,’saidhe,whenIentered,‘haveyouseenyourmistress?’

‘Yes;she’sinthekitchen,sir,’Ianswered.‘She’ssadlyputoutbyMr.Heathcliff’sbehaviour:and,indeed,Idothinkit’stimetoarrangehisvisitsonanotherfooting.There’sharminbeingtoosoft,andnowit’scometothis—.’AndIrelatedthesceneinthecourt,and,asnearasIdared,thewholesubsequentdispute.IfancieditcouldnotbeveryprejudicialtoMrs.Linton;unlessshemadeitsoafterwards,byassumingthedefensiveforherguest.EdgarLintonhaddifficultyinhearingmetotheclose.Hisfirstwordsrevealedthathedidnotclearhiswifeofblame.

‘Thisisinsufferable!’heexclaimed.‘Itisdisgracefulthatsheshouldownhimforafriend,andforcehiscompanyonme!Callmetwomenoutofthehall,Ellen.Catherineshalllingernolongertoarguewiththelowruffian—Ihavehumouredherenough.’

Hedescended,andbiddingtheservantswaitinthepassage,went,followedbyme,tothekitchen.Itsoccupantshadrecommencedtheirangrydiscussion:Mrs.Linton,atleast,wasscoldingwithrenewedvigour;Heathcliffhadmovedtothewindow,andhunghishead,somewhatcowedbyherviolentratingapparently.Hesawthemasterfirst,andmadeahastymotionthatsheshouldbesilent;whichsheobeyed,abruptly,ondiscoveringthereasonofhisintimation.

‘Howisthis?’saidLinton,addressingher;‘whatnotionofproprietymustyouhavetoremainhere,afterthelanguagewhichhasbeenheldtoyoubythatblackguard?Isuppose,becauseitishisordinarytalkyouthinknothingofit:youarehabituatedtohisbaseness,and,perhaps,imagineIcangetusedtoittoo!’

‘Haveyoubeenlisteningatthedoor,Edgar?’askedthemistress,inatoneparticularlycalculatedtoprovokeherhusband,implyingbothcarelessnessand

contemptofhisirritation.Heathcliff,whohadraisedhiseyesattheformerspeech,gaveasneeringlaughatthelatter;onpurpose,itseemed,todrawMr.Linton’sattentiontohim.Hesucceeded;butEdgardidnotmeantoentertainhimwithanyhighflightsofpassion.

‘I’vebeensofarforbearingwithyou,sir,’hesaidquietly;‘notthatIwasignorantofyourmiserable,degradedcharacter,butIfeltyouwereonlypartlyresponsibleforthat;andCatherinewishingtokeepupyouracquaintance,Iacquiesced—foolishly.Yourpresenceisamoralpoisonthatwouldcontaminatethemostvirtuous:forthatcause,andtopreventworseconsequences,Ishalldenyyouhereafteradmissionintothishouse,andgivenoticenowthatIrequireyourinstantdeparture.Threeminutes’delaywillrenderitinvoluntaryandignominious.

Heathcliffmeasuredtheheightandbreadthofthespeakerwithaneyefullofderision.

‘Cathy,thislambofyoursthreatenslikeabull!’hesaid.‘Itisindangerofsplittingitsskullagainstmyknuckles.ByGod!Mr.Linton,I’mmortallysorrythatyouarenotworthknockingdown!’

Mymasterglancedtowardsthepassage,andsignedmetofetchthemen:hehadnointentionofhazardingapersonalencounter.Iobeyedthehint;butMrs.Linton,suspectingsomething,followed;andwhenIattemptedtocallthem,shepulledmeback,slammedthedoorto,andlockedit.

‘Fairmeans!’shesaid,inanswertoherhusband’slookofangrysurprise.‘Ifyouhavenotcouragetoattackhim,makeanapology,orallowyourselftobebeaten.Itwillcorrectyouoffeigningmorevalourthanyoupossess.No,I’llswallowthekeybeforeyoushallgetit!I’mdelightfullyrewardedformykindnesstoeach!Afterconstantindulgenceofone’sweaknature,andtheother’sbadone,Iearnforthankstwosamplesofblindingratitude,stupidtoabsurdity!Edgar,Iwasdefendingyouandyours;andIwishHeathcliffmayflogyousick,fordaringtothinkanevilthoughtofme!’

Itdidnotneedthemediumofafloggingtoproducethateffectonthemaster.HetriedtowrestthekeyfromCatherine’sgrasp,andforsafetysheflungitintothehottestpartofthefire;whereuponMr.Edgarwastakenwithanervoustrembling,andhiscountenancegrewdeadlypale.Forhislifehecouldnotavertthatexcessofemotion:mingledanguishandhumiliationovercamehimcompletely.Heleantonthebackofachair,andcoveredhisface.

‘Oh,heavens!Inolddaysthiswouldwinyouknighthood!’exclaimedMrs.Linton.‘Wearevanquished!wearevanquished!Heathcliffwouldassoonliftafingeratyouasthekingwouldmarchhisarmyagainstacolonyof

mice.Cheerup!yousha’n’tbehurt!Yourtypeisnotalamb,it’sasuckingleveret.’

‘Iwishyoujoyofthemilk-bloodedcoward,Cathy!’saidherfriend.‘Icomplimentyouonyourtaste.Andthatistheslavering,shiveringthingyoupreferredtome!Iwouldnotstrikehimwithmyfist,butI’dkickhimwithmyfoot,andexperienceconsiderablesatisfaction.Isheweeping,orishegoingtofaintforfear?’

ThefellowapproachedandgavethechaironwhichLintonrestedapush.He’dbetterhavekepthisdistance:mymasterquicklysprangerect,andstruckhimfullonthethroatablowthatwouldhavelevelledaslighterman.Ittookhisbreathforaminute;andwhilehechoked,Mr.Lintonwalkedoutbythebackdoorintotheyard,andfromthencetothefrontentrance.

‘There!you’vedonewithcominghere,’criedCatherine.‘Getaway,now;he’llreturnwithabraceofpistolsandhalf-a-dozenassistants.Ifhedidoverhearus,ofcoursehe’dneverforgiveyou.You’veplayedmeanillturn,Heathcliff!Butgo—makehaste!I’dratherseeEdgaratbaythanyou.’

‘DoyousupposeI’mgoingwiththatblowburninginmygullet?’hethundered.‘Byhell,no!I’llcrushhisribsinlikearottenhazel-nutbeforeIcrossthethreshold!IfIdon’tfloorhimnow,Ishallmurderhimsometime;so,asyouvaluehisexistence,letmegetathim!’

‘Heisnotcoming,’Iinterposed,framingabitofalie.‘There’sthecoachmanandthetwogardeners;you’llsurelynotwaittobethrustintotheroadbythem!Eachhasabludgeon;andmasterwill,verylikely,bewatchingfromtheparlour-windowstoseethattheyfulfilhisorders.’

Thegardenersandcoachmanwerethere:butLintonwaswiththem.Theyhadalreadyenteredthecourt.Heathcliff,onthesecondthoughts,resolvedtoavoidastruggleagainstthreeunderlings:heseizedthepoker,smashedthelockfromtheinnerdoor,andmadehisescapeastheytrampedin.

Mrs.Linton,whowasverymuchexcited,bademeaccompanyherup-stairs.Shedidnotknowmyshareincontributingtothedisturbance,andIwasanxioustokeepherinignorance.

‘I’mnearlydistracted,Nelly!’sheexclaimed,throwingherselfonthesofa.‘Athousandsmiths’hammersarebeatinginmyhead!TellIsabellatoshunme;thisuproarisowingtoher;andshouldsheoranyoneelseaggravatemyangeratpresent,Ishallgetwild.And,Nelly,saytoEdgar,ifyouseehimagainto-night,thatI’mindangerofbeingseriouslyill.Iwishitmayprovetrue.Hehasstartledanddistressedmeshockingly!Iwanttofrightenhim.Besides,hemightcomeandbeginastringofabuseorcomplainings;I’mcertainIshouldrecriminate,andGodknowswhereweshouldend!Willyou

doso,mygoodNelly?YouareawarethatIamnowayblamableinthismatter.Whatpossessedhimtoturnlistener?Heathcliff’stalkwasoutrageous,afteryouleftus;butIcouldsoonhavedivertedhimfromIsabella,andtherestmeantnothing.Nowallisdashedwrong;bythefool’scravingtohearevilofself,thathauntssomepeoplelikeademon!HadEdgarnevergatheredourconversation,hewouldneverhavebeentheworseforit.Really,whenheopenedonmeinthatunreasonabletoneofdispleasureafterIhadscoldedHeathclifftillIwashoarseforhim,Ididnotcarehardlywhattheydidtoeachother;especiallyasIfeltthat,howeverthesceneclosed,weshouldallbedrivenasunderfornobodyknowshowlong!Well,ifIcannotkeepHeathcliffformyfriend—ifEdgarwillbemeanandjealous,I’lltrytobreaktheirheartsbybreakingmyown.Thatwillbeapromptwayoffinishingall,whenIampushedtoextremity!Butit’sadeedtobereservedforaforlornhope;I’dnottakeLintonbysurprisewithit.Tothispointhehasbeendiscreetindreadingtoprovokeme;youmustrepresenttheperilofquittingthatpolicy,andremindhimofmypassionatetemper,verging,whenkindled,onfrenzy.Iwishyoucoulddismissthatapathyoutofthatcountenance,andlookrathermoreanxiousaboutme.’

ThestoliditywithwhichIreceivedtheseinstructionswas,nodoubt,ratherexasperating:fortheyweredeliveredinperfectsincerity;butIbelievedapersonwhocouldplantheturningofherfitsofpassiontoaccount,beforehand,might,byexertingherwill,managetocontrolherselftolerably,evenwhileundertheirinfluence;andIdidnotwishto‘frighten’herhusband,asshesaid,andmultiplyhisannoyancesforthepurposeofservingherselfishness.ThereforeIsaidnothingwhenImetthemastercomingtowardstheparlour;butItookthelibertyofturningbacktolistenwhethertheywouldresumetheirquarreltogether.Hebegantospeakfirst.

‘Remainwhereyouare,Catherine,’hesaid;withoutanyangerinhisvoice,butwithmuchsorrowfuldespondency.‘Ishallnotstay.Iamneithercometowranglenorbereconciled;butIwishjusttolearnwhether,afterthisevening’sevents,youintendtocontinueyourintimacywith—’

‘Oh,formercy’ssake,’interruptedthemistress,stampingherfoot,‘formercy’ssake,letushearnomoreofitnow!Yourcoldbloodcannotbeworkedintoafever:yourveinsarefullofice-water;butmineareboiling,andthesightofsuchchillnessmakesthemdance.’

‘Togetridofme,answermyquestion,’perseveredMr.Linton.‘Youmustanswerit;andthatviolencedoesnotalarmme.Ihavefoundthatyoucanbeasstoicalasanyone,whenyouplease.WillyougiveupHeathcliffhereafter,orwillyougiveupme?Itisimpossibleforyoutobemyfriendandhisatthesametime;andIabsolutelyrequiretoknowwhichyouchoose.’

‘Irequiretobeletalone!’exclaimedCatherine,furiously.‘Idemandit!Don’tyouseeIcanscarcelystand?Edgar,you—youleaveme!’

Sherangthebelltillitbrokewithatwang;Ienteredleisurely.Itwasenoughtotrythetemperofasaint,suchsenseless,wickedrages!Thereshelaydashingherheadagainstthearmofthesofa,andgrindingherteeth,sothatyoumightfancyshewouldcrashthemtosplinters!Mr.Lintonstoodlookingatherinsuddencompunctionandfear.Hetoldmetofetchsomewater.Shehadnobreathforspeaking.Ibroughtaglassfull;andasshewouldnotdrink,Isprinkleditonherface.Inafewsecondsshestretchedherselfoutstiff,andturneduphereyes,whilehercheeks,atonceblanchedandlivid,assumedtheaspectofdeath.Lintonlookedterrified.

‘Thereisnothingintheworldthematter,’Iwhispered.Ididnotwanthimtoyield,thoughIcouldnothelpbeingafraidinmyheart.

‘Shehasbloodonherlips!’hesaid,shuddering.

‘Nevermind!’Ianswered,tartly.AndItoldhimhowshehadresolved,previoustohiscoming,onexhibitingafitoffrenzy.Iincautiouslygavetheaccountaloud,andsheheardme;forshestartedup—herhairflyingoverhershoulders,hereyesflashing,themusclesofherneckandarmsstandingoutpreternaturally.Imadeupmymindforbrokenbones,atleast;butsheonlyglaredaboutherforaninstant,andthenrushedfromtheroom.Themasterdirectedmetofollow;Idid,toherchamber-door:shehinderedmefromgoingfurtherbysecuringitagainstme.

Assheneverofferedtodescendtobreakfastnextmorning,Iwenttoaskwhethershewouldhavesomecarriedup.‘No!’shereplied,peremptorily.Thesamequestionwasrepeatedatdinnerandtea;andagainonthemorrowafter,andreceivedthesameanswer.Mr.Linton,onhispart,spenthistimeinthelibrary,anddidnotinquireconcerninghiswife’soccupations.Isabellaandhehadhadanhour’sinterview,duringwhichhetriedtoelicitfromhersomesentimentofproperhorrorforHeathcliff’sadvances:buthecouldmakenothingofherevasivereplies,andwasobligedtoclosetheexaminationunsatisfactorily;adding,however,asolemnwarning,thatifsheweresoinsaneastoencouragethatworthlesssuitor,itwoulddissolveallbondsofrelationshipbetweenherselfandhim.

CHAPTERXII

WhileMissLintonmopedabouttheparkandgarden,alwayssilent,andalmostalwaysintears;andherbrothershuthimselfupamongbooksthathe

neveropened—wearying,Iguessed,withacontinualvagueexpectationthatCatherine,repentingherconduct,wouldcomeofherownaccordtoaskpardon,andseekareconciliation—andshefastedpertinaciously,undertheidea,probably,thatateverymealEdgarwasreadytochokeforherabsence,andpridealoneheldhimfromrunningtocasthimselfatherfeet;Iwentaboutmyhouseholdduties,convincedthattheGrangehadbutonesensiblesoulinitswalls,andthatlodgedinmybody.IwastednocondolencesonMiss,noranyexpostulationsonmymistress;nordidIpaymuchattentiontothesighsofmymaster,whoyearnedtohearhislady’sname,sincehemightnothearhervoice.Ideterminedtheyshouldcomeaboutastheypleasedforme;andthoughitwasatiresomelyslowprocess,Ibegantorejoiceatlengthinafaintdawnofitsprogress:asIthoughtatfirst.

Mrs.Linton,onthethirdday,unbarredherdoor,andhavingfinishedthewaterinherpitcheranddecanter,desiredarenewedsupply,andabasinofgruel,forshebelievedshewasdying.ThatIsetdownasaspeechmeantforEdgar’sears;Ibelievednosuchthing,soIkeptittomyselfandbroughthersometeaanddrytoast.Sheateanddrankeagerly,andsankbackonherpillowagain,clenchingherhandsandgroaning.‘Oh,Iwilldie,’sheexclaimed,‘sincenoonecaresanythingaboutme.IwishIhadnottakenthat.’ThenagoodwhileafterIheardhermurmur,‘No,I’llnotdie—he’dbeglad—hedoesnotlovemeatall—hewouldnevermissme!’

‘Didyouwantanything,ma’am?’ I inquired, stillpreservingmyexternalcomposure, in spite of her ghastly countenance and strange, exaggeratedmanner.

‘Whatisthatapatheticbeingdoing?’shedemanded,pushingthethickentangledlocksfromherwastedface.‘Hashefallenintoalethargy,orishedead?’

‘Neither,’repliedI;‘ifyoumeanMr.Linton.He’stolerablywell,Ithink,thoughhisstudiesoccupyhimrathermorethantheyought:heiscontinuallyamonghisbooks,sincehehasnoothersociety.’

IshouldnothavespokensoifIhadknownhertruecondition,butIcouldnotgetridofthenotionthatsheactedapartofherdisorder.

‘Amonghisbooks!’shecried,confounded.‘AndIdying!Ionthebrinkofthegrave!MyGod!doesheknowhowI’maltered?’continuedshe,staringatherreflectioninamirrorhangingagainsttheoppositewall.‘IsthatCatherineLinton?Heimaginesmeinapet—inplay,perhaps.Cannotyouinformhimthatitisfrightfulearnest?Nelly,ifitbenottoolate,assoonasIlearnhowhefeels,I’llchoosebetweenthesetwo:eithertostarveatonce—thatwouldbenopunishmentunlesshehadaheart—ortorecover,andleavethecountry.Areyouspeakingthetruthabouthimnow?Takecare.Ishe

actuallysoutterlyindifferentformylife?’

‘Why,ma’am,’Ianswered,‘themasterhasnoideaofyourbeingderanged;andofcoursehedoesnotfearthatyouwillletyourselfdieofhunger.’

‘Youthinknot?CannotyoutellhimIwill?’shereturned.‘Persuadehim!speakofyourownmind:sayyouarecertainIwill!’

‘No,youforget,Mrs.Linton,’Isuggested,‘thatyouhaveeatensomefoodwitharelishthisevening,andto-morrowyouwillperceiveitsgoodeffects.’

‘IfIwereonlysureitwouldkillhim,’sheinterrupted,‘I’dkillmyselfdirectly!ThesethreeawfulnightsI’veneverclosedmylids—andoh,I’vebeentormented!I’vebeenhaunted,Nelly!ButIbegintofancyyoudon’tlikeme.Howstrange!Ithought,thougheverybodyhatedanddespisedeachother,theycouldnotavoidlovingme.Andtheyhaveallturnedtoenemiesinafewhours:theyhave,I’mpositive;thepeoplehere.Howdrearytomeetdeath,surroundedbytheircoldfaces!Isabella,terrifiedandrepelled,afraidtoentertheroom,itwouldbesodreadfultowatchCatherinego.AndEdgarstandingsolemnlybytoseeitover;thenofferingprayersofthankstoGodforrestoringpeacetohishouse,andgoingbacktohisbooks!Whatinthenameofallthatfeelshashetodowithbooks,whenIamdying?’

ShecouldnotbearthenotionwhichIhadputintoherheadofMr.Linton’sphilosophicalresignation.Tossingabout,sheincreasedherfeverishbewildermenttomadness,andtorethepillowwithherteeth;thenraisingherselfupallburning,desiredthatIwouldopenthewindow.Wewereinthemiddleofwinter,thewindblewstrongfromthenorth-east,andIobjected.Boththeexpressionsflittingoverherface,andthechangesofhermoods,begantoalarmmeterribly;andbroughttomyrecollectionherformerillness,andthedoctor’sinjunctionthatsheshouldnotbecrossed.Aminutepreviouslyshewasviolent;now,supportedononearm,andnotnoticingmyrefusaltoobeyher,sheseemedtofindchildishdiversioninpullingthefeathersfromtherentsshehadjustmade,andrangingthemonthesheetaccordingtotheirdifferentspecies:hermindhadstrayedtootherassociations.

‘That’saturkey’s,’shemurmuredtoherself;‘andthisisawildduck’s;andthisisapigeon’s.Ah,theyputpigeons’feathersinthepillows—nowonderIcouldn’tdie!LetmetakecaretothrowitonthefloorwhenIliedown.Andhereisamoor-cock’s;andthis—Ishouldknowitamongathousand—it’salapwing’s.Bonnybird;wheelingoverourheadsinthemiddleofthemoor.Itwantedtogettoitsnest,forthecloudshadtouchedtheswells,anditfeltraincoming.Thisfeatherwaspickedupfromtheheath,thebirdwasnotshot:wesawitsnestinthewinter,fulloflittleskeletons.Heathcliffsetatrapoverit,andtheoldonesdarednotcome.Imadehimpromisehe’dnevershootalapwingafterthat,andhedidn’t.Yes,herearemore!Didheshootmy

lapwings,Nelly?Aretheyred,anyofthem?Letmelook.’

‘Giveoverwiththatbaby-work!’Iinterrupted,draggingthepillowaway,andturningtheholestowardsthemattress,forshewasremovingitscontentsbyhandfuls.‘Liedownandshutyoureyes:you’rewandering.There’samess!Thedownisflyingaboutlikesnow.’

Iwenthereandtherecollectingit.

‘Iseeinyou,Nelly,’shecontinueddreamily,‘anagedwoman:youhavegreyhairandbentshoulders.ThisbedisthefairycaveunderPenistonecrags,andyouaregatheringelf-boltstohurtourheifers;pretending,whileIamnear,thattheyareonlylocksofwool.That’swhatyou’llcometofiftyyearshence:Iknowyouarenotsonow.I’mnotwandering:you’remistaken,orelseIshouldbelieveyoureallywerethatwitheredhag,andIshouldthinkIwasunderPenistoneCrags;andI’mconsciousit’snight,andtherearetwocandlesonthetablemakingtheblackpressshinelikejet.’

‘Theblackpress?whereisthat?’Iasked.‘Youaretalkinginyoursleep!’

‘It’sagainstthewall,asitalwaysis,’shereplied.‘Itdoesappearodd—Iseeafaceinit!’

‘There’snopress in the room,andneverwas,’ said I, resumingmyseat,andloopingupthecurtainthatImightwatchher.

‘Don’tyouseethatface?’sheinquired,gazingearnestlyatthemirror.

AndsaywhatIcould,Iwasincapableofmakinghercomprehendittobeherown;soIroseandcovereditwithashawl.

‘It’sbehindtherestill!’shepursued,anxiously.‘Anditstirred.Whoisit?Ihopeitwillnotcomeoutwhenyouaregone!Oh!Nelly,theroomishaunted!I’mafraidofbeingalone!’

I took her hand in mine, and bid her be composed; for a succession ofshuddersconvulsedherframe,andshewouldkeepstraininghergazetowardstheglass.

‘There’snobodyhere!’Iinsisted.‘Itwasyourself,Mrs.Linton:youknewitawhilesince.’

‘Myself!’shegasped,‘andtheclockisstrikingtwelve!It’strue,then!that’sdreadful!’

Herfingersclutchedtheclothes,andgatheredthemoverhereyes.Iattemptedtostealtothedoorwithanintentionofcallingherhusband;butIwassummonedbackbyapiercingshriek—theshawlhaddroppedfromtheframe.

‘Why,whatisthematter?’criedI.‘Whoiscowardnow?Wakeup!Thatistheglass—themirror,Mrs.Linton;andyouseeyourselfinit,andthereamItoobyyourside.’

Trembling and bewildered, she held me fast, but the horror graduallypassedfromhercountenance;itspalenessgaveplacetoaglowofshame.

‘Oh,dear!IthoughtIwasathome,’shesighed.‘IthoughtIwaslyinginmychamberatWutheringHeights.BecauseI’mweak,mybraingotconfused,andIscreamedunconsciously.Don’tsayanything;butstaywithme.Idreadsleeping:mydreamsappalme.’

‘Asoundsleepwoulddoyougood,ma’am,’Ianswered:‘andIhopethissufferingwillpreventyourtryingstarvingagain.’

‘Oh,ifIwerebutinmyownbedintheoldhouse!’shewentonbitterly,wringingherhands.‘Andthatwindsoundinginthefirsbythelattice.Doletmefeelit—itcomesstraightdownthemoor—doletmehaveonebreath!’TopacifyherIheldthecasementajarafewseconds.Acoldblastrushedthrough;Iclosedit,andreturnedtomypost.Shelaystillnow,herfacebathedintears.Exhaustionofbodyhadentirelysubduedherspirit:ourfieryCatherinewasnobetterthanawailingchild.

‘HowlongisitsinceIshutmyselfinhere?’sheasked,suddenlyreviving.

‘ItwasMondayevening,’ I replied, ‘and this isThursdaynight,or ratherFridaymorning,atpresent.’

‘What!ofthesameweek?’sheexclaimed.‘Onlythatbrieftime?’

‘Longenoughtoliveonnothingbutcoldwaterandill-temper,’observedI.

‘Well,itseemsawearynumberofhours,’shemuttereddoubtfully:‘itmustbemore.Irememberbeingintheparlouraftertheyhadquarrelled,andEdgarbeingcruellyprovoking,andmerunningintothisroomdesperate.AssoonaseverIhadbarredthedoor,utterblacknessoverwhelmedme,andIfellonthefloor.Icouldn’texplaintoEdgarhowcertainIfeltofhavingafit,orgoingragingmad,ifhepersistedinteasingme!Ihadnocommandoftongue,orbrain,andhedidnotguessmyagony,perhaps:itbarelyleftmesensetotrytoescapefromhimandhisvoice.BeforeIrecoveredsufficientlytoseeandhear,itbegantobedawn,and,Nelly,I’lltellyouwhatIthought,andwhathaskeptrecurringandrecurringtillIfearedformyreason.IthoughtasIlaythere,withmyheadagainstthattableleg,andmyeyesdimlydiscerningthegreysquareofthewindow,thatIwasenclosedintheoak-panelledbedathome;andmyheartachedwithsomegreatgriefwhich,justwaking,Icouldnotrecollect.Ipondered,andworriedmyselftodiscoverwhatitcouldbe,and,moststrangely,thewholelastsevenyearsofmylifegrewablank!Idid

notrecallthattheyhadbeenatall.Iwasachild;myfatherwasjustburied,andmymiseryarosefromtheseparationthatHindleyhadorderedbetweenmeandHeathcliff.Iwaslaidalone,forthefirsttime;and,rousingfromadismaldozeafteranightofweeping,Iliftedmyhandtopushthepanelsaside:itstruckthetable-top!Isweptitalongthecarpet,andthenmemoryburstin:mylateanguishwasswallowedinaparoxysmofdespair.IcannotsaywhyIfeltsowildlywretched:itmusthavebeentemporaryderangement;forthereisscarcelycause.But,supposingattwelveyearsoldIhadbeenwrenchedfromtheHeights,andeveryearlyassociation,andmyallinall,asHeathcliffwasatthattime,andbeenconvertedatastrokeintoMrs.Linton,theladyofThrushcrossGrange,andthewifeofastranger:anexile,andoutcast,thenceforth,fromwhathadbeenmyworld.YoumayfancyaglimpseoftheabysswhereIgrovelled!Shakeyourheadasyouwill,Nelly,youhavehelpedtounsettleme!YoushouldhavespokentoEdgar,indeedyoushould,andcompelledhimtoleavemequiet!Oh,I’mburning!IwishIwereoutofdoors!IwishIwereagirlagain,halfsavageandhardy,andfree;andlaughingatinjuries,notmaddeningunderthem!WhyamIsochanged?whydoesmybloodrushintoahelloftumultatafewwords?I’msureIshouldbemyselfwereIonceamongtheheatheronthosehills.Openthewindowagainwide:fastenitopen!Quick,whydon’tyoumove?’

‘BecauseIwon’tgiveyouyourdeathofcold,’Ianswered.

‘Youwon’tgivemeachanceoflife,youmean,’shesaid,sullenly.‘However,I’mnothelplessyet;I’llopenitmyself.’

AndslidingfromthebedbeforeIcouldhinderher,shecrossedtheroom,walkingveryuncertainly,threwitback,andbentout,carelessofthefrostyairthatcutabouthershouldersaskeenasaknife.Ientreated,andfinallyattemptedtoforcehertoretire.ButIsoonfoundherdeliriousstrengthmuchsurpassedmine(shewasdelirious,Ibecameconvincedbyhersubsequentactionsandravings).Therewasnomoon,andeverythingbeneathlayinmistydarkness:notalightgleamedfromanyhouse,farornearallhadbeenextinguishedlongago:andthoseatWutheringHeightswerenevervisible—stillsheassertedshecaughttheirshining.

‘Look!’shecriedeagerly,‘that’smyroomwiththecandleinit,andthetreesswayingbeforeit;andtheothercandleisinJoseph’sgarret.Josephsitsuplate,doesn’the?He’swaitingtillIcomehomethathemaylockthegate.Well,he’llwaitawhileyet.It’saroughjourney,andasadhearttotravelit;andwemustpassbyGimmertonKirktogothatjourney!We’vebraveditsghostsoftentogether,anddaredeachothertostandamongthegravesandaskthemtocome.But,Heathcliff,ifIdareyounow,willyouventure?Ifyoudo,I’llkeepyou.I’llnotlietherebymyself:theymayburymetwelvefeetdeep,andthrowthechurchdownoverme,butIwon’tresttillyouarewithme.I

neverwill!’

Shepaused,andresumedwithastrangesmile.‘He’sconsidering—he’dratherI’dcometohim!Findaway,then!notthroughthatkirkyard.Youareslow!Becontent,youalwaysfollowedme!’

Perceivingitvaintoargueagainstherinsanity,IwasplanninghowIcouldreachsomethingtowrapabouther,withoutquittingmyholdofherself(forIcouldnottrustheralonebythegapinglattice),when,tomyconsternation,Iheardtherattleofthedoor-handle,andMr.Lintonentered.Hehadonlythencomefromthelibrary;and,inpassingthroughthelobby,hadnoticedourtalkingandbeenattractedbycuriosity,orfear,toexaminewhatitsignified,atthatlatehour.

‘Oh,sir!’Icried,checkingtheexclamationrisentohislipsatthesightwhichmethim,andthebleakatmosphereofthechamber.‘Mypoormistressisill,andshequitemastersme:Icannotmanageheratall;pray,comeandpersuadehertogotobed.Forgetyouranger,forshe’shardtoguideanywaybutherown.’

‘Catherineill?’hesaid,hasteningtous.‘Shutthewindow,Ellen!Catherine!why—’

Hewassilent.ThehaggardnessofMrs.Linton’sappearancesmotehimspeechless,andhecouldonlyglancefromhertomeinhorrifiedastonishment.

‘She’sbeenfrettinghere,’Icontinued,‘andeatingscarcelyanything,andnever complaining: shewould admit noneof us till this evening, and sowecouldn’tinformyouofherstate,aswewerenotawareofitourselves;butitisnothing.’

IfeltIutteredmyexplanationsawkwardly;themasterfrowned.‘Itisnothing,isit,EllenDean?’hesaidsternly.‘Youshallaccountmoreclearlyforkeepingmeignorantofthis!’Andhetookhiswifeinhisarms,andlookedatherwithanguish.

Atfirstshegavehimnoglanceofrecognition:hewasinvisibletoherabstractedgaze.Thedeliriumwasnotfixed,however;havingweanedhereyesfromcontemplatingtheouterdarkness,bydegreesshecentredherattentiononhim,anddiscoveredwhoitwasthatheldher.

‘Ah!youarecome,areyou,EdgarLinton?’shesaid,withangryanimation.‘Youareoneofthosethingsthatareeverfoundwhenleastwanted,andwhenyouarewanted,never!Isupposeweshallhaveplentyoflamentationsnow—Iseeweshall—buttheycan’tkeepmefrommynarrowhomeoutyonder:myresting-place,whereI’mboundbeforespringisover!Thereitis:notamongtheLintons,mind,underthechapel-roof,butinthe

openair,withahead-stone;andyoumaypleaseyourselfwhetheryougotothemorcometome!’

‘Catherine,whathaveyoudone?’commencedthemaster.‘AmInothingtoyouanymore?DoyoulovethatwretchHeath—’

‘Hush!’criedMrs.Linton.‘Hush,thismoment!YoumentionthatnameandIendthematterinstantlybyaspringfromthewindow!Whatyoutouchatpresentyoumayhave;butmysoulwillbeonthathill-topbeforeyoulayhandsonmeagain.Idon’twantyou,Edgar:I’mpastwantingyou.Returntoyourbooks.I’mgladyoupossessaconsolation,forallyouhadinmeisgone.’

‘Hermindwanders,sir,’Iinterposed.‘Shehasbeentalkingnonsensethewholeevening;butletherhavequiet,andproperattendance,andshe’llrally.Hereafter,wemustbecautioushowwevexher.’

‘Idesirenofurtheradvicefromyou,’answeredMr.Linton.‘Youknewyourmistress’snature,andyouencouragedmetoharassher.Andnottogivemeonehintofhowshehasbeenthesethreedays!Itwasheartless!Monthsofsicknesscouldnotcausesuchachange!’

Ibegantodefendmyself,thinkingittoobadtobeblamedforanother’swickedwaywardness.‘IknewMrs.Linton’snaturetobeheadstronganddomineering,’criedI:‘butIdidn’tknowthatyouwishedtofosterherfiercetemper!Ididn’tknowthat,tohumourher,IshouldwinkatMr.Heathcliff.Iperformedthedutyofafaithfulservantintellingyou,andIhavegotafaithfulservant’swages!Well,itwillteachmetobecarefulnexttime.Nexttimeyoumaygatherintelligenceforyourself!’

‘The next time you bring a tale to me you shall quit my service, EllenDean,’hereplied.

‘You’dratherhearnothingaboutit,Isuppose,then,Mr.Linton?’saidI.‘Heathcliffhasyourpermissiontocomea-courtingtoMiss,andtodropinateveryopportunityyourabsenceoffers,onpurposetopoisonthemistressagainstyou?’

Confused as Catherine was, her wits were alert at applying ourconversation.

‘Ah!Nellyhasplayedtraitor,’sheexclaimed,passionately.‘Nellyismyhiddenenemy.Youwitch!Soyoudoseekelf-boltstohurtus!Letmego,andI’llmakeherrue!I’llmakeherhowlarecantation!’

Amaniac’sfurykindledunderherbrows;shestruggleddesperatelytodisengageherselffromLinton’sarms.Ifeltnoinclinationtotarrytheevent;and,resolvingtoseekmedicalaidonmyownresponsibility,Iquittedthe

chamber.

Inpassingthegardentoreachtheroad,ataplacewhereabridlehookisdrivenintothewall,Isawsomethingwhitemovedirregularly,evidentlybyanotheragentthanthewind.Notwithstandingmyhurry,Istayedtoexamineit,lesteverafterIshouldhavetheconvictionimpressedonmyimaginationthatitwasacreatureoftheotherworld.Mysurpriseandperplexityweregreatondiscovering,bytouchmorethanvision,MissIsabella’sspringer,Fanny,suspendedbyahandkerchief,andnearlyatitslastgasp.Iquicklyreleasedtheanimal,andlifteditintothegarden.Ihadseenitfollowitsmistressup-stairswhenshewenttobed;andwonderedmuchhowitcouldhavegotoutthere,andwhatmischievouspersonhadtreateditso.Whileuntyingtheknotroundthehook,itseemedtomethatIrepeatedlycaughtthebeatofhorses’feetgallopingatsomedistance;butthereweresuchanumberofthingstooccupymyreflectionsthatIhardlygavethecircumstanceathought:thoughitwasastrangesound,inthatplace,attwoo’clockinthemorning.

Mr.KennethwasfortunatelyjustissuingfromhishousetoseeapatientinthevillageasIcameupthestreet;andmyaccountofCatherineLinton’smaladyinducedhimtoaccompanymebackimmediately.Hewasaplainroughman;andhemadenoscrupletospeakhisdoubtsofhersurvivingthissecondattack;unlesssheweremoresubmissivetohisdirectionsthanshehadshownherselfbefore.

‘NellyDean,’saidhe,‘Ican’thelpfancyingthere’sanextracauseforthis.WhathastherebeentodoattheGrange?We’veoddreportsuphere.Astout,heartylasslikeCatherinedoesnotfallillforatrifle;andthatsortofpeopleshouldnoteither.It’shardworkbringingthemthroughfevers,andsuchthings.Howdiditbegin?’

‘Themasterwillinformyou,’Ianswered;‘butyouareacquaintedwiththeEarnshaws’violentdispositions,andMrs.Lintoncapsthemall.Imaysaythis;itcommencedinaquarrel.Shewasstruckduringatempestofpassionwithakindoffit.That’sheraccount,atleast:forsheflewoffintheheightofit,andlockedherselfup.Afterwards,sherefusedtoeat,andnowshealternatelyravesandremainsinahalfdream;knowingthoseabouther,buthavinghermindfilledwithallsortsofstrangeideasandillusions.’

‘Mr.Lintonwillbesorry?’observedKenneth,interrogatively.

‘Sorry?he’llbreakhisheartshouldanythinghappen!’Ireplied.‘Don’talarmhimmorethannecessary.’

‘Well,Itoldhimtobeware,’saidmycompanion;‘andhemustbidetheconsequencesofneglectingmywarning!Hasn’thebeenintimatewithMr.

Heathclifflately?’

‘HeathclifffrequentlyvisitsattheGrange,’answeredI,‘thoughmoreonthestrengthofthemistresshavingknownhimwhenaboy,thanbecausethemasterlikeshiscompany.Atpresenthe’sdischargedfromthetroubleofcalling;owingtosomepresumptuousaspirationsafterMissLintonwhichhemanifested.Ihardlythinkhe’llbetakeninagain.’

‘AnddoesMissLintonturnacoldshoulderonhim?’wasthedoctor’snextquestion.

‘I’mnotinherconfidence,’returnedI,reluctanttocontinuethesubject.

‘No,she’saslyone,’heremarked,shakinghishead.‘Shekeepsherowncounsel!Butshe’sareallittlefool.Ihaveitfromgoodauthoritythatlastnight(andaprettynightitwas!)sheandHeathcliffwerewalkingintheplantationatthebackofyourhouseabovetwohours;andhepressedhernottogoinagain,butjustmounthishorseandawaywithhim!Myinformantsaidshecouldonlyputhimoffbypledgingherwordofhonourtobepreparedontheirfirstmeetingafterthat:whenitwastobehedidn’thear;butyouurgeMr.Lintontolooksharp!’

Thisnewsfilledmewithfreshfears;IoutstrippedKenneth,andranmostofthewayback.Thelittledogwasyelpinginthegardenyet.Isparedaminutetoopenthegateforit,butinsteadofgoingtothehousedoor,itcoursedupanddownsnuffingthegrass,andwouldhaveescapedtotheroad,hadInotseizeditandconveyeditinwithme.OnascendingtoIsabella’sroom,mysuspicionswereconfirmed:itwasempty.HadIbeenafewhourssoonerMrs.Linton’sillnessmighthavearrestedherrashstep.Butwhatcouldbedonenow?Therewasabarepossibilityofovertakingthemifpursuedinstantly.Icouldnotpursuethem,however;andIdarednotrousethefamily,andfilltheplacewithconfusion;stilllessunfoldthebusinesstomymaster,absorbedashewasinhispresentcalamity,andhavingnohearttospareforasecondgrief!Isawnothingforitbuttoholdmytongue,andsuffermatterstotaketheircourse;andKennethbeingarrived,Iwentwithabadlycomposedcountenancetoannouncehim.Catherinelayinatroubledsleep:herhusbandhadsucceededinsoothingtheexcessoffrenzy;henowhungoverherpillow,watchingeveryshadeandeverychangeofherpainfullyexpressivefeatures.

Thedoctor,onexaminingthecaseforhimself,spokehopefullytohimofitshavingafavourabletermination,ifwecouldonlypreservearoundherperfectandconstanttranquillity.Tome,hesignifiedthethreateningdangerwasnotsomuchdeath,aspermanentalienationofintellect.

Ididnotclosemyeyesthatnight,nordidMr.Linton:indeed,weneverwenttobed;andtheservantswerealluplongbeforetheusualhour,moving

throughthehousewithstealthytread,andexchangingwhispersastheyencounteredeachotherintheirvocations.EveryonewasactivebutMissIsabella;andtheybegantoremarkhowsoundsheslept:herbrother,too,askedifshehadrisen,andseemedimpatientforherpresence,andhurtthatsheshowedsolittleanxietyforhersister-in-law.Itrembledlestheshouldsendmetocallher;butIwassparedthepainofbeingthefirstproclaimantofherflight.Oneofthemaids,athoughtlessgirl,whohadbeenonanearlyerrandtoGimmerton,camepantingup-stairs,open-mouthed,anddashedintothechamber,crying:‘Oh,dear,dear!Whatmunwehavenext?Master,master,ouryounglady—’

‘Holdyournoise!’cried,Ihastily,enragedatherclamorousmanner.

‘Speaklower,Mary—Whatisthematter?’saidMr.Linton.‘Whatailsyouryounglady?’

‘She’sgone,she’sgone!Yon’Heathcliff’srunoffwi’her!’gaspedthegirl.

‘Thatisnottrue!’exclaimedLinton,risinginagitation.‘Itcannotbe:howhastheideaenteredyourhead?EllenDean,goandseekher.Itisincredible:itcannotbe.’

Ashespokehetooktheservanttothedoor,andthenrepeatedhisdemandtoknowherreasonsforsuchanassertion.

‘Why,Imetontheroadaladthatfetchesmilkhere,’shestammered,‘andheaskedwhetherweweren’tintroubleattheGrange.Ithoughthemeantformissis’ssickness,soIanswered,yes.Thensayshe,“There’ssomebodygoneafter’em,Iguess?”Istared.HesawIknewnoughtaboutit,andhetoldhowagentlemanandladyhadstoppedtohaveahorse’sshoefastenedatablacksmith’sshop,twomilesoutofGimmerton,notverylongaftermidnight!andhowtheblacksmith’slasshadgotuptospywhotheywere:sheknewthembothdirectly.Andshenoticedtheman—Heathcliffitwas,shefeltcertain:nob’dycouldmistakehim,besides—putasovereigninherfather’shandforpayment.Theladyhadacloakaboutherface;buthavingdesiredasupofwater,whileshedrankitfellback,andshesawherveryplain.Heathcliffheldbothbridlesastheyrodeon,andtheysettheirfacesfromthevillage,andwentasfastastheroughroadswouldletthem.Thelasssaidnothingtoherfather,butshetolditalloverGimmertonthismorning.’

Iranandpeeped,forform’ssake,intoIsabella’sroom;confirming,whenIreturned,theservant’sstatement.Mr.Lintonhadresumedhisseatbythebed;onmyre-entrance,heraisedhiseyes,readthemeaningofmyblankaspect,anddroppedthemwithoutgivinganorder,orutteringaword.

‘Arewetotryanymeasuresforovertakingandbringingherback,’Iinquired.‘Howshouldwedo?’

‘Shewentofherownaccord,’answeredthemaster;‘shehadarighttogoifshepleased.Troublemenomoreabouther.Hereaftersheisonlymysisterinname:notbecauseIdisownher,butbecauseshehasdisownedme.’

And thatwas all he said on the subject: he did notmake single inquiryfurther,ormentionherinanyway,exceptdirectingmetosendwhatpropertyshehadinthehousetoherfreshhome,whereveritwas,whenIknewit.

CHAPTERXIII

Fortwomonthsthefugitivesremainedabsent;inthosetwomonths,Mrs.Lintonencounteredandconqueredtheworstshockofwhatwasdenominatedabrainfever.NomothercouldhavenursedanonlychildmoredevotedlythanEdgartendedher.Dayandnighthewaswatching,andpatientlyenduringalltheannoyancesthatirritablenervesandashakenreasoncouldinflict;and,thoughKennethremarkedthatwhathesavedfromthegravewouldonlyrecompensehiscarebyformingthesourceofconstantfutureanxiety—infact,thathishealthandstrengthwerebeingsacrificedtopreserveamereruinofhumanity—heknewnolimitsingratitudeandjoywhenCatherine’slifewasdeclaredoutofdanger;andhourafterhourhewouldsitbesideher,tracingthegradualreturntobodilyhealth,andflatteringhistoosanguinehopeswiththeillusionthathermindwouldsettlebacktoitsrightbalancealso,andshewouldsoonbeentirelyherformerself.

ThefirsttimesheleftherchamberwasatthecommencementofthefollowingMarch.Mr.Lintonhadputonherpillow,inthemorning,ahandfulofgoldencrocuses;hereye,longstrangertoanygleamofpleasure,caughttheminwaking,andshonedelightedasshegatheredthemeagerlytogether.

‘ThesearetheearliestflowersattheHeights,’sheexclaimed.‘Theyremindmeofsoftthawwinds,andwarmsunshine,andnearlymeltedsnow.Edgar,istherenotasouthwind,andisnotthesnowalmostgone?’

‘Thesnowisquitegonedownhere,darling,’repliedherhusband;‘andIonlyseetwowhitespotsonthewholerangeofmoors:theskyisblue,andthelarksaresinging,andthebecksandbrooksareallbrimfull.Catherine,lastspringatthistime,Iwaslongingtohaveyouunderthisroof;now,Iwishyouwereamileortwoupthosehills:theairblowssosweetly,Ifeelthatitwouldcureyou.’

‘Ishallneverbetherebutoncemore,’saidtheinvalid;‘andthenyou’llleaveme,andIshallremainforever.Nextspringyou’lllongagaintohavemeunderthisroof,andyou’lllookbackandthinkyouwerehappyto-day.’

Lintonlavishedonherthekindestcaresses,andtriedtocheerherbythefondestwords;but,vaguelyregardingtheflowers,sheletthetearscollectonherlashesandstreamdownhercheeksunheeding.Weknewshewasreallybetter,and,therefore,decidedthatlongconfinementtoasingleplaceproducedmuchofthisdespondency,anditmightbepartiallyremovedbyachangeofscene.Themastertoldmetolightafireinthemany-weeks’desertedparlour,andtosetaneasy-chairinthesunshinebythewindow;andthenhebroughtherdown,andshesatalongwhileenjoyingthegenialheat,and,asweexpected,revivedbytheobjectsroundher:which,thoughfamiliar,werefreefromthedrearyassociationsinvestingherhatedsickchamber.Byeveningsheseemedgreatlyexhausted;yetnoargumentscouldpersuadehertoreturntothatapartment,andIhadtoarrangetheparloursofaforherbed,tillanotherroomcouldbeprepared.Toobviatethefatigueofmountinganddescendingthestairs,wefittedupthis,whereyoulieatpresent—onthesamefloorwiththeparlour;andshewassoonstrongenoughtomovefromonetotheother,leaningonEdgar’sarm.Ah,Ithoughtmyself,shemightrecover,sowaitedonasshewas.Andtherewasdoublecausetodesireit,foronherexistencedependedthatofanother:wecherishedthehopethatinalittlewhileMr.Linton’sheartwouldbegladdened,andhislandssecuredfromastranger’sgrip,bythebirthofanheir.

IshouldmentionthatIsabellasenttoherbrother,somesixweeksfromherdeparture,ashortnote,announcinghermarriagewithHeathcliff.Itappeareddryandcold;butatthebottomwasdottedinwithpencilanobscureapology,andanentreatyforkindremembranceandreconciliation,ifherproceedinghadoffendedhim:assertingthatshecouldnothelpitthen,andbeingdone,shehadnownopowertorepealit.Lintondidnotreplytothis,Ibelieve;and,inafortnightmore,Igotalongletter,whichIconsideredodd,comingfromthepenofabridejustoutofthehoneymoon.I’llreadit:forIkeepityet.Anyrelicofthedeadisprecious,iftheywerevaluedliving.

**

DearEllen,itbegins,—IcamelastnighttoWutheringHeights,andheard,forthefirsttime,thatCatherinehasbeen,andisyet,veryill.Imustnotwritetoher,Isuppose,andmybrotheriseithertooangryortoodistressedtoanswerwhatIsenthim.Still,Imustwritetosomebody,andtheonlychoiceleftmeisyou.

InformEdgarthatI’dgivetheworldtoseehisfaceagain—thatmyheartreturnedtoThrushcrossGrangeintwenty-fourhoursafterIleftit,andisthereatthismoment,fullofwarmfeelingsforhim,andCatherine!Ican’tfollowitthough—(thesewordsareunderlined)—theyneednotexpectme,andtheymaydrawwhatconclusionstheyplease;takingcare,however,tolaynothingatthedoorofmyweakwillordeficientaffection.

Theremainderoftheletterisforyourselfalone.Iwanttoaskyoutwoquestions:thefirstis,—Howdidyoucontrivetopreservethecommonsympathiesofhumannaturewhenyouresidedhere?Icannotrecogniseanysentimentwhichthosearoundsharewithme.

ThesecondquestionIhavegreatinterestin;itisthis—IsMr.Heathcliffaman?Ifso,ishemad?Andifnot,isheadevil?Isha’n’ttellmyreasonsformakingthisinquiry;butIbeseechyoutoexplain,ifyoucan,whatIhavemarried:thatis,whenyoucalltoseeme;andyoumustcall,Ellen,verysoon.Don’twrite,butcome,andbringmesomethingfromEdgar.

Now,youshallhearhowIhavebeenreceivedinmynewhome,asIamledtoimaginetheHeightswillbe.ItistoamusemyselfthatIdwellonsuchsubjectsasthelackofexternalcomforts:theyneveroccupymythoughts,exceptatthemomentwhenImissthem.Ishouldlaughanddanceforjoy,ifIfoundtheirabsencewasthetotalofmymiseries,andtherestwasanunnaturaldream!

ThesunsetbehindtheGrangeasweturnedontothemoors;bythat,Ijudgedittobesixo’clock;andmycompanionhaltedhalfanhour,toinspectthepark,andthegardens,and,probably,theplaceitself,aswellashecould;soitwasdarkwhenwedismountedinthepavedyardofthefarm-house,andyouroldfellow-servant,Joseph,issuedouttoreceiveusbythelightofadipcandle.Hediditwithacourtesythatredoundedtohiscredit.Hisfirstactwastoelevatehistorchtoalevelwithmyface,squintmalignantly,projecthisunder-lip,andturnaway.Thenhetookthetwohorses,andledthemintothestables;reappearingforthepurposeoflockingtheoutergate,asifwelivedinanancientcastle.

Heathcliffstayedtospeaktohim,andIenteredthekitchen—adingy,untidyhole;Idaresayyouwouldnotknowit,itissochangedsinceitwasinyourcharge.Bythefirestoodaruffianlychild,stronginlimbanddirtyingarb,withalookofCatherineinhiseyesandabouthismouth.

‘ThisisEdgar’slegalnephew,’Ireflected—‘mineinamanner;Imustshakehands,and—yes—Imustkisshim.Itisrighttoestablishagoodunderstandingatthebeginning.’

Iapproached,and,attemptingtotakehischubbyfist,said—‘Howdoyoudo,mydear?’

HerepliedinajargonIdidnotcomprehend.

‘ShallyouandIbefriends,Hareton?’wasmynextessayatconversation.

An oath, and a threat to set Throttler on me if I did not ‘frame off’rewardedmyperseverance.

‘Hey,Throttler,lad!’whisperedthelittlewretch,rousingahalf-bredbull-dogfromitslairinacorner.‘Now,wiltthoubeganging?’heaskedauthoritatively.

Loveformylifeurgedacompliance;Isteppedoverthethresholdtowaittilltheothersshouldenter.Mr.Heathcliffwasnowherevisible;andJoseph,whomIfollowedtothestables,andrequestedtoaccompanymein,afterstaringandmutteringtohimself,screweduphisnoseandreplied—‘Mim!mim!mim!DidiverChristianbodyhearaughtlikeit?Mincingun’munching!HowcanItellwhetyesay?’

‘Isay,Iwishyoutocomewithmeinto thehouse!’Icried, thinkinghimdeaf,yethighlydisgustedathisrudeness.

‘Noneo’me!Igettensummutelsetodo,’heanswered,andcontinuedhiswork;movinghislanternjawsmeanwhile,andsurveyingmydressandcountenance(theformeragreatdealtoofine,butthelatter,I’msure,assadashecoulddesire)withsovereigncontempt.

Iwalkedroundtheyard,andthroughawicket,toanotherdoor,atwhichItookthelibertyofknocking,inhopessomemorecivilservantmightshowhimself.Afterashortsuspense,itwasopenedbyatall,gauntman,withoutneckerchief,andotherwiseextremelyslovenly;hisfeatureswerelostinmassesofshaggyhairthathungonhisshoulders;andhiseyes,too,werelikeaghostlyCatherine’swithalltheirbeautyannihilated.

‘What’syourbusinesshere?’hedemanded,grimly.‘Whoareyou?’

‘MynamewasIsabellaLinton,’Ireplied.‘You’veseenmebefore,sir.I’mlatelymarriedtoMr.Heathcliff,andhehasbroughtmehere—Isuppose,byyourpermission.’

‘Ishecomeback,then?’askedthehermit,glaringlikeahungrywolf.

‘Yes—wecamejustnow,’Isaid;‘butheleftmebythekitchendoor;andwhenIwouldhavegonein,yourlittleboyplayedsentinelovertheplace,andfrightenedmeoffbythehelpofabull-dog.’

‘It’swell the hellish villain has kept hisword!’ growledmy future host,searching the darkness beyondme in expectation of discoveringHeathcliff;and then he indulged in a soliloquy of execrations, and threats of what hewouldhavedonehadthe‘fiend’deceivedhim.

Irepentedhavingtriedthissecondentrance,andwasalmostinclinedtoslipawaybeforehefinishedcursing,butereIcouldexecutethatintention,heorderedmein,andshutandre-fastenedthedoor.Therewasagreatfire,andthatwasallthelightinthehugeapartment,whosefloorhadgrownauniformgrey;andtheoncebrilliantpewter-dishes,whichusedtoattractmygazewhen

Iwasagirl,partookofasimilarobscurity,createdbytarnishanddust.IinquiredwhetherImightcallthemaid,andbeconductedtoabedroom!Mr.Earnshawvouchsafednoanswer.Hewalkedupanddown,withhishandsinhispockets,apparentlyquiteforgettingmypresence;andhisabstractionwasevidentlysodeep,andhiswholeaspectsomisanthropical,thatIshrankfromdisturbinghimagain.

You’llnotbesurprised,Ellen,atmyfeelingparticularlycheerless,seatedinworsethansolitudeonthatinhospitablehearth,andrememberingthatfourmilesdistantlaymydelightfulhome,containingtheonlypeopleIlovedonearth;andtheremightaswellbetheAtlantictopartus,insteadofthosefourmiles:Icouldnotoverpassthem!Iquestionedwithmyself—wheremustIturnforcomfort?and—mindyoudon’ttellEdgar,orCatherine—aboveeverysorrowbeside,thisrosepre-eminent:despairatfindingnobodywhocouldorwouldbemyallyagainstHeathcliff!IhadsoughtshelteratWutheringHeights,almostgladly,becauseIwassecuredbythatarrangementfromlivingalonewithhim;butheknewthepeoplewewerecomingamongst,andhedidnotfeartheirintermeddling.

Isatandthoughtadolefultime:theclockstruckeight,andnine,andstillmycompanionpacedtoandfro,hisheadbentonhisbreast,andperfectlysilent,unlessagroanorabitterejaculationforceditselfoutatintervals.Ilistenedtodetectawoman’svoiceinthehouse,andfilledtheinterimwithwildregretsanddismalanticipations,which,atlast,spokeaudiblyinirrepressiblesighingandweeping.IwasnotawarehowopenlyIgrieved,tillEarnshawhaltedopposite,inhismeasuredwalk,andgavemeastareofnewly-awakenedsurprise.Takingadvantageofhisrecoveredattention,Iexclaimed—‘I’mtiredwithmyjourney,andIwanttogotobed!Whereisthemaid-servant?Directmetoher,asshewon’tcometome!’

‘Wehavenone,’heanswered;‘youmustwaitonyourself!’

‘WheremustIsleep,then?’Isobbed;Iwasbeyondregardingself-respect,weigheddownbyfatigueandwretchedness.

‘Josephwill showyouHeathcliff’s chamber,’ said he; ‘open that door—he’sinthere.’

I was going to obey, but he suddenly arrested me, and added in thestrangesttone—‘Besogoodastoturnyourlock,anddrawyourbolt—don’tomitit!’

‘Well!’Isaid.‘Butwhy,Mr.Earnshaw?’IdidnotrelishthenotionofdeliberatelyfasteningmyselfinwithHeathcliff.

‘Lookhere!’hereplied,pullingfromhiswaistcoatacuriously-constructedpistol,havingadouble-edgedspringknifeattachedtothebarrel.‘That’sa

greattemptertoadesperateman,isitnot?Icannotresistgoingupwiththiseverynight,andtryinghisdoor.IfonceIfinditopenhe’sdonefor;Idoitinvariably,eventhoughtheminutebeforeIhavebeenrecallingahundredreasonsthatshouldmakemerefrain:itissomedevilthaturgesmetothwartmyownschemesbykillinghim.Youfightagainstthatdevilforloveaslongasyoumay;whenthetimecomes,notalltheangelsinheavenshallsavehim!’

Isurveyedtheweaponinquisitively.Ahideousnotionstruckme:howpowerfulIshouldbepossessingsuchaninstrument!Itookitfromhishand,andtouchedtheblade.Helookedastonishedattheexpressionmyfaceassumedduringabriefsecond:itwasnothorror,itwascovetousness.Hesnatchedthepistolback,jealously;shuttheknife,andreturnedittoitsconcealment.

‘Idon’tcareifyoutellhim,’saidhe.‘Puthimonhisguard,andwatchforhim.Youknowthetermsweareon,Isee:hisdangerdoesnotshockyou.’

‘WhathasHeathcliffdonetoyou?’Iasked.‘Inwhathashewrongedyou,towarrantthisappallinghatred?Wouldn’titbewisertobidhimquitthehouse?’

‘No!’thunderedEarnshaw;‘shouldheoffertoleaveme,he’sadeadman:persuadehimtoattemptit,andyouareamurderess!AmItoloseall,withoutachanceofretrieval?IsHaretontobeabeggar?Oh,damnation!Iwillhaveitback;andI’llhavehisgoldtoo;andthenhisblood;andhellshallhavehissoul!Itwillbetentimesblackerwiththatguestthaneveritwasbefore!’

You’veacquaintedme,Ellen,withyouroldmaster’shabits.Heisclearlyonthevergeofmadness:hewassolastnightatleast.Ishudderedtobenearhim,andthoughtontheservant’sill-bredmorosenessascomparativelyagreeable.Henowrecommencedhismoodywalk,andIraisedthelatch,andescapedintothekitchen.Josephwasbendingoverthefire,peeringintoalargepanthatswungaboveit;andawoodenbowlofoatmealstoodonthesettlecloseby.Thecontentsofthepanbegantoboil,andheturnedtoplungehishandintothebowl;Iconjecturedthatthispreparationwasprobablyforoursupper,and,beinghungry,Iresolveditshouldbeeatable;so,cryingoutsharply,‘I’llmaketheporridge!’Iremovedthevesseloutofhisreach,andproceededtotakeoffmyhatandriding-habit.‘Mr.Earnshaw,’Icontinued,‘directsmetowaitonmyself:Iwill.I’mnotgoingtoacttheladyamongyou,forfearIshouldstarve.’

‘GooidLord!’hemuttered,sittingdown,andstrokinghisribbedstockingsfromthekneetotheankle.‘Ifthere’stobefreshortherings—justwhenIgettenusedtotwomaisters,ifImunhev’amistressseto’ermyheead,it’sliketimetobeflitting.Iniverdidthinktoseet’daythatImudlaveth’owldplace—butIdoubtit’snighathand!’

Thislamentationdrewnonoticefromme:Iwentbrisklytowork,sighingtorememberaperiodwhenitwouldhavebeenallmerryfun;butcompelledspeedilytodriveofftheremembrance.Itrackedmetorecallpasthappinessandthegreaterperiltherewasofconjuringupitsapparition,thequickerthethibleranround,andthefasterthehandfulsofmealfellintothewater.Josephbeheldmystyleofcookerywithgrowingindignation.

‘Thear!’heejaculated.‘Hareton,thouwilln’tsupthyporridgeto-neeght;they’llbenaughtbutlumpsasbigasmyneive.Thear,agean!I’dflinginbowlun’all,ifIwerye!There,palet’guilpoff,un’thenye’llhaedonewi’‘t.Bang,bang.It’samercyt’bothomisn’tdeavedout!’

Itwasratheraroughmess,Iown,whenpouredintothebasins;fourhadbeenprovided,andagallonpitcherofnewmilkwasbroughtfromthedairy,whichHaretonseizedandcommenceddrinkingandspillingfromtheexpansivelip.Iexpostulated,anddesiredthatheshouldhavehisinamug;affirmingthatIcouldnottastetheliquidtreatedsodirtily.Theoldcynicchosetobevastlyoffendedatthisnicety;assuringme,repeatedly,that‘thebarnwaseverybitasgood’asI,‘andeverybitaswollsome,’andwonderinghowIcouldfashiontobesoconceited.Meanwhile,theinfantruffiancontinuedsucking;andgloweredupatmedefyingly,asheslaveredintothejug.

‘Ishallhavemysupperinanotherroom,’Isaid.‘Haveyounoplaceyoucallaparlour?’

‘Parlour!’heechoed,sneeringly,‘parlour!Nay,we’venoaparlours.Ifyahdunnutloikewercompany,there’smaister’s;un’ifyahdunnutloikemaister,there’sus.’

‘ThenIshallgoup-stairs,’Ianswered;‘showmeachamber.’

Iputmybasinonatray,andwentmyselftofetchsomemoremilk.Withgreatgrumblings,thefellowrose,andprecededmeinmyascent:wemountedtothegarrets;heopenedadoor,nowandthen,tolookintotheapartmentswepassed.

‘Here’sarahm,’hesaid,atlast,flingingbackacrankyboardonhinges.‘It’sweeleneughtoateafewporridgein.There’sapacko’corni’t’corner,thear,meeterlyclane;ifye’refearedo’muckyingyergrandsilkcloes,spreadyerhankerchiro’t’topon’t.’

The‘rahm’wasakindof lumber-holesmellingstrongofmaltandgrain;varioussacksofwhicharticleswerepiledaround,leavingawide,barespaceinthemiddle.

‘Why,man,’Iexclaimed,facinghimangrily,‘thisisnotaplacetosleepin.

Iwishtoseemybed-room.’

‘Bed-rume!’herepeated,inatoneofmockery.‘Yah’sseeallt’bed-rumesthearis—yon’smine.’

He pointed into the second garret, only differing from the first in beingmorenakedaboutthewalls,andhavingalarge,low,curtainlessbed,withanindigo-colouredquilt,atoneend.

‘WhatdoIwantwithyours?’Iretorted.‘IsupposeMr.Heathcliffdoesnotlodgeatthetopofthehouse,doeshe?’

‘Oh!it’sMaisterHathecliff’sye’rewanting?’criedhe,asifmakinganewdiscovery.‘Couldn’tyeha’saidsoa,atonst?un’then,Imudha’telledye,bahtallthiswark,thatthat’sjustoneyecannutsee—heallaskeepsitlocked,un’nob’dyivermellson’tbuthisseln.’

‘You’veanicehouse,Joseph,’Icouldnotrefrainfromobserving,‘andpleasantinmates;andIthinktheconcentratedessenceofallthemadnessintheworldtookupitsabodeinmybrainthedayIlinkedmyfatewiththeirs!However,thatisnottothepresentpurpose—thereareotherrooms.Forheaven’ssakebequick,andletmesettlesomewhere!’

Hemadenoreplytothisadjuration;onlyploddingdoggedlydownthewoodensteps,andhalting,beforeanapartmentwhich,fromthathaltandthesuperiorqualityofitsfurniture,Iconjecturedtobethebestone.Therewasacarpet—agoodone,butthepatternwasobliteratedbydust;afireplacehungwithcut-paper,droppingtopieces;ahandsomeoak-bedsteadwithamplecrimsoncurtainsofratherexpensivematerialandmodernmake;buttheyhadevidentlyexperiencedroughusage:thevallanceshunginfestoons,wrenchedfromtheirrings,andtheironrodsupportingthemwasbentinanarcononeside,causingthedraperytotrailuponthefloor.Thechairswerealsodamaged,manyofthemseverely;anddeepindentationsdeformedthepanelsofthewalls.Iwasendeavouringtogatherresolutionforenteringandtakingpossession,whenmyfoolofaguideannounced,—‘Thishereist’maister’s.’Mysupperbythistimewascold,myappetitegone,andmypatienceexhausted.Iinsistedonbeingprovidedinstantlywithaplaceofrefuge,andmeansofrepose.

‘Whearthedivil?’beganthereligiouselder.‘TheLordblessus!TheLordforgieus!Whearthehellwoldyegang?yemarred,wearisomenowt!Ye’veseenallbutHareton’sbitofacham’er.There’snotanotherhoiletoligdownini’th’hahse!’

Iwassovexed, I flungmytrayand itscontentson theground;and thenseatedmyselfatthestairs’-head,hidmyfaceinmyhands,andcried.

‘Ech!ech!’exclaimedJoseph.‘Weeldone,MissCathy!weeldone,MissCathy!Howsiver,t’maistersalljusttum’leo’erthembrookenpots;un’thenwe’shearsummut;we’shearhowit’stobe.Gooid-for-naughtmadling!yedesarvepiningfro’thistoChrustmas,flingingt’preciousgiftso’Godunderfooiti’yerflaysomerages!ButI’mmista’enifyeshewyersperritlang.WillHathecliffbidesichbonnyways,thinkye?Inobbutwishhemaycatchyei’thatplisky.Inobbutwishhemay.’

Andsohewentonscoldingtohisdenbeneath,takingthecandlewithhim;andIremainedinthedark.Theperiodofreflectionsucceedingthissillyactioncompelledmetoadmitthenecessityofsmotheringmyprideandchokingmywrath,andbestirringmyselftoremoveitseffects.AnunexpectedaidpresentlyappearedintheshapeofThrottler,whomInowrecognisedasasonofouroldSkulker:ithadspentitswhelphoodattheGrange,andwasgivenbymyfathertoMr.Hindley.Ifancyitknewme:itpusheditsnoseagainstminebywayofsalute,andthenhastenedtodevourtheporridge;whileIgropedfromsteptostep,collectingtheshatteredearthenware,anddryingthespattersofmilkfromthebanisterwithmypocket-handkerchief.OurlabourswerescarcelyoverwhenIheardEarnshaw’streadinthepassage;myassistanttuckedinhistail,andpressedtothewall;Istoleintothenearestdoorway.Thedog’sendeavourtoavoidhimwasunsuccessful;asIguessedbyascutterdown-stairs,andaprolonged,piteousyelping.Ihadbetterluck:hepassedon,enteredhischamber,andshutthedoor.DirectlyafterJosephcameupwithHareton,toputhimtobed.IhadfoundshelterinHareton’sroom,andtheoldman,onseeingme,said,—‘They’srahmforboathyeun’yerpride,now,Isudthinki’thehahse.It’sempty;yemayhev’italltoyerseln,un’Himasallusmaksathird,i’sichillcompany!’

GladlydidItakeadvantageofthisintimation;andtheminuteIflungmyselfintoachair,bythefire,Inodded,andslept.Myslumberwasdeepandsweet,thoughoverfartoosoon.Mr.Heathcliffawokeme;hehadjustcomein,anddemanded,inhislovingmanner,whatIwasdoingthere?Itoldhimthecauseofmystayingupsolate—thathehadthekeyofourroominhispocket.Theadjectiveourgavemortaloffence.Hesworeitwasnot,norevershouldbe,mine;andhe’d—butI’llnotrepeathislanguage,nordescribehishabitualconduct:heisingeniousandunrestinginseekingtogainmyabhorrence!Isometimeswonderathimwithanintensitythatdeadensmyfear:yet,Iassureyou,atigeroravenomousserpentcouldnotrouseterrorinmeequaltothatwhichhewakens.HetoldmeofCatherine’sillness,andaccusedmybrotherofcausingitpromisingthatIshouldbeEdgar’sproxyinsuffering,tillhecouldgetholdofhim.

Idohatehim—Iamwretched—Ihavebeenafool!BewareofutteringonebreathofthistoanyoneattheGrange.Ishallexpectyoueveryday—

don’tdisappointme!—Isabella.

CHAPTERXIV

Assoonas Ihadperused this epistle Iwent to themaster, and informedhimthathissisterhadarrivedattheHeights,andsentmealetterexpressinghersorrowforMrs.Linton’ssituation,andherardentdesiretoseehim;withawish that he would transmit to her, as early as possible, some token offorgivenessbyme.

‘Forgiveness!’saidLinton.‘Ihavenothingtoforgiveher,Ellen.YoumaycallatWutheringHeightsthisafternoon,ifyoulike,andsaythatIamnotangry,butI’msorrytohavelosther;especiallyasIcanneverthinkshe’llbehappy.Itisoutofthequestionmygoingtoseeher,however:weareeternallydivided;andshouldshereallywishtoobligeme,letherpersuadethevillainshehasmarriedtoleavethecountry.’

‘Andyouwon’twriteheralittlenote,sir?’Iasked,imploringly.

‘No,’heanswered.‘Itisneedless.MycommunicationwithHeathcliff’sfamilyshallbeassparingashiswithmine.Itshallnotexist!’

Mr.Edgar’scoldnessdepressedmeexceedingly;andallthewayfromtheGrangeIpuzzledmybrainshowtoputmoreheartintowhathesaid,whenIrepeatedit;andhowtosoftenhisrefusalofevenafewlinestoconsoleIsabella.Idaresayshehadbeenonthewatchformesincemorning:IsawherlookingthroughthelatticeasIcameupthegardencauseway,andInoddedtoher;butshedrewback,asifafraidofbeingobserved.Ienteredwithoutknocking.Thereneverwassuchadreary,dismalsceneastheformerlycheerfulhousepresented!Imustconfess,thatifIhadbeenintheyounglady’splace,Iwould,atleast,havesweptthehearth,andwipedthetableswithaduster.Butshealreadypartookofthepervadingspiritofneglectwhichencompassedher.Herprettyfacewaswanandlistless;herhairuncurled:somelockshanginglanklydown,andsomecarelesslytwistedroundherhead.Probablyshehadnottouchedherdresssinceyesterevening.Hindleywasnotthere.Mr.Heathcliffsatatatable,turningoversomepapersinhispocket-book;butherosewhenIappeared,askedmehowIdid,quitefriendly,andofferedmeachair.Hewastheonlythingtherethatseemeddecent;andIthoughtheneverlookedbetter.Somuchhadcircumstancesalteredtheirpositions,thathewouldcertainlyhavestruckastrangerasabornandbredgentleman;andhiswifeasathoroughlittleslattern!Shecameforwardeagerlytogreetme,andheldoutonehandtotaketheexpectedletter.Ishook

myhead.Shewouldn’tunderstandthehint,butfollowedmetoasideboard,whereIwenttolaymybonnet,andimportunedmeinawhispertogiveherdirectlywhatIhadbrought.Heathcliffguessedthemeaningofhermanoeuvres,andsaid—‘IfyouhavegotanythingforIsabella(asnodoubtyouhave,Nelly),giveittoher.Youneedn’tmakeasecretofit:wehavenosecretsbetweenus.’

‘Oh,Ihavenothing,’Ireplied,thinkingitbesttospeakthetruthatonce.‘Mymasterbidmetellhissisterthatshemustnotexpecteitheraletteroravisitfromhimatpresent.Hesendshislove,ma’am,andhiswishesforyourhappiness,andhispardonforthegriefyouhaveoccasioned;buthethinksthatafterthistimehishouseholdandthehouseholdhereshoulddropintercommunication,asnothingcouldcomeofkeepingitup.’

Mrs.Heathcliff’slipquiveredslightly,andshereturnedtoherseatinthewindow.Herhusbandtookhisstandonthehearthstone,nearme,andbegantoputquestionsconcerningCatherine.ItoldhimasmuchasIthoughtproperofherillness,andheextortedfromme,bycross-examination,mostofthefactsconnectedwithitsorigin.Iblamedher,asshedeserved,forbringingitallonherself;andendedbyhopingthathewouldfollowMr.Linton’sexampleandavoidfutureinterferencewithhisfamily,forgoodorevil.

‘Mrs.Lintonisnowjustrecovering,’Isaid;‘she’llneverbelikeshewas,butherlifeisspared;andifyoureallyhavearegardforher,you’llshuncrossingherwayagain:nay,you’llmoveoutofthiscountryentirely;andthatyoumaynotregretit,I’llinformyouCatherineLintonisasdifferentnowfromyouroldfriendCatherineEarnshaw,asthatyoungladyisdifferentfromme.Herappearanceischangedgreatly,hercharactermuchmoreso;andthepersonwhoiscompelled,ofnecessity,tobehercompanion,willonlysustainhisaffectionhereafterbytheremembranceofwhatsheoncewas,bycommonhumanity,andasenseofduty!’

‘Thatisquitepossible,’remarkedHeathcliff,forcinghimselftoseemcalm:‘quitepossiblethatyourmastershouldhavenothingbutcommonhumanityandasenseofdutytofallbackupon.ButdoyouimaginethatIshallleaveCatherinetohisdutyandhumanity?andcanyoucomparemyfeelingsrespectingCatherinetohis?Beforeyouleavethishouse,Imustexactapromisefromyouthatyou’llgetmeaninterviewwithher:consent,orrefuse,Iwillseeher!Whatdoyousay?’

‘Isay,Mr.Heathcliff,’Ireplied,‘youmustnot:younevershall,throughmymeans.Anotherencounterbetweenyouandthemasterwouldkillheraltogether.’

‘Withyouraidthatmaybeavoided,’hecontinued;‘andshouldtherebedangerofsuchanevent—shouldhebethecauseofaddingasingletrouble

moretoherexistence—why,IthinkIshallbejustifiedingoingtoextremes!IwishyouhadsincerityenoughtotellmewhetherCatherinewouldsuffergreatlyfromhisloss:thefearthatshewouldrestrainsme.Andthereyouseethedistinctionbetweenourfeelings:hadhebeeninmyplace,andIinhis,thoughIhatedhimwithahatredthatturnedmylifetogall,Ineverwouldhaveraisedahandagainsthim.Youmaylookincredulous,ifyouplease!Ineverwouldhavebanishedhimfromhersocietyaslongasshedesiredhis.Themomentherregardceased,Iwouldhavetornhisheartout,anddrunkhisblood!But,tillthen—ifyoudon’tbelieveme,youdon’tknowme—tillthen,IwouldhavediedbyinchesbeforeItouchedasinglehairofhishead!’

‘And yet,’ I interrupted, ‘you have no scruples in completely ruining allhopesof her perfect restoration, by thrustingyourself intoher remembrancenow,whenshehasnearlyforgottenyou,andinvolvingherinanewtumultofdiscordanddistress.’

‘Yousupposeshehasnearlyforgottenme?’hesaid.‘Oh,Nelly!youknowshehasnot!YouknowaswellasIdo,thatforeverythoughtshespendsonLintonshespendsathousandonme!Atamostmiserableperiodofmylife,Ihadanotionofthekind:ithauntedmeonmyreturntotheneighbourhoodlastsummer;butonlyherownassurancecouldmakemeadmitthehorribleideaagain.Andthen,Lintonwouldbenothing,norHindley,norallthedreamsthateverIdreamt.Twowordswouldcomprehendmyfuture—deathandhell:existence,afterlosingher,wouldbehell.YetIwasafooltofancyforamomentthatshevaluedEdgarLinton’sattachmentmorethanmine.Ifhelovedwithallthepowersofhispunybeing,hecouldn’tloveasmuchineightyyearsasIcouldinaday.AndCatherinehasaheartasdeepasIhave:theseacouldbeasreadilycontainedinthathorse-troughasherwholeaffectionbemonopolisedbyhim.Tush!Heisscarcelyadegreedearertoherthanherdog,orherhorse.Itisnotinhimtobelovedlikeme:howcansheloveinhimwhathehasnot?’

‘CatherineandEdgarareasfondofeachotherasanytwopeoplecanbe,’criedIsabella,withsuddenvivacity.‘Noonehasarighttotalkinthatmanner,andIwon’thearmybrotherdepreciatedinsilence!’

‘Yourbrotheriswondrousfondofyoutoo,isn’the?’observedHeathcliff,scornfully.‘Heturnsyouadriftontheworldwithsurprisingalacrity.’

‘HeisnotawareofwhatIsuffer,’shereplied.‘Ididn’ttellhimthat.’

‘Youhavebeentellinghimsomething,then:youhavewritten,haveyou?’

‘TosaythatIwasmarried,Ididwrite—yousawthenote.’

‘Andnothingsince?’

‘No.’

‘Myyoungladyislookingsadlytheworseforherchangeofcondition,’Iremarked.‘Somebody’slovecomesshortinhercase,obviously;whose,Imayguess;but,perhaps,Ishouldn’tsay.’

‘Ishouldguessitwasherown,’saidHeathcliff.‘Shedegeneratesintoamereslut!Sheistiredoftryingtopleasemeuncommonlyearly.You’dhardlycreditit,buttheverymorrowofourweddingshewasweepingtogohome.However,she’llsuitthishousesomuchthebetterfornotbeingovernice,andI’lltakecareshedoesnotdisgracemebyramblingabroad.’

‘Well,sir,’returnedI,‘Ihopeyou’llconsiderthatMrs.Heathcliffisaccustomedtobelookedafterandwaitedon;andthatshehasbeenbroughtuplikeanonlydaughter,whomeveryonewasreadytoserve.Youmustletherhaveamaidtokeepthingstidyabouther,andyoumusttreatherkindly.WhateverbeyournotionofMr.Edgar,youcannotdoubtthatshehasacapacityforstrongattachments,orshewouldn’thaveabandonedtheelegancies,andcomforts,andfriendsofherformerhome,tofixcontentedly,insuchawildernessasthis,withyou.’

‘Sheabandonedthemunderadelusion,’heanswered;‘picturinginmeaheroofromance,andexpectingunlimitedindulgencesfrommychivalrousdevotion.Icanhardlyregardherinthelightofarationalcreature,soobstinatelyhasshepersistedinformingafabulousnotionofmycharacterandactingonthefalseimpressionsshecherished.But,atlast,Ithinkshebeginstoknowme:Idon’tperceivethesillysmilesandgrimacesthatprovokedmeatfirst;andthesenselessincapabilityofdiscerningthatIwasinearnestwhenIgavehermyopinionofherinfatuationandherself.ItwasamarvellouseffortofperspicacitytodiscoverthatIdidnotloveher.Ibelieved,atonetime,nolessonscouldteachherthat!Andyetitispoorlylearnt;forthismorningsheannounced,asapieceofappallingintelligence,thatIhadactuallysucceededinmakingherhateme!ApositivelabourofHercules,Iassureyou!Ifitbeachieved,Ihavecausetoreturnthanks.CanItrustyourassertion,Isabella?Areyousureyouhateme?IfIletyoualoneforhalfaday,won’tyoucomesighingandwheedlingtomeagain?IdaresayshewouldratherIhadseemedalltendernessbeforeyou:itwoundshervanitytohavethetruthexposed.ButIdon’tcarewhoknowsthatthepassionwaswhollyononeside:andInevertoldheralieaboutit.Shecannotaccusemeofshowingonebitofdeceitfulsoftness.Thefirstthingshesawmedo,oncomingoutoftheGrange,wastohangupherlittledog;andwhenshepleadedforit,thefirstwordsIutteredwereawishthatIhadthehangingofeverybeingbelongingtoher,exceptone:possiblyshetookthatexceptionforherself.Butnobrutalitydisgustedher:Isupposeshehasaninnateadmirationofit,ifonlyherpreciouspersonweresecurefrominjury!Now,wasitnotthedepthofabsurdity—ofgenuine

idiotcy,forthatpitiful,slavish,mean-mindedbrachtodreamthatIcouldloveher?Tellyourmaster,Nelly,thatInever,inallmylife,metwithsuchanabjectthingassheis.SheevendisgracesthenameofLinton;andI’vesometimesrelented,frompurelackofinvention,inmyexperimentsonwhatshecouldendure,andstillcreepshamefullycringingback!Buttellhim,also,tosethisfraternalandmagisterialheartatease:thatIkeepstrictlywithinthelimitsofthelaw.Ihaveavoided,uptothisperiod,givinghertheslightestrighttoclaimaseparation;and,what’smore,she’dthanknobodyfordividingus.Ifshedesiredtogo,shemight:thenuisanceofherpresenceoutweighsthegratificationtobederivedfromtormentingher!’

‘Mr.Heathcliff,’saidI,‘thisisthetalkofamadman;yourwife,mostlikely,isconvincedyouaremad;and,forthatreason,shehasbornewithyouhitherto:butnowthatyousayshemaygo,she’lldoubtlessavailherselfofthepermission.Youarenotsobewitched,ma’am,areyou,astoremainwithhimofyourownaccord?’

‘Takecare,Ellen!’answeredIsabella,hereyessparklingirefully;therewasnomisdoubtingbytheirexpressionthefullsuccessofherpartner’sendeavourstomakehimselfdetested.‘Don’tputfaithinasinglewordhespeaks.He’salyingfiend!amonster,andnotahumanbeing!I’vebeentoldImightleavehimbefore;andI’vemadetheattempt,butIdarenotrepeatit!Only,Ellen,promiseyou’llnotmentionasyllableofhisinfamousconversationtomybrotherorCatherine.Whateverhemaypretend,hewishestoprovokeEdgartodesperation:hesayshehasmarriedmeonpurposetoobtainpoweroverhim;andhesha’n’tobtainit—I’lldiefirst!Ijusthope,Ipray,thathemayforgethisdiabolicalprudenceandkillme!ThesinglepleasureIcanimagineistodie,ortoseehimdead!’

‘There—thatwilldoforthepresent!’saidHeathcliff.‘Ifyouarecalleduponinacourtoflaw,you’llrememberherlanguage,Nelly!Andtakeagoodlookatthatcountenance:she’snearthepointwhichwouldsuitme.No;you’renotfittobeyourownguardian,Isabella,now;andI,beingyourlegalprotector,mustretainyouinmycustody,howeverdistastefultheobligationmaybe.Goup-stairs;IhavesomethingtosaytoEllenDeaninprivate.That’snottheway:up-stairs,Itellyou!Why,thisistheroadupstairs,child!’

Heseized,andthrustherfromtheroom;andreturnedmuttering—‘Ihavenopity!Ihavenopity!Themorethewormswrithe,themoreIyearntocrushouttheirentrails!Itisamoralteething;andIgrindwithgreaterenergyinproportiontotheincreaseofpain.’

‘Doyouunderstandwhatthewordpitymeans?’Isaid,hasteningtoresumemybonnet.‘Didyoueverfeelatouchofitinyourlife?’

‘Putthatdown!’heinterrupted,perceivingmyintentiontodepart.‘You

arenotgoingyet.Comeherenow,Nelly:ImusteitherpersuadeorcompelyoutoaidmeinfulfillingmydeterminationtoseeCatherine,andthatwithoutdelay.IswearthatImeditatenoharm:Idon’tdesiretocauseanydisturbance,ortoexasperateorinsultMr.Linton;Ionlywishtohearfromherselfhowsheis,andwhyshehasbeenill;andtoaskifanythingthatIcoulddowouldbeofusetoher.LastnightIwasintheGrangegardensixhours,andI’llreturnthereto-night;andeverynightI’llhaunttheplace,andeveryday,tillIfindanopportunityofentering.IfEdgarLintonmeetsme,Ishallnothesitatetoknockhimdown,andgivehimenoughtoinsurehisquiescencewhileIstay.Ifhisservantsopposeme,Ishallthreatenthemoffwiththesepistols.Butwouldn’titbebettertopreventmycomingincontactwiththem,ortheirmaster?Andyoucoulddoitsoeasily.I’dwarnyouwhenIcame,andthenyoumightletmeinunobserved,assoonasshewasalone,andwatchtillIdeparted,yourconsciencequitecalm:youwouldbehinderingmischief.’

Iprotestedagainstplayingthattreacherouspartinmyemployer’shouse:and,besides,IurgedthecrueltyandselfishnessofhisdestroyingMrs.Linton’stranquillityforhissatisfaction.‘Thecommonestoccurrencestartlesherpainfully,’Isaid.‘She’sallnerves,andshecouldn’tbearthesurprise,I’mpositive.Don’tpersist,sir!orelseIshallbeobligedtoinformmymasterofyourdesigns;andhe’lltakemeasurestosecurehishouseanditsinmatesfromanysuchunwarrantableintrusions!’

‘InthatcaseI’lltakemeasurestosecureyou,woman!’exclaimedHeathcliff;‘youshallnotleaveWutheringHeightstillto-morrowmorning.ItisafoolishstorytoassertthatCatherinecouldnotbeartoseeme;andastosurprisingher,Idon’tdesireit:youmustprepareher—askherifImaycome.Yousayshenevermentionsmyname,andthatIamnevermentionedtoher.TowhomshouldshementionmeifIamaforbiddentopicinthehouse?Shethinksyouareallspiesforherhusband.Oh,I’venodoubtshe’sinhellamongyou!Iguessbyhersilence,asmuchasanything,whatshefeels.Yousaysheisoftenrestless,andanxious-looking:isthataproofoftranquillity?Youtalkofhermindbeingunsettled.Howthedevilcoulditbeotherwiseinherfrightfulisolation?Andthatinsipid,paltrycreatureattendingherfromdutyandhumanity!Frompityandcharity!Hemightaswellplantanoakinaflower-pot,andexpectittothrive,asimaginehecanrestorehertovigourinthesoilofhisshallowcares?Letussettleitatonce:willyoustayhere,andamItofightmywaytoCatherineoverLintonandhisfootman?Orwillyoubemyfriend,asyouhavebeenhitherto,anddowhatIrequest?Decide!becausethereisnoreasonformylingeringanotherminute,ifyoupersistinyourstubbornill-nature!’

Well,Mr.Lockwood,Iarguedandcomplained,andflatlyrefusedhimfiftytimes;butinthelongrunheforcedmetoanagreement.Iengagedtocarrya

letterfromhimtomymistress;andshouldsheconsent,IpromisedtolethimhaveintelligenceofLinton’snextabsencefromhome,whenhemightcome,andgetinashewasable:Iwouldn’tbethere,andmyfellow-servantsshouldbeequallyoutoftheway.Wasitrightorwrong?Ifearitwaswrong,thoughexpedient.IthoughtIpreventedanotherexplosionbymycompliance;andIthought,too,itmightcreateafavourablecrisisinCatherine’smentalillness:andthenIrememberedMr.Edgar’ssternrebukeofmycarryingtales;andItriedtosmoothawayalldisquietudeonthesubject,byaffirming,withfrequentiteration,thatthatbetrayaloftrust,ifitmeritedsoharshanappellation,shouldbethelast.Notwithstanding,myjourneyhomewardwassadderthanmyjourneythither;andmanymisgivingsIhad,ereIcouldprevailonmyselftoputthemissiveintoMrs.Linton’shand.

ButhereisKenneth;I’llgodown,andtellhimhowmuchbetteryouare.Myhistoryisdree,aswesay,andwillservetowhileawayanothermorning.

Dree,anddreary!Ireflectedasthegoodwomandescendedtoreceivethedoctor:andnotexactlyofthekindwhichIshouldhavechosentoamuseme.Butnevermind!I’llextractwholesomemedicinesfromMrs.Dean’sbitterherbs;andfirstly,letmebewareofthefascinationthatlurksinCatherineHeathcliff’sbrillianteyes.IshouldbeinacurioustakingifIsurrenderedmyhearttothatyoungperson,andthedaughterturnedoutasecondeditionofthemother.

CHAPTERXV

Anotherweekover—andIamsomanydaysnearerhealth,andspring!Ihavenowheardallmyneighbour’shistory,atdifferentsittings,asthehousekeepercouldsparetimefrommoreimportantoccupations.I’llcontinueitinherownwords,onlyalittlecondensed.Sheis,onthewhole,averyfairnarrator,andIdon’tthinkIcouldimproveherstyle.

Intheevening,shesaid,theeveningofmyvisittotheHeights,Iknew,aswellasifIsawhim,thatMr.Heathcliffwasabouttheplace;andIshunnedgoingout,becauseIstillcarriedhisletterinmypocket,anddidn’twanttobethreatenedorteasedanymore.Ihadmadeupmymindnottogiveittillmymasterwentsomewhere,asIcouldnotguesshowitsreceiptwouldaffectCatherine.Theconsequencewas,thatitdidnotreachherbeforethelapseofthreedays.ThefourthwasSunday,andIbroughtitintoherroomafterthefamilyweregonetochurch.Therewasamanservantlefttokeepthehousewithme,andwegenerallymadeapracticeoflockingthedoorsduringthehoursofservice;butonthatoccasiontheweatherwassowarmandpleasant

thatIsetthemwideopen,and,tofulfilmyengagement,asIknewwhowouldbecoming,Itoldmycompanionthatthemistresswishedverymuchforsomeoranges,andhemustrunovertothevillageandgetafew,tobepaidforonthemorrow.Hedeparted,andIwentup-stairs.

Mrs.Lintonsatinaloosewhitedress,withalightshawloverhershoulders,intherecessoftheopenwindow,asusual.Herthick,longhairhadbeenpartlyremovedatthebeginningofherillness,andnowsheworeitsimplycombedinitsnaturaltressesoverhertemplesandneck.Herappearancewasaltered,asIhadtoldHeathcliff;butwhenshewascalm,thereseemedunearthlybeautyinthechange.Theflashofhereyeshadbeensucceededbyadreamyandmelancholysoftness;theynolongergavetheimpressionoflookingattheobjectsaroundher:theyappearedalwaystogazebeyond,andfarbeyond—youwouldhavesaidoutofthisworld.Then,thepalenessofherface—itshaggardaspecthavingvanishedassherecoveredflesh—andthepeculiarexpressionarisingfromhermentalstate,thoughpainfullysuggestiveoftheircauses,addedtothetouchinginterestwhichsheawakened;and—invariablytome,Iknow,andtoanypersonwhosawher,Ishouldthink—refutedmoretangibleproofsofconvalescence,andstampedherasonedoomedtodecay.

Abooklayspreadonthesillbeforeher,andthescarcelyperceptiblewindfluttereditsleavesatintervals.IbelieveLintonhadlaiditthere:forsheneverendeavouredtodivertherselfwithreading,oroccupationofanykind,andhewouldspendmanyanhourintryingtoenticeherattentiontosomesubjectwhichhadformerlybeenheramusement.Shewasconsciousofhisaim,andinherbettermoodsenduredhiseffortsplacidly,onlyshowingtheiruselessnessbynowandthensuppressingaweariedsigh,andcheckinghimatlastwiththesaddestofsmilesandkisses.Atothertimes,shewouldturnpetulantlyaway,andhideherfaceinherhands,orevenpushhimoffangrily;andthenhetookcaretoletheralone,forhewascertainofdoingnogood.

Gimmertonchapelbellswerestillringing;andthefull,mellowflowofthebeckinthevalleycamesoothinglyontheear.Itwasasweetsubstitutefortheyetabsentmurmurofthesummerfoliage,whichdrownedthatmusicabouttheGrangewhenthetreeswereinleaf.AtWutheringHeightsitalwayssoundedonquietdaysfollowingagreatthaworaseasonofsteadyrain.AndofWutheringHeightsCatherinewasthinkingasshelistened:thatis,ifshethoughtorlistenedatall;butshehadthevague,distantlookImentionedbefore,whichexpressednorecognitionofmaterialthingseitherbyearoreye.

‘There’saletterforyou,Mrs.Linton,’Isaid,gentlyinsertingitinonehandthatrestedonherknee.‘Youmustreaditimmediately,becauseitwantsananswer.ShallIbreaktheseal?’‘Yes,’sheanswered,withoutalteringthedirectionofhereyes.Iopenedit—itwasveryshort.‘Now,’Icontinued,

‘readit.’Shedrewawayherhand,andletitfall.Ireplaceditinherlap,andstoodwaitingtillitshouldpleasehertoglancedown;butthatmovementwassolongdelayedthatatlastIresumed—‘MustIreadit,ma’am?ItisfromMr.Heathcliff.’

Therewasastartandatroubledgleamofrecollection,andastruggletoarrangeherideas.Sheliftedtheletter,andseemedtoperuseit;andwhenshecametothesignatureshesighed:yetstillIfoundshehadnotgathereditsimport,for,uponmydesiringtohearherreply,shemerelypointedtothename,andgazedatmewithmournfulandquestioningeagerness.

‘Well,hewishestoseeyou,’saidI,guessingherneedofaninterpreter.‘He’sinthegardenbythistime,andimpatienttoknowwhatanswerIshallbring.’

AsIspoke,Iobservedalargedoglyingonthesunnygrassbeneathraiseitsearsasifabouttobark,andthensmoothingthemback,announce,byawagofthetail,thatsomeoneapproachedwhomitdidnotconsiderastranger.Mrs.Lintonbentforward,andlistenedbreathlessly.Theminuteafterasteptraversedthehall;theopenhousewastootemptingforHeathclifftoresistwalkingin:mostlikelyhesupposedthatIwasinclinedtoshirkmypromise,andsoresolvedtotrusttohisownaudacity.WithstrainingeagernessCatherinegazedtowardstheentranceofherchamber.Hedidnothittherightroomdirectly:shemotionedmetoadmithim,buthefounditoutereIcouldreachthedoor,andinastrideortwowasatherside,andhadhergraspedinhisarms.

Heneitherspokenorloosedhisholdforsomefiveminutes,duringwhichperiodhebestowedmorekissesthaneverhegaveinhislifebefore,Idaresay:butthenmymistresshadkissedhimfirst,andIplainlysawthathecouldhardlybear,fordownrightagony,tolookintoherface!Thesameconvictionhadstrickenhimasme,fromtheinstanthebeheldher,thattherewasnoprospectofultimaterecoverythere—shewasfated,suretodie.

‘Oh,Cathy!Oh,mylife!howcanIbearit?’wasthefirstsentenceheuttered,inatonethatdidnotseektodisguisehisdespair.AndnowhestaredathersoearnestlythatIthoughttheveryintensityofhisgazewouldbringtearsintohiseyes;buttheyburnedwithanguish:theydidnotmelt.

‘Whatnow?’saidCatherine,leaningback,andreturninghislookwithasuddenlycloudedbrow:herhumourwasamerevaneforconstantlyvaryingcaprices.‘YouandEdgarhavebrokenmyheart,Heathcliff!Andyoubothcometobewailthedeedtome,asifyouwerethepeopletobepitied!Ishallnotpityyou,notI.Youhavekilledme—andthrivenonit,Ithink.Howstrongyouare!HowmanyyearsdoyoumeantoliveafterIamgone?’

Heathcliffhadkneltononekneetoembraceher;heattemptedtorise,butsheseizedhishair,andkepthimdown.

‘IwishIcouldholdyou,’shecontinued,bitterly,‘tillwewerebothdead!Ishouldn’tcarewhatyousuffered.Icarenothingforyoursufferings.Whyshouldn’tyousuffer?Ido!Willyouforgetme?WillyoubehappywhenIamintheearth?Willyousaytwentyyearshence,“That’sthegraveofCatherineEarnshaw?Ilovedherlongago,andwaswretchedtoloseher;butitispast.I’velovedmanyotherssince:mychildrenaredearertomethanshewas;and,atdeath,IshallnotrejoicethatIamgoingtoher:IshallbesorrythatImustleavethem!”Willyousayso,Heathcliff?’

‘Don’ttorturemetillI’masmadasyourself,’criedhe,wrenchinghisheadfree,andgrindinghisteeth.

Thetwo,toacoolspectator,madeastrangeandfearfulpicture.WellmightCatherinedeemthatheavenwouldbealandofexiletoher,unlesswithhermortalbodyshecastawayhermoralcharacteralso.Herpresentcountenancehadawildvindictivenessinitswhitecheek,andabloodlesslipandscintillatingeye;andsheretainedinherclosedfingersaportionofthelocksshehadbeengrasping.Astohercompanion,whileraisinghimselfwithonehand,hehadtakenherarmwiththeother;andsoinadequatewashisstockofgentlenesstotherequirementsofhercondition,thatonhislettinggoIsawfourdistinctimpressionsleftblueinthecolourlessskin.

‘Areyoupossessedwithadevil,’hepursued,savagely,‘totalkinthatmannertomewhenyouaredying?Doyoureflectthatallthosewordswillbebrandedinmymemory,andeatingdeepereternallyafteryouhaveleftme?YouknowyoulietosayIhavekilledyou:and,Catherine,youknowthatIcouldassoonforgetyouasmyexistence!Isitnotsufficientforyourinfernalselfishness,thatwhileyouareatpeaceIshallwritheinthetormentsofhell?’

‘Ishallnotbeatpeace,’moanedCatherine,recalledtoasenseofphysicalweaknessbytheviolent,unequalthrobbingofherheart,whichbeatvisiblyandaudiblyunderthisexcessofagitation.Shesaidnothingfurthertilltheparoxysmwasover;thenshecontinued,morekindly—

‘I’mnotwishingyougreatertormentthanIhave,Heathcliff.Ionlywishusnevertobeparted:andshouldawordofminedistressyouhereafter,thinkIfeelthesamedistressunderground,andformyownsake,forgiveme!Comehereandkneeldownagain!Youneverharmedmeinyourlife.Nay,ifyounurseanger,thatwillbeworsetorememberthanmyharshwords!Won’tyoucomehereagain?Do!’

Heathcliffwenttothebackofherchair,andleantover,butnotsofarastoletherseehisface,whichwaslividwithemotion.Shebentroundtolookat

him;hewouldnotpermitit:turningabruptly,hewalkedtothefireplace,wherehestood,silent,withhisbacktowardsus.Mrs.Linton’sglancefollowedhimsuspiciously:everymovementwokeanewsentimentinher.Afterapauseandaprolongedgaze,sheresumed;addressingmeinaccentsofindignantdisappointment:—

‘Oh,yousee,Nelly,hewouldnotrelentamomenttokeepmeoutofthegrave.ThatishowI’mloved!Well,nevermind.ThatisnotmyHeathcliff.Ishalllovemineyet;andtakehimwithme:he’sinmysoul.And,’addedshemusingly,‘thethingthatirksmemostisthisshatteredprison,afterall.I’mtiredofbeingenclosedhere.I’mwearyingtoescapeintothatgloriousworld,andtobealwaysthere:notseeingitdimlythroughtears,andyearningforitthroughthewallsofanachingheart:butreallywithit,andinit.Nelly,youthinkyouarebetterandmorefortunatethanI;infullhealthandstrength:youaresorryforme—verysoonthatwillbealtered.Ishallbesorryforyou.Ishallbeincomparablybeyondandaboveyouall.Iwonderhewon’tbenearme!’Shewentontoherself.‘Ithoughthewishedit.Heathcliff,dear!youshouldnotbesullennow.Docometome,Heathcliff.’

Inhereagernesssheroseandsupportedherselfonthearmofthechair.Atthatearnestappealheturnedtoher,lookingabsolutelydesperate.Hiseyes,wideandwet,atlastflashedfiercelyonher;hisbreastheavedconvulsively.Aninstanttheyheldasunder,andthenhowtheymetIhardlysaw,butCatherinemadeaspring,andhecaughther,andtheywerelockedinanembracefromwhichIthoughtmymistresswouldneverbereleasedalive:infact,tomyeyes,sheseemeddirectlyinsensible.Heflunghimselfintothenearestseat,andonmyapproachinghurriedlytoascertainifshehadfainted,hegnashedatme,andfoamedlikeamaddog,andgatheredhertohimwithgreedyjealousy.IdidnotfeelasifIwereinthecompanyofacreatureofmyownspecies:itappearedthathewouldnotunderstand,thoughIspoketohim;soIstoodoff,andheldmytongue,ingreatperplexity.

AmovementofCatherine’s relievedmea littlepresently: sheputupherhandtoclasphisneck,andbringhercheektohisasheheldher;whilehe,inreturn,coveringherwithfranticcaresses,saidwildly—

‘Youteachmenowhowcruelyou’vebeen—cruelandfalse.Whydidyoudespiseme?Whydidyoubetrayyourownheart,Cathy?Ihavenotonewordofcomfort.Youdeservethis.Youhavekilledyourself.Yes,youmaykissme,andcry;andwringoutmykissesandtears:they’llblightyou—they’lldamnyou.Youlovedme—thenwhatrighthadyoutoleaveme?Whatright—answerme—forthepoorfancyyoufeltforLinton?Becausemiseryanddegradation,anddeath,andnothingthatGodorSatancouldinflictwouldhavepartedus,you,ofyourownwill,didit.Ihavenotbrokenyourheart—youhavebrokenit;andinbreakingit,youhavebrokenmine.Somuchtheworse

formethatIamstrong.DoIwanttolive?Whatkindoflivingwillitbewhenyou—oh,God!wouldyouliketolivewithyoursoulinthegrave?’

‘Letmealone.Letmealone,’sobbedCatherine.‘IfI’vedonewrong,I’mdyingforit.Itisenough!Youleftmetoo:butIwon’tupbraidyou!Iforgiveyou.Forgiveme!’

‘Itishardtoforgive,andtolookatthoseeyes,andfeelthosewastedhands,’heanswered.‘Kissmeagain;anddon’tletmeseeyoureyes!Iforgivewhatyouhavedonetome.Ilovemymurderer—butyours!HowcanI?’

Theyweresilent—theirfaceshidagainsteachother,andwashedbyeachother’stears.Atleast,Isupposetheweepingwasonbothsides;asitseemedHeathcliffcouldweeponagreatoccasionlikethis.

Igrewveryuncomfortable,meanwhile;fortheafternoonworefastaway,themanwhomIhadsentoffreturnedfromhiserrand,andIcoulddistinguish,bytheshineofthewesternsunupthevalley,aconcoursethickeningoutsideGimmertonchapelporch.

‘Serviceisover,’Iannounced.‘Mymasterwillbehereinhalfanhour.’

Heathcliff groaned a curse, and strained Catherine closer: she nevermoved.

ErelongIperceivedagroupoftheservantspassinguptheroadtowardsthekitchenwing.Mr.Lintonwasnotfarbehind;heopenedthegatehimselfandsaunteredslowlyup,probablyenjoyingthelovelyafternoonthatbreathedassoftassummer.

‘Nowheishere,’Iexclaimed.‘Forheaven’ssake,hurrydown!You’llnotmeetanyoneonthefrontstairs.Dobequick;andstayamongthetreestillheisfairlyin.’

‘Imustgo,Cathy,’saidHeathcliff,seekingtoextricatehimselffromhiscompanion’sarms.‘ButifIlive,I’llseeyouagainbeforeyouareasleep.Iwon’tstrayfiveyardsfromyourwindow.’

‘Youmustnotgo!’sheanswered,holdinghimasfirmlyasherstrengthallowed.‘Youshallnot,Itellyou.’

‘Foronehour,’hepleadedearnestly.

‘Notforoneminute,’shereplied.

‘Imust—Lintonwillbeupimmediately,’persistedthealarmedintruder.

Hewouldhave risen,andunfixedher fingersby theact—sheclungfast,gasping:therewasmadresolutioninherface.

‘No!’sheshrieked.‘Oh,don’t,don’tgo.Itisthelasttime!Edgarwillnothurtus.Heathcliff,Ishalldie!Ishalldie!’

‘Damnthefool!Thereheis,’criedHeathcliff,sinkingbackintohisseat.‘Hush,mydarling!Hush,hush,Catherine!I’llstay.Ifheshotmeso,I’dexpirewithablessingonmylips.’

Andtheretheywerefastagain.Iheardmymastermountingthestairs—thecoldsweatranfrommyforehead:Iwashorrified.

‘Areyougoingtolistentoherravings?’Isaid,passionately.‘Shedoesnotknowwhatshesays.Willyouruinher,becauseshehasnotwittohelpherself?Getup!Youcouldbefreeinstantly.Thatisthemostdiabolicaldeedthateveryoudid.Wearealldonefor—master,mistress,andservant.’

Iwrungmyhands,andcriedout;andMr.Lintonhastenedhisstepatthenoise.Inthemidstofmyagitation,IwassincerelygladtoobservethatCatherine’sarmshadfallenrelaxed,andherheadhungdown.

‘She’sfainted,ordead,’Ithought:‘somuchthebetter.Farbetterthatsheshouldbedead,thanlingeringaburdenandamisery-makertoallabouther.’

Edgarsprangtohisunbiddenguest,blanchedwithastonishmentandrage.WhathemeanttodoIcannottell;however,theotherstoppedalldemonstrations,atonce,byplacingthelifeless-lookingforminhisarms.

‘Lookthere!’hesaid.‘Unlessyoubeafiend,helpherfirst—thenyoushallspeaktome!’

Hewalkedintotheparlour,andsatdown.Mr.Lintonsummonedme,andwithgreatdifficulty,andafterresortingtomanymeans,wemanagedtorestorehertosensation;butshewasallbewildered;shesighed,andmoaned,andknewnobody.Edgar,inhisanxietyforher,forgotherhatedfriend.Ididnot.Iwent,attheearliestopportunity,andbesoughthimtodepart;affirmingthatCatherinewasbetter,andheshouldhearfrommeinthemorninghowshepassedthenight.

‘Ishallnotrefusetogooutofdoors,’heanswered;‘butIshallstayinthegarden:and,Nelly,mindyoukeepyourwordto-morrow.Ishallbeunderthoselarch-trees.Mind!orIpayanothervisit,whetherLintonbeinornot.’

He sent a rapid glance through the half-open door of the chamber, and,ascertainingthatwhatIstatedwasapparentlytrue,deliveredthehouseofhislucklesspresence.

CHAPTERXVI

Abouttwelveo’clockthatnightwasborntheCatherineyousawatWutheringHeights:apuny,seven-months’child;andtwohoursafterthemotherdied,havingneverrecoveredsufficientconsciousnesstomissHeathcliff,orknowEdgar.Thelatter’sdistractionathisbereavementisasubjecttoopainfultobedwelton;itsafter-effectsshowedhowdeepthesorrowsunk.Agreataddition,inmyeyes,washisbeingleftwithoutanheir.Ibemoanedthat,asIgazedonthefeebleorphan;andImentallyabusedoldLintonfor(whatwasonlynaturalpartiality)thesecuringhisestatetohisowndaughter,insteadofhisson’s.Anunwelcomedinfantitwas,poorthing!Itmighthavewailedoutoflife,andnobodycaredamorsel,duringthosefirsthoursofexistence.Weredeemedtheneglectafterwards;butitsbeginningwasasfriendlessasitsendislikelytobe.

Nextmorning—brightandcheerfuloutofdoors—stolesoftenedinthroughtheblindsofthesilentroom,andsuffusedthecouchanditsoccupantwithamellow,tenderglow.EdgarLintonhadhisheadlaidonthepillow,andhiseyesshut.Hisyoungandfairfeatureswerealmostasdeathlikeasthoseoftheformbesidehim,andalmostasfixed:buthiswasthehushofexhaustedanguish,andhersofperfectpeace.Herbrowsmooth,herlidsclosed,herlipswearingtheexpressionofasmile;noangelinheavencouldbemorebeautifulthansheappeared.AndIpartookoftheinfinitecalminwhichshelay:mymindwasneverinaholierframethanwhileIgazedonthatuntroubledimageofDivinerest.Iinstinctivelyechoedthewordsshehadutteredafewhoursbefore:‘Incomparablybeyondandaboveusall!Whetherstillonearthornowinheaven,herspiritisathomewithGod!’

Idon’tknowifitbeapeculiarityinme,butIamseldomotherwisethanhappywhilewatchinginthechamberofdeath,shouldnofrenziedordespairingmournersharethedutywithme.Iseeareposethatneitherearthnorhellcanbreak,andIfeelanassuranceoftheendlessandshadowlesshereafter—theEternitytheyhaveentered—wherelifeisboundlessinitsduration,andloveinitssympathy,andjoyinitsfulness.InoticedonthatoccasionhowmuchselfishnessthereiseveninalovelikeMr.Linton’s,whenhesoregrettedCatherine’sblessedrelease!Tobesure,onemighthavedoubted,afterthewaywardandimpatientexistenceshehadled,whethershemeritedahavenofpeaceatlast.Onemightdoubtinseasonsofcoldreflection;butnotthen,inthepresenceofhercorpse.Itasserteditsowntranquillity,whichseemedapledgeofequalquiettoitsformerinhabitant.

Doyoubelievesuchpeoplearehappyintheotherworld,sir?I’dgiveagreatdealtoknow.

IdeclinedansweringMrs.Dean’squestion,whichstruckmeassomethingheterodox.Sheproceeded:

RetracingthecourseofCatherineLinton,Ifearwehavenorighttothinksheis;butwe’llleaveherwithherMaker.

Themasterlookedasleep,andIventuredsoonaftersunrisetoquittheroomandstealouttothepurerefreshingair.Theservantsthoughtmegonetoshakeoffthedrowsinessofmyprotractedwatch;inreality,mychiefmotivewasseeingMr.Heathcliff.Ifhehadremainedamongthelarchesallnight,hewouldhaveheardnothingofthestirattheGrange;unless,perhaps,hemightcatchthegallopofthemessengergoingtoGimmerton.Ifhehadcomenearer,hewouldprobablybeaware,fromthelightsflittingtoandfro,andtheopeningandshuttingoftheouterdoors,thatallwasnotrightwithin.Iwished,yetfeared,tofindhim.Ifelttheterriblenewsmustbetold,andIlongedtogetitover;buthowtodoitIdidnotknow.Hewasthere—atleast,afewyardsfurtherinthepark;leantagainstanoldash-tree,hishatoff,andhishairsoakedwiththedewthathadgatheredonthebuddedbranches,andfellpatteringroundhim.Hehadbeenstandingalongtimeinthatposition,forIsawapairofouselspassingandrepassingscarcelythreefeetfromhim,busyinbuildingtheirnest,andregardinghisproximitynomorethanthatofapieceoftimber.Theyflewoffatmyapproach,andheraisedhiseyesandspoke:—‘She’sdead!’hesaid;‘I’venotwaitedforyoutolearnthat.Putyourhandkerchiefaway—don’tsnivelbeforeme.Damnyouall!shewantsnoneofyourtears!’

Iwasweepingasmuchforhimasher:wedosometimespitycreaturesthathavenoneofthefeelingeitherforthemselvesorothers.WhenIfirstlookedintohisface,Iperceivedthathehadgotintelligenceofthecatastrophe;andafoolishnotionstruckmethathisheartwasquelledandheprayed,becausehislipsmovedandhisgazewasbentontheground.

‘Yes,she’sdead!’Ianswered,checkingmysobsanddryingmycheeks.‘Gonetoheaven,Ihope;wherewemay,everyone,joinher,ifwetakeduewarningandleaveourevilwaystofollowgood!’

‘Didshetakeduewarning,then?’askedHeathcliff,attemptingasneer.‘Didshedielikeasaint?Come,givemeatruehistoryoftheevent.Howdid—?’

Heendeavouredtopronouncethename,butcouldnotmanageit;andcompressinghismouthheheldasilentcombatwithhisinwardagony,defying,meanwhile,mysympathywithanunflinching,ferociousstare.‘Howdidshedie?’heresumed,atlast—fain,notwithstandinghishardihood,tohaveasupportbehindhim;for,afterthestruggle,hetrembled,inspiteofhimself,tohisveryfinger-ends.

‘Poorwretch!’Ithought;‘youhaveaheartandnervesthesameasyourbrothermen!Whyshouldyoubeanxioustoconcealthem?Yourpridecannot

blindGod!Youtempthimtowringthem,tillheforcesacryofhumiliation.’

‘Quietlyasalamb!’Ianswered,aloud.‘Shedrewasigh,andstretchedherself,likeachildreviving,andsinkingagaintosleep;andfiveminutesafterIfeltonelittlepulseatherheart,andnothingmore!’

‘And—didsheevermentionme?’heasked,hesitating,asifhedreadedtheanswertohisquestionwouldintroducedetailsthathecouldnotbeartohear.

‘Hersensesneverreturned:sherecognisednobodyfromthetimeyoulefther,’Isaid.‘Shelieswithasweetsmileonherface;andherlatestideaswanderedbacktopleasantearlydays.Herlifeclosedinagentledream—mayshewakeaskindlyintheotherworld!’

‘Mayshewakeintorment!’hecried,withfrightfulvehemence,stampinghisfoot,andgroaninginasuddenparoxysmofungovernablepassion.‘Why,she’saliartotheend!Whereisshe?Notthere—notinheaven—notperished—where?Oh!yousaidyoucarednothingformysufferings!AndIprayoneprayer—Irepeatittillmytonguestiffens—CatherineEarnshaw,mayyounotrestaslongasIamliving;yousaidIkilledyou—hauntme,then!Themurdereddohaunttheirmurderers,Ibelieve.Iknowthatghostshavewanderedonearth.Bewithmealways—takeanyform—drivememad!onlydonotleavemeinthisabyss,whereIcannotfindyou!Oh,God!itisunutterable!Icannotlivewithoutmylife!Icannotlivewithoutmysoul!’

Hedashedhisheadagainsttheknottedtrunk;and,liftinguphiseyes,howled,notlikeaman,butlikeasavagebeastbeinggoadedtodeathwithknivesandspears.Iobservedseveralsplashesofbloodaboutthebarkofthetree,andhishandandforeheadwerebothstained;probablythesceneIwitnessedwasarepetitionofothersactedduringthenight.Ithardlymovedmycompassion—itappalledme:still,Ifeltreluctanttoquithimso.Butthemomentherecollectedhimselfenoughtonoticemewatching,hethunderedacommandformetogo,andIobeyed.Hewasbeyondmyskilltoquietorconsole!

Mrs.Linton’sfuneralwasappointedtotakeplaceontheFridayfollowingherdecease;andtillthenhercoffinremaineduncovered,andstrewnwithflowersandscentedleaves,inthegreatdrawing-room.Lintonspenthisdaysandnightsthere,asleeplessguardian;and—acircumstanceconcealedfromallbutme—Heathcliffspenthisnights,atleast,outside,equallyastrangertorepose.Iheldnocommunicationwithhim:still,Iwasconsciousofhisdesigntoenter,ifhecould;andontheTuesday,alittleafterdark,whenmymaster,fromsheerfatigue,hadbeencompelledtoretireacoupleofhours,Iwentandopenedoneofthewindows;movedbyhisperseverancetogivehimachanceofbestowingonthefadedimageofhisidolonefinaladieu.Hedidnotomittoavailhimselfoftheopportunity,cautiouslyandbriefly;toocautiouslyto

betrayhispresencebytheslightestnoise.Indeed,Ishouldn’thavediscoveredthathehadbeenthere,exceptforthedisarrangementofthedraperyaboutthecorpse’sface,andforobservingontheflooracurloflighthair,fastenedwithasilverthread;which,onexamination,IascertainedtohavebeentakenfromalockethungroundCatherine’sneck.Heathcliffhadopenedthetrinketandcastoutitscontents,replacingthembyablacklockofhisown.Itwistedthetwo,andenclosedthemtogether.

Mr.Earnshawwas,ofcourse,invitedtoattendtheremainsofhissistertothegrave;hesentnoexcuse,buthenevercame;sothat,besidesherhusband,themournerswerewhollycomposedoftenantsandservants.Isabellawasnotasked.

TheplaceofCatherine’sinterment,tothesurpriseofthevillagers,wasneitherinthechapelunderthecarvedmonumentoftheLintons,noryetbythetombsofherownrelations,outside.Itwasdugonagreenslopeinacornerofthekirk-yard,wherethewallissolowthatheathandbilberry-plantshaveclimbedoveritfromthemoor;andpeat-mouldalmostburiesit.Herhusbandliesinthesamespotnow;andtheyhaveeachasimpleheadstoneabove,andaplaingreyblockattheirfeet,tomarkthegraves.

CHAPTERXVII

ThatFridaymadethelastofourfinedaysforamonth.Intheeveningtheweatherbroke:thewindshiftedfromsouthtonorth-east,andbroughtrainfirst,andthensleetandsnow.Onthemorrowonecouldhardlyimaginethattherehadbeenthreeweeksofsummer:theprimrosesandcrocuseswerehiddenunderwintrydrifts;thelarksweresilent,theyoungleavesoftheearlytreessmittenandblackened.Anddreary,andchill,anddismal,thatmorrowdidcreepover!Mymasterkepthisroom;Itookpossessionofthelonelyparlour,convertingitintoanursery:andthereIwas,sittingwiththemoaningdollofachildlaidonmyknee;rockingittoandfro,andwatching,meanwhile,thestilldrivingflakesbuilduptheuncurtainedwindow,whenthedooropened,andsomepersonentered,outofbreathandlaughing!Myangerwasgreaterthanmyastonishmentforaminute.Isupposeditoneofthemaids,andIcried—‘Havedone!Howdareyoushowyourgiddinesshere;WhatwouldMr.Lintonsayifheheardyou?’

‘Excuseme!’answeredafamiliarvoice;‘butIknowEdgarisinbed,andIcannotstopmyself.’

With that the speaker came forward to the fire, panting and holding her

handtoherside.

‘IhaverunthewholewayfromWutheringHeights!’shecontinued,afterapause;‘exceptwhereI’veflown.Icouldn’tcountthenumberoffallsI’vehad.Oh,I’machingallover!Don’tbealarmed!ThereshallbeanexplanationassoonasIcangiveit;onlyjusthavethegoodnesstostepoutandorderthecarriagetotakemeontoGimmerton,andtellaservanttoseekupafewclothesinmywardrobe.’

TheintruderwasMrs.Heathcliff.Shecertainlyseemedinnolaughingpredicament:herhairstreamedonhershoulders,drippingwithsnowandwater;shewasdressedinthegirlishdressshecommonlywore,befittingheragemorethanherposition:alowfrockwithshortsleeves,andnothingoneitherheadorneck.Thefrockwasoflightsilk,andclungtoherwithwet,andherfeetwereprotectedmerelybythinslippers;addtothisadeepcutunderoneear,whichonlythecoldpreventedfrombleedingprofusely,awhitefacescratchedandbruised,andaframehardlyabletosupportitselfthroughfatigue;andyoumayfancymyfirstfrightwasnotmuchallayedwhenIhadhadleisuretoexamineher.

‘Mydearyounglady,’Iexclaimed,‘I’llstirnowhere,andhearnothing,tillyou have removed every article of your clothes, and put on dry things; andcertainlyyoushallnotgotoGimmertonto-night,soitisneedlesstoorderthecarriage.’

‘CertainlyIshall,’shesaid;‘walkingorriding:yetI’venoobjectiontodressmyselfdecently.And—ah,seehowitflowsdownmynecknow!Thefiredoesmakeitsmart.’

Sheinsistedonmyfulfillingherdirections,beforeshewouldletmetouchher; and not till after the coachman had been instructed to get ready, and amaidsettopackupsomenecessaryattire,didIobtainherconsentforbindingthewoundandhelpingtochangehergarments.

‘Now,Ellen,’shesaid,whenmytaskwasfinishedandshewasseatedinaneasy-chaironthehearth,withacupofteabeforeher,‘yousitdownoppositeme,andputpoorCatherine’sbabyaway:Idon’tliketoseeit!Youmustn’tthinkIcarelittleforCatherine,becauseIbehavedsofoolishlyonentering:I’vecried,too,bitterly—yes,morethananyoneelsehasreasontocry.Wepartedunreconciled,youremember,andIsha’n’tforgivemyself.But,forallthat,Iwasnotgoingtosympathisewithhim—thebrutebeast!Oh,givemethepoker!ThisisthelastthingofhisIhaveaboutme:’sheslippedthegoldringfromherthirdfinger,andthrewitonthefloor.‘I’llsmashit!’shecontinued,strikingitwithchildishspite,‘andthenI’llburnit!’andshetookanddroppedthemisusedarticleamongthecoals.‘There!heshallbuyanother,ifhegetsmebackagain.He’dbecapableofcomingtoseekme,to

teaseEdgar.Idarenotstay,lestthatnotionshouldpossesshiswickedhead!Andbesides,Edgarhasnotbeenkind,hashe?AndIwon’tcomesuingforhisassistance;norwillIbringhimintomoretrouble.Necessitycompelledmetoseekshelterhere;though,ifIhadnotlearnedhewasoutoftheway,I’dhavehaltedatthekitchen,washedmyface,warmedmyself,gotyoutobringwhatIwanted,anddepartedagaintoanywhereoutofthereachofmyaccursed—ofthatincarnategoblin!Ah,hewasinsuchafury!Ifhehadcaughtme!It’sapityEarnshawisnothismatchinstrength:Iwouldn’thaveruntillI’dseenhimallbutdemolished,hadHindleybeenabletodoit!’

‘Well,don’ttalksofast,Miss!’Iinterrupted;‘you’lldisorderthehandkerchiefIhavetiedroundyourface,andmakethecutbleedagain.Drinkyourtea,andtakebreath,andgiveoverlaughing:laughterissadlyoutofplaceunderthisroof,andinyourcondition!’

‘Anundeniabletruth,’shereplied.‘Listentothatchild!Itmaintainsaconstantwail—senditoutofmyhearingforanhour;Isha’n’tstayanylonger.’

I rang the bell, and committed it to a servant’s care; and then I inquiredwhat had urged her to escape fromWuthering Heights in such an unlikelyplight,andwhereshemeanttogo,assherefusedremainingwithus.

‘Iought,andIwishedtoremain,’answeredshe,‘tocheerEdgarandtakecareofthebaby,fortwothings,andbecausetheGrangeismyrighthome.ButItellyouhewouldn’tletme!Doyouthinkhecouldbeartoseemegrowfatandmerry—couldbeartothinkthatweweretranquil,andnotresolveonpoisoningourcomfort?Now,Ihavethesatisfactionofbeingsurethathedetestsme,tothepointofitsannoyinghimseriouslytohavemewithinear-shotoreyesight:Inotice,whenIenterhispresence,themusclesofhiscountenanceareinvoluntarilydistortedintoanexpressionofhatred;partlyarisingfromhisknowledgeofthegoodcausesIhavetofeelthatsentimentforhim,andpartlyfromoriginalaversion.ItisstrongenoughtomakemefeelprettycertainthathewouldnotchasemeoverEngland,supposingIcontrivedaclearescape;andthereforeImustgetquiteaway.I’verecoveredfrommyfirstdesiretobekilledbyhim:I’dratherhe’dkillhimself!Hehasextinguishedmyloveeffectually,andsoI’matmyease.IcanrecollectyethowIlovedhim;andcandimlyimaginethatIcouldstillbelovinghim,if—no,no!Evenifhehaddotedonme,thedevilishnaturewouldhaverevealeditsexistencesomehow.Catherinehadanawfullypervertedtastetoesteemhimsodearly,knowinghimsowell.Monster!wouldthathecouldbeblottedoutofcreation,andoutofmymemory!’

‘Hush,hush!He’sahumanbeing,’Isaid.‘Bemorecharitable:thereareworsementhanheisyet!’

‘He’snotahumanbeing,’sheretorted;‘andhehasnoclaimonmycharity.Igavehimmyheart,andhetookandpinchedittodeath,andflungitbacktome.Peoplefeelwiththeirhearts,Ellen:andsincehehasdestroyedmine,Ihavenotpowertofeelforhim:andIwouldnot,thoughhegroanedfromthistohisdyingday,andwepttearsofbloodforCatherine!No,indeed,indeed,Iwouldn’t!’AndhereIsabellabegantocry;but,immediatelydashingthewaterfromherlashes,sherecommenced.‘Youasked,whathasdrivenmetoflightatlast?Iwascompelledtoattemptit,becauseIhadsucceededinrousinghisrageapitchabovehismalignity.Pullingoutthenerveswithredhotpincersrequiresmorecoolnessthanknockingonthehead.Hewasworkeduptoforgetthefiendishprudenceheboastedof,andproceededtomurderousviolence.Iexperiencedpleasureinbeingabletoexasperatehim:thesenseofpleasurewokemyinstinctofself-preservation,soIfairlybrokefree;andifeverIcomeintohishandsagainheiswelcometoasignalrevenge.

‘Yesterday,youknow,Mr.Earnshawshouldhavebeenatthefuneral.Hekepthimselfsoberforthepurpose—tolerablysober:notgoingtobedmadatsixo’clockandgettingupdrunkattwelve.Consequently,herose,insuicidallowspirits,asfitforthechurchasforadance;andinstead,hesatdownbythefireandswallowedginorbrandybytumblerfuls.

‘Heathcliff—Ishuddertonamehim!hasbeenastrangerinthehousefromlastSundaytillto-day.Whethertheangelshavefedhim,orhiskinbeneath,Icannottell;buthehasnoteatenamealwithusfornearlyaweek.Hehasjustcomehomeatdawn,andgoneup-stairstohischamber;lockinghimselfin—asifanybodydreamtofcovetinghiscompany!Therehehascontinued,prayinglikeaMethodist:onlythedeityheimploredissenselessdustandashes;andGod,whenaddressed,wascuriouslyconfoundedwithhisownblackfather!Afterconcludingthesepreciousorisons—andtheylastedgenerallytillhegrewhoarseandhisvoicewasstrangledinhisthroat—hewouldbeoffagain;alwaysstraightdowntotheGrange!IwonderEdgardidnotsendforaconstable,andgivehimintocustody!Forme,grievedasIwasaboutCatherine,itwasimpossibletoavoidregardingthisseasonofdeliverancefromdegradingoppressionasaholiday.

‘IrecoveredspiritssufficienttobearJoseph’seternallectureswithoutweeping,andtomoveupanddownthehouselesswiththefootofafrightenedthiefthanformerly.Youwouldn’tthinkthatIshouldcryatanythingJosephcouldsay;butheandHaretonaredetestablecompanions.I’drathersitwithHindley,andhearhisawfultalk,thanwith“t’littlemaister”andhisstaunchsupporter,thatodiousoldman!WhenHeathcliffisin,I’moftenobligedtoseekthekitchenandtheirsociety,orstarveamongthedampuninhabitedchambers;whenheisnot,aswasthecasethisweek,Iestablishatableandchairatonecornerofthehousefire,andnevermindhowMr.Earnshawmay

occupyhimself;andhedoesnotinterferewithmyarrangements.Heisquieternowthanheusedtobe,ifnooneprovokeshim:moresullenanddepressed,andlessfurious.Josephaffirmshe’ssurehe’sanalteredman:thattheLordhastouchedhisheart,andheissaved“soasbyfire.”I’mpuzzledtodetectsignsofthefavourablechange:butitisnotmybusiness.

‘Yester-eveningIsatinmynookreadingsomeoldbookstilllateontowardstwelve.Itseemedsodismaltogoup-stairs,withthewildsnowblowingoutside,andmythoughtscontinuallyrevertingtothekirk-yardandthenew-madegrave!Idaredhardlyliftmyeyesfromthepagebeforeme,thatmelancholyscenesoinstantlyusurpeditsplace.Hindleysatopposite,hisheadleantonhishand;perhapsmeditatingonthesamesubject.Hehadceaseddrinkingatapointbelowirrationality,andhadneitherstirrednorspokenduringtwoorthreehours.Therewasnosoundthroughthehousebutthemoaningwind,whichshookthewindowseverynowandthen,thefaintcracklingofthecoals,andtheclickofmysnuffersasIremovedatintervalsthelongwickofthecandle.HaretonandJosephwereprobablyfastasleepinbed.Itwasvery,verysad:andwhileIreadIsighed,foritseemedasifalljoyhadvanishedfromtheworld,nevertoberestored.

‘Thedolefulsilencewasbrokenatlengthbythesoundofthekitchenlatch:Heathcliffhadreturnedfromhiswatchearlierthanusual;owing,Isuppose,tothesuddenstorm.Thatentrancewasfastened,andweheardhimcomingroundtogetinbytheother.IrosewithanirrepressibleexpressionofwhatIfeltonmylips,whichinducedmycompanion,whohadbeenstaringtowardsthedoor,toturnandlookatme.

‘“I’llkeephimoutfiveminutes,”heexclaimed.“Youwon’tobject?”

‘“No,youmaykeephimoutthewholenightforme,”Ianswered.“Do!putthekeyinthelock,anddrawthebolts.”

‘Earnshawaccomplishedthiserehisguestreachedthefront;hethencameand brought his chair to the other side of my table, leaning over it, andsearchinginmyeyesforasympathywiththeburninghatethatgleamedfromhis:ashebothlookedandfeltlikeanassassin,hecouldn’texactlyfindthat;buthediscoveredenoughtoencouragehimtospeak.

‘“You,andI,”hesaid,“haveeachagreatdebttosettlewiththemanoutyonder!Ifwewereneitherofuscowards,wemightcombinetodischargeit.Areyouassoftasyourbrother?Areyouwillingtoenduretothelast,andnotonceattemptarepayment?”

‘“I’mwearyofenduringnow,”Ireplied;“andI’dbegladofaretaliationthatwouldn’trecoilonmyself;buttreacheryandviolencearespearspointedatbothends;theywoundthosewhoresorttothemworsethantheirenemies.”

‘“Treacheryandviolenceareajustreturnfortreacheryandviolence!”criedHindley.“Mrs.Heathcliff,I’llaskyoutodonothing;butsitstillandbedumb.Tellmenow,canyou?I’msureyouwouldhaveasmuchpleasureasIinwitnessingtheconclusionofthefiend’sexistence;he’llbeyourdeathunlessyouoverreachhim;andhe’llbemyruin.Damnthehellishvillain!Heknocksatthedoorasifheweremasterherealready!Promisetoholdyourtongue,andbeforethatclockstrikes—itwantsthreeminutesofone—you’reafreewoman!”

‘HetooktheimplementswhichIdescribedtoyouinmyletterfromhisbreast,andwouldhaveturneddownthecandle.Isnatcheditaway,however,andseizedhisarm.

‘“I’llnotholdmytongue!”Isaid;“youmustn’ttouchhim.Letthedoorremainshut,andbequiet!”

‘“No!I’veformedmyresolution,andbyGodI’llexecuteit!”criedthedesperatebeing.“I’lldoyouakindnessinspiteofyourself,andHaretonjustice!Andyouneedn’ttroubleyourheadtoscreenme;Catherineisgone.Nobodyalivewouldregretme,orbeashamed,thoughIcutmythroatthisminute—andit’stimetomakeanend!”

‘Imightaswellhavestruggledwithabear,orreasonedwithalunatic.Theonlyresourceleftmewastoruntoalatticeandwarnhisintendedvictimofthefatewhichawaitedhim.

‘“You’dbetterseeksheltersomewhereelseto-night!”Iexclaimed,inratheratriumphanttone.“Mr.Earnshawhasamindtoshootyou,ifyoupersistinendeavouringtoenter.”

‘“You’dbetteropenthedoor,you—”heanswered,addressingmebysomeeleganttermthatIdon’tcaretorepeat.

‘“Ishallnotmeddleinthematter,”Iretortedagain.“Comeinandgetshot,ifyouplease.I’vedonemyduty.”

‘WiththatIshutthewindowandreturnedtomyplacebythefire;havingtoosmallastockofhypocrisyatmycommandtopretendanyanxietyforthedangerthatmenacedhim.Earnshawsworepassionatelyatme:affirmingthatIlovedthevillainyet;andcallingmeallsortsofnamesforthebasespiritIevinced.AndI,inmysecretheart(andconscienceneverreproachedme),thoughtwhatablessingitwouldbeforhimshouldHeathcliffputhimoutofmisery;andwhatablessingformeshouldhesendHeathclifftohisrightabode!AsIsatnursingthesereflections,thecasementbehindmewasbangedontothefloorbyablowfromthelatterindividual,andhisblackcountenancelookedblightinglythrough.Thestanchionsstoodtooclosetosufferhisshoulderstofollow,andIsmiled,exultinginmyfanciedsecurity.Hishair

andclotheswerewhitenedwithsnow,andhissharpcannibalteeth,revealedbycoldandwrath,gleamedthroughthedark.

‘“Isabella,letmein,orI’llmakeyourepent!”he“girned,”asJosephcallsit.

‘“Icannotcommitmurder,”Ireplied.“Mr.Hindleystandssentinelwithaknifeandloadedpistol.”

‘“Letmeinbythekitchendoor,”hesaid.

‘“Hindleywillbetherebeforeme,”Ianswered:“andthat’sapoorloveofyoursthatcannotbearashowerofsnow!Wewereleftatpeaceinourbedsaslongasthesummermoonshone,butthemomentablastofwinterreturns,youmustrunforshelter!Heathcliff,ifIwereyou,I’dgostretchmyselfoverhergraveanddielikeafaithfuldog.Theworldissurelynotworthlivinginnow,isit?YouhaddistinctlyimpressedonmetheideathatCatherinewasthewholejoyofyourlife:Ican’timaginehowyouthinkofsurvivingherloss.”

‘“He’sthere,ishe?”exclaimedmycompanion,rushingtothegap.“IfIcangetmyarmoutIcanhithim!”

‘I’mafraid,Ellen,you’llsetmedownasreallywicked;butyoudon’tknowall,sodon’tjudge.Iwouldn’thaveaidedorabettedanattemptonevenhislifeforanything.Wishthatheweredead,Imust;andthereforeIwasfearfullydisappointed,andunnervedbyterrorfortheconsequencesofmytauntingspeech,whenheflunghimselfonEarnshaw’sweaponandwrencheditfromhisgrasp.

‘Thechargeexploded,andtheknife,inspringingback,closedintoitsowner’swrist.Heathcliffpulleditawaybymainforce,slittingupthefleshasitpassedon,andthrustitdrippingintohispocket.Hethentookastone,struckdownthedivisionbetweentwowindows,andsprangin.Hisadversaryhadfallensenselesswithexcessivepainandtheflowofblood,thatgushedfromanarteryoralargevein.Theruffiankickedandtrampledonhim,anddashedhisheadrepeatedlyagainsttheflags,holdingmewithonehand,meantime,topreventmesummoningJoseph.Heexertedpreterhumanself-denialinabstainingfromfinishinghimcompletely;butgettingoutofbreath,hefinallydesisted,anddraggedtheapparentlyinanimatebodyontothesettle.TherehetoreoffthesleeveofEarnshaw’scoat,andboundupthewoundwithbrutalroughness;spittingandcursingduringtheoperationasenergeticallyashehadkickedbefore.Beingatliberty,Ilostnotimeinseekingtheoldservant;who,havinggatheredbydegreesthepurportofmyhastytale,hurriedbelow,gasping,ashedescendedthestepstwoatonce.

‘“Whatisthertodo,now?whatisthertodo,now?”

‘“There’sthistodo,”thunderedHeathcliff,“thatyourmaster’smad;andshouldhelastanothermonth,I’llhavehimtoanasylum.Andhowthedevildidyoucometofastenmeout,youtoothlesshound?Don’tstandmutteringandmumblingthere.Come,I’mnotgoingtonursehim.Washthatstuffaway;andmindthesparksofyourcandle—itismorethanhalfbrandy!”

‘“Andsoye’vebeenmurtheringonhim?”exclaimedJoseph,liftinghishandsandeyesinhorror.“IfiverIseedaseeghtloikethis!MaytheLord—”

‘Heathcliffgavehimapushontohiskneesinthemiddleoftheblood,andflungatoweltohim;butinsteadofproceedingtodryitup,hejoinedhishandsandbeganaprayer,whichexcitedmylaughterfromitsoddphraseology.Iwasintheconditionofmindtobeshockedatnothing:infact,Iwasasrecklessassomemalefactorsshowthemselvesatthefootofthegallows.

‘“Oh,Iforgotyou,”saidthetyrant.“Youshalldothat.Downwithyou.Andyouconspirewithhimagainstme,doyou,viper?There,thatisworkfitforyou!”

‘Heshookmetillmyteethrattled,andpitchedmebesideJoseph,whosteadilyconcludedhissupplications,andthenrose,vowinghewouldsetofffortheGrangedirectly.Mr.Lintonwasamagistrate,andthoughhehadfiftywivesdead,heshouldinquireintothis.Hewassoobstinateinhisresolution,thatHeathcliffdeemeditexpedienttocompelfrommylipsarecapitulationofwhathadtakenplace;standingoverme,heavingwithmalevolence,asIreluctantlydeliveredtheaccountinanswertohisquestions.ItrequiredagreatdealoflabourtosatisfytheoldmanthatHeathcliffwasnottheaggressor;especiallywithmyhardly-wrungreplies.However,Mr.Earnshawsoonconvincedhimthathewasalivestill;Josephhastenedtoadministeradoseofspirits,andbytheirsuccourhismasterpresentlyregainedmotionandconsciousness.Heathcliff,awarethathisopponentwasignorantofthetreatmentreceivedwhileinsensible,calledhimdeliriouslyintoxicated;andsaidheshouldnotnoticehisatrociousconductfurther,butadvisedhimtogettobed.Tomyjoy,heleftus,aftergivingthisjudiciouscounsel,andHindleystretchedhimselfonthehearthstone.Idepartedtomyownroom,marvellingthatIhadescapedsoeasily.

‘Thismorning,whenIcamedown,abouthalfanhourbeforenoon,Mr.Earnshawwassittingbythefire,deadlysick;hisevilgenius,almostasgauntandghastly,leantagainstthechimney.Neitherappearedinclinedtodine,and,havingwaitedtillallwascoldonthetable,Icommencedalone.Nothinghinderedmefromeatingheartily,andIexperiencedacertainsenseofsatisfactionandsuperiority,as,atintervals,Icastalooktowardsmysilentcompanions,andfeltthecomfortofaquietconsciencewithinme.AfterIhad

done,Iventuredontheunusuallibertyofdrawingnearthefire,goingroundEarnshaw’sseat,andkneelinginthecornerbesidehim.

‘Heathcliffdidnotglancemyway,andIgazedup,andcontemplatedhisfeaturesalmostasconfidentlyasiftheyhadbeenturnedtostone.Hisforehead,thatIoncethoughtsomanly,andthatInowthinksodiabolical,wasshadedwithaheavycloud;hisbasiliskeyeswerenearlyquenchedbysleeplessness,andweeping,perhaps,forthelasheswerewetthen:hislipsdevoidoftheirferocioussneer,andsealedinanexpressionofunspeakablesadness.Haditbeenanother,Iwouldhavecoveredmyfaceinthepresenceofsuchgrief.Inhiscase,Iwasgratified;and,ignobleasitseemstoinsultafallenenemy,Icouldn’tmissthischanceofstickinginadart:hisweaknesswastheonlytimewhenIcouldtastethedelightofpayingwrongforwrong.’

‘Fie,fie,Miss!’Iinterrupted.‘OnemightsupposeyouhadneveropenedaBibleinyourlife.IfGodafflictyourenemies,surelythatoughttosufficeyou.Itisbothmeanandpresumptuoustoaddyourtorturetohis!’

‘IngeneralI’llallowthatitwouldbe,Ellen,’shecontinued;‘butwhatmiserylaidonHeathcliffcouldcontentme,unlessIhaveahandinit?I’dratherhesufferedless,ifImightcausehissufferingsandhemightknowthatIwasthecause.Oh,Iowehimsomuch.OnonlyoneconditioncanIhopetoforgivehim.Itis,ifImaytakeaneyeforaneye,atoothforatooth;foreverywrenchofagonyreturnawrench:reducehimtomylevel.Ashewasthefirsttoinjure,makehimthefirsttoimplorepardon;andthen—whythen,Ellen,Imightshowyousomegenerosity.ButitisutterlyimpossibleIcaneverberevenged,andthereforeIcannotforgivehim.Hindleywantedsomewater,andIhandedhimaglass,andaskedhimhowhewas.

‘“NotasillasIwish,”hereplied.“Butleavingoutmyarm,everyinchofmeisassoreasifIhadbeenfightingwithalegionofimps!”

‘“Yes,nowonder,”wasmynextremark.“Catherineusedtoboastthatshestoodbetweenyouandbodilyharm:shemeantthatcertainpersonswouldnothurtyouforfearofoffendingher.It’swellpeopledon’treallyrisefromtheirgrave,or,lastnight,shemighthavewitnessedarepulsivescene!Arenotyoubruised,andcutoveryourchestandshoulders?”

‘“Ican’tsay,”heanswered,“butwhatdoyoumean?DidhedaretostrikemewhenIwasdown?”

‘“Hetrampledonandkickedyou,anddashedyouontheground,”Iwhispered.“Andhismouthwateredtotearyouwithhisteeth;becausehe’sonlyhalfman:notsomuch,andtherestfiend.”

‘Mr.Earnshawlookedup,likeme,tothecountenanceofourmutualfoe;who,absorbedinhisanguish,seemedinsensibletoanythingaroundhim:the

longerhestood,theplainerhisreflectionsrevealedtheirblacknessthroughhisfeatures.

‘“Oh,ifGodwouldbutgivemestrengthtostranglehiminmylastagony,I’d go to hell with joy,” groaned the impatient man, writhing to rise, andsinkingbackindespair,convincedofhisinadequacyforthestruggle.

‘“Nay,it’senoughthathehasmurderedoneofyou,”Iobservedaloud.“AttheGrange,everyoneknowsyoursisterwouldhavebeenlivingnowhaditnotbeenforMr.Heathcliff.Afterall,itispreferabletobehatedthanlovedbyhim.WhenIrecollecthowhappywewere—howhappyCatherinewasbeforehecame—I’mfittocursetheday.”

‘Mostlikely,Heathcliffnoticedmorethetruthofwhatwassaid,thanthespiritofthepersonwhosaidit.Hisattentionwasroused,Isaw,forhiseyesraineddowntearsamongtheashes,andhedrewhisbreathinsuffocatingsighs.Istaredfullathim,andlaughedscornfully.Thecloudedwindowsofhellflashedamomenttowardsme;thefiendwhichusuallylookedout,however,wassodimmedanddrownedthatIdidnotfeartohazardanothersoundofderision.

‘“Getup,andbegoneoutofmysight,”saidthemourner.

‘I guessed he uttered thosewords, at least, though his voicewas hardlyintelligible.

‘“Ibegyourpardon,”Ireplied.“ButIlovedCatherinetoo;andherbrotherrequiresattendance,which,forhersake,Ishallsupply.Now,thatshe’sdead,IseeherinHindley:Hindleyhasexactlyhereyes,ifyouhadnottriedtogougethemout,andmadethemblackandred;andher—”

‘“Getup,wretchedidiot,beforeIstampyoutodeath!”hecried,makingamovementthatcausedmetomakeonealso.

‘“Butthen,”Icontinued,holdingmyselfreadytoflee,“ifpoorCatherinehadtrustedyou,andassumedtheridiculous,contemptible,degradingtitleofMrs.Heathcliff,shewouldsoonhavepresentedasimilarpicture!Shewouldn’thaveborneyourabominablebehaviourquietly:herdetestationanddisgustmusthavefoundvoice.”

‘ThebackofthesettleandEarnshaw’spersoninterposedbetweenmeandhim;soinsteadofendeavouringtoreachme,hesnatchedadinner-knifefromthetableandflungitatmyhead.Itstruckbeneathmyear,andstoppedthesentenceIwasuttering;but,pullingitout,Isprangtothedooranddeliveredanother;whichIhopewentalittledeeperthanhismissile.ThelastglimpseIcaughtofhimwasafuriousrushonhispart,checkedbytheembraceofhishost;andbothfelllockedtogetheronthehearth.Inmyflightthroughthe

kitchenIbidJosephspeedtohismaster;IknockedoverHareton,whowashangingalitterofpuppiesfromachair-backinthedoorway;and,blessedasasoulescapedfrompurgatory,Ibounded,leaped,andflewdownthesteeproad;then,quittingitswindings,shotdirectacrossthemoor,rollingoverbanks,andwadingthroughmarshes:precipitatingmyself,infact,towardsthebeacon-lightoftheGrange.AndfarratherwouldIbecondemnedtoaperpetualdwellingintheinfernalregionsthan,evenforonenight,abidebeneaththeroofofWutheringHeightsagain.’

Isabellaceasedspeaking,andtookadrinkoftea;thensherose,andbiddingmeputonherbonnet,andagreatshawlIhadbrought,andturningadeafeartomyentreatiesforhertoremainanotherhour,shesteppedontoachair,kissedEdgar’sandCatherine’sportraits,bestowedasimilarsaluteonme,anddescendedtothecarriage,accompaniedbyFanny,whoyelpedwildwithjoyatrecoveringhermistress.Shewasdrivenaway,nevertorevisitthisneighbourhood:butaregularcorrespondencewasestablishedbetweenherandmymasterwhenthingsweremoresettled.Ibelievehernewabodewasinthesouth,nearLondon;thereshehadasonbornafewmonthssubsequenttoherescape.HewaschristenedLinton,and,fromthefirst,shereportedhimtobeanailing,peevishcreature.

Mr.Heathcliff,meetingmeonedayinthevillage,inquiredwhereshelived.Irefusedtotell.Heremarkedthatitwasnotofanymoment,onlyshemustbewareofcomingtoherbrother:sheshouldnotbewithhim,ifhehadtokeepherhimself.ThoughIwouldgivenoinformation,hediscovered,throughsomeoftheotherservants,bothherplaceofresidenceandtheexistenceofthechild.Still,hedidn’tmolesther:forwhichforbearanceshemightthankhisaversion,Isuppose.Heoftenaskedabouttheinfant,whenhesawme;andonhearingitsname,smiledgrimly,andobserved:‘Theywishmetohateittoo,dothey?’

‘Idon’tthinktheywishyoutoknowanythingaboutit,’Ianswered.

‘ButI’llhaveit,’hesaid,‘whenIwantit.Theymayreckononthat!’

Fortunately its mother died before the time arrived; some thirteen yearsafterthedeceaseofCatherine,whenLintonwastwelve,oralittlemore.

OnthedaysucceedingIsabella’sunexpectedvisitIhadnoopportunityofspeakingtomymaster:heshunnedconversation,andwasfitfordiscussingnothing.WhenIcouldgethimtolisten,Isawitpleasedhimthathissisterhadleftherhusband;whomheabhorredwithanintensitywhichthemildnessofhisnaturewouldscarcelyseemtoallow.Sodeepandsensitivewashisaversion,thatherefrainedfromgoinganywherewherehewaslikelytoseeorhearofHeathcliff.Grief,andthattogether,transformedhimintoacompletehermit:hethrewuphisofficeofmagistrate,ceasedeventoattendchurch,

avoidedthevillageonalloccasions,andspentalifeofentireseclusionwithinthelimitsofhisparkandgrounds;onlyvariedbysolitaryramblesonthemoors,andvisitstothegraveofhiswife,mostlyatevening,orearlymorningbeforeotherwandererswereabroad.Buthewastoogoodtobethoroughlyunhappylong.Hedidn’tprayforCatherine’ssoultohaunthim.Timebroughtresignation,andamelancholysweeterthancommonjoy.Herecalledhermemorywithardent,tenderlove,andhopefulaspiringtothebetterworld;wherehedoubtednotshewasgone.

Andhehadearthlyconsolationandaffectionsalso.Forafewdays,Isaid,heseemedregardlessofthepunysuccessortothedeparted:thatcoldnessmeltedasfastassnowinApril,anderethetinythingcouldstammerawordortotterastepitwieldedadespot’ssceptreinhisheart.ItwasnamedCatherine;buthenevercalleditthenameinfull,ashehadnevercalledthefirstCatherineshort:probablybecauseHeathcliffhadahabitofdoingso.ThelittleonewasalwaysCathy:itformedtohimadistinctionfromthemother,andyetaconnectionwithher;andhisattachmentsprangfromitsrelationtoher,farmorethanfromitsbeinghisown.

IusedtodrawacomparisonbetweenhimandHindleyEarnshaw,andperplexmyselftoexplainsatisfactorilywhytheirconductwassooppositeinsimilarcircumstances.Theyhadbothbeenfondhusbands,andwerebothattachedtotheirchildren;andIcouldnotseehowtheyshouldn’tbothhavetakenthesameroad,forgoodorevil.But,Ithoughtinmymind,Hindley,withapparentlythestrongerhead,hasshownhimselfsadlytheworseandtheweakerman.Whenhisshipstruck,thecaptainabandonedhispost;andthecrew,insteadoftryingtosaveher,rushedintoriotandconfusion,leavingnohopefortheirlucklessvessel.Linton,onthecontrary,displayedthetruecourageofaloyalandfaithfulsoul:hetrustedGod;andGodcomfortedhim.Onehoped,andtheotherdespaired:theychosetheirownlots,andwererighteouslydoomedtoendurethem.Butyou’llnotwanttohearmymoralising,Mr.Lockwood;you’lljudge,aswellasIcan,allthesethings:atleast,you’llthinkyouwill,andthat’sthesame.TheendofEarnshawwaswhatmighthavebeenexpected;itfollowedfastonhissister’s:therewerescarcelysixmonthsbetweenthem.We,attheGrange,nevergotaverysuccinctaccountofhisstateprecedingit;allthatIdidlearnwasonoccasionofgoingtoaidinthepreparationsforthefuneral.Mr.Kennethcametoannouncetheeventtomymaster.

‘Well,Nelly,’saidhe,ridingintotheyardonemorning,tooearlynottoalarmmewithaninstantpresentimentofbadnews,‘it’syoursandmyturntogointomourningatpresent.Who’sgivenustheslipnow,doyouthink?’

‘Who?’Iaskedinaflurry.

‘Why,guess!’hereturned,dismounting,andslinginghisbridleonahookbythedoor.‘Andnipupthecornerofyourapron:I’mcertainyou’llneedit.’

‘NotMr.Heathcliff,surely?’Iexclaimed.

‘What!wouldyouhavetearsforhim?’saidthedoctor.‘No,Heathcliff’satoughyoungfellow:helooksbloomingto-day.I’vejustseenhim.He’srapidlyregainingfleshsincehelosthisbetterhalf.’

‘Whoisit,then,Mr.Kenneth?’Irepeatedimpatiently.

‘HindleyEarnshaw!YouroldfriendHindley,’hereplied,‘andmywickedgossip:thoughhe’sbeentoowildformethislongwhile.There!Isaidweshoulddrawwater.Butcheerup!Hediedtruetohischaracter:drunkasalord.Poorlad!I’msorry,too.Onecan’thelpmissinganoldcompanion:thoughhehadtheworsttrickswithhimthatevermanimagined,andhasdonememanyarascallyturn.He’sbarelytwenty-seven,itseems;that’syourownage:whowouldhavethoughtyouwereborninoneyear?’

IconfessthisblowwasgreatertomethantheshockofMrs.Linton’sdeath:ancientassociationslingeredroundmyheart;Isatdownintheporchandweptasforabloodrelation,desiringMr.Kennethtogetanotherservanttointroducehimtothemaster.Icouldnothindermyselffromponderingonthequestion—‘Hadhehadfairplay?’WhateverIdid,thatideawouldbotherme:itwassotiresomelypertinaciousthatIresolvedonrequestingleavetogotoWutheringHeights,andassistinthelastdutiestothedead.Mr.Lintonwasextremelyreluctanttoconsent,butIpleadedeloquentlyforthefriendlessconditioninwhichhelay;andIsaidmyoldmasterandfoster-brotherhadaclaimonmyservicesasstrongashisown.Besides,IremindedhimthatthechildHaretonwashiswife’snephew,and,intheabsenceofnearerkin,heoughttoactasitsguardian;andheoughttoandmustinquirehowthepropertywasleft,andlookovertheconcernsofhisbrother-in-law.Hewasunfitforattendingtosuchmattersthen,buthebidmespeaktohislawyer;andatlengthpermittedmetogo.HislawyerhadbeenEarnshaw’salso:Icalledatthevillage,andaskedhimtoaccompanyme.Heshookhishead,andadvisedthatHeathcliffshouldbeletalone;affirming,ifthetruthwereknown,Haretonwouldbefoundlittleelsethanabeggar.

‘Hisfatherdiedindebt,’hesaid;‘thewholepropertyismortgaged,andthesolechanceforthenaturalheiristoallowhimanopportunityofcreatingsomeinterest in the creditor’s heart, that he may be inclined to deal lenientlytowardshim.’

WhenIreachedtheHeights,IexplainedthatIhadcometoseeeverythingcarriedondecently;andJoseph,whoappearedinsufficientdistress,expressedsatisfactionatmypresence.Mr.HeathcliffsaidhedidnotperceivethatIwas

wanted;butImightstayandorderthearrangementsforthefuneral,ifIchose.

‘Correctly,’heremarked,‘thatfool’sbodyshouldbeburiedatthecross-roads,withoutceremonyofanykind.Ihappenedtoleavehimtenminutesyesterdayafternoon,andinthatintervalhefastenedthetwodoorsofthehouseagainstme,andhehasspentthenightindrinkinghimselftodeathdeliberately!Webrokeinthismorning,forweheardhimsportinglikeahorse;andtherehewas,laidoverthesettle:flayingandscalpingwouldnothavewakenedhim.IsentforKenneth,andhecame;butnottillthebeasthadchangedintocarrion:hewasbothdeadandcold,andstark;andsoyou’llallowitwasuselessmakingmorestirabouthim!’

Theoldservantconfirmedthisstatement,butmuttered:

‘I’draytherhe’dgoanhisselnfort’doctor!Isudha’taentento’t’maisterbetternorhim—andhewarn’tdeeadwhenIleft,naughto’t’soart!’

Iinsistedonthefuneralbeingrespectable.Mr.HeathcliffsaidImighthavemyownwaytheretoo:only,hedesiredmetorememberthatthemoneyforthewholeaffaircameoutofhispocket.Hemaintainedahard,carelessdeportment,indicativeofneitherjoynorsorrow:ifanything,itexpressedaflintygratificationatapieceofdifficultworksuccessfullyexecuted.Iobservedonce,indeed,somethinglikeexultationinhisaspect:itwasjustwhenthepeoplewerebearingthecoffinfromthehouse.Hehadthehypocrisytorepresentamourner:andprevioustofollowingwithHareton,heliftedtheunfortunatechildontothetableandmuttered,withpeculiargusto,‘Now,mybonnylad,youaremine!Andwe’llseeifonetreewon’tgrowascrookedasanother,withthesamewindtotwistit!’Theunsuspectingthingwaspleasedatthisspeech:heplayedwithHeathcliff’swhiskers,andstrokedhischeek;butIdivineditsmeaning,andobservedtartly,‘ThatboymustgobackwithmetoThrushcrossGrange,sir.Thereisnothingintheworldlessyoursthanheis!’

‘DoesLintonsayso?’hedemanded.

‘Ofcourse—hehasorderedmetotakehim,’Ireplied.

‘Well,’saidthescoundrel,‘we’llnotarguethesubjectnow:butIhaveafancytotrymyhandatrearingayoungone;sointimatetoyourmasterthatImustsupplytheplaceofthiswithmyown,ifheattempttoremoveit.Idon’tengagetoletHaretongoundisputed;butI’llbeprettysuretomaketheothercome!Remembertotellhim.’

Thishintwasenoughtobindourhands.Irepeateditssubstanceonmyreturn;andEdgarLinton,littleinterestedatthecommencement,spokenomoreofinterfering.I’mnotawarethathecouldhavedoneittoanypurpose,hadhebeeneversowilling.

TheguestwasnowthemasterofWutheringHeights:heheldfirmpossession,andprovedtotheattorney—who,inhisturn,provedittoMr.Linton—thatEarnshawhadmortgagedeveryyardoflandheownedforcashtosupplyhismaniaforgaming;andhe,Heathcliff,wasthemortgagee.InthatmannerHareton,whoshouldnowbethefirstgentlemanintheneighbourhood,wasreducedtoastateofcompletedependenceonhisfather’sinveterateenemy;andlivesinhisownhouseasaservant,deprivedoftheadvantageofwages:quiteunabletorighthimself,becauseofhisfriendlessness,andhisignorancethathehasbeenwronged.

CHAPTERXVIII

Thetwelveyears,continuedMrs.Dean,followingthatdismalperiodwerethehappiestofmylife:mygreatesttroublesintheirpassagerosefromourlittlelady’striflingillnesses,whichshehadtoexperienceincommonwithallchildren,richandpoor.Fortherest,afterthefirstsixmonths,shegrewlikealarch,andcouldwalkandtalktoo,inherownway,beforetheheathblossomedasecondtimeoverMrs.Linton’sdust.Shewasthemostwinningthingthateverbroughtsunshineintoadesolatehouse:arealbeautyinface,withtheEarnshaws’handsomedarkeyes,buttheLintons’fairskinandsmallfeatures,andyellowcurlinghair.Herspiritwashigh,thoughnotrough,andqualifiedbyaheartsensitiveandlivelytoexcessinitsaffections.Thatcapacityforintenseattachmentsremindedmeofhermother:stillshedidnotresembleher:forshecouldbesoftandmildasadove,andshehadagentlevoiceandpensiveexpression:herangerwasneverfurious;herloveneverfierce:itwasdeepandtender.However,itmustbeacknowledged,shehadfaultstofoilhergifts.Apropensitytobesaucywasone;andaperversewill,thatindulgedchildreninvariablyacquire,whethertheybegoodtemperedorcross.Ifaservantchancedtovexher,itwasalways—‘Ishalltellpapa!’Andifhereprovedher,evenbyalook,youwouldhavethoughtitaheart-breakingbusiness:Idon’tbelieveheeverdidspeakaharshwordtoher.Hetookhereducationentirelyonhimself,andmadeitanamusement.Fortunately,curiosityandaquickintellectmadeheranaptscholar:shelearnedrapidlyandeagerly,anddidhonourtohisteaching.

Tillshereachedtheageofthirteenshehadnotoncebeenbeyondtherangeoftheparkbyherself.Mr.Lintonwouldtakeherwithhimamileorsooutside,onrareoccasions;buthetrustedhertonooneelse.Gimmertonwasanunsubstantialnameinherears;thechapel,theonlybuildingshehadapproachedorentered,exceptherownhome.WutheringHeightsandMr.Heathcliffdidnotexistforher:shewasaperfectrecluse;and,apparently,

perfectlycontented.Sometimes,indeed,whilesurveyingthecountryfromhernurserywindow,shewouldobserve—

‘Ellen,howlongwillitbebeforeIcanwalktothetopofthosehills?Iwonderwhatliesontheotherside—isitthesea?’

‘No,MissCathy,’Iwouldanswer;‘itishillsagain,justlikethese.’

‘Andwhat are thosegolden rocks likewhenyou standunder them?’ sheonceasked.

TheabruptdescentofPenistoneCragsparticularlyattractedhernotice;especiallywhenthesettingsunshoneonitandthetopmostheights,andthewholeextentoflandscapebesideslayinshadow.Iexplainedthattheywerebaremassesofstone,withhardlyenoughearthintheircleftstonourishastuntedtree.

‘Andwhyaretheybrightsolongafteritiseveninghere?’shepursued.

‘Becausetheyareagreatdealhigherupthanweare,’repliedI;‘youcouldnotclimbthem,theyaretoohighandsteep.Inwinterthefrostisalwaystherebeforeitcomestous;anddeepintosummerIhavefoundsnowunderthatblackhollowonthenorth-eastside!’

‘Oh,youhavebeenonthem!’shecriedgleefully.‘ThenIcango,too,whenIamawoman.Haspapabeen,Ellen?’

‘Papawouldtellyou,Miss,’Ianswered,hastily,‘thattheyarenotworththetroubleofvisiting.Themoors,whereyouramblewithhim,aremuchnicer;andThrushcrossParkisthefinestplaceintheworld.’

‘ButIknowthepark,andIdon’tknowthose,’shemurmuredtoherself.‘AndIshoulddelighttolookroundmefromthebrowofthattallestpoint:mylittleponyMinnyshalltakemesometime.’

OneofthemaidsmentioningtheFairyCave,quiteturnedherheadwithadesiretofulfilthisproject:sheteasedMr.Lintonaboutit;andhepromisedsheshouldhavethejourneywhenshegotolder.ButMissCatherinemeasuredheragebymonths,and,‘Now,amIoldenoughtogotoPenistoneCrags?’wastheconstantquestioninhermouth.TheroadthitherwoundclosebyWutheringHeights.Edgarhadnotthehearttopassit;soshereceivedasconstantlytheanswer,‘Notyet,love:notyet.’

IsaidMrs.Heathclifflivedaboveadozenyearsafterquittingherhusband.Herfamilywereofadelicateconstitution:sheandEdgarbothlackedtheruddyhealththatyouwillgenerallymeetintheseparts.Whatherlastillnesswas,Iamnotcertain:Iconjecture,theydiedofthesamething,akindoffever,slowatitscommencement,butincurable,andrapidlyconsuminglifetowardstheclose.Shewrotetoinformherbrotheroftheprobableconclusionofa

four-months’indispositionunderwhichshehadsuffered,andentreatedhimtocometoher,ifpossible;forshehadmuchtosettle,andshewishedtobidhimadieu,anddeliverLintonsafelyintohishands.HerhopewasthatLintonmightbeleftwithhim,ashehadbeenwithher:hisfather,shewouldfainconvinceherself,hadnodesiretoassumetheburdenofhismaintenanceoreducation.Mymasterhesitatednotamomentincomplyingwithherrequest:reluctantashewastoleavehomeatordinarycalls,heflewtoanswerthis;commandingCatherinetomypeculiarvigilance,inhisabsence,withreiteratedordersthatshemustnotwanderoutofthepark,evenundermyescorthedidnotcalculateonhergoingunaccompanied.

Hewasawaythreeweeks.Thefirstdayortwomychargesatinacornerofthelibrary,toosadforeitherreadingorplaying:inthatquietstateshecausedmelittletrouble;butitwassucceededbyanintervalofimpatient,fretfulweariness;andbeingtoobusy,andtoooldthen,torunupanddownamusingher,Ihitonamethodbywhichshemightentertainherself.Iusedtosendheronhertravelsroundthegrounds—nowonfoot,andnowonapony;indulgingherwithapatientaudienceofallherrealandimaginaryadventureswhenshereturned.

Thesummershoneinfullprime;andshetooksuchatasteforthissolitaryramblingthatsheoftencontrivedtoremainoutfrombreakfasttilltea;andthentheeveningswerespentinrecountingherfancifultales.Ididnotfearherbreakingbounds;becausethegatesweregenerallylocked,andIthoughtshewouldscarcelyventureforthalone,iftheyhadstoodwideopen.Unluckily,myconfidenceprovedmisplaced.Catherinecametome,onemorning,ateighto’clock,andsaidshewasthatdayanArabianmerchant,goingtocrosstheDesertwithhiscaravan;andImustgiveherplentyofprovisionforherselfandbeasts:ahorse,andthreecamels,personatedbyalargehoundandacoupleofpointers.Igottogethergoodstoreofdainties,andslungtheminabasketononesideofthesaddle;andshesprangupasgayasafairy,shelteredbyherwide-brimmedhatandgauzeveilfromtheJulysun,andtrottedoffwithamerrylaugh,mockingmycautiouscounseltoavoidgalloping,andcomebackearly.Thenaughtythingnevermadeherappearanceattea.Onetraveller,thehound,beinganolddogandfondofitsease,returned;butneitherCathy,northepony,northetwopointerswerevisibleinanydirection:Idespatchedemissariesdownthispath,andthatpath,andatlastwentwanderinginsearchofhermyself.Therewasalabourerworkingatafenceroundaplantation,onthebordersofthegrounds.Iinquiredofhimifhehadseenouryounglady.

‘I saw her at morn,’ he replied: ‘she would haveme to cut her a hazelswitch, and then she leapt herGalloway over the hedge yonder,where it islowest,andgallopedoutofsight.’

YoumayguesshowIfeltathearingthisnews.ItstruckmedirectlyshemusthavestartedforPenistoneCrags.‘Whatwillbecomeofher?’Iejaculated,pushingthroughagapwhichthemanwasrepairing,andmakingstraighttothehigh-road.Iwalkedasifforawager,mileaftermile,tillaturnbroughtmeinviewoftheHeights;butnoCatherinecouldIdetect,farornear.TheCragslieaboutamileandahalfbeyondMr.Heathcliff’splace,andthatisfourfromtheGrange,soIbegantofearnightwouldfallereIcouldreachthem.‘Andwhatifsheshouldhaveslippedinclamberingamongthem,’Ireflected,‘andbeenkilled,orbrokensomeofherbones?’Mysuspensewastrulypainful;and,atfirst,itgavemedelightfulrelieftoobserve,inhurryingbythefarmhouse,Charlie,thefiercestofthepointers,lyingunderawindow,withswelledheadandbleedingear.Iopenedthewicketandrantothedoor,knockingvehementlyforadmittance.AwomanwhomIknew,andwhoformerlylivedatGimmerton,answered:shehadbeenservanttheresincethedeathofMr.Earnshaw.

‘Ah,’saidshe,‘youarecomea-seekingyourlittlemistress!Don’tbefrightened.She’sheresafe:butI’mgladitisn’tthemaster.’

‘He is not at home then, is he?’ I panted, quite breathless with quickwalkingandalarm.

‘No,no,’shereplied:‘bothheandJosephareoff,andIthinktheywon’treturnthishourormore.Stepinandrestyouabit.’

Ientered,andbeheldmystraylambseatedonthehearth,rockingherselfinalittlechairthathadbeenhermother’swhenachild.Herhatwashungagainstthewall,andsheseemedperfectlyathome,laughingandchattering,inthebestspiritsimaginable,toHareton—nowagreat,strongladofeighteen—whostaredatherwithconsiderablecuriosityandastonishment:comprehendingpreciouslittleofthefluentsuccessionofremarksandquestionswhichhertongueneverceasedpouringforth.

‘Verywell,Miss!’Iexclaimed,concealingmyjoyunderanangrycountenance.‘Thisisyourlastride,tillpapacomesback.I’llnottrustyouoverthethresholdagain,younaughty,naughtygirl!’

‘Aha,Ellen!’shecried,gaily,jumpingupandrunningtomyside.‘Ishallhaveaprettystorytotellto-night;andsoyou’vefoundmeout.Haveyoueverbeenhereinyourlifebefore?’

‘Putthathaton,andhomeatonce,’saidI.‘I’mdreadfullygrievedatyou,MissCathy:you’vedoneextremelywrong!It’snousepoutingandcrying:thatwon’trepaythetroubleI’vehad,scouringthecountryafteryou.TothinkhowMr.Lintonchargedmetokeepyouin;andyoustealingoffso!Itshowsyouareacunninglittlefox,andnobodywillputfaithinyouanymore.’

‘WhathaveIdone?’sobbedshe,instantlychecked.‘Papachargedmenothing:he’llnotscoldme,Ellen—he’snevercross,likeyou!’

‘Come,come!’Irepeated.‘I’lltietheriband.Now,letushavenopetulance.Oh,forshame!Youthirteenyearsold,andsuchababy!’

This exclamationwas caused by her pushing the hat fromher head, andretreatingtothechimneyoutofmyreach.

‘Nay,’saidtheservant,‘don’tbehardonthebonnylass,Mrs.Dean.Wemadeherstop:she’dfainhaveriddenforwards,afeardyoushouldbeuneasy.Haretonofferedtogowithher,andIthoughtheshould:it’sawildroadoverthehills.’

Hareton, during the discussion, stoodwith his hands in his pockets, tooawkwardtospeak;thoughhelookedasifhedidnotrelishmyintrusion.

‘HowlongamItowait?’Icontinued,disregardingthewoman’sinterference.‘Itwillbedarkintenminutes.Whereisthepony,MissCathy?AndwhereisPhoenix?Ishallleaveyou,unlessyoubequick;sopleaseyourself.’

‘Theponyisintheyard,’shereplied,‘andPhoenixisshutinthere.He’sbitten—andsoisCharlie.Iwasgoingtotellyouallaboutit;butyouareinabadtemper,anddon’tdeservetohear.’

Ipickedupherhat,andapproachedtoreinstateit;butperceivingthatthepeopleofthehousetookherpart,shecommencedcaperingroundtheroom;andonmygivingchase,ranlikeamouseoverandunderandbehindthefurniture,renderingitridiculousformetopursue.Haretonandthewomanlaughed,andshejoinedthem,andwaxedmoreimpertinentstill;tillIcried,ingreatirritation,—‘Well,MissCathy,ifyouwereawarewhosehousethisisyou’dbegladenoughtogetout.’

‘It’syourfather’s,isn’tit?’saidshe,turningtoHareton.

‘Nay,’hereplied,lookingdown,andblushingbashfully.

Hecouldnotstandasteadygazefromhereyes,thoughtheywerejusthisown.

‘Whosethen—yourmaster’s?’sheasked.

Hecoloureddeeper,withadifferentfeeling,mutteredanoath,andturnedaway.

‘Whoishismaster?’continuedthetiresomegirl,appealingtome.‘Hetalkedabout“ourhouse,”and“ourfolk.”Ithoughthehadbeentheowner’sson.AndheneversaidMiss:heshouldhavedone,shouldn’the,ifhe’saservant?’

Haretongrewblackasathunder-cloudatthischildishspeech.Isilentlyshookmyquestioner,andatlastsucceededinequippingherfordeparture.

‘Now,getmyhorse,’shesaid,addressingherunknownkinsmanasshewouldoneofthestable-boysattheGrange.‘Andyoumaycomewithme.Iwanttoseewherethegoblin-hunterrisesinthemarsh,andtohearaboutthefairishes,asyoucallthem:butmakehaste!What’sthematter?Getmyhorse,Isay.’

‘I’llseetheedamnedbeforeIbethyservant!’growledthelad.

‘You’llseemewhat!’askedCatherineinsurprise.

‘Damned—thousaucywitch!’hereplied.

‘There,MissCathy!youseeyouhavegotintoprettycompany,’Iinterposed.‘Nicewordstobeusedtoayounglady!Praydon’tbegintodisputewithhim.Come,letusseekforMinnyourselves,andbegone.’

‘But,Ellen,’criedshe,staringfixedinastonishment,‘howdarehespeaksotome?Mustn’thebemadetodoasIaskhim?Youwickedcreature,Ishalltellpapawhatyousaid.—Now,then!’

Haretondidnotappeartofeelthisthreat;sothetearssprangintohereyeswithindignation.‘Youbringthepony,’sheexclaimed,turningtothewoman,‘andletmydogfreethismoment!’

‘Softly,Miss,’answeredsheaddressed;‘you’lllosenothingbybeingcivil.ThoughMr.Hareton,there,benotthemaster’sson,he’syourcousin:andIwasneverhiredtoserveyou.’

‘Hemycousin!’criedCathy,withascornfullaugh.

‘Yes,indeed,’respondedherreprover.

‘Oh,Ellen!don’tletthemsaysuchthings,’shepursuedingreattrouble.‘PapaisgonetofetchmycousinfromLondon:mycousinisagentleman’sson.Thatmy—’shestopped,andweptoutright;upsetatthebarenotionofrelationshipwithsuchaclown.

‘Hush,hush!’Iwhispered;‘peoplecanhavemanycousinsandofallsorts,MissCathy,withoutbeingany theworsefor it;only theyneedn’tkeep theircompany,iftheybedisagreeableandbad.’

‘He’snot—he’snotmycousin,Ellen!’shewenton,gatheringfreshgrieffromreflection,andflingingherselfintomyarmsforrefugefromtheidea.

Iwasmuchvexedatherandtheservantfortheirmutualrevelations;havingnodoubtofLinton’sapproachingarrival,communicatedbytheformer,beingreportedtoMr.Heathcliff;andfeelingasconfidentthatCatherine’sfirst

thoughtonherfather’sreturnwouldbetoseekanexplanationofthelatter’sassertionconcerningherrude-bredkindred.Hareton,recoveringfromhisdisgustatbeingtakenforaservant,seemedmovedbyherdistress;and,havingfetchedtheponyroundtothedoor,hetook,topropitiateher,afinecrooked-leggedterrierwhelpfromthekennel,andputtingitintoherhand,bidherwhist!forhemeantnought.Pausinginherlamentations,shesurveyedhimwithaglanceofaweandhorror,thenburstforthanew.

Icouldscarcelyrefrainfromsmilingatthisantipathytothepoorfellow;whowasawell-made,athleticyouth,good-lookinginfeatures,andstoutandhealthy,butattiredingarmentsbefittinghisdailyoccupationsofworkingonthefarmandloungingamongthemoorsafterrabbitsandgame.Still,IthoughtIcoulddetectinhisphysiognomyamindowningbetterqualitiesthanhisfathereverpossessed.Goodthingslostamidawildernessofweeds,tobesure,whoseranknessfarover-toppedtheirneglectedgrowth;yet,notwithstanding,evidenceofawealthysoil,thatmightyieldluxuriantcropsunderotherandfavourablecircumstances.Mr.Heathcliff,Ibelieve,hadnottreatedhimphysicallyill;thankstohisfearlessnature,whichofferednotemptationtothatcourseofoppression:hehadnoneofthetimidsusceptibilitythatwouldhavegivenzesttoill-treatment,inHeathcliff’sjudgment.Heappearedtohavebenthismalevolenceonmakinghimabrute:hewasnevertaughttoreadorwrite;neverrebukedforanybadhabitwhichdidnotannoyhiskeeper;neverledasinglesteptowardsvirtue,orguardedbyasinglepreceptagainstvice.AndfromwhatIheard,Josephcontributedmuchtohisdeterioration,byanarrow-mindedpartialitywhichpromptedhimtoflatterandpethim,asaboy,becausehewastheheadoftheoldfamily.AndashehadbeeninthehabitofaccusingCatherineEarnshawandHeathcliff,whenchildren,ofputtingthemasterpasthispatience,andcompellinghimtoseeksolaceindrinkbywhathetermedtheir‘offaldways,’soatpresenthelaidthewholeburdenofHareton’sfaultsontheshouldersoftheusurperofhisproperty.Iftheladswore,hewouldn’tcorrecthim:norhoweverculpablyhebehaved.ItgaveJosephsatisfaction,apparently,towatchhimgotheworstlengths:heallowedthattheladwasruined:thathissoulwasabandonedtoperdition;butthenhereflectedthatHeathcliffmustanswerforit.Hareton’sbloodwouldberequiredathishands;andtherelayimmenseconsolationinthatthought.Josephhadinstilledintohimaprideofname,andofhislineage;hewould,hadhedared,havefosteredhatebetweenhimandthepresentowneroftheHeights:buthisdreadofthatowneramountedtosuperstition;andheconfinedhisfeelingsregardinghimtomutteredinnuendoesandprivatecomminations.Idon’tpretendtobeintimatelyacquaintedwiththemodeoflivingcustomaryinthosedaysatWutheringHeights:Ionlyspeakfromhearsay;forIsawlittle.ThevillagersaffirmedMr.Heathcliffwasnear,andacruelhardlandlordtohistenants;butthehouse,inside,hadregainedits

ancientaspectofcomfortunderfemalemanagement,andthescenesofriotcommoninHindley’stimewerenotnowenactedwithinitswalls.Themasterwastoogloomytoseekcompanionshipwithanypeople,goodorbad;andheisyet.

This,however,isnotmakingprogresswithmystory.MissCathyrejectedthepeace-offeringoftheterrier,anddemandedherowndogs,CharlieandPhoenix.Theycamelimpingandhangingtheirheads;andwesetoutforhome,sadlyoutofsorts,everyoneofus.Icouldnotwringfrommylittleladyhowshehadspenttheday;exceptthat,asIsupposed,thegoalofherpilgrimagewasPenistoneCrags;andshearrivedwithoutadventuretothegateofthefarm-house,whenHaretonhappenedtoissueforth,attendedbysomecaninefollowers,whoattackedhertrain.Theyhadasmartbattle,beforetheirownerscouldseparatethem:thatformedanintroduction.CatherinetoldHaretonwhoshewas,andwhereshewasgoing;andaskedhimtoshowhertheway:finally,beguilinghimtoaccompanyher.HeopenedthemysteriesoftheFairyCave,andtwentyotherqueerplaces.But,beingindisgrace,Iwasnotfavouredwithadescriptionoftheinterestingobjectsshesaw.Icouldgather,however,thatherguidehadbeenafavouritetillshehurthisfeelingsbyaddressinghimasaservant;andHeathcliff’shousekeeperhurthersbycallinghimhercousin.Thenthelanguagehehadheldtoherrankledinherheart;shewhowasalways‘love,’and‘darling,’and‘queen,’and‘angel,’witheverybodyattheGrange,tobeinsultedsoshockinglybyastranger!Shedidnotcomprehendit;andhardworkIhadtoobtainapromisethatshewouldnotlaythegrievancebeforeherfather.IexplainedhowheobjectedtothewholehouseholdattheHeights,andhowsorryhewouldbetofindshehadbeenthere;butIinsistedmostonthefact,thatifsherevealedmynegligenceofhisorders,hewouldperhapsbesoangrythatIshouldhavetoleave;andCathycouldn’tbearthatprospect:shepledgedherword,andkeptitformysake.Afterall,shewasasweetlittlegirl.

CHAPTERXIX

Aletter,edgedwithblack,announcedthedayofmymaster’sreturn.Isabellawasdead;andhewrotetobidmegetmourningforhisdaughter,andarrangearoom,andotheraccommodations,forhisyouthfulnephew.Catherineranwildwithjoyattheideaofwelcomingherfatherback;andindulgedmostsanguineanticipationsoftheinnumerableexcellenciesofher‘real’cousin.Theeveningoftheirexpectedarrivalcame.Sinceearlymorningshehadbeenbusyorderingherownsmallaffairs;andnowattiredinhernewblackfrock—poorthing!heraunt’sdeathimpressedherwithno

definitesorrow—sheobligedme,byconstantworrying,towalkwithherdownthroughthegroundstomeetthem.

‘LintonisjustsixmonthsyoungerthanIam,’shechattered,aswestrolledleisurelyovertheswellsandhollowsofmossyturf,undershadowofthetrees.‘Howdelightfulitwillbetohavehimforaplayfellow!AuntIsabellasentpapaabeautifullockofhishair;itwaslighterthanmine—moreflaxen,andquiteasfine.Ihaveitcarefullypreservedinalittleglassbox;andI’veoftenthoughtwhatapleasureitwouldbetoseeitsowner.Oh!Iamhappy—andpapa,dear,dearpapa!Come,Ellen,letusrun!come,run.’

Sheran,andreturnedandranagain,manytimesbeforemysoberfootstepsreached the gate, and then she seated herself on the grassy bank beside thepath,andtriedtowaitpatiently;butthatwasimpossible:shecouldn’tbestillaminute.

‘Howlongtheyare!’sheexclaimed.‘Ah,Isee,somedustontheroad—theyarecoming!No!Whenwilltheybehere?Maywenotgoalittleway—halfamile,Ellen,onlyjusthalfamile?DosayYes:tothatclumpofbirchesattheturn!’

Irefusedstaunchly.Atlengthhersuspensewasended:thetravellingcarriagerolledinsight.MissCathyshriekedandstretchedoutherarmsassoonasshecaughtherfather’sfacelookingfromthewindow.Hedescended,nearlyaseagerasherself;andaconsiderableintervalelapsederetheyhadathoughttospareforanybutthemselves.WhiletheyexchangedcaressesItookapeepintoseeafterLinton.Hewasasleepinacorner,wrappedinawarm,fur-linedcloak,asifithadbeenwinter.Apale,delicate,effeminateboy,whomighthavebeentakenformymaster’syoungerbrother,sostrongwastheresemblance:buttherewasasicklypeevishnessinhisaspectthatEdgarLintonneverhad.Thelattersawmelooking;andhavingshakenhands,advisedmetoclosethedoor,andleavehimundisturbed;forthejourneyhadfatiguedhim.Cathywouldfainhavetakenoneglance,butherfathertoldhertocome,andtheywalkedtogetherupthepark,whileIhastenedbeforetopreparetheservants.

‘Now,darling,’saidMr.Linton,addressinghisdaughter,astheyhaltedatthebottomofthefrontsteps:‘yourcousinisnotsostrongorsomerryasyouare,andhehaslosthismother,remember,averyshorttimesince;therefore,don’texpecthimtoplayandrunaboutwithyoudirectly.Anddon’tharasshimmuchbytalking:lethimbequietthisevening,atleast,willyou?’

‘Yes, yes, papa,’ answeredCatherine: ‘but I dowant to see him; and hehasn’toncelookedout.’

The carriage stopped; and the sleeper being roused, was lifted to the

groundbyhisuncle.

‘ThisisyourcousinCathy,Linton,’hesaid,puttingtheirlittlehandstogether.‘She’sfondofyoualready;andmindyoudon’tgrieveherbycryingto-night.Trytobecheerfulnow;thetravellingisatanend,andyouhavenothingtodobutrestandamuseyourselfasyouplease.’

‘Let me go to bed, then,’ answered the boy, shrinking from Catherine’ssalute;andheputhisfingerstoremoveincipienttears.

‘Come,come,there’sagoodchild,’Iwhispered,leadinghimin.‘You’llmakeherweeptoo—seehowsorrysheisforyou!’

Idonotknowwhetheritwassorrowforhim,buthiscousinputonassadacountenanceashimself,andreturnedtoherfather.Allthreeentered,andmountedtothelibrary,whereteawaslaidready.IproceededtoremoveLinton’scapandmantle,andplacedhimonachairbythetable;buthewasnosoonerseatedthanhebegantocryafresh.Mymasterinquiredwhatwasthematter.

‘Ican’tsitonachair,’sobbedtheboy.

‘Go to the sofa, then, andEllen shall bring you some tea,’ answered hisunclepatiently.

Hehadbeengreatlytried,duringthejourney,Ifeltconvinced,byhisfretfulailingcharge.Lintonslowlytrailedhimselfoff,andlaydown.Cathycarriedafootstoolandhercuptohisside.Atfirstshesatsilent;butthatcouldnotlast:shehadresolvedtomakeapetofherlittlecousin,asshewouldhavehimtobe;andshecommencedstrokinghiscurls,andkissinghischeek,andofferinghimteainhersaucer,likeababy.Thispleasedhim,forhewasnotmuchbetter:hedriedhiseyes,andlightenedintoafaintsmile.

‘Oh,he’lldoverywell,’saidthemastertome,afterwatchingthemaminute.‘Verywell,ifwecankeephim,Ellen.Thecompanyofachildofhisownagewillinstilnewspiritintohimsoon,andbywishingforstrengthhe’llgainit.’

‘Ay,ifwecankeephim!’Imusedtomyself;andsoremisgivingscameovermethattherewasslighthopeofthat.Andthen,Ithought,howeverwillthatweaklingliveatWutheringHeights?BetweenhisfatherandHareton,whatplaymatesandinstructorsthey’llbe.Ourdoubtswerepresentlydecided—evenearlierthanIexpected.Ihadjusttakenthechildrenup-stairs,afterteawasfinished,andseenLintonasleep—hewouldnotsuffermetoleavehimtillthatwasthecase—Ihadcomedown,andwasstandingbythetableinthehall,lightingabedroomcandleforMr.Edgar,whenamaidsteppedoutofthekitchenandinformedmethatMr.Heathcliff’sservantJosephwasatthedoor,

andwishedtospeakwiththemaster.

‘Ishallaskhimwhathewantsfirst,’Isaid,inconsiderabletrepidation.‘Averyunlikelyhourtobetroublingpeople,andtheinstanttheyhavereturnedfromalongjourney.Idon’tthinkthemastercanseehim.’

JosephhadadvancedthroughthekitchenasIutteredthesewords,andnowpresentedhimselfinthehall.HewasdonnedinhisSundaygarments,withhismostsanctimoniousandsourestface,and,holdinghishatinonehand,andhisstickintheother,heproceededtocleanhisshoesonthemat.

‘Good-evening,Joseph,’Isaid,coldly.‘Whatbusinessbringsyouhereto-night?’

‘It’sMaisterLintonImunspaketo,’heanswered,wavingmedisdainfullyaside.

‘Mr.Lintonisgoingtobed;unlessyouhavesomethingparticulartosay,I’msurehewon’thearitnow,’Icontinued.‘Youhadbettersitdowninthere,andentrustyourmessagetome.’

‘Which is his rahm?’ pursued the fellow, surveying the range of closeddoors.

Iperceivedhewasbentonrefusingmymediation,soveryreluctantlyIwentuptothelibrary,andannouncedtheunseasonablevisitor,advisingthatheshouldbedismissedtillnextday.Mr.Lintonhadnotimetoempowermetodoso,forJosephmountedcloseatmyheels,and,pushingintotheapartment,plantedhimselfatthefarsideofthetable,withhistwofistsclappedontheheadofhisstick,andbeganinanelevatedtone,asifanticipatingopposition—

‘Hathecliffhassentmeforhislad,andImunn’tgoaback‘bouthim.’

EdgarLintonwassilentaminute;anexpressionofexceedingsorrowovercasthisfeatures:hewouldhavepitiedthechildonhisownaccount;but,recallingIsabella’shopesandfears,andanxiouswishesforherson,andhercommendationsofhimtohiscare,hegrievedbitterlyattheprospectofyieldinghimup,andsearchedinhishearthowitmightbeavoided.Noplanoffereditself:theveryexhibitionofanydesiretokeephimwouldhaverenderedtheclaimantmoreperemptory:therewasnothingleftbuttoresignhim.However,hewasnotgoingtorousehimfromhissleep.

‘TellMr.Heathcliff,’heansweredcalmly,‘thathissonshallcometoWutheringHeightsto-morrow.Heisinbed,andtootiredtogothedistancenow.YoumayalsotellhimthatthemotherofLintondesiredhimtoremainundermyguardianship;and,atpresent,hishealthisveryprecarious.’

‘Noa!’saidJoseph,givingathudwithhisproponthefloor,andassuming

anauthoritativeair.‘Noa!thatmeansnaught.Hathecliffmaksnoa‘counto’t’mother,noryenorther;buthe’llheu’hislad;undImuntak’him—soanowyeknaw!’

‘Youshallnotto-night!’answeredLintondecisively.‘Walkdownstairsatonce,andrepeattoyourmasterwhatIhavesaid.Ellen,showhimdown.Go—’

And,aidingtheindignantelderwitha liftbythearm,heridtheroomofhimandclosedthedoor.

‘Varrahweell!’shoutedJoseph,asheslowlydrewoff.‘To-morn,he’scomehisseln,andthrusthimout,ifyedarr!’

CHAPTERXX

Toobviatethedangerofthisthreatbeingfulfilled,Mr.Lintoncommissionedmetotaketheboyhomeearly,onCatherine’spony;and,saidhe—‘Asweshallnowhavenoinfluenceoverhisdestiny,goodorbad,youmustsaynothingofwhereheisgonetomydaughter:shecannotassociatewithhimhereafter,anditisbetterforhertoremaininignoranceofhisproximity;lestsheshouldberestless,andanxioustovisittheHeights.Merelytellherhisfathersentforhimsuddenly,andhehasbeenobligedtoleaveus.’

Lintonwasvery reluctant tobe roused fromhisbedat fiveo’clock, andastonished to be informed that hemust prepare for further travelling; but Isoftenedoffthematterbystatingthathewasgoingtospendsometimewithhisfather,Mr.Heathcliff,whowishedtoseehimsomuch,hedidnotliketodeferthepleasuretillheshouldrecoverfromhislatejourney.

‘Myfather!’hecried,instrangeperplexity.‘MammanevertoldmeIhadafather.Wheredoeshelive?I’dratherstaywithuncle.’

‘HelivesalittledistancefromtheGrange,’Ireplied;‘justbeyondthosehills:notsofar,butyoumaywalkoverherewhenyougethearty.Andyoushouldbegladtogohome,andtoseehim.Youmusttrytolovehim,asyoudidyourmother,andthenhewillloveyou.’

‘ButwhyhaveInotheardofhimbefore?’askedLinton.‘Whydidn’tmammaandhelivetogether,asotherpeopledo?’

‘Hehadbusinesstokeephiminthenorth,’Ianswered,‘andyourmother’shealthrequiredhertoresideinthesouth.’

‘Andwhydidn’tmammaspeaktomeabouthim?’perseveredthechild.

‘Sheoftentalkedofuncle,andIlearnttolovehimlongago.HowamItolovepapa?Idon’tknowhim.’

‘Oh,allchildrenlovetheirparents,’Isaid.‘Yourmother,perhaps,thoughtyouwouldwanttobewithhimifshementionedhimoftentoyou.Letusmakehaste.Anearlyrideonsuchabeautifulmorningismuchpreferabletoanhour’smoresleep.’

‘Isshetogowithus,’hedemanded,‘thelittlegirlIsawyesterday?’

‘Notnow,’repliedI.

‘Isuncle?’hecontinued.

‘No,Ishallbeyourcompanionthere,’Isaid.

Lintonsankbackonhispillowandfellintoabrownstudy.

‘Iwon’tgowithoutuncle,’hecriedatlength:‘Ican’ttellwhereyoumeantotakeme.’

Iattemptedtopersuadehimofthenaughtinessofshowingreluctancetomeethisfather;stillheobstinatelyresistedanyprogresstowardsdressing,andIhadtocallformymaster’sassistanceincoaxinghimoutofbed.Thepoorthingwasfinallygotoff,withseveraldelusiveassurancesthathisabsenceshouldbeshort:thatMr.EdgarandCathywouldvisithim,andotherpromises,equallyill-founded,whichIinventedandreiteratedatintervalsthroughouttheway.Thepureheather-scentedair,thebrightsunshine,andthegentlecanterofMinny,relievedhisdespondencyafterawhile.Hebegantoputquestionsconcerninghisnewhome,anditsinhabitants,withgreaterinterestandliveliness.

‘Is Wuthering Heights as pleasant a place as Thrushcross Grange?’ heinquired, turning to take a last glance into the valley, whence a light mistmountedandformedafleecycloudontheskirtsoftheblue.

‘Itisnotsoburiedintrees,’Ireplied,‘anditisnotquitesolarge,butyoucanseethecountrybeautifullyallround;andtheairishealthierforyou—fresheranddrier.Youwill,perhaps,thinkthebuildingoldanddarkatfirst;thoughitisarespectablehouse:thenextbestintheneighbourhood.Andyouwillhavesuchniceramblesonthemoors.HaretonEarnshaw—thatis,MissCathy’sothercousin,andsoyoursinamanner—willshowyouallthesweetestspots;andyoucanbringabookinfineweather,andmakeagreenhollowyourstudy;and,nowandthen,yourunclemayjoinyouinawalk:hedoes,frequently,walkoutonthehills.’

‘Andwhatismyfatherlike?’heasked.‘Isheasyoungandhandsomeasuncle?’

‘He’sasyoung,’saidI;‘buthehasblackhairandeyes,andlookssterner;andheistallerandbiggeraltogether.He’llnotseemtoyousogentleandkindatfirst,perhaps,becauseitisnothisway:still,mindyou,befrankandcordialwithhim;andnaturallyhe’llbefonderofyouthananyuncle,foryouarehisown.’

‘Blackhairandeyes!’musedLinton.‘Ican’tfancyhim.ThenIamnotlikehim,amI?’

‘Notmuch,’Ianswered:notamorsel,Ithought,surveyingwithregretthewhite complexion and slim frame of my companion, and his large languideyes—hismother’seyes,savethat,unlessamorbidtouchinesskindledthemamoment,theyhadnotavestigeofhersparklingspirit.

‘Howstrangethatheshouldnevercometoseemammaandme!’hemurmured.‘Hasheeverseenme?Ifhehas,Imusthavebeenababy.Iremembernotasinglethingabouthim!’

‘Why,MasterLinton,’saidI,‘threehundredmilesisagreatdistance;andtenyearsseemverydifferentinlengthtoagrown-uppersoncomparedwithwhattheydotoyou.ItisprobableMr.Heathcliffproposedgoingfromsummertosummer,butneverfoundaconvenientopportunity;andnowitistoolate.Don’ttroublehimwithquestionsonthesubject:itwilldisturbhim,fornogood.’

Theboywasfullyoccupiedwithhisowncogitationsfortheremainderoftheride,tillwehaltedbeforethefarmhousegarden-gate.Iwatchedtocatchhisimpressionsinhiscountenance.Hesurveyedthecarvedfrontandlow-browedlattices,thestragglinggooseberry-bushesandcrookedfirs,withsolemnintentness,andthenshookhishead:hisprivatefeelingsentirelydisapprovedoftheexteriorofhisnewabode.Buthehadsensetopostponecomplaining:theremightbecompensationwithin.Beforehedismounted,Iwentandopenedthedoor.Itwashalf-pastsix;thefamilyhadjustfinishedbreakfast:theservantwasclearingandwipingdownthetable.Josephstoodbyhismaster’schairtellingsometaleconcerningalamehorse;andHaretonwaspreparingforthehayfield.

‘Hallo,Nelly!’saidMr.Heathcliff,whenhesawme.‘IfearedIshouldhavetocomedownandfetchmypropertymyself.You’vebroughtit,haveyou?Letusseewhatwecanmakeofit.’

Hegotupandstrodetothedoor:HaretonandJosephfollowedingapingcuriosity.PoorLintonranafrightenedeyeoverthefacesofthethree.

‘Sure-ly,’ said Joseph after a grave inspection, ‘he’s swopped wi’ ye,Maister,an’yon’shislass!’

Heathcliff, having stared his son into an ague of confusion, uttered ascornfullaugh.

‘God!whatabeauty!whatalovely,charmingthing!’heexclaimed.‘Hav’n’ttheyreareditonsnailsandsourmilk,Nelly?Oh,damnmysoul!butthat’sworsethanIexpected—andthedevilknowsIwasnotsanguine!’

Ibidthetremblingandbewilderedchildgetdown,andenter.Hedidnotthoroughlycomprehendthemeaningofhisfather’sspeech,orwhetheritwereintendedforhim:indeed,hewasnotyetcertainthatthegrim,sneeringstrangerwashisfather.Butheclungtomewithgrowingtrepidation;andonMr.Heathcliff’stakingaseatandbiddinghim‘comehither’hehidhisfaceonmyshoulderandwept.

‘Tut,tut!’saidHeathcliff,stretchingoutahandanddragginghimroughlybetweenhisknees,andthenholdinguphisheadbythechin.‘Noneofthatnonsense!We’renotgoingtohurtthee,Linton—isn’tthatthyname?Thouartthymother’schild,entirely!Whereismyshareinthee,pulingchicken?’

Hetookoff theboy’scapandpushedbackhis thickflaxencurls, felthisslenderarmsandhis small fingers;duringwhichexaminationLintonceasedcrying,andliftedhisgreatblueeyestoinspecttheinspector.

‘Do you know me?’ asked Heathcliff, having satisfied himself that thelimbswereallequallyfrailandfeeble.

‘No,’saidLinton,withagazeofvacantfear.

‘You’veheardofme,Idaresay?’

‘No,’herepliedagain.

‘No!Whatashameofyourmother,nevertowakenyourfilialregardforme!Youaremyson,then,I’lltellyou;andyourmotherwasawickedsluttoleaveyouinignoranceofthesortoffatheryoupossessed.Now,don’twince,andcolourup!Thoughitissomethingtoseeyouhavenotwhiteblood.Beagoodlad;andI’lldoforyou.Nelly,ifyoubetiredyoumaysitdown;ifnot,gethomeagain.Iguessyou’llreportwhatyouhearandseetothecipherattheGrange;andthisthingwon’tbesettledwhileyoulingeraboutit.’

‘Well,’repliedI,‘Ihopeyou’llbekindtotheboy,Mr.Heathcliff,oryou’llnotkeephimlong;andhe’sallyouhaveakininthewideworld,thatyouwilleverknow—remember.’

‘I’llbeverykindtohim,youneedn’tfear,’hesaid,laughing.‘Onlynobodyelsemustbekindtohim:I’mjealousofmonopolisinghisaffection.And,tobeginmykindness,Joseph,bringtheladsomebreakfast.Hareton,youinfernalcalf,begonetoyourwork.Yes,Nell,’headded,whentheyhaddeparted,‘mysonisprospectiveownerofyourplace,andIshouldnotwish

himtodietillIwascertainofbeinghissuccessor.Besides,he’smine,andIwantthetriumphofseeingmydescendantfairlylordoftheirestates;mychildhiringtheirchildrentotilltheirfathers’landsforwages.Thatisthesoleconsiderationwhichcanmakemeendurethewhelp:Idespisehimforhimself,andhatehimforthememoriesherevives!Butthatconsiderationissufficient:he’sassafewithme,andshallbetendedascarefullyasyourmastertendshisown.Ihavearoomup-stairs,furnishedforhiminhandsomestyle;I’veengagedatutor,also,tocomethreetimesaweek,fromtwentymiles’distance,toteachhimwhathepleasestolearn.I’veorderedHaretontoobeyhim:andinfactI’vearrangedeverythingwithaviewtopreservethesuperiorandthegentlemaninhim,abovehisassociates.Idoregret,however,thathesolittledeservesthetrouble:ifIwishedanyblessingintheworld,itwastofindhimaworthyobjectofpride;andI’mbitterlydisappointedwiththewhey-faced,whiningwretch!’

Whilehewasspeaking,Josephreturnedbearingabasinofmilk-porridge,andplaceditbeforeLinton:whostirredroundthehomelymesswithalookofaversion,andaffirmedhecouldnoteatit.Isawtheoldman-servantsharedlargelyinhismaster’sscornofthechild;thoughhewascompelledtoretainthesentimentinhisheart,becauseHeathcliffplainlymeanthisunderlingstoholdhiminhonour.

‘Cannotateit?’repeatedhe,peeringinLinton’sface,andsubduinghisvoicetoawhisper,forfearofbeingoverheard.‘ButMaisterHaretonniviratenaughtelse,whenheweralittle’un;andwhatwergooidenoughforhim’sgooidenoughforye,I’sraytherthink!’

‘Isha’n’teatit!’answeredLinton,snappishly.‘Takeitaway.’

Josephsnatchedupthefoodindignantly,andbroughtittous.

‘Is there aught ails th’ victuals?’ he asked, thrusting the tray underHeathcliff’snose.

‘Whatshouldailthem?’hesaid.

‘Wah!’answeredJoseph,‘yondaintychapsayshecannutate’em.ButIguessit’sraight!Hismotherwerjustsoa—wewera’mosttoomuckytosowt’cornformakkingherbreead.’

‘Don’tmentionhismothertome,’saidthemaster,angrily.‘Gethimsomethingthathecaneat,that’sall.Whatishisusualfood,Nelly?’

Isuggestedboiledmilkortea;andthehousekeeperreceivedinstructionstopreparesome.Come,Ireflected,hisfather’sselfishnessmaycontributetohiscomfort.Heperceiveshisdelicateconstitution,andthenecessityoftreatinghimtolerably.I’llconsoleMr.Edgarbyacquaintinghimwiththeturn

Heathcliff’shumourhastaken.Havingnoexcuseforlingeringlonger,Islippedout,whileLintonwasengagedintimidlyrebuffingtheadvancesofafriendlysheep-dog.Buthewastoomuchonthealerttobecheated:asIclosedthedoor,Iheardacry,andafranticrepetitionofthewords—

‘Don’tleaveme!I’llnotstayhere!I’llnotstayhere!’

Thenthelatchwasraisedandfell:theydidnotsufferhimtocomeforth.ImountedMinny,andurgedhertoatrot;andsomybriefguardianshipended.

CHAPTERXXI

WehadsadworkwithlittleCathythatday:sheroseinhighglee,eagertojoinhercousin,andsuchpassionatetearsandlamentationsfollowedthenewsofhisdeparturethatEdgarhimselfwasobligedtosootheher,byaffirmingheshouldcomebacksoon:headded,however,‘ifIcangethim’;andtherewerenohopesofthat.Thispromisepoorlypacifiedher;buttimewasmorepotent;andthoughstillatintervalssheinquiredofherfatherwhenLintonwouldreturn,beforeshedidseehimagainhisfeatureshadwaxedsodiminhermemorythatshedidnotrecognisehim.

WhenIchancedtoencounterthehousekeeperofWutheringHeights,inpayingbusinessvisitstoGimmerton,Iusedtoaskhowtheyoungmastergoton;forhelivedalmostassecludedasCatherineherself,andwasnevertobeseen.Icouldgatherfromherthathecontinuedinweakhealth,andwasatiresomeinmate.ShesaidMr.Heathcliffseemedtodislikehimeverlongerandworse,thoughhetooksometroubletoconcealit:hehadanantipathytothesoundofhisvoice,andcouldnotdoatallwithhissittinginthesameroomwithhimmanyminutestogether.Thereseldompassedmuchtalkbetweenthem:Lintonlearnthislessonsandspenthiseveningsinasmallapartmenttheycalledtheparlour:orelselayinbedallday:forhewasconstantlygettingcoughs,andcolds,andaches,andpainsofsomesort.

‘AndIneverknowsuchafaintheartedcreature,’addedthewoman;‘noronesocarefulofhisseln.Hewillgoon,ifIleavethewindowopenabitlateintheevening.Oh!it’skilling,abreathofnightair!Andhemusthaveafireinthemiddleofsummer;andJoseph’sbacca-pipeispoison;andhemustalwayshavesweetsanddainties,andalwaysmilk,milkforever—heedingnaughthowtherestofusarepinchedinwinter;andtherehe’llsit,wrappedinhisfurredcloakinhischairbythefire,withsometoastandwaterorothersloponthehobtosipat;andifHareton,forpity,comestoamusehim—Haretonisnotbad-natured,thoughhe’srough—they’resuretopart,oneswearingandthe

othercrying.IbelievethemasterwouldrelishEarnshaw’sthrashinghimtoamummy,ifhewerenothisson;andI’mcertainhewouldbefittoturnhimoutofdoors,ifheknewhalfthenursinghegiveshisseln.Butthenhewon’tgointodangeroftemptation:heneverenterstheparlour,andshouldLintonshowthosewaysinthehousewhereheis,hesendshimup-stairsdirectly.’

Idivined,fromthisaccount,thatutterlackofsympathyhadrenderedyoungHeathcliffselfishanddisagreeable,ifhewerenotsooriginally;andmyinterestinhim,consequently,decayed:thoughstillIwasmovedwithasenseofgriefathislot,andawishthathehadbeenleftwithus.Mr.Edgarencouragedmetogaininformation:hethoughtagreatdealabouthim,Ifancy,andwouldhaverunsomerisktoseehim;andhetoldmeoncetoaskthehousekeeperwhetherheevercameintothevillage?Shesaidhehadonlybeentwice,onhorseback,accompanyinghisfather;andbothtimeshepretendedtobequiteknockedupforthreeorfourdaysafterwards.Thathousekeeperleft,ifIrecollectrightly,twoyearsafterhecame;andanother,whomIdidnotknow,washersuccessor;shelivestherestill.

TimeworeonattheGrangeinitsformerpleasantwaytillMissCathyreachedsixteen.Ontheanniversaryofherbirthwenevermanifestedanysignsofrejoicing,becauseitwasalsotheanniversaryofmylatemistress’sdeath.Herfatherinvariablyspentthatdayaloneinthelibrary;andwalked,atdusk,asfarasGimmertonkirkyard,wherehewouldfrequentlyprolonghisstaybeyondmidnight.ThereforeCatherinewasthrownonherownresourcesforamusement.ThistwentiethofMarchwasabeautifulspringday,andwhenherfatherhadretired,myyoungladycamedowndressedforgoingout,andsaidsheaskedtohavearambleontheedgeofthemoorwithme:Mr.Lintonhadgivenherleave,ifwewentonlyashortdistanceandwerebackwithinthehour.

‘Somakehaste,Ellen!’shecried.‘IknowwhereIwishtogo;whereacolonyofmoor-gamearesettled:Iwanttoseewhethertheyhavemadetheirnestsyet.’

‘Thatmust be a gooddistanceup,’ I answered; ‘theydon’t breedon theedgeofthemoor.’

‘No,it’snot,’shesaid.‘I’vegoneverynearwithpapa.’

Iputonmybonnetandsalliedout,thinkingnothingmoreofthematter.Sheboundedbeforeme,andreturnedtomyside,andwasoffagainlikeayounggreyhound;and,atfirst,Ifoundplentyofentertainmentinlisteningtothelarkssingingfarandnear,andenjoyingthesweet,warmsunshine;andwatchingher,mypetandmydelight,withhergoldenringletsflyingloosebehind,andherbrightcheek,assoftandpureinitsbloomasawildrose,andhereyesradiantwithcloudlesspleasure.Shewasahappycreature,andan

angel,inthosedays.It’sapityshecouldnotbecontent.

‘Well,’saidI,‘whereareyourmoor-game,MissCathy?Weshouldbeatthem:theGrangepark-fenceisagreatwayoffnow.’

‘Oh,alittlefurther—onlyalittlefurther,Ellen,’washeranswer,continually.‘Climbtothathillock,passthatbank,andbythetimeyoureachtheothersideIshallhaveraisedthebirds.’

Butthereweresomanyhillocksandbankstoclimbandpass,that,atlength,Ibegantobeweary,andtoldherwemusthalt,andretraceoursteps.Ishoutedtoher,asshehadoutstrippedmealongway;sheeitherdidnothearordidnotregard,forshestillsprangon,andIwascompelledtofollow.Finally,shedivedintoahollow;andbeforeIcameinsightofheragain,shewastwomilesnearerWutheringHeightsthanherownhome;andIbeheldacoupleofpersonsarresther,oneofwhomIfeltconvincedwasMr.Heathcliffhimself.

Cathyhadbeencaughtinthefactofplundering,or,atleast,huntingoutthenestsofthegrouse.TheHeightswereHeathcliff’sland,andhewasreprovingthepoacher.

‘I’veneithertakenanynorfoundany,’shesaid,asItoiledtothem,expandingherhandsincorroborationofthestatement.‘Ididn’tmeantotakethem;butpapatoldmetherewerequantitiesuphere,andIwishedtoseetheeggs.’

Heathcliff glanced at me with an ill-meaning smile, expressing hisacquaintance with the party, and, consequently, his malevolence towards it,anddemandedwho‘papa’was?

‘Mr.LintonofThrushcrossGrange,’shereplied.‘Ithoughtyoudidnotknowme,oryouwouldn’thavespokeninthatway.’

‘You suppose papa is highly esteemed and respected, then?’ he said,sarcastically.

‘Andwhatareyou?’inquiredCatherine,gazingcuriouslyonthespeaker.‘ThatmanI’veseenbefore.Isheyourson?’

ShepointedtoHareton,theotherindividual,whohadgainednothingbutincreasedbulkandstrengthbytheadditionoftwoyearstohisage:heseemedasawkwardandroughasever.

‘MissCathy,’Iinterrupted,‘itwillbethreehoursinsteadofonethatweareout,presently.Wereallymustgoback.’

‘No,thatmanisnotmyson,’answeredHeathcliff,pushingmeaside.‘ButIhaveone,andyouhaveseenhimbeforetoo;and,thoughyournurseisinahurry,Ithinkbothyouandshewouldbethebetterforalittlerest.Willyou

justturnthisnabofheath,andwalkintomyhouse?You’llgethomeearlierfortheease;andyoushallreceiveakindwelcome.’

I whispered Catherine that she mustn’t, on any account, accede to theproposal:itwasentirelyoutofthequestion.

‘Why?’sheasked,aloud.‘I’mtiredofrunning,andthegroundisdewy:Ican’tsithere.Letusgo,Ellen.Besides,hesaysIhaveseenhisson.He’smistaken,Ithink;butIguesswherehelives:atthefarmhouseIvisitedincomingfromPenistoneCrags.Don’tyou?’

‘Ido.Come,Nelly,holdyourtongue—itwillbeatreatforhertolookinonus.Hareton,getforwardswiththelass.Youshallwalkwithme,Nelly.’

‘No,she’snotgoingtoanysuchplace,’Icried,strugglingtoreleasemyarm,whichhehadseized:butshewasalmostatthedoor-stonesalready,scamperingroundthebrowatfullspeed.Herappointedcompaniondidnotpretendtoescorther:heshiedoffbytheroad-side,andvanished.

‘Mr.Heathcliff,it’sverywrong,’Icontinued:‘youknowyoumeannogood.Andthereshe’llseeLinton,andallwillbetoldassoonaseverwereturn;andIshallhavetheblame.’

‘IwanthertoseeLinton,’heanswered;‘he’slookingbetterthesefewdays;it’snotoftenhe’sfittobeseen.Andwe’llsoonpersuadehertokeepthevisitsecret:whereistheharmofit?’

‘Theharmofitis,thatherfatherwouldhatemeifhefoundIsufferedhertoenteryourhouse;andIamconvincedyouhaveabaddesigninencouraginghertodoso,’Ireplied.

‘Mydesignisashonestaspossible.I’llinformyouofitswholescope,’hesaid.‘Thatthetwocousinsmayfallinlove,andgetmarried.I’mactinggenerouslytoyourmaster:hisyoungchithasnoexpectations,andshouldshesecondmywishesshe’llbeprovidedforatonceasjointsuccessorwithLinton.’

‘If Linton died,’ I answered, ‘and his life is quite uncertain, Catherinewouldbetheheir.’

‘No,shewouldnot,’hesaid.‘Thereisnoclauseinthewilltosecureitso:hispropertywouldgotome;but,topreventdisputes,Idesiretheirunion,andamresolvedtobringitabout.’

‘AndI’mresolvedsheshallneverapproachyourhousewithmeagain,’Ireturned,aswereachedthegate,whereMissCathywaitedourcoming.

Heathcliffbademebequiet;and,precedingusupthepath,hastenedtoopenthedoor.Myyoungladygavehimseverallooks,asifshecouldnot

exactlymakeuphermindwhattothinkofhim;butnowhesmiledwhenhemethereye,andsoftenedhisvoiceinaddressingher;andIwasfoolishenoughtoimaginethememoryofhermothermightdisarmhimfromdesiringherinjury.Lintonstoodonthehearth.Hehadbeenoutwalkinginthefields,forhiscapwason,andhewascallingtoJosephtobringhimdryshoes.Hehadgrowntallofhisage,stillwantingsomemonthsofsixteen.Hisfeatureswereprettyyet,andhiseyeandcomplexionbrighterthanIrememberedthem,thoughwithmerelytemporarylustreborrowedfromthesalubriousairandgenialsun.

‘Now,whoisthat?’askedMr.Heathcliff,turningtoCathy.‘Canyoutell?’

‘Your son?’ she said, having doubtfully surveyed, first one and then theother.

‘Yes,yes,’answeredhe:‘butisthistheonlytimeyouhavebeheldhim?Think!Ah!youhaveashortmemory.Linton,don’tyourecallyourcousin,thatyouusedtoteaseussowithwishingtosee?’

‘What,Linton!’criedCathy,kindlingintojoyfulsurpriseatthename.‘IsthatlittleLinton?He’stallerthanIam!AreyouLinton?’

Theyouthsteppedforward,andacknowledgedhimself:shekissedhimfervently,andtheygazedwithwonderatthechangetimehadwroughtintheappearanceofeach.Catherinehadreachedherfullheight;herfigurewasbothplumpandslender,elasticassteel,andherwholeaspectsparklingwithhealthandspirits.Linton’slooksandmovementswereverylanguid,andhisformextremelyslight;buttherewasagraceinhismannerthatmitigatedthesedefects,andrenderedhimnotunpleasing.Afterexchangingnumerousmarksoffondnesswithhim,hiscousinwenttoMr.Heathcliff,wholingeredbythedoor,dividinghisattentionbetweentheobjectsinsideandthosethatlaywithout:pretending,thatis,toobservethelatter,andreallynotingtheformeralone.

‘Andyouaremyuncle,then!’shecried,reachinguptosalutehim.‘IthoughtIlikedyou,thoughyouwerecrossatfirst.Whydon’tyouvisitattheGrangewithLinton?Tolivealltheseyearssuchcloseneighbours,andneverseeus,isodd:whathaveyoudonesofor?’

‘Ivisiteditonceortwicetoooftenbeforeyouwereborn,’heanswered.‘There—damnit!Ifyouhaveanykissestospare,givethemtoLinton:theyarethrownawayonme.’

‘NaughtyEllen!’exclaimedCatherine,flyingtoattackmenextwithherlavishcaresses.‘WickedEllen!totrytohindermefromentering.ButI’lltakethiswalkeverymorninginfuture:mayI,uncle?andsometimesbringpapa.Won’tyoubegladtoseeus?’

‘Ofcourse,’repliedtheuncle,withahardlysuppressedgrimace,resultingfromhisdeepaversiontoboththeproposedvisitors.‘Butstay,’hecontinued,turningtowardstheyounglady.‘NowIthinkofit,I’dbettertellyou.Mr.Lintonhasaprejudiceagainstme:wequarrelledatonetimeofourlives,withunchristianferocity;and,ifyoumentioncomingheretohim,he’llputavetoonyourvisitsaltogether.Therefore,youmustnotmentionit,unlessyoubecarelessofseeingyourcousinhereafter:youmaycome,ifyouwill,butyoumustnotmentionit.’

‘Whydidyouquarrel?’askedCatherine,considerablycrestfallen.

‘Hethoughtmetoopoortowedhissister,’answeredHeathcliff,‘andwasgrievedthatIgother:hispridewashurt,andhe’llneverforgiveit.’

‘That’swrong!’saidtheyounglady:‘sometimeI’lltellhimso.ButLintonandIhavenoshareinyourquarrel.I’llnotcomehere,then;heshallcometotheGrange.’

‘Itwillbetoofarforme,’murmuredhercousin:‘towalkfourmileswouldkillme.No,comehere,MissCatherine,nowandthen:noteverymorning,butonceortwiceaweek.’

Thefatherlaunchedtowardshissonaglanceofbittercontempt.

‘Iamafraid,Nelly,Ishalllosemylabour,’hemutteredtome.‘MissCatherine,astheninnycallsher,willdiscoverhisvalue,andsendhimtothedevil.Now,ifithadbeenHareton!—Doyouknowthat,twentytimesaday,IcovetHareton,withallhisdegradation?I’dhavelovedtheladhadhebeensomeoneelse.ButIthinkhe’ssafefromherlove.I’llpithimagainstthatpaltrycreature,unlessitbestiritselfbriskly.Wecalculateitwillscarcelylasttillitiseighteen.Oh,confoundthevapidthing!He’sabsorbedindryinghisfeet,andneverlooksather.—Linton!’

‘Yes,father,’answeredtheboy.

‘Haveyounothingtoshowyourcousinanywhereabout,notevenarabbitoraweasel’snest?Takeherintothegarden,beforeyouchangeyourshoes;andintothestabletoseeyourhorse.’

‘Wouldn’t you rather sit here?’ askedLinton, addressingCathy in a tonewhichexpressedreluctancetomoveagain.

‘I don’t know,’ she replied, casting a longing look to the door, andevidentlyeagertobeactive.

Hekepthisseat,andshrankclosertothefire.Heathcliffrose,andwentintothekitchen,andfromthencetotheyard,callingoutforHareton.Haretonresponded,andpresentlythetwore-entered.Theyoungmanhadbeenwashinghimself,aswasvisiblebytheglowonhischeeksandhiswettedhair.

‘Oh,I’llaskyou,uncle,’criedMissCathy,recollectingthehousekeeper’sassertion.‘Thatisnotmycousin,ishe?’

‘Yes,’he,replied,‘yourmother’snephew.Don’tyoulikehim!’

Catherinelookedqueer.

‘Ishenotahandsomelad?’hecontinued.

Theuncivillittlethingstoodontiptoe,andwhisperedasentenceinHeathcliff’sear.Helaughed;Haretondarkened:Iperceivedhewasverysensitivetosuspectedslights,andhadobviouslyadimnotionofhisinferiority.Buthismasterorguardianchasedthefrownbyexclaiming—

‘You’llbethefavouriteamongus,Hareton!Shesaysyouarea—Whatwasit?Well,somethingveryflattering.Here!yougowithherroundthefarm.Andbehavelikeagentleman,mind!Don’tuseanybadwords;anddon’tstarewhentheyoungladyisnotlookingatyou,andbereadytohideyourfacewhensheis;and,whenyouspeak,sayyourwordsslowly,andkeepyourhandsoutofyourpockets.Beoff,andentertainherasnicelyasyoucan.’

Hewatchedthecouplewalkingpastthewindow.Earnshawhadhiscountenancecompletelyavertedfromhiscompanion.Heseemedstudyingthefamiliarlandscapewithastranger’sandanartist’sinterest.Catherinetookaslylookathim,expressingsmalladmiration.Shethenturnedherattentiontoseekingoutobjectsofamusementforherself,andtrippedmerrilyon,liltingatunetosupplythelackofconversation.

‘I’vetiedhistongue,’observedHeathcliff.‘He’llnotventureasinglesyllableallthetime!Nelly,yourecollectmeathisage—nay,someyearsyounger.DidIeverlooksostupid:so“gaumless,”asJosephcallsit?’

‘Worse,’Ireplied,‘becausemoresullenwithit.’

‘I’veapleasureinhim,’hecontinued,reflectingaloud.‘Hehassatisfiedmyexpectations.IfhewereabornfoolIshouldnotenjoyithalfsomuch.Buthe’snofool;andIcansympathisewithallhisfeelings,havingfeltthemmyself.Iknowwhathesuffersnow,forinstance,exactly:itismerelyabeginningofwhatheshallsuffer,though.Andhe’llneverbeabletoemergefromhisbathosofcoarsenessandignorance.I’vegothimfasterthanhisscoundrelofafathersecuredme,andlower;forhetakesaprideinhisbrutishness.I’vetaughthimtoscorneverythingextra-animalassillyandweak.Don’tyouthinkHindleywouldbeproudofhisson,ifhecouldseehim?almostasproudasIamofmine.Butthere’sthisdifference;oneisgoldputtotheuseofpaving-stones,andtheotheristinpolishedtoapeaserviceofsilver.Minehasnothingvaluableaboutit;yetIshallhavethemeritofmaking

itgoasfarassuchpoorstuffcango.Hishadfirst-ratequalities,andtheyarelost:renderedworsethanunavailing.Ihavenothingtoregret;hewouldhavemorethananybutIareawareof.Andthebestofitis,Haretonisdamnablyfondofme!You’llownthatI’veoutmatchedHindleythere.Ifthedeadvillaincouldrisefromhisgravetoabusemeforhisoffspring’swrongs,Ishouldhavethefunofseeingthesaidoffspringfighthimbackagain,indignantthatheshoulddaretorailattheonefriendhehasintheworld!’

Heathcliffchuckledafiendishlaughattheidea.Imadenoreply,becauseIsawthatheexpectednone.Meantime,ouryoungcompanion,whosattooremovedfromustohearwhatwassaid,begantoevincesymptomsofuneasiness,probablyrepentingthathehaddeniedhimselfthetreatofCatherine’ssocietyforfearofalittlefatigue.Hisfatherremarkedtherestlessglanceswanderingtothewindow,andthehandirresolutelyextendedtowardshiscap.

‘Getup,youidleboy!’heexclaimed,withassumedheartiness.

‘Awayafterthem!theyarejustatthecorner,bythestandofhives.’

Lintongatheredhisenergies,andleftthehearth.Thelatticewasopen,and,ashesteppedout,IheardCathyinquiringofherunsociableattendantwhatwasthatinscriptionoverthedoor?Haretonstaredup,andscratchedhisheadlikeatrueclown.

‘It’ssomedamnablewriting,’heanswered.‘Icannotreadit.’

‘Can’treadit?’criedCatherine;‘Icanreadit:it’sEnglish.ButIwanttoknowwhyitisthere.’

Lintongiggled:thefirstappearanceofmirthhehadexhibited.

‘Hedoesnotknowhisletters,’hesaidtohiscousin.‘Couldyoubelieveintheexistenceofsuchacolossaldunce?’

‘Isheallasheshouldbe?’askedMissCathy,seriously;‘orishesimple:notright?I’vequestionedhimtwicenow,andeachtimehelookedsostupidIthinkhedoesnotunderstandme.Icanhardlyunderstandhim,I’msure!’

Linton repeated his laugh, and glanced at Hareton tauntingly; whocertainlydidnotseemquiteclearofcomprehensionatthatmoment.

‘There’snothingthematterbutlaziness;isthere,Earnshaw?’hesaid.‘Mycousinfanciesyouareanidiot.Thereyouexperiencetheconsequenceofscorning“book-larning,”asyouwouldsay.Haveyounoticed,Catherine,hisfrightfulYorkshirepronunciation?’

‘Why,wherethedevilistheuseon’t?’growledHareton,morereadyinansweringhisdailycompanion.Hewasabouttoenlargefurther,butthetwo

youngstersbrokeintoanoisyfitofmerriment:mygiddymissbeingdelightedtodiscoverthatshemightturnhisstrangetalktomatterofamusement.

‘Whereistheuseofthedevilinthatsentence?’titteredLinton.‘Papatoldyounottosayanybadwords,andyoucan’topenyourmouthwithoutone.Dotrytobehavelikeagentleman,nowdo!’

‘Ifthouweren’tmorealassthanalad,I’dfell theethisminute,Iwould;pitifullathofacrater!’retortedtheangryboor,retreating,whilehisfaceburntwithmingledrageandmortification!forhewasconsciousofbeinginsulted,andembarrassedhowtoresentit.

Mr.Heathcliffhavingoverheardtheconversation,aswellasI,smiledwhenhesawhimgo;butimmediatelyafterwardscastalookofsingularaversionontheflippantpair,whoremainedchatteringinthedoor-way:theboyfindinganimationenoughwhilediscussingHareton’sfaultsanddeficiencies,andrelatinganecdotesofhisgoingson;andthegirlrelishinghispertandspitefulsayings,withoutconsideringtheill-naturetheyevinced.Ibegantodislike,morethantocompassionateLinton,andtoexcusehisfatherinsomemeasureforholdinghimcheap.

Westayedtillafternoon:IcouldnottearMissCathyawaysooner;buthappilymymasterhadnotquittedhisapartment,andremainedignorantofourprolongedabsence.Aswewalkedhome,Iwouldfainhaveenlightenedmychargeonthecharactersofthepeoplewehadquitted:butshegotitintoherheadthatIwasprejudicedagainstthem.

‘Aha!’shecried,‘youtakepapa’sside,Ellen:youarepartialIknow;orelseyouwouldn’thavecheatedmesomanyyearsintothenotionthatLintonlivedalongwayfromhere.I’mreallyextremelyangry;onlyI’msopleasedIcan’tshowit!Butyoumustholdyourtongueaboutmyuncle;he’smyuncle,remember;andI’llscoldpapaforquarrellingwithhim.’

Andsosheranon,tillIrelinquishedtheendeavourtoconvinceherofhermistake.Shedidnotmentionthevisitthatnight,becauseshedidnotseeMr.Linton.Nextdayitallcameout,sadlytomychagrin;andstillIwasnotaltogethersorry:Ithoughttheburdenofdirectingandwarningwouldbemoreefficientlybornebyhimthanme.ButhewastootimidingivingsatisfactoryreasonsforhiswishthatsheshouldshunconnectionwiththehouseholdoftheHeights,andCatherinelikedgoodreasonsforeveryrestraintthatharassedherpettedwill.

‘Papa!’sheexclaimed,afterthemorning’ssalutations,‘guesswhomIsawyesterday,inmywalkonthemoors.Ah,papa,youstarted!you’venotdoneright,haveyou,now?Isaw—butlisten,andyoushallhearhowIfoundyouout;andEllen,whoisinleaguewithyou,andyetpretendedtopitymeso,

whenIkepthoping,andwasalwaysdisappointedaboutLinton’scomingback!’

Shegaveafaithfulaccountofherexcursionanditsconsequences;andmymaster,thoughhecastmorethanonereproachfullookatme,saidnothingtillshehadconcluded.Thenhedrewhertohim,andaskedifsheknewwhyhehadconcealedLinton’snearneighbourhoodfromher?Couldshethinkitwastodenyherapleasurethatshemightharmlesslyenjoy?

‘ItwasbecauseyoudislikedMr.Heathcliff,’sheanswered.

‘ThenyoubelieveIcaremoreformyownfeelingsthanyours,Cathy?’hesaid.‘No,itwasnotbecauseIdislikedMr.Heathcliff,butbecauseMr.Heathcliffdislikesme;andisamostdiabolicalman,delightingtowrongandruinthosehehates,iftheygivehimtheslightestopportunity.Iknewthatyoucouldnotkeepupanacquaintancewithyourcousinwithoutbeingbroughtintocontactwithhim;andIknewhewoulddetestyouonmyaccount;soforyourowngood,andnothingelse,ItookprecautionsthatyoushouldnotseeLintonagain.Imeanttoexplainthissometimeasyougrewolder,andI’msorryIdelayedit.’

‘ButMr.Heathcliffwasquitecordial,papa,’observedCatherine,notatallconvinced;‘andhedidn’tobjecttoourseeingeachother:hesaidImightcometohishousewhenIpleased;onlyImustnottellyou,becauseyouhadquarrelledwithhim,andwouldnotforgivehimformarryingauntIsabella.Andyouwon’t.Youaretheonetobeblamed:heiswillingtoletusbefriends,atleast;LintonandI;andyouarenot.’

Mymaster,perceivingthatshewouldnottakehiswordforheruncle-in-law’sevildisposition,gaveahastysketchofhisconducttoIsabella,andthemannerinwhichWutheringHeightsbecamehisproperty.Hecouldnotbeartodiscourselonguponthetopic;forthoughhespokelittleofit,hestillfeltthesamehorroranddetestationofhisancientenemythathadoccupiedhishearteversinceMrs.Linton’sdeath.‘Shemighthavebeenlivingyet,ifithadnotbeenforhim!’washisconstantbitterreflection;and,inhiseyes,Heathcliffseemedamurderer.MissCathy—conversantwithnobaddeedsexceptherownslightactsofdisobedience,injustice,andpassion,arisingfromhottemperandthoughtlessness,andrepentedofonthedaytheywerecommitted—wasamazedattheblacknessofspiritthatcouldbroodonandcoverrevengeforyears,anddeliberatelyprosecuteitsplanswithoutavisitationofremorse.Sheappearedsodeeplyimpressedandshockedatthisnewviewofhumannature—excludedfromallherstudiesandallherideastillnow—thatMr.Edgardeemeditunnecessarytopursuethesubject.Hemerelyadded:‘Youwillknowhereafter,darling,whyIwishyoutoavoidhishouseandfamily;nowreturntoyouroldemploymentsandamusements,andthinknomoreabout

them.’

Catherine kissed her father, and sat down quietly to her lessons for acouple of hours, according to custom; then she accompanied him into thegrounds,andthewholedaypassedasusual:butintheevening,whenshehadretiredtoherroom,andIwenttohelphertoundress,Ifoundhercrying,onherkneesbythebedside.

‘Oh,fie,sillychild!’Iexclaimed.‘Ifyouhadanyrealgriefsyou’dbeashamedtowasteatearonthislittlecontrariety.Youneverhadoneshadowofsubstantialsorrow,MissCatherine.Suppose,foraminute,thatmasterandIweredead,andyouwerebyyourselfintheworld:howwouldyoufeel,then?Comparethepresentoccasionwithsuchanafflictionasthat,andbethankfulforthefriendsyouhave,insteadofcovetingmore.’

‘I’mnotcryingformyself,Ellen,’sheanswered,‘it’sforhim.Heexpectedtoseemeagainto-morrow,andtherehe’llbesodisappointed:andhe’llwaitforme,andIsha’n’tcome!’

‘Nonsense!’saidI,‘doyouimaginehehasthoughtasmuchofyouasyouhaveofhim?Hasn’theHaretonforacompanion?Notoneinahundredwouldweepatlosingarelationtheyhadjustseentwice,fortwoafternoons.Lintonwillconjecturehowitis,andtroublehimselfnofurtheraboutyou.’

‘ButmayInotwriteanotetotellhimwhyIcannotcome?’sheasked,risingtoherfeet.‘AndjustsendthosebooksIpromisedtolendhim?Hisbooksarenotasniceasmine,andhewantedtohavethemextremely,whenItoldhimhowinterestingtheywere.MayInot,Ellen?’

‘No,indeed!no,indeed!’repliedIwithdecision.‘Thenhewouldwritetoyou,andthere’dneverbeanendofit.No,MissCatherine,theacquaintancemustbedroppedentirely:sopapaexpects,andIshallseethatitisdone.’

‘But how can one little note—?’ she recommenced, putting on animploringcountenance.

‘Silence!’Iinterrupted.‘We’llnotbeginwithyourlittlenotes.Getintobed.’

Shethrewatmeaverynaughtylook,sonaughtythatIwouldnotkisshergood-nightat first: Icoveredherup,andshutherdoor, ingreatdispleasure;but, repentinghalf-way, I returnedsoftly,and lo! therewasMissstandingatthetablewithabitofblankpaperbeforeherandapencilinherhand,whichsheguiltilyslippedoutofsightonmyentrance.

‘You’llgetnobodyto take that,Catherine,’ Isaid, ‘ifyouwrite it;andatpresentIshallputoutyourcandle.’

Isettheextinguisherontheflame,receivingasIdidsoaslaponmyhand

andapetulant‘crossthing!’Ithenquittedheragain,andshedrewtheboltinoneofherworst,mostpeevishhumours.Theletterwasfinishedandforwardedtoitsdestinationbyamilk-fetcherwhocamefromthevillage;butthatIdidn’tlearntillsometimeafterwards.Weekspassedon,andCathyrecoveredhertemper;thoughshegrewwondrousfondofstealingofftocornersbyherselfandoften,ifIcamenearhersuddenlywhilereading,shewouldstartandbendoverthebook,evidentlydesiroustohideit;andIdetectededgesofloosepaperstickingoutbeyondtheleaves.Shealsogotatrickofcomingdownearlyinthemorningandlingeringaboutthekitchen,asifshewereexpectingthearrivalofsomething;andshehadasmalldrawerinacabinetinthelibrary,whichshewouldtrifleoverforhours,andwhosekeyshetookspecialcaretoremovewhensheleftit.

Oneday,assheinspectedthisdrawer,Iobservedthattheplaythingsandtrinketswhichrecentlyformeditscontentsweretransmutedintobitsoffoldedpaper.Mycuriosityandsuspicionswereroused;Ideterminedtotakeapeepathermysterioustreasures;so,atnight,assoonassheandmymasterweresafeupstairs,Isearched,andreadilyfoundamongmyhousekeysonethatwouldfitthelock.Havingopened,Iemptiedthewholecontentsintomyapron,andtookthemwithmetoexamineatleisureinmyownchamber.ThoughIcouldnotbutsuspect,Iwasstillsurprisedtodiscoverthattheywereamassofcorrespondence—dailyalmost,itmusthavebeen—fromLintonHeathcliff:answerstodocumentsforwardedbyher.Theearlierdatedwereembarrassedandshort;gradually,however,theyexpandedintocopiouslove-letters,foolish,astheageofthewriterrenderednatural,yetwithtoucheshereandtherewhichIthoughtwereborrowedfromamoreexperiencedsource.Someofthemstruckmeassingularlyoddcompoundsofardourandflatness;commencinginstrongfeeling,andconcludingintheaffected,wordystylethataschoolboymightusetoafancied,incorporealsweetheart.WhethertheysatisfiedCathyIdon’tknow;buttheyappearedveryworthlesstrashtome.AfterturningoverasmanyasIthoughtproper,Itiedtheminahandkerchiefandsetthemaside,relockingthevacantdrawer.

Followingherhabit,myyoungladydescendedearly,andvisitedthekitchen:Iwatchedhergotothedoor,onthearrivalofacertainlittleboy;and,whilethedairymaidfilledhiscan,shetuckedsomethingintohisjacketpocket,andpluckedsomethingout.Iwentroundbythegarden,andlaidwaitforthemessenger;whofoughtvalorouslytodefendhistrust,andwespiltthemilkbetweenus;butIsucceededinabstractingtheepistle;and,threateningseriousconsequencesifhedidnotlooksharphome,IremainedunderthewallandperusedMissCathy’saffectionatecomposition.Itwasmoresimpleandmoreeloquentthanhercousin’s:veryprettyandverysilly.Ishookmyhead,andwentmeditatingintothehouse.Thedaybeingwet,shecouldnotdivertherselfwithramblingaboutthepark;so,attheconclusionofhermorning

studies,sheresortedtothesolaceofthedrawer.Herfathersatreadingatthetable;andI,onpurpose,hadsoughtabitofworkinsomeunrippedfringesofthewindow-curtain,keepingmyeyesteadilyfixedonherproceedings.Neverdidanybirdflyingbacktoaplunderednest,whichithadleftbrimfulofchirpingyoungones,expressmorecompletedespair,initsanguishedcriesandflutterings,thanshebyhersingle‘Oh!’andthechangethattransfiguredherlatehappycountenance.Mr.Lintonlookedup.

‘Whatisthematter,love?Haveyouhurtyourself?’hesaid.

Histoneandlookassuredherhehadnotbeenthediscovererofthehoard.

‘No,papa!’shegasped.‘Ellen!Ellen!comeup-stairs—I’msick!’

Iobeyedhersummons,andaccompaniedherout.

‘Oh,Ellen!youhavegotthem,’shecommencedimmediately,droppingonherknees,whenwewereenclosedalone.‘Oh,givethemtome,andI’llnever,neverdosoagain!Don’ttellpapa.Youhavenottoldpapa,Ellen?sayyouhavenot?I’vebeenexceedinglynaughty,butIwon’tdoitanymore!’

WithagraveseverityinmymannerIbadeherstandup.

‘So,’Iexclaimed,‘MissCatherine,youaretolerablyfaron,itseems:youmaywellbeashamedofthem!Afinebundleoftrashyoustudyinyourleisurehours,tobesure:why,it’sgoodenoughtobeprinted!AndwhatdoyousupposethemasterwillthinkwhenIdisplayitbeforehim?Ihav’n’tshownityet,butyouneedn’timagineIshallkeepyourridiculoussecrets.Forshame!andyoumusthaveledthewayinwritingsuchabsurdities:hewouldnothavethoughtofbeginning,I’mcertain.’

‘Ididn’t!Ididn’t!’sobbedCathy,fittobreakherheart.‘Ididn’toncethinkoflovinghimtill—’

‘Loving!’criedI,asscornfullyasIcoulduttertheword.‘Loving!Didanybodyeverhearthelike!Imightjustaswelltalkoflovingthemillerwhocomesonceayeartobuyourcorn.Prettyloving,indeed!andbothtimestogetheryouhaveseenLintonhardlyfourhoursinyourlife!Nowhereisthebabyishtrash.I’mgoingwithittothelibrary;andwe’llseewhatyourfathersaystosuchloving.’

Shesprangatherpreciousepistles,butIheldthemabovemyhead;andthenshepouredoutfurtherfranticentreatiesthatIwouldburnthem—doanythingratherthanshowthem.Andbeingreallyfullyasmuchinclinedtolaughasscold—forIesteemeditallgirlishvanity—Iatlengthrelentedinameasure,andasked,—‘IfIconsenttoburnthem,willyoupromisefaithfullyneithertosendnorreceivealetteragain,norabook(forIperceiveyouhavesenthimbooks),norlocksofhair,norrings,norplaythings?’

‘We don’t send playthings,’ cried Catherine, her pride overcoming hershame.

‘Noranythingatall,then,mylady?’Isaid.‘Unlessyouwill,hereIgo.’

‘Ipromise,Ellen!’shecried,catchingmydress.‘Oh,puttheminthefire,do,do!’

ButwhenIproceededtoopenaplacewiththepokerthesacrificewastoopainfultobeborne.SheearnestlysupplicatedthatIwouldspareheroneortwo.

‘Oneortwo,Ellen,tokeepforLinton’ssake!’

Iunknotted thehandkerchief, andcommenceddropping them in fromanangle,andtheflamecurledupthechimney.

‘Iwillhaveone,youcruelwretch!’shescreamed,dartingherhandintothefire,anddrawingforthsomehalf-consumedfragments,at theexpenseofherfingers.

‘Verywell—andIwillhavesometoexhibittopapa!’Ianswered,shakingbacktherestintothebundle,andturninganewtothedoor.

Sheemptiedherblackenedpiecesintotheflames,andmotionedmetofinishtheimmolation.Itwasdone;Istirreduptheashes,andinterredthemunderashovelfulofcoals;andshemutely,andwithasenseofintenseinjury,retiredtoherprivateapartment.Idescendedtotellmymasterthattheyounglady’squalmofsicknesswasalmostgone,butIjudgeditbestforhertoliedownawhile.Shewouldn’tdine;butshereappearedattea,pale,andredabouttheeyes,andmarvellouslysubduedinoutwardaspect.NextmorningIansweredtheletterbyaslipofpaper,inscribed,‘MasterHeathcliffisrequestedtosendnomorenotestoMissLinton,asshewillnotreceivethem.’And,henceforth,thelittleboycamewithvacantpockets.

CHAPTERXXII

Summerdrewtoanend,andearlyautumn:itwaspastMichaelmas,buttheharvestwaslatethatyear,andafewofourfieldswerestilluncleared.Mr.Lintonandhisdaughterwouldfrequentlywalkoutamongthereapers;atthecarryingofthelastsheavestheystayedtilldusk,andtheeveninghappeningtobechillanddamp,mymastercaughtabadcold,thatsettledobstinatelyonhislungs,andconfinedhimindoorsthroughoutthewholeofthewinter,nearlywithoutintermission.

PoorCathy,frightenedfromherlittleromance,hadbeenconsiderablysadderanddullersinceitsabandonment;andherfatherinsistedonherreadingless,andtakingmoreexercise.Shehadhiscompanionshipnolonger;Iesteemeditadutytosupplyitslack,asmuchaspossible,withmine:aninefficientsubstitute;forIcouldonlysparetwoorthreehours,frommynumerousdiurnaloccupations,tofollowherfootsteps,andthenmysocietywasobviouslylessdesirablethanhis.

OnanafternooninOctober,orthebeginningofNovember—afreshwateryafternoon,whentheturfandpathswererustlingwithmoist,witheredleaves,andthecoldblueskywashalfhiddenbyclouds—darkgreystreamers,rapidlymountingfromthewest,andbodingabundantrain—Irequestedmyyoungladytoforegoherramble,becauseIwascertainofshowers.Sherefused;andIunwillinglydonnedacloak,andtookmyumbrellatoaccompanyheronastrolltothebottomofthepark:aformalwalkwhichshegenerallyaffectediflow-spirited—andthatsheinvariablywaswhenMr.Edgarhadbeenworsethanordinary,athingneverknownfromhisconfession,butguessedbothbyherandmefromhisincreasedsilenceandthemelancholyofhiscountenance.Shewentsadlyon:therewasnorunningorboundingnow,thoughthechillwindmightwellhavetemptedhertorace.Andoften,fromthesideofmyeye,Icoulddetectherraisingahand,andbrushingsomethingoffhercheek.Igazedroundforameansofdivertingherthoughts.Ononesideoftheroadroseahigh,roughbank,wherehazelsandstuntedoaks,withtheirrootshalfexposed,helduncertaintenure:thesoilwastoolooseforthelatter;andstrongwindshadblownsomenearlyhorizontal.InsummerMissCatherinedelightedtoclimbalongthesetrunks,andsitinthebranches,swingingtwentyfeetabovetheground;andI,pleasedwithheragilityandherlight,childishheart,stillconsidereditpropertoscoldeverytimeIcaughtheratsuchanelevation,butsothatsheknewtherewasnonecessityfordescending.Fromdinnertoteashewouldlieinherbreeze-rockedcradle,doingnothingexceptsingingoldsongs—mynurserylore—toherself,orwatchingthebirds,jointtenants,feedandenticetheiryoungonestofly:ornestlingwithclosedlids,halfthinking,halfdreaming,happierthanwordscanexpress.

‘Look,Miss!’Iexclaimed,pointingtoanookundertherootsofonetwistedtree.‘Winterisnothereyet.There’salittleflowerupyonder,thelastbudfromthemultitudeofbluebellsthatcloudedthoseturfstepsinJulywithalilacmist.Willyouclamberup,andpluckittoshowtopapa?’Cathystaredalongtimeatthelonelyblossomtremblinginitsearthyshelter,andreplied,atlength—‘No,I’llnottouchit:butitlooksmelancholy,doesitnot,Ellen?’

‘Yes,’Iobserved,‘aboutasstarvedandsucklessasyou:yourcheeksarebloodless;letustakeholdofhandsandrun.You’resolow,IdaresayIshall

keepupwithyou.’

‘No,’ she repeated, and continued sauntering on, pausing at intervals tomuseoverabitofmoss,oratuftofblanchedgrass,orafungusspreadingitsbrightorangeamongtheheapsofbrownfoliage;and,everandanon,herhandwasliftedtoheravertedface.

‘Catherine,whyareyoucrying,love?’Iasked,approachingandputtingmyarmoverhershoulder.‘Youmustn’tcrybecausepapahasacold;bethankfulitisnothingworse.’

She now put no further restraint on her tears; her breath was stifled bysobs.

‘Oh,itwillbesomethingworse,’shesaid.‘AndwhatshallIdowhenpapaandyouleaveme,andIambymyself?Ican’tforgetyourwords,Ellen;theyarealwaysinmyear.Howlifewillbechanged,howdrearytheworldwillbe,whenpapaandyouaredead.’

‘Nonecantellwhetheryouwon’tdiebeforeus,’Ireplied.‘It’swrongtoanticipateevil.We’llhopethereareyearsandyearstocomebeforeanyofusgo:masterisyoung,andIamstrong,andhardlyforty-five.Mymotherlivedtilleighty,acantydametothelast.AndsupposeMr.Lintonweresparedtillhesawsixty,thatwouldbemoreyearsthanyouhavecounted,Miss.Andwoulditnotbefoolishtomournacalamityabovetwentyyearsbeforehand?’

‘ButAuntIsabellawasyoungerthanpapa,’sheremarked,gazingupwithtimidhopetoseekfurtherconsolation.

‘AuntIsabellahadnotyouandmetonurseher,’Ireplied.‘Shewasn’tashappyasMaster:shehadn’tasmuchtolivefor.Allyouneeddo,istowaitwellonyourfather,andcheerhimbylettinghimseeyoucheerful;andavoidgivinghimanxietyonanysubject:mindthat,Cathy!I’llnotdisguisebutyoumightkillhimifyouwerewildandreckless,andcherishedafoolish,fancifulaffectionforthesonofapersonwhowouldbegladtohavehiminhisgrave;andallowedhimtodiscoverthatyoufrettedovertheseparationhehasjudgeditexpedienttomake.’

‘Ifretaboutnothingonearthexceptpapa’sillness,’answeredmycompanion.‘Icarefornothingincomparisonwithpapa.AndI’llnever—never—oh,never,whileIhavemysenses,doanactorsayawordtovexhim.Ilovehimbetterthanmyself,Ellen;andIknowitbythis:IprayeverynightthatImayliveafterhim;becauseIwouldratherbemiserablethanthatheshouldbe:thatprovesIlovehimbetterthanmyself.’

‘Goodwords,’Ireplied.‘Butdeedsmustproveitalso;andafterheiswell,rememberyoudon’tforgetresolutionsformedinthehouroffear.’

Aswetalked,wenearedadoorthatopenedontheroad;andmyyounglady,lighteningintosunshineagain,climbedupandseatedherselfonthetopofthewall,reachingovertogathersomehipsthatbloomedscarletonthesummitbranchesofthewild-rosetreesshadowingthehighwayside:thelowerfruithaddisappeared,butonlybirdscouldtouchtheupper,exceptfromCathy’spresentstation.Instretchingtopullthem,herhatfelloff;andasthedoorwaslocked,sheproposedscramblingdowntorecoverit.Ibidherbecautiouslestshegotafall,andshenimblydisappeared.Butthereturnwasnosucheasymatter:thestonesweresmoothandneatlycemented,andtherose-bushesandblack-berrystragglerscouldyieldnoassistanceinre-ascending.I,likeafool,didn’trecollectthat,tillIheardherlaughingandexclaiming—‘Ellen!you’llhavetofetchthekey,orelseImustrunroundtotheporter’slodge.Ican’tscaletherampartsonthisside!’

‘Staywhereyouare,’Ianswered;‘Ihavemybundleofkeysinmypocket:perhapsImaymanagetoopenit;ifnot,I’llgo.’

Catherineamusedherselfwithdancingtoandfrobeforethedoor,whileItriedallthelargekeysinsuccession.Ihadappliedthelast,andfoundthatnonewoulddo;so,repeatingmydesirethatshewouldremainthere,IwasabouttohurryhomeasfastasIcould,whenanapproachingsoundarrestedme.Itwasthetrotofahorse;Cathy’sdancestoppedalso.

‘Whoisthat?’Iwhispered.

‘Ellen, Iwishyou couldopen thedoor,’whisperedbackmycompanion,anxiously.

‘Ho,MissLinton!’criedadeepvoice(therider’s),‘I’mgladtomeetyou.Don’tbeinhastetoenter,forIhaveanexplanationtoaskandobtain.’

‘Isha’n’tspeaktoyou,Mr.Heathcliff,’answeredCatherine.‘Papasaysyouareawickedman,andyouhatebothhimandme;andEllensaysthesame.’

‘Thatisnothingtothepurpose,’saidHeathcliff.(Heitwas.)‘Idon’thatemyson,Isuppose;anditisconcerninghimthatIdemandyourattention.Yes;youhavecausetoblush.Twoorthreemonthssince,wereyounotinthehabitofwritingtoLinton?makingloveinplay,eh?Youdeserved,bothofyou,floggingforthat!Youespecially,theelder;andlesssensitive,asitturnsout.I’vegotyourletters,andifyougivemeanypertnessI’llsendthemtoyourfather.Ipresumeyougrewwearyoftheamusementanddroppedit,didn’tyou?Well,youdroppedLintonwithitintoaSloughofDespond.Hewasinearnest:inlove,really.AstrueasIlive,he’sdyingforyou;breakinghisheartatyourfickleness:notfiguratively,butactually.ThoughHaretonhasmadehimastandingjestforsixweeks,andIhaveusedmoreseriousmeasures,and

attemptedtofrightenhimoutofhisidiotcy,hegetsworsedaily;andhe’llbeunderthesodbeforesummer,unlessyourestorehim!’

‘Howcanyouliesoglaringlytothepoorchild?’Icalledfromtheinside.‘Prayrideon!Howcanyoudeliberatelygetupsuchpaltryfalsehoods?MissCathy,I’llknockthelockoffwithastone:youwon’tbelievethatvilenonsense.Youcanfeelinyourselfitisimpossiblethatapersonshoulddieforloveofastranger.’

‘Iwasnotawaretherewereeavesdroppers,’mutteredthedetectedvillain.‘WorthyMrs.Dean,Ilikeyou,butIdon’tlikeyourdouble-dealing,’headdedaloud.‘HowcouldyouliesoglaringlyastoaffirmIhatedthe“poorchild”?andinventbugbearstoriestoterrifyherfrommydoor-stones?CatherineLinton(theverynamewarmsme),mybonnylass,Ishallbefromhomeallthisweek;goandseeifhavenotspokentruth:do,there’sadarling!Justimagineyourfatherinmyplace,andLintoninyours;thenthinkhowyouwouldvalueyourcarelessloverifherefusedtostirasteptocomfortyou,whenyourfatherhimselfentreatedhim;anddon’t,frompurestupidity,fallintothesameerror.Iswear,onmysalvation,he’sgoingtohisgrave,andnonebutyoucansavehim!’

ThelockgavewayandIissuedout.

‘IswearLintonisdying,’repeatedHeathcliff,lookinghardatme.‘Andgriefanddisappointmentarehasteninghisdeath.Nelly,ifyouwon’tlethergo,youcanwalkoveryourself.ButIshallnotreturntillthistimenextweek;andIthinkyourmasterhimselfwouldscarcelyobjecttohervisitinghercousin.’

‘Comein,’saidI,takingCathybythearmandhalfforcinghertore-enter;for she lingered, viewingwith troubled eyes the featuresof the speaker, toosterntoexpresshisinwarddeceit.

Hepushedhishorseclose,and,bendingdown,observed—‘MissCatherine,I’llowntoyouthatIhavelittlepatiencewithLinton;andHaretonandJosephhaveless.I’llownthathe’swithaharshset.Hepinesforkindness,aswellaslove;andakindwordfromyouwouldbehisbestmedicine.Don’tmindMrs.Dean’scruelcautions;butbegenerous,andcontrivetoseehim.Hedreamsofyoudayandnight,andcannotbepersuadedthatyoudon’thatehim,sinceyouneitherwritenorcall.’

Iclosedthedoor,androlledastonetoassisttheloosenedlockinholdingit;andspreadingmyumbrella,Idrewmychargeunderneath:fortherainbegantodrivethroughthemoaningbranchesofthetrees,andwarnedustoavoiddelay.OurhurrypreventedanycommentontheencounterwithHeathcliff,aswestretchedtowardshome;butIdivinedinstinctivelythat

Catherine’sheartwascloudednowindoubledarkness.Herfeaturesweresosad,theydidnotseemhers:sheevidentlyregardedwhatshehadheardaseverysyllabletrue.

Themasterhadretiredtorestbeforewecamein.Cathystoletohisroomtoinquirehowhewas;hehadfallenasleep.Shereturned,andaskedmetositwithherinthelibrary.Wetookourteatogether;andafterwardsshelaydownontherug,andtoldmenottotalk,forshewasweary.Igotabook,andpretendedtoread.Assoonasshesupposedmeabsorbedinmyoccupation,sherecommencedhersilentweeping:itappeared,atpresent,herfavouritediversion.Isufferedhertoenjoyitawhile;thenIexpostulated:deridingandridiculingallMr.Heathcliff’sassertionsabouthisson,asifIwerecertainshewouldcoincide.Alas!Ihadn’tskilltocounteracttheeffecthisaccounthadproduced:itwasjustwhatheintended.

‘Youmayberight,Ellen,’sheanswered;‘butIshallneverfeelateasetillIknow.AndImusttellLintonitisnotmyfaultthatIdon’twrite,andconvincehimthatIshallnotchange.’

Whatusewereangerandprotestationsagainsthersillycredulity?Wepartedthatnight—hostile;butnextdaybeheldmeontheroadtoWutheringHeights,bythesideofmywilfulyoungmistress’spony.Icouldn’tbeartowitnesshersorrow:toseeherpale,dejectedcountenance,andheavyeyes:andIyielded,inthefainthopethatLintonhimselfmightprove,byhisreceptionofus,howlittleofthetalewasfoundedonfact.

CHAPTERXXIII

Therainynighthadusheredinamistymorning—halffrost,halfdrizzle—andtemporarybrookscrossedourpath—gurglingfromtheuplands.Myfeetwerethoroughlywetted;Iwascrossandlow;exactlythehumoursuitedformakingthemostofthesedisagreeablethings.Weenteredthefarm-housebythekitchenway,toascertainwhetherMr.Heathcliffwerereallyabsent:becauseIputslightfaithinhisownaffirmation.

Josephseemedsittinginasortofelysiumalone,besidearoaringfire;aquartofaleonthetablenearhim,bristlingwithlargepiecesoftoastedoat-cake;andhisblack,shortpipeinhismouth.Catherinerantothehearthtowarmherself.Iaskedifthemasterwasin?Myquestionremainedsolongunanswered,thatIthoughttheoldmanhadgrowndeaf,andrepeateditlouder.

‘Na—ay!’hesnarled,orratherscreamedthroughhisnose.‘Na—ay!yahmuhgoabackwhearyahcoomfrough.’

‘Joseph!’criedapeevishvoice,simultaneouslywithme,fromtheinnerroom.‘HowoftenamItocallyou?Thereareonlyafewredashesnow.Joseph!comethismoment.’

Vigorouspuffs,andaresolutestareintothegrate,declaredhehadnoearforthisappeal.ThehousekeeperandHaretonwereinvisible;onegoneonanerrand,andtheotherathiswork,probably.WeknewLinton’stones,andentered.

‘Oh,Ihopeyou’lldieinagarret,starvedtodeath!’saidtheboy,mistakingourapproachforthatofhisnegligentattendant.

Hestoppedonobservinghiserror:hiscousinflewtohim.

‘Isthatyou,MissLinton?’hesaid,raisinghisheadfromthearmofthegreatchair,inwhichhereclined.‘No—don’tkissme:ittakesmybreath.Dearme!Papasaidyouwouldcall,’continuedhe,afterrecoveringalittlefromCatherine’sembrace;whileshestoodbylookingverycontrite.‘Willyoushutthedoor,ifyouplease?youleftitopen;andthose—thosedetestablecreatureswon’tbringcoalstothefire.It’ssocold!’

Istirredupthecinders,andfetchedascuttlefulmyself.Theinvalidcomplainedofbeingcoveredwithashes;buthehadatiresomecough,andlookedfeverishandill,soIdidnotrebukehistemper.

‘Well,Linton,’murmuredCatherine,whenhiscorrugatedbrowrelaxed,‘areyougladtoseeme?CanIdoyouanygood?’

‘Whydidn’tyoucomebefore?’heasked.‘Youshouldhavecome,insteadofwriting.Ittiredmedreadfullywritingthoselongletters.I’dfarratherhavetalkedtoyou.Now,Icanneitherbeartotalk,noranythingelse.IwonderwhereZillahis!Willyou’(lookingatme)‘stepintothekitchenandsee?’

Ihadreceivednothanksformyotherservice;andbeingunwillingtoruntoandfroathisbehest,Ireplied—‘NobodyisouttherebutJoseph.’

‘Iwanttodrink,’heexclaimedfretfully,turningaway.‘ZillahisconstantlygaddingofftoGimmertonsincepapawent:it’smiserable!AndI’mobligedtocomedownhere—theyresolvednevertohearmeup-stairs.’

‘Is your father attentive to you, Master Heathcliff?’ I asked, perceivingCatherinetobecheckedinherfriendlyadvances.

‘Attentive?Hemakesthemalittlemoreattentiveatleast,’hecried.‘Thewretches!Doyouknow,MissLinton,thatbruteHaretonlaughsatme!Ihatehim!indeed,Ihatethemall:theyareodiousbeings.’

Cathybegansearchingforsomewater;shelightedonapitcherinthedresser,filledatumbler,andbroughtit.Hebidheraddaspoonfulofwine

fromabottleonthetable;andhavingswallowedasmallportion,appearedmoretranquil,andsaidshewasverykind.

‘Andareyouglad to seeme?’askedshe, reiteratingher formerquestionandpleasedtodetectthefaintdawnofasmile.

‘Yes,Iam.It’ssomethingnewtohearavoicelikeyours!’hereplied.‘ButIhavebeenvexed,becauseyouwouldn’tcome.Andpapasworeitwasowingtome:hecalledmeapitiful,shuffling,worthlessthing;andsaidyoudespisedme;andifhehadbeeninmyplace,hewouldbemorethemasteroftheGrangethanyourfatherbythistime.Butyoudon’tdespiseme,doyou,Miss—?’

‘IwishyouwouldsayCatherine,orCathy,’interruptedmyyounglady.‘Despiseyou?No!NexttopapaandEllen,Iloveyoubetterthananybodyliving.Idon’tloveMr.Heathcliff,though;andIdarenotcomewhenhereturns:willhestayawaymanydays?’

‘Notmany,’answeredLinton;‘buthegoesontothemoorsfrequently,sincetheshootingseasoncommenced;andyoumightspendanhourortwowithmeinhisabsence.Dosayyouwill.IthinkIshouldnotbepeevishwithyou:you’dnotprovokeme,andyou’dalwaysbereadytohelpme,wouldn’tyou?’

‘Yes,’saidCatherine,strokinghislongsofthair:‘ifIcouldonlygetpapa’sconsent,I’dspendhalfmytimewithyou.PrettyLinton!Iwishyouweremybrother.’

‘Andthenyouwouldlikemeaswellasyourfather?’observedhe,morecheerfully.‘Butpapasaysyouwouldlovemebetterthanhimandalltheworld,ifyouweremywife;soI’dratheryouwerethat.’

‘No,Ishouldneverloveanybodybetterthanpapa,’shereturnedgravely.‘Andpeoplehatetheirwives,sometimes;butnottheirsistersandbrothers:andifyouwerethelatter,youwouldlivewithus,andpapawouldbeasfondofyouasheisofme.’

Lintondeniedthatpeopleeverhatedtheirwives;butCathyaffirmedtheydid,and,inherwisdom,instancedhisownfather’saversiontoheraunt.Iendeavouredtostopherthoughtlesstongue.Icouldn’tsucceedtilleverythingsheknewwasout.MasterHeathcliff,muchirritated,assertedherrelationwasfalse.

‘Papatoldme;andpapadoesnottellfalsehoods,’sheansweredpertly.

‘Mypapascornsyours!’criedLinton.‘Hecallshimasneakingfool.’

‘Yoursisawickedman,’retortedCatherine;‘andyouareverynaughtytodaretorepeatwhathesays.HemustbewickedtohavemadeAuntIsabella

leavehimasshedid.’

‘Shedidn’tleavehim,’saidtheboy;‘yousha’n’tcontradictme.’

‘Shedid,’criedmyyounglady.

‘Well,I’lltellyousomething!’saidLinton.‘Yourmotherhatedyourfather:nowthen.’

‘Oh!’exclaimedCatherine,tooenragedtocontinue.

‘Andshelovedmine,’addedhe.

‘Youlittleliar!Ihateyounow!’shepanted,andherfacegrewredwithpassion.

‘She did! she did!’ sangLinton, sinking into the recess of his chair, andleaningbackhisheadtoenjoytheagitationoftheotherdisputant,whostoodbehind.

‘Hush,MasterHeathcliff!’Isaid;‘that’syourfather’stale,too,Isuppose.’

‘Itisn’t:youholdyourtongue!’heanswered.‘Shedid,shedid,Catherine!shedid,shedid!’

Cathy,besideherself,gavethechairaviolentpush,andcausedhimtofallagainstonearm.Hewasimmediatelyseizedbyasuffocatingcoughthatsoonendedhistriumph.Itlastedsolongthatitfrightenedevenme.Astohiscousin,sheweptwithallhermight,aghastatthemischiefshehaddone:thoughshesaidnothing.Iheldhimtillthefitexhausteditself.Thenhethrustmeaway,andleanthisheaddownsilently.Catherinequelledherlamentationsalso,tookaseatopposite,andlookedsolemnlyintothefire.

‘How do you feel now,Master Heathcliff?’ I inquired, after waiting tenminutes.

‘IwishshefeltasIdo,’hereplied:‘spiteful,cruelthing!Haretonnevertouchesme:heneverstruckmeinhislife.AndIwasbetterto-day:andthere—’hisvoicediedinawhimper.

‘I didn’t strike you!’mutteredCathy, chewing her lip to prevent anotherburstofemotion.

Hesighedandmoanedlikeoneundergreatsuffering,andkeptitupforaquarterofanhour;onpurposetodistresshiscousinapparently,forwheneverhe caught a stifled sob from her he put renewed pain and pathos into theinflexionsofhisvoice.

‘I’msorryIhurtyou,Linton,’shesaidatlength,rackedbeyondendurance.‘ButIcouldn’thavebeenhurtbythatlittlepush,andIhadnoideathatyoucould,either:you’renotmuch,areyou,Linton?Don’tletmegohome

thinkingI’vedoneyouharm.Answer!speaktome.’

‘Ican’tspeaktoyou,’hemurmured;‘you’vehurtmesothatIshalllieawakeallnightchokingwiththiscough.Ifyouhadityou’dknowwhatitwas;butyou’llbecomfortablyasleepwhileI’minagony,andnobodynearme.Iwonderhowyouwouldliketopassthosefearfulnights!’Andhebegantowailaloud,forverypityofhimself.

‘Sinceyouareinthehabitofpassingdreadfulnights,’Isaid,‘itwon’tbeMisswhospoilsyourease:you’dbethesamehadshenevercome.However,sheshallnotdisturbyouagain;andperhapsyou’llgetquieterwhenweleaveyou.’

‘MustIgo?’askedCatherinedolefully,bendingoverhim.‘Doyouwantmetogo,Linton?’

‘You can’t alter what you’ve done,’ he replied pettishly, shrinking fromher,‘unlessyoualteritfortheworsebyteasingmeintoafever.’

‘Well,then,Imustgo?’sherepeated.

‘Letmealone,atleast,’saidhe;‘Ican’tbearyourtalking.’

Shelingered,andresistedmypersuasionstodepartureatiresomewhile;butasheneitherlookedupnorspoke,shefinallymadeamovementtothedoor,andIfollowed.Wewererecalledbyascream.Lintonhadslidfromhisseatontothehearthstone,andlaywrithinginthemereperversenessofanindulgedplagueofachild,determinedtobeasgrievousandharassingasitcan.Ithoroughlygaugedhisdispositionfromhisbehaviour,andsawatonceitwouldbefollytoattempthumouringhim.Notsomycompanion:sheranbackinterror,kneltdown,andcried,andsoothed,andentreated,tillhegrewquietfromlackofbreath:bynomeansfromcompunctionatdistressingher.

‘Ishalllifthimontothesettle,’Isaid,‘andhemayrollaboutashepleases:wecan’tstoptowatchhim.Ihopeyouaresatisfied,MissCathy,thatyouarenotthepersontobenefithim;andthathisconditionofhealthisnotoccasionedbyattachmenttoyou.Now,then,thereheis!Comeaway:assoonasheknowsthereisnobodybytocareforhisnonsense,he’llbegladtoliestill.’

Sheplacedacushionunderhishead,andofferedhimsomewater;herejectedthelatter,andtosseduneasilyontheformer,asifitwereastoneorablockofwood.Shetriedtoputitmorecomfortably.

‘Ican’tdowiththat,’hesaid;‘it’snothighenough.’

Catherinebroughtanothertolayaboveit.

‘That’stoohigh,’murmuredtheprovokingthing.

‘HowmustIarrangeit,then?’sheaskeddespairingly.

Hetwinedhimselfuptoher,asshehalfkneltbythesettle,andconvertedhershoulderintoasupport.

‘No,thatwon’tdo,’Isaid.‘You’llbecontentwiththecushion,MasterHeathcliff.Misshaswastedtoomuchtimeonyoualready:wecannotremainfiveminuteslonger.’

‘Yes,yes,wecan!’repliedCathy.‘He’sgoodandpatientnow.He’sbeginningtothinkIshallhavefargreatermiserythanhewillto-night,ifIbelieveheistheworseformyvisit:andthenIdarenotcomeagain.Tellthetruthaboutit,Linton;forImusn’tcome,ifIhavehurtyou.’

‘Youmustcome,tocureme,’heanswered.‘Yououghttocome,becauseyouhavehurtme:youknowyouhaveextremely!IwasnotasillwhenyouenteredasIamatpresent—wasI?’

‘Butyou’vemadeyourselfillbycryingandbeinginapassion.—Ididn’tdoitall,’saidhiscousin.‘However,we’llbefriendsnow.Andyouwantme:youwouldwishtoseemesometimes,really?’

‘ItoldyouIdid,’herepliedimpatiently.‘Sitonthesettleandletmeleanonyourknee.That’sasmammausedtodo,wholeafternoonstogether.Sitquitestillanddon’ttalk:butyoumaysingasong,ifyoucansing;oryoumaysayanicelonginterestingballad—oneofthoseyoupromisedtoteachme;orastory.I’dratherhaveaballad,though:begin.’

Catherinerepeatedthelongestshecouldremember.Theemploymentpleasedbothmightily.Lintonwouldhaveanother,andafterthatanother,notwithstandingmystrenuousobjections;andsotheywentonuntiltheclockstrucktwelve,andweheardHaretoninthecourt,returningforhisdinner.

‘And to-morrow, Catherine, will you be here to-morrow?’ asked youngHeathcliff,holdingherfrockassherosereluctantly.

‘No,’Ianswered,‘nornextdayneither.’She,however,gaveadifferentresponseevidently,forhisforeheadclearedasshestoopedandwhisperedinhisear.

‘Youwon’tgoto-morrow,recollect,Miss!’Icommenced,whenwewereoutofthehouse.‘Youarenotdreamingofit,areyou?’

Shesmiled.

‘Oh,I’lltakegoodcare,’Icontinued:‘I’llhavethatlockmended,andyoucanescapebynowayelse.’

‘Icangetoverthewall,’shesaidlaughing.‘TheGrangeisnotaprison,Ellen,andyouarenotmygaoler.Andbesides,I’malmostseventeen:I’ma

woman.AndI’mcertainLintonwouldrecoverquicklyifhehadmetolookafterhim.I’molderthanheis,youknow,andwiser:lesschildish,amInot?Andhe’llsoondoasIdirecthim,withsomeslightcoaxing.He’saprettylittledarlingwhenhe’sgood.I’dmakesuchapetofhim,ifheweremine.Weshouldneverquarrel,shouldweafterwewereusedtoeachother?Don’tyoulikehim,Ellen?’

‘Likehim!’Iexclaimed.‘Theworst-temperedbitofasicklyslipthateverstruggledintoitsteens.Happily,asMr.Heathcliffconjectured,he’llnotwintwenty.Idoubtwhetherhe’llseespring,indeed.Andsmalllosstohisfamilywheneverhedropsoff.Andluckyitisforusthathisfathertookhim:thekinderhewastreated,themoretediousandselfishhe’dbe.I’mgladyouhavenochanceofhavinghimforahusband,MissCatherine.’

Mycompanionwaxedseriousathearingthisspeech.Tospeakofhisdeathsoregardlesslywoundedherfeelings.

‘He’syoungerthanI,’sheanswered,afteraprotractedpauseofmeditation,‘andheoughttolivethelongest:hewill—hemustliveaslongasIdo.He’sasstrongnowaswhenhefirstcameintothenorth;I’mpositiveofthat.It’sonlyacoldthatailshim,thesameaspapahas.Yousaypapawillgetbetter,andwhyshouldn’the?’

‘Well, well,’ I cried, ‘after all, we needn’t trouble ourselves; for listen,Miss,—and mind, I’ll keep my word,—if you attempt going to WutheringHeightsagain,withorwithoutme,Ishall informMr.Linton,and,unlessheallowit,theintimacywithyourcousinmustnotberevived.’

‘Ithasbeenrevived,’mutteredCathy,sulkily.

‘Mustnotbecontinued,then,’Isaid.

‘We’llsee,’washerreply,andshesetoffatagallop,leavingmetotoilintherear.

Webothreachedhomebeforeourdinner-time;mymastersupposedwehadbeenwanderingthroughthepark,andthereforehedemandednoexplanationofourabsence.AssoonasIenteredIhastenedtochangemysoakedshoesandstockings;butsittingsuchawhileattheHeightshaddonethemischief.OnthesucceedingmorningIwaslaidup,andduringthreeweeksIremainedincapacitatedforattendingtomyduties:acalamityneverexperiencedpriortothatperiod,andnever,Iamthankfultosay,since.

Mylittlemistressbehavedlikeanangelincomingtowaitonme,andcheermysolitude;theconfinementbroughtmeexceedinglylow.Itiswearisome,toastirringactivebody:butfewhaveslighterreasonsforcomplaintthanIhad.ThemomentCatherineleftMr.Linton’sroomshe

appearedatmybedside.Herdaywasdividedbetweenus;noamusementusurpedaminute:sheneglectedhermeals,herstudies,andherplay;andshewasthefondestnursethateverwatched.Shemusthavehadawarmheart,whenshelovedherfatherso,togivesomuchtome.Isaidherdaysweredividedbetweenus;butthemasterretiredearly,andIgenerallyneedednothingaftersixo’clock,thustheeveningwasherown.Poorthing!Ineverconsideredwhatshedidwithherselfaftertea.Andthoughfrequently,whenshelookedintobidmegood-night,Iremarkedafreshcolourinhercheeksandapinknessoverherslenderfingers,insteadoffancyingthelineborrowedfromacoldrideacrossthemoors,Ilaidittothechargeofahotfireinthelibrary.

CHAPTERXXIV

AtthecloseofthreeweeksIwasabletoquitmychamberandmoveaboutthehouse.AndonthefirstoccasionofmysittingupintheeveningIaskedCatherinetoreadtome,becausemyeyeswereweak.Wewereinthelibrary,themasterhavinggonetobed:sheconsented,ratherunwillingly,Ifancied;andimaginingmysortofbooksdidnotsuither,Ibidherpleaseherselfinthechoiceofwhatsheperused.Sheselectedoneofherownfavourites,andgotforwardsteadilyaboutanhour;thencamefrequentquestions.

‘Ellen,arenotyoutired?Hadn’tyoubetterliedownnow?You’llbesick,keepingupsolong,Ellen.’

‘No,no,dear,I’mnottired,’Ireturned,continually.

Perceivingmeimmovable,sheessayedanothermethodofshowingherdisrelishforheroccupation.Itchangedtoyawning,andstretching,and—

‘Ellen,I’mtired.’

‘Giveoverthenandtalk,’Ianswered.

Thatwasworse:shefrettedandsighed,andlookedatherwatchtilleight,andfinallywenttoherroom,completelyoverdonewithsleep;judgingbyherpeevish,heavylook,andtheconstantrubbingsheinflictedonhereyes.Thefollowingnightsheseemedmoreimpatientstill;andonthethirdfromrecoveringmycompanyshecomplainedofaheadache,andleftme.Ithoughtherconductodd;andhavingremainedalonealongwhile,Iresolvedongoingandinquiringwhethershewerebetter,andaskinghertocomeandlieonthesofa,insteadofup-stairsinthedark.NoCatherinecouldIdiscoverup-stairs,andnonebelow.Theservantsaffirmedtheyhadnotseenher.IlistenedatMr.Edgar’sdoor;allwassilence.Ireturnedtoherapartment,extinguishedmy

candle,andseatedmyselfinthewindow.

Themoonshonebright;asprinklingofsnowcoveredtheground,andIreflectedthatshemight,possibly,havetakenitintoherheadtowalkaboutthegarden,forrefreshment.Ididdetectafigurecreepingalongtheinnerfenceofthepark;butitwasnotmyyoungmistress:onitsemergingintothelight,Irecognisedoneofthegrooms.Hestoodaconsiderableperiod,viewingthecarriage-roadthroughthegrounds;thenstartedoffatabriskpace,asifhehaddetectedsomething,andreappearedpresently,leadingMiss’spony;andthereshewas,justdismounted,andwalkingbyitsside.Themantookhischargestealthilyacrossthegrasstowardsthestable.Cathyenteredbythecasement-windowofthedrawing-room,andglidednoiselesslyuptowhereIawaitedher.Sheputthedoorgentlytoo,slippedoffhersnowyshoes,untiedherhat,andwasproceeding,unconsciousofmyespionage,tolayasidehermantle,whenIsuddenlyroseandrevealedmyself.Thesurprisepetrifiedheraninstant:sheutteredaninarticulateexclamation,andstoodfixed.

‘MydearMissCatherine,’Ibegan,toovividlyimpressedbyherrecentkindnesstobreakintoascold,‘wherehaveyoubeenridingoutatthishour?Andwhyshouldyoutrytodeceivemebytellingatale?Wherehaveyoubeen?Speak!’

‘Tothebottomofthepark,’shestammered.‘Ididn’ttellatale.’

‘Andnowhereelse?’Idemanded.

‘No,’wasthemutteredreply.

‘Oh,Catherine!’Icried,sorrowfully.‘Youknowyouhavebeendoingwrong,oryouwouldn’tbedriventoutteringanuntruthtome.Thatdoesgrieveme.I’dratherbethreemonthsill,thanhearyouframeadeliberatelie.’

She sprang forward, and bursting into tears, threw her arms round myneck.

‘Well,Ellen,I’msoafraidofyoubeingangry,’shesaid.‘Promisenottobeangry,andyoushallknowtheverytruth:Ihatetohideit.’

Wesatdowninthewindow-seat;IassuredherIwouldnotscold,whateverhersecretmightbe,andIguessedit,ofcourse;soshecommenced—

‘I’vebeentoWutheringHeights,Ellen,andI’venevermissedgoingadaysinceyoufellill;exceptthricebefore,andtwiceafteryouleftyourroom.IgaveMichaelbooksandpicturestoprepareMinnyeveryevening,andtoputherbackinthestable:youmustn’tscoldhimeither,mind.IwasattheHeightsbyhalf-pastsix,andgenerallystayedtillhalf-pasteight,andthengallopedhome.ItwasnottoamusemyselfthatIwent:Iwasoftenwretchedallthetime.NowandthenIwashappy:onceinaweekperhaps.Atfirst,I

expectedtherewouldbesadworkpersuadingyoutoletmekeepmywordtoLinton:forIhadengagedtocallagainnextday,whenwequittedhim;but,asyoustayedup-stairsonthemorrow,Iescapedthattrouble.WhileMichaelwasrefasteningthelockoftheparkdoorintheafternoon,Igotpossessionofthekey,andtoldhimhowmycousinwishedmetovisithim,becausehewassick,andcouldn’tcometotheGrange;andhowpapawouldobjecttomygoing:andthenInegotiatedwithhimaboutthepony.Heisfondofreading,andhethinksofleavingsoontogetmarried;soheoffered,ifIwouldlendhimbooksoutofthelibrary,todowhatIwished:butIpreferredgivinghimmyown,andthatsatisfiedhimbetter.

‘OnmysecondvisitLintonseemedinlivelyspirits;andZillah(thatistheirhousekeeper)madeusacleanroomandagoodfire,andtoldusthat,asJosephwasoutataprayer-meetingandHaretonEarnshawwasoffwithhisdogs—robbingourwoodsofpheasants,asIheardafterwards—wemightdowhatweliked.Shebroughtmesomewarmwineandgingerbread,andappearedexceedinglygood-natured,andLintonsatinthearm-chair,andIinthelittlerockingchaironthehearth-stone,andwelaughedandtalkedsomerrily,andfoundsomuchtosay:weplannedwherewewouldgo,andwhatwewoulddoinsummer.Ineedn’trepeatthat,becauseyouwouldcallitsilly.

‘Onetime,however,wewerenearquarrelling.HesaidthepleasantestmannerofspendingahotJulydaywaslyingfrommorningtilleveningonabankofheathinthemiddleofthemoors,withthebeeshummingdreamilyaboutamongthebloom,andthelarkssinginghighupoverhead,andtheblueskyandbrightsunshiningsteadilyandcloudlessly.Thatwashismostperfectideaofheaven’shappiness:minewasrockinginarustlinggreentree,withawestwindblowing,andbrightwhitecloudsflittingrapidlyabove;andnotonlylarks,butthrostles,andblackbirds,andlinnets,andcuckoospouringoutmusiconeveryside,andthemoorsseenatadistance,brokenintocoolduskydells;butclosebygreatswellsoflonggrassundulatinginwavestothebreeze;andwoodsandsoundingwater,andthewholeworldawakeandwildwithjoy.Hewantedalltolieinanecstasyofpeace;Iwantedalltosparkleanddanceinagloriousjubilee.Isaidhisheavenwouldbeonlyhalfalive;andhesaidminewouldbedrunk:IsaidIshouldfallasleepinhis;andhesaidhecouldnotbreatheinmine,andbegantogrowverysnappish.Atlast,weagreedtotryboth,assoonastherightweathercame;andthenwekissedeachotherandwerefriends.

‘Aftersittingstillanhour,Ilookedatthegreatroomwithitssmoothuncarpetedfloor,andthoughthowniceitwouldbetoplayin,ifweremovedthetable;andIaskedLintontocallZillahintohelpus,andwe’dhaveagameatblindman’s-buff;sheshouldtrytocatchus:youusedto,youknow,Ellen.Hewouldn’t:therewasnopleasureinit,hesaid;butheconsentedtoplayat

ballwithme.Wefoundtwoinacupboard,amongaheapofoldtoys,tops,andhoops,andbattledoresandshuttlecocks.OnewasmarkedC.,andtheotherH.;IwishedtohavetheC.,becausethatstoodforCatherine,andtheH.mightbeforHeathcliff,hisname;butthebrancameoutofH.,andLintondidn’tlikeit.Ibeathimconstantly:andhegotcrossagain,andcoughed,andreturnedtohischair.Thatnight,though,heeasilyrecoveredhisgoodhumour:hewascharmedwithtwoorthreeprettysongs—yoursongs,Ellen;andwhenIwasobligedtogo,hebeggedandentreatedmetocomethefollowingevening;andIpromised.MinnyandIwentflyinghomeaslightasair;andIdreamtofWutheringHeightsandmysweet,darlingcousin,tillmorning.

‘OnthemorrowIwassad;partlybecauseyouwerepoorly,andpartlythatIwishedmyfatherknew,andapprovedofmyexcursions:butitwasbeautifulmoonlightaftertea;and,asIrodeon,thegloomcleared.Ishallhaveanotherhappyevening,Ithoughttomyself;andwhatdelightsmemore,myprettyLintonwill.Itrotteduptheirgarden,andwasturningroundtotheback,whenthatfellowEarnshawmetme,tookmybridle,andbidmegoinbythefrontentrance.HepattedMinny’sneck,andsaidshewasabonnybeast,andappearedasifhewantedmetospeaktohim.Ionlytoldhimtoleavemyhorsealone,orelseitwouldkickhim.Heansweredinhisvulgaraccent,“Itwouldn’tdomitchhurtifitdid;”andsurveyeditslegswithasmile.Iwashalfinclinedtomakeittry;however,hemovedofftoopenthedoor,and,asheraisedthelatch,helookeduptotheinscriptionabove,andsaid,withastupidmixtureofawkwardnessandelation:“MissCatherine!Icanreadyon,now.”

‘“Wonderful,”Iexclaimed.“Prayletushearyou—youaregrownclever!”

‘Hespelt,anddrawledoverbysyllables,thename—“HaretonEarnshaw.”

‘“And the figures?” I cried, encouragingly, perceiving that he came to adeadhalt.

‘“Icannottellthemyet,”heanswered.

‘“Oh,youdunce!”Isaid,laughingheartilyathisfailure.

‘Thefoolstared,withagrinhoveringabouthislips,andascowlgatheringoverhiseyes,asifuncertainwhetherhemightnotjoininmymirth:whetheritwerenotpleasantfamiliarity,orwhatitreallywas,contempt.Isettledhisdoubts,bysuddenlyretrievingmygravityanddesiringhimtowalkaway,forIcametoseeLinton,nothim.Hereddened—Isawthatbythemoonlight—droppedhishandfromthelatch,andskulkedoff,apictureofmortifiedvanity.HeimaginedhimselftobeasaccomplishedasLinton,Isuppose,becausehecouldspellhisownname;andwasmarvellouslydiscomfitedthatIdidn’tthinkthesame.’

‘Stop,MissCatherine,dear!’—Iinterrupted.‘Ishallnotscold,butIdon’tlikeyourconductthere.IfyouhadrememberedthatHaretonwasyourcousinasmuchasMasterHeathcliff,youwouldhavefelthowimproperitwastobehaveinthatway.Atleast,itwaspraiseworthyambitionforhimtodesiretobeasaccomplishedasLinton;andprobablyhedidnotlearnmerelytoshowoff:youhadmadehimashamedofhisignorancebefore,Ihavenodoubt;andhewishedtoremedyitandpleaseyou.Tosneerathisimperfectattemptwasverybadbreeding.Hadyoubeenbroughtupinhiscircumstances,wouldyoubelessrude?Hewasasquickandasintelligentachildaseveryouwere;andI’mhurtthatheshouldbedespisednow,becausethatbaseHeathcliffhastreatedhimsounjustly.’

‘Well,Ellen,youwon’tcryaboutit,willyou?’sheexclaimed,surprisedatmyearnestness.‘Butwait,andyoushallhearifheconnedhisABCtopleaseme;andifitwereworthwhilebeingciviltothebrute.Ientered;Lintonwaslyingonthesettle,andhalfgotuptowelcomeme.

‘“I’millto-night,Catherine,love,”hesaid;“andyoumusthaveallthetalk,andletmelisten.Come,andsitbyme.Iwassureyouwouldn’tbreakyourword,andI’llmakeyoupromiseagain,beforeyougo.”

‘IknewnowthatImustn’tteasehim,ashewasill;andIspokesoftlyandputnoquestions,andavoidedirritatinghiminanyway.Ihadbroughtsomeofmynicestbooksforhim:heaskedmetoreadalittleofone,andIwasabouttocomply,whenEarnshawburstthedooropen:havinggatheredvenomwithreflection.Headvanceddirecttous,seizedLintonbythearm,andswunghimofftheseat.

‘“Gettothyownroom!”hesaid,inavoicealmostinarticulatewithpassion;andhisfacelookedswelledandfurious.“Takeherthereifshecomestoseethee:thoushalln’tkeepmeoutofthis.Begonewi’yeboth!”

‘Hesworeatus,andleftLintonnotimetoanswer,nearlythrowinghimintothekitchen;andheclenchedhisfistasIfollowed,seeminglylongingtoknockmedown.Iwasafraidforamoment,andIletonevolumefall;hekickeditafterme,andshutusout.Iheardamalignant,cracklylaughbythefire,andturning,beheldthatodiousJosephstandingrubbinghisbonyhands,andquivering.

‘“Iwersurehe’dsarveyeout!He’sagrandlad!He’sgettent’raightsperritinhim!Heknaws—ay,heknaws,asweelasIdo,whosudbet’maisteryonder—Ech,ech,ech!Hemadeyeskiftproperly!Ech,ech,ech!”

‘“Wheremustwego?”Iaskedofmycousin,disregardingtheoldwretch’smockery.

‘Lintonwaswhiteandtrembling.Hewasnotprettythen,Ellen:oh,no!he

lookedfrightful;forhisthinfaceandlargeeyeswerewroughtintoanexpressionoffrantic,powerlessfury.Hegraspedthehandleofthedoor,andshookit:itwasfastenedinside.

‘“Ifyoudon’tletmein,I’llkillyou!—Ifyoudon’tletmein,I’llkillyou!”herathershriekedthansaid.“Devil!devil!—I’llkillyou—I’llkillyou!”

Josephutteredhiscroakinglaughagain.

‘“Thear,that’st’father!”hecried.“That’sfather!We’veallassummuto’eithersideinus.Niverheed,Hareton,lad—dunnutbe‘feard—hecannotgetatthee!”

‘ItookholdofLinton’shands,andtriedtopullhimaway;butheshriekedsoshockinglythatIdarednotproceed.Atlasthiscrieswerechokedbyadreadfulfitofcoughing;bloodgushedfromhismouth,andhefellontheground.Iranintotheyard,sickwithterror;andcalledforZillah,asloudasIcould.Shesoonheardme:shewasmilkingthecowsinashedbehindthebarn,andhurryingfromherwork,sheinquiredwhattherewastodo?Ihadn’tbreathtoexplain;draggingherin,IlookedaboutforLinton.Earnshawhadcomeouttoexaminethemischiefhehadcaused,andhewasthenconveyingthepoorthingup-stairs.ZillahandIascendedafterhim;buthestoppedmeatthetopofthesteps,andsaidIshouldn’tgoin:Imustgohome.IexclaimedthathehadkilledLinton,andIwouldenter.Josephlockedthedoor,anddeclaredIshoulddo“nosichstuff,”andaskedmewhetherIwere“bahntobeasmadashim.”Istoodcryingtillthehousekeeperreappeared.Sheaffirmedhewouldbebetterinabit,buthecouldn’tdowiththatshriekinganddin;andshetookme,andnearlycarriedmeintothehouse.

‘Ellen,Iwasreadytotearmyhairoffmyhead!Isobbedandweptsothatmyeyeswerealmostblind;andtheruffianyouhavesuchsympathywithstoodopposite:presumingeverynowandthentobidme“wisht,”anddenyingthatitwashisfault;and,finally,frightenedbymyassertionsthatIwouldtellpapa,andthatheshouldbeputinprisonandhanged,hecommencedblubberinghimself,andhurriedouttohidehiscowardlyagitation.Still,Iwasnotridofhim:whenatlengththeycompelledmetodepart,andIhadgotsomehundredyardsoffthepremises,hesuddenlyissuedfromtheshadowoftheroad-side,andcheckedMinnyandtookholdofme.

‘“MissCatherine,I’millgrieved,”hebegan,“butit’sraythertoobad—”

‘Igavehimacutwithmywhip,thinkingperhapshewouldmurderme.Heletgo,thunderingoneofhishorridcurses,andIgallopedhomemorethanhalfoutofmysenses.

‘Ididn’tbidyougood-nightthatevening,andIdidn’tgotoWutheringHeightsthenext:Iwishedtogoexceedingly;butIwasstrangelyexcited,and

dreadedtohearthatLintonwasdead,sometimes;andsometimesshudderedatthethoughtofencounteringHareton.OnthethirddayItookcourage:atleast,Icouldn’tbearlongersuspense,andstoleoffoncemore.Iwentatfiveo’clock,andwalked;fancyingImightmanagetocreepintothehouse,anduptoLinton’sroom,unobserved.However,thedogsgavenoticeofmyapproach.Zillahreceivedme,andsaying“theladwasmendingnicely,”showedmeintoasmall,tidy,carpetedapartment,where,tomyinexpressiblejoy,IbeheldLintonlaidonalittlesofa,readingoneofmybooks.Buthewouldneitherspeaktomenorlookatme,throughawholehour,Ellen:hehassuchanunhappytemper.Andwhatquiteconfoundedme,whenhedidopenhismouth,itwastoutterthefalsehoodthatIhadoccasionedtheuproar,andHaretonwasnottoblame!Unabletoreply,exceptpassionately,Igotupandwalkedfromtheroom.Hesentaftermeafaint“Catherine!”Hedidnotreckononbeingansweredso:butIwouldn’tturnback;andthemorrowwastheseconddayonwhichIstayedathome,nearlydeterminedtovisithimnomore.Butitwassomiserablegoingtobedandgettingup,andneverhearinganythingabouthim,thatmyresolutionmeltedintoairbeforeitwasproperlyformed.Ithadappearedwrongtotakethejourneyonce;nowitseemedwrongtorefrain.MichaelcametoaskifhemustsaddleMinny;Isaid“Yes,”andconsideredmyselfdoingadutyassheboremeoverthehills.Iwasforcedtopassthefrontwindowstogettothecourt:itwasnousetryingtoconcealmypresence.

‘“Youngmasterisinthehouse,”saidZillah,asshesawmemakingfortheparlour.Iwentin;Earnshawwastherealso,buthequittedtheroomdirectly.Lintonsatinthegreatarm-chairhalfasleep;walkinguptothefire,Ibeganinaserioustone,partlymeaningittobetrue—

‘“Asyoudon’tlikeme,Linton,andasyouthinkIcomeonpurposetohurtyou, andpretend that Ido soevery time, this isour lastmeeting: letus saygood-bye;andtellMr.Heathcliffthatyouhavenowishtoseeme,andthathemustn’tinventanymorefalsehoodsonthesubject.”

‘“Sitdownandtakeyourhatoff,Catherine,”heanswered.“YouaresomuchhappierthanIam,yououghttobebetter.Papatalksenoughofmydefects,andshowsenoughscornofme,tomakeitnaturalIshoulddoubtmyself.IdoubtwhetherIamnotaltogetherasworthlessashecallsme,frequently;andthenIfeelsocrossandbitter,Ihateeverybody!Iamworthless,andbadintemper,andbadinspirit,almostalways;and,ifyouchoose,youmaysaygood-bye:you’llgetridofanannoyance.Only,Catherine,domethisjustice:believethatifImightbeassweet,andaskind,andasgoodasyouare,Iwouldbe;aswillingly,andmoreso,thanashappyandashealthy.AndbelievethatyourkindnesshasmademeloveyoudeeperthanifIdeservedyourlove:andthoughIcouldn’t,andcannothelpshowing

mynaturetoyou,Iregretitandrepentit;andshallregretandrepentittillIdie!”

‘Ifelthespokethetruth;andIfeltImustforgivehim:and,thoughweshouldquarrelthenextmoment,Imustforgivehimagain.Wewerereconciled;butwecried,bothofus,thewholetimeIstayed:notentirelyforsorrow;yetIwassorryLintonhadthatdistortednature.He’llneverlethisfriendsbeatease,andhe’llneverbeateasehimself!Ihavealwaysgonetohislittleparlour,sincethatnight;becausehisfatherreturnedthedayafter.

‘Aboutthreetimes,Ithink,wehavebeenmerryandhopeful,aswewerethefirstevening;therestofmyvisitsweredrearyandtroubled:nowwithhisselfishnessandspite,andnowwithhissufferings:butI’velearnedtoenduretheformerwithnearlyaslittleresentmentasthelatter.Mr.Heathcliffpurposelyavoidsme:Ihavehardlyseenhimatall.LastSunday,indeed,comingearlierthanusual,IheardhimabusingpoorLintoncruellyforhisconductofthenightbefore.Ican’ttellhowheknewofit,unlesshelistened.Lintonhadcertainlybehavedprovokingly:however,itwasthebusinessofnobodybutme,andIinterruptedMr.Heathcliff’slecturebyenteringandtellinghimso.Heburstintoalaugh,andwentaway,sayinghewasgladItookthatviewofthematter.Sincethen,I’vetoldLintonhemustwhisperhisbitterthings.Now,Ellen,youhaveheardall.Ican’tbepreventedfromgoingtoWutheringHeights,exceptbyinflictingmiseryontwopeople;whereas,ifyou’llonlynottellpapa,mygoingneeddisturbthetranquillityofnone.You’llnottell,willyou?Itwillbeveryheartless,ifyoudo.’

‘I’llmakeupmymindonthatpointbyto-morrow,MissCatherine,’Ireplied.‘Itrequiressomestudy;andsoI’llleaveyoutoyourrest,andgothinkitover.’

Ithoughtitoveraloud,inmymaster’spresence;walkingstraightfromherroomtohis,andrelatingthewholestory:withtheexceptionofherconversationswithhercousin,andanymentionofHareton.Mr.Lintonwasalarmedanddistressed,morethanhewouldacknowledgetome.Inthemorning,Catherinelearntmybetrayalofherconfidence,andshelearntalsothathersecretvisitsweretoend.Invainsheweptandwrithedagainsttheinterdict,andimploredherfathertohavepityonLinton:allshegottocomfortherwasapromisethathewouldwriteandgivehimleavetocometotheGrangewhenhepleased;butexplainingthathemustnolongerexpecttoseeCatherineatWutheringHeights.Perhaps,hadhebeenawareofhisnephew’sdispositionandstateofhealth,hewouldhaveseenfittowithholdeventhatslightconsolation.

CHAPTERXXV

‘Thesethingshappenedlastwinter,sir,’saidMrs.Dean;‘hardlymorethanayearago.Lastwinter,Ididnotthink,atanothertwelvemonths’end,Ishouldbeamusingastrangertothefamilywithrelatingthem!Yet,whoknowshowlongyou’llbeastranger?You’retooyoungtorestalwayscontented,livingbyyourself;andIsomewayfancynoonecouldseeCatherineLintonandnotloveher.Yousmile;butwhydoyoulooksolivelyandinterestedwhenItalkabouther?andwhyhaveyouaskedmetohangherpictureoveryourfireplace?andwhy—?’

‘Stop,mygoodfriend!’Icried.‘ItmaybeverypossiblethatIshouldloveher;butwouldsheloveme?Idoubtittoomuchtoventuremytranquillitybyrunningintotemptation:andthenmyhomeisnothere.I’mofthebusyworld,andtoitsarmsImustreturn.Goon.WasCatherineobedienttoherfather’scommands?’

‘Shewas,’continuedthehousekeeper.‘Heraffectionforhimwasstillthechiefsentimentinherheart;andhespokewithoutanger:hespokeinthedeeptendernessofoneabouttoleavehistreasureamidperilsandfoes,wherehisrememberedwordswouldbetheonlyaidthathecouldbequeathtoguideher.Hesaidtome,afewdaysafterwards,“Iwishmynephewwouldwrite,Ellen,orcall.Tellme,sincerely,whatyouthinkofhim:ishechangedforthebetter,oristhereaprospectofimprovement,ashegrowsaman?”

‘“He’sverydelicate,sir,”Ireplied;“andscarcelylikelytoreachmanhood:butthisIcansay,hedoesnotresemblehisfather;andifMissCatherinehadthemisfortunetomarryhim,hewouldnotbebeyondhercontrol:unlessshewereextremelyandfoolishlyindulgent.However,master,you’llhaveplentyoftimetogetacquaintedwithhimandseewhetherhewouldsuither:itwantsfouryearsandmoretohisbeingofage.”’

Edgarsighed;and,walkingtothewindow,lookedouttowardsGimmertonKirk.Itwasamistyafternoon,buttheFebruarysunshonedimly,andwecouldjustdistinguishthetwofir-treesintheyard,andthesparely-scatteredgravestones.

‘I’veprayedoften,’hehalfsoliloquised,‘fortheapproachofwhatiscoming;andnowIbegintoshrink,andfearit.IthoughtthememoryofthehourIcamedownthatglenabridegroomwouldbelesssweetthantheanticipationthatIwassoon,inafewmonths,or,possibly,weeks,tobecarriedup,andlaidinitslonelyhollow!Ellen,I’vebeenveryhappywithmylittleCathy:throughwinternightsandsummerdaysshewasalivinghopeatmyside.ButI’vebeenashappymusingbymyselfamongthosestones,underthatoldchurch:lying,throughthelongJuneevenings,onthegreenmoundofher

mother’sgrave,andwishing—yearningforthetimewhenImightliebeneathit.WhatcanIdoforCathy?HowmustIquither?I’dnotcareonemomentforLintonbeingHeathcliff’sson;norforhistakingherfromme,ifhecouldconsoleherformyloss.I’dnotcarethatHeathcliffgainedhisends,andtriumphedinrobbingmeofmylastblessing!ButshouldLintonbeunworthy—onlyafeebletooltohisfather—Icannotabandonhertohim!And,hardthoughitbetocrushherbuoyantspirit,ImustpersevereinmakinghersadwhileIlive,andleavinghersolitarywhenIdie.Darling!I’dratherresignhertoGod,andlayherintheearthbeforeme.’

‘ResignhertoGodasitis,sir,’Ianswered,‘andifweshouldloseyou—whichmayHeforbid—underHisprovidence,I’llstandherfriendandcounsellortothelast.MissCatherineisagoodgirl:Idon’tfearthatshewillgowilfullywrong;andpeoplewhodotheirdutyarealwaysfinallyrewarded.’

Springadvanced;yetmymastergatherednorealstrength,thoughheresumedhiswalksinthegroundswithhisdaughter.Toherinexperiencednotions,thisitselfwasasignofconvalescence;andthenhischeekwasoftenflushed,andhiseyeswerebright;shefeltsureofhisrecovering.Onherseventeenthbirthday,hedidnotvisitthechurchyard:itwasraining,andIobserved—‘You’llsurelynotgooutto-night,sir?’

Heanswered,—‘No,I’lldeferitthisyearalittlelonger.’HewroteagaintoLinton,expressinghisgreatdesiretoseehim;and,hadtheinvalidbeenpresentable,I’venodoubthisfatherwouldhavepermittedhimtocome.Asitwas,beinginstructed,hereturnedananswer,intimatingthatMr.HeathcliffobjectedtohiscallingattheGrange;buthisuncle’skindremembrancedelightedhim,andhehopedtomeethimsometimesinhisrambles,andpersonallytopetitionthathiscousinandhemightnotremainlongsoutterlydivided.

Thatpartofhisletterwassimple,andprobablyhisown.HeathcliffknewhecouldpleadeloquentlyforCatherine’scompany,then.

‘Idonotask,’hesaid,‘thatshemayvisithere;butamInevertoseeher,becausemyfatherforbidsmetogotoherhome,andyouforbidhertocometomine?Do,nowandthen,ridewithhertowardstheHeights;andletusexchangeafewwords,inyourpresence!Wehavedonenothingtodeservethisseparation;andyouarenotangrywithme:youhavenoreasontodislikeme,youallow,yourself.Dearuncle!sendmeakindnoteto-morrow,andleavetojoinyouanywhereyouplease,exceptatThrushcrossGrange.Ibelieveaninterviewwouldconvinceyouthatmyfather’scharacterisnotmine:heaffirmsIammoreyournephewthanhisson;andthoughIhavefaultswhichrendermeunworthyofCatherine,shehasexcusedthem,andforhersake,youshouldalso.Youinquireaftermyhealth—itisbetter;butwhile

Iremaincutofffromallhope,anddoomedtosolitude,orthesocietyofthosewhoneverdidandneverwilllikeme,howcanIbecheerfulandwell?’

Edgar,thoughhefeltfortheboy,couldnotconsenttogranthisrequest;becausehecouldnotaccompanyCatherine.Hesaid,insummer,perhaps,theymightmeet:meantime,hewishedhimtocontinuewritingatintervals,andengagedtogivehimwhatadviceandcomforthewasablebyletter;beingwellawareofhishardpositioninhisfamily.Lintoncomplied;andhadhebeenunrestrained,wouldprobablyhavespoiledallbyfillinghisepistleswithcomplaintsandlamentations:buthisfatherkeptasharpwatchoverhim;and,ofcourse,insistedoneverylinethatmymastersentbeingshown;so,insteadofpenninghispeculiarpersonalsufferingsanddistresses,thethemesconstantlyuppermostinhisthoughts,heharpedonthecruelobligationofbeingheldasunderfromhisfriendandlove;andgentlyintimatedthatMr.Lintonmustallowaninterviewsoon,orheshouldfearhewaspurposelydeceivinghimwithemptypromises.

Cathywasapowerfulallyathome;andbetweenthemtheyatlengthpersuadedmymastertoacquiesceintheirhavingarideorawalktogetheraboutonceaweek,undermyguardianship,andonthemoorsnearesttheGrange:forJunefoundhimstilldeclining.Thoughhehadsetasideyearlyaportionofhisincomeformyyounglady’sfortune,hehadanaturaldesirethatshemightretain—oratleastreturninashorttimeto—thehouseofherancestors;andheconsideredheronlyprospectofdoingthatwasbyaunionwithhisheir;hehadnoideathatthelatterwasfailingalmostasfastashimself;norhadanyone,Ibelieve:nodoctorvisitedtheHeights,andnoonesawMasterHeathclifftomakereportofhisconditionamongus.I,formypart,begantofancymyforebodingswerefalse,andthathemustbeactuallyrallying,whenhementionedridingandwalkingonthemoors,andseemedsoearnestinpursuinghisobject.IcouldnotpictureafathertreatingadyingchildastyrannicallyandwickedlyasIafterwardslearnedHeathcliffhadtreatedhim,tocompelthisapparenteagerness:hiseffortsredoublingthemoreimminentlyhisavariciousandunfeelingplanswerethreatenedwithdefeatbydeath.

CHAPTERXXVI

Summerwasalreadypastitsprime,whenEdgarreluctantlyyieldedhisassenttotheirentreaties,andCatherineandIsetoutonourfirstridetojoinhercousin.Itwasaclose,sultryday:devoidofsunshine,butwithaskytoodappledandhazytothreatenrain:andourplaceofmeetinghadbeenfixedat

theguide-stone,bythecross-roads.Onarrivingthere,however,alittleherd-boy,despatchedasamessenger,toldusthat,—‘MaisterLintonwerjusto’thissideth’Heights:andhe’dbemitchobleegedtoustogangonabitfurther.’

‘Then Master Linton has forgot the first injunction of his uncle,’ Iobserved:‘hebiduskeepontheGrangeland,andhereweareoffatonce.’

‘Well,we’ll turnourhorses’heads roundwhenwe reachhim,’ answeredmycompanion;‘ourexcursionshalllietowardshome.’

Butwhenwereachedhim,andthatwasscarcelyaquarterofamilefromhisowndoor,wefoundhehadnohorse;andwewereforcedtodismount,andleaveourstograze.Helayontheheath,awaitingourapproach,anddidnotrisetillwecamewithinafewyards.Thenhewalkedsofeebly,andlookedsopale,thatIimmediatelyexclaimed,—‘Why,MasterHeathcliff,youarenotfitforenjoyingaramblethismorning.Howillyoudolook!’

Catherine surveyed him with grief and astonishment: she changed theejaculationofjoyonherlipstooneofalarm;andthecongratulationontheirlong-postponedmeeting to an anxious inquiry,whether hewereworse thanusual?

‘No—better—better!’hepanted,trembling,andretainingherhandasifheneeded its support,whilehis largeblueeyeswandered timidlyoverher; thehollowness round them transforming to haggard wildness the languidexpressiontheyoncepossessed.

‘Butyouhavebeenworse,’persistedhiscousin; ‘worse thanwhenIsawyoulast;youarethinner,and—’

‘I’mtired,’heinterrupted,hurriedly.‘Itistoohotforwalking,letusresthere.And,inthemorning,Ioftenfeelsick—papasaysIgrowsofast.’

Badlysatisfied,Cathysatdown,andhereclinedbesideher.

‘Thisissomethinglikeyourparadise,’saidshe,makinganeffortatcheerfulness.‘Yourecollectthetwodaysweagreedtospendintheplaceandwayeachthoughtpleasantest?Thisisnearlyyours,onlythereareclouds;butthentheyaresosoftandmellow:itisnicerthansunshine.Nextweek,ifyoucan,we’llridedowntotheGrangePark,andtrymine.’

Lintondidnotappeartorememberwhatshetalkedofandhehadevidentlygreatdifficultyinsustaininganykindofconversation.Hislackofinterestinthesubjectsshestarted,andhisequalincapacitytocontributetoherentertainment,weresoobviousthatshecouldnotconcealherdisappointment.Anindefinitealterationhadcomeoverhiswholepersonandmanner.Thepettishnessthatmightbecaressedintofondness,hadyieldedtoalistlessapathy;therewaslessofthepeevishtemperofachildwhichfretsandteases

onpurposetobesoothed,andmoreoftheself-absorbedmorosenessofaconfirmedinvalid,repellingconsolation,andreadytoregardthegood-humouredmirthofothersasaninsult.Catherineperceived,aswellasIdid,thathehelditratherapunishment,thanagratification,toendureourcompany;andshemadenoscrupleofproposing,presently,todepart.Thatproposal,unexpectedly,rousedLintonfromhislethargy,andthrewhimintoastrangestateofagitation.HeglancedfearfullytowardstheHeights,beggingshewouldremainanotherhalf-hour,atleast.

‘ButIthink,’saidCathy,‘you’dbemorecomfortableathomethansittinghere; and I cannot amuse you to-day, I see, by my tales, and songs, andchatter:youhavegrownwiserthanI,inthesesixmonths;youhavelittletasteformydiversionsnow:orelse,ifIcouldamuseyou,I’dwillinglystay.’

‘Staytorestyourself,’hereplied.‘And,Catherine,don’tthinkorsaythatI’mveryunwell:itistheheavyweatherandheatthatmakemedull;andIwalkedabout,beforeyoucame,agreatdealforme.TelluncleI’mintolerablehealth,willyou?’

‘I’lltellhimthatyousayso,Linton.Icouldn’taffirmthatyouare,’observedmyyounglady,wonderingathispertinaciousassertionofwhatwasevidentlyanuntruth.

‘AndbehereagainnextThursday,’continuedhe,shunningherpuzzledgaze.‘Andgivehimmythanksforpermittingyoutocome—mybestthanks,Catherine.And—and,ifyoudidmeetmyfather,andheaskedyouaboutme,don’tleadhimtosupposethatI’vebeenextremelysilentandstupid:don’tlooksadanddowncast,asyouaredoing—he’llbeangry.’

‘Icarenothingforhisanger,’exclaimedCathy,imaginingshewouldbeitsobject.

‘ButIdo,’saidhercousin,shuddering.‘Don’tprovokehimagainstme,Catherine,forheisveryhard.’

‘Isheseveretoyou,MasterHeathcliff?’Iinquired.‘Hashegrownwearyofindulgence,andpassedfrompassivetoactivehatred?’

Lintonlookedatme,butdidnotanswer;and,afterkeepingherseatbyhisside another tenminutes, duringwhich his head fell drowsily on his breast,andheutterednothingexceptsuppressedmoansofexhaustionorpain,Cathybegantoseeksolaceinlookingforbilberries,andsharingtheproduceofherresearcheswithme:shedidnotofferthemtohim,forshesawfurthernoticewouldonlywearyandannoy.

‘Isithalf-an-hournow,Ellen?’shewhisperedinmyear,atlast.‘Ican’ttellwhyweshouldstay.He’sasleep,andpapawillbewantingusback.’

‘Well,wemustnotleavehimasleep,’Ianswered;‘waittillhewakes,andbepatient.Youweremightyeagertosetoff,butyourlongingtoseepoorLintonhassoonevaporated!’

‘Whydidhewishtoseeme?’returnedCatherine.‘Inhiscrossesthumours,formerly,IlikedhimbetterthanIdoinhispresentcuriousmood.It’sjustasifitwereataskhewascompelledtoperform—thisinterview—forfearhisfathershouldscoldhim.ButI’mhardlygoingtocometogiveMr.Heathcliffpleasure;whateverreasonhemayhavefororderingLintontoundergothispenance.And,thoughI’mgladhe’sbetterinhealth,I’msorryhe’ssomuchlesspleasant,andsomuchlessaffectionatetome.’

‘Youthinkheisbetterinhealth,then?’Isaid.

‘Yes,’sheanswered;‘becausehealwaysmadesuchagreatdealofhissufferings,youknow.Heisnottolerablywell,ashetoldmetotellpapa;buthe’sbetter,verylikely.’

‘Thereyoudifferwithme,MissCathy,’ I remarked; ‘I shouldconjecturehimtobefarworse.’

Lintonherestartedfromhisslumberinbewilderedterror,andaskedifanyonehadcalledhisname.

‘No,’saidCatherine;‘unlessindreams.Icannotconceivehowyoumanagetodozeoutofdoors,inthemorning.’

‘IthoughtIheardmyfather,’hegasped,glancinguptothefrowningnababoveus.‘Youaresurenobodyspoke?’

‘Quitesure,’repliedhiscousin.‘OnlyEllenandIweredisputingconcerningyourhealth.Areyoutrulystronger,Linton,thanwhenweseparatedinwinter?Ifyoube,I’mcertainonethingisnotstronger—yourregardforme:speak,—areyou?’

ThetearsgushedfromLinton’seyesasheanswered,‘Yes,yes,Iam!’And,stillunderthespelloftheimaginaryvoice,hisgazewanderedupanddowntodetectitsowner.

Cathyrose.‘Forto-daywemustpart,’shesaid.‘AndIwon’tconcealthatIhavebeensadlydisappointedwithourmeeting;thoughI’llmentionittonobodybutyou:notthatIstandinaweofMr.Heathcliff.’

‘Hush,’murmuredLinton;‘forGod’ssake,hush!He’scoming.’AndheclungtoCatherine’sarm,strivingtodetainher;butatthatannouncementshehastilydisengagedherself,andwhistledtoMinny,whoobeyedherlikeadog.

‘I’llbeherenextThursday,’shecried,springingtothesaddle.‘Good-bye.Quick,Ellen!’

Andsowelefthim,scarcelyconsciousofourdeparture,soabsorbedwasheinanticipatinghisfather’sapproach.

Beforewereachedhome,Catherine’sdispleasuresoftenedintoaperplexedsensationofpityandregret,largelyblendedwithvague,uneasydoubtsaboutLinton’sactualcircumstances,physicalandsocial:inwhichIpartook,thoughIcounselledhernottosaymuch;forasecondjourneywouldmakeusbetterjudges.Mymasterrequestedanaccountofourongoings.Hisnephew’sofferingofthankswasdulydelivered,MissCathygentlytouchingontherest:Ialsothrewlittlelightonhisinquiries,forIhardlyknewwhattohideandwhattoreveal.

CHAPTERXXVII

Sevendaysglidedaway,everyonemarkingitscoursebythehenceforthrapidalterationofEdgarLinton’sstate.Thehavocthatmonthshadpreviouslywroughtwasnowemulatedbytheinroadsofhours.Catherinewewouldfainhavedeludedyet;butherownquickspiritrefusedtodeludeher:itdivinedinsecret,andbroodedonthedreadfulprobability,graduallyripeningintocertainty.Shehadnotthehearttomentionherride,whenThursdaycameround;Imentioneditforher,andobtainedpermissiontoorderheroutofdoors:forthelibrary,whereherfatherstoppedashorttimedaily—thebriefperiodhecouldbeartositup—andhischamber,hadbecomeherwholeworld.Shegrudgedeachmomentthatdidnotfindherbendingoverhispillow,orseatedbyhisside.Hercountenancegrewwanwithwatchingandsorrow,andmymastergladlydismissedhertowhatheflatteredhimselfwouldbeahappychangeofsceneandsociety;drawingcomfortfromthehopethatshewouldnotnowbeleftentirelyaloneafterhisdeath.

Hehadafixedidea,Iguessedbyseveralobservationsheletfall,that,ashisnephewresembledhiminperson,hewouldresemblehiminmind;forLinton’slettersborefewornoindicationsofhisdefectivecharacter.AndI,throughpardonableweakness,refrainedfromcorrectingtheerror;askingmyselfwhatgoodtherewouldbeindisturbinghislastmomentswithinformationthathehadneitherpowernoropportunitytoturntoaccount.

Wedeferredourexcursiontilltheafternoon;agoldenafternoonofAugust:everybreathfromthehillssofulloflife,thatitseemedwhoeverrespiredit,thoughdying,mightrevive.Catherine’sfacewasjustlikethelandscape—shadowsandsunshineflittingoveritinrapidsuccession;buttheshadowsrestedlonger,andthesunshinewasmoretransient;andherpoorlittleheartreproacheditselfforeventhatpassingforgetfulnessofitscares.

WediscernedLintonwatchingatthesamespothehadselectedbefore.Myyoungmistressalighted,andtoldmethat,asshewasresolvedtostayaverylittlewhile,Ihadbetterholdtheponyandremainonhorseback;butIdissented:Iwouldn’trisklosingsightofthechargecommittedtomeaminute;soweclimbedtheslopeofheathtogether.MasterHeathcliffreceiveduswithgreateranimationonthisoccasion:nottheanimationofhighspiritsthough,noryetofjoy;itlookedmorelikefear.

‘Itislate!’hesaid,speakingshortandwithdifficulty.‘Isnotyourfatherveryill?Ithoughtyouwouldn’tcome.’

‘Whywon’tyoubecandid?’criedCatherine,swallowinghergreeting.‘Whycannotyousayatonceyoudon’twantme?Itisstrange,Linton,thatforthesecondtimeyouhavebroughtmehereonpurpose,apparentlytodistressusboth,andfornoreasonbesides!’

Linton shivered, and glanced at her, half supplicating, half ashamed; buthiscousin’spatiencewasnotsufficienttoendurethisenigmaticalbehaviour.

‘Myfatherisveryill,’shesaid;‘andwhyamIcalledfromhisbedside?Whydidn’tyousendtoabsolvemefrommypromise,whenyouwishedIwouldn’tkeepit?Come!Idesireanexplanation:playingandtriflingarecompletelybanishedoutofmymind;andIcan’tdanceattendanceonyouraffectationsnow!’

‘Myaffectations!’hemurmured;‘whatarethey?Forheaven’ssake,Catherine,don’tlooksoangry!Despisemeasmuchasyouplease;Iamaworthless,cowardlywretch:Ican’tbescornedenough;butI’mtoomeanforyouranger.Hatemyfather,andsparemeforcontempt.’

‘Nonsense!’criedCatherineinapassion.‘Foolish,sillyboy!Andthere!hetrembles:asifIwerereallygoingtotouchhim!Youneedn’tbespeakcontempt,Linton:anybodywillhaveitspontaneouslyatyourservice.Getoff!Ishallreturnhome:itisfollydraggingyoufromthehearth-stone,andpretending—whatdowepretend?Letgomyfrock!IfIpitiedyouforcryingandlookingsoveryfrightened,youshouldspurnsuchpity.Ellen,tellhimhowdisgracefulthisconductis.Rise,anddon’tdegradeyourselfintoanabjectreptile—don’t!’

With streaming face and an expression of agony, Linton had thrown hisnervelessframealongtheground:heseemedconvulsedwithexquisiteterror.

‘Oh!’hesobbed,‘Icannotbearit!Catherine,Catherine,I’matraitor,too,andIdarenottellyou!Butleaveme,andIshallbekilled!DearCatherine,mylifeisinyourhands:andyouhavesaidyoulovedme,andifyoudid,itwouldn’tharmyou.You’llnotgo,then?kind,sweet,goodCatherine!Andperhapsyouwillconsent—andhe’llletmediewithyou!’

Myyounglady,onwitnessinghisintenseanguish,stoopedtoraisehim.Theoldfeelingofindulgenttendernessovercamehervexation,andshegrewthoroughlymovedandalarmed.

‘Consenttowhat?’sheasked.‘Tostay!tellmethemeaningofthisstrangetalk,andIwill.Youcontradictyourownwords,anddistractme!Becalmandfrank,andconfessatonceallthatweighsonyourheart.Youwouldn’tinjureme,Linton,wouldyou?Youwouldn’tletanyenemyhurtme,ifyoucouldpreventit?I’llbelieveyouareacoward,foryourself,butnotacowardlybetrayerofyourbestfriend.’

‘Butmyfatherthreatenedme,’gaspedtheboy,claspinghisattenuatedfingers,‘andIdreadhim—Idreadhim!Idarenottell!’

‘Oh,well!’saidCatherine,withscornfulcompassion,‘keepyoursecret:I’mnocoward.Saveyourself:I’mnotafraid!’

Hermagnanimityprovokedhistears:heweptwildly,kissinghersupportinghands,andyetcouldnotsummoncouragetospeakout.Iwascogitatingwhatthemysterymightbe,anddeterminedCatherineshouldneversuffertobenefithimoranyoneelse,bymygoodwill;when,hearingarustleamongtheling,IlookedupandsawMr.Heathcliffalmostcloseuponus,descendingtheHeights.Hedidn’tcastaglancetowardsmycompanions,thoughtheyweresufficientlynearforLinton’ssobstobeaudible;buthailingmeinthealmostheartytoneheassumedtononebesides,andthesincerityofwhichIcouldn’tavoiddoubting,hesaid—

‘Itissomethingtoseeyousoneartomyhouse,Nelly.HowareyouattheGrange?Letushear.Therumourgoes,’headded,inalowertone,‘thatEdgarLintonisonhisdeath-bed:perhapstheyexaggeratehisillness?’

‘No;mymasterisdying,’Ireplied:‘itistrueenough.Asadthingitwillbeforusall,butablessingforhim!’

‘Howlongwillhelast,doyouthink?’heasked.

‘Idon’tknow,’Isaid.

‘Because,’hecontinued,lookingatthetwoyoungpeople,whowerefixedunderhiseye—Lintonappearedasifhecouldnotventuretostirorraisehishead,andCatherinecouldnotmove,onhisaccount—‘becausethatladyonderseemsdeterminedtobeatme;andI’dthankhisuncletobequick,andgobeforehim!Hallo!hasthewhelpbeenplayingthatgamelong?Ididgivehimsomelessonsaboutsnivelling.IsheprettylivelywithMissLintongenerally?’

‘Lively?no—hehasshownthegreatestdistress,’Ianswered.‘Toseehim,Ishouldsay,thatinsteadoframblingwithhissweetheartonthehills,heought

tobeinbed,underthehandsofadoctor.’

‘Heshallbe,inadayortwo,’mutteredHeathcliff.‘Butfirst—getup,Linton!Getup!’heshouted.‘Don’tgrovelonthegroundthereup,thismoment!’

Lintonhadsunkprostrateagaininanotherparoxysmofhelplessfear,causedbyhisfather’sglancetowardshim,Isuppose:therewasnothingelsetoproducesuchhumiliation.Hemadeseveraleffortstoobey,buthislittlestrengthwasannihilatedforthetime,andhefellbackagainwithamoan.Mr.Heathcliffadvanced,andliftedhimtoleanagainstaridgeofturf.

‘Now,’ saidhe,withcurbed ferocity, ‘I’mgettingangryand ifyoudon’tcommandthatpaltryspiritofyours—damnyou!getupdirectly!’

‘Iwill,father,’hepanted.‘Only,letmealone,orIshallfaint.I’vedoneasyouwished,I’msure.CatherinewilltellyouthatI—thatI—havebeencheerful.Ah!keepbyme,Catherine;givemeyourhand.’

‘Takemine,’saidhisfather;‘standonyourfeet.Therenow—she’lllendyouherarm:that’sright,lookather.YouwouldimagineIwasthedevilhimself,MissLinton,toexcitesuchhorror.Besokindastowalkhomewithhim,willyou?HeshuddersifItouchhim.’

‘Lintondear!’whisperedCatherine,‘Ican’tgotoWutheringHeights:papahasforbiddenme.He’llnotharmyou:whyareyousoafraid?’

‘Icanneverre-enterthathouse,’heanswered.‘I’mnottore-enteritwithoutyou!’

‘Stop!’criedhisfather.‘We’llrespectCatherine’sfilialscruples.Nelly,takehimin,andI’llfollowyouradviceconcerningthedoctor,withoutdelay.’

‘You’lldowell,’repliedI.‘ButImustremainwithmymistress:tomindyoursonisnotmybusiness.’

‘Youareverystiff,’saidHeathcliff,‘Iknowthat:butyou’llforcemetopinchthebabyandmakeitscreambeforeitmovesyourcharity.Come,then,myhero.Areyouwillingtoreturn,escortedbyme?’

Heapproachedoncemore,andmadeasifhewouldseizethefragilebeing;but,shrinkingback,Lintonclungtohiscousin,andimploredhertoaccompanyhim,withafranticimportunitythatadmittednodenial.HoweverIdisapproved,Icouldn’thinderher:indeed,howcouldshehaverefusedhimherself?Whatwasfillinghimwithdreadwehadnomeansofdiscerning;buttherehewas,powerlessunderitsgrip,andanyadditionseemedcapableofshockinghimintoidiotcy.Wereachedthethreshold;Catherinewalkedin,andIstoodwaitingtillshehadconductedtheinvalidtoachair,expectingheroutimmediately;whenMr.Heathcliff,pushingmeforward,exclaimed—‘My

houseisnotstrickenwiththeplague,Nelly;andIhaveamindtobehospitableto-day:sitdown,andallowmetoshutthedoor.’

Heshutandlockeditalso.Istarted.

‘Youshallhaveteabeforeyougohome,’headded.‘Iambymyself.HaretonisgonewithsomecattletotheLees,andZillahandJosephareoffonajourneyofpleasure;and,thoughI’musedtobeingalone,I’dratherhavesomeinterestingcompany,ifIcangetit.MissLinton,takeyourseatbyhim.IgiveyouwhatIhave:thepresentishardlyworthaccepting;butIhavenothingelsetooffer.ItisLinton,Imean.Howshedoesstare!It’soddwhatasavagefeelingIhavetoanythingthatseemsafraidofme!HadIbeenbornwherelawsarelessstrictandtasteslessdainty,Ishouldtreatmyselftoaslowvivisectionofthosetwo,asanevening’samusement.’

Hedrewinhisbreath,struckthetable,andsworetohimself,‘Byhell!Ihatethem.’

‘Iamnotafraidofyou!’exclaimedCatherine,whocouldnothearthelatterpartofhisspeech.Shesteppedcloseup;herblackeyesflashingwithpassionandresolution.‘Givemethatkey:Iwillhaveit!’shesaid.‘Iwouldn’teatordrinkhere,ifIwerestarving.’

Heathcliffhadthekeyinhishandthatremainedonthetable.Helookedup,seizedwithasortofsurpriseatherboldness;or,possibly,reminded,byhervoiceandglance,ofthepersonfromwhomsheinheritedit.Shesnatchedattheinstrument,andhalfsucceededingettingitoutofhisloosenedfingers:butheractionrecalledhimtothepresent;herecovereditspeedily.

‘Now,CatherineLinton,’ he said, ‘standoff, or I shall knockyoudown;and,thatwillmakeMrs.Deanmad.’

Regardlessofthiswarning,shecapturedhisclosedhandanditscontentsagain.‘Wewillgo!’sherepeated,exertingherutmosteffortstocausetheironmusclestorelax;andfindingthathernailsmadenoimpression,sheappliedherteethprettysharply.Heathcliffglancedatmeaglancethatkeptmefrominterferingamoment.Catherinewastoointentonhisfingerstonoticehisface.Heopenedthemsuddenly,andresignedtheobjectofdispute;but,ereshehadwellsecuredit,heseizedherwiththeliberatedhand,and,pullingheronhisknee,administeredwiththeotherashowerofterrificslapsonbothsidesofthehead,eachsufficienttohavefulfilledhisthreat,hadshebeenabletofall.

AtthisdiabolicalviolenceIrushedonhimfuriously.‘Youvillain!’Ibegantocry,‘youvillain!’Atouchonthechestsilencedme:Iamstout,andsoonputoutofbreath;and,whatwiththatandtherage,Istaggereddizzilybackandfeltreadytosuffocate,ortoburstablood-vessel.Thescenewas

overintwominutes;Catherine,released,puthertwohandstohertemples,andlookedjustasifshewerenotsurewhetherherearswereofforon.Shetrembledlikeareed,poorthing,andleantagainstthetableperfectlybewildered.

‘Iknowhowtochastisechildren,yousee,’saidthescoundrel,grimly,ashestoopedtorepossesshimselfofthekey,whichhaddroppedtothefloor.‘GotoLintonnow,asItoldyou;andcryatyourease!Ishallbeyourfather,to-morrow—allthefatheryou’llhaveinafewdays—andyoushallhaveplentyofthat.Youcanbearplenty;you’renoweakling:youshallhaveadailytaste,ifIcatchsuchadevilofatemperinyoureyesagain!’

CathyrantomeinsteadofLinton,andkneltdownandputherburningcheekonmylap,weepingaloud.Hercousinhadshrunkintoacornerofthesettle,asquietasamouse,congratulatinghimself,Idaresay,thatthecorrectionhadalightedonanotherthanhim.Mr.Heathcliff,perceivingusallconfounded,rose,andexpeditiouslymadetheteahimself.Thecupsandsaucerswerelaidready.Hepoureditout,andhandedmeacup.

‘Washawayyourspleen,’hesaid.‘Andhelpyourownnaughtypetandmine.Itisnotpoisoned,thoughIpreparedit.I’mgoingouttoseekyourhorses.’

Ourfirstthought,onhisdeparture,wastoforceanexitsomewhere.Wetriedthekitchendoor,butthatwasfastenedoutside:welookedatthewindows—theyweretoonarrowforevenCathy’slittlefigure.

‘MasterLinton,’Icried,seeingwewereregularlyimprisoned,‘youknowwhatyourdiabolicalfatherisafter,andyoushalltellus,orI’llboxyourears,ashehasdoneyourcousin’s.’

‘Yes,Linton,youmusttell,’saidCatherine.‘ItwasforyoursakeIcame;anditwillbewickedlyungratefulifyourefuse.’

‘Givemesometea,I’mthirsty,andthenI’lltellyou,’heanswered.‘Mrs.Dean,goaway.Idon’tlikeyoustandingoverme.Now,Catherine,youarelettingyourtearsfallintomycup.Iwon’tdrinkthat.Givemeanother.’Catherinepushedanothertohim,andwipedherface.Ifeltdisgustedatthelittlewretch’scomposure,sincehewasnolongerinterrorforhimself.TheanguishhehadexhibitedonthemoorsubsidedassoonaseverheenteredWutheringHeights;soIguessedhehadbeenmenacedwithanawfulvisitationofwrathifhefailedindecoyingusthere;and,thataccomplished,hehadnofurtherimmediatefears.

‘Papawantsustobemarried,’hecontinued,aftersippingsomeoftheliquid.‘Andheknowsyourpapawouldn’tletusmarrynow;andhe’safraidofmydyingifwewait;sowearetobemarriedinthemorning,andyouareto

stayhereallnight;and,ifyoudoashewishes,youshallreturnhomenextday,andtakemewithyou.’

‘Takeyouwithher,pitifulchangeling!’Iexclaimed.‘Youmarry?Why,themanismad!orhethinksusfools,everyone.Anddoyouimaginethatbeautifulyounglady,thathealthy,heartygirl,willtieherselftoalittleperishingmonkeylikeyou?Areyoucherishingthenotionthatanybody,letaloneMissCatherineLinton,wouldhaveyouforahusband?Youwantwhippingforbringingusinhereatall,withyourdastardlypulingtricks:and—don’tlooksosilly,now!I’veaverygoodmindtoshakeyouseverely,foryourcontemptibletreachery,andyourimbecileconceit.’

Ididgivehimaslightshaking;butitbroughtonthecough,andhetooktohisordinaryresourceofmoaningandweeping,andCatherinerebukedme.

‘Stayallnight?No,’shesaid,lookingslowlyround.‘Ellen,I’llburnthatdoordownbutI’llgetout.’

Andshewouldhavecommencedtheexecutionofherthreatdirectly,butLintonwasupinalarmforhisdearselfagain.Heclaspedherinhistwofeeblearmssobbing:—‘Won’tyouhaveme,andsaveme?notletmecometotheGrange?Oh,darlingCatherine!youmustn’tgoandleave,afterall.Youmustobeymyfather—youmust!’

‘Imustobeymyown,’shereplied,‘andrelievehimfromthiscruelsuspense.Thewholenight!Whatwouldhethink?He’llbedistressedalready.I’lleitherbreakorburnawayoutofthehouse.Bequiet!You’reinnodanger;butifyouhinderme—Linton,Ilovepapabetterthanyou!’ThemortalterrorhefeltofMr.Heathcliff’sangerrestoredtotheboyhiscoward’seloquence.Catherinewasneardistraught:still,shepersistedthatshemustgohome,andtriedentreatyinherturn,persuadinghimtosubduehisselfishagony.Whiletheywerethusoccupied,ourjailorre-entered.

‘Yourbeastshavetrottedoff,’hesaid,‘and—nowLinton!snivellingagain?Whathasshebeendoingtoyou?Come,come—havedone,andgettobed.Inamonthortwo,mylad,you’llbeabletopayherbackherpresenttyrannieswithavigoroushand.You’repiningforpurelove,areyounot?nothingelseintheworld:andsheshallhaveyou!There,tobed!Zillahwon’tbehereto-night;youmustundressyourself.Hush!holdyournoise!Onceinyourownroom,I’llnotcomenearyou:youneedn’tfear.Bychance,you’vemanagedtolerably.I’lllooktotherest.’

Hespokethesewords,holdingthedooropenforhissontopass,andthelatterachievedhisexitexactlyasaspanielmightwhichsuspectedthepersonwhoattendedonitofdesigningaspitefulsqueeze.Thelockwasre-secured.Heathcliffapproachedthefire,wheremymistressandIstoodsilent.

Catherinelookedup,andinstinctivelyraisedherhandtohercheek:hisneighbourhoodrevivedapainfulsensation.Anybodyelsewouldhavebeenincapableofregardingthechildishactwithsternness,buthescowledonherandmuttered—‘Oh!youarenotafraidofme?Yourcourageiswelldisguised:youseemdamnablyafraid!’

‘Iamafraidnow,’shereplied,‘because,ifIstay,papawillbemiserable:andhowcanIenduremakinghimmiserable—whenhe—whenhe—Mr.Heathcliff,letmegohome!IpromisetomarryLinton:papawouldlikemeto:andIlovehim.WhyshouldyouwishtoforcemetodowhatI’llwillinglydoofmyself?’

‘Lethimdaretoforceyou,’Icried.‘There’slawintheland,thankGod!thereis;thoughwebeinanout-of-the-wayplace.I’dinformifheweremyownson:andit’sfelonywithoutbenefitofclergy!’

‘Silence!’saidtheruffian.‘Tothedevilwithyourclamour!Idon’twantyoutospeak.MissLinton,Ishallenjoymyselfremarkablyinthinkingyourfatherwillbemiserable:Ishallnotsleepforsatisfaction.Youcouldhavehitonnosurerwayoffixingyourresidenceundermyroofforthenexttwenty-fourhoursthaninformingmethatsuchaneventwouldfollow.AstoyourpromisetomarryLinton,I’lltakecareyoushallkeepit;foryoushallnotquitthisplacetillitisfulfilled.’

‘SendEllen,then,toletpapaknowI’msafe!’exclaimedCatherine,weepingbitterly.‘Ormarrymenow.Poorpapa!Ellen,he’llthinkwe’relost.Whatshallwedo?’

‘Nothe!He’llthinkyouaretiredofwaitingonhim,andrunoffforalittleamusement,’answeredHeathcliff.‘Youcannotdenythatyouenteredmyhouseofyourownaccord,incontemptofhisinjunctionstothecontrary.Anditisquitenaturalthatyoushoulddesireamusementatyourage;andthatyouwouldwearyofnursingasickman,andthatmanonlyyourfather.Catherine,hishappiestdayswereoverwhenyourdaysbegan.Hecursedyou,Idaresay,forcomingintotheworld(Idid,atleast);anditwouldjustdoifhecursedyouashewentoutofit.I’djoinhim.Idon’tloveyou!HowshouldI?Weepaway.AsfarasIcansee,itwillbeyourchiefdiversionhereafter;unlessLintonmakeamendsforotherlosses:andyourprovidentparentappearstofancyhemay.Hislettersofadviceandconsolationentertainedmevastly.Inhislastherecommendedmyjeweltobecarefulofhis;andkindtoherwhenhegother.Carefulandkind—that’spaternal.ButLintonrequireshiswholestockofcareandkindnessforhimself.Lintoncanplaythelittletyrantwell.He’llundertaketotortureanynumberofcats,iftheirteethbedrawnandtheirclawspared.You’llbeabletotellhisunclefinetalesofhiskindness,whenyougethomeagain,Iassureyou.’

‘You’rerightthere!’Isaid;‘explainyourson’scharacter.Showhisresemblancetoyourself:andthen,Ihope,MissCathywillthinktwicebeforeshetakesthecockatrice!’

‘Idon’tmuchmindspeakingofhisamiablequalitiesnow,’heanswered;‘becauseshemusteitheraccepthimorremainaprisoner,andyoualongwithher,tillyourmasterdies.Icandetainyouboth,quiteconcealed,here.Ifyoudoubt,encouragehertoretractherword,andyou’llhaveanopportunityofjudging!’

‘I’llnotretractmyword,’saidCatherine.‘I’llmarryhimwithinthishour,ifImaygotoThrushcrossGrangeafterwards.Mr.Heathcliff,you’reacruelman,butyou’renotafiend;andyouwon’t,frommeremalice,destroyirrevocablyallmyhappiness.IfpapathoughtIhadlefthimonpurpose,andifhediedbeforeIreturned,couldIbeartolive?I’vegivenovercrying:butI’mgoingtokneelhere,atyourknee;andI’llnotgetup,andI’llnottakemyeyesfromyourfacetillyoulookbackatme!No,don’tturnaway!dolook!you’llseenothingtoprovokeyou.Idon’thateyou.I’mnotangrythatyoustruckme.Haveyouneverlovedanybodyinallyourlife,uncle?never?Ah!youmustlookonce.I’msowretched,youcan’thelpbeingsorryandpityingme.’

‘Keepyoureft’sfingersoff;andmove,orI’llkickyou!’criedHeathcliff,brutallyrepulsingher.‘I’dratherbehuggedbyasnake.Howthedevilcanyoudreamoffawningonme?Idetestyou!’

Heshruggedhisshoulders:shookhimself,indeed,asifhisfleshcreptwithaversion;andthrustbackhischair;whileIgotup,andopenedmymouth,tocommenceadownrighttorrentofabuse.ButIwasrendereddumbinthemiddleofthefirstsentence,byathreatthatIshouldbeshownintoaroombymyselftheverynextsyllableIuttered.Itwasgrowingdark—weheardasoundofvoicesatthegarden-gate.Ourhosthurriedoutinstantly:hehadhiswitsabouthim;wehadnot.Therewasatalkoftwoorthreeminutes,andhereturnedalone.

‘IthoughtithadbeenyourcousinHareton,’IobservedtoCatherine.‘Iwishhewouldarrive!Whoknowsbuthemighttakeourpart?’

‘ItwasthreeservantssenttoseekyoufromtheGrange,’saidHeathcliff,overhearingme.‘Youshouldhaveopenedalatticeandcalledout:butIcouldswearthatchitisgladyoudidn’t.She’sgladtobeobligedtostay,I’mcertain.’

Atlearningthechancewehadmissed,webothgaveventtoourgriefwithoutcontrol;andheallowedustowailontillnineo’clock.Thenhebidusgoupstairs,throughthekitchen,toZillah’schamber;andIwhisperedmycompaniontoobey:perhapswemightcontrivetogetthroughthewindow

there,orintoagarret,andoutbyitsskylight.Thewindow,however,wasnarrow,likethosebelow,andthegarrettrapwassafefromourattempts;forwewerefastenedinasbefore.Weneitherofuslaydown:Catherinetookherstationbythelattice,andwatchedanxiouslyformorning;adeepsighbeingtheonlyanswerIcouldobtaintomyfrequententreatiesthatshewouldtrytorest.Iseatedmyselfinachair,androckedtoandfro,passingharshjudgmentonmymanyderelictionsofduty;fromwhich,itstruckmethen,allthemisfortunesofmyemployerssprang.Itwasnotthecase,inreality,Iamaware;butitwas,inmyimagination,thatdismalnight;andIthoughtHeathcliffhimselflessguiltythanI.

Atseveno’clockhecame,andinquiredifMissLintonhadrisen.Sherantothedoorimmediately,andanswered,‘Yes.’‘Here,then,’hesaid,openingit,andpullingherout.Irosetofollow,butheturnedthelockagain.Idemandedmyrelease.

‘Bepatient,’hereplied;‘I’llsendupyourbreakfastinawhile.’

Ithumpedonthepanels,andrattledthelatchangrilyandCatherineaskedwhyIwasstillshutup?Heanswered,Imusttrytoendureitanotherhour,andtheywentaway.Ienduredittwoorthreehours;atlength,Iheardafootstep:notHeathcliff’s.

‘I’vebroughtyousomethingtoeat,’saidavoice;‘oppent’door!’

Complyingeagerly, IbeheldHareton, ladenwith foodenough to lastmeallday.

‘Tak’it,’headded,thrustingthetrayintomyhand.

‘Stayoneminute,’Ibegan.

‘Nay,’criedhe,andretired,regardlessofanyprayersIcouldpourforthtodetainhim.

AndthereIremainedenclosedthewholeday,andthewholeofthenextnight;andanother,andanother.FivenightsandfourdaysIremained,altogether,seeingnobodybutHaretononceeverymorning;andhewasamodelofajailor:surly,anddumb,anddeaftoeveryattemptatmovinghissenseofjusticeorcompassion.

CHAPTERXXVIII

Onthefifthmorning,orratherafternoon,adifferentstepapproached—lighterandshorter;and,thistime,thepersonenteredtheroom.ItwasZillah;

donnedinherscarletshawl,withablacksilkbonnetonherhead,andawillow-basketswungtoherarm.

‘Eh,dear!Mrs.Dean!’sheexclaimed.‘Well!thereisatalkaboutyouatGimmerton.IneverthoughtbutyouweresunkintheBlackhorsemarsh,andmissywithyou,tillmastertoldmeyou’dbeenfound,andhe’dlodgedyouhere!What!andyoumusthavegotonanisland,sure?Andhowlongwereyouinthehole?Didmastersaveyou,Mrs.Dean?Butyou’renotsothin—you’venotbeensopoorly,haveyou?’

‘Yourmasterisatruescoundrel!’Ireplied.‘Butheshallanswerforit.Heneedn’thaveraisedthattale:itshallallbelaidbare!’

‘Whatdoyoumean?’askedZillah.‘It’snothistale:theytellthatinthevillage—aboutyourbeinglostinthemarsh;andIcallstoEarnshaw,whenIcomein—“Eh,they’squeerthings,Mr.Hareton,happenedsinceIwentoff.It’sasadpityofthatlikelyyounglass,andcantNellyDean.”Hestared.Ithoughthehadnotheardaught,soItoldhimtherumour.Themasterlistened,andhejustsmiledtohimself,andsaid,“Iftheyhavebeeninthemarsh,theyareoutnow,Zillah.NellyDeanislodged,atthisminute,inyourroom.Youcantellhertoflit,whenyougoup;hereisthekey.Thebog-watergotintoherhead,andshewouldhaverunhomequiteflighty;butIfixedhertillshecameroundtohersenses.YoucanbidhergototheGrangeatonce,ifshebeable,andcarryamessagefromme,thatheryoungladywillfollowintimetoattendthesquire’sfuneral.”’

‘Mr.Edgarisnotdead?’Igasped.‘Oh!Zillah,Zillah!’

‘No,no;sityoudown,mygoodmistress,’shereplied;‘you’rerightsicklyyet.He’snotdead;DoctorKenneththinkshemaylastanotherday.Imethimontheroadandasked.’

Insteadofsittingdown,Isnatchedmyoutdoorthings,andhastenedbelow,forthewaywasfree.Onenteringthehouse,IlookedaboutforsomeonetogiveinformationofCatherine.Theplacewasfilledwithsunshine,andthedoorstoodwideopen;butnobodyseemedathand.AsIhesitatedwhethertogooffatonce,orreturnandseekmymistress,aslightcoughdrewmyattentiontothehearth.Lintonlayonthesettle,soletenant,suckingastickofsugar-candy,andpursuingmymovementswithapatheticeyes.‘WhereisMissCatherine?’Idemandedsternly,supposingIcouldfrightenhimintogivingintelligence,bycatchinghimthus,alone.Hesuckedonlikeaninnocent.

‘Isshegone?’Isaid.

‘No,’hereplied;‘she’supstairs:she’snottogo;wewon’tlether.’

‘Youwon’tlether,littleidiot!’Iexclaimed.‘Directmetoherroomimmediately,orI’llmakeyousingoutsharply.’

‘Papawouldmakeyousingout,ifyouattemptedtogetthere,’heanswered.‘HesaysI’mnottobesoftwithCatherine:she’smywife,andit’sshamefulthatsheshouldwishtoleaveme.Hesaysshehatesmeandwantsmetodie,thatshemayhavemymoney;butsheshan’thaveit:andsheshan’tgohome!Shenevershall!—shemaycry,andbesickasmuchasshepleases!’

Heresumedhisformeroccupation,closinghislids,asifhemeanttodropasleep.

‘MasterHeathcliff,’Iresumed,‘haveyouforgottenallCatherine’skindnesstoyoulastwinter,whenyouaffirmedyoulovedher,andwhenshebroughtyoubooksandsungyousongs,andcamemanyatimethroughwindandsnowtoseeyou?Shewepttomissoneevening,becauseyouwouldbedisappointed;andyoufeltthenthatshewasahundredtimestoogoodtoyou:andnowyoubelievetheliesyourfathertells,thoughyouknowhedetestsyouboth.Andyoujoinhimagainsther.That’sfinegratitude,isitnot?’

ThecornerofLinton’smouth fell, andhe took the sugar-candy fromhislips.

‘DidshecometoWutheringHeightsbecauseshehatedyou?’Icontinued.‘Thinkforyourself!Astoyourmoney,shedoesnotevenknowthatyouwillhaveany.Andyousayshe’ssick;andyetyouleaveheralone,upthereinastrangehouse!Youwhohavefeltwhatitistobesoneglected!Youcouldpityyourownsufferings;andshepitiedthem,too;butyouwon’tpityhers!Ishedtears,MasterHeathcliff,yousee—anelderlywoman,andaservantmerely—andyou,afterpretendingsuchaffection,andhavingreasontoworshipheralmost,storeeverytearyouhaveforyourself,andlietherequiteatease.Ah!you’reaheartless,selfishboy!’

‘Ican’tstaywithher,’heansweredcrossly.‘I’llnotstaybymyself.ShecriessoIcan’tbearit.Andshewon’tgiveover,thoughIsayI’llcallmyfather.Ididcallhimonce,andhethreatenedtostrangleherifshewasnotquiet;butshebeganagaintheinstanthelefttheroom,moaningandgrievingallnightlong,thoughIscreamedforvexationthatIcouldn’tsleep.’

‘IsMr.Heathcliff out?’ I inquired, perceiving that thewretched creaturehadnopowertosympathizewithhiscousin’smentaltortures.

‘He’sinthecourt,’hereplied,‘talkingtoDoctorKenneth;whosaysuncleisdying,truly,atlast.I’mglad,forIshallbemasteroftheGrangeafterhim.Catherinealwaysspokeofitasherhouse.Itisn’thers!It’smine:papasayseverythingshehasismine.Allhernicebooksaremine;sheofferedtogivemethem,andherprettybirds,andherponyMinny,ifIwouldgetthekeyof

ourroom,andletherout;butItoldhershehadnothingtogive,theywereall,allmine.Andthenshecried,andtookalittlepicturefromherneck,andsaidIshouldhavethat;twopicturesinagoldcase,ononesidehermother,andontheotheruncle,whentheywereyoung.Thatwasyesterday—Isaidtheyweremine,too;andtriedtogetthemfromher.Thespitefulthingwouldn’tletme:shepushedmeoff,andhurtme.Ishriekedout—thatfrightensher—sheheardpapacoming,andshebrokethehingesanddividedthecase,andgavemehermother’sportrait;theothersheattemptedtohide:butpapaaskedwhatwasthematter,andIexplainedit.HetooktheoneIhadaway,andorderedhertoresignherstome;sherefused,andhe—hestruckherdown,andwrencheditoffthechain,andcrusheditwithhisfoot.’

‘Andwereyoupleased toseeherstruck?’ Iasked:havingmydesigns inencouraginghistalk.

‘Iwinked,’heanswered:‘Iwinktoseemyfatherstrikeadogorahorse,hedoesitsohard.YetIwasgladatfirst—shedeservedpunishingforpushingme:butwhenpapawasgone,shemademecometothewindowandshowedmehercheekcutontheinside,againstherteeth,andhermouthfillingwithblood;andthenshegatheredupthebitsofthepicture,andwentandsatdownwithherfacetothewall,andshehasneverspokentomesince:andIsometimesthinkshecan’tspeakforpain.Idon’tliketothinkso;butshe’sanaughtythingforcryingcontinually;andshelookssopaleandwild,I’mafraidofher.’

‘Andyoucangetthekeyifyouchoose?’Isaid.

‘Yes,whenIamup-stairs,’heanswered;‘butIcan’twalkup-stairsnow.’

‘Inwhatapartmentisit?’Iasked.

‘Oh,’hecried,‘Ishan’ttellyouwhereitis.Itisoursecret.Nobody,neitherHaretonnorZillah,istoknow.There!you’vetiredme—goaway,goaway!’Andheturnedhisfaceontohisarm,andshuthiseyesagain.

IconsidereditbesttodepartwithoutseeingMr.Heathcliff,andbringarescueformyyoungladyfromtheGrange.Onreachingit,theastonishmentofmyfellow-servantstoseeme,andtheirjoyalso,wasintense;andwhentheyheardthattheirlittlemistresswassafe,twoorthreewereabouttohurryupandshoutthenewsatMr.Edgar’sdoor:butIbespoketheannouncementofitmyself.HowchangedIfoundhim,eveninthosefewdays!Helayanimageofsadnessandresignationawaitinghisdeath.Veryyounghelooked:thoughhisactualagewasthirty-nine,onewouldhavecalledhimtenyearsyounger,atleast.HethoughtofCatherine;forhemurmuredhername.Itouchedhishand,andspoke.

‘Catherineiscoming,dearmaster!’Iwhispered;‘sheisaliveandwell;and

willbehere,Ihope,to-night.’

Itrembledatthefirsteffectsofthisintelligence:hehalfroseup,lookedeagerlyroundtheapartment,andthensankbackinaswoon.Assoonasherecovered,Irelatedourcompulsoryvisit,anddetentionattheHeights.IsaidHeathcliffforcedmetogoin:whichwasnotquitetrue.IutteredaslittleaspossibleagainstLinton;nordidIdescribeallhisfather’sbrutalconduct—myintentionsbeingtoaddnobitterness,ifIcouldhelpit,tohisalreadyover-flowingcup.

Hedivinedthatoneofhisenemy’spurposeswastosecurethepersonalproperty,aswellastheestate,tohisson:orratherhimself;yetwhyhedidnotwaittillhisdeceasewasapuzzletomymaster,becauseignoranthownearlyheandhisnephewwouldquittheworldtogether.However,hefeltthathiswillhadbetterbealtered:insteadofleavingCatherine’sfortuneatherowndisposal,hedeterminedtoputitinthehandsoftrusteesforheruseduringlife,andforherchildren,ifshehadany,afterher.Bythatmeans,itcouldnotfalltoMr.HeathcliffshouldLintondie.

Havingreceivedhisorders,Idespatchedamantofetchtheattorney,andfourmore,providedwithserviceableweapons,todemandmyyoungladyofherjailor.Bothpartiesweredelayedverylate.Thesingleservantreturnedfirst.HesaidMr.Green,thelawyer,wasoutwhenhearrivedathishouse,andhehadtowaittwohoursforhisre-entrance;andthenMr.Greentoldhimhehadalittlebusinessinthevillagethatmustbedone;buthewouldbeatThrushcrossGrangebeforemorning.Thefourmencamebackunaccompaniedalso.TheybroughtwordthatCatherinewasill:tooilltoquitherroom;andHeathcliffwouldnotsufferthemtoseeher.Iscoldedthestupidfellowswellforlisteningtothattale,whichIwouldnotcarrytomymaster;resolvingtotakeawholebevyuptotheHeights,atday-light,andstormitliterally,unlesstheprisonerwerequietlysurrenderedtous.Herfathershallseeher,Ivowed,andvowedagain,ifthatdevilbekilledonhisowndoorstonesintryingtopreventit!

Happily,Iwassparedthejourneyandthetrouble.Ihadgonedown-stairsatthreeo’clocktofetchajugofwater;andwaspassingthroughthehallwithitinmyhand,whenasharpknockatthefrontdoormademejump.‘Oh!itisGreen,’Isaid,recollectingmyself—‘onlyGreen,’andIwenton,intendingtosendsomebodyelsetoopenit;buttheknockwasrepeated:notloud,andstillimportunately.Iputthejugonthebanisterandhastenedtoadmithimmyself.Theharvestmoonshoneclearoutside.Itwasnottheattorney.Myownsweetlittlemistresssprangonmynecksobbing,‘Ellen,Ellen!Ispapaalive?’

‘Yes,’Icried:‘yes,myangel,heis,Godbethanked,youaresafewithusagain!’

Shewantedtorun,breathlessasshewas,up-stairstoMr.Linton’sroom;butIcompelledhertositdownonachair,andmadeherdrink,andwashedherpaleface,chafingitintoafaintcolourwithmyapron.ThenIsaidImustgofirst,andtellofherarrival;imploringhertosay,sheshouldbehappywithyoungHeathcliff.Shestared,butsooncomprehendingwhyIcounselledhertoutterthefalsehood,sheassuredmeshewouldnotcomplain.

Icouldn’tabidetobepresentattheirmeeting.Istoodoutsidethechamber-dooraquarterofanhour,andhardlyventurednearthebed,then.Allwascomposed,however:Catherine’sdespairwasassilentasherfather’sjoy.Shesupportedhimcalmly,inappearance;andhefixedonherfeatureshisraisedeyesthatseemeddilatingwithecstasy.

Hediedblissfully,Mr.Lockwood:hediedso.Kissinghercheek,hemurmured,—‘Iamgoingtoher;andyou,darlingchild,shallcometous!’andneverstirredorspokeagain;butcontinuedthatrapt,radiantgaze,tillhispulseimperceptiblystoppedandhissouldeparted.Nonecouldhavenoticedtheexactminuteofhisdeath,itwassoentirelywithoutastruggle.

WhetherCatherinehadspenthertears,orwhetherthegriefweretooweightytoletthemflow,shesattheredry-eyedtillthesunrose:shesattillnoon,andwouldstillhaveremainedbroodingoverthatdeathbed,butIinsistedonhercomingawayandtakingsomerepose.ItwaswellIsucceededinremovingher,foratdinner-timeappearedthelawyer,havingcalledatWutheringHeightstogethisinstructionshowtobehave.HehadsoldhimselftoMr.Heathcliff:thatwasthecauseofhisdelayinobeyingmymaster’ssummons.Fortunately,nothoughtofworldlyaffairscrossedthelatter’smind,todisturbhim,afterhisdaughter’sarrival.

Mr.Greentookuponhimselftoordereverythingandeverybodyabouttheplace.Hegavealltheservantsbutme,noticetoquit.HewouldhavecarriedhisdelegatedauthoritytothepointofinsistingthatEdgarLintonshouldnotbeburiedbesidehiswife,butinthechapel,withhisfamily.Therewasthewill,however,tohinderthat,andmyloudprotestationsagainstanyinfringementofitsdirections.Thefuneralwashurriedover;Catherine,Mrs.LintonHeathcliffnow,wassufferedtostayattheGrangetillherfather’scorpsehadquittedit.

ShetoldmethatheranguishhadatlastspurredLintontoincurtheriskofliberatingher.SheheardthemenIsentdisputingatthedoor,andshegatheredthesenseofHeathcliff’sanswer.Itdroveherdesperate.LintonwhohadbeenconveyeduptothelittleparloursoonafterIleft,wasterrifiedintofetchingthekeybeforehisfatherre-ascended.Hehadthecunningtounlockandre-lockthedoor,withoutshuttingit;andwhenheshouldhavegonetobed,hebeggedtosleepwithHareton,andhispetitionwasgrantedforonce.Catherinestoleoutbeforebreakofday.Shedarednottrythedoorslestthedogsshouldraise

analarm;shevisitedtheemptychambersandexaminedtheirwindows;and,luckily,lightingonhermother’s,shegoteasilyoutofitslattice,andontotheground,bymeansofthefir-treecloseby.Heraccomplicesufferedforhisshareintheescape,notwithstandinghistimidcontrivances.

CHAPTERXXIX

The evening after the funeral, my young lady and I were seated in thelibrary; nowmusingmournfully—one of us despairingly—on our loss, nowventuringconjecturesastothegloomyfuture.

WehadjustagreedthebestdestinywhichcouldawaitCatherinewouldbeapermissiontocontinueresidentattheGrange;atleastduringLinton’slife:hebeingallowedtojoinherthere,andItoremainashousekeeper.Thatseemedrathertoofavourableanarrangementtobehopedfor;andyetIdidhope,andbegantocheerupundertheprospectofretainingmyhomeandmyemployment,and,aboveall,mybelovedyoungmistress;whenaservant—oneofthediscardedones,notyetdeparted—rushedhastilyin,andsaid‘thatdevilHeathcliff’wascomingthroughthecourt:shouldhefastenthedoorinhisface?

Ifwehadbeenmadenoughtoorderthatproceeding,wehadnottime.Hemadenoceremonyofknockingorannouncinghisname:hewasmaster,andavailedhimselfofthemaster’sprivilegetowalkstraightin,withoutsayingaword.Thesoundofourinformant’svoicedirectedhimtothelibrary;heenteredandmotioninghimout,shutthedoor.

Itwasthesameroomintowhichhehadbeenushered,asaguest,eighteenyearsbefore:thesamemoonshonethroughthewindow;andthesameautumnlandscapelayoutside.Wehadnotyetlightedacandle,butalltheapartmentwasvisible,eventotheportraitsonthewall:thesplendidheadofMrs.Linton,andthegracefuloneofherhusband.Heathcliffadvancedtothehearth.Timehadlittlealteredhispersoneither.Therewasthesameman:hisdarkfacerathersallowerandmorecomposed,hisframeastoneortwoheavier,perhaps,andnootherdifference.Catherinehadrisenwithanimpulsetodashout,whenshesawhim.

‘Stop!’hesaid,arrestingherbythearm.‘Nomorerunningsaway!Wherewouldyougo?I’mcometofetchyouhome;andIhopeyou’llbeadutifuldaughterandnotencouragemysontofurtherdisobedience.IwasembarrassedhowtopunishhimwhenIdiscoveredhispartinthebusiness:he’ssuchacobweb,apinchwouldannihilatehim;butyou’llseebyhislook

thathehasreceivedhisdue!Ibroughthimdownoneevening,thedaybeforeyesterday,andjustsethiminachair,andnevertouchedhimafterwards.IsentHaretonout,andwehadtheroomtoourselves.Intwohours,IcalledJosephtocarryhimupagain;andsincethenmypresenceisaspotentonhisnervesasaghost;andIfancyheseesmeoften,thoughIamnotnear.Haretonsayshewakesandshrieksinthenightbythehourtogether,andcallsyoutoprotecthimfromme;and,whetheryoulikeyourpreciousmate,ornot,youmustcome:he’syourconcernnow;Iyieldallmyinterestinhimtoyou.’

‘WhynotletCatherinecontinuehere,’Ipleaded,‘andsendMasterLintontoher?Asyouhatethemboth,you’dnotmissthem:theycanonlybeadailyplaguetoyourunnaturalheart.’

‘I’mseekingatenantfortheGrange,’heanswered;‘andIwantmychildrenaboutme,tobesure.Besides,thatlassowesmeherservicesforherbread.I’mnotgoingtonurtureherinluxuryandidlenessafterLintonisgone.Makehasteandgetready,now;anddon’tobligemetocompelyou.’

‘Ishall,’saidCatherine.‘LintonisallIhavetoloveintheworld,andthoughyouhavedonewhatyoucouldtomakehimhatefultome,andmetohim,youcannotmakeushateeachother.AndIdefyyoutohurthimwhenIamby,andIdefyyoutofrightenme!’

‘Youareaboastfulchampion,’repliedHeathcliff;‘butIdon’tlikeyouwellenoughtohurthim:youshallgetthefullbenefitofthetorment,aslongasitlasts.ItisnotIwhowillmakehimhatefultoyou—itishisownsweetspirit.He’sasbitterasgallatyourdesertionanditsconsequences:don’texpectthanksforthisnobledevotion.IheardhimdrawapleasantpicturetoZillahofwhathewoulddoifhewereasstrongasI:theinclinationisthere,andhisveryweaknesswillsharpenhiswitstofindasubstituteforstrength.’

‘Iknowhehasabadnature,’saidCatherine:‘he’syourson.ButI’mgladI’veabetter,toforgiveit;andIknowhelovesme,andforthatreasonIlovehim.Mr.Heathcliffyouhavenobodytoloveyou;and,howevermiserableyoumakeus,weshallstillhavetherevengeofthinkingthatyourcrueltyarisesfromyourgreatermisery.Youaremiserable,areyounot?Lonely,likethedevil,andenviouslikehim?Nobodylovesyou—nobodywillcryforyouwhenyoudie!Iwouldn’tbeyou!’

Catherinespokewithakindofdrearytriumph:sheseemedtohavemadeup hermind to enter into the spirit of her future family, and draw pleasurefromthegriefsofherenemies.

‘Youshallbesorrytobeyourselfpresently,’saidherfather-in-law,‘ifyoustandthereanotherminute.Begone,witch,andgetyourthings!’

Shescornfullywithdrew.InherabsenceIbegantobegforZillah’splace

attheHeights,offeringtoresignminetoher;buthewouldsufferitonnoaccount.Hebidmebesilent;andthen,forthefirsttime,allowedhimselfaglanceroundtheroomandalookatthepictures.HavingstudiedMrs.Linton’s,hesaid—‘Ishallhavethathome.NotbecauseIneedit,but—’Heturnedabruptlytothefire,andcontinued,withwhat,forlackofabetterword,Imustcallasmile—‘I’lltellyouwhatIdidyesterday!Igotthesexton,whowasdiggingLinton’sgrave,toremovetheearthoffhercoffinlid,andIopenedit.Ithought,once,Iwouldhavestayedthere:whenIsawherfaceagain—itishersyet!—hehadhardworktostirme;buthesaiditwouldchangeiftheairblewonit,andsoIstruckonesideofthecoffinloose,andcovereditup:notLinton’sside,damnhim!Iwishhe’dbeensolderedinlead.AndIbribedthesextontopullitawaywhenI’mlaidthere,andslidemineouttoo;I’llhaveitmadeso:andthenbythetimeLintongetstoushe’llnotknowwhichiswhich!’

‘You were very wicked, Mr. Heathcliff!’ I exclaimed; ‘were you notashamedtodisturbthedead?’

‘Idisturbednobody,Nelly,’hereplied;‘andIgavesomeeasetomyself.Ishallbeagreatdealmorecomfortablenow;andyou’llhaveabetterchanceofkeepingmeunderground,whenIgetthere.Disturbedher?No!shehasdisturbedme,nightandday,througheighteenyears—incessantly—remorselessly—tillyesternight;andyesternightIwastranquil.IdreamtIwassleepingthelastsleepbythatsleeper,withmyheartstoppedandmycheekfrozenagainsthers.’

‘Andifshehadbeendissolvedintoearth,orworse,whatwouldyouhavedreamtofthen?’Isaid.

‘Ofdissolvingwithher,andbeingmorehappystill!’heanswered.‘DoyousupposeIdreadanychangeofthatsort?Iexpectedsuchatransformationonraisingthelid—butI’mbetterpleasedthatitshouldnotcommencetillIshareit.Besides,unlessIhadreceivedadistinctimpressionofherpassionlessfeatures,thatstrangefeelingwouldhardlyhavebeenremoved.Itbeganoddly.YouknowIwaswildaftershedied;andeternally,fromdawntodawn,prayinghertoreturntomeherspirit!Ihaveastrongfaithinghosts:Ihaveaconvictionthattheycan,anddo,existamongus!Thedayshewasburied,therecameafallofsnow.IntheeveningIwenttothechurchyard.Itblewbleakaswinter—allroundwassolitary.Ididn’tfearthatherfoolofahusbandwouldwanderuptheglensolate;andnooneelsehadbusinesstobringthemthere.Beingalone,andconscioustwoyardsoflooseearthwasthesolebarrierbetweenus,Isaidtomyself—“I’llhaveherinmyarmsagain!Ifshebecold,I’llthinkitisthisnorthwindthatchillsme;andifshebemotionless,itissleep.”Igotaspadefromthetool-house,andbegantodelvewithallmymight—itscrapedthecoffin;Ifelltoworkwithmyhands;the

woodcommencedcrackingaboutthescrews;Iwasonthepointofattainingmyobject,whenitseemedthatIheardasighfromsomeoneabove,closeattheedgeofthegrave,andbendingdown.“IfIcanonlygetthisoff,”Imuttered,“Iwishtheymayshovelintheearthoverusboth!”andIwrenchedatitmoredesperatelystill.Therewasanothersigh,closeatmyear.Iappearedtofeelthewarmbreathofitdisplacingthesleet-ladenwind.Iknewnolivingthinginfleshandbloodwasby;but,ascertainlyasyouperceivetheapproachtosomesubstantialbodyinthedark,thoughitcannotbediscerned,socertainlyIfeltthatCathywasthere:notunderme,butontheearth.Asuddensenseofreliefflowedfrommyheartthrougheverylimb.Irelinquishedmylabourofagony,andturnedconsoledatonce:unspeakablyconsoled.Herpresencewaswithme:itremainedwhileIre-filledthegrave,andledmehome.Youmaylaugh,ifyouwill;butIwassureIshouldseeherthere.Iwassureshewaswithme,andIcouldnothelptalkingtoher.HavingreachedtheHeights,Irushedeagerlytothedoor.Itwasfastened;and,Iremember,thataccursedEarnshawandmywifeopposedmyentrance.Irememberstoppingtokickthebreathoutofhim,andthenhurryingup-stairs,tomyroomandhers.Ilookedroundimpatiently—Ifeltherbyme—Icouldalmostseeher,andyetIcouldnot!Ioughttohavesweatbloodthen,fromtheanguishofmyyearning—fromthefervourofmysupplicationstohavebutoneglimpse!Ihadnotone.Sheshowedherself,assheoftenwasinlife,adeviltome!And,sincethen,sometimesmoreandsometimesless,I’vebeenthesportofthatintolerabletorture!Infernal!keepingmynervesatsuchastretchthat,iftheyhadnotresembledcatgut,theywouldlongagohaverelaxedtothefeeblenessofLinton’s.WhenIsatinthehousewithHareton,itseemedthatongoingoutIshouldmeether;whenIwalkedonthemoorsIshouldmeethercomingin.WhenIwentfromhomeIhastenedtoreturn;shemustbesomewhereattheHeights,Iwascertain!AndwhenIsleptinherchamber—Iwasbeatenoutofthat.Icouldn’tliethere;forthemomentIclosedmyeyes,shewaseitheroutsidethewindow,orslidingbackthepanels,orenteringtheroom,orevenrestingherdarlingheadonthesamepillowasshedidwhenachild;andImustopenmylidstosee.AndsoIopenedandclosedthemahundredtimesanight—tobealwaysdisappointed!Itrackedme!I’veoftengroanedaloud,tillthatoldrascalJosephnodoubtbelievedthatmyconsciencewasplayingthefiendinsideofme.Now,sinceI’veseenher,I’mpacified—alittle.Itwasastrangewayofkilling:notbyinches,butbyfractionsofhairbreadths,tobeguilemewiththespectreofahopethrougheighteenyears!’

Mr.Heathcliffpausedandwipedhisforehead;hishairclungtoit,wetwithperspiration;hiseyeswerefixedontheredembersofthefire,thebrowsnotcontracted,butraisednextthetemples;diminishingthegrimaspectofhiscountenance,butimpartingapeculiarlookoftrouble,andapainfulappearanceofmentaltensiontowardsoneabsorbingsubject.Heonlyhalf

addressedme,andImaintainedsilence.Ididn’tliketohearhimtalk!Afterashortperiodheresumedhismeditationonthepicture,tookitdownandleantitagainstthesofatocontemplateitatbetteradvantage;andwhilesooccupiedCatherineentered,announcingthatshewasready,whenherponyshouldbesaddled.

‘Sendthatoverto-morrow,’saidHeathclifftome;thenturningtoher,headded:‘Youmaydowithoutyourpony:itisafineevening,andyou’llneednoponiesatWutheringHeights;forwhatjourneysyoutake,yourownfeetwillserveyou.Comealong.’

‘Good-bye,Ellen!’whisperedmydearlittlemistress.

Asshekissedme,herlipsfeltlikeice.‘Comeandseeme,Ellen;don’tforget.’

‘Takecareyoudonosuchthing,Mrs.Dean!’saidhernewfather.‘WhenIwishtospeaktoyouI’llcomehere.Iwantnoneofyourpryingatmyhouse!’

Hesignedhertoprecedehim;andcastingbackalookthatcutmyheart,sheobeyed.Iwatchedthem,fromthewindow,walkdownthegarden.HeathclifffixedCatherine’sarmunderhis:thoughshedisputedtheactatfirstevidently;andwithrapidstrideshehurriedherintothealley,whosetreesconcealedthem.

CHAPTERXXX

IhavepaidavisittotheHeights,butIhavenotseenhersincesheleft:JosephheldthedoorinhishandwhenIcalledtoaskafterher,andwouldn’tletmepass.HesaidMrs.Lintonwas‘thrang,’andthemasterwasnotin.Zillahhastoldmesomethingofthewaytheygoon,otherwiseIshouldhardlyknowwhowasdeadandwholiving.ShethinksCatherinehaughty,anddoesnotlikeher,Icanguessbyhertalk.Myyoungladyaskedsomeaidofherwhenshefirstcame;butMr.Heathclifftoldhertofollowherownbusiness,andlethisdaughter-in-lawlookafterherself;andZillahwillinglyacquiesced,beinganarrow-minded,selfishwoman.Catherineevincedachild’sannoyanceatthisneglect;repaiditwithcontempt,andthusenlistedmyinformantamongherenemies,assecurelyasifshehaddonehersomegreatwrong.IhadalongtalkwithZillahaboutsixweeksago,alittlebeforeyoucame,onedaywhenweforegatheredonthemoor;andthisiswhatshetoldme.

‘ThefirstthingMrs.Lintondid,’shesaid,‘onherarrivalattheHeights,wastorunup-stairs,withoutevenwishinggood-eveningtomeandJoseph;

sheshutherselfintoLinton’sroom,andremainedtillmorning.Then,whilethemasterandEarnshawwereatbreakfast,sheenteredthehouse,andaskedallinaquiverifthedoctormightbesentfor?hercousinwasveryill.

‘“Weknowthat!”answeredHeathcliff;“buthislifeisnotworthafarthing,andIwon’tspendafarthingonhim.”

‘“ButIcannottellhowtodo,”shesaid;“andifnobodywillhelpme,he’lldie!”

‘“Walkoutoftheroom,”criedthemaster,“andletmeneverhearawordmoreabouthim!Noneherecarewhatbecomesofhim;ifyoudo,actthenurse;ifyoudonot,lockhimupandleavehim.”

‘Thenshebegantobotherme,andIsaidI’dhadenoughplaguewiththetiresome thing;we eachhadour tasks, andherswas towait onLinton:Mr.Heathcliffbidmeleavethatlabourtoher.

‘Howtheymanagedtogether,Ican’ttell.Ifancyhefrettedagreatdeal,andmoanedhisselnnightandday;andshehadpreciouslittlerest:onecouldguessbyherwhitefaceandheavyeyes.Shesometimescameintothekitchenallwilderedlike,andlookedasifshewouldfainbegassistance;butIwasnotgoingtodisobeythemaster:Ineverdaredisobeyhim,Mrs.Dean;and,thoughIthoughtitwrongthatKennethshouldnotbesentfor,itwasnoconcernofmineeithertoadviseorcomplain,andIalwaysrefusedtomeddle.Onceortwice,afterwehadgonetobed,I’vehappenedtoopenmydooragainandseenhersittingcryingonthestairs’-top;andthenI’veshutmyselfinquick,forfearofbeingmovedtointerfere.Ididpityherthen,I’msure:stillIdidn’twishtolosemyplace,youknow.

‘Atlast,onenightshecameboldlyintomychamber,andfrightenedmeoutofmywits,bysaying,“TellMr.Heathcliffthathissonisdying—I’msureheis,thistime.Getup,instantly,andtellhim.”

‘Havingutteredthisspeech,shevanishedagain.Ilayaquarterofanhourlisteningandtrembling.Nothingstirred—thehousewasquiet.

‘She’smistaken,Isaidtomyself.He’sgotoverit.Ineedn’tdisturbthem;andIbegantodoze.Butmysleepwasmarredasecondtimebyasharpringingofthebell—theonlybellwehave,putuponpurposeforLinton;andthemastercalledtometoseewhatwasthematter,andinformthemthathewouldn’thavethatnoiserepeated.

‘IdeliveredCatherine’smessage.Hecursedtohimself,andinafewminutescameoutwithalightedcandle,andproceededtotheirroom.Ifollowed.Mrs.Heathcliffwasseatedbythebedside,withherhandsfoldedonherknees.Herfather-in-lawwentup,heldthelighttoLinton’sface,lookedat

him,andtouchedhim;afterwardsheturnedtoher.

‘“Now—Catherine,”hesaid,“howdoyoufeel?”

‘Shewasdumb.

‘“Howdoyoufeel,Catherine?”herepeated.

‘“He’ssafe,andI’mfree,”sheanswered:“Ishouldfeelwell—but,”shecontinued,withabitternessshecouldn’tconceal,“youhaveleftmesolongtostruggleagainstdeathalone,thatIfeelandseeonlydeath!Ifeellikedeath!”

‘Andshelookedlikeit,too!Igaveheralittlewine.HaretonandJoseph,whohadbeenwakenedbytheringingandthesoundoffeet,andheardourtalkfromoutside,nowentered.Josephwasfain,Ibelieve,ofthelad’sremoval;Haretonseemedathoughtbothered:thoughhewasmoretakenupwithstaringatCatherinethanthinkingofLinton.Butthemasterbidhimgetofftobedagain:wedidn’twanthishelp.HeafterwardsmadeJosephremovethebodytohischamber,andtoldmetoreturntomine,andMrs.Heathcliffremainedbyherself.

‘Inthemorning,hesentmetotellhershemustcomedowntobreakfast:shehadundressed,andappearedgoingtosleep,andsaidshewasill;atwhichIhardlywondered.IinformedMr.Heathcliff,andhereplied,—“Well,letherbetillafterthefuneral;andgoupnowandthentogetherwhatisneedful;and,assoonassheseemsbetter,tellme.”’

Cathy stayed upstairs a fortnight, according to Zillah; who visited hertwice a day, andwould have been rathermore friendly, but her attempts atincreasingkindnesswereproudlyandpromptlyrepelled.

Heathcliffwentuponce,toshowherLinton’swill.Hehadbequeathedthewholeofhis,andwhathadbeenher,moveableproperty,tohisfather:thepoorcreaturewasthreatened,orcoaxed,intothatactduringherweek’sabsence,whenhisuncledied.Thelands,beingaminor,hecouldnotmeddlewith.However,Mr.Heathcliffhasclaimedandkepttheminhiswife’srightandhisalso:Isupposelegally;atanyrate,Catherine,destituteofcashandfriends,cannotdisturbhispossession.

‘Nobody,’saidZillah,‘everapproachedherdoor,exceptthatonce,butI;andnobodyaskedanythingabouther.ThefirstoccasionofhercomingdownintothehousewasonaSundayafternoon.Shehadcriedout,whenIcarriedupherdinner,thatshecouldn’tbearanylongerbeinginthecold;andItoldherthemasterwasgoingtoThrushcrossGrange,andEarnshawandIneedn’thinderherfromdescending;so,assoonassheheardHeathcliff’shorsetrotoff,shemadeherappearance,donnedinblack,andheryellowcurlscombedbackbehindherearsasplainasaQuaker:shecouldn’tcombthemout.

‘JosephandIgenerallygotochapelonSundays:’thekirk,youknow,hasnoministernow,explainedMrs.Dean;andtheycalltheMethodists’orBaptists’place(Ican’tsaywhichitis)atGimmerton,achapel.‘Josephhadgone,’shecontinued,‘butIthoughtpropertobideathome.Youngfolksarealwaysthebetterforanelder’sover-looking;andHareton,withallhisbashfulness,isn’tamodelofnicebehaviour.Ilethimknowthathiscousinwouldverylikelysitwithus,andshehadbeenalwaysusedtoseetheSabbathrespected;sohehadasgoodleavehisgunsandbitsofindoorworkalone,whileshestayed.Hecolouredupatthenews,andcasthiseyesoverhishandsandclothes.Thetrain-oilandgunpowderwereshovedoutofsightinaminute.Isawhemeanttogiveherhiscompany;andIguessed,byhisway,hewantedtobepresentable;so,laughing,asIdurstnotlaughwhenthemasterisby,Iofferedtohelphim,ifhewould,andjokedathisconfusion.Hegrewsullen,andbegantoswear.

‘Now,Mrs.Dean,’Zillahwenton,seeingmenotpleasedbyhermanner,‘youhappenthinkyouryoungladytoofineforMr.Hareton;andhappenyou’reright:butIownIshouldlovewelltobringherprideapeglower.Andwhatwillallherlearningandherdaintinessdoforher,now?She’saspoorasyouorI:poorer,I’llbebound:you’resaying,andI’mdoingmylittleallthatroad.’

Hareton allowedZillah to give himher aid; and she flattered him into agoodhumour;so,whenCatherinecame,halfforgettingherformerinsults,hetriedtomakehimselfagreeable,bythehousekeeper’saccount.

‘Missiswalkedin,’shesaid,‘aschillasanicicle,andashighasaprincess.Igotupandofferedhermyseatinthearm-chair.No,sheturneduphernoseatmycivility.Earnshawrose,too,andbidhercometothesettle,andsitclosebythefire:hewassureshewasstarved.

‘“I’vebeenstarvedamonthandmore,”sheanswered,restingonthewordasscornfulasshecould.

‘Andshegotachairforherself,andplaceditatadistancefrombothofus.Havingsattillshewaswarm,shebegantolookround,anddiscoveredanumberofbooksonthedresser;shewasinstantlyuponherfeetagain,stretchingtoreachthem:buttheyweretoohighup.Hercousin,afterwatchingherendeavoursawhile,atlastsummonedcouragetohelpher;sheheldherfrock,andhefilleditwiththefirstthatcametohand.

‘Thatwasagreatadvanceforthelad.Shedidn’tthankhim;still,hefeltgratifiedthatshehadacceptedhisassistance,andventuredtostandbehindassheexaminedthem,andeventostoopandpointoutwhatstruckhisfancyincertainoldpictureswhichtheycontained;norwashedauntedbythesaucystyleinwhichshejerkedthepagefromhisfinger:hecontentedhimselfwith

goingabitfartherbackandlookingatherinsteadofthebook.Shecontinuedreading,orseekingforsomethingtoread.Hisattentionbecame,bydegrees,quitecentredinthestudyofherthicksilkycurls:herfacehecouldn’tsee,andshecouldn’tseehim.And,perhaps,notquiteawaketowhathedid,butattractedlikeachildtoacandle,atlastheproceededfromstaringtotouching;heputouthishandandstrokedonecurl,asgentlyasifitwereabird.Hemighthavestuckaknifeintoherneck,shestartedroundinsuchataking.

‘“Getawaythismoment!Howdareyoutouchme?Whyareyoustoppingthere?”shecried,inatoneofdisgust.“Ican’tendureyou!I’llgoupstairsagain,ifyoucomenearme.”

‘Mr.Haretonrecoiled,lookingasfoolishashecoulddo:hesatdowninthesettle very quiet, and she continued turning over her volumes another halfhour;finally,Earnshawcrossedover,andwhisperedtome.

‘“Willyouaskhertoreadtous,Zillah?I’mstalledofdoingnaught;andIdolike—Icouldliketohearher!DunnotsayIwantedit,butaskofyourseln.”

‘“Mr.Haretonwishesyouwouldreadtous,ma’am,”Isaid,immediately.“He’dtakeitverykind—he’dbemuchobliged.”

‘Shefrowned;andlookingup,answered—

‘“Mr.Hareton,andthewholesetofyou,willbegoodenoughtounderstandthatIrejectanypretenceatkindnessyouhavethehypocrisytooffer!Idespiseyou,andwillhavenothingtosaytoanyofyou!WhenIwouldhavegivenmylifeforonekindword,eventoseeoneofyourfaces,youallkeptoff.ButIwon’tcomplaintoyou!I’mdrivendownherebythecold;noteithertoamuseyouorenjoyyoursociety.”

‘“WhatcouldIha’done?”beganEarnshaw.“HowwasItoblame?”

‘“Oh!youareanexception,”answeredMrs.Heathcliff.“Inevermissedsuchaconcernasyou.”

‘“But I offeredmore than once, and asked,” he said, kindling up at herpertness,“IaskedMr.Heathclifftoletmewakeforyou—”

‘“Besilent!I’llgooutofdoors,oranywhere,ratherthanhaveyourdisagreeablevoiceinmyear!”saidmylady.

‘Haretonmutteredshemightgotohell,forhim!andunslinginghisgun,restrainedhimselffromhisSundayoccupationsnolonger.Hetalkednow,freelyenough;andshepresentlysawfittoretreattohersolitude:butthefrosthadsetin,and,inspiteofherpride,shewasforcedtocondescendtoourcompany,moreandmore.However,Itookcarethereshouldbenofurtherscorningatmygoodnature:eversince,I’vebeenasstiffasherself;andshehasnoloverorlikeramongus:andshedoesnotdeserveone;for,letthemsay

theleastwordtoher,andshe’llcurlbackwithoutrespectofanyone.She’llsnapatthemasterhimself,andasgoodasdareshimtothrashher;andthemorehurtshegets,themorevenomousshegrows.’

At first, on hearing this account from Zillah, I determined to leave mysituation,takeacottage,andgetCatherinetocomeandlivewithme:butMr.Heathcliff would as soon permit that as he would set up Hareton in anindependent house; and I can see no remedy, at present, unless she couldmarryagain;andthatschemeitdoesnotcomewithinmyprovincetoarrange.

**

ThusendedMrs.Dean’sstory.Notwithstandingthedoctor’sprophecy,Iamrapidlyrecoveringstrength;andthoughitbeonlythesecondweekinJanuary,Iproposegettingoutonhorsebackinadayortwo,andridingovertoWutheringHeights,toinformmylandlordthatIshallspendthenextsixmonthsinLondon;and,ifhelikes,hemaylookoutforanothertenanttotaketheplaceafterOctober.Iwouldnotpassanotherwinterhereformuch.

CHAPTERXXXI

Yesterdaywasbright,calm,andfrosty.IwenttotheHeightsasIproposed:myhousekeeperentreatedmetobearalittlenotefromhertoheryounglady,andIdidnotrefuse,fortheworthywomanwasnotconsciousofanythingoddinherrequest.Thefrontdoorstoodopen,butthejealousgatewasfastened,asatmylastvisit;IknockedandinvokedEarnshawfromamongthegarden-beds;heunchainedit,andIentered.Thefellowisashandsomearusticasneedbeseen.Itookparticularnoticeofhimthistime;butthenhedoeshisbestapparentlytomaketheleastofhisadvantages.

IaskedifMr.Heathcliffwereathome?Heanswered,No;buthewouldbeinatdinner-time.Itwaseleveno’clock,andIannouncedmyintentionofgoinginandwaitingforhim;atwhichheimmediatelyflungdownhistoolsandaccompaniedme,intheofficeofwatchdog,notasasubstituteforthehost.

Weenteredtogether;Catherinewasthere,makingherselfusefulinpreparingsomevegetablesfortheapproachingmeal;shelookedmoresulkyandlessspiritedthanwhenIhadseenherfirst.Shehardlyraisedhereyestonoticeme,andcontinuedheremploymentwiththesamedisregardtocommonformsofpolitenessasbefore;neverreturningmybowandgood-morningbytheslightestacknowledgment.

‘Shedoesnotseemsoamiable,’Ithought,‘asMrs.Deanwouldpersuade

metobelieve.She’sabeauty,itistrue;butnotanangel.’

Earnshawsurlilybidherremoveherthingstothekitchen.‘Removethemyourself,’shesaid,pushingthemfromherassoonasshehaddone;andretiringtoastoolbythewindow,whereshebegantocarvefiguresofbirdsandbeastsoutoftheturnip-paringsinherlap.Iapproachedher,pretendingtodesireaviewofthegarden;and,asIfancied,adroitlydroppedMrs.Dean’snoteontoherknee,unnoticedbyHareton—butsheaskedaloud,‘Whatisthat?’Andchuckeditoff.

‘Aletterfromyouroldacquaintance,thehousekeeperattheGrange,’Ianswered;annoyedatherexposingmykinddeed,andfearfullestitshouldbeimaginedamissiveofmyown.Shewouldgladlyhavegathereditupatthisinformation,butHaretonbeather;heseizedandputitinhiswaistcoat,sayingMr.Heathcliffshouldlookatitfirst.Thereat,Catherinesilentlyturnedherfacefromus,and,verystealthily,drewoutherpocket-handkerchiefandappliedittohereyes;andhercousin,afterstrugglingawhiletokeepdownhissofterfeelings,pulledouttheletterandflungitonthefloorbesideher,asungraciouslyashecould.Catherinecaughtandperusediteagerly;thensheputafewquestionstomeconcerningtheinmates,rationalandirrational,ofherformerhome;andgazingtowardsthehills,murmuredinsoliloquy:

‘IshouldliketoberidingMinnydownthere!Ishouldliketobeclimbingupthere!Oh!I’mtired—I’mstalled,Hareton!’Andsheleantherprettyheadbackagainstthesill,withhalfayawnandhalfasigh,andlapsedintoanaspectofabstractedsadness:neithercaringnorknowingwhetherweremarkedher.

‘Mrs.Heathcliff,’Isaid,aftersittingsometimemute,‘youarenotawarethatIamanacquaintanceofyours?sointimatethatIthinkitstrangeyouwon’tcomeandspeaktome.Myhousekeeperneverweariesoftalkingaboutandpraisingyou;andshe’llbegreatlydisappointedifIreturnwithnonewsoforfromyou,exceptthatyoureceivedherletterandsaidnothing!’

Sheappearedtowonderatthisspeech,andasked,—

‘DoesEllenlikeyou?’

‘Yes,verywell,’Ireplied,hesitatingly.

‘Youmust tell her,’ she continued, ‘that Iwould answer her letter, but Ihavenomaterialsforwriting:notevenabookfromwhichImighttearaleaf.’

‘Nobooks!’Iexclaimed.‘Howdoyoucontrivetoliveherewithoutthem?ifImaytakethelibertytoinquire.Thoughprovidedwithalargelibrary,I’mfrequentlyverydullattheGrange;takemybooksaway,andIshouldbedesperate!’

‘Iwasalwaysreading,whenIhadthem,’saidCatherine;‘andMr.Heathcliffneverreads;sohetookitintohisheadtodestroymybooks.Ihavenothadaglimpseofoneforweeks.Onlyonce,IsearchedthroughJoseph’sstoreoftheology,tohisgreatirritation;andonce,Hareton,Icameuponasecretstockinyourroom—someLatinandGreek,andsometalesandpoetry:alloldfriends.Ibroughtthelasthere—andyougatheredthem,asamagpiegatherssilverspoons,forthemereloveofstealing!Theyareofnousetoyou;orelseyouconcealedtheminthebadspiritthat,asyoucannotenjoythem,nobodyelseshall.PerhapsyourenvycounselledMr.Heathclifftorobmeofmytreasures?ButI’vemostofthemwrittenonmybrainandprintedinmyheart,andyoucannotdeprivemeofthose!’

Earnshaw blushed crimson when his cousin made this revelation of hisprivate literary accumulations, and stammered an indignant denial of heraccusations.

‘Mr.Haretonisdesirousofincreasinghisamountofknowledge,’Isaid,comingtohisrescue.‘Heisnotenvious,butemulousofyourattainments.He’llbeacleverscholarinafewyears.’

‘Andhewantsmetosinkintoadunce,meantime,’answeredCatherine.‘Yes,Ihearhimtryingtospellandreadtohimself,andprettyblundershemakes!IwishyouwouldrepeatChevyChaseasyoudidyesterday:itwasextremelyfunny.Iheardyou;andIheardyouturningoverthedictionarytoseekoutthehardwords,andthencursingbecauseyoucouldn’treadtheirexplanations!’

Theyoungmanevidentlythoughtittoobadthatheshouldbelaughedatforhisignorance,andthenlaughedatfortryingtoremoveit.Ihadasimilarnotion;and,rememberingMrs.Dean’sanecdoteofhisfirstattemptatenlighteningthedarknessinwhichhehadbeenreared,Iobserved,—‘But,Mrs.Heathcliff,wehaveeachhadacommencement,andeachstumbledandtotteredonthethreshold;hadourteachersscornedinsteadofaidingus,weshouldstumbleandtotteryet.’

‘Oh!’shereplied,‘Idon’twishtolimithisacquirements:still,hehasnorighttoappropriatewhatismine,andmakeitridiculoustomewithhisvilemistakesandmispronunciations!Thosebooks,bothproseandverse,areconsecratedtomebyotherassociations;andIhatetohavethemdebasedandprofanedinhismouth!Besides,ofall,hehasselectedmyfavouritepiecesthatIlovethemosttorepeat,asifoutofdeliberatemalice.’

Hareton’schestheavedinsilenceaminute:helabouredunderaseveresenseofmortificationandwrath,whichitwasnoeasytasktosuppress.Irose,and,fromagentlemanlyideaofrelievinghisembarrassment,tookupmystationinthedoorway,surveyingtheexternalprospectasIstood.He

followedmyexample,andlefttheroom;butpresentlyreappeared,bearinghalfadozenvolumesinhishands,whichhethrewintoCatherine’slap,exclaiming,—‘Takethem!Ineverwanttohear,orread,orthinkofthemagain!’

‘Iwon’thavethemnow,’sheanswered.‘Ishallconnectthemwithyou,andhatethem.’

Sheopenedonethathadobviouslybeenoftenturnedover,andreadaportioninthedrawlingtoneofabeginner;thenlaughed,andthrewitfromher.‘Andlisten,’shecontinued,provokingly,commencingaverseofanoldballadinthesamefashion.

Buthisself-lovewouldendurenofurthertorment:Iheard,andnotaltogetherdisapprovingly,amanualcheckgiventohersaucytongue.Thelittlewretchhaddoneherutmosttohurthercousin’ssensitivethoughuncultivatedfeelings,andaphysicalargumentwastheonlymodehehadofbalancingtheaccount,andrepayingitseffectsontheinflictor.Heafterwardsgatheredthebooksandhurledthemonthefire.Ireadinhiscountenancewhatanguishitwastoofferthatsacrificetospleen.Ifanciedthatastheyconsumed,herecalledthepleasuretheyhadalreadyimparted,andthetriumphandever-increasingpleasurehehadanticipatedfromthem;andIfanciedIguessedtheincitementtohissecretstudiesalso.Hehadbeencontentwithdailylabourandroughanimalenjoyments,tillCatherinecrossedhispath.Shameatherscorn,andhopeofherapproval,werehisfirstprompterstohigherpursuits;andinsteadofguardinghimfromoneandwinninghimtotheother,hisendeavourstoraisehimselfhadproducedjustthecontraryresult.

‘Yesthat’sallthegoodthatsuchabruteasyoucangetfromthem!’criedCatherine, sucking her damaged lip, and watching the conflagration withindignanteyes.

‘You’dbetterholdyourtongue,now,’heansweredfiercely.

Andhisagitationprecludedfurtherspeech;headvancedhastilytotheentrance,whereImadewayforhimtopass.Buterehehadcrossedthedoor-stones,Mr.Heathcliff,comingupthecauseway,encounteredhim,andlayingholdofhisshoulderasked,—‘What’stodonow,mylad?’

‘Naught,naught,’hesaid,andbrokeawaytoenjoyhisgriefandangerinsolitude.

Heathcliffgazedafterhim,andsighed.

‘ItwillbeoddifIthwartmyself,’hemuttered,unconsciousthatIwasbehindhim.‘ButwhenIlookforhisfatherinhisface,Ifindhereverydaymore!Howthedevilishesolike?Icanhardlybeartoseehim.’

Hebenthiseyestotheground,andwalkedmoodilyin.Therewasarestless,anxiousexpressioninhiscountenance.Ihadneverremarkedtherebefore;andhelookedsparerinperson.Hisdaughter-in-law,onperceivinghimthroughthewindow,immediatelyescapedtothekitchen,sothatIremainedalone.

‘I’mgladtoseeyououtofdoorsagain,Mr.Lockwood,’hesaid,inreplytomygreeting;‘fromselfishmotivespartly:Idon’tthinkIcouldreadilysupplyyourlossinthisdesolation.I’vewonderedmorethanoncewhatbroughtyouhere.’

‘Anidlewhim,Ifear,sir,’wasmyanswer;‘orelseanidlewhimisgoingtospiritmeaway.IshallsetoutforLondonnextweek;andImustgiveyouwarningthatIfeelnodispositiontoretainThrushcrossGrangebeyondthetwelvemonthsIagreedtorentit.IbelieveIshallnotlivethereanymore.’

‘Oh,indeed;you’retiredofbeingbanishedfromtheworld,areyou?’hesaid.‘Butifyoubecomingtopleadoffpayingforaplaceyouwon’toccupy,yourjourneyisuseless:Ineverrelentinexactingmyduefromanyone.’

‘I’mcomingtopleadoffnothingaboutit,’Iexclaimed,considerablyirritated.‘Shouldyouwishit,I’llsettlewithyounow,’andIdrewmynote-bookfrommypocket.

‘No,no,’hereplied,coolly;‘you’llleavesufficientbehindtocoveryourdebts,ifyoufailtoreturn:I’mnotinsuchahurry.Sitdownandtakeyourdinnerwithus;aguestthatissafefromrepeatinghisvisitcangenerallybemadewelcome.Catherine!bringthethingsin:whereareyou?’

Catherinereappeared,bearingatrayofknivesandforks.

‘Youmay get your dinnerwith Joseph,’mutteredHeathcliff, aside, ‘andremaininthekitchentillheisgone.’

Sheobeyedhisdirectionsverypunctually:perhapsshehadnotemptationtotransgress.Livingamongclownsandmisanthropists,sheprobablycannotappreciateabetterclassofpeoplewhenshemeetsthem.

WithMr.Heathcliff,grimandsaturnine,ontheonehand,andHareton,absolutelydumb,ontheother,Imadeasomewhatcheerlessmeal,andbadeadieuearly.Iwouldhavedepartedbythebackway,togetalastglimpseofCatherineandannoyoldJoseph;butHaretonreceivedorderstoleadupmyhorse,andmyhosthimselfescortedmetothedoor,soIcouldnotfulfilmywish.

‘Howdrearylifegetsoverinthathouse!’Ireflected,whileridingdowntheroad.‘WhatarealisationofsomethingmoreromanticthanafairytaleitwouldhavebeenforMrs.LintonHeathcliff,hadsheandIstruckupan

attachment,ashergoodnursedesired,andmigratedtogetherintothestirringatmosphereofthetown!’

CHAPTERXXXII

1802.—ThisSeptemberIwasinvitedtodevastatethemoorsofafriendinthenorth,andonmyjourneytohisabode,IunexpectedlycamewithinfifteenmilesofGimmerton.Theostlerataroadsidepublic-housewasholdingapailofwatertorefreshmyhorses,whenacartofverygreenoats,newlyreaped,passedby,andheremarked,—‘Yon’sfroughGimmerton,nah!They’reallasthreewick’afterotherfolkwi’therharvest.’

‘Gimmerton?’Irepeated—myresidenceinthatlocalityhadalreadygrowndimanddreamy.‘Ah!Iknow.Howfarisitfromthis?’

‘Happenfourteenmileo’erth’hills;andaroughroad,’heanswered.

AsuddenimpulseseizedmetovisitThrushcrossGrange.Itwasscarcelynoon,andIconceivedthatImightaswellpassthenightundermyownroofasinaninn.Besides,Icouldspareadayeasilytoarrangematterswithmylandlord,andthussavemyselfthetroubleofinvadingtheneighbourhoodagain.Havingrestedawhile,Idirectedmyservanttoinquirethewaytothevillage;and,withgreatfatiguetoourbeasts,wemanagedthedistanceinsomethreehours.

Ilefthimthere,andproceededdownthevalleyalone.Thegreychurchlookedgreyer,andthelonelychurchyardlonelier.Idistinguishedamoor-sheepcroppingtheshortturfonthegraves.Itwassweet,warmweather—toowarmfortravelling;buttheheatdidnothindermefromenjoyingthedelightfulsceneryaboveandbelow:hadIseenitnearerAugust,I’msureitwouldhavetemptedmetowasteamonthamongitssolitudes.Inwinternothingmoredreary,insummernothingmoredivine,thanthoseglensshutinbyhills,andthosebluff,boldswellsofheath.

IreachedtheGrangebeforesunset,andknockedforadmittance;butthefamilyhadretreatedintothebackpremises,Ijudged,byonethin,bluewreath,curlingfromthekitchenchimney,andtheydidnothear.Irodeintothecourt.Undertheporch,agirlofnineortensatknitting,andanoldwomanreclinedonthehousesteps,smokingameditativepipe.

‘IsMrs.Deanwithin?’Idemandedofthedame.

‘MistressDean?Nay!’sheanswered,‘shedoesn’tbidehere:shoo’supatth’Heights.’

‘Areyouthehousekeeper,then?’Icontinued.

‘Eea,awkeepth’hause,’shereplied.

‘Well,I’mMr.Lockwood,themaster.Arethereanyroomstolodgemein,Iwonder?Iwishtostayallnight.’

‘T’maister!’shecriedinastonishment.‘Whet,whoiverknewyahwurcoming?Yahsudha’sendword.They’snowtnortherdrynormensfulabahtt’place:nowtthereisn’t!’

Shethrewdownherpipeandbustledin,thegirlfollowed,andIenteredtoo;soonperceivingthatherreportwastrue,and,moreover,thatIhadalmostupsetherwitsbymyunwelcomeapparition,Ibadeherbecomposed.Iwouldgooutforawalk;and,meantimeshemusttrytoprepareacornerofasitting-roomformetosupin,andabedroomtosleepin.Nosweepinganddusting,onlygoodfireanddrysheetswerenecessary.Sheseemedwillingtodoherbest;thoughshethrustthehearth-brushintothegratesinmistakeforthepoker,andmalappropriatedseveralotherarticlesofhercraft:butIretired,confidinginherenergyforaresting-placeagainstmyreturn.WutheringHeightswasthegoalofmyproposedexcursion.Anafterthoughtbroughtmeback,whenIhadquittedthecourt.

‘AllwellattheHeights?’Iinquiredofthewoman.

‘Eea, f’r owt eeknaw!’ she answered, skurryingawaywith apanofhotcinders.

IwouldhaveaskedwhyMrs.DeanhaddesertedtheGrange,butitwasimpossibletodelayheratsuchacrisis,soIturnedawayandmademyexit,ramblingleisurelyalong,withtheglowofasinkingsunbehind,andthemildgloryofarisingmooninfront—onefading,andtheotherbrightening—asIquittedthepark,andclimbedthestonyby-roadbranchingofftoMr.Heathcliff’sdwelling.BeforeIarrivedinsightofit,allthatremainedofdaywasabeamlessamberlightalongthewest:butIcouldseeeverypebbleonthepath,andeverybladeofgrass,bythatsplendidmoon.Ihadneithertoclimbthegatenortoknock—ityieldedtomyhand.Thatisanimprovement,Ithought.AndInoticedanother,bytheaidofmynostrils;afragranceofstocksandwallflowerswaftedontheairfromamongstthehomelyfruit-trees.

Bothdoorsandlatticeswereopen;andyet,asisusuallythecaseinacoal-district,afineredfireilluminedthechimney:thecomfortwhichtheeyederivesfromitrenderstheextraheatendurable.ButthehouseofWutheringHeightsissolargethattheinmateshaveplentyofspaceforwithdrawingoutofitsinfluence;andaccordinglywhatinmatestherewerehadstationedthemselvesnotfarfromoneofthewindows.IcouldbothseethemandhearthemtalkbeforeIentered,andlookedandlistenedinconsequence;being

movedtheretobyamingledsenseofcuriosityandenvy,thatgrewasIlingered.

‘Con-trary!’saidavoiceassweetasasilverbell.‘Thatforthethirdtime,youdunce!I’mnotgoingtotellyouagain.Recollect,orI’llpullyourhair!’

‘Contrary,then,’answeredanother,indeepbutsoftenedtones.‘Andnow,kissme,formindingsowell.’

‘No,readitoverfirstcorrectly,withoutasinglemistake.’

Themalespeakerbegantoread:hewasayoungman,respectablydressedandseatedatatable,havingabookbeforehim.Hishandsomefeaturesglowedwithpleasure,andhiseyeskeptimpatientlywanderingfromthepagetoasmallwhitehandoverhisshoulder,whichrecalledhimbyasmartslaponthecheek,wheneveritsownerdetectedsuchsignsofinattention.Itsownerstoodbehind;herlight,shiningringletsblending,atintervals,withhisbrownlooks,asshebenttosuperintendhisstudies;andherface—itwasluckyhecouldnotseeherface,orhewouldneverhavebeensosteady.Icould;andIbitmylipinspite,athavingthrownawaythechanceImighthavehadofdoingsomethingbesidesstaringatitssmitingbeauty.

Thetaskwasdone,notfreefromfurtherblunders;butthepupilclaimedareward,andreceivedatleastfivekisses;which,however,hegenerouslyreturned.Thentheycametothedoor,andfromtheirconversationIjudgedtheywereabouttoissueoutandhaveawalkonthemoors.IsupposedIshouldbecondemnedinHaretonEarnshaw’sheart,ifnotbyhismouth,tothelowestpitintheinfernalregionsifIshowedmyunfortunatepersoninhisneighbourhoodthen;andfeelingverymeanandmalignant,Iskulkedroundtoseekrefugeinthekitchen.Therewasunobstructedadmittanceonthatsidealso;andatthedoorsatmyoldfriendNellyDean,sewingandsingingasong;whichwasofteninterruptedfromwithinbyharshwordsofscornandintolerance,utteredinfarfrommusicalaccents.

‘I’drayther,byth’haulf,hev’’emswearingi’mylugsfro’hmorntoneeght,norhearkenyehahsiver!’saidthetenantofthekitchen,inanswertoanunheardspeechofNelly’s.‘It’sablazingshame,thatIcannotoppent’blessedBook,butyahsetupthemgloriestosattan,andallt’flaysomewickednessesthativerwerebornintoth’warld!Oh!ye’rearaightnowt;andshoo’sanother;andthatpoorlad’llbelostatweenye.Poorlad!’headded,withagroan;‘he’switched:I’msartinon’t.Oh,Lord,judge’em,forthere’snortherlawnorjusticeamongwerrullers!’

‘No!orweshouldbesittinginflamingfagots,Isuppose,’retortedthesinger.‘Butwisht,oldman,andreadyourBiblelikeaChristian,andnevermindme.Thisis“FairyAnnie’sWedding”—abonnytune—itgoestoa

dance.’

Mrs.Deanwasabouttorecommence,whenIadvanced;andrecognisingmedirectly,shejumpedtoherfeet,crying—‘Why,blessyou,Mr.Lockwood!Howcouldyouthinkofreturninginthisway?All’sshutupatThrushcrossGrange.Youshouldhavegivenusnotice!’

‘I’vearrangedtobeaccommodatedthere,foraslongasIshallstay,’Ianswered.‘Idepartagainto-morrow.Andhowareyoutransplantedhere,Mrs.Dean?tellmethat.’

‘Zillahleft,andMr.Heathcliffwishedmetocome,soonafteryouwenttoLondon,andstaytillyoureturned.But,stepin,pray!HaveyouwalkedfromGimmertonthisevening?’

‘FromtheGrange,’Ireplied;‘andwhiletheymakemelodgingroomthere,Iwanttofinishmybusinesswithyourmaster;becauseIdon’tthinkofhavinganotheropportunityinahurry.’

‘Whatbusiness,sir?’saidNelly,conductingmeintothehouse.‘He’sgoneoutatpresent,andwon’treturnsoon.’

‘Abouttherent,’Ianswered.

‘Oh!thenitiswithMrs.Heathcliffyoumustsettle,’sheobserved;‘orratherwithme.Shehasnotlearnttomanageheraffairsyet,andIactforher:there’snobodyelse.’

Ilookedsurprised.

‘Ah!youhavenotheardofHeathcliff’sdeath,Isee,’shecontinued.

‘Heathcliffdead!’Iexclaimed,astonished.‘Howlongago?’

‘Threemonthssince:butsitdown,andletmetakeyourhat,andI’lltellyouallaboutit.Stop,youhavehadnothingtoeat,haveyou?’

‘Iwantnothing:Ihaveorderedsupperathome.Yousitdowntoo.Ineverdreamtofhisdying!Letmehearhowitcametopass.Yousayyoudon’texpectthembackforsometime—theyoungpeople?’

‘No—Ihavetoscoldthemeveryeveningfortheirlaterambles:buttheydon’tcareforme.Atleast,haveadrinkofouroldale;itwilldoyougood:youseemweary.’

ShehastenedtofetchitbeforeIcouldrefuse,andIheardJosephaskingwhether‘itwarn’tacryingscandalthatsheshouldhavefollowersathertimeoflife?Andthen,togetthemjocksouto’t’maister’scellar!Hefairshaamedto‘bidestillandseeit.’

Shedidnotstaytoretaliate,butre-enteredinaminute,bearingareaming

silverpint,whosecontentsIlaudedwithbecomingearnestness.AndafterwardsshefurnishedmewiththesequelofHeathcliff’shistory.Hehada‘queer’end,assheexpressedit.

IwassummonedtoWutheringHeights,withinafortnightofyourleavingus,shesaid;andIobeyedjoyfully,forCatherine’ssake.Myfirstinterviewwithhergrievedandshockedme:shehadalteredsomuchsinceourseparation.Mr.Heathcliffdidnotexplainhisreasonsfortakinganewmindaboutmycominghere;heonlytoldmehewantedme,andhewastiredofseeingCatherine:Imustmakethelittleparlourmysitting-room,andkeepherwithme.Itwasenoughifhewereobligedtoseeheronceortwiceaday.Sheseemedpleasedatthisarrangement;and,bydegrees,Ismuggledoveragreatnumberofbooks,andotherarticles,thathadformedheramusementattheGrange;andflatteredmyselfweshouldgetonintolerablecomfort.Thedelusiondidnotlastlong.Catherine,contentedatfirst,inabriefspacegrewirritableandrestless.Foronething,shewasforbiddentomoveoutofthegarden,anditfrettedhersadlytobeconfinedtoitsnarrowboundsasspringdrewon;foranother,infollowingthehouse,Iwasforcedtoquitherfrequently,andshecomplainedofloneliness:shepreferredquarrellingwithJosephinthekitchentosittingatpeaceinhersolitude.Ididnotmindtheirskirmishes:butHaretonwasoftenobligedtoseekthekitchenalso,whenthemasterwantedtohavethehousetohimself!andthoughinthebeginningsheeitherleftitathisapproach,orquietlyjoinedinmyoccupations,andshunnedremarkingoraddressinghim—andthoughhewasalwaysassullenandsilentaspossible—afterawhile,shechangedherbehaviour,andbecameincapableoflettinghimalone:talkingathim;commentingonhisstupidityandidleness;expressingherwonderhowhecouldendurethelifehelived—howhecouldsitawholeeveningstaringintothefire,anddozing.

‘He’sjustlikeadog,ishenot,Ellen?’sheonceobserved,‘oracart-horse?Hedoeshiswork,eatshisfood,andsleepseternally!Whatablank,drearymindhemusthave!Doyoueverdream,Hareton?And,ifyoudo,whatisitabout?Butyoucan’tspeaktome!’

Then she looked at him; but hewould neither open hismouth nor lookagain.

‘He’s,perhaps,dreamingnow,’shecontinued.‘HetwitchedhisshoulderasJunotwitcheshers.Askhim,Ellen.’

‘Mr.Haretonwillaskthemastertosendyouup-stairs,ifyoudon’tbehave!’Isaid.Hehadnotonlytwitchedhisshoulderbutclenchedhisfist,asiftemptedtouseit.

‘IknowwhyHaretonneverspeaks,whenIaminthekitchen,’sheexclaimed,onanotheroccasion.‘HeisafraidIshalllaughathim.Ellen,

whatdoyouthink?Hebegantoteachhimselftoreadonce;and,becauseIlaughed,heburnedhisbooks,anddroppedit:washenotafool?’

‘Werenotyounaughty?’Isaid;‘answermethat.’

‘PerhapsIwas,’shewenton;‘butIdidnotexpecthimtobesosilly.Hareton,ifIgaveyouabook,wouldyoutakeitnow?I’lltry!’

She placed one she had been perusing on his hand; he flung it off, andmuttered,ifshedidnotgiveover,hewouldbreakherneck.

‘Well,Ishallputithere,’shesaid,‘inthetable-drawer;andI’mgoingtobed.’

Thenshewhisperedmetowatchwhetherhetouchedit,anddeparted.Buthewouldnotcomenearit;andsoIinformedherinthemorning,tohergreatdisappointment.Isawshewassorryforhisperseveringsulkinessandindolence:herconsciencereprovedherforfrighteninghimoffimprovinghimself:shehaddoneiteffectually.Butheringenuitywasatworktoremedytheinjury:whileIironed,orpursuedothersuchstationaryemploymentsasIcouldnotwelldointheparlour,shewouldbringsomepleasantvolumeandreaditaloudtome.WhenHaretonwasthere,shegenerallypausedinaninterestingpart,andleftthebooklyingabout:thatshedidrepeatedly;buthewasasobstinateasamule,and,insteadofsnatchingatherbait,inwetweatherhetooktosmokingwithJoseph;andtheysatlikeautomatons,oneoneachsideofthefire,theelderhappilytoodeaftounderstandherwickednonsense,ashewouldhavecalledit,theyoungerdoinghisbesttoseemtodisregardit.Onfineeveningsthelatterfollowedhisshootingexpeditions,andCatherineyawnedandsighed,andteasedmetotalktoher,andranoffintothecourtorgardenthemomentIbegan;and,asalastresource,cried,andsaidshewastiredofliving:herlifewasuseless.

Mr.Heathcliff,whogrewmoreandmoredisinclinedtosociety,hadalmostbanishedEarnshawfromhisapartment.OwingtoanaccidentatthecommencementofMarch,hebecameforsomedaysafixtureinthekitchen.Hisgunburstwhileoutonthehillsbyhimself;asplintercuthisarm,andhelostagooddealofbloodbeforehecouldreachhome.Theconsequencewasthat,perforce,hewascondemnedtothefiresideandtranquillity,tillhemadeitupagain.ItsuitedCatherinetohavehimthere:atanyrate,itmadeherhateherroomup-stairsmorethanever:andshewouldcompelmetofindoutbusinessbelow,thatshemightaccompanyme.

OnEasterMonday,JosephwenttoGimmertonfairwithsomecattle;and,intheafternoon,Iwasbusygettinguplineninthekitchen.Earnshawsat,moroseasusual,atthechimneycorner,andmylittlemistresswasbeguilinganidlehourwithdrawingpicturesonthewindow-panes,varyingher

amusementbysmotheredburstsofsongs,andwhisperedejaculations,andquickglancesofannoyanceandimpatienceinthedirectionofhercousin,whosteadfastlysmoked,andlookedintothegrate.AtanoticethatIcoulddowithhernolongerinterceptingmylight,sheremovedtothehearthstone.Ibestowedlittleattentiononherproceedings,but,presently,Iheardherbegin—‘I’vefoundout,Hareton,thatIwant—thatI’mglad—thatIshouldlikeyoutobemycousinnow,ifyouhadnotgrownsocrosstome,andsorough.’

Haretonreturnednoanswer.

‘Hareton,Hareton,Hareton!doyouhear?’shecontinued.

‘Getoffwi’ye!’hegrowled,withuncompromisinggruffness.

‘Let me take that pipe,’ she said, cautiously advancing her hand andabstractingitfromhismouth.

Beforehecouldattempttorecoverit,itwasbroken,andbehindthefire.Hesworeatherandseizedanother.

‘Stop,’shecried,‘youmustlistentomefirst;andIcan’tspeakwhilethosecloudsarefloatinginmyface.’

‘Willyougotothedevil!’heexclaimed,ferociously,‘andletmebe!’

‘No,’shepersisted,‘Iwon’t:Ican’ttellwhattodotomakeyoutalktome;andyouaredeterminednottounderstand.WhenIcallyoustupid,Idon’tmeananything:Idon’tmeanthatIdespiseyou.Come,youshalltakenoticeofme,Hareton:youaremycousin,andyoushallownme.’

‘Ishallhavenaughttodowi’youandyourmuckypride,andyourdamnedmockingtricks!’heanswered.‘I’llgotohell,bodyandsoul,beforeIlooksidewaysafteryouagain.Sideouto’t’gate,now,thisminute!’

Catherinefrowned,andretreatedtothewindow-seatchewingherlip,andendeavouring,byhumminganeccentrictune,toconcealagrowingtendencytosob.

‘Youshouldbefriendswithyourcousin,Mr.Hareton,’Iinterrupted,‘sincesherepentsofhersauciness.Itwoulddoyouagreatdealofgood:itwouldmakeyouanothermantohaveherforacompanion.’

‘Acompanion!’hecried;‘whenshehatesme,anddoesnotthinkmefittowipehershoon!Nay,ifitmademeaking,I’dnotbescornedforseekinghergood-willanymore.’

‘ItisnotIwhohateyou,itisyouwhohateme!’weptCathy,nolongerdisguisinghertrouble.‘YouhatemeasmuchasMr.Heathcliffdoes,andmore.’

‘You’readamnedliar,’beganEarnshaw:‘whyhaveImadehimangry,bytaking your part, then, a hundred times? and that when you sneered at anddespisedme,and—Goonplaguingme,and I’ll step inyonder, andsayyouworriedmeoutofthekitchen!’

‘I didn’t knowyou tookmypart,’ she answered, dryingher eyes; ‘and Iwasmiserableandbitterateverybody;butnowI thankyou,andbegyou toforgiveme:whatcanIdobesides?’

Shereturnedtothehearth,andfranklyextendedherhand.Heblackenedandscowledlikeathunder-cloud,andkepthisfistsresolutelyclenched,andhisgazefixedontheground.Catherine,byinstinct,musthavedivineditwasobdurateperversity,andnotdislike,thatpromptedthisdoggedconduct;for,afterremaininganinstantundecided,shestoopedandimpressedonhischeekagentlekiss.ThelittleroguethoughtIhadnotseenher,and,drawingback,shetookherformerstationbythewindow,quitedemurely.Ishookmyheadreprovingly,andthensheblushedandwhispered—‘Well!whatshouldIhavedone,Ellen?Hewouldn’tshakehands,andhewouldn’tlook:ImustshowhimsomewaythatIlikehim—thatIwanttobefriends.’

WhetherthekissconvincedHareton,Icannottell:hewasverycareful,forsomeminutes, thathis faceshouldnotbeseen,andwhenhedid raise it,hewassadlypuzzledwheretoturnhiseyes.

Catherineemployedherselfinwrappingahandsomebookneatlyinwhitepaper,andhavingtieditwithabitofribbon,andaddresseditto‘Mr.HaretonEarnshaw,’shedesiredmetobeherambassadress,andconveythepresenttoitsdestinedrecipient.

‘Andtellhim,ifhe’lltakeit,I’llcomeandteachhimtoreaditright,’shesaid;‘and,ifherefuseit,I’llgoupstairs,andneverteasehimagain.’

Icarriedit,andrepeatedthemessage;anxiouslywatchedbymyemployer.Haretonwouldnotopenhisfingers,soIlaiditonhisknee.Hedidnotstrikeitoff,either.Ireturnedtomywork.Catherineleanedherheadandarmsonthetable,tillsheheardtheslightrustleofthecoveringbeingremoved;thenshestoleaway,andquietlyseatedherselfbesidehercousin.Hetrembled,andhisfaceglowed:allhisrudenessandallhissurlyharshnesshaddesertedhim:hecouldnotsummoncourage,atfirst,toutterasyllableinreplytoherquestioninglook,andhermurmuredpetition.

‘Sayyouforgiveme,Hareton,do.Youcanmakemesohappybyspeakingthatlittleword.’

Hemutteredsomethinginaudible.

‘Andyou’llbemyfriend?’addedCatherine,interrogatively.

‘Nay,you’llbeashamedofmeeverydayofyourlife,’heanswered;‘andthemoreashamed,themoreyouknowme;andIcannotbideit.’

‘So you won’t be my friend?’ she said, smiling as sweet as honey, andcreepingcloseup.

Ioverheardnofurtherdistinguishabletalk,but,onlookingroundagain,Iperceived two such radiant countenancesbentover thepageof the acceptedbook, that Ididnotdoubt the treatyhadbeenratifiedonbothsides;and theenemieswere,thenceforth,swornallies.

Theworktheystudiedwasfullofcostlypictures;andthoseandtheirpositionhadcharmenoughtokeepthemunmovedtillJosephcamehome.He,poorman,wasperfectlyaghastatthespectacleofCatherineseatedonthesamebenchwithHaretonEarnshaw,leaningherhandonhisshoulder;andconfoundedathisfavourite’senduranceofherproximity:itaffectedhimtoodeeplytoallowanobservationonthesubjectthatnight.Hisemotionwasonlyrevealedbytheimmensesighshedrew,ashesolemnlyspreadhislargeBibleonthetable,andoverlaiditwithdirtybank-notesfromhispocket-book,theproduceoftheday’stransactions.AtlengthhesummonedHaretonfromhisseat.

‘Tak’theseintot’maister,lad,’hesaid,‘andbidethere.I’sganguptomyownrahm.Thishoile’sneithermensfulnorseemlyforus:wemunsideoutandseearchanother.’

‘Come,Catherine,’Isaid,‘wemust“sideout”too:I’vedonemyironing.Areyoureadytogo?’

‘Itisnoteighto’clock!’sheanswered,risingunwillingly.

‘Hareton,I’llleavethisbookuponthechimney-piece,andI’llbringsomemoreto-morrow.’

‘Onybooksthatyahleave,Ishalltak’intoth’hahse,’saidJoseph,‘andit’llbemitchifyahfind’emagean;soa,yahmayplaseyerseln!’

Cathy threatened thathis libraryshouldpayforhers;and,smilingasshepassedHareton,wentsingingup-stairs:lighterofheart,Iventuretosay,thanevershehadbeenunderthatroofbefore;except,perhaps,duringherearliestvisitstoLinton.

Theintimacythuscommencedgrewrapidly;thoughitencounteredtemporaryinterruptions.Earnshawwasnottobecivilizedwithawish,andmyyoungladywasnophilosopher,andnoparagonofpatience;butboththeirmindstendingtothesamepoint—onelovinganddesiringtoesteem,andtheotherlovinganddesiringtobeesteemed—theycontrivedintheendtoreachit.

Yousee,Mr.Lockwood,itwaseasyenoughtowinMrs.Heathcliff’sheart.Butnow,I’mgladyoudidnottry.Thecrownofallmywisheswillbetheunionofthosetwo.Ishallenvynooneontheirweddingday:therewon’tbeahappierwomanthanmyselfinEngland!

CHAPTERXXXIII

OnthemorrowofthatMonday,Earnshawbeingstillunabletofollowhisordinaryemployments,andthereforeremainingaboutthehouse,Ispeedilyfounditwouldbeimpracticabletoretainmychargebesideme,asheretofore.Shegotdownstairsbeforeme,andoutintothegarden,whereshehadseenhercousinperformingsomeeasywork;andwhenIwenttobidthemcometobreakfast,Isawshehadpersuadedhimtoclearalargespaceofgroundfromcurrantandgooseberrybushes,andtheywerebusyplanningtogetheranimportationofplantsfromtheGrange.

Iwas terrifiedat thedevastationwhichhadbeenaccomplished inabriefhalf-hour;theblack-curranttreesweretheappleofJoseph’seye,andshehadjustfixedherchoiceofaflower-bedinthemidstofthem.

‘There!Thatwillbeallshowntothemaster,’Iexclaimed,‘theminuteitisdiscovered.Andwhatexcusehaveyoutoofferfortakingsuchlibertieswiththegarden?Weshallhaveafineexplosionontheheadofit:seeifwedon’t!Mr.Hareton,Iwonderyoushouldhavenomorewitthantogoandmakethatmessatherbidding!’

‘I’d forgotten they were Joseph’s,’ answered Earnshaw, rather puzzled;‘butI’lltellhimIdidit.’

WealwaysateourmealswithMr.Heathcliff.Iheldthemistress’spostinmakingteaandcarving;soIwasindispensableattable.Catherineusuallysatbyme,butto-dayshestolenearertoHareton;andIpresentlysawshewouldhavenomorediscretioninherfriendshipthanshehadinherhostility.

‘Now,mindyoudon’ttalkwithandnoticeyourcousintoomuch,’weremywhisperedinstructionsasweenteredtheroom.‘ItwillcertainlyannoyMr.Heathcliff,andhe’llbemadatyouboth.’

‘I’mnotgoingto,’sheanswered.

Theminuteafter,shehadsidledtohim,andwasstickingprimrosesinhisplateofporridge.

Hedarednotspeaktoherthere:hedaredhardlylook;andyetshewentonteasing,tillhewastwiceonthepointofbeingprovokedtolaugh.Ifrowned,

andthensheglancedtowardsthemaster:whosemindwasoccupiedonothersubjectsthanhiscompany,ashiscountenanceevinced;andshegrewseriousforaninstant,scrutinizinghimwithdeepgravity.Afterwardssheturned,andrecommencedhernonsense;atlast,Haretonutteredasmotheredlaugh.Mr.Heathcliffstarted;hiseyerapidlysurveyedourfaces,Catherinemetitwithheraccustomedlookofnervousnessandyetdefiance,whichheabhorred.

‘Itiswellyouareoutofmyreach,’heexclaimed.‘Whatfiendpossessesyoutostarebackatme,continually,withthoseinfernaleyes?Downwiththem!anddon’tremindmeofyourexistenceagain.IthoughtIhadcuredyouoflaughing.’

‘Itwasme,’mutteredHareton.

‘Whatdoyousay?’demandedthemaster.

Haretonlookedathisplate,anddidnotrepeattheconfession.Mr.Heathclifflookedathimabit,andthensilentlyresumedhisbreakfastandhisinterruptedmusing.Wehadnearlyfinished,andthetwoyoungpeopleprudentlyshiftedwiderasunder,soIanticipatednofurtherdisturbanceduringthatsitting:whenJosephappearedatthedoor,revealingbyhisquiveringlipandfuriouseyesthattheoutragecommittedonhispreciousshrubswasdetected.HemusthaveseenCathyandhercousinaboutthespotbeforeheexaminedit,forwhilehisjawsworkedlikethoseofacowchewingitscud,andrenderedhisspeechdifficulttounderstand,hebegan:—

‘Imunhev’mywage,andImungoa!IhedaimedtodeewheareI’dsarvedfursixtyyear;andIthowtI’dlugmybooksupintot’garret,andallmybitso’stuff,andtheysudhev’t’kitchentotheirseln;fort’sakeo’quietness.Itwurhardtogieupmyawnhearthstun,butIthowtIcoulddothat!Butnah,shoo’staanmygardenfro’me,andbyth’heart,maister,Icannotstandit!Yahmaybendtoth’yoakanyewill—Inoanusedto’t,andanoldmandoesn’tsooingetusedtonewbarthens.I’draytherarnmybitean’mysupwi’ahammerinth’road!’

‘Now,now,idiot!’interruptedHeathcliff,‘cutitshort!What’syourgrievance?I’llinterfereinnoquarrelsbetweenyouandNelly.Shemaythrustyouintothecoal-holeforanythingIcare.’

‘It’snoanNelly!’answeredJoseph.‘Isudn’tshiftforNelly—nastyillnowtasshoois.ThankGod!shoocannotstalet’sowlo’nob’dy!Shoowerniversoahandsome,butwhatabodymudlookather‘boutwinking.It’syonflaysome,gracelessquean,that’switchedourlad,wi’herboldeenandherforrardways—till—Nay!itfairbrustsmyheart!He’sforgottenallI’vedoneforhim,andmadeonhim,andgoanandrivenupawholerowo’t’grandestcurrant-treesi’t’garden!’andherehelamentedoutright;unmannedbyasense

ofhisbitterinjuries,andEarnshaw’singratitudeanddangerouscondition.

‘Isthefooldrunk?’askedMr.Heathcliff.‘Hareton,isityouhe’sfindingfaultwith?’

‘I’vepulleduptwoorthreebushes,’repliedtheyoungman;‘butI’mgoingtoset’emagain.’

‘Andwhyhaveyoupulledthemup?’saidthemaster.

Catherinewiselyputinhertongue.

‘Wewantedtoplantsomeflowersthere,’shecried.‘I’mtheonlypersontoblame,forIwishedhimtodoit.’

‘Andwhothedevilgaveyouleavetotouchastickabouttheplace?’demandedherfather-in-law,muchsurprised.‘Andwhoorderedyoutoobeyher?’headded,turningtoHareton.

Thelatterwasspeechless;hiscousinreplied—‘Youshouldn’tgrudgeafewyardsofearthformetoornament,whenyouhavetakenallmyland!’

‘Yourland,insolentslut!Youneverhadany,’saidHeathcliff.

‘Andmymoney,’shecontinued;returninghisangryglare,andmeantimebitingapieceofcrust,theremnantofherbreakfast.

‘Silence!’heexclaimed.‘Getdone,andbegone!’

‘AndHareton’sland,andhismoney,’pursuedtherecklessthing.‘HaretonandIarefriendsnow;andIshalltellhimallaboutyou!’

The master seemed confounded a moment: he grew pale, and rose up,eyeingherallthewhile,withanexpressionofmortalhate.

‘Ifyoustrikeme,Haretonwillstrikeyou,’shesaid;‘soyoumayaswellsitdown.’

‘IfHaretondoesnotturnyououtoftheroom,I’llstrikehimtohell,’thunderedHeathcliff.‘Damnablewitch!dareyoupretendtorousehimagainstme?Offwithher!Doyouhear?Flingherintothekitchen!I’llkillher,EllenDean,ifyoulethercomeintomysightagain!’

Haretontried,underhisbreath,topersuadehertogo.

‘Dragheraway!’hecried,savagely.‘Areyoustayingtotalk?’Andheapproachedtoexecutehisowncommand.

‘He’ll not obey you, wicked man, anymore,’ said Catherine; ‘and he’llsoondetestyouasmuchasIdo.’

‘Wisht!wisht!’mutteredtheyoungman,reproachfully;‘Iwillnothearyou

speaksotohim.Havedone.’

‘Butyouwon’tlethimstrikeme?’shecried.

‘Come,then,’hewhisperedearnestly.

Itwastoolate:Heathcliffhadcaughtholdofher.

‘Now,yougo!’hesaidtoEarnshaw.‘Accursedwitch!thistimeshehasprovokedmewhenIcouldnotbearit;andI’llmakeherrepentitforever!’

Hehadhishandinherhair;Haretonattemptedtoreleaseherlocks,entreatinghimnottohurtherthatonce.Heathcliff’sblackeyesflashed;heseemedreadytotearCatherineinpieces,andIwasjustworkeduptoriskcomingtotherescue,whenofasuddenhisfingersrelaxed;heshiftedhisgraspfromherheadtoherarm,andgazedintentlyinherface.Thenhedrewhishandoverhiseyes,stoodamomenttocollecthimselfapparently,andturninganewtoCatherine,said,withassumedcalmness—‘Youmustlearntoavoidputtingmeinapassion,orIshallreallymurderyousometime!GowithMrs.Dean,andkeepwithher;andconfineyourinsolencetoherears.AstoHaretonEarnshaw,ifIseehimlistentoyou,I’llsendhimseekinghisbreadwherehecangetit!Yourlovewillmakehimanoutcastandabeggar.Nelly,takeher;andleaveme,allofyou!Leaveme!’

Iledmyyoungladyout:shewastoogladofherescapetoresist;theotherfollowed,andMr.Heathcliffhadtheroomtohimselftilldinner.IhadcounselledCatherinetodineup-stairs;but,assoonasheperceivedhervacantseat,hesentmetocallher.Hespoketononeofus,ateverylittle,andwentoutdirectlyafterwards,intimatingthatheshouldnotreturnbeforeevening.

Thetwonewfriendsestablishedthemselvesinthehouseduringhisabsence;whereIheardHaretonsternlycheckhiscousin,onherofferingarevelationofherfather-in-law’sconducttohisfather.Hesaidhewouldn’tsufferawordtobeutteredinhisdisparagement:ifhewerethedevil,itdidn’tsignify;hewouldstandbyhim;andhe’drathershewouldabusehimself,assheusedto,thanbeginonMr.Heathcliff.Catherinewaswaxingcrossatthis;buthefoundmeanstomakeherholdhertongue,byaskinghowshewouldlikehimtospeakillofherfather?ThenshecomprehendedthatEarnshawtookthemaster’sreputationhometohimself;andwasattachedbytiesstrongerthanreasoncouldbreak—chains,forgedbyhabit,whichitwouldbecrueltoattempttoloosen.Sheshowedagoodheart,thenceforth,inavoidingbothcomplaintsandexpressionsofantipathyconcerningHeathcliff;andconfessedtomehersorrowthatshehadendeavouredtoraiseabadspiritbetweenhimandHareton:indeed,Idon’tbelieveshehaseverbreathedasyllable,inthelatter’shearing,againstheroppressorsince.

Whenthisslightdisagreementwasover,theywerefriendsagain,andas

busyaspossibleintheirseveraloccupationsofpupilandteacher.Icameintositwiththem,afterIhaddonemywork;andIfeltsosoothedandcomfortedtowatchthem,thatIdidnotnoticehowtimegoton.Youknow,theybothappearedinameasuremychildren:Ihadlongbeenproudofone;andnow,Iwassure,theotherwouldbeasourceofequalsatisfaction.Hishonest,warm,andintelligentnatureshookoffrapidlythecloudsofignoranceanddegradationinwhichithadbeenbred;andCatherine’ssincerecommendationsactedasaspurtohisindustry.Hisbrighteningmindbrightenedhisfeatures,andaddedspiritandnobilitytotheiraspect:IcouldhardlyfancyitthesameindividualIhadbeheldonthedayIdiscoveredmylittleladyatWutheringHeights,afterherexpeditiontotheCrags.WhileIadmiredandtheylaboured,duskdrewon,andwithitreturnedthemaster.Hecameuponusquiteunexpectedly,enteringbythefrontway,andhadafullviewofthewholethree,erewecouldraiseourheadstoglanceathim.Well,Ireflected,therewasneverapleasanter,ormoreharmlesssight;anditwillbeaburningshametoscoldthem.Theredfire-lightglowedontheirtwobonnyheads,andrevealedtheirfacesanimatedwiththeeagerinterestofchildren;for,thoughhewastwenty-threeandsheeighteen,eachhadsomuchofnoveltytofeelandlearn,thatneitherexperiencednorevincedthesentimentsofsoberdisenchantedmaturity.

Theyliftedtheireyestogether,toencounterMr.Heathcliff:perhapsyouhaveneverremarkedthattheireyesarepreciselysimilar,andtheyarethoseofCatherineEarnshaw.ThepresentCatherinehasnootherlikenesstoher,exceptabreadthofforehead,andacertainarchofthenostrilthatmakesherappearratherhaughty,whethershewillornot.WithHaretontheresemblanceiscarriedfarther:itissingularatalltimes,thenitwasparticularlystriking;becausehissenseswerealert,andhismentalfacultieswakenedtounwontedactivity.IsupposethisresemblancedisarmedMr.Heathcliff:hewalkedtothehearthinevidentagitation;butitquicklysubsidedashelookedattheyoungman:or,Ishouldsay,altereditscharacter;foritwasthereyet.Hetookthebookfromhishand,andglancedattheopenpage,thenreturneditwithoutanyobservation;merelysigningCatherineaway:hercompanionlingeredverylittlebehindher,andIwasabouttodepartalso,buthebidmesitstill.

‘Itisapoorconclusion,isitnot?’heobserved,havingbroodedawhileonthescenehehadjustwitnessed:‘anabsurdterminationtomyviolentexertions?Igetleversandmattockstodemolishthetwohouses,andtrainmyselftobecapableofworkinglikeHercules,andwheneverythingisreadyandinmypower,Ifindthewilltoliftaslateoffeitherroofhasvanished!Myoldenemieshavenotbeatenme;nowwouldbetheprecisetimetorevengemyselfontheirrepresentatives:Icoulddoit;andnonecouldhinderme.Butwhereistheuse?Idon’tcareforstriking:Ican’ttakethetroubletoraisemyhand!ThatsoundsasifIhadbeenlabouringthewholetimeonlytoexhibita

finetraitofmagnanimity.Itisfarfrombeingthecase:Ihavelostthefacultyofenjoyingtheirdestruction,andIamtooidletodestroyfornothing.

‘Nelly,thereisastrangechangeapproaching;I’minitsshadowatpresent.ItakesolittleinterestinmydailylifethatIhardlyremembertoeatanddrink.Thosetwowhohavelefttheroomaretheonlyobjectswhichretainadistinctmaterialappearancetome;andthatappearancecausesmepain,amountingtoagony.AboutherIwon’tspeak;andIdon’tdesiretothink;butIearnestlywishshewereinvisible:herpresenceinvokesonlymaddeningsensations.Hemovesmedifferently:andyetifIcoulddoitwithoutseeminginsane,I’dneverseehimagain!You’llperhapsthinkmeratherinclinedtobecomeso,’headded,makinganefforttosmile,‘ifItrytodescribethethousandformsofpastassociationsandideasheawakensorembodies.Butyou’llnottalkofwhatItellyou;andmymindissoeternallysecludedinitself,itistemptingatlasttoturnitouttoanother.

‘FiveminutesagoHaretonseemedapersonificationofmyyouth,notahumanbeing;Ifelttohiminsuchavarietyofways,thatitwouldhavebeenimpossibletohaveaccostedhimrationally.Inthefirstplace,hisstartlinglikenesstoCatherineconnectedhimfearfullywithher.That,however,whichyoumaysupposethemostpotenttoarrestmyimagination,isactuallytheleast:forwhatisnotconnectedwithhertome?andwhatdoesnotrecallher?Icannotlookdowntothisfloor,butherfeaturesareshapedintheflags!Ineverycloud,ineverytree—fillingtheairatnight,andcaughtbyglimpsesineveryobjectbyday—Iamsurroundedwithherimage!Themostordinaryfacesofmenandwomen—myownfeatures—mockmewitharesemblance.Theentireworldisadreadfulcollectionofmemorandathatshedidexist,andthatIhavelosther!Well,Hareton’saspectwastheghostofmyimmortallove;ofmywildendeavourstoholdmyright;mydegradation,mypride,myhappiness,andmyanguish—

‘Butitisfrenzytorepeatthesethoughtstoyou:onlyitwillletyouknowwhy,withareluctancetobealwaysalone,hissocietyisnobenefit;ratheranaggravationoftheconstanttormentIsuffer:anditpartlycontributestorendermeregardlesshowheandhiscousingoontogether.Icangivethemnoattentionanymore.’

‘Butwhatdoyoumeanbyachange,Mr.Heathcliff?’Isaid,alarmedathismanner:thoughhewasneitherindangeroflosinghissenses,nordying,accordingtomyjudgment:hewasquitestrongandhealthy;and,astohisreason,fromchildhoodhehadadelightindwellingondarkthings,andentertainingoddfancies.Hemighthavehadamonomaniaonthesubjectofhisdepartedidol;butoneveryotherpointhiswitswereassoundasmine.

‘Ishallnotknowthattillitcomes,’hesaid;‘I’monlyhalfconsciousofit

now.’

‘Youhavenofeelingofillness,haveyou?’Iasked.

‘No,Nelly,Ihavenot,’heanswered.

‘Thenyouarenotafraidofdeath?’Ipursued.

‘Afraid?No!’hereplied.‘Ihaveneitherafear,norapresentiment,norahopeofdeath.WhyshouldI?Withmyhardconstitutionandtemperatemodeofliving,andunperilousoccupations,Ioughtto,andprobablyshall,remainabovegroundtillthereisscarcelyablackhaironmyhead.AndyetIcannotcontinueinthiscondition!Ihavetoremindmyselftobreathe—almosttoremindmyhearttobeat!Anditislikebendingbackastiffspring:itisbycompulsionthatIdotheslightestactnotpromptedbyonethought;andbycompulsionthatInoticeanythingaliveordead,whichisnotassociatedwithoneuniversalidea.Ihaveasinglewish,andmywholebeingandfacultiesareyearningtoattainit.Theyhaveyearnedtowardsitsolong,andsounwaveringly,thatI’mconvinceditwillbereached—andsoon—becauseithasdevouredmyexistence:Iamswallowedupintheanticipationofitsfulfilment.Myconfessionshavenotrelievedme;buttheymayaccountforsomeotherwiseunaccountablephasesofhumourwhichIshow.OGod!Itisalongfight;Iwishitwereover!’

Hebegantopacetheroom,mutteringterriblethingstohimself,tillIwasinclinedtobelieve,ashesaidJosephdid,thatconsciencehadturnedhishearttoanearthlyhell.Iwonderedgreatlyhowitwouldend.Thoughheseldombeforehadrevealedthisstateofmind,evenbylooks,itwashishabitualmood,Ihadnodoubt:heassertedithimself;butnotasoul,fromhisgeneralbearing,wouldhaveconjecturedthefact.Youdidnotwhenyousawhim,Mr.Lockwood:andattheperiodofwhichIspeak,hewasjustthesameasthen;onlyfonderofcontinuedsolitude,andperhapsstillmorelaconicincompany.

CHAPTERXXXIV

ForsomedaysafterthateveningMr.Heathcliffshunnedmeetingusatmeals;yethewouldnotconsentformallytoexcludeHaretonandCathy.Hehadanaversiontoyieldingsocompletelytohisfeelings,choosingrathertoabsenthimself;andeatingonceintwenty-fourhoursseemedsufficientsustenanceforhim.

Onenight,afterthefamilywereinbed,Iheardhimgodownstairs,andoutatthefrontdoor.Ididnothearhimre-enter,andinthemorningIfoundhewasstillaway.WewereinAprilthen:theweatherwassweetandwarm,the

grassasgreenasshowersandsuncouldmakeit,andthetwodwarfapple-treesnearthesouthernwallinfullbloom.Afterbreakfast,Catherineinsistedonmybringingachairandsittingwithmyworkunderthefir-treesattheendofthehouse;andshebeguiledHareton,whohadperfectlyrecoveredfromhisaccident,todigandarrangeherlittlegarden,whichwasshiftedtothatcornerbytheinfluenceofJoseph’scomplaints.Iwascomfortablyrevellinginthespringfragrancearound,andthebeautifulsoftblueoverhead,whenmyyounglady,whohadrundownnearthegatetoprocuresomeprimroserootsforaborder,returnedonlyhalfladen,andinformedusthatMr.Heathcliffwascomingin.‘Andhespoketome,’sheadded,withaperplexedcountenance.

‘Whatdidhesay?’askedHareton.

‘HetoldmetobegoneasfastasIcould,’sheanswered.‘ButhelookedsodifferentfromhisusuallookthatIstoppedamomenttostareathim.’

‘How?’heinquired.

‘Why,almostbrightandcheerful.No,almostnothing—verymuchexcited,andwild,andglad!’shereplied.

‘Night-walkingamuseshim,then,’Iremarked,affectingacarelessmanner:inrealityassurprisedasshewas,andanxioustoascertainthetruthofherstatement;fortoseethemasterlookinggladwouldnotbeanevery-dayspectacle.Iframedanexcusetogoin.Heathcliffstoodattheopendoor;hewaspale,andhetrembled:yet,certainly,hehadastrangejoyfulglitterinhiseyes,thatalteredtheaspectofhiswholeface.

‘Willyouhavesomebreakfast?’Isaid.‘Youmustbehungry,ramblingaboutallnight!’Iwantedtodiscoverwherehehadbeen,butIdidnotliketoaskdirectly.

‘No,I’mnothungry,’heanswered,avertinghishead,andspeakingrathercontemptuously, as if he guessed Iwas trying to divine the occasion of hisgoodhumour.

Ifeltperplexed:Ididn’tknowwhetheritwerenotaproperopportunitytoofferabitofadmonition.

‘Idon’tthinkitrighttowanderoutofdoors,’Iobserved,‘insteadofbeinginbed:itisnotwise,atanyratethismoistseason.Idaresayyou’llcatchabadcoldorafever:youhavesomethingthematterwithyounow!’

‘NothingbutwhatIcanbear,’hereplied;‘andwiththegreatestpleasure,providedyou’llleavemealone:getin,anddon’tannoyme.’

Iobeyed:and,inpassing,Inoticedhebreathedasfastasacat.

‘Yes!’Ireflectedtomyself,‘weshallhaveafitofillness.Icannot

conceivewhathehasbeendoing.’

Thatnoonhesatdowntodinnerwithus,andreceivedaheaped-upplatefrommyhands,asifheintendedtomakeamendsforpreviousfasting.

‘I’ve neither cold nor fever, Nelly,’ he remarked, in allusion to mymorning’sspeech;‘andI’mreadytodojusticetothefoodyougiveme.’

Hetookhisknifeandfork,andwasgoingtocommenceeating,whentheinclinationappearedtobecomesuddenlyextinct.Helaidthemonthetable,lookedeagerlytowardsthewindow,thenroseandwentout.Wesawhimwalkingtoandfrointhegardenwhileweconcludedourmeal,andEarnshawsaidhe’dgoandaskwhyhewouldnotdine:hethoughtwehadgrievedhimsomeway.

‘Well,ishecoming?’criedCatherine,whenhercousinreturned.

‘Nay,’heanswered;‘buthe’snotangry:heseemedrarelypleasedindeed;onlyImadehimimpatientbyspeakingtohimtwice;andthenhebidmebeofftoyou:hewonderedhowIcouldwantthecompanyofanybodyelse.’

Isethisplatetokeepwarmonthefender;andafteranhourortwohere-entered,whentheroomwasclear,innodegreecalmer:thesameunnatural—itwasunnatural—appearanceofjoyunderhisblackbrows;thesamebloodlesshue, and his teeth visible, now and then, in a kind of smile; his frameshivering, not asone shiverswith chill orweakness, but as a tight-stretchedcordvibrates—astrongthrilling,ratherthantrembling.

Iwillaskwhatisthematter,Ithought;orwhoshould?AndIexclaimed—‘Haveyouheardanygoodnews,Mr.Heathcliff?Youlookuncommonlyanimated.’

‘Whereshouldgoodnewscomefromtome?’hesaid.‘I’manimatedwithhunger;and,seemingly,Imustnoteat.’

‘Yourdinnerishere,’Ireturned;‘whywon’tyougetit?’

‘Idon’twantitnow,’hemuttered,hastily:‘I’llwaittillsupper.And,Nelly,onceforall,letmebegyoutowarnHaretonandtheotherawayfromme.Iwishtobetroubledbynobody:Iwishtohavethisplacetomyself.’

‘Istheresomenewreasonforthisbanishment?’Iinquired.‘Tellmewhyyouaresoqueer,Mr.Heathcliff?Wherewereyoulastnight?I’mnotputtingthequestionthroughidlecuriosity,but—’

‘Youareputtingthequestionthroughveryidlecuriosity,’heinterrupted,withalaugh.‘YetI’llanswerit.LastnightIwasonthethresholdofhell.To-day,Iamwithinsightofmyheaven.Ihavemyeyesonit:hardlythreefeettoseverme!Andnowyou’dbettergo!You’llneitherseenorhearanythingto

frightenyou,ifyourefrainfromprying.’

Havingswept thehearthandwiped the table, Ideparted;moreperplexedthanever.

Hedidnotquitthehouseagainthatafternoon,andnooneintrudedonhissolitude;till,ateighto’clock,Ideemeditproper,thoughunsummoned,tocarryacandleandhissuppertohim.Hewasleaningagainsttheledgeofanopenlattice,butnotlookingout:hisfacewasturnedtotheinteriorgloom.Thefirehadsmoulderedtoashes;theroomwasfilledwiththedamp,mildairofthecloudyevening;andsostill,thatnotonlythemurmurofthebeckdownGimmertonwasdistinguishable,butitsripplesanditsgurglingoverthepebbles,orthroughthelargestoneswhichitcouldnotcover.Iutteredanejaculationofdiscontentatseeingthedismalgrate,andcommencedshuttingthecasements,oneafteranother,tillIcametohis.

‘MustIclosethis?’Iasked,inordertorousehim;forhewouldnotstir.

ThelightflashedonhisfeaturesasIspoke.Oh,Mr.Lockwood,IcannotexpresswhataterriblestartIgotbythemomentaryview!Thosedeepblackeyes!Thatsmile,andghastlypaleness!Itappearedtome,notMr.Heathcliff,butagoblin;and,inmyterror,Iletthecandlebendtowardsthewall,anditleftmeindarkness.

‘Yes,closeit,’hereplied,inhisfamiliarvoice.‘There,thatispureawkwardness!Whydidyouholdthecandlehorizontally?Bequick,andbringanother.’

Ihurriedoutinafoolishstateofdread,andsaidtoJoseph—‘Themasterwishesyoutotakehimalightandrekindlethefire.’ForIdarednotgoinmyselfagainjustthen.

Josephrattledsomefireintotheshovel,andwent:buthebroughtitbackimmediately,withthesupper-trayinhisotherhand,explainingthatMr.Heathcliffwasgoingtobed,andhewantednothingtoeattillmorning.Weheardhimmountthestairsdirectly;hedidnotproceedtohisordinarychamber,butturnedintothatwiththepanelledbed:itswindow,asImentionedbefore,iswideenoughforanybodytogetthrough;anditstruckmethatheplottedanothermidnightexcursion,ofwhichhehadratherwehadnosuspicion.

‘Isheaghouloravampire?’Imused.Ihadreadofsuchhideousincarnatedemons.AndthenIsetmyselftoreflecthowIhadtendedhimininfancy,andwatchedhimgrowtoyouth,andfollowedhimalmostthroughhiswholecourse;andwhatabsurdnonsenseitwastoyieldtothatsenseofhorror.‘Butwheredidhecomefrom,thelittledarkthing,harbouredbyagoodmantohisbane?’mutteredSuperstition,asIdozedintounconsciousness.AndIbegan,

halfdreaming,towearymyselfwithimaginingsomefitparentageforhim;and,repeatingmywakingmeditations,Itrackedhisexistenceoveragain,withgrimvariations;atlast,picturinghisdeathandfuneral:ofwhich,allIcanrememberis,beingexceedinglyvexedathavingthetaskofdictatinganinscriptionforhismonument,andconsultingthesextonaboutit;and,ashehadnosurname,andwecouldnottellhisage,wewereobligedtocontentourselveswiththesingleword,‘Heathcliff.’Thatcametrue:wewere.Ifyouenterthekirkyard,you’llread,onhisheadstone,onlythat,andthedateofhisdeath.

Dawnrestoredmetocommonsense.Irose,andwentintothegarden,assoonasIcouldsee,toascertainiftherewereanyfootmarksunderhiswindow.Therewerenone.‘Hehasstayedathome,’Ithought,‘andhe’llbeallrightto-day.’Ipreparedbreakfastforthehousehold,aswasmyusualcustom,buttoldHaretonandCatherinetogettheirserethemastercamedown,forhelaylate.Theypreferredtakingitoutofdoors,underthetrees,andIsetalittletabletoaccommodatethem.

Onmyre-entrance,IfoundMr.Heathcliffbelow.HeandJosephwereconversingaboutsomefarmingbusiness;hegaveclear,minutedirectionsconcerningthematterdiscussed,buthespokerapidly,andturnedhisheadcontinuallyaside,andhadthesameexcitedexpression,evenmoreexaggerated.WhenJosephquittedtheroomhetookhisseatintheplacehegenerallychose,andIputabasinofcoffeebeforehim.Hedrewitnearer,andthenrestedhisarmsonthetable,andlookedattheoppositewall,asIsupposed,surveyingoneparticularportion,upanddown,withglittering,restlesseyes,andwithsucheagerinterestthathestoppedbreathingduringhalfaminutetogether.

‘Comenow,’ Iexclaimed,pushingsomebreadagainsthishand, ‘eatanddrinkthat,whileitishot:ithasbeenwaitingnearanhour.’

Hedidn’tnoticeme,andyethesmiled.I’dratherhaveseenhimgnashhisteeththansmileso.

‘Mr.Heathcliff!master!’Icried,‘don’t,forGod’ssake,stareasifyousawanunearthlyvision.’

‘Don’t,forGod’ssake,shoutsoloud,’hereplied.‘Turnround,andtellme,arewebyourselves?’

‘Ofcourse,’wasmyanswer;‘ofcourseweare.’

Still,Iinvoluntarilyobeyedhim,asifIwasnotquitesure.Withasweepofhishandheclearedavacantspaceinfrontamongthebreakfastthings,andleantforwardtogazemoreathisease.

Now,Iperceivedhewasnotlookingatthewall;forwhenIregardedhimalone,itseemedexactlythathegazedatsomethingwithintwoyards’distance.Andwhateveritwas,itcommunicated,apparently,bothpleasureandpaininexquisiteextremes:atleasttheanguished,yetraptured,expressionofhiscountenancesuggestedthatidea.Thefanciedobjectwasnotfixed,either:hiseyespursueditwithunwearieddiligence,and,eveninspeakingtome,wereneverweanedaway.Ivainlyremindedhimofhisprotractedabstinencefromfood:ifhestirredtotouchanythingincompliancewithmyentreaties,ifhestretchedhishandouttogetapieceofbread,hisfingersclenchedbeforetheyreachedit,andremainedonthetable,forgetfuloftheiraim.

Isat,amodelofpatience,tryingtoattracthisabsorbedattentionfromitsengrossingspeculation;tillhegrewirritable,andgotup,askingwhyIwouldnotallowhimtohavehisowntimeintakinghismeals?andsayingthatonthenextoccasionIneedn’twait:Imightsetthethingsdownandgo.Havingutteredthesewordsheleftthehouse,slowlysauntereddownthegardenpath,anddisappearedthroughthegate.

Thehourscreptanxiouslyby:anothereveningcame.Ididnotretiretoresttilllate,andwhenIdid,Icouldnotsleep.Hereturnedaftermidnight,and,insteadofgoingtobed,shuthimselfintotheroombeneath.Ilistened,andtossedabout,and,finally,dressedanddescended.Itwastooirksometoliethere,harassingmybrainwithahundredidlemisgivings.

IdistinguishedMr.Heathcliff’sstep,restlesslymeasuringthefloor,andhefrequentlybrokethesilencebyadeepinspiration,resemblingagroan.Hemuttereddetachedwordsalso;theonlyoneIcouldcatchwasthenameofCatherine,coupledwithsomewildtermofendearmentorsuffering;andspokenasonewouldspeaktoapersonpresent;lowandearnest,andwrungfromthedepthofhissoul.Ihadnotcouragetowalkstraightintotheapartment;butIdesiredtodiverthimfromhisreverie,andthereforefellfoulofthekitchenfire,stirredit,andbegantoscrapethecinders.ItdrewhimforthsoonerthanIexpected.Heopenedthedoorimmediately,andsaid—‘Nelly,comehere—isitmorning?Comeinwithyourlight.’

‘Itisstrikingfour,’Ianswered.‘Youwantacandletotakeup-stairs:youmighthavelitoneatthisfire.’

‘No,Idon’twishtogoup-stairs,’hesaid.‘Comein,andkindlemeafire,anddoanythingthereistodoabouttheroom.’

‘Imustblowthecoalsredfirst,beforeIcancarryany,’Ireplied,gettingachairandthebellows.

He roamed to and fro, meantime, in a state approaching distraction; hisheavysighssucceedingeachothersothickastoleavenospaceforcommon

breathingbetween.

‘WhendaybreaksI’llsendforGreen,’hesaid;‘IwishtomakesomelegalinquiriesofhimwhileIcanbestowathoughtonthosematters,andwhileIcanactcalmly.Ihavenotwrittenmywillyet;andhowtoleavemypropertyIcannotdetermine.IwishIcouldannihilateitfromthefaceoftheearth.’

‘Iwouldnottalkso,Mr.Heathcliff,’Iinterposed.‘Letyourwillbeawhile:you’llbesparedtorepentofyourmanyinjusticesyet!Ineverexpectedthatyournerveswouldbedisordered:theyare,atpresent,marvellouslyso,however;andalmostentirelythroughyourownfault.Thewayyou’vepassedthesethreelastdaysmightknockupaTitan.Dotakesomefood,andsomerepose.Youneedonlylookatyourselfinaglasstoseehowyourequireboth.Yourcheeksarehollow,andyoureyesblood-shot,likeapersonstarvingwithhungerandgoingblindwithlossofsleep.’

‘ItisnotmyfaultthatIcannoteatorrest,’hereplied.‘Iassureyouitisthroughnosettleddesigns.I’lldoboth,assoonasIpossiblycan.Butyoumightaswellbidamanstrugglinginthewaterrestwithinarms’lengthoftheshore!Imustreachitfirst,andthenI’llrest.Well,nevermindMr.Green:astorepentingofmyinjustices,I’vedonenoinjustice,andIrepentofnothing.I’mtoohappy;andyetI’mnothappyenough.Mysoul’sblisskillsmybody,butdoesnotsatisfyitself.’

‘Happy,master?’Icried.‘Strangehappiness!Ifyouwouldhearmewithoutbeingangry,Imightoffersomeadvicethatwouldmakeyouhappier.’

‘Whatisthat?’heasked.‘Giveit.’

‘Youareaware,Mr.Heathcliff,’Isaid,‘thatfromthetimeyouwerethirteenyearsoldyouhavelivedaselfish,unchristianlife;andprobablyhardlyhadaBibleinyourhandsduringallthatperiod.Youmusthaveforgottenthecontentsofthebook,andyoumaynothavespacetosearchitnow.Coulditbehurtfultosendforsomeone—some minister of anydenomination,itdoesnotmatterwhich—toexplainit,andshowyouhowveryfaryouhaveerredfromitsprecepts;andhowunfityouwillbeforitsheaven,unlessachangetakesplacebeforeyoudie?’

‘I’mratherobligedthanangry,Nelly,’hesaid,‘foryouremindmeofthemannerinwhichIdesiretobeburied.Itistobecarriedtothechurchyardintheevening.YouandHaretonmay,ifyouplease,accompanyme:andmind,particularly,tonoticethatthesextonobeysmydirectionsconcerningthetwocoffins!Noministerneedcome;norneedanythingbesaidoverme.—ItellyouIhavenearlyattainedmyheaven;andthatofothersisaltogetherunvaluedanduncovetedbyme.’

‘Andsupposingyouperseveredinyourobstinatefast,anddiedbythat

means,andtheyrefusedtoburyyouintheprecinctsofthekirk?’Isaid,shockedathisgodlessindifference.‘Howwouldyoulikeit?’

‘Theywon’tdothat,’hereplied:‘iftheydid,youmusthavemeremovedsecretly;andifyouneglectityoushallprove,practically,thatthedeadarenotannihilated!’

Assoonasheheardtheothermembersofthefamilystirringheretiredtohisden,andIbreathedfreer.Butintheafternoon,whileJosephandHaretonwereattheirwork,hecameintothekitchenagain,and,withawildlook,bidmecomeandsitinthehouse:hewantedsomebodywithhim.Ideclined;tellinghimplainlythathisstrangetalkandmannerfrightenedme,andIhadneitherthenervenorthewilltobehiscompanionalone.

‘Ibelieveyouthinkmeafiend,’hesaid,withhisdismallaugh:‘somethingtoohorribletoliveunderadecentroof.’ThenturningtoCatherine,whowasthere,andwhodrewbehindmeathisapproach,headded,halfsneeringly,—‘Willyoucome,chuck?I’llnothurtyou.No!toyouI’vemademyselfworsethanthedevil.Well,thereisonewhowon’tshrinkfrommycompany!ByGod!she’srelentless.Oh,damnit!It’sunutterablytoomuchforfleshandbloodtobear—evenmine.’

Hesolicitedthesocietyofnoonemore.Atduskhewentintohischamber.Throughthewholenight,andfarintothemorning,weheardhimgroaningandmurmuringtohimself.Haretonwasanxioustoenter;butIbidhimfetchMr.Kenneth,andheshouldgoinandseehim.Whenhecame,andIrequestedadmittanceandtriedtoopenthedoor,Ifounditlocked;andHeathcliffbidusbedamned.Hewasbetter,andwouldbeleftalone;sothedoctorwentaway.

Thefollowingeveningwasverywet:indeed,itpoureddowntillday-dawn;and,asItookmymorningwalkroundthehouse,Iobservedthemaster’swindowswingingopen,andtheraindrivingstraightin.Hecannotbeinbed,Ithought:thoseshowerswoulddrenchhimthrough.Hemusteitherbeuporout.ButI’llmakenomoreado,I’llgoboldlyandlook.’

Havingsucceededinobtainingentrancewithanotherkey,Irantounclosethepanels,forthechamberwasvacant;quicklypushingthemaside,Ipeepedin.Mr.Heathcliffwasthere—laidonhisback.Hiseyesmetminesokeenandfierce,Istarted;andthenheseemedtosmile.Icouldnotthinkhimdead:buthisfaceandthroatwerewashedwithrain;thebed-clothesdripped,andhewasperfectlystill.Thelattice,flappingtoandfro,hadgrazedonehandthatrestedonthesill;nobloodtrickledfromthebrokenskin,andwhenIputmyfingerstoit,Icoulddoubtnomore:hewasdeadandstark!

Ihaspedthewindow;Icombedhisblacklonghairfromhisforehead;Itriedtoclosehiseyes:toextinguish,ifpossible,thatfrightful,life-likegazeof

exultationbeforeanyoneelsebeheldit.Theywouldnotshut:theyseemedtosneeratmyattempts;andhispartedlipsandsharpwhiteteethsneeredtoo!Takenwithanotherfitofcowardice,IcriedoutforJoseph.Josephshuffledupandmadeanoise,butresolutelyrefusedtomeddlewithhim.

‘Th’divil’sharriedoffhissoul,’hecried,‘andhemayhev’hiscarcassintot’bargin,foraughtIcare!Ech!whatawicked’unhelooks,girningatdeath!’andtheoldsinnergrinnedinmockery.Ithoughtheintendedtocutacaperroundthebed;butsuddenlycomposinghimself,hefellonhisknees,andraisedhishands,andreturnedthanksthatthelawfulmasterandtheancientstockwererestoredtotheirrights.

Ifeltstunnedbytheawfulevent;andmymemoryunavoidablyrecurredtoformertimeswithasortofoppressivesadness.ButpoorHareton,themostwronged,wastheonlyonewhoreallysufferedmuch.Hesatbythecorpseallnight,weepinginbitterearnest.Hepresseditshand,andkissedthesarcastic,savagefacethateveryoneelseshrankfromcontemplating;andbemoanedhimwiththatstronggriefwhichspringsnaturallyfromagenerousheart,thoughitbetoughastemperedsteel.

Mr.Kennethwasperplexedtopronounceofwhatdisorderthemasterdied.Iconcealedthefactofhishavingswallowednothingforfourdays,fearingitmightleadtotrouble,andthen,Iampersuaded,hedidnotabstainonpurpose:itwastheconsequenceofhisstrangeillness,notthecause.

Weburiedhim,tothescandalofthewholeneighbourhood,ashewished.EarnshawandI,thesexton,andsixmentocarrythecoffin,comprehendedthewholeattendance.Thesixmendepartedwhentheyhadletitdownintothegrave:westayedtoseeitcovered.Hareton,withastreamingface,duggreensods,andlaidthemoverthebrownmouldhimself:atpresentitisassmoothandverdantasitscompanionmounds—andIhopeitstenantsleepsassoundly.Butthecountryfolks,ifyouaskthem,wouldswearontheBiblethathewalks:therearethosewhospeaktohavingmethimnearthechurch,andonthemoor,andevenwithinthishouse.Idletales,you’llsay,andsosayI.Yetthatoldmanbythekitchenfireaffirmshehasseentwoon’emlookingoutofhischamberwindowoneveryrainynightsincehisdeath:—andanoddthinghappenedtomeaboutamonthago.IwasgoingtotheGrangeoneevening—adarkevening,threateningthunder—and,justattheturnoftheHeights,Iencounteredalittleboywithasheepandtwolambsbeforehim;hewascryingterribly;andIsupposedthelambswereskittish,andwouldnotbeguided.

‘Whatisthematter,mylittleman?’Iasked.

‘There’sHeathcliffandawomanyonder,undert’nab,’heblubbered,‘un’Idarnutpass’em.’

Isawnothing;butneitherthesheepnorhewouldgoonsoIbidhimtaketheroadlowerdown.Heprobablyraisedthephantomsfromthinking,ashetraversedthemoorsalone,onthenonsensehehadheardhisparentsandcompanionsrepeat.Yet,still,Idon’tlikebeingoutinthedarknow;andIdon’tlikebeingleftbymyselfinthisgrimhouse:Icannothelpit;Ishallbegladwhentheyleaveit,andshifttotheGrange.

‘TheyaregoingtotheGrange,then?’Isaid.

‘Yes,’answeredMrs.Dean,‘assoonastheyaremarried,andthatwillbeonNewYear’sDay.’

‘Andwhowillliveherethen?’

‘Why,Josephwilltakecareofthehouse,and,perhaps,aladtokeephimcompany.Theywillliveinthekitchen,andtherestwillbeshutup.’

‘Fortheuseofsuchghostsaschoosetoinhabitit?’Iobserved.

‘No,Mr.Lockwood,’saidNelly,shakingherhead.‘Ibelievethedeadareatpeace:butitisnotrighttospeakofthemwithlevity.’

Atthatmomentthegardengateswungto;theramblerswerereturning.

‘Theyareafraidofnothing,’Igrumbled,watchingtheirapproachthroughthewindow.‘Together,theywouldbraveSatanandallhislegions.’

Astheysteppedontothedoor-stones,andhaltedtotakealastlookatthemoon—or, more correctly, at each other by her light—I felt irresistiblyimpelledtoescapethemagain;and,pressingaremembranceintothehandofMrs. Dean, and disregarding her expostulations at my rudeness, I vanishedthrough the kitchen as they opened the house-door; and so should haveconfirmedJosephinhisopinionofhisfellow-servant’sgayindiscretions,hadhenotfortunatelyrecognisedmeforarespectablecharacterbythesweetringofasovereignathisfeet.

Mywalkhomewaslengthenedbyadiversioninthedirectionofthekirk.Whenbeneathitswalls,Iperceiveddecayhadmadeprogress,eveninsevenmonths:manyawindowshowedblackgapsdeprivedofglass;andslatesjuttedoffhereandthere,beyondtherightlineoftheroof,tobegraduallyworkedoffincomingautumnstorms.

Isought,andsoondiscovered, the threeheadstoneson theslopenext themoor:themiddleonegrey,andhalfburiedintheheath;EdgarLinton’sonlyharmonizedbytheturfandmosscreepingupitsfoot;Heathcliff’sstillbare.

Ilingeredroundthem,underthatbenignsky:watchedthemothsflutteringamongtheheathandharebells,listenedtothesoftwindbreathingthroughthegrass,andwonderedhowanyonecouldeverimagineunquietslumbersforthe

sleepersinthatquietearth.