呼啸山庄_英文版_原版_世界名著_必读小说.doc 450页

Chapter11801,Ihavejustreturnedfromavisittomylandlord--thesolitaryneighbourthatIshallbetroubledwith.Thisiscertainlyabeautifulcountry!InallEngland,IdonotbelievethatIcouldhavefixedonasituationsocompletelyremovedfromthestirofsociety.Aperfectmisanthropist"sheaven:andMrHeathcliffandIaresuchasuitablepairtodividethedesolationbetweenus.Acapitalfellow!HelittleimaginedhowmyheartwarmedtowardshimwhenIbeheldhisblackeyeswithdrawsosuspiciouslyundertheirbrows,asIrodeup,andwhenhisfingersshelteredthemselves,withajealousresolution,stillfartherinhiswaistcoat,asIannouncedmyname.`MrHeathcliff!"Isaid.Anodwastheanswer.`MrLockwood,yournewtenant,sir.Idomyselfthehonourofcallingassoonaspossibleaftermyarrival,toexpressthehopethatIhavenotinconveniencedyoubymyperseveranceinsolicitingtheoccupationofThrushcrossGrange:Iheardyesterdayyouhadhadsomethoughts--"`ThrushcrossGrangeismyown,sir,"heinterrupted,wincing.`Ishouldnotallowanyonetoinconvenienceme,ifIcouldhinderit--walkin!"The`walkin"wasutteredwithclosedteeth,andexpressedthesentiment,`Gotothedeuce":eventhegateoverwhichheleantmanifestednosympathizingmovementtothewords;andI thinkthatcircumstancedeterminedmetoaccepttheinvitation:Ifeltinterestedinamanwhoseemedmoreexaggeratedlyreservedthanmyself.Whenhesawmyhorse"sbreastfairlypushingthebarrier,hedidputouthishandtounchainit,andthensullenlyprecededmeupthecauseway,calling,asweenteredthecourt:`Joseph,takeMrLockwood"shorse;andbringupsomewine."`Herewehavethewholeestablishmentofdomestics,Isuppose,"wasthereflectionsuggestedbythiscompoundorder.`Nowonderthegrassgrowsupbetweentheflags,andcattlearetheonlyhedge-cutters.Josephwasanelderly,nay,anoldman:veryold,perhaps,thoughhaleandsinewy.`TheLordhelpus!"hesoliloquizedinanundertoneofpeevishdispleasure,whilerelievingmeofmyhorse:looking,meantime,inmyfacesosourlythatIcharitablyconjecturedhemusthaveneedofdivineaidtodigesthisdinner,andhispiousejaculationhadnoreferencetomyunexpectedadvent.WutheringHeightsisthenameofMrHeathcliff"sdwelling.`Wuthering"beingasignificantprovincialadjective,descriptiveoftheatmospherictumulttowhichitsstationisexposedinstormyweather.Pure,bracingventilationtheymusthaveupthereatalltimes,indeed;onemayguessthepowerofthenorthwindblowingovertheedge,bytheexcessiveslantofafewstuntedfirsattheendofthehouse;andbyarangeof gauntthornsallstretchingtheirlimbsoneway,asifcravingalmsofthesun.Happily,thearchitecthadforesighttobuilditstrong:thenarrowwindowsaredeeplysetinthewall,andthecornersdefendedwithlargejuttingstones.Beforepassingthethreshold,Ipausedtoadmireaquantityofgrotesquecarvinglavishedoverthefront,andespeciallyabouttheprincipaldoor;abovewhich,amongawildernessofcrumblinggriffinsandshamelesslittleboys,Idetectedthedate`1500",andthename`HaretonEarnshaw".Iwouldhavemadeafewcomments,andrequestedashorthistoryoftheplacefromthesurlyowner;buthisattitudeatthedoorappearedtodemandmyspeedyentrance,orcompletedeparture,andIhadnodesiretoaggravatehisimpatienceprevioustoinspectingthepenetralium.Onestepbroughtusintothefamilysitting-room,withoutanyintroductorylobbyorpassage:theycallithere`thehouse"preeminently.Itincludeskitchenandparlour,generally;butIbelieveatWutheringHeightsthekitchenisforcedtoretreataltogetherintoanotherquarter:atleastIdistinguishedachatteroftongues,andaclatterofculinaryutensils,deepwithin;andIobservednosignsofroasting,boiling,orbaking,aboutthehugefireplace;noranyglitterofcoppersaucepansandtincullendersonthewalls.Oneend,indeed,reflectedsplendidlybothlightandheatfromranksofimmensepewterdishes,interspersedwithsilverjugsandtankards,toweringrow afterrow,onavastoakdresser,totheveryroof.Thelatterhadneverbeenunderdrawn:itsentireanatomylaybaretoaninquiringeye,exceptwhereaframeofwoodladenwithoatcakesandclustersoflegsofbeef,mutton,andham,concealedit.Abovethechimneyweresundryvillainous;oldguns,andacoupleofhorse-pistols:and,bywayofornament,threegaudilypaintedcanistersdisposedalongitsledge.Thefloorwasofsmooth,whitestone;thechairs,high-backed,primitivestructures,paintedgreen:oneortwoheavyblackoneslurkingintheshade.Inanarchunderthedresser,reposedahuge,liver-colouredbitchpointer,surroundedbyaswarmofsquealingpuppies;andotherdogshauntedotherrecesses.Theapartmentandfurniturewouldhavebeennothingextraordinaryasbelongingtoahomely,northernfarmer,withastubborncountenance,andstalwartlimbssetouttoadvantageinkneebreechesandgaiters.Suchanindividualseatedinhisarmchair,hismugofalefrothingontheroundtablebeforehim,istobeseeninanycircuitoffiveorsixmilesamongthesehills,ifyougoattherighttimeafterdinner.ButMrHeathcliffformsasingularcontrasttohisabodeandstyleofliving.Heisadark-skinnedgipsyinaspect,indressandmannersagentleman:thatis,asmuchagentlemanasmanyacountrysquire:ratherslovenly,perhaps,yetnotlookingamisswithhisnegligence,becausehehasanerectandhandsomefigure;andrathermorose.Possibly,somepeoplemightsuspecthimofa degreeofunder-bredpride;Ihaveasympatheticchordwithinthattellsmeitisnothingofthesort:Iknow,byinstinct,hisreservespringsfromanaversiontoshowydisplaysoffeeling--tomanifestationsofmutualkindliness.He"llloveandhateequallyundercover,andesteemitaspeciesofimpertinencetobelovedorhatedagain.No,I"mrunningontoofast:Ibestowmyownattributesoverliberallyonhim.MrHeathcliffmayhaveentirelydissimilarreasonsforkeepinghishandoutofthewaywhenhemeetsawould-beacquaintance,tothosewhichactuateme.Letmehopemyconstitutionisalmostpeculiar:mydearmotherusedtosayIshouldneverhaveacomfortablehome;andonlylastsummerIprovedmyselfperfectlyunworthyofone.Whileenjoyingamonthoffineweatherattheseacoast,Iwasthrownintothecompanyofamostfascinatingcreature:arealgoddessinmyeyes,aslongasshetooknonoticeofme.I`nevertoldmylove"vocally;still,iflookshavelanguage,themerestidiotmighthaveguessedIwasoverheadandears:sheunderstoodmeatlast,andlookedareturn--thesweetestofallimaginablelooks.AndwhatdidIdo?Iconfessitwithshame--shrunkicilyintomyself,likeasnail;ateveryglanceretiredcolderandfurther;tillfinallythepoorinnocentwasledtodoubtherownsenses,and,overwhelmedwithconfusionathersupposedmistake,persuadedhermammatodecamp.BythiscuriousturnofdispositionIhavegainedthereputationofdeliberateheartlessness;howundeserved,Ialonecan appreciate.Itookaseatattheendofthehearthstoneoppositethattowardswhichmylandlordadvanced,andfilledupanintervalofsilencebyattemptingtocaressthecaninemother,whohadlefthernursery,andwassneakingwolfishlytothebackofmylegs,herlipcurledup,andherwhiteteethwateringforasnatch.Mycaressprovokedalong,gutturalgnarl.`You"dbetterletthedogalone,"growledMrHeathcliffinunison,checkingfiercerdemonstrationswithapunchofhisfoot.`She"snotaccustomedtobespoiled--notkeptforapet."Then,stridingtoasidedoor,heshoutedagain,`Joseph!"Josephmumbledindistinctlyinthedepthsofthecellar,butgavenointimationofascending;sohismasterdiveddowntohim,leavingmevis-à-vistheruffianlybitchandapairofgrimshaggysheep-dogs,whosharedwithherajealousguardianshipoverallmymovements.Notanxioustocomeincontactwiththeirfangs,Isatstill;but,imaginingtheywouldscarcelyunderstandtacitinsults,Iunfortunatelyindulgedinwinkingandmakingfacesatthetrio,andsometurnofmyphysiognomysoirritatedmadam,thatshesuddenlybrokeintoafuryandleaptonmyknees.Iflungherback,andhastenedtointerposethetablebetweenus.Thisproceedingrousedthewholehive:halfadozenfour-footedfiends,ofvarioussizesandages,issuedfromhiddendenstothecommoncentre.Ifeltmyheelsandcoat-lapspeculiarsubjectsofassault;andparryingoffthe largercombatantsaseffectuallyasIcouldwiththepoker,Iwasconstrainedtodemand,aloud,assistancefromsomeofthehouseholdinre-establishingpeace.MrHeathcliffandhismanclimbedthecellarstepswithvexatiousphlegm:Idon"tthinktheymovedonesecondfasterthanusual,thoughthehearthwasanabsolutetempestofworryingandyelping.Happily,aninhabitantofthekitchenmademoredispatch:alustydame,withtucked-upgown,barearms,andfire-flushedcheeks,rushedintothemidstofusflourishingafrying-pan:andusedthatweapon,andhertongue,tosuchpurpose,thatthestormsubsidedmagically,andsheonlyremained,heavinglikeaseaafterahighwind,whenhermasterenteredonthescene.`Whatthedevilisthematter?"heasked,eyeingmeinamannerthatIcouldillendureafterthisinhospitabletreatment.`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,MrLockwood.Here,takealittlewine.GuestsaresoexceedinglyrareinthishousethatIandmydogs,Iamwillingtoown,hardlyknowhowtoreceivethem.Yourhealth,sir!"　　Ibowedandreturnedthepledge;beginningtoperceivethatitwouldbefoolishtositsulkingforthemisbehaviourofapackofcurs:besides,Ifeltloathtoyieldthefellowfurtheramusementatmyexpense;sincethehumourtookthatturn.He--probablyswayedbyprudentialconsiderationofthefollyofoffendingagoodtenant--relaxedalittleinthelaconicstyleofchippingoffhispronounsandauxiliaryverbs,andintroducedwhathesupposedwouldbeasubjectofinteresttome--adiscourseontheadvantagesanddisadvantagesofmypresentplaceofretirement.Ifoundhimveryintelligentonthetopicswetouched;andbeforeIwenthome,Iwasencouragedsofarastovolunteeranothervisittomorrow.Heevidentlywishednorepetitionofmyintrusion.Ishallgo,notwithstanding.ItisastonishinghowsociableIfeelmyselfcomparedwithhim.Chapter2Yesterdayafternoonsetinmistyandcold.Ihadhalfamindtospenditbymystudyfire,insteadofwadingthroughheathandmudtoWutheringHeights.Oncomingupfromdinner,however (N.B.Idinebetweentwelveandoneo"clock;thehousekeeper,amatronlylady,takenasafixturealongwiththehouse,couldnot,orwouldnot,comprehendmyrequestthatImightbeservedatfive),onmountingthestairswiththislazyintention,andsteppingintotheroom,Isawaservantgirlonherkneessurroundedbybrushesandcoal-scuttles,andraisinganinfernaldustassheextinguishedtheflameswithheapsofcinders.Thisspectacledrovemebackimmediately;Itookmyhat,and,afterafour-miles"walk,arrivedatHeathcliff"sgardengatejustintimetoescapethefirstfeatheryflakesofasnowshower.Onthatbleakhilltoptheearthwashardwithablackfrost,andtheairmademeshiverthrougheverylimb.Beingunabletoremovethechain,Ijumpedover,and,runninguptheflaggedcausewayborderedwithstragglinggooseberrybushes,knockedvainlyforadmittance,tillmyknucklestingledandthedogshowled.`Wretchedinmates!"Iejaculatedmentally,`youdeserveperpetualisolationfromyourspeciesforyourchurlishinhospitality.Atleast,Iwouldnotkeepmydoorsbarredinthedaytime.Idon"tcare--Iwillgetin!"Soresolved,Igraspedthelatchandshookitvehemently.Vinegar-facedJosephprojectedhisheadfromaroundwindowofthebarn.`Whetareyefor?"heshouted.`T"maister"sdahni"t"fowld.Gorahndbyth"endut"laith,ifyahwenttuhspaketullhim."`Istherenobodyinsidetoopenthedoor?"Ihallooed, responsively.`They"snobbutt"missis;andshoo"llnutoppen"tanyemakyerflaysomedinstillneeght."`Why?CannotyoutellherwhoIam,eh,Joseph?"`Nor-neme!Aw"llhaenoahendwi"t,"mutteredthehead,vanishing.Thesnowbegantodrivethickly.Iseizedthehandletoessayanothertrial;whenayoungmanwithoutcoat,andshoulderingapitchfork,appearedintheyardbehind.Hehailedmetofollowhim,and,aftermarchingthroughawash-house,andapavedareacontainingacoalshed,pump,andpigeoncot,weatlengtharrivedinthehuge,warm,cheerfulapartment,whereIwasformerlyreceived.Itgloweddelightfullyintheradianceofanimmensefire,compoundedofcoal,peat,andwood;andnearthetable,laidforaplentifuleveningmeal,Iwaspleasedtoobservethe`missis",anindividualwhoseexistenceIhadneverpreviouslysuspected.Ibowedandwaited,thinkingshewouldbidmetakeaseat.Shelookedatme,leaningbackinherchair,andremainedmotionlessandmute.`Roughweather!"Iremarked.`I"mafraid,MrsHeathcliff,thedoormustbeartheconsequenceofyourservants"leisureattendance:Ihadhardworktomakethemhearme."Sheneveropenedhermouth.Istared--shestaredalso:atanyrate,shekepthereyesonmeinacool,regardlessmanner,exceedinglyembarrassinganddisagreeable. `Sitdown,"saidtheyoungmangruffly.`He"llbeinsoon."Iobeyed;andhemmed,andcalledthevillainJuno,whodeigned,atthissecondinterview,tomovetheextremetipofhertail,intokenofowningmyacquaintance.`Abeautifulanimal!"Icommencedagain.`Doyouintendpartingwiththelittleones,madam?"`Theyarenotmine,"saidtheamiablehostess,morerepellinglythanHeathcliffhimselfcouldhavereplied.`Ah,yourfavouritesareamongthese?"Icontinued,turningtoanobscurecushionfullofsomethinglikecats.`Astrangechoiceoffavourites!"sheobservedscornfully.Unluckily,itwasaheapofdeadrabbits.Ihemmedoncemore,anddrewclosertothehearth,repeatingmycommentonthewildnessoftheevening.`Youshouldnothavecomeout,"shesaid,risingandreachingfromthechimney-piecetwoofthepaintedcanisters.Herpositionbeforewasshelteredfromthelight;now,Ihadadistinctviewofherwholefigureandcountenance.Shewasslender,andapparentlyscarcelypastgirlhood:anadmirableform,andthemostexquisitelittlefacethatIhaveeverhadthepleasureofbeholding;smallfeatures,veryfair;flaxenringlets,orrathergolden,hanginglooseonherdelicateneck;andeyes,hadtheybeenagreeableinexpression,theywouldhavebeenirresistible:fortunatelyformysusceptibleheart,theonlysentimenttheyevincedhoveredbetweenscorn,andakind ofdesperation,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,andherredunderlippushedout,likeachild"sreadytocry.Meanwhile,theyoungmanhadslungontohispersonadecidedlyshabbyuppergarment,and,erectinghimselfbeforetheblaze,lookeddownonmefromthecornerofhiseyes,foralltheworldasifthereweresomemortalfeudunavengedbetweenus.Ibegantodoubtwhetherhewereaservantornot:hisdressandspeechwerebothrude,entirelydevoidofthesuperiorityobservableinMrandMrsHeathcliff;histhickbrowncurlswereroughanduncultivated,hiswhiskersencroachedbearishlyover hischeeks,andhishandswereembrownedlikethoseofacommonlabourer:stillhisbearingwasfree,almosthaughty,andheshowednoneofadomestic"sassiduityinattendingontheladyofthehouse.Intheabsenceofclearproofsofhiscondition,Ideemeditbesttoabstainfromnoticinghiscuriousconduct;and,fiveminutesafterwards,theentranceofHeathcliffrelievedme,insomemeasure,frommyuncomfortablestate.`Yousee,sir,Iamcome,accordingtopromise!"Iexclaimed,assumingthecheerful;`andIfearIshallbeweatherboundforhalfanhour,ifyoucanaffordmeshelterduringthatspace."`Halfanhour?"hesaid,shakingthewhiteflakesfromhisclothes;`Iwonderyoushouldselectthethickofasnowstormtorambleaboutin.Doyouknowthatyourunariskofbeinglostinthemarshes?Peoplefamiliarwiththesemoorsoftenmisstheirroadonsuchevenings;andIcantellyouthereisnochanceofachangeatpresent."`PerhapsIcangetaguideamongyourlads,andhemightstayattheGrangetillmorning--couldyousparemeone?"`No,Icouldnot."`Oh,indeed!Well,then,Imusttrusttomyownsagacity."`Umph!"`Areyougoingtomakth"tea?"demandedheoftheshabbycoat,shiftinghisferociousgazefrommetotheyounglady.`Ishetohaveany?"sheasked,appealingtoHeathcliff.`Getitready,willyou?"wastheanswer,utteredsosavagely thatIstarted.Thetoneinwhichthewordsweresaidrevealedagenuinebadnature.InolongerfeltinclinedtocallHeathcliffacapitalfellow.Whenthepreparationswerefinished,heinvitedmewith--`Now,sir,bringforwardyourchair."Andweall,includingtherusticyouth,drewroundthetable:anausteresilenceprevailingwhilewediscussedourmeal.Ithought,ifIhadcausedthecloud,itwasmydutytomakeanefforttodispelit.Theycouldnoteverydaysitsogrimandtaciturn;anditwasimpossible,howeverill-temperedtheymightbe,thattheuniversalscowltheyworewastheireverydaycountenance.`Itisstrange,"Ibegan,intheintervalofswallowingonecupofteaandreceivinganother--`itisstrangehowcustomcanmouldourtastesandideas:manycouldnotimaginetheexistenceofhappinessinalifeofsuchcompleteexilefromtheworldasyouspend,MrHeathcliff;yetI"llventuretosay,that,surroundedbyyourfamily,andwithyouramiableladyasthepresidinggeniusoveryourhomeandheart--"`Myamiablelady!"heinterrupted,withanalmostdiabolicalsneeronhisface.`Whereisshe--myamiablelady?"`MrsHeathcliff,yourwife,Imean."`Well,yes--Oh,youwouldintimatethatherspirithastakenthepostofministeringangel,andguardsthefortunesofWutheringHeightsevenwhenherbodyisgone.Isthatit?"Perceivingmyselfinablunder,Iattemptedtocorrectit. Imighthaveseentherewastoogreatadisparitybetweentheagesofthepartiestomakeitlikelythattheyweremanandwife.Onewasaboutforty:aperiodofmentalvigouratwhichmenseldomcherishthedelusionofbeingmarriedforlovebygirls:thatdreamisreservedforthesolaceofourdecliningyears.Theotherdidnotlookseventeen.Thenitflasheduponme--`Theclownatmyelbow,whoisdrinkinghisteaoutofabasinandeatinghisbreadwithunwashedhands,maybeherhusband:Heathcliff,junior,ofcourse.Hereistheconsequenceofbeingburiedalive:shehasthrownherselfawayuponthatboorfromsheerignorancethatbetterindividualsexisted!Asadpity--ImustbewarehowIcausehertoregretherchoice."Thelastreflectionmayseemconceited;itwasnot.Myneighbourstruckmeasborderingonrepulsive;Iknew,throughexperience,thatIwastolerablyattractive.`MrsHeathcliffismydaughter-in-law,"saidHeathcliff,corroboratingmysurmise.Heturned,ashespoke,apeculiarlookinherdirection:alookofhatred;unlesshehasamostperversesetoffacialmusclesthatwillnot,likethoseofotherpeople,interpretthelanguageofhissoul.`Ah,certainly--Iseenow:youarethefavouredpossessorofthebeneficentfairy,"Iremarked,turningtomyneighbour.Thiswasworsethanbefore:theyouthgrewcrimson,andclenchedhisfist,witheveryappearanceofameditatedassault.Butheseemedtorecollecthimselfpresently,andsmotheredthe storminabrutalcurse,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,andmorethanneutralized,theglowingphysicalcomfortsroundme;andIresolvedtobecautioushowIventuredunderthoseraftersathirdtime.Thebusinessofeatingbeingconcluded,andnooneutteringawordofsociableconversation,Iapproachedawindowtoexaminetheweather.AsorrowfulsightIsaw:darknightcomingdownprematurely,andskyandhillsmingledinonebitterwhirlof windandsuffocatingsnow.`Idon"tthinkitpossibleformetogethomenowwithoutaguide,"Icouldnothelpexclaiming.`Theroadswillbeburiedalready;and,iftheywerebare,Icouldscarcelydistinguishafootinadvance.`Hareton,drivethosedozensheepintothebarnporch.They"llbecoveredifleftinthefoldallnight:andputaplankbeforethem,"saidHeathcliff.`HowmustIdo?"Icontinued,withrisingirritation.Therewasnoreplytomyquestion;andonlookingroundIsawonlyJosephbringinginapailofporridgeforthedogs,andMrsHeathcliffleaningoverthefire,divertingherselfwithburningabundleofmatcheswhichhadfallenfromthechimney-pieceassherestoredtheteacanistertoitsplace.Theformer,whenhehaddepositedhisburden,tookacriticalsurveyoftheroom,andincrackedtones,gratedout:`Awwoonderhaghyahcanfaishiontuhstandtheari"idlenessunwar,whenallon"em"sgoanaght!Budyah"reanowt,andit"snoausetalking--yah"llnivermenduhyerillways,budgoaraighttuht"divil,likeyermotheraforeye!"Iimagined,foramoment,thatthispieceofeloquencewasaddressedtome;and,sufficientlyenraged,steppedtowardstheagedrascalwithanintentionofkickinghimoutofthedoor.MrsHeathcliff,however,checkedmebyheranswer.`Youscandalousoldhypocrite!"shereplied.`Areyounot afraidofbeingcarriedawaybodily,wheneveryoumentionthedevil"sname?Iwarnyoutorefrainfromprovokingme,orI"llaskyourabductionasaspecialfavour.Stop!lookhere,Joseph,"shecontinued,takingalong,darkbookfromashelf;`I"llshowyouhowfarI"veprogressedintheBlackArt:Ishallsoonbecompetenttomakeaclearhouseofit.Theredcowdidn"tdiebychance;andyourrheumatismcanhardlybereckonedamongprovidentialvisitations!"`Oh,wicked,wicked!"gaspedtheelder;`maytheLorddeliverusfromevil!"`No,reprobate!youareacastaway--beoff,orI"llhurtyouseriously!I"llhaveyouallmodelledinwaxandclay;andthefirstwhopassesthelimitsIfix,shall--I"llnotsaywhatheshallbedoneto--but,you"llsee!Go,I"mlookingatyou!"Thelittlewitchputamockmalignityintoherbeautifuleyes,andJoseph,tremblingwithsincerehorror,hurriedoutprayingandejaculating`wicked"ashewent.Ithoughtherconductmustbepromptedbyaspeciesofdrearyfun;and,nowthatwewerealone,Iendeavouredtointerestherinmydistress.`MrsHeathcliff,"Isaidearnestly,`youmustexcusemefortroublingyou.Ipresume,because,withthatface,I"msureyoucannothelpbeinggood-hearted.DopointoutsomelandmarksbywhichImayknowmywayhome:IhavenomoreideahowtogettherethanyouwouldhavehowtogettoLondon!"`Taketheroadyoucame,"sheanswered,ensconcingherself inachair,withacandle,andthelongbookopenbeforeher.`Itisbriefadvice,butassoundasIcangive."`Then,ifyouhearofmebeingdiscovereddeadinabogorapitfullofsnow,yourconsciencewon"twhisperthatitispartlyyourfault?"`Howso?Icannotescortyou.Theywouldn"tletmegototheendofthegardenwall."`You!Ishouldbesorrytoaskyoutocrossthethreshold,formyconvenience,onsuchanight,"Icried.`Iwantyoutotellmemyway,nettoshowit;orelsetopersuadeMrHeathclifftogivemeaguide."`Who?Thereishimself,Earnshaw,Zillah,Joseph,andI.Whichwouldyouhave?"`Aretherenoboysatthefarm?"`No,thoseareall."`Then,itfollowsthatIamcompelledtostay."`Thatyoumaysettlewithyourhost.Ihavenothingtodowithit."`Ihopeitwillbealessontoyoutomakenomorerashjourneysonthesehills,"criedHeathcliff"ssternvoicefromthekitchenentrance.`Astostayinghere,Idon"tkeepaccommodationsforvisitors:youmustshareabedwithHaretonorJoseph,ifyoudo."`Icansleeponachairinthisroom,"Ireplied.`No,no!Astrangerisastranger,beherichorpoor:it willnotsuitmetopermitanyonetherangeoftheplacewhileIamoffguard!"saidtheunmannerlywretch.Withthisinsult,mypatiencewasatanend.Iutteredanexpressionofdisgust,andpushedpasthimintotheyard,runningagainstEarnshawinmyhaste.ItwassodarkthatIcouldnotseethemeansofexit;and,asIwanderedround,Iheardanotherspecimenoftheircivilbehaviouramongsteachother.Atfirsttheyoungmanappearedabouttobefriendme.`I"llgowithhimasfarasthepark,"hesaid.`You"llgowithhimtohell!"exclaimedhismaster,orwhateverrelationhebore.`Andwhoistolookafterthehorses,eh?"Aman"slifeisofmoreconsequencethanoneevening"sneglectofthehorses:somebodymustgo,murmuredMrsHeathcliff,morekindlythanIexpected.`Notatyourcommand!"retortedHareton.`Ifyousetstoreonhim,you"dbetterbequiet."`ThenIhopehisghostwillhauntyou;andIhopeMrHeathcliffwillnevergetanothertenanttilltheGrangeisaruin!"sheansweredsharply.`Hearken,hearken,shoo"scursingon"em!"mutteredJoseph,towardswhomIhadbeensteering.Hesatwithinearshot,milkingthecowsbythelightofalantern,whichIseizedunceremoniously,and,callingoutthatIwouldsenditbackonthemorrow,rushedtothenearestpostern. `Maister,maister,he"sstealingt"lantern!"shoutedtheancient,pursuingmyretreat.`Hey,Gnasher!Hey,dog!Hey,Wolf,holldhim,holldhim!"Onopeningthelittledoor,twohairymonstersflewatmythroat,bearingmedownandextinguishingthelight;whileamingledguffawfromHeathcliffandHareton,putthecopestoneonmyrageandhumiliation.Fortunately,thebeastsseemedmorebentonstretchingtheirpawsandyawning,andflourishingtheirtails,thandevouringmealive;buttheywouldsuffernoresurrection,andIwasforcedtolietilltheirmalignantmasterpleasedtodeliverme:then,hatlessandtremblingwithwrath,Iorderedthemiscreantstoletmeout--ontheirperiltokeepmeoneminutelonger-withseveralincoherentthreatsofretaliationthat,intheirindefinitedepthofvirulency,smackedofKingLear.Thevehemenceofmyagitationbroughtonacopiousbleedingatthenose,andstillHeathclifflaughed,andstillIscolded.Idon"tknowwhatwouldhaveconcludedthescene,hadtherenotbeenonepersonathandrathermorerationalthanmyself,andmorebenevolentthanmyentertainer.ThiswasZillah,thestouthousewife;whoatlengthissuedforthtoinquireintothenatureoftheuproar.Shethoughtthatsomeofthemhadbeenlayingviolenthandsonme;and,notdaringtoattackhermaster,sheturnedhervocalartilleryagainsttheyoungscoundrel.`Well,MrEarnshaw,"shecried,`Iwonderwhatyou"llhave agaitnext!Arewegoingtomurderfolkonourverydoorstones?Iseethishousewillneverdoforme--lookatt"poorlad,he"sfairchoking!Wisht,wisht!youmun"n"tgoonso.Comein,andI"llcurethat;therenow,holdyestill."Withthesewordsshesuddenlysplashedapintoficywaterdownmyneck,andpulledmeintothekitchen.MrHeathclifffollowed,hisaccidentalmerrimentexpiringquicklyinhishabitualmoroseness.Iwassickexceedingly,anddizzyandfaint;andthuscompelledperforcetoacceptlodgingsunderhisroof.HetoldZillahtogivemeaglassofbrandy,andthenpassedontotheinnerroom;whileshecondoledwithmeonmysorrypredicament,andhavingobeyedhisorders,wherebyIwassomewhatrevived,usheredmetobed.Chapter3Whileleadingthewayupstairs,sherecommendedthatIshouldhidethecandle,andnotmakeanoise;forhermasterhadanoddnotionaboutthechambershewouldputmein,andneverletanybodylodgetherewillingly.Iaskedthereason.Shedidnotknow,sheanswered:shehadonlylivedthereayearortwo;andtheyhadsomanyqueergoingson,shecouldnotbegintobecurious.Toostupefiedtobecuriousmyself,Ifastenedmydoorandglancedroundforthebed.Thewholefurnitureconsistedofachair,aclothes-press,andalargeoakcase,withsquarescut outnearthetopresemblingcoachwindows.HavingapproachedthisstructureIlookedinside,andperceivedittobeasingularsortofold-fashionedcouch,veryconvenientlydesignedtoobviatethenecessityforeverymemberofthefamilyhavingaroomtohimself.Infactitformedalittlecloset,andtheledgeofawindow,whichitenclosed,servedasatable.Islidbackthepanelledsides,gotinwithmylight,pulledthemtogetheragain,andfeltsecureagainstthevigilanceofHeathcliff,andeveryoneelse.Theledge,whereIplacedmycandle,hadafewmildewedbookspiledupinonecorner;anditwascoveredwithwritingscratchedonthepaint.Thiswriting,however,wasnothingbutanamerepeatedinallkindsofcharacters,largeandsmall--CatherineEarnshaw,hereandtherevariedtoCatherineHeathcliff,andagaintoCatherineLinton.InvapidlistlessnessIleantmyheadagainstthewindow,andcontinuedspellingoverCatherineEarnshaw--Heathcliff--Linton,tillmyeyesclosed;buttheyhadnotrestedfiveminuteswhenaglareofwhitelettersstartedfromthedarkasvividasspectres--theairswarmedwithCatherines;androusingmyselftodispeltheobtrusivename,Idiscoveredmycandlewickrecliningononeoftheantiquevolumes,andperfumingtheplacewithanodourofroastedcalfskin.Isnuffeditoff,and,veryillateaseundertheinfluenceofcoldandlingeringnausea,satupandspreadopentheinjuredtome onmyknee.ItwasaTestament,inleantype,andsmellingdreadfullymusty:afly-leafboretheinscription--`CatherineEarnshaw,herbook",andadatesomequarterofacenturyback.Ishutit,andtookupanother,andanother,tillIhadexaminedall.Catherine"slibrarywasselect,anditsstateofdilapidationprovedittohavebeenwellused;thoughnotaltogetherforalegitimatepurpose:scarcelyonechapterhadescapedapen-and-inkcommentary--atleast,theappearanceofone--coveringeverymorselofblankthattheprinterhadleft.Someweredetachedsentences;otherpartstooktheformofaregulardiary,scrawledinanunformedchildishhand.Atthetopofanextrapage(quiteatreasure,probably,whenfirstlightedon)IwasgreatlyamusedtobeholdanexcellentcaricatureofmyfriendJoseph,--rudely,yetpowerfullysketched.AnimmediateinterestkindledwithinmefortheunknownCatherine,andIbeganforthwithtodecipherherfadedhieroglyphics.`AnawfulSunday!"commencedtheparagraphbeneath.`Iwishmyfatherwerebackagain.HindleyisadetestablesubstitutehisconducttoHeathcliffisatrocious--H.andIaregoingtorebel--wetookourinitiatorystepthisevening.`Alldayhadbeenfloodingwithrain;wecouldnotgotochurch,soJosephmustneedsgetupacongregationinthegarret;and,whileHindleyandhiswifebaskeddownstairsbeforeacomfortablefire--doinganythingbutreadingtheirBibles,I"llanswerforit--Heathcliff,myself,andtheunhappyplough-boy, werecommandedtotakeourprayerbooks,andmount:wewererangedinarow,onasackofcorn,groaningandshivering,andhopingthatJosephwouldshivertoo,sothathemightgiveusashorthomilyforhisownsake.Avainidea!Theservicelastedpreciselythreehours;andyetmybrotherhadthefacetoexclaim,whenhesawusdescending,"What,donealready?"OnSundayeveningsweusedtobepermittedtoplay,ifwedidnotmakemuchnoise;nowameretitterissufficienttosendusintocomers!`"Youforgetyouhaveamasterhere,"saysthetyrant."I"lldemolishthefirstwhoputsmeoutoftemper!Iinsistonperfectsobrietyandsilence.Oh,boy!wasthatyou?Frances,darling,pullhishairasyougoby:Iheardhimsnaphisfingers."Francespulledhishairheartily,andthenwentandseatedherselfonherhusband"sknee;andtheretheywere,liketwobabies,kissingandtalkingnonsensebythehour--foolishpalaverthatweshouldbeashamedof.Wemadeourselvesassnugasourmeansallowedinthearchofthedresser.Ihadjustfastenedourpinaforestogether,andhungthemupforacurtain,whenincomesJosephonanerrandfromthestables.Hetearsdownmyhandiwork,boxesmyears,andcroaks--`"T"maisternobbutjustburied,andSabbathnuto"ered,undt"sahnduht"gospelstilli"yerlugs,andyahdarrbelaiking!Shameonye!sityedahn,illchilder!they"sgoodbookseneughifye"llread"em!sityedahn,andthinkuhyersowls!"`Sayingthis,hecompelledussotosquareourpositionsthat wemightreceivefromthefar-offfireadullraytoshowusthetextofthelumberthrustuponus.Icouldnotbeartheemployment.Itookmydingyvolumebythescroop,andhurleditintothedogkennel,vowingIhatedagoodbook.Heathcliffkickedhistothesameplace.Thentherewasahubbub!`"MaisterHindley!"shoutedourchaplain."Maister,coomhither!MissCathy"sriventh"backoff`Th"HelmetuhSalvation,un"Heathcliff"spawsedhisfitintuht"firstpartuh`T"BrooadWaytoDestruction!"It"sfairflaysomeutyahlet"emgoaonthisgait.Ech!th"owdmanuduhlaced"emproperly--buthe"sgoan!"`Hindleyhurriedupfromhisparadiseonthehearth,andseizingoneofusbythecollar,andtheotherbythearm,hurledbothintothebackkitchen;where,Josephasseverated,"owdNick"wouldfetchusassureaswewereliving:and,socomforted,weeachsoughtaseparatenooktoawaithisadvent.Ireachedthisbook,andapotofinkfromashelf,andpushedthehousedoorajartogivemelight,andIhavegotthetimeonwithwritingfortwentyminutes;butmycompanionisimpatient,andproposesthatweshouldappropriatethedairywoman"scloak,andhaveascamperonthemoors,underitsshelter.Apleasantsuggestion--andthen,ifthesurlyoldmancomein,hemaybelievehisprophecyverified--wecannotbedamper,orcolder,intherainthanwearehere."IsupposeCatherinefulfilledherproject,forthenext sentencetookupanothersubject: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.APiousDiscoursedeliveredbytheReverendJabesBranderham,intheChapelofGimmerdenSough."AndwhileIwas,halfconsciously,worryingmybraintoguesswhatJabesBranderhamwouldmakeofhissubject,Isankbackinbed,andfellasleep.Alas,fortheeffectsofbadteaandbadtemper!whatelsecoulditbethatmademepasssuchaterriblenight?Idon"trememberanotherthatIcanatallcomparewithitsinceIwascapableofsuffering.Ibegantodream,almostbeforeIceasedtobesensibleofmylocality.Ithoughtitwasmorning;andIhadsetoutonmywayhome,withJosephforaguide.Thesnowlayyardsdeepinourroad;and,asweflounderedon,mycompanionweariedmewithconstantreproachesthatIhadnotbroughtapilgrim"sstaff: tellingmethatIcouldnevergetintothehousewithoutone,andboastfullyflourishingaheavy-headedcudgel,whichIunderstoodtobesodenominated.ForamomentIconsidereditabsurdthatIshouldneedsuchaweapontogainadmittanceintomyownresidence.Thenanewideaflashedacrossme.Iwasnotgoingthere:wewerejourneyingtohearthefamousJabesBranderhampreachfromthetext--`SeventyTimesSeven";andeitherJoseph,thepreacher,orIhadcommittedthe`FirstoftheSeventy-First",andweretobepubliclyexposedandexcommunicated.Wecametothechapel.Ihavepasseditreallyinmywalks,twiceorthrice;itliesinahollow,betweentwohills;anelevatedhollow,nearaswamp,whosepeatymoistureissaidtoanswerallthepurposesofembalmingonthefewcorpsesdepositedthere.Theroofhasbeenkeptwholehitherto;butastheclergyman"sstipendisonlytwentypoundsperannum,andahousewithtworooms,threateningspeedilytodetermineintoone,noclergymanwillundertakethedutiesofpastor:especiallyasitiscurrentlyreportedthathisflockwouldratherlethimstarvethanincreasethelivingbyonepennyfromtheirownpockets.However,inmydream,Jabeshadafullandattentivecongregation;andhepreached--goodGod!whatasermon".dividedintofourhundredandninetyparts,eachfullyequaltoanordinaryaddressfromthepulpit,andeachdiscussingaseparatesin!Wherehesearchedforthem,Icannottell.Hehadhisprivate mannerofinterpretingthephrase,anditseemednecessarythebrothershouldsindifferentsinsoneveryoccasion.Theywereofthemostcuriouscharacter:oddtransgressionsthatIneverimaginedpreviously.Oh,howwearyIgrew.HowIwrithed,andyawned,andnodded,andrevived!HowIpinchedandprickedmyself,andrubbedmyeyes,andstoodup,andsatdownagain,andnudgedJosephtoinformmeifhewouldeverhavedone.Iwascondemned10hearallout:finally,hereachedthe`FirstoftheSeventy-First".Atthatcrisis,asuddeninspirationdescendedonme;IwasmovedtoriseanddenounceJabesBranderhamasthesinnerofthesinthatnoChristianneedpardon.`Sir,"Iexclaimed,`sittingherewithinthesefourwalls,atonestretch,Ihaveenduredandforgiventhefourhundredandninetyheadsofyourdiscourse.SeventytimesseventimeshaveIpluckedupmyhatandbeenabouttodepart--seventytimesseventimeshaveyoupreposterouslyforcedmetoresumemyseat.Thefourhundredandninety-firstistoomuch.Fellow-martyrs,haveathim!Draghimdown,andcrushhimtoatoms,thattheplacewhichknowshimmayknowhimnomore!"`ThouarttheMan!"criesJabes,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.Presentlythewholechapelresoundedwithrappingsandcounter-rappings:everyman"shandwasagainsthisneighbour;andBranderham,unwillingtoremainidle,pouredforthhiszealinashowerofloudtapsontheboardsofthepulpit,whichrespondedsosmartlythat,atlast,tomyunspeakablerelief,theywokeme.Andwhatwasitthathadsuggestedthetremendoustumult?WhathadplayedJabes"spartintherow?Merely,thebranchofafirtreethattouchedmylattice,astheblastwailedby,andrattleditsdryconesagainstthepanes!Ilisteneddoubtinglyaninstant;detectedthedisturber,thenturnedanddozed,anddreamtagain:ifpossible,stillmoredisagreeablythanbefore.Thistime,IrememberedIwaslyingintheoakcloset,andIhearddistinctlythegustywind,andthedrivingofthesnow;Iheard,also,thefirboughrepeatitsteasingsound,andascribedittotherightcause:butitannoyedmesomuch,thatIresolvedto--silenceit,ifpossible;and,Ithought,Iroseandendeavouredtounhaspthecasement.Thehookwassoldered intothestaple: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,andrubbedittoandfrotillthebloodrandownandsoakedthebedclothes: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"vebeenawaiffor twentyyears!"Thereatbeganafeeblescratchingoutside,andthepileofbooksmovedasifthrustforward.Itriedtojumpup;butcouldnotstiralimb;andsoyelledaloud,inafrenzyoffright.Tomyconfusion,Idiscoveredtheyellwasnotideal:hastyfootstepsapproachedmychamberdoor;somebodypusheditopen,withavigoroushand,andalightglimmeredthroughthesquaresatthetopofthebed.Isatshudderingyet,andwipingtheperspirationfrommyforehead:theintruderappearedtohesitate,andmutteredtohimself.Atlast,hesaidinahalf-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.`OhGodconfoundyou,MrLockwood!Iwishyouwereatthe--` commencedmyhost,settingthecandleonachair,becausehefounditimpossibletoholditsteady.`Andwhoshowedyouupintothisroom?"hecontinued,crushinghisnailsintohispalms,andgrindinghisteethtosubduethemaxillaryconvulsions.`Whowasit?I"veagoodmindtoturnthemoutofthehousethismoment!"`Itwasyourservant,Zillah,"Ireplied,flingingmyselfontothefloor,andrapidlyresumingmygarments.`Ishouldnotcareifyoudid,MrHeathcliff;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.WasnottheReverendJabesBranderhamakintoyouonthemother"sside?Andthatminx,CatherineLinton,orEarnshaw,orhowevershewascalled--shemusthavebeenachangeling--wickedlittlesoul!Shetoldmeshehadbeenwalkingtheearththesetwentyyears:ajustpunishmentforhermortaltransgressions,I"venodoubt!" Scarcelywerethesewordsuttered,whenIrecollectedtheassociationofHeathcliff"swithCatherine"snameinthebook,--whichhadcompletelyslippedfrommymemory,tillthusawakened.Iblushedatmyinconsideration;but,withoutshowingfurtherconsciousnessoftheoffence,Ihastenedtoadd--`Thetruthis,sir,Ipassedthefirstpartofthenightin"--HereIstoppedafresh--Iwasabouttosayperusingthoseoldvolumes",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,thathe struggledtovanquishanexcessofviolentemotion.NotlikingtoshowhimthatIhadheardtheconflict,Icontinuedmytoiletterathernoisily,lookingatmywatch,andsoliloquizedonthelengthofthenight:`Notthreeo"clockyet!Icouldhavetakenoathithadbeensix.Timestagnateshere:wemustsurelyhaveretiredtorestateight!"`Alwaysatnineinwinter,andalwaysriseatfour,"saidmyhost,suppressingagroan:and,asIfancied,bythemotionofhisshadow"sarm,dashingatearfromhiseyes.`MrLockwood,"headded,`youmaygointomyroom:you"llonlybeintheway,comingdownstairssoearly;andyourchildishoutcryhassentsleeptothedevilforme."`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,toapieceofsuperstitiononthepartofmylandlord,whichbelied,oddly,hisapparentsense.Hegotontothebed,andwrenchedopenthelattice,bursting,ashepulledatit,intoanuncontrollablepassionoftears.`Comein!comein!"hesobbed.`Cathy,docome.Ohdo--oncemore!Oh!myheart"sdarling!hearmethistime,Catherine,atlast!"Thespectreshowedaspectre"sordinarycaprice:itgavenosignofbeing;butthesnowandwindwhirledwildlythrough,evenreachingmystation,andblowingoutthelight.Therewassuchanguishinthegustofgriefthataccompaniedthisraving,thatmycompassionmademeoverlookitsfolly,andIdrewoff,halfangrytohavelistenedatall,andvexedathavingrelatedmyridiculousnightmare,sinceitproducedthatagony;thoughwhy,wasbeyondmycomprehension.Idescendedcautiouslytothelowerregions,andlandedinthebackkitchen,whereagleamoffire,rakedcompactlytogether,enabledmetorekindlemycandle.Nothingwasstirringexceptabridled,greycat,whichcreptfromtheashes,andsalutedmewithaquerulousmew.Twobenches,shapedinsectionsofacircle,nearlyenclosedthehearth;ononeoftheseIstretchedmyself,andGrimalkinmountedtheother.Wewerebothofusnodding,ereanyoneinvadedourretreat,andthenitwasJoseph,shufflingdownawoodenladderthatvanishedintheroof,throughatrap:theascenttohisgarret,Isuppose.Hecastasinisterlookatthelittleflame whichIhadenticedtoplaybetweentheribs,sweptthecatfromitselevation,andbestowinghimselfinthevacancy,commencedtheoperationofstuffingathree-inchpipewithtobacco.Mypresenceinhissanctumwasevidentlyesteemedapieceofimpudencetooshamefulforremark:hesilentlyappliedthetubetohislips,foldedhisarms,andpuffedaway.Ilethimenjoytheluxuryunannoyed;andaftersuckingouthislastwreath,andheavingaprofoundsigh,hegotup,anddepartedassolemnlyashecame.Amoreelasticfootstepenterednext;andnowIopenedmymouthfora`goodmorning",butcloseditagain,thesalutationunachieved;forHaretonEarnshawwasperforminghisorisonssottovoce,inaseriesofcursesdirectedagainsteveryobjecthetouched,whileherummagedacornerforaspadeorshoveltodigthroughthedrifts.Heglancedoverthebackofthebench,dilatinghisnostrils,andthoughtaslittleofexchangingcivilitieswithmeaswithmycompanionthecat.Iguessed,byhispreparations,thategresswasallowed,and,leavingmyhardcouch,madeamovementtofollowhim.Henoticedthis,andthrustataninnerdoorwiththeendofhisspade,intimatingbyaninarticulatesoundthattherewastheplacewhereImustgo,ifIchangedmylocality;Itopenedintothehouse,wherethefemaleswerealreadyastir,Zillahurgingflakesofflameupthechimneywithacolossalbellows;andMrsHeathcliff,kneelingonthehearth, readingabookbytheaidoftheblaze.Sheheldherhandinterposedbetweenthefurnaceheatandhereyes,andseemedabsorbedinheroccupation;desistingfromitonlytochidetheservantforcoveringherwithsparks,ortopushawayadog,nowandthen,thatsnoozleditsnoseover-forwardlyintoherface.IwassurprisedtoseeHeathclifftherealso.Hestoodbythefire,hisbacktowardsme,justfinishingastormyscenetopoorZillah;whoeverandanoninterruptedherlabourtopluckupthecornerofherapron,andheaveanindignantgroan.`Andyou,youworthless"--hebrokeoutasIentered,turningtohisdaughter-in-law,andemployinganepithetasharmlessasduck,orsheep,butgenerallyrepresentedbyadash--.`Thereyouare,atyouridletricksagain!Therestofthemdoearntheirbread--youliveonmycharity!Putyourtrashaway,andfindsomethingtodo.Youshallpaymefortheplagueofhavingyoueternallyinmysight--doyouhear,damnablejade?"`I"llputmytrashaway,becauseyoucanmakeme,ifIrefuse,"answeredtheyounglady,closingherbook,andthrowingitonachair.`ButI"llnotdoanything,thoughyoushouldswearyourtongueout,exceptwhatIplease!"Heathcliffliftedhishand,andthespeakersprangtoasaferdistance,obviouslyacquaintedwithitsweight.Havingnodesiretobeentertainedbyacat-and-dogcombat;Isteppedforwardbriskly,asifeagertopartakethewarmthofthehearth,andinnocentofanyknowledgeoftheinterrupteddispute.Eachhad enoughdecorumtosuspendfurtherhostilities:Heathcliffplacedhisfist,outoftemptation,inhispockets;MrsHeathcliffcurledherlip,andwalkedtoaseatfaroff,whereshekeptherwordbyplayingthepartofastatueduringtheremainderofmystay.Thatwasnotlong.Ideclinedjoiningtheirbreakfast,and,atthefirstgleamofdawn,tookanopportunityofescapingintothefreeair,nowclear,andstill,andcoldasimpalpableice.Mylandlordhallooedformetostop,ereIreachedthebottomofthegarden,andofferedtoaccompanymeacrossthemoor.Itwaswellhedid,forthewholehill-backwasonebillowy,whiteocean;theswellsandfallsnotindicatingcorrespondingrisesanddepressionsintheground:manypits,atleast,werefilledtoalevel;andentirerangesofmounds,therefuseofthequarries,blottedfromthechartwhichmyyesterday"swalkleftpicturedinmymind.Ihadremarkedononesideoftheroad,atintervalsofsixorsevenyards,alineofuprightstones,continuedthroughthewholelengthofthebarren:thesewereerected,anddaubedwithlimeonpurposetoserveasguidesinthedark;andalsowhenafall,likethepresent,confoundedthedeepswampsoneitherhandwiththefirmerpath:but,exceptingadirtydotpointinguphereandthere,alltracesoftheirexistencehadvanished:andmycompanionfounditnecessarytowarnmefrequentlytosteertotherightorleft,whenIimaginedIwasfollowing,correctly,thewindingsoftheroad.We exchangedlittleconversation,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,Idraggedupstairs;whence,afterputtingondryclothes,andpacingtoandfrothirtyorfortyminutes,torestoretheanimalheat,Iamadjournedtomystudy,feebleasakitten:almosttoomuchsotoenjoythecheerfulfireandsmokingcoffeewhichtheservanthaspreparedformyrefreshment.Chapter4Whatvainweather-cocksweare!I,whohaddeterminedtoholdmyselfindependentofallsocialintercourse,andthankedmy starsthat,atlength,Ihadlightedonaspotwhereitwasnexttoimpracticable--I,weakwretch,aftermaintainingtillduskastrugglewithlowspiritsandsolitude,wasfinallycompelledtostrikemycolours;and,underpretenceofgaininginformationconcerningthenecessitiesofmyestablishment,IdesiredMrsDean,whenshebroughtinsupper,tositdownwhileIateit;hopingsincerelyshewouldprovearegulargossip,andeitherrousemetoanimationorlullmetosleepbyhertalk.`Youhavelivedhereaconsiderabletime,"Icommenced;`didyounotsaysixteenyears?"`Eighteen,sir:Icame,whenthemistresswasmarried,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,anexoticthatthesurlyindigenaewillnotrecognizeforkin."WiththisintentionIaskedMrsDeanwhyHeathcliffletThrushcrossGrange,andpreferredlivinginasituationandresidencesomuchinferior.`Ishenotrichenoughtokeeptheestateingoodorder?"Iinquired.`Rich,sir!"shereturned.`Hehas,nobodyknowswhatmoney,andeveryyearitincreases.Yes,yes,he"srichenoughtoliveinafinerhousethanthis:buthe"sverynear--close-handed;and,ifhehadmeanttoflittoThrushcrossGrange,assoonasheheardofagoodtenanthecouldnothavebornetomissthechanceofgettingafewhundredsmore.Itisstrangepeopleshouldbesogreedy,whentheyarealoneintheworld!"`Hehadason,itseems?"`Yes,hehadone--heisdead."`And,thatyounglady,MrsHeathcliff,ishiswidow?"`Yes.`Wheredidshecomefromoriginally?"`Why,sir,sheismylatemaster"sdaughter:CatherineLintonwashermaidenname.Inursedher,poorthing!IdidwishMrHeathcliffwouldremovehere,andthenwemighthavebeentogetheragain."`What!CatherineLinton?"Iexclaimed,astonished.Butaminute"sreflectionconvincedmeitwasnotmyghostly Catherine.`Then,"Icontinued,`mypredecessor"snamewasLinton?"`Itwas.`AndwhoisthatEarnshaw,HaretonEarnshaw,wholiveswithMrHeathcliff?aretheyrelations?"`No;heisthelateMrsLinton"snephew."`Theyounglady"scousin,then?"`Yes;andherhusbandwashercousinalso:oneonthemother"s,theotheronthefather"sside:HeathcliffmarriedMrLinton"ssister."`IseethehouseatWutheringHeightshas"Earnshaw"carvedoverthefrontdoor.Aretheyanoldfamily?"`Veryold,sir;andHaretonisthelastofthem,asourMissCathyisofus--ImeanoftheLintons.HaveyoubeentoWutheringHeights?Ibegpardonforasking;butIshouldliketohearhowsheis!"`MrsHeathcliff?Shelookedverywell,andveryhandsome;yet,Ithink,notveryhappy."`Ohdear,Idon"twonder!Andhowdidyoulikethemaster?"`Aroughfellow,rather,MrsDean.Isnotthathischaracter?"`Roughasasawedge,andhardaswhinstone!Thelessyoumeddlewithhimthebetter."`Hemusthavehadsomeupsanddownsinlifetomakehimsuchachurl.Doyouknowanythingofhishistory?" `It"sacuckoo"s,sir--Iknowallaboutit:exceptwherehewasborn,andwhowerehisparents,andhowhegothismoney,atfirst.AndHaretonhasbeencastoutlikeanunfledgeddunnock!Theunfortunateladistheonlyoneinallthisparishthatdoesnotguesshowhehasbeencheated."`Well,MrsDean,itwillbeacharitabledeedtotellmesomethingofmyneighbours:IfeelIshallnotrest,ifIgotobed;sobegoodenoughtositandchatanhour."`Oh,certainly,sir!I"lljustfetchalittlesewing,andthenI"llsitaslongasyouplease.Butyou"vecaughtcold:Isawyoushivering,andyoumusthavesomegrueltodriveitout."Theworthywomanbustledoff,andIcrouchednearerthefire;myheadfelthot,andtherestofmechill:moreover,Iwasexcited,almosttoapitchoffoolishness,throughmynervesandbrain.Thiscausedmetofeel,notuncomfortable,butratherfearful(asIamstill)ofseriouseffectsfromtheincidentsoftodayandyesterday.Shereturnedpresently,bringingasmokingbasinandabasketofwork;and,havingplacedtheformeronthehob,drewinherseat,evidentlypleasedtofindmesocompanionable.BeforeIcametolivehere,shecommenced--waitingnofurtherinvitationtoherstory--IwasalmostalwaysatWutheringHeights;becausemymotherhadnursedMrHindleyEarnshaw,thatwasHareton"sfather,andIgotusedtoplaying withthechildren:Iranerrandstoo,andhelpedtomakehay,andhungaboutthefarmreadyforanythingthatanybodywouldsetmeto.Onefinesummermorning--itwasthebeginningofharvest,Iremember--MrEarnshaw,theoldmaster,camedownstairs,dressedforajourney;andafterhehadtoldJosephwhatwastobedoneduringtheday,heturnedtoHindley,andCathy,andme--forIsateatingmyporridgewiththem--andhesaid,speakingtohisson,`Nowmybonnyman,I"mgoingtoLiverpooltoday,whatshallIbringyou?Youmaychoosewhatyoulike:onlyletitbelittle,forIshallwalkthereandback:sixtymileseachway,thatisalongspell!"Hindleynamedafiddle,andthenheaskedMissCathy;shewashardlysixyearsold,butshecouldrideanyhorseinthestable,andshechoseawhip.Hedidnotforgetme;forhehadakindheart,thoughhewasratherseveresometimes.Hepromisedtobringmeapocketfulofapplesandpears,andthenhekissedhischildrengoodbyeandsetoff.Itseemedalongwhiletousall--thethreedaysofhisabsence--andoftendidlittleCathyaskwhenhewouldbehome.MrsEarnshawexpectedhimbysuppertimeonthethirdevening,andsheputthemealoffhourafterhour;therewerenosignsofhiscoming,however,andatlastthechildrengottiredofrunningdowntothegatetolook.Thenitgrewdark;shewouldhavehadthemtobed,buttheybeggedsadlytobeallowedtostayup;and,justabouteleveno"clock,thedoorlatchwasraised quietlyandinsteppedthemaster.Hethrewhimselfintoachair,laughingandgroaning,andbidthemallstandoff,forhewasnearlykilled--hewouldnothavesuchanotherwalkforthethreekingdoms.`Andattheendofit,tobeflightedtodeath!"hesaid,openinghisgreatcoat,whichheheldbundledupinhisarms.`Seehere,wife!Iwasneversobeatenwithanythinginmylife:butyoumuste"entakeitasagiftofGod;thoughit"sasdarkalmostasifitcamefromthedevil."Wecrowdedround,andoverMissCathy"shead,Ihadapeepatadirty,ragged,black-hairedchild;bigenoughbothtowalkandtalk:indeed,itsfacelookedolderthanCatherine"s;yet,whenitwassetonitsfeet,itonlystaredround,andrepeatedoverandoveragainsomegibberish,thatnobodycouldunderstand.Iwasfrightened,andMrsEarnshawwasreadytoflingitoutofdoors:shedidflyup,askinghowhecouldfashiontobringthatgipsybratintothehouse,whentheyhadtheirownbairnstofeedandfendfor?Whathemeanttodowithit,andwhetherheweremad?Themastertriedtoexplainthematter;buthewasreallyhalfdeadwithfatigue,andallthatIcouldmakeout,amongstherscolding,wasataleofhisseeingitstarving,andhouseless,andasgoodasdumb,inthestreetsofLiverpool;wherehepickeditupandinquiredforitsowner.Notasoulknewtowhomitbelonged,hesaid;andhismoneyandtimebeingbothlimited,hethoughtitbettertotakeithomewithhimatonce,thanrun intovainexpensesthere:becausehewasdeterminedhewouldnotleaveitashefoundit.Well,theconclusionwasthatmymistressgrumbledherselfcalm;andMrEarnshawtoldmetowashit,andgiveitcleanthings,andletitsleepwiththechildren.HindleyandCathycontentedthemselveswithlookingandlisteningtillpeacewasrestored:then,bothbegansearchingtheirfather"spocketsforthepresentshehadpromisedthem.Theformerwasaboyoffourteen,butwhenhedrewoutwhathadbeenafiddlecrushedtomorselsinthegreatcoat,heblubberedaloud;andCathy,whenshelearnedthemasterhadlostherwhipinattendingonthestranger,showedherhumourbygrinningandspittingatthestupidlittlething;earningforherpainsasoundblowfromherfathertoteachhercleanermanners.Theyentirelyrefusedtohaveitinbedwiththem,orevenintheirroom;andIhadnomoresense,soIputitonthelandingofthestairs,hopingitmightbegoneonthemorrow.Bychance,orelseattractedbyhearinghisvoice,itcrepttoMrEarnshaw"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,asifhehadhurthimselfbyaccidentandnobodywastoblame.ThisendurancemadeoldEarnshawfurious,whenhediscoveredhissonpersecutingthepoor,fatherlesschild,ashecalledhim.HetooktoHeathcliffstrangely,believingallhesaid(forthatmatter,hesaidpreciouslittle,andgenerallythetruth),andpettinghimupfaraboveCathy,whowastoomischievousandwaywardforafavourite.So,fromtheverybeginning,hebredbadfeelinginthehouse;andatMrsEarnshaw"sdeath,whichhappenedinlessthantwoyearsafter,theyoungmasterhadlearnedtoregardhisfatherasanoppressorratherthanafriend,andHeathcliffasausurperofhisparent"saffectionsandhisprivileges;andhegrewbitterwithbroodingovertheseinjuries.Isympathizedawhile;butwhenthechildrenfellillofthemeasles,andIhadtotendthem,andtakeonmethecaresofawomanatonce,Ichangedmyideas.Heathcliffwasdangerouslysick:andwhilehelayattheworst hewouldhavemeconstantlybyhispillow: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,IrememberMrEarnshawonceboughtacoupleofcoltsattheparishfair,andgavetheladseachone.Heathclifftookthehandsomest,butitsoonfelllame,andwhenhediscoveredit,hesaidtoHindley--`Youmustexchangehorseswithme:Idon"tlikemine;andifyouwon"tIshalltellyourfatherofthethreethrashingsyou"vegivenmethisweek,andshowhimmyarm,whichisblacktotheshoulder."Hindleyputouthistongueandcuffedhimover theears.`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,andgotfullrevengebylettinghisconditionpleadforhim,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,beforehe enteredthehouse.Ipersuadedhimeasilytoletmelaytheblameofhisbruisesonthehorse:hemindedlittlewhattalewastoldsincehehadwhathewanted.Hecomplainedsoseldom,indeed,ofsuchstirsasthese,thatIreallythoughthimnotvindictive:Iwasdeceivedcompletely,asyouwillhear.Chapter5Inthecourseoftime,MrEarnshawbegantofail.Hehadbeenactiveandhealthy,yethisstrengthlefthimsuddenly;andwhenhewasconfinedtothechimneycomerhegrewgrievouslyirritable.Anothingvexedhim;andsuspectedslightsofhisauthoritynearlythrewhimintofits.Thiswasespeciallytoberemarkedifanyoneattemptedtoimposeupon,ordomineerover,hisfavourite:hewaspainfullyjealouslestawordshouldbespokenamisstohim;seemingtohavegotintohisheadthenotionthat,becausehelikedHeathcliff,allhated,andlongedtodohimanillturn.Itwasadisadvantagetothelad;forthekinderamongusdidnotwishtofretthemaster,sowehumouredhispartiality;andthathumouringwasrichnourishmenttothechild"sprideandblacktempers.Stillitbecameinamannernecessary;twice,orthrice,Hindley"smanifestationofscorn,whilehisfatherwasnear,rousedtheoldmantoafury:heseizedhissticktostrikehim,andshookwithragethathecouldnotdoit.Atlast,ourcurate(wehadacuratethenwhomadethelivinganswerbyteachingthelittleLintonsandEarnshaws,andfarminghisbitoflandhimself),headvisedthattheyoungmanshould besenttocollege;andMrEarnshawagreed,thoughwithaheavyspirit,forhesaid--`Hindleywasnought,andwouldneverthriveaswherehewandered."Ihopedheartilyweshouldhavepeacenow.Ithurtmetothinkthemastershouldbemadeuncomfortablebyhisowngooddeed.Ifanciedthediscontentofageanddiseasearosefromhisfamilydisagreements:ashewouldhaveitthatitdid:really,youknow,sir,itwasinhissinkingframe.Wemighthavegotontolerably,notwithstanding,butfortwopeople,MissCathyandJoseph,theservant:yousawhim,Idaresay,upyonder.Hewas,andisyetmostlikely,thewearisomestself-righteousPhariseethateverransackedaBibletorakethepromisestohimselfandflingthecursesonhisneighbours.Byhisknackofsermonizingandpiousdiscoursing,hecontrivedtomakeagreatimpressiononMrEarnshaw;andthemorefeeblethemasterbecame,themoreinfluencehegained.Hewasrelentlessinworryinghimabouthissoul"sconcerns,andaboutrulinghischildrenrigidly.HeencouragedhimtoregardHindleyasareprobate;and,nightafternight,heregularlygrumbledoutalongstringoftalesagainstHeathcliffandCatherine:alwaysmindingtoflatterEarnshaw"sweaknessbyheapingtheheaviestblameonthelast.Certainly,shehadwayswithhersuchasIneversawachildtakeupbefore;andsheputallofuspastourpatiencefiftytimesandoftenerinaday:fromthehourshecamedownstairstillthehourshewenttobed,wehadnotaminute"ssecurity thatshewouldn"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,butIwouldnotbearshoppingandordering;andsoIletherknow.Now,MrEarnshawdidnotunderstandjokesfromhischildren:hehadalwaysbeenstrictandgravewiththem;andCatherine,onherpart,hadnoideawhyherfathershouldbecrosserandlesspatientinhisailingcondition,thanhewasinhisprime.Hispeevishreproofswakenedinheranaughtydelighttoprovokehim:shewasneversohappyaswhenwewereallscoldingheratonce,andshedefyinguswithherbold,saucylook,andherreadywordsturningJoseph"sreligiouscursesintoridicule,baitingme,anddoingjustwhatherfatherhatedmost--showinghowherpretendedinsolence,whichhethoughtreal,hadmorepoweroverHeathcliffthanhiskindness:howtheboywoulddoherbidding inanything,andhisonlywhenitsuitedhisowninclination.Afterbehavingasbadlyaspossibleallday,shesometimescamefondlingtomakeitupatnight.`Nay,Cathy,"theoldmanwouldsay,`Icannotlovethee;thou"rtworsethanthybrother.Go,saythyprayers,child,andaskGod"spardon.IdoubtthymotherandImustruethatweeverrearedthee!"Thatmadehercry,atfirst:andthenbeingrepulsedcontinuallyhardenedher,andshelaughedifItoldhertosayshewassorryforherfaults,andbegtobeforgiven.Butthehourcame,atlast,thatendedMrEarnshaw"stroublesonearth.HediedquietlyinhischaironeOctoberevening,seatedbythefireside.Ahighwindblusteredroundthehouse,androaredinthechimney:itsoundedwildandstormy,yetitwasnotcold,andwewerealltogether--I,alittleremovedfromthehearth,busyatmyknitting,andJosephreadinghisBiblenearthetable(fortheservantsgenerallysatinthehousethen,aftertheirworkwasdone).MissCathyhadbeensick,andthatmadeherstill;sheleantagainstherfather"sknee,andHeathcliffwaslyingonthefloorwithhisheadinherlap.Irememberthemaster,beforehefellintoadoze,strokingherbonnyhairitpleasedhimrarelytoseehergentle--andsaying--`Whycanstthounotalwaysbeagoodlass,Cathy?"Andsheturnedherfaceuptohis,andlaughed,andanswered,`Whycannotyoualwaysbeagoodman,father?"Butassoonasshesawhimvexedagain,shekissedhishand,andsaidshewouldsing himtosleep.Shebegansingingverylow,tillhisfingersdroppedfromhers,andhisheadsankonhisbreast.ThenItoldhertohush,andnotstir,forfearsheshouldwakehim.Weallkeptasmuteasmiceafullhalf-hour,andshouldhavedonelonger,onlyJoseph,havingfinishedhischapter,gotupandsaidthathemustrousethemasterforprayersandbed.Hesteppedforward,andcalledhimbyname,andtouchedhisshoulder;buthewouldnotmove,sohetookthecandleandlookedathim.Ithoughttherewassomethingwrongashesetdownthelight;andseizingthechildreneachbyanarm,whisperedthemto`frameupstairs,andmakelittledin--theymightprayalonethatevening--hehadsummuttodo".`Ishallbidfathergoodnightfirst,"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,Isawtheyhadnever laiddown,thoughitwaspastmidnight;buttheywerecalmer,anddidnotneedmetoconsolethem.ThelittlesoulswerecomfortingeachotherwithbetterthoughtsthanIcouldhavehiton:noparsonintheworldeverpicturedheavensobeautifullyastheydid,intheirinnocenttalk:and,whileIsobbedandlistened,Icouldnothelpwishingwewerealltheresafetogether.Chapter6MrHindleycamehometothefuneral;and--athingthatamazedus,andsettheneighboursgossipingrightandleft--hebroughtawifewithhim.Whatshewas,andwhereshewasborn,heneverinformedus:probablyshehadneithermoneynornametorecommendher,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,she didn"tknow;butshefeltsoafraidofdying!Iimaginedheraslittlelikelytodieasmyself.Shewasratherthin,butyoung,andfresh-complexioned,andhereyessparkledasbrightasdiamonds.Ididremark,tobesure,thatmountingthestairsmadeherbreatheveryquick:thattheleastsuddennoisesetherallinaquiver,andthatshecoughedtroublesomelysometimes:butIknewnothingofwhatthesesymptomsportended,andhadnoimpulsetosympathizewithher.Wedon"tingeneraltaketoforeignershere,MrLockwood,unlesstheytaketousfirst.YoungEarnshawwasalteredconsiderablyinthethreeyearsofhisabsence.Hehadgrownsparer,andlosthiscolour,andspokeanddressedquitedifferently;and,ontheverydayofhisreturn,hetoldJosephandmewemustthenceforthquarterourselvesinthebackkitchen,andleavethehouseforhim.Indeed,hewouldhavecarpetedandpaperedasmallspareroomforaparlour;buthiswifeexpressedsuchpleasureatthewhitefloorandhugeglowingfireplace,atthepewterdishesanddelfcase,anddogkennel,andthewidespacetherewastomoveaboutinwheretheyusuallysat,thathethoughtitunnecessarytohercomfort,andsodroppedtheintention.Sheexpressedpleasure,too,atfindingasisteramonghernewacquaintance;andsheprattledtoCatherine,andkissedher,andranaboutwithher,andgaveherquantitiesofpresents,atthebeginning.Heraffectiontiredverysoon,however,andwhenshegrewpeevish,Hindleybecametyrannical.Afewwordsfrom her,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,itchancedthattheywerebanishedfromthe sitting-room,formakinganoise,oralightoffenceofthekind;andwhenIwenttocallthemtosupper,Icoulddiscoverthemnowhere.Wesearchedthehouse,aboveandbelow,andtheyardandstables;theywereinvisible:andatlast,Hindleyinapassiontoldustoboltthedoors,andsworenobodyshouldlettheminthatnight.Thehouseholdwenttobed;andI"tooanxioustoliedown,openedmylatticeandputmyheadouttohearken,thoughitrained:determinedtoadmittheminspiteoftheprohibition,shouldtheyreturn.Inawhile,Idistinguishedstepscominguptheroad,andthelightofalanternglimmeredthroughthegate.IthrewashawlovermyheadandrantopreventthemfromwakingMrEarnshawbyknocking.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-housetohavearambleatliberty,andgettingaglimpseoftheGrangelights, wethoughtwewouldjustgoandseewhethertheLintonspassedtheirSundayeveningsstandingshiveringincorners,whiletheirfatherandmothersateatinganddrinking,andsingingandlaughing;andburningtheireyesoutbeforethefire.Doyouthinktheydo?Orreadingsermons,andbeingcatechizedbytheirmanservant,andsettolearnacolumnofScripturenames,iftheydon"tanswerproperly?"`Probablynot,"Iresponded.`Theyaregoodchildren,nodoubt,anddon"tdeservethetreatmentyoureceive,foryourbadconduct."`Don"tyoucant,Nelly,"hesaid:`nonsense!WeranfromthetopoftheHeightstothepark,withoutstopping--Catherinecompletelybeatenintherace,becauseshewasbarefoot.You"llhavetoseekforhershoesinthebogtomorrow.Wecreptthroughabrokenhedge,gropedourwayupthepath,andplantedourselvesonaflowerplotunderthedrawing-roomwindow.Thelightcamefromthence;theyhadnotputuptheshutters,andthecurtainswereonlyhalfclosed.Bothofuswereabletolookinbystandingonthebasement,andclingingtotheledge,andwesaw--ah!itwasbeautiful--asplendidplacecarpetedwithcrimson,andcrimson-coveredchairsandtables,andapurewhiteceilingborderedbygold,ashowerofglassdropshanginginsilverchainsfromthecentre,andshimmeringwithlittlesofttapers.OldMrandMrsLintonwerenotthere;Edgarandhissisterhaditentirelytothemselves.Shouldn"ttheyhavebeenhappy?We shouldhavethoughtourselvesinheaven!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--notifImighthavetheprivilegeofflinging--Josephoffthehighestgable,andpaintingthehouse-frontwithHindley"sblood!"`Hush,hush!"Iinterrupted.`Stillyouhavenottoldme,Heathcliff,howCatherineisleftbehind?"`Itoldyouwelaughed,"heanswered.`TheLintonsheardus,andwithoneaccord,theyshotlikearrowstothedoor;therewassilence,andthenacry,"Oh,mamma,mamma!Oh,papa!Oh,mamma,comehere.Oh,papa,oh!"Theyreallydidhowloutsomethinginthatway.Wemadefrightfulnoisestoterrifythem stillmore,andthenwedroppedofftheledge,becausesomebodywasdrawingthebars,andwefeltwehadbetterflee.IhadCathybythehand,andwasurgingheron,whenallatonceshefelldown."Run,Heathcliff,run!"shewhispered."Theyhaveletthebulldogloose,andheholdsme!"Thedevilhadseizedherankle,Nelly:Iheardhisabominablesnorting.Shedidnotyellout--no!shewouldhavescornedtodoit,ifshehadbeenspittedonthehornsofamadcow.Idid,though!IvociferatedcursesenoughtoannihilateanyfiendinChristendom;andIgotastoreandthrustitbetweenhisjaws,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!Verylike,therobberswereforputtingthemthroughthewindowtoopenthedoorstothegangafterallwereasleep,thattheymightmurderusattheirease.Holdyourtongue,youfoul-mouthedthief,you!youshallgotothegallowsforthis.MrLinton,sir,don"tlaybyyourgun." "No,no,Robert,"saidtheoldfool."Therascalsknewthatyesterdaywasmyrentday:theythoughttohavemecleverly.Comein;I"llfurnishthemareception.There,John,fastenthechain.GiveSkulkersomewater,Jenny.Tobeardamagistrateinhisstronghold,andontheSabbath,too!Wherewilltheirinsolencestop?Oh,mydearMary,lookhere!Don"tbeafraid,itisbutaboy--yetthevillainscowlssoplainlyinhisface;woulditnotbeakindnesstothecountrytohanghimatonce,beforeheshowshisnatureinactsaswellasfeatures?"Hepulledmeunderthechandelier,andMrsLintonplacedherspectaclesonhernoseandraisedherhandsinhorror.Thecowardlychildrencreptneareralso,Isabellalisping--"Frightfulthing!Puthiminthecellar,papa.He"sexactlylikethesonofthefortune-tellerthatstolemytamepheasant.Isn"the,Edgar?"`Whiletheyexaminedme,Cathycameround;sheheardthelastspeech,andlaughed.EdgarLinton,afteraninquisitivestare,collectedsufficientwittorecognizeher.Theyseeusatchurch,youknow,thoughweseldommeetthemelsewhere."That"sMissEarnshaw!"hewhisperedtohismother,"andlookhowSkulkerhasbittenher--howherfootbleeds!""MissEarnshaw?Nonsense!"criedthedame;"MissEarnshawscouringthecountrywithagipsy!Andyet,mydear,thechildisinmourning--surelyitis--andshemaybelamedforlife!""Whatculpablecarelessnessinherbrother!"exclaimedMrLinton,turningfrommetoCatherine."I"veunderstoodfrom Shielders"(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,assuredmethatMrEarnshawshouldbeinformedofmybehaviour,and,biddingmemarchdirectly,securedthedooragain.Thecurtainswerestillloopedupatonecomer,andIresumedmystationasspy;because,ifCatherinehadwishedtoreturn,Iintendedshatteringtheirgreatglasspanestoamillionoffragments,unlesstheyletherout.Shesatonthesofaquietly.MrsLintontookoffthegreycloakofthedairymaidwhichwehadborrowedforourexcursion,shakingherheadandexpostulatingwithher,Isuppose:shewasayounglady,andtheymadeadistinctionbetweenhertreatmentandmine.Thenthewoman-servantbroughtabasinofwarmwater,andwashedherfeet;andMrLintonmixedatumblerofnegus,andIsabellaemptiedaplatefulofcakesintoherlap,andEdgarstoodgapingatadistance.Afterwards,theydriedandcombedherbeautifulhair, andgaveherapairofenormousslippers,andwheeledhertothefire;andIlefther,asmerryasshecouldbe,dividingherfoodbetweenthelittledogandSkulker,whosenoseshepinchedasheate;andkindlingasparkofspiritinthevacantblueeyesoftheLintons--adimreflectionfromherownenchantingface.Isawtheywerefullofstupidadmiration;sheissoimmeasurablysuperiortothem--toeverybodyonearth,isshenot,Nelly?"`Therewillmorecomeofthisbusinessthanyoureckonon,"Ianswered,coveringhimupandextinguishingthelight.`Youareincurable,Heathcliff;andMrHindleywillhavetoproceedtoextremities,seeifhewon"t."MywordscametruerthanIdesired.ThelucklessadventuremadeEarnshawfurious.AndthenMrLinton,tomendmatters,paidusavisithimselfonthemorrow;andreadtheyoungmastersuchalectureontheroadheguidedhisfamily,thathewasstirredtolookabouthim,inearnest.Heathcliffreceivednoflogging,buthewastoldthatthefirstwordhespoketoMissCatherineshouldensureadismissal;andMrsEarnshawundertooktokeephersister-in-lawinduerestraintwhenshereturnedhome;employingart,notforce:withforceshewouldhavefounditimpossible.Chapter7CathystayedatThrushcrossGrangefiveweeks:tillChristmas.Bythattimeheranklewasthoroughlycured,andhermannersmuchimproved.Themistressvisitedheroftenintheinterval,andcommencedherplanofreformbytryingtoraise herself-respectwithfineclothesandflattery,whichshetookreadily;sothat,insteadofawild,hatlesslittlesavagejumpingintothehouse,andrushingtosqueezeusallbreathless,therealightedfromahandsomeblackponyaverydignifiedperson,withbrownringletsfallingfromthecoverofafeatheredbeaver,andalongclothhabit,whichshewasobligedtoholdupwithbothhandsthatshemightsailin.Hindleyliftedherfromherhorse,exclaimingdelightedly,`Why,Cathy,youarequiteabeauty!Ishouldscarcelyhaveknownyou:youlooklikealadynow.IsabellaLintonisnottobecomparedwithher,isshe,Frances?"`Isabellahasnothernaturaladvantages,"repliedhiswife:`butshemustmindandnotgrowwildagainhere.Ellen,helpMissCatherineoffwithherthings--stay,dear,youwilldisarrangeyourcurls--letmeuntieyourhat."Iremovedthehabit,andthereshoneforth,beneathagrandplaidsilkfrock,whitetrousers,andburnishedshoes;and,whilehereyessparkledjoyfullywhenthedogscameboundinguptowelcomeher,shedarehardlytouchthemlesttheyshouldfawnuponhersplendidgarments.Shekissedmegently:IwasallflourmakingtheChristmascake,anditwouldnothavedonetogivemeahug;and,then,shelookedroundforHeathcliff.MrandMrsEarnshawwatchedanxiouslytheirmeeting;thinkingitwouldenablethemtojudge,insomemeasure,whatgroundstheyhadforhopingtosucceedinseparatingthetwofriends. Heathcliffwashardtodiscover,atfirst.Ifhewerecareless,anduncaredfor,beforeCatherine"sabsence,hehadbeententimesmoreso,since.NobodybutIevendidhimthekindnesstocallhimadirtyboy,andbidhimwashhimself,onceaweek;andchildrenofhisageseldomhaveanaturalpleasureinsoapandwater.Therefore,nottomentionhisclothes,whichhadseenthreemonths"serviceinmireanddust,andhisthickuncombedhair,thesurfaceofhisfaceandhandswasdismallybeclouded.Hemightwellskulkbehindthesettle,onbeholdingsuchabright,gracefuldamselenterthehouse,insteadofarough-headedcounterpartofhimself,asheexpected.`IsHeathcliffnothere?"shedemanded,pullingoffhergloves,anddisplayingfingerswonderfullywhitenedwithdoingnothingandstayingindoors.`Heathcliff,youmaycomeforward,"criedMrHindley,enjoyinghisdiscomfiture,andgratifiedtoseewhataforbiddingyoungblackguardhewouldbecompelledtopresenthimself.`YoumaycomeandwishMissCatherinewelcome,liketheotherservants." Cathy,catchingaglimpseofherfriendinhisconcealment,flewtoembracehim;shebestowedsevenoreightkissesonhischeekwithinthesecond,andthenstopped,anddrawingback,burstintoalaugh,exclaiming,`Why,howveryblackandcrossyoulook!andhow--howfunnyandgrim!Butthat"sbecauseI"m usedtoEdgarandIsabellaLinton.Well,Heathcliff,haveyouforgottenme?"Shehadsomereasontoputthequestion,forshameandpridethrewdoublegloomoverhiscountenance,andkepthimimmovable.`Shakehands,Heathcliff,"saidMrEarnshaw,condescendingly;`onceinaway,thatispermitted."`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,amidthemerrimentofthemasterandmistress,andtotheseriousdisturbanceofCatherine;whocouldnotcomprehendhowherremarksshouldhaveproducedsuchanexhibitionofbadtemper.Afterplayinglady"s-maidtothenewcomer,andputtingmy cakesintheoven,andmakingthehouseandkitchencheerfulwithgreatfires,befittingChristmaseve,Ipreparedtositdownandamusemyselfbysingingcarols,allalone;regardlessofJoseph"saffirmationsthatheconsideredthemerrytunesIchoseasnextdoortosongs.Hehadretiredtoprivateprayerinhischamber,andMrandMrsEarnshawwereengagingMissy"sattentionbysundrygaytriflesboughtforhertopresenttothelittleLintons,asanacknowledgmentoftheirkindness.TheyhadinvitedthemtospendthemorrowatWutheringHeights,andtheinvitationhadbeenaccepted,ononecondition:MrsLintonbeggedthatherdarlingsmustbekeptcarefullyapartfromthat`naughtyswearingboy".UnderthesecircumstancesIremainedsolitary.Ismelttherichscentoftheheatingspices;andadmiredtheshiningkitchenutensils,thepolishedclock,deckedinholly,thesilvermugsrangedonatrayreadytobefilledwithmulledaleforsupper;andaboveall,thespecklesspurityofmyparticularcare--thescouredandwell-sweptfloor.Igavedueinwardapplausetoeveryobject,andthenIrememberedhowoldEarnshawusedtocomeinwhenallwastidied,andcallmeacantlass,andslipashillingintomyhandasaChristmasbox;andfromthatIwentontothinkofhisfondnessforHeathcliff,andhisdreadlestheshouldsufferneglectafterdeathhadremovedhim;andthatnaturallyledmetoconsiderthepoorlad"ssituationnow,andfromsingingIchangedmymindtocrying.Itstruckmesoon,however,there wouldbemoresenseinendeavouringtorepairsomeofhiswrongsthansheddingtearsoverthem:Igotupandwalkedintothecourttoseekhim.Hewasnotfar;Ifoundhimsmoothingtheglossycoatofthenewponyinthestable,andfeedingtheotherbeasts,accordingtocustom.`Makehaste,Heathcliff!"Isaid,`thekitchenissocomfortable;andJosephisupstairs:makehaste,andletmedressyousmartbeforeMissCathycomesout,andthenyoucansittogether,withthewholehearthtoyourselves,andhavealongchattertillbedtime."Heproceededwithhistaskandneverturnedhisheadtowardsme.`Come--areyoucoming?"Icontinued.`There"salittlecakeforeachofyou,nearlyenough;andyou"llneedhalfanhour"sdonning."Iwaitedfiveminutes,butgettingnoanswer,lefthim.Catherinesuppedwithherbrotherandsister-in-law:JosephandIjoinedinanunsociablemeal,seasonedwithreproofsononesideandsaucinessontheother.Hiscakeandcheeseremainedonthetableallnightforthefairies.Hemanagedtocontinueworktillnineo"clock,andthenmarcheddumbanddourtohischamber.Cathysatuplate,havingaworldofthingstoorderforthereceptionofhernewfriends:shecameintothekitchenoncetospeaktoheroldone;buthewasgone,andsheonlystayedtoaskwhatwasthematterwithhim,andthenwentback.Inthe morningheroseearly;andasitwasaholidaycarriedhisillhumourontothemoors;notreappearingtillthefamilyweredepartedforchurch.Fastingandreflectionseemedtohavebroughthimtoabetterspirit.Hehungaboutmeforawhile,andhavingscreweduphiscourage,exclaimedabruptly:`Nelly,makemedecent,I"mgoingtobegood."`Hightime,Heathcliff,"Isaid;`youhavegrievedCatherine:she"ssorrysheevercamehome,Idaresay!Itlooksasifyouenviedher,becausesheismorethoughtofthanyou."ThenotionofenvyingCatherinewasincomprehensibletohim,butthenotionofgrievingherheunderstoodclearlyenough.`Didshesayshewasgrieved?"heinquired,lookingveryserious.`ShecriedwhenItoldheryouwereoffagainthismorning."`Well,Icriedlastnight,"hereturned,`andIhadmorereasontocrythanshe."`Yes:youhadthereasonofgoingtobedwithaproudheartandanemptystomach,"saidI.`Proudpeoplebreedsadsorrowsforthemselves.But,ifyoubeashamedofyourtouchiness,youmustaskpardon,mind,whenshecomesin.Youmustgoupandoffertokissher,andsay--youknowbestwhattosay;onlydoitheartily,andnotasifyouthoughtherconvertedintoastrangerbyhergranddress.Andnow,thoughIhavedinnertogetready,I"llstealtimetoarrangeyousothatEdgarLintonshalllookquiteadollbesideyou:andthathedoes.Youareyounger,and yet,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,thatinsteadofrisingarched,sinkinthemiddle;andthatcoupleofblackfiends,sodeeplyburied,whoneveropentheirwindowsboldly,butlurkglintingunderthem,likedevil"sspies?Wishandlearntosmoothawaythesurlywrinkles,toraiseyourlidsfrankly,andchangethefiendstoconfident,innocentangels,suspectinganddoubtingnothing,andalwaysseeingfriendswheretheyarenotsureoffoes.Don"tgettheexpressionofaviciouscurthatappearstoknowthekicksitgetsareitsdesert,andyethatesalltheworldaswellasthekicker,forwhatitsuffers."`Inotherwords,ImustwishforEdgarLinton"sgreatblue eyesandevenforehead,"hereplied.`Ido--andthatwon"thelpmetothem."`Agoodheartwillhelpyoutoabonnyface,mylad,"Icontinued,`ifyouwerearegularblack;andabadonewillturnthebonniestintosomethingworsethanugly.Andnowthatwe"vedonewashing,andcombing,andsulking--tellmewhetheryoudon"tthinkyourselfratherhandsome?I"lltellyou,Ido.You"refitforaprinceindisguise.WhoknowsbutyourfatherwasEmperorofChina,andyourmotheranIndianqueen,eachofthemabletobuyup,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,eagertokeephispromisetoMrsLinton,shovedhimbackwithasuddenthrust,andangrilybadeJoseph`keepthefellowoutoftheroom--sendhimintothegarrettilldinnerisover.He"llbecramminghisfingersinthetartsandstealingthefruit,ifleftalonewiththemaminute."`Nay,sir,"Icouldnotavoidanswering,`he"lltouchnothing,nothe:andIsupposehemusthavehisshareofthedaintiesaswellaswe."`Heshallhavehisshareofmyhand,ifIcatchhimdownstairsagaintilldark,"criedHindley.`Begone,youvagabond!What!youareattemptingthecoxcomb,areyou?WaittillIgetholdofthoseelegantlocks--seeifIwon"tpullthemabitlonger."`Theyarelongenough,already,"observedMasterLinton,peepingfromthedoorway;`Iwondertheydon"tmakehisheadache.It"slikeacolt"smaneoverhiseyes!"Heventuredhisremarkwithoutanyintentiontoinsult;butHeathcliff"sviolentnaturewasnotpreparedtoenduretheappearanceofimpertinencefromonewhomheseemedtohate,eventhen,asarival.Heseizedatureenofhotapplesauce(thefirstthingthatcameunderhisgripe)anddasheditfullagainstthe speaker"sfaceandneck;whoinstantlycommencedalamentthatbroughtIsabellaandCatherinehurryingtotheplace.MrEarnshawsnatcheduptheculpritdirectlyandconveyedhimtohischamber;where,doubtless,headministeredaroughremedytocoolthefitofpassion,forhereappearedredandbreathless.Igotthedish-clothandratherspitefullyscrubbedEdgar"snoseandmouth,affirmingitservedhimrightformeddling.Hissisterbeganweepingtogohome,andCathystoodbyconfounded,blushingforall.`Youshouldnothavespokentohim!"sheexpostulatedwithMasterLinton.`Hewasinabadtemper,andnowyou"vespoiltyourvisit;andhe"llbeflogged:Ihatehimtobeflogged!Ican"teatmydinner.Whydidyouspeaktohim,Edgar?"`Ididn"t,"sobbedtheyouth,escapingfrommyhands,andfinishingtheremainderofthepurificationwithhiscambricpockethandkerchief.`IpromisedmammathatIwouldn"tsayonewordtohim,andIdidn"t."`Well,don"tcry,"repliedCatherine,contemptuously,`you"renotkilled.Don"tmakemoremischief;mybrotheriscoming:bequiet!Giveover,Isabella!Hasanybodyhurtyou?"`There,there,children--toyourseats!"criedHindley,bustlingin.`Thatbruteofaladhaswarmedmenicely.Nexttime,MasterEdgar,takethelawintoyourownfists--itwillgiveyouanappetite!"Thelittlepartyrecovereditsequanimityatsightofthe fragrantfeast.Theywerehungryaftertheirride,andeasilyconsoled,sincenorealharmhadbefallenthem.MrEarnshawcarvedbountifulplatefuls,andthemistressmadethemmerrywithlivelytalk.Iwaitedbehindherchair,andwaspainedtobeholdCatherine,withdryeyesandanindifferentair,commencecuttingupthewingofagoosebeforeher.`Anunfeelingchild,"Ithoughttomyself;`howlightlyshedismissesheroldplaymate"stroubles.Icouldnothaveimaginedhertobesoselfish."Sheliftedamouthfultoherlips;thenshesetitdownagain:hercheeksflushed,andthetearsgushedoverthem.Sheslippedherforktothefloor,andhastilydivedundertheclothtoconcealheremotion.Ididnotcalherunfeelinglong;forIperceivedshewasinpurgatorythroughouttheday,andwearyingtofindanopportunityofgettingbyherself,orpayingavisittoHeathcliff,whohadbeenlockedupbthemaster:asIdiscovered,onendeavouringtointroducetohimprivatemessofvictuals.Intheeveningwehadadance.Cathybeggedthathemightbliberatedthen,asIsabellaLintonhadnopartner;herentreatieswerevain,andIwasappointedtosupplythedeficiency.Wegotridofallgloomintheexcitementoftheexercise,andourpleasurewasincreasedbythearrivaloftheGimmertonband,musteringfifteenstrong:atrumpet,atrombone,clarionets,bassoonFrenchhorns,andabassviol,besidessingers.Theygotheroundsofalltherespectablehouses,and receivecontributionseveryChristmas,andweesteemeditafirst-ratetreattohearthem.Aftertheusualcarolshadbeensung,wesetthemtosongsandglees.MrsEarnshawlovedthemusic,andsotheygaveusplenty.Catherinelovedittoo;butshesaiditsoundedsweetestatthetopofthesteps,andshewentupinthedark;Ifollowed.Theyshutthehousedoorbelow,nevernotingourabsence,itwassofullpeople.Shemadenostayatthestair"shead,butmountedfarther,tothegarretwhereHeathcliffwasconfined,andcalledhim.Istubbornlydeclinedansweringforawhile;shepersevered,andfinallypersuadedhimtoholdcommunionwithherthroughtheboards.Iletthepoorthingsconverseunmolested,tillIsupposedthesongsweregoingtocease,andthesingerstogetsomerefreshment;then,Iclambereduptheladdertowarnher.Insteadoffindingheroutside,Iheardhervoicewithin.Thelittlemonkeyhadcreptbytheskylightofonegarret,alongtheroof,intotheskylightoftheother,anditwaswiththeutmostdifficultyIcouldcoaxheroutagain.WhenshedidcomeHeathcliffcamewithher,andsheinsistedthatIshouldtakehimintothekitchen,asmyfellow-servanthadgonetoaneighbour"stoberemovedfromthesoundofour`devil"spsalmody",asitpleasedhimtocallit.ItoldthemIintendedbynomeanstoencouragetheirtricks;butastheprisonerhadneverbrokenhisfastsinceyesterday"sdinner,IwouldwinkathischeatingMrHindleythatonce.Hewentdown;Isethimastool bythefire,andofferedhimaquantityofgoodthings;buthewassickandcouldeatlittle,andmyattemptstoentertainhimwerethrownaway.Heleanthistwoelbowsonhisknees,andhischinonhishands,andremainedwraptindumbmeditation.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,MrLockwood,Iforgetthesetalescannotdivertyou.I"mannoyedhowIshoulddreamofchatteringonatsucharate;andyourgruelcold,andyounoddingforbed!IcouldhavetoldHeathcliffshistory,allthatyouneedhear,inhalfadozenwords.Thusinterruptingherself,thehousekeeperrose,aridproceededtolayasidehersewing;butIfeltincapableofmovingfromthehearth,andIwasveryfarfromnodding.`Sitstill,MrsDean,"Icried,`dositstill,anotherhalf-hour!You"vedonejustrighttotellthestoryleisurely.ThatisthemethodIlike;andyoumustfinishitinthesamestyle.Iaminterestedineverycharacteryouhavementioned,moreorless." `Theclockisonthestrokeofeleven,sir."`Nomatter--I"mnotaccustomedtogotobedinthelonghours.Oneortwoisearlyenoughforapersonwholiestillten."`Youshouldn"tlietillten.There"stheveryprimeofthemorninggonelongbeforethattime.Apersonwhohasnotdoneonehalfhisday"sworkbyteno"clock,runsachanceofleavingtheotherhalfundone."`Nevertheless,MrsDean,resumeyourchair;becausetomorrowIintendlengtheningthenighttillafternoon.Iprognosticateformyselfanobstinatecold,atleast."`Ihopenot,sir.Well,youmustallowmetoleapoversomethreeyears;duringthatspaceMrsEarnshaw---"`No,no,I"llallownothingofthesort!Areyouacquaintedwiththemoodofmindinwhich,ifyouwereseatedalone,andthecatlickingitskittenontherugbeforeyou,youwouldwatchtheoperationsointentlythatpuss"sneglectofoneearwouldputyouseriouslyoutoftemper?"`Aterriblylazymood,Ishouldsay."`Onthecontrary,atiresomelyactiveone.Itismine,atpresent;and,therefore,continueminutely.Iperceivethatpeopleintheseregionsacquireoverpeopleintownsthevaluethatthespiderinadungeondoesoveraspiderinacottage,totheirvariousoccupants;andyetthedeepenedattractionisnotentirelyowingtothesituationofthelooker-on.Theydolivemoreinearnest,moreinthemselves,andlessinsurface change,andfrivolousexternalthings.Icouldfancyaloveforlifeherealmostpossible;andIwasafixedunbelieverinanyloveofayear"sstanding.Onestateresemblessettingahungrymandowntoasingledish,onwhichhemayconcentratehisentireappetiteanddoitjustice;theother,introducinghimtoatablelaidoutbyFrenchcooks:hecanperhapsextractasmuchenjoymentfromthewhole;buteachpartisamereatominhisregardandremembrance."`Oh!herewearethesameasanywhereelse,whenyougettoknowus,"observedMrsDean,somewhatpuzzledatmyspeech.`Excuseme,"Iresponded;`you,mygoodfriend,areastrikingevidenceagainstthatassertion.Exceptingafewprovincialismsofslightconsequence,youhavenomarksofthemannerswhichIamhabituatedtoconsideraspeculiartoyourclass.Iamsureyouhavethoughtagreatdealmorethanthegeneralityofservantsthink.Youhavebeencompelledtocultivateyourreflectivefacultiesforwantofoccasionsforfritteringyourlifeawayinsillytrifles."MrsDeanlaughed.`Icertainlyesteemmyselfasteady,reasonablekindofbody,"shesaid;`notexactlyfromlivingamongthehillsandseeingonesetoffaces,andoneseriesofactions,fromyear"sendtoyear"send;butIhaveundergonesharpdiscipline,whichhastaughtmewisdom;andthen,Ihavereadmorethanyouwouldfancy,MrLockwood.Youcouldnotopenabookinthislibrary thatIhavenotlookedinto,andgotsomethingoutofalso:unlessitbethatrangeofGreekandLatinandthatofFrench;andthoseIknowonefromanother:itisasmuchasyoucanexpectofapoorman"sdaughter.However,ifIamtofollowmystoryintruegossip"sfashion,Ihadbettergoon;andinsteadofleapingthreeyears,Iwillbecontenttopasstothenextsummer--thesummerof1778,thatis,nearlytwenty-threeyearsago."Chapter8OnthemorningofafineJuneday,myfirstbonnylittlenursling,andthelastoftheancientEarnshawstock,wasborn.Wewerebusywiththehayinafarawayfield,whenthegirlthatusuallybroughtourbreakfasts,camerunninganhourtoosoon,acrossthemeadowandupthelane,callingmeassheran.`Oh,suchagrandbairn!"shepantedout.`Thefinestladthateverbreathed!Butthedoctorsaysmissismustgo:hesaysshe"sbeeninaconsumptionthesemanymonths.IheardhimtellMrHindley:andnowshehasnothingtokeepher,andshe"llbedeadbeforewinter.Youmustcomehomedirectly.You"retonurseit,Nelly:tofeeditwithsugarandmilk,andtakecareofitdayandnight.IwishIwereyou,becauseitwillbeallyourswhenthereisnomissis!"`Butissheveryill?"Iasked,flingingdownmyrake,andtyingmybonnet.`Iguesssheis;yetshelooksbravely,"repliedthegirl,`andshetalksasifshethoughtoflivingtoseeitgrowaman. She"soutofherheadforjoy,it"ssuchabeauty!IfIwereher,I"mcertainIshouldnotdie:Ishouldgetbetteratthebaresightofit,inspiteofKenneth.Iwasfairlymadathim.DameArcherbroughtthecherubdowntomaster,inthehouse,andhisfacejustbegantolightup,thentheoldcroakerstepsforward,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.Areyougoingupstairs?willyoutellherthatI"llcome,ifshe"llpromisenottotalk.Ileftherbecauseshewouldnotholdhertongue;andshemust--tellherMrKennethsaysshemustbequiet."IdeliveredthismessagetoMrsEarnshaw;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."Hetoldhiswifethesamestory,andsheseemedtobelievehim;butonenight,whileleaningonhisshoulder,intheactofsayingshethoughtsheshouldbeabletogetuptomorrow,afitofcoughingtookher--averyslightone--heraisedherin hisarms;sheputhertwohandsabouthisneck,herfacechanged,andshewasdead.Asthegirlhadanticipated,thechildHaretonfellwhollyintomyhands.MrEarnshaw,providedhesawhimhealthyandneverheardhimcry,wascontented,asfarasregardedhim.Forhimself,hegrewdesperate:hissorrowwasofthatkindthatwillnotlament.Heneitherweptnorprayed:hecursedanddefied:execratedGodandman,andgavehimselfuptorecklessdissipation.Theservantscouldnotbearhistyrannicalandevilconductlong:JosephandIweretheonlytwothatwouldstay.Ihadnotthehearttoleavemycharge;andbesides,youknowIhadbeenhisfoster-sister,andexcusedhisbehaviourmorereadilythanastrangerwould.Josephremainedtohectorovertenantsandlabourers;andbecauseitwashisvocationtobewherehehadplentyofwickednesstoreprove.Themaster"sbadwaysandbadcompanionsformedaprettyexampleforCatherineandHeathcliff.Histreatmentofthelatterwasenoughtomakeafiendofasaint.And,truly,itappearedasiftheladwerepossessedofsomethingdiabolicalatthatperiod.HedelightedtowitnessHindleydegradinghimselfpastredemption;andbecamedailymorenotableforsavagesullennessandferocity.Icouldnothalftellwhataninfernalhousewehad.Thecuratedroppedcalling,andnobodydecentcamenearus,atlast;unlessEdgarLinton"svisitstoMissCathymightbeanexception.Atfifteenshewasthequeen ofthecountryside;shehadnopeer;andshedidturnoutahaughty,headstrongcreature!IownIdidnotlikeher,afterherinfancywaspast;andIvexedherfrequentlybytryingtobringdownherarrogance:shenevertookanaversiontome,though.Shehadawondrousconstancytooldattachments:evenHeathcliffkepthisholdonheraffectionsunalterably;andyoungLinton,withallhissuperiority,founditdifficulttomakeanequallydeepimpression.Hewasmylatemaster:thatishisportraitoverthefireplace.Itusedtohangononeside,andhiswife"sontheother;buthershasbeenremoved,orelseyoumightseesomethingofwhatshewas.Canyoumakethatout?MrsDeanraisedthecandle,andIdiscernedasoft-featuredface,exceedinglyresemblingtheyoungladyattheHeights,butmorepensiveandamiableinexpression.Itformedasweetpicture.Thelonglighthaircurledslightlyonthetemples;theeyeswerelargeandserious;thefigurealmosttoograceful.IdidnotmarvelhowCatherineEarnshawcouldforgetherfirstfriendforsuchanindividual.Imarvelledmuchhowhe,withamindtocorrespondwithhisperson,couldfancymyideaofCatherineEarnshaw.`Averyagreeableportrait,"Iobservedtothehousekeeper.`Isitlike?"`Yes,"sheanswered;`buthelookedbetterwhenhewasanimated;thatishiseverydaycountenance:hewantedspiritingeneral." CatherinehadkeptupheracquaintancewiththeLintonssinceherfiveweeks"residenceamongthem;andasshehadnotemptationtoshowherroughsideintheircompany,andhadthesensetobeashamedofbeingrudewheresheexperiencedsuchInvariablecourtesy,sheimposedunwittinglyontheoldladyandgentleman,byheringeniouscordiality;gainedtheadmirationofIsabella,andtheheartandsoulofherbrother:acquisitionsthatflatteredherfromthefirst,forshewasfullofambition,andledhertoadoptadoublecharacterwithoutexactlyintendingtodeceiveanyone.IntheplacewheresheheardHeathclifftermedavulgaryoungruffian",and`worsethanabrute",shetookcarenottoactlikehim;butathomeshehadsmallinclinationtopractisepolitenessthatwouldonlybelaughedat,andrestrainanunrulynaturewhenitwouldbringherneithercreditnorpraise.MrEdgarseldommusteredcouragetovisitWutheringHeightsopenly.HehadaterrorofEarnshaw"sreputation,andshrunkfromencounteringhim;andyethewasalwaysreceivedwithourbestattemptsatcivility:themasterhimselfavoidedoffendinghim,knowingwhyhecame;andifhecouldnotbegracious,keptoutoftheway.IratherthinkhisappearancetherewasdistastefultoCatherine:shewasnotartful,neverplayedthecoquette,andhadevidentlyanobjectiontohertwofriendsmeetingatall;forwhenHeathcliffexpressedcontemptofLintoninhispresence,shecouldnothalfcoincide,asshedidinhisabsence;andwhenLintonevinceddisgustandantipathy toHeathcliff,shedarednottreathissentimentswithindifference,asifdepreciationofherplaymatewereofscarcelyanyconsequencetoher.I"vehadmanyalaughatherperplexitiesanduntoldtroubles,whichshevainlystrovetohidefrommymockery.Thatsoundsill-natured:butshewassoproud,itbecamereallyimpossibletopityherdistresses,tillsheshouldbechastenedintomorehumility.Shedidbringherself,finally,toconfess,andconfideinme:therewasnotasoulelsethatshemightfashionintoanadviser.MrHindleyhadgonefromhomeoneafternoon,andHeathcliffpresumedtogivehimselfaholidayonthestrengthofit.Hehadreachedtheageofsixteenthen,Ithink,andwithouthavingbadfeatures,orbeingdeficientinintellect,hecontrivedtoconveyanimpressionofinwardandoutwardrepulsivenessthathispresentaspectretainsnotracesof.Inthefirstplace,hehadbythattimelostthebenefitofhisearlyeducation:continualhardwork,begunsoonandconcludedlate,hadextinguishedanycuriosityheoncepossessedinpursuitofknowledge,andanyloveforbooksorlearning.Hischildhood"ssenseofsuperiority,instilledintohimbythefavoursofoldMrEarnshaw,wasfadedaway.HestruggledlongtokeepupanequalitywithCatherineinherstudies,andyieldedwithpoignantthoughsilentregret:butheyieldedcompletely;andtherewasnoprevailingonhimtotakeastepinthewayofmovingupward,whenhefoundhemust,necessarily,sinkbeneathhis formerlevel.Thenpersonalappearancesympathizedwithmentaldeterioration:heacquiredaslouchinggait,andignoblelook;hisnaturallyreserveddispositionwasexaggeratedintoanalmostidioticexcessofunsociablemoroseness;andhetookagrimpleasure,apparently,inexcitingtheaversionratherthantheesteemofhisfewacquaintance.Catherineandhewereconstantcompanionsstillathisseasonsofrespitefromlabour;buthehadceasedtoexpresshisfondnessforherinwords,andrecoiledwithangrysuspicionfromhergirlishcaresses,asifconscioustherecouldbenogratificationinlavishingsuchmarksofaffectiononhim.Onthebefore-namedoccasionhecameintothehousetoannouncehisintentionofdoingnothing,whileIwasassistingMissCathytoarrangeherdress:shehadnotreckonedonhistakingitintohisheadtobeidle;andimaginingshewouldhavethewholeplacetoherself,shemanaged,bysomemeans,toinformMrEdgarofherbrother"sabsence,andwasthenpreparingtoreceivehim.`Cathy,areyoubusy,thisafternoon?"askedHeathcliff.`Areyougoinganywhere?"`No,itisraining,"sheanswered.`Whyhaveyouthatsilkfrockon,then?"hesaid.`Nobodycominghere,Ihope?"`NotthatIknowof,"stammeredMiss:`butyoushouldbeinthefieldnow,Heathcliff.Itisanhourpastdinnertime:Ithoughtyouweregone." `Hindleydoesnotoftenfreeusfromhisaccursedpresence,"observedtheboy.`I"llnotworkanymoretoday:I"llstaywithyou."`Oh,butJosephwilltell,"shesuggested;`you"dbettergo!"`JosephisloadinglimeonthefarthersideofPennistowCrag;itwilltakehimtilldark,andhe"llneverknow."Sosaying,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--onlylookatthealmanaconthatwall;"hepointedtoaframedsheethangingnearthewindow,andcontinued--`The crossesarefortheeveningsyouhavespentwiththeLintons,thedotsforthosespentwithme.Doyousee?I"vemarkedeveryday."`Yes--veryfoolish:asifItooknotice!"repliedCatherineinapeevishtone.`Andwhereisthesenseofthat?"`ToshowthatIdotakenotice,"saidHeathcliff.`AndshouldIalwaysbesittingwithyou?"shedemanded,growingmoreirritated.`WhatgooddoIget?Whatdoyoutalkabout?Youmightbedumb,orababy,foranythingyousaytoamuseme,orforanythingyoudo,either!"`YounevertoldmebeforethatItalkedtoolittle,orthatyoudislikedmycompany,Cathy!"exclaimedHeathcliff,inmuchagitation.`It"snocompanyatall,whenpeopleknownothingandsaynothing,"shemuttered.Hercompanionroseup,buthehadn"ttimetoexpresshisfeelingsfurther,forahorse"sfeetwereheardontheflags,andhavingknockedgently,youngLintonentered,hisfacebrilliantwithdelightattheunexpectedsummonshehadreceived.DoubtlessCatherinemarkedthedifferencebetweenherfriends,asonecameinandtheotherwentout.Thecontrastresembledwhatyouseeinexchangingableak,hilly,coalcountryforabeautifulfertilevalley;andhisvoiceandgreetingwereasoppositeashisaspect.Hehadasweet,lowmannerofspeaking,andpronouncedhis wordsasyoudo:that"slessgruffthanwetalkhere,andsofter.`I"mnotcometoosoon,amI?"hesaid,castingalookatme:Ihadbeguntowipetheplate,andtidysomedrawersatthefarendinthedresser.`No,"answeredCatherine.`Whatareyoudoingthere,Nelly?"`Mywork,miss,"Ireplied.(MrHindleyhadgivenmedirectionstomakeathirdparryinanyprivatevisitsLintonchosetopay.)Shesteppedbehindmeandwhisperedcrossly,`Takeyourselfandyourdustersoff;whencompanyareinthehouse,servantsdon"tcommencescouringandcleaningintheroomwheretheyare!"`It"sagoodopportunity,nowthatthemasterisaway,"Iansweredaloud:`hehatesmetobefidgetingoverthesethingsinhispresence.I"msureMrEdgarwillexcuseme."`Ihateyoutobefidgetinginmypresence,"exclaimedtheyoungladyimperiously,notallowingherguesttimetospeak:shehadfailedtorecoverherequanimitysincethelittledisputewithHeathcliff.`I"msorryforit,MissCatherine,"wasmyresponse;andIproceededassiduouslywithmyoccupation.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.Shestampedherfoot,waveredamoment,andthenirresistiblyimpelledbythenaughtyspiritwithinher,slappedmeonthecheekastingingblowthatfilledbotheyeswithwater.`Catherine,love!Catherine!"interposedLinton,greatlyshockedatthedoublefaultoffalsehoodandviolencewhichhisidolhadcommitted.`Leavetheroom,Ellen!"sherepeated,tremblingallover.LittleHareton,whofollowedmeeverywhere,andwassittingnearmeonthefloor,atseeingmytearscommencedcryinghimself,andsobbedoutcomplaintsagainst`wickedauntCathy",whichdrewherfuryontohisunluckyhead:sheseizedhisshoulders,andshookhimtillthepoorchildwaxedlivid,andEdgarthoughtlesslylaidholdofherhandstodeliverhim.Inaninstantonewaswrungfree,andtheastonishedyoungmanfeltitappliedoverhisownearinawaythatcouldnotbemistakenforjest.Hedrewbackinconsternation.IliftedHaretoninmyarms,andwalkedofftothekitchenwithhim,leavingthedoor ofcommunicationopen,forIwascurioustowatchhowtheywouldsettletheirdisagreement.Theinsultedvisitormovedtothespotwherehehadlaidhishat,paleandwithaquiveringlip.`That"sright!"Isaidtomyself.`Takewarningandbegone!It"sakindnesstoletyouhaveaglimpseofhergenuinedisposition."`Whereareyougoing?"demandedCatherine,advancingtothedoor.Heswervedaside,andattemptedtopass.`Youmustnotgo!"sheexclaimedenergetically.`Imustandshall!"herepliedinasubduedvoice.`No,"shepersisted,graspingthehandle;`notyet,EdgarLinton:sitdown;youshallnotleavemeinthattemper.Ishouldbemiserableallnight,andIwon"tbemiserableforyou!"`CanIstayafteryouhavestruckme?"askedLinton.Catherinewasmute.`You"vemademeafraidandashamedofyou,"hecontinued;`I"llnotcomehereagain!"Hereyesbegantoglisten,andherlidstotwinkle.`Andyoutoldadeliberateuntruth!"hesaid.`Ididn"t!"shecried,recoveringherspeech;`Ididnothingdeliberately.Well,go,ifyouplease--getaway!AndnowI"llcry--I"llcrymyselfsick!"Shedroppeddownonherkneesbyachair,andsettoweepinginseriousearnest.Edgarperseveredinhisresolutionasfar asthecourt;therehelingered.Iresolvedtoencouragehim.`Missisdreadfullywayward,sir,"Icalledout.`Asbadasanymarredchild:you"dbetterberidinghome,orelseshewillbesickonlytogrieveus."Thesoftthinglookedaskancethroughthewindow:hepossessedthepowertodepart,asmuchasacatpossessesthepowertoleaveamousehalfkilled,orabirdhalfeaten.Ah,Ithought,therewillbenosavinghim:he"sdoomed,andfliestohisfate!Andsoitwas:heturnedabruptly,hastenedintothehouseagain,shutthedoorbehindhim;andwhenIwentinawhileaftertoinformthemthatEarnshawhadcomehomerabiddrunk,readytopullthewholeplaceaboutourears(hisordinaryframeofmindinthatcondition),Isawthequarrelhadmerelyeffectedacloserintimacyhadbrokentheoutworksofyouthfultimidity,andenabledthemtoforsakethedisguiseoffriendship,andconfessthemselveslovers.IntelligenceofMrHindley"sarrivaldroveLintonspeedilytohishorse,andCatherinetoherchamber.IwenttohidelittleHareton,andtotaketheshotoutofthemaster"sfowling-piece,whichhewasfondofplayingwithinhisinsaneexcitement,tothehazardofthelivesofanywhoprovoked,orevenattractedhisnoticetoomuch;andIhadhitupontheplanofremovingit,thathemightdolessmischiefifhedidgothelengthoffiringthegun.Chapter9 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,headdownmost,intheBlackhorsemarsh;andtwoisthesameasone--andIwanttokillsomeofyou:IshallhavenoresttillIdo!"`ButIdon"tlikethecarving-knife,MrHindley,"Ianswered:`ithasbeencuttingredherrings.I"dratherbeshot,ifyouplease."`You"dratherbedamned!"hesaid;`andsoyoushall.NolawinEnglandcanhinderamanfromkeepinghishousedecent,andmine"sabominable!openyourmouth."Heheldtheknifeinhishand,andpusheditspointbetweenmyteeth:but,formypart,Iwasnevermuchafraidofhisvagaries.Ispatout,andaffirmedittasteddetestably--Iwould nottakeitonanyaccount.`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,asif1wouldrearsuchamonster!AssureasI"mliving,I"llbreakthebrat"sneck."PoorHaretonwassquallingandkickinginhisfather"sarmswithallhismight,andredoubledhisyellswhenhecarriedhimupstairsandliftedhimoverthebanister.Icriedoutthathewouldfrightenthechildintofits,andrantorescuehim.AsIreachedthem,Hindleyleantforwardontherailstolistentoanoisebelow;almostforgettingwhathehadinhishands.`Whoisthat?"heasked,hearingsomeoneapproachingthestair"sfoot.Ileantforwardalso,forthepurposeofsigningtoHeathcliff,whosestepIrecognized,nottocomefarther;and,attheinstantwhenmyeyequittedHareton,hegaveasuddenspring,delivered himselffromthecarelessgraspthatheldhim,andfell.Therewasscarcelytimetoexperienceathrillofhorrorbeforewesawthatthelittlewretchwassafe.Heathcliffarrivedunderneathjustatthecriticalmoment;byanaturalimpulse,hearrestedhisdescent,andsettinghimonhisfeet,lookeduptodiscovertheauthoroftheaccident.Amiserwhohaspartedwithaluckylotteryticketforfiveshillings,andfindsnextdayhehaslostinthebargainfivethousandpounds,couldnotshowablankercountenancethanhedidonbeholdingthefigureofMrEarnshawabove.Itexpressed,plainerthanwordscoulddo,theintenseanguishathavingmadehimselftheinstrumentofthwartinghisownrevenge.Haditbeendark,Idaresay,hewouldhavetriedtoremedythemistakebysmashingHareton"sskullonthesteps;butwewitnessedhissalvation;andIwaspresentlybelowwithmypreciouschargepressedtomyheart.Hindleydescendedmoreleisurely,soberedandabashed.`Itisyourfault,Ellen,"hesaid;`youshouldhavekepthimoutofsight:youshouldhavetakenhimfromme!Isheinjuredanywhere?"`Injured!"Icriedangrily;`ifhe"snotkilled,he"llbeanidiot!Oh!Iwonderhismotherdoesnotrisefromhergravetoseehowyouusehim.You"reworsethanaheathen--treatingyourownfleshandbloodinthatmanner!"Heattemptedtotouchthechild,who,onfindinghimselfwithme,sobbedoffhisterrordirectly.Atthefirstfingerhis fatherlaidonhim,however,heshriekedagainlouderthanbefore,andstruggledasifhewouldgointoconvulsions.`Youshallnotmeddlewithhim!"Icontinued.`Hehatesyou--theyallhateyou--that"sthetruth!Ahappyfamilyyouhave:andaprettystateyou"recometo!"`Ishallcometoaprettier,yet,Nelly,"laughedthemisguidedman,recoveringhishardness.`Atpresent,conveyyourselfandhimaway.And,harkyou,Heathcliff!clearyoutoo,quitefrommyreachandhearing.Iwouldn"tmurderyoutonight;unless,perhaps,Isetthehouseonfire:butthat"sasmyfancygoes.Whilesayingthishetookapintbottleofbrandyfromthedresser,andpouredsomeintoatumbler.`Nay,don"t!"Ientreated.`MrHindley,dotakewarning.Havemercyonthisunfortunateboy,ifyoucarenothingforyourself!"`AnyonewilldobetterforhimthanIshall,"heanswered.`Havemercyonyourownsoul!"Isaid,endeavouringtosnatchtheglassfromhishand.`NotI!Onthecontrary,IshallhavegreatpleasureinsendingittoperditiontopunishitsMaker,"exclaimedtheblasphemer.`Here"stoitsheartydamnation!"Hedrankthespiritsandimpatientlybadeusgo;terminatinghiscommandwithasequelofhorridimprecations,toobadtorepeatorremember. `It"sapityhecannotkillhimselfwithdrink,"observedHeathcliff,mutteringanechoofcursesbackwhenthedoorwasshut.`He"sdoinghisveryutmost;buthisconstitutiondefieshim.MrKennethsayshewouldwagerhismare,thathe"lloutliveanymanonthissideGimmerton,andgotothegraveahoarysinner;unlesssomehappychanceoutofthecommoncoursebefallhim."Iwentintothekitchen,andsatdowntolullmylittlelambtosleep.Heathcliff,asIthought,walkedthroughtothebarn.Itturnedoutafterwardsthatheonlygotasfarastheothersidethesettle,whenheflunghimselfonabenchbythewall,removedfromthefire,andremainedsilent.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:butshemaycometothepointasshewill--Ishan"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.Today,EdgarLintonhasaskedmetomarryhim,andI"vegivenhimananswer.Now,beforeItellyouwhetheritwasaconsentordenial,youtellmewhichitoughttohavebeen."`Really,MissCatherine,howcanIknow?"Ireplied.`Tobesure,consideringtheexhibitionyouperformedinhispresencethisafternoon,Imightsayitwouldbewisetorefusehim:since heaskedyouafterthat,hemusteitherbehopelesslystupidoraventuresomefool."`Ifyoutalkso,Iwon"ttellyouanymore,"shereturnedpeevishly,risingtoherfeet.`Iacceptedhim,Nelly.Bequick,andsaywhetherIwaswrong!"`Youacceptedhim!thenwhatgoodisitdiscussingthematter?Youhavepledgedyourword,andcannotretract."`But,saywhetherIshouldhavedoneso--do!"sheexclaimedinanirritatedtone;chafingherhandstogether,andfrowning.`Therearemanythingstobeconsideredbeforethatquestioncanbeansweredproperly,"Isaidsententiously.`Firstandfore-most,doyouloveMrEdgar?"`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."`Andhewillberich,andIshallliketobethegreatest womanoftheneighbourhood,andIshallbeproudofhavingsuchahusband."`Worstofall.Andnow,sayhowyoulovehim?"`Aseverybodyloves--You"resilly,Nelly."`Notatall--Answer."`Ilovethegroundunderhisfeet,andtheairoverhishead,andeverythinghetouches,andeverywordhesays.Iloveallhislooks,andallhisactions,andhimentirelyandaltogether.Therenow!"`Andwhy?"`Nay;youaremakingajestofit;itisexceedinglyill-natured!It"snojesttome!"saidtheyounglady,scowling,andturningherfacetothefire.`I"mveryfarfromjesting,MissCatherine,"Ireplied.`YouloveMrEdgarbecauseheishandsome,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." `Youmayseesome;andhewon"talwaysbehandsome,andyoung,andmaynotalwaysberich."`Heisnow;andIhaveonlytodowiththepresent.Iwishyouwouldspeakrationally."`Well,thatsettlesit:ifyouhaveonlytodowiththepresent,marryMrLinton."`Idon"twantyourpermissionforthat--Ishallmarryhim:andyetyouhavenottoldmewhetherI"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"venopowertobemerrytonight."`Iwon"thearit,Iwon"thearit!"Irepeatedhastily.Iwassuperstitiousaboutdreamsthen,andamstill;andCatherinehadanunusualgloominheraspect,thatmademedreadsomethingfromwhichImightshapeaprophecy,andforeseeafearfulcatastrophe.Shewasvexed,butshedidnotproceed.Apparentlytakingupanothersubject,sherecommencedinashorttime.`IfIwereinheaven,Nelly,Ishouldbeextremely miserable."`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."Erethisspeechended,IbecamesensibleofHeathcliff"spresence.Havingnoticedaslightmovement,Iturnedmyhead,andsawhimrisefromthebench,andstealoutnoiselessly.He hadlistenedtillheheardCatherinesayitwoulddegradehertomarryhim,andthenhestayedtohearnofurther.Mycompanion,sittingontheground,waspreventedbythebackofthesettlefromremarkinghispresenceordeparture;butIstarted,andbadeherhush!`Why?"sheasked,gazingnervouslyround.`Josephishere,"Ianswered,catchingopportunelytherollofhiscart-wheelsuptheroad;`andHeathcliffwillcomeinwithhim.I"mnotsurewhetherhewerenotatthedoorthismoment."`Oh,hecouldn"toverhearmeatthedoor!"saidshe.`GivemeHareton,whileyougetthesupper,andwhenitisreadyaskmetosupwithyou.Iwanttocheatmyuncomfortableconscience,andbeconvincedthatHeathcliffhasnonotionofthesethings.Hehasnot,hashe?Hedoesnotknowwhatbeinginloveis?"`Iseenoreasonthatheshouldnotknow,aswellasyou,"Ireturned;`andifyouarehischoice,hewillbethemostunfortunatecreaturethateverwasborn!AssoonasyoubecomeMrsLinton,helosesfriend,andlove,andall!Haveyouconsideredhowyou"llbeartheseparation,andhowhe"llbedesertedintheworld?Because,MissCatherine---"`Hequitedeserted!weseparated!"sheexclaimed,withanaccentofindignation.`Whoistoseparateus,pray?They"llmeetthefateofMilo!NotaslongasIlive,Ellen:fornomortalcreature.EveryLintononthefaceoftheearthmightmeltintonothing,beforeIcouldconsenttoforsakeHeathcliff.Oh, that"snotwhatIintend--that"snotwhatImean!Ishouldn"tbeMrsLintonweresuchapricedemanded!He"llbeasmuchtomeashehasbeenallhislifetime.Edgarmustshakeoffhisantipathy,andtoleratehim,atleast.Hewill,whenhelearnsmytruefeelingstowardshim.Nelly,Iseenow,youthinkmeaselfishwretch;butdiditneverstrikeyouthatifHeathcliffandImarried,weshouldbebeggars?whereas,ifImarryLinton,IcanaidHeathclifftorise,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,andIwatchedandfelteachfromthebeginning:mygreatthoughtinlivingishimself.Ifallelseperished,andheremained,Ishouldstillcontinuetobe;andifallelseremained,andhewereannihilated,theuniversewouldturntoamightystranger:Ishouldnotseem apartofit.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?"sheaskedeagerly.`No,I"llnotpromise,"Irepeated.Shewasabouttoinsist,whentheentranceofJosephfinishedourconversation;andCatherineremovedherseattoacorner,andnursedHareton,whileImadethesupper.Afteritwascooked,myfellow-servantandIbegantoquarrelwhoshouldcarrysometoMrHindley;andwedidn"tsettleittillallwasnearlycold.Thenwecametotheagreementthatwewouldlethimask,ifhewantedany;forwefearedparticularlytogointohispresencewhenhehadbeensometimealone. `Undhahisn"tthatnowtcomedinfroughth"field,bethistime?Whatisheabaht?girteedleseeght!"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.Andontheirbehalfheaddedthatnightaspecialprayertotheusualquarterofanhour"ssupplicationbeforemeat,andwouldhavetackedanothertotheendofthegrace,hadnothisyoungmistressbrokeninuponhimwithahurriedcommandthathemustrundowntheroad,andwhereverHeathcliffhadrambled,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.`Yonladsgetswarunwar!"observedheonre-entering.`He"sleftth"yateutt"fullswing,andMiss"sponyhastroddendahntworigsuhcorn,unplotteredthrough,raighto"erintuht"meadow!Hahsomdiver,t"maister"ullplayt"deviltomorn,andhe"lldoweel.He"spatienceitsselnwi"sichcareless,offaldcraters--patienceitsselnheis!Budhe"llnutbesoaallus--yah"ssee,allonye!Yahmum"ntdrivehimahtufhisheeadfornowt!" `HaveyoufoundHeathcliff,youass?"interruptedCatherine.`Haveyoubeenlookingforhim,asIordered?"`Awsudmorelikkerlookforth"horse,"hereplied.`It"udbetuhmoresense.Bud,Awcanlookfornortherhorsenurmanufaneeghtloikethis--asblackast"chimbley!undHathecliff"snoant"chaptocoomatmawwhistle--happenhe"llbelessharduhhearingwi"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,sendingaclatterofstonesandsootintothekitchenfire.Wethought abolthadfalleninthemiddleofus;andJosephswungontohiskneesbeseechingtheLordtorememberthepatriarchsNoahandLot,and,asinformertimes,sparetherighteous,thoughHesmotetheungodly.Ifeltsomesentimentthatitmustbeajudgmentonusalso.TheJonah,inmymind,wasMrEarnshaw;andIshookthehandleofhisdenthatImightascertainifhewereyetliving.Herepliedaudiblyenough,inafashionwhichmademycompanionvociferate,moreclamorouslythanbefore,thatawidedistinctionmightbedrawnbetweensaintslikehimselfandsinnerslikehismaster.Buttheuproarpassedawayintwentyminutes,leavingusallunharmed;exceptingCathy,whogotthoroughlydrenchedforherobstinacyinrefusingtotakeshelter,andstandingbonnetlessandshawl-lesstocatchasmuchwaterasshecouldwithherhairandclothes.Shecameinandlaydownonthesettle,allsoakedasshewas,turningherfacetotheback,andputtingherhandsbeforeit.`Well,miss!"Iexclaimed,touchinghershoulder;`youarenotbentongettingyourdeath,areyou?Doyouknowwhato"clockitis?Halfpasttwelve.Come,cometobed!there"snousewaitinglongeronthatfoolishboy:he"llbegonetoGimmetton,andhe"llstaytherenow.Heguessesweshouldn"twaitforhimtillthislatehour:atleast,heguessesthatonlyMrHindleywouldbeup;andhe"dratheravoidhavingthedooropenedbythemaster.`Nay,nay,he"snoanatGimmerton,"saidJoseph.`Aw"sniverwonder,budhe"satt"bothomufabog-hoile.Thisvisitation worn"tfornowt,andIwodhevyetolookout,miss--yahmuhbet"next.ThankHivenforall!Allwarkstogitherforgooidtothemasischozzen,andpikedoutfro"th"rubbidge!Yahknawwhett"Scriptureses."Andhebeganquotingseveraltexts,referringustothechaptersandverseswherewemightfindthem.I,havingvainlybeggedthewilfulgirltoriseandremoveherwetthings,lefthimpreachingandhershivering,andbetookmyselftobedwithlittleHareton,whosleptasfastasifeveryonehadbeensleepingroundhim.IheardJosephreadonawhileafterwards;thenIdistinguishedhisslowstepontheladder,andthenIdroppedasleep.Comingdownsomewhatlaterthanusual,Isaw,bythesunbeamspiercingthechinksoftheshutters,MissCatherinestillseatednearthefireplace.Thehousedoorwasajar,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." MrEarnshawstaredatusinsurprise.`Thenightthrough,"herepeated.`Whatkeptherup?notfearofthethunder,surely?Thatwasoverhourssince."NeitherofuswishedtomentionHeathcliff"sabsence,aslongaswecouldconcealit;soIreplied,Ididn"tknowhowshetookitintoherheadtositup;andshesaidnothing.Themorningwasfreshandcool;Ithrewbackthelattice,andpresentlytheroomfilledwithsweetscentsfromthegarden;butCatherinecalledpeevishlytome,`Ellen,shutthewindow.I"mstarving!"Andherteethchatteredassheshrunkclosertothealmostextinguishedembers.`She"sill,"saidHindley,takingherwrist;`Isupposethat"sthereasonshewouldnotgotobed.Damnit!Idon"twanttobetroubledwithmoresicknesshere.Whattookyouintotherain!"`Runningaftert"lads,asusuald!"croakedJoseph,catchinganopportunity,fromourhesitation,tothrustinhiseviltongue.`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,wergrandladygoesacoortingofherside!It"sbonnybehaviour,lurkingamangt"fields,aftertwelveo"t"night,wi"thatfahl,flaysomedivilofagipsy,Heathcliff!TheythinkI"mblind;but I"mnoan:nowtutt"soart!--IseedyoungLintonboathcomingandgoing,andIseedyah"(directinghisdiscoursetome),`yahgooidfurnowt,slattenlywitch!nipupandboltintoth"house,t"minuteyahheardt"maister"shorsefitclatterupt"road."`Silence,eavesdropper!"criedCatherine;`noneofyourinsolencebeforeme!EdgarLintoncameyesterdaybychance,Hindley;anditwasIwhotoldhimtobeoff:becauseIknewyouwouldnotliketohavemethimasyouwere.`Youlie,Cathy,nodoubt,"answeredherbrother,`andyouareaconfoundedsimpleton!ButnevermindLintonatpresent:tellme,wereyounotwithHeathclifflastnight?Speakthetruth,now.Youneednotbeafraidofharminghim:thoughIhatehimasmuchasever,hedidmeagoodturnashorttimesince,thatwillmakemyconsciencetenderofbreakinghisneck.Topreventit,Ishallsendhimabouthisbusiness,thisverymorning;andafterhe"sgone,I"dadviseyoualltolooksharp:Ishallonlyhavethemorehumourforyou.`IneversawHeathclifflastnight,"answeredCatherine,beginningtosobbitterly:`andifyoudoturnhimoutofdoors,I"llgowithhim.But,perhaps,you"llneverhaveanopportunity:perhapshe"sgone."Heresheburstintouncontrollablegrief,andtheremainderofherwordswereinarticulate.Hindleylavishedonheratorrentofscornfulabuse,andbadehergettoherroomimmediately,orsheshouldn"tcryfornothing!Iobligedhertoobey;andIshallneverforgetwhatasceneshe actedwhenwereachedherchamber:itterrifiedme.Ithoughtshewasgoingmad,andIbeggedJosephtorunforthedoctor.Itprovedthecommencementofdelirium:MrKenneth,assoonashesawher,pronouncedherdangerouslyill;shehadafever.Hebledher,andhetoldmetoletherliveonwheyandwatergruel,andtakecareshedidnotthrowherselfdownstairsoroutofthewindow;andthenheleft:forhehadenoughtodointheparish,wheretwoorthreemileswastheordinarydistancebetweencottageandcottage.ThoughIcannotsayImadeagentlenurse,andJosephandthemasterwerenobetter;andthoughourpatientwasaswearisomeandheadstrongasapatientcouldbe,sheweathereditthrough.OldMrsLintonpaidusseveralvisits,tobesure,andsetthingstorights,andscoldedandorderedusall;andwhenCatherinewasconvalescent,sheinsistedonconveyinghertoThrushcrossGrange:forwhichdeliverancewewereverygrateful.Butthepoordamehadreasontorepentofherkindness:sheandherhusbandbothtookthefever,anddiedwithinafewdaysofeachother.Ouryoungladyreturnedtous,saucierandmorepassionate,andhaughtierthanever.Heathcliffhadneverbeenheardofsincetheeveningofthethunder-storm;andonedayIhadthemisfortune,whenshehadprovokedmeexceedingly,tolaytheblameofhisdisappearanceonher:whereindeeditbelonged,asshewellknew.Fromthatperiod,forseveralmonths,sheceased toholdanycommunicationwithme,saveintherelationofamereservant.Josephfellunderabanalso:hewouldspeakhismind,andlectureherallthesameasifshewerealittlegirl;andsheesteemedherselfawoman,andourmistress,andthoughtthatherrecentillnessgaveheraclaimtobetreatedwithconsideration.Thenthedoctorhadsaidthatshewouldnotbearcrossingmuch;sheoughttohaveherownway;anditwasnothinglessthanmurderinhereyesforanyonetopresumetostandupandcontradicther.FromMrEarnshawandhiscompanionsshekeptaloof;andtutoredbyKenneth,andseriousthreatsofafitthatoftenattendedherrages,herbrotherallowedherwhatevershepleasedtodemand,andgenerallyavoidedaggravatingherfierytemper.Hewasrathertooindulgentinhumouringhercaprices;notfromaffection,butfrompride:hewishedearnestlytoseeherbringhonourtothefamilybyanalliancewiththeLintons,andaslongasshelet.himaloneshemighttrampleuslikeslaves,foraughthecared!EdgarLinton,asmultitudeshavebeenbeforeandwillbeafterhim,wasinfatuated;andbelievedhimselfth,ehappiestmanaliveonthedayheledhertoGimmertonChapel,threeyearssubsequenttohisfather"sdeath.Muchagainstmyinclination,IwaspersuadedtoleaveWutheringHeightsandaccompanyherhere.LittleHaretonwasnearlyfiveyearsold,andIhadjustbeguntoteachhimhisletters.Wemadeasadparting;butCatherine"stearsweremorepowerfulthanours.WhenIrefusedtogo,andwhenshefoundher entreatiesdidnotmoveme,shewentlamentingtoherhusbandandbrother.Theformerofferedmemunificentwages;thelatterorderedmetopackup:hewantednowomeninthehouse,hesaid,nowthattherewasnomistress;andastoHareton,thecurateshouldtakehiminhand,byandby.AndsoIhadbutonechoiceleft:todoasIwasordered.Itoldthemasterhegotridofalldecentpeopleonlytoruntoruinalittlefaster;IkissedHaretongoodbye;andsincethenhehasbeenastranger:andit"sveryqueertothinkit,butI"venodoubthehascompletelyforgottenallaboutEllenDean,andthathewasevermorethanalltheworldtoher,andshetohim!Atthispointofthehousekeeper"sstory,shechancedtoglancetowardsthetimepieceoverthechimney;andwasinamazementonseeingtheminutehandmeasurehalfpastone.Shewouldnothearofstayingasecondlonger:intruth,Ifeltratherdisposedtodeferthesequelofhernarrative,myself.Andnowthatsheisvanishedtoherrest,andIhavemeditatedforanotherhourortwo,Ishallsummoncouragetogo,also,inspiteofachinglazinessofheadandlimbs.Chapter10Acharmingintroductiontoahermit"slife!Fourweeks"torture,tossing,andsickness!Oh!thesebleakwindsandbitternorthernskies,andimpassableroads,anddilatorycountrysurgeons!And,oh,thisdearthofthehumanphysiognomy!and,worsethanall,theterribleintimationofKenneththatIneed notexpecttobeoutofdoorstillspring!MrHeathcliffhasjusthonouredmewithacallsAboutsevendaysagohesentmeabraceofgrouse--thelastoftheseason.Scoundrel!Heisnotaltogetherguiltlessinthisillnessofmine;andthatIhadagreatmindtotellhim.But,alas!howcouldIoffendamanwhowascharitableenoughtositatmybedsideagoodhour,andtalkonsomeothersubjectthanpillsanddraughts,blistersandleeches?Thisisquiteaneasyinterval.Iamtooweaktoread;yetIfeelasifIcouldenjoysomethinginteresting.WhynothaveupMrsDeantofinishhertale?Icanrecollectitschiefincidentsasfarasshehadgone.Yes:Irememberherherohadrunoff,andneverbeenheardofforthreeyears;andtheheroinewasmarried.I"llring:she"llbedelightedtofindmecapableoftalkingcheerfully.MrsDeancame.`Itwantstwentyminutes,sir,totakingthemedicine,"shecommenced.`Away,awaywithit!"Ireplied;`Idesiretohave---"`Thedoctorsaysyoumustdropthepowders."`Withallmyheart!Don"tinterruptme.Comeandtakeyourseathere.Keepyourfingersfromthatbitterphalanxofvials.Drawyourknittingoutofyourpocket--thatwilldo--nowcontinuethehistoryofMrHeathcliff,fromwhereyouleftoff,tothepresentday.DidhefinishhiseducationontheContinent,andcomebackagentleman?or.didhegetasizar"splaceat college,orescapetoAmerica,andearnhonoursbydrawingbloodfromhisfoster-country?ormakeafortunemorepromptlyontheEnglishhighways?"`Hemayhavedonealittleinallthesevocations,MrLockwood;butIcouldn"tgivemywordforany.IstatedbeforethatIdidn"tknowhowhegainedhismoney;neitheramIawareofthemeanshetooktoraisehismindfromthesavageignoranceintowhichitwassunk:but,withyourleave,I"llproceedinmyownfashion,ifyouthinkitwillamuseandnotwearyyou.Areyoufeelingbetterthismorning?"`Much."`That"sgoodnews.IgotMissCatherineandmyselftoThrushcrossGrange;and,tomyagreeabledisappointment,shebehavedinfinitelybetterthanIdaredexpect.SheseemedalmostoverfondofMrLinton;andeventohissistersheshowedplentyofaffection.Theywerebothveryattentivetohercomfort,certainly.Itwasnotthethornbendingtothehoneysuckles,butthehoneysucklesembracingthethorn.Therewerenomutualconcessions;onestooderect,andtheothersyielded:andwhocanbeill-naturedandbad-temperedwhentheyencounterneitheroppositionnorindifference?IobservedthatMrEdgarhadadeeprootedfearofrufflingherhumour.Heconcealeditfromher;butifeverheheardmeanswersharply,orsawanyotherservantgrowcloudyatsomeimperiousorderofhers,hewouldshowhistroublebyafrownofdispleasurethatneverdarkenedonhisown account.Hemanyatimespokesternlytomeaboutmypertness;andaverredthatthestabofaknifecouldnotinflictaworsepangthanhesufferedatseeinghisladyvexed.Nottogrieveakindmaster,Ilearnedtobelesstouchy;and,forthespaceofhalfayear,thegunpowderlayasharmlessassand,becausenofirecameneartoexplodeit.Catherinehadseasonsofgloomandsilencenowandthen:theywererespectedwithsympathizingsilencebyherhusband,whoascribedthemtoanalterationinherconstitution,producedbyherperilousillness;asshewasneversubjecttodepressionofspiritsbefore.Thereturnofsunshinewaswelcomedbyansweringsunshinefromhim.IbelieveImayassertthattheywerereallyinpossessionofdeepandgrowinghappiness.Itended.Well,wemustbeforourselvesinthelongrun;themildandgenerousareonlymorejustlyselfishthanthedomineering;anditendedwhencircumstancescausedeachtofeelthattheonesinterestwasnotthechiefconsiderationintheother"sthoughts.OnamelloweveninginSeptember,IwascomingfromthegardenwithaheavybasketofappleswhichIhadbeengathering.Ithadgotdusk,andthemoonlookedoverthehighwallofthecourt,causingundefinedshadowstolurkinthecornersofthenumerousprojectingportionsofthebuilding.Isetmyburdenonthehousestepsbythekitchendoor,andlingeredtorest,anddrewinafewmorebreathsofthesoft,sweetair;myeyeswereonthemoon,andmybacktotheentrance,whenI heardavoicebehindmesay--`Nelly,isthatyou?"Itwasadeepvoice,andforeignintone;yettherewassomethinginthemannerofpronouncingmynamewhichmadeitsoundfamiliar.Iturnedabouttodiscoverwhospoke,fearfully;forthedoorswereshut,andIhadseennobodyonapproachingthesteps.Somethingstirredintheporch;and,movingnearer,Idistinguishedatallmandressedindarkclothes,withdarkfaceandhair.Heleantagainsttheside,andheldhisfingersonthelatchasifintendingtoopenforhimself.`Whocanitbe?"Ithought.`MrEarnshaw?Oh,no!Thevoicehasnoresemblancetohis."`Ihavewaitedhereanhour,"heresumed,whileIcontinuedstaring;`andthewholeofthattimeallroundhasbeenasstillasdeath.Idarednotenter.Youdonotknowme?Look,I"mnotastranger!"Arayfellonhisfeatures;thecheeksweresallow,andhalfcoveredwithblackwhiskers;thebrowslowering,theeyesdeepsetandsingular.Irememberedtheeyes.`What!"Icried,uncertainwhethertoregardhimasaworldlyvisitor,andIraisedmyhandsinamazement.What!youcomeback?Isitreallyyou?Isit?"`Yes,Heathcliff,"hereplied,glancingfrommeuptothewindows,whichreflectedascoreofglitteringmoons,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,"heinterruptedimpatiently.`I"minhelltillyoudo!"Heliftedthelatch,andIentered;butwhenIgottotheparlourwhereMrandMrsLintonwere,Icouldnotpersuademyselftoproceed.Atlength,Iresolvedonmakinganexcusetoaskiftheywouldhavethecandleslighted,andIopenedthedoor.Theysattogetherinawindowwhoselatticelaybackagainstthewall,anddisplayed,beyondthegardentreesandthewildgreenpark,thevalleyofGimmerton,withalonglineofmistwindingnearlytoitstop(forverysoonafteryoupassthechapel,asyoumayhavenoticed,thesoughthatrunsfromthemarshesjoinsabeckwhichfollowsthebendoftheglen).WutheringHeightsroseabovethissilveryvapour;butouroldhousewasinvisible;itratherdipsdownontheotherside.Boththeroomanditsoccupants,andthescenetheygazedon,lookedwondrouslypeaceful.Ishrankreluctantlyfromperformingmyerrand;andwasactuallygoingawayleavingitunsaid,afterhavingputmyquestionaboutthecandles,whenasenseofmyfollycompelled metoreturn,andmutter--`ApersonfromGimmertonwishestoseeyou,ma"am."`Whatdoeshewant?"askedMrsLinton.`Ididnotquestionhim,"Ianswered.`Well,closethecurtains,Nelly,"shesaid;`andbringuptea.I"llbebackagaindirectly."Shequittedtheapartment;MrEdgarinquired,carelessly,whoitwas.`Someonemistressdoesnotexpect,"Ireplied.`ThatHeathcliff--yourecollecthim,sir,--whousedtoliveatMrEarnshaw"s."`What!thegipsy--theploughboy?"hecried.`WhydidyounotsaysotoCatherine?"`Hush!youmustnotcallhimbythosenames,master,"Isaid.`She"dbesadlygrievedtohearyou.Shewasnearlyheartbrokenwhenheranoff.Iguesshisreturnwillmakeajubileetoher."MrLintonwalkedtoawindowontheothersideoftheroomthatoverlookedthecourt.Heunfasteneditandleantout.Isupposetheywerebelow,forheexclaimedquickly--`Don"tstandthere,love!Bringthepersonin,ifitbeanyoneparticular."ErelongIheardtheclickofthelatch,andCatherineflewupstairs,breathlessandwild;tooexcitedtoshowgladness:indeed,byherface,youwouldratherhavesurmisedanawfulcalamity.`Oh,Edgar,Edgar!"shepanted,flingingherarmsroundhis neck.`OhEdgar,darling!Heathcliff"scomeback-heis!"Andshetightenedherembracetoasqueeze.`Well,well,"criedherhusbandcrossly,`don"tstranglemeforthat!Heneverstruckmeassuchamarvelloustreasure.Thereisnoneedtobefrantic!"`Iknowyoudidn"tlikehim,"sheanswered,repressingalittletheintensityofherdelight.`Yet,formysake,youmustbefriendsnow.ShallItellhimtocomeup?"`Here?"hesaid,`intotheparlour?"`Whereelse?"sheasked.Helookedvexed,andsuggestedthekitchenasamoresuitableplaceforhim.MrsLintoneyedhimwithadrollexpression--halfangry,halflaughingathisfastidiousness.`No,"sheaddedafterawhile;`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."IdescendedandfoundHeathcliffwaitingundertheporch, evidentlyanticipatinganinvitationtoenter.Hefollowedmyguidancewithoutwasteofwords,andIusheredhimintothepresenceofthemasterandmistress,whoseflushedcheeksbetrayedsignsofwarmtalking.Butthelady"sglowedwithanotherfeelingwhenherfriendappearedatthedoor:shesprangforward,tookbothhishands,andledhimtoLinton;andthensheseizedLinton"sreluctantfingersandcrushedthemintohis.Nowfullyrevealedbythefireandcandlelight,Iwasamazed,morethanever,tobeholdthetransformationofHeathcliff.Hehadgrownatall,athletic,well-formedman;besidewhom,mymasterseemedquiteslenderandyouth-like.Hisuprightcarriagesuggestedtheideaofhishavingbeeninthearmy.HiscountenancewasmucholderinexpressionanddecisionoffeaturethanMrLinton"s;itlookedintelligent,andretainednomarksofformerdegradation.Ahalf-civilizedferocitylurkedyetinthedepressedbrowsandeyesfullofblackfire,butitwassubdued;andhismannerwasevendignified:quitedivestedofroughness,thoughtoosternforgrace.Mymaster"ssurpriseequalledorexceededmine:heremainedforaminuteatalosshowtoaddresstheploughboy,ashehadcalledhim.Heathcliffdroppedhisslighthand,andstoodlookingathimcoollytillhechosetospeak.`Sitdown,sir,"hesaid,atlength.`MrsLinton,recallingoldtimes,wouldhavemegiveyouacordialreception;and,ofcourse,Iamgratifiedwhenanythingoccurstopleaseher." `AndIalso,"answeredHeathcliff,`especiallyifitbeanythinginwhichIhaveapart.Ishallstayanhourortwowillingly."HetookaseatoppositeCatherine,whokepthergazefixedonhimasifshefearedhewouldvanishwereshetoremoveit.Hedidnotraisehistoheroften:aquickglancenowandthensufficed;butitflashedback,eachtimemoreconfidently,theundisguiseddelighthedrankfromhers.Theyweretoomuchabsorbedintheirmutualjoytosufferembarrassment.NotsoMrEdgar:hegrewpalewithpureannoyance:afeelingthatreacheditsclimaxwhenhisladyrose,andsteppingacrosstherug,seizedHeathcliff"shandsagain,andlaughedlikeonebesideherself.`Ishallthinkitadreamtomorrow!"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;butbewareofmeetingmewith anotheraspectnexttime!Nay,you"llnotdrivemeoffagain.Youwerereallysorryforme,wereyou?Well,therewascause.I"vefoughtthroughabitterlifesinceIlastheardyourvoice;andyoumustforgiveme,forIstruggledonlyforyou!"`Catherine,unlesswearetohavecoldtea,pleasetocometothetable,"interruptedLinton,strivingtopreservehisordinarytone,andaduemeasureofpoliteness.`MrHeathcliffwillhavealongwalk,whereverhemaylodgetonight;andI"mthirsty."Shetookherpostbeforetheurn;andMissIsabellacame,summonedbythebell;then,havinghandedtheirchairsforward,Ilefttheroom.Themealhardlyenduredtenminutes.Catherine"scupwasneverfilled:shecouldneithereatnordrink.Edgarhadmadeaslopinhissaucer,andscarcelyswallowedamouthful.Theirguestdidnotprotracthisstaythateveningaboveanhourlonger.Iasked,ashedeparted,ifhewenttoGimmerton?`No,toWutheringHeights,"heanswered:`MrEarnshawinvitedme,whenIcalledthismorning."MrEarnshawinvitedhim!andhecalledonMrEarnshaw!Iponderedthissentencepainfully,afterhewasgone.Isheturningoutabitofahypocrite,andcomingintothecountrytoworkmischiefunderacloak?Imused:Ihadapresentimentinthebottomofmyheartthathehadbetterhaveremainedaway.Aboutthemiddleofthenight,IwaswakenedfrommyfirstnapbyMrsLintonglidingintomychamber,takingaseatonmy bedside,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.LetMrLintonaloneabouthim,unlessyouwouldlikeanopenquarrelbetweenthem."`Butdoesitnotshowgreatweakness?"pursuedshe.`I"mnotenvious:IneverfeelhurtatthebrightnessofIsabella"syellowhairandthewhitenessofherskin,atherdaintyelegance,andthefondnessallthefamilyexhibitforher.Evenyou,Nelly,ifwehaveadisputesometimes,youbackIsabellaatonce;andIyieldlikeafoolishmother:Icallheradarling,andflatterherintoagoodtemper.Itpleasesherbrothertoseeuscordial,andthatpleasesme.Buttheyareverymuchalike:theyarespoiledchildren,andfancytheworldwasmadefortheiraccommodation;andthoughIhumourboth,Ithinkasmart chastisementmightimprovethem,allthesame."`You"remistaken,MrsLinton,"saidI.`Theyhumouryou:Iknowwhattherewouldbetodoiftheydidnot.Youcanwellaffordtoindulgetheirpassingwhimsaslongastheirbusinessistoanticipateallyourdesires.Youmay,however,fallout,atlast,oversomethingofequalconsequencetobothsides;andthenthoseyoutermweakareverycapableofbeingasobstinateasyou."`Andthenweshallfighttothedeath,shan"twe,Nelly?"shereturned,laughing.`No!Itellyou,IhavesuchfaithinLinton"slove,thatIbelieveImightkillhim,andhewouldn"twishtoretaliate."Iadvisedhertovaluehimthemoreforhisaffection.`Ido,"sheanswered,`butheneedn"tresorttowhiningfortrifles.Itischildish;and,insteadofmeltingintotearsbecauseIsaidthatHeathcliffwasnowworthyofanyone"sregard,anditwouldhonourthefirstgentlemaninthecountrytobehisfriend,heoughttohavesaiditforme,andbeendelightedfromsympathy.Hemustgetaccustomedtohim,andhemayaswelllikehim:consideringhowHeathcliffhasreasontoobjecttohim,I"msurehebehavedexcellently!"`WhatdoyouthinkofhisgoingtoWutheringHeights?"Iinquired.`Heisreformedineveryrespect,apparently:quiteaChristian:offeringtherighthandoffellowshiptohisenemiesallaround!"`Heexplainedit,"shereplied.`Iwonderedasmuchasyou. 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,`MrsLinton?"`Noneformyfriend,"shereplied:`hisstrongheadwillkeephimfromdanger;alittleforHindley:buthecan"tbemademorallyworsethanheis;andIstandbetweenhimandbodilyharm. TheeventofthiseveninghasreconciledmetoGodandhumanity!IhadriseninangryrebellionagainstProvidence.Oh,I"veenduredvery,verybittermisery,Nelly!Ifthatcreatureknewhowbitter,he"dbeashamedtoclouditsremovalwithidlepetulance.Itwaskindnessforhimwhichinducedmetobearitalone:hadIexpressedtheagonyIfrequentlyfelt,hewouldhavebeentaughttolongforitsalleviationasardentlyasl.However,it"sover,andI"lltakenorevengeonhisfolly;Icanaffordtosufferanythinghereafter!Shouldthemeanestthingaliveslapmeonthecheek,I"dnotonlyturntheother,but,I"daskpardonforprovokingit;and,asaproof,I"llgomakemypeacewithEdgarinstantly.Goodnight!I"manangel!"Inthisself-complacentconvictionshedeparted;andthesuccessofherfulfilledresolutionwasobviousonthemorrow:MrLintonhadnotonlyabjuredhispeevishness(thoughhisspiritsseemedstillsubduedbyCatherine"sexuberanceofvivacity),butheventurednoobjectiontohertakingIsabellawithhertoWutheringHeightsintheafternoon;andsherewardedhimwithsuchasummerofsweetnessandaffectioninreturn,asmadethehouseaparadiseforseveraldays;bothmasterandservantsprofitingfromtheperpetualsunshine.Heathcliff--MrHeathcliffIshouldsayinfuture--usedthelibertyofvisitingatThrushcrossGrangecautiously,atfirst:heseemedestimatinghowfaritsownerwouldbearhisintrusion.Catherine,also,deemeditjudicioustomoderateherexpressions ofpleasureinreceivinghim;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:heshrankforebodinglyfromtheideaofcommittingIsabellatohiskeeping.Hewouldhaverecoiledstillmorehadhebeenawarethatherattachmentroseunsolicited,andwasbestowedwhereitawakenednoreciprocationofsentiment;fortheminutehediscovereditsexistence,helaidtheblameonHeathcliff"sdeliberatedesigning.Wehadallremarked,duringsometime,thatMissLinton frettedandpinedoversomething.Shegrewcrossandwearisome;snappingatandteasingCatherinecontinually,attheimminentriskofexhaustingherlimitedpatience.Weexcusedher,toacertainextent,onthepleaofill-health:shewasdwindlingandfadingbeforeoureyes.Butoneday,whenshehadbeenpeculiarlywayward,rejectingherbreakfast,complainingthattheservantsdidnotdowhatshetoldthem;thatthemistresswouldallowhertobenothinginthehouse,andEdgarneglectedher;thatshehadcaughtacoldwiththedoorsbeingleftopen,andwelettheparlourfiregooutonpurposetovexher,withahundredyetmorefrivolousaccusations,MrsLintonperemptorilyinsistedthatsheshouldgettobed;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,whileyousaunteredonwithMrHeathcliff!"`Andthat"syournotionofharshness?"saidCatherine,laughing.`Itwasnohintthatyourcompanywassuperfluous:wedidn"tcarewhetheryoukeptwithusornot;Imerelythought Heathcliffstalkwouldhavenothingentertainingforyourears.`Ohno,"wepttheyounglady;`youwishedmeaway,becauseyouknewIlikedtobethere!"`Isshesane?"askedMrsLinton,appealingtome.`I"llrepeatourconversation,wordforword,Isabella;andyoupointoutanycharmitcouldhavehadforyou."`Idon"tmindtheconversation,"sheanswered:`Iwantedtobewith---"`Well!"saidCatherine,perceivingherhesitatetocompletethesentence.`Withhim:andIwon"tbealwayssentoff!"shecontinued,kindlingup.`Youareadoginthemanger,Cathy,anddesirenoonetobelovedbutyourself!"`Youareanimpertinentlittlemonkey!"exclaimedMrsLinton,insurprise.`ButI"llnotbelievethisidiocy!ItisimpossiblethatyoucancovettheadmirationofHeathcliff--thatyouconsiderhimanagreeableperson!IhopeIhavemisunderstoodyou,Isabella?"`No,youhavenot,"saidtheinfatuatedgirl.`IlovehimmorethaneveryoulovedEdgar;andhemightloveme,ifyouwouldlethim!"`Iwouldn"tbeyouforakingdom,then!"Catherinedeclaredemphatically:andsheseemedtospeaksincerely.`Nelly,helpmetoconvinceherofhermadness.TellherwhatHeathcliffis:anunreclaimedcreature,withoutrefinement,without cultivation: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!"sherepeatedangrily,`youareworsethantwentyfoes,youpoisonousfriend!"`Ah!youwon"tbelieveme,then?"saidCatherine.`YouthinkIspeakfromwickedselfishness?"`I"mcertainyoudo,"retortedIsabella;`andIshudderatyou!"`Good!"criedtheother.`Tryforyourself,ifthatbeyour spirit:Ihavedone,andyieldtheargumenttoyoursaucyinsolence."`AndImustsufferforheregotism!"shesobbed,asMrsLintonlefttheroom.`All,allisagainstme;shehasblightedmysingleconsolation.Butsheutteredfalsehoods,didn"tshe?MrHeathcliffisnotafiend:hehasanhonourablesoul,andatrueone,orhowcouldherememberher?"`Banishhimfromyourthoughts,miss,"Isaid.`He"sabirdofbadomen:nomateforyou.MrsLintonspokestrongly,andyetIcan"tcontradicther.SheisbetteracquaintedwithhisheartthanI,oranyonebesides;andshewouldneverrepresenthimasworsethanheis.Honestpeopledon"thidetheirdeeds.Howhashebeenliving?howhashegotrich?whyishestayingatWutheringHeights,thehouseofamanwhomheabhors?TheysayMrEarnshawisworseandworsesincehecame.Theysitupallnighttogethercontinually,andHindleyhasbeenborrowingmoneyonhisland,anddoesnothingbutplayanddrink:Iheardonlyaweekago--itwasJosephwhotoldme--ImethimatGimmerton:"Nelly,"hesaid,"we"shaeacrahnr"s`questenah,atahrfolks.Oneon`em"sa"mostgettenhisfingercutoffwi"haudingt"otherfroo"stickinghisselnloikeacawlf.That"smaister,yahknaw,`ut"ssoaupuhgoingtuht"grand`sizes.He"snoanfearduht"benchuhjudges,northerPaul,nurPeter,nurJohn,nurMatthew,nornoanon`em,nuthe!Hefairlikes--helangstosethisbrazenedfaceagean`em!AndyonbonnyladHeathcliff,yah mind,he"sarare`un!Hecangirnalaughasweel"sonybodyataraightdivil"sjest.Doesheniversaynowtofhisfinelivingamangus,whenhegoastuht"Grange?Thisist"wayon"t:--upatsundahn;dice,brandy,cloisedshutters,undcan"le-lughttillnextdayatnooin:then,tfooilgangsbanningunravingtohischam"er,makkingdacentfowksdigthurfingersi"thurlugsfurvarryshaume;un"theknave,wahhecarncahnthisbrass,un"ate,un"sleep,un"offtohisneighbour"stuhgossipwi"t"wife.I"course,hetellsDameCatherinehahhorfather"sgooldrunsintuhhispocket,andherfather"ssongallopsdahnt"Broadroad,whilehefleesaforetooppent"pikes?"Now,MissLinton,Josephisanoldrascal,butnoliar;and,ifhisaccountofHeathcliff"sconductbetrue,youwouldneverthinkofdesiringsuchahusband,wouldyou?"`Youareleaguedwiththerest,Ellen!"shereplied.`I"llnotlistentoyourslanders.Whatmalevolenceyoumusthavetowishtoconvincemethatthereisnohappinessintheworld!"Whethershewouldhavegotoverthisfancyiflefttoherselforperseveredinnursingitperpetually,Icannotsay:shehadlittletimetoreflect.Thedayafter,therewasajustice-meetingatthenexttown;mymasterwasobligedtoattend;andMrHeathcliff,awareofhisabsence,calledratherearlierthanusual.CatherineandIsabellaweresittinginthelibrary,onhostileterms,butsilent.Thelatteralarmedatherrecentindiscretion,andthedisclosureshehadmadeofhersecret feelingsinatransientfitofpassion;theformer,onmatureconsideration,reallyoffendedwithhercompanion;and,ifshelaughedagainatherpertness,inclinedtomakeitnolaughingmattertoher.ShedidlaughasshesawHeathcliffpassthewindow.Iwassweepingthehearth,andInoticedamischievoussmileonherlips.Isabella,absorbedinhermeditations,orabook,remainedtillthedooropened;anditwastoolatetoattemptanescape,whichshewouldgladlyhavedonehaditbeenpracticable.`Comein,that"sright!"exclaimedthemistressgaily,pullingachairtothefire.`Herearetwopeoplesadlyinneedofathirdtothawtheicebetweenthem;andyouaretheveryoneweshouldbothofuschoose.Heathcliff,I"mproudtoshowyou,atlast,somebodythatdotesonyoumorethanmyself.Iexpectyoutofeelflattered.Nay,it"snotNelly;don"tlookather!Mypoorlittlesister-in-lawisbreakingherheartbymerecontemplationofyourphysicalandmoralbeauty.ItliesinyourownpowertobeEdgar"sbrother!No,no,Isabella,youshan"trunoff,"shecontinued,arresting,withfeignedplayfulness,theconfoundedgirl,whohadrisenindignantly.`Wewerequarrellinglikecatsaboutyou,Heathcliff;andIwasfairlybeateninprotestationsofdevotionandadmiration:and,moreover,IwasinformedthatifIwouldbuthavethemannerstostandaside,myrival,asshewillha"eherselftobe,wouldshootashaftintoyoursoulthatwouldfixyouforever,and sendmyimageintoeternaloblivion!"`Catherine!"saidIsabella,callingupherdignity,anddisdainingtostrugglefromthetightgraspthatheldher.`I"dthankyoutoadheretothetruthandnotslanderme,eveninjoke!MrHeathcliff,bekindenoughtobidthisfriendofyoursreleaseme:sheforgetsthatyouandIarenotintimateacquaintances;andwhatamusesherispainfultomebeyondexpression."Astheguestanswerednothing,buttookhisseat,andlookedthoroughlyindifferentwhatsentimentsshecherishedconcerninghim,sheturnedandwhisperedanearnestappealforlibertytohertormentor.　　`Bynomeans!"criedMrsLintoninanswer.`Iwon"tbenamedadoginthemangeragain.Youshallstay:nowthen!Heathcliff,whydon"tyouevincesatisfactionatmypleasantnews?IsabellaswearsthattheloveEdgarhasformeisnothingtothatsheentertainsforyou.I"msureshemadesomespeechofthekind;didshenot,Ellen?Andshehasfastedeversincethedaybeforeyesterday"sChapter11Sometimes,whilemeditatingonthesethingsinsolitude,I"vegotupinasuddenterror,andputonmybonnettogoseehowallwasatthefarm.I"vepersuadedmyconsciencethatitwasadutytowarnhimhowpeopletalkedregardinghisways;andthenI"verecollectedhisconfirmedbadhabits,and,hopelessofbenefitinghim,haveflinchedfromre-enteringthedismal house,doubtingifIcouldbeartobetakenatmyword.OnetimeIpassedtheoldgate,goingoutofmyway,onajourneytoGimmerton.Itwasabouttheperiodthatmynarrativehasreached:abrightfrostyafternoon;thegroundbare,andtheroadhardanddry.Icametoastonewherethehighwaybranchesoffontothemooratyourlefthand;aroughsandpillar,withthelettersW.H.cutonitsnorthside,ontheeast,G.,andonthesouth-west,T.G.Itservesasguide-posttotheGrange,theHeights,andvillage.Thesunshoneyellowonitsgreyhead,remindingmeofsummer;andIcannotsaywhy,butallatonce,agushofchild"ssensationsflowedintomyheart.HindleyandIhelditafavouritespottwentyyearsbefore.Igazedlongattheweather-wornblock,and,stoopingdown,perceivedaholenearthebottomstillfullofsnail-shellsandpebbles,whichwewerefondofstoringtherewithmoreperishablethings;and,asfreshasreality,itappearedthatIbeheldmyearlyplaymateseatedonthewitheredturf:hisdark,squareheadbentforward,andhislittlehandscoopingouttheearthwithapieceofslate.`PoorHindley!"Iexclaimedinvoluntarily.Istarted:mybodilyeyewascheatedintoamomentarybeliefthatthechildlifteditsfaceandstaredstraightintomine!Itvanishedinatwinkling;butimmediatelyIfeltanirresistibleyearningtobeattheHeights.Superstitionurgedmetocomplywiththisimpulse:supposingheshouldbedead!Ithought--orshoulddiesoon!--supposingitwereasignofdeath!ThenearerIgotto thehousethemoreagitatedIgrew;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,ifshelivedinhismemoryatall,wasnotrecognizedasonewithme.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.`Ah--nay,"hedrawled.`Whothen?"`Heathcliff."IaskedifhelikedMrHeathcliff.`Ay!"heansweredagain.Desiringtohavehisreasonsforlikinghim,Icouldonlygatherthesentences--`Iknown"t:hepaysdadbackwhathegiestome--hecursesdaddyforcursingme.HesaysImundoasIwill."`Andthecuratedoesnotteachyoutoreadandwritethen?"Ipursued.`No,Iwastoldthecurateshouldhavehis--teethdasheddown histhroat,--ifhesteppedoverthethreshold--Heathcliffhadpromisedthat!"Iputtheorangeinhishand,andbadehimtellhisfatherthatawomancalledNellyDeanwaswaitingtospeakwithhim,bythegardengate.Hewentupthewalk,andenteredthehouse;but,insteadofHindley,Heathcliffappearedonthedoorstones;andIturneddirectlyandrandowntheroadashardaseverIcouldrace,makingnohalttillIgainedtheguide-post,andfeelingasscaredasifIhadraisedagoblin.ThisisnotmuchconnectedwithMissIsabella"saffair:exceptthatiturgedmetoresolvefurtheronmountingvigilantguard,anddoingmyutmosttocheckthespreadofsuchbadinfluenceattheGrange:eventhoughIshouldwakeadomesticstorm,bythwartingMrsLinton"spleasure.ThenexttimeHeathcliffcame,myyoungladychancedtobefeedingsomepigeonsinthecourt.Shehadneverspokenawordtohersister-in-lawforthreedays;butshehadlikewisedroppedherfretfulcomplaining,andwefounditagreatcomfort.HeathcliffhadnotthehabitofbestowingasingleunnecessarycivilityonMissLinton,Iknew.Now,assoonashebeheldher,hisfirstprecautionwastotakeasweepingsurveyofthehousefront.Iwasstandingbythekitchenwindow,butIdrewoutofsight.Hethensteppedacrossthepavementtoher,andsaidsomething:sheseemedembarrassed,anddesirousofgettingaway;topreventit,helaidhishandonherarm.Sheavertedherface: heapparentlyputsomequestionwhichshehadnomindtoanswer.Therewasanotherrapidglanceatthehouse,andsupposinghimselfunseen,thescoundrelhadtheimpudencetoembraceher.`Judas!traitor!"Iejaculated.`Youareahypocrite,too,areyou?Adeliberatedeceiver."`Whois,Nelly?"saidCatherine"svoiceatmyelbow:Ihadbeenoverintentonwatchingthepairoutsidetomarkherentrance.`Yourworthlessfriend!"Iansweredwarmly:`thesneakingrascalyonder.Ah,hehascaughtaglimpseofus--heiscomingin!IwonderwillhehavethearttofindaplausibleexcuseformakinglovetoMiss,whenhetoldyouhehatedher?"MrsLintonsawIsabellatearherselffree,andrunintothegarden;andaminuteafter,Heathcliffopenedthedoor.Icouldn"twithholdgivingsomeloosetomyindignation;butCatherineangrilyinsistedonsilence,andthreatenedtoordermeoutofthekitchen,ifIdaredtobesopresumptuousastoputinmyinsolenttongue.`Tohearyou,peoplemightthinkyouwerethemistress!"shecried.`Youwantsettingdowninyourrightplace!Heathcliff,whatareyouabout,raisingthisstir?IsaidyoumustletIsabellaalone!--Ibegyouwill,unlessyouaretiredofbeingreceivedhere,andwishLintontodrawtheboltsagainstyou!"`Godforbidthatheshouldtry!"answeredtheblackvillain.Idetestedhimjustthen.`Godkeephimmeekandpatient!Every dayIgrowmadderaftersendinghimtoheaven!"`Hush!"saidCatherine,shuttingtheinnerdoor.`Don"tvexme.Whyhaveyoudisregardedmyrequest?Didshecomeacrossyouonpurpose?"`Whatisittoyou?"hegrowled.`Ihavearighttokissher,ifshechooses;andyouhavenorighttoobject.I"mnotyourhusband:youneedn"tbejealousofme!"`I"mnotjealousofyou,"repliedthemistress,`I"mjealousforyou.Clearyourface:youshan"tscowlatme!IfyoulikeIsabella,youshallmarryher.Butdoyoulikeher?Tellthetruth,Heathcliff!There,youwon"tanswer.I"mcertainyoudon"t!" `AndwouldMrLintonapproveofhissistermarryingthatman?"Iinquired.`MrLintonshouldapprove,"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.And standyouaside!"`Whatnewphaseofhischaracteristhis?"exclaimedMrsLinton,inamazement.`I"vetreatedyouinfernally--andyou"lltakeyourrevenge!Howwillyoutakeit,ungratefulbrute?HowhaveItreatedyouinfernally?"`Iseeknorevengeonyou,"repliedHeathclifflessvehemently.`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.MrsLintonsatdownbythefire,flushedandgloomy.Thespiritwhichservedherwasgrowing intractable:shecouldneitherlaynorcontrolit.Hestoodonthehearthwithfoldedarms,broodingonhisevilthoughts;andinthispositionIleftthemtoseekthemaster,whowaswonderingwhatkeptCatherinebelowsolong.`Ellen,"saidhe,whenIentered,`haveyouseenyourmistress?"`Yes;she"sinthekitchen,sir,"Ianswered.`She"ssadlyputoutbyMrHeathcliff"sbehaviour:and,indeed,Idothinkit"stimetoarrangehisvisitsonanotherfooting.There"sharminbeingtoosoft,andnowit"scometothis--`AndIrelatedthesceneinthecourt,and,asnearasIdared,thewholesubsequentdispute.IfancieditcouldnotbeveryprejudicialtoMrsLinton;unlessshemadeitsoafterwards,byassumingthedefensiveforherguest.EdgarLintonhaddifficultyinhearingmetotheclose.Hisfirstwordsrevealedthathedidnotclearhiswifeofblame.`Thisisinsufferable!"heexclaimed.`Itisdisgracefulthatsheshouldownhimforafriend,andforcehiscompanyonme!Callmetwomenoutofthehall,Ellen.Catherineshalllingernolongertoarguewiththelowruffian--Ihavehumouredherenough."Hedescended,andbiddingtheservantswaitinthepassage,went,followedbyme,tothekitchen.Itsoccupantshadrecommencedtheirangrydiscussion:MrsLinton,atleast,wasscoldingwithrenewedvigour;Heathcliffhadmovedtothewindow,andhunghishead,somewhatcowedbyherviolentrating apparently.Hesawthemasterfirst,andmadeahastymotionthatsheshouldbesilent;whichsheobeyed,abruptly,ondiscoveringthereasonofhisintimation.`Howisthis?"saidLinton,addressingher;`whatnotionofproprietymustyouhavetoremainhere,afterthelanguagewhichhasbeenheldtoyoubythatblackguard?Isuppose,becauseitishisordinarytalk,youthinknothingofit;youarehabituatedtohisbaseness,and,perhaps,imagineIcangetusedtoittoo!"`Haveyoubeenlisteningatthedoor,Edgar?"askedthemistress,inatoneparticularlycalculatedtoprovokeherhusband,implyingbothcarelessnessandcontemptofhisirritation.Heathcliff,whohadraisedhiseyesattheformerspeech,gaveasneeringlaughatthelatter;onpurpose,itseemed,todrawMrLinton"sattentiontohim.Hesucceeded;butEdgardidnotmeantoentertainhimwithanyhighflightsofpassion.`Ihavebeensofarforbearingwithyou,sir,"hesaidquietly;`notthatIwasignorantofyourmiserable,degradedcharacter,butIfeltyouwereonlypartlyresponsibleforthat;andCatherinewishingtokeepupyouracquaintance,Iacquiesced--foolishly.Yourpresenceisamoralpoisonthatwouldcontaminatethemostvirtuous:forthatcause,andtopreventworseconsequences,Ishalldenyyouhereafteradmissionintothishouse,andgivenoticenowthatIrequireyourinstantdeparture.Threeminutes"delaywillrenderitinvoluntaryand ignominious."Heathcliffmeasuredtheheightandbreadthofthespeakerwithaneyefullofderision.`Cathy,thislambofyoursthreatenslikeabull!"hesaid.`Itisindangerofsplittingitsskullagainstmyknuckles.ByGod!MrLinton,I"mmortallysorrythatyouarenotworthknockingdown!"Mymasterglancedtowardsthepassage,andsignedmetofetchthemen:hehadnointentionofhazardingapersonalencounter.Iobeyedthehint;butMrsLinton,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,andforsafetysheflungitintothehottestpartofthe fire;whereuponMrEdgarwastakenwithanervoustrembling,andhiscountenancegrewdeadlypale.Forhislifehecouldnotavertthataccessofemotion;mingledanguishandhumiliationovercamehimcompletely.Heleantonthebackofachair,andcoveredhisface.`Oh,heavens!Inolddays,thiswouldwinyouknighthood!"exclaimedMrsLinton.`Wearevanquished!wearevanquished!Heathcliffwouldassoonliftafingeratyouasakingwouldmarchhisarmyagainstacolonyofmice.Cheerup!youshan"tbehurt!Yourtypeisnotalamb,it"sasuckingleveret."`Iwishyoujoyofthemilk-bloodedcoward,Cathy!"saidherfriend.`Icomplimentyouonyourtaste.Andthatistheslavering,shiveringthingyoupreferredtome!Iwouldnotstrikehimwithmyfist,butI"dkickhimwithmyfoot,andexperienceconsiderablesatisfaction.Isheweeping,orishegoingtofaintforfear?"ThefellowapproachedandgavethechaironwhichLintonrestedapush.He"dbetterhavekepthisdistance;mymasterquicklysprangerect,andstruckhimfullonthethroatablowthatwouldhavelevelledaslighterman.Ittookhisbreathforaminute;andwhilehechoked,MrLintonwalkedoutbythebackdoorintotheyard,andfromthencetothefrontentrance.`There!you"vedonewithcominghere,"criedCatherine.`Getaway,now;he"llreturnwithabraceofpistols,andhalfadozenassistants.Ifhedidoverhearus,ofcoursehe"dneverforgive you.You"veplayedhimanillturn,Heathcliff!Butgo--makehaste!I"dratherseeEdgaratbaythanyou."`DoyousupposeI"mgoingwiththatblowburninginmygullet?"hethundered.`Byhell,no!I"llcrushhisribsinlikearottenhazelnutbeforeIcrossthethreshold!IfIdon"tfloorhimnow,Ishallmurderhimsometime;so,asyouvaluehisexistence,letmegetathim!"`He"snotcoming,"Iinterposed,framingabitofalie.`There"sthecoachmanandthetwogardeners;you"llsurelynotwaittobethrustintotheroadbythem!Eachhasabludgeon;andmasterwill,verylikely,bewatchingfromtheparlourwindows,toseethattheyfulfilhisorders."Thegardenersandcoachmanwerethere;butLintonwaswiththem.Theyhadalreadyenteredthecourt.Heathcliff,onsecondthoughts,resolvedtoavoidastruggleagainstthethreeunderlings;heseizedthepoker,smashedthelockfromtheinnerdoor,andmadehisescapeastheytrampedin.MrsLinton,whowasverymuchexcited,bademeaccompanyherupstairs.Shedidnotknowmyshareincontributingtothedisturbance,andIwasanxioustokeepherinignorance.`I"mnearlydistracted,Nelly!"sheexclaimed,throwingherselfonthesofa.`Athousandsmiths"hammersarebeatinginmyhead!TellIsabellatoshunme;thisuproarisowingtoher;andshouldsheoranyoneelseaggravatemyangeratpresent,Ishallgetwild.And,Nelly,saytoEdgar,ifyouseehimagain tonight,thatI"mindangerofbeingseriouslyill.Iwishitmayprovetrue.Hehasstartledanddistressedmeshockingly!Iwanttofrightenhim.Besides,hemightcomeandbeginastringofabuseorcomplainings;I"mcertainIshouldrecriminate,andGodknowswhereweshouldend!Willyoudoso,mygoodNelly?YouareawarethatIaminnowayblamableinthismatter.Whatpossessedhimtoturnlistener?Heathcliff"stalkwasoutrageous,afteryouleftus;butIcouldsoonhavedivertedhimfromIsabella,andtherestmeantnothing.Nowallisdashedwrongbythefool"scravingtohearevilofself,thathauntssomepeoplelikeademon!HadEdgarnevergatheredourconversation,hewouldneverhavebeentheworseforit.Really,whenheopenedonmeinthatunreasonabletoneofdispleasureafterIhadscoldedHeathclifftillIwashoarseforhim,Ididnotcare,hardly,whattheydidtoeachother;especiallyasIfeltthat,howeverthesceneclosed,weshouldallbedrivenasunderfornobodyknowshowlong!Well,ifIcannotkeepHeathcliffformyfriend--ifEdgarwillbemeanandjealous,I"lltrytobreaktheirheartsbybreakingmyown.Thatwillbeapromptwayoffinishingall,whenIampushedtoextremity!Butit"sadeedtobereservedforaforlornhope;I"dnottakeLintonbysurprisewithit.Tothispointhehasbeendiscreetindreadingtoprovokeme;youmustrepresenttheperilofquittingthatpolicy,andremindhimofmypassionatetemper,verging,whenkindled,onfrenzy.Iwishyoucoulddismissthatapathyoutofyour countenance,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,"perseveredMrLinton.`Youmustanswerit;andthatviolencedoesnotalarmme.Ihavefoundthatyoucanbeasstoicalasanyone,whenyouplease.Will yougiveupHeathcliffhereafter,orwillyougiveupme?Itisimpossibleforyoutobemyfriendandhisatthesametime;andIabsolutelyrequiretoknowwhichyouchoose."`Irequiretobeletalone!"exclaimedCatherinefuriously.`Idemandit!Don"tyouseeIcanscarcelystand?Edgar,you--youleaveme!"Sherangthebelltillitbrokewithatwang;Ienteredleisurely.Itwasenoughtotrythetemperofasaint,suchsenseless,wickedrages!Thereshelaydashingherheadagainstthearmofthesofa,andgrindingherteeth,sothatyoumightfancyshewouldcrashthemtosplinters!MrLintonstoodlookingatherinsuddencompunctionandfear.Hetoldmetofetchsomewater.Shehadnobreathforspeaking.Ibroughtaglassfull;andasshewouldnotdrink,Isprinkleditonherface.Inafewsecondsshestretchedherselfoutstiff,andturneduphereyes,whilehercheeks,atonceblanchedandlivid,assumedtheaspectofdeath.Lintonlookedterrified.`Thereisnothingintheworldthematter,"Iwhispered.Ididnotwanthimtoyield,thoughIcouldnothelpbeingafraidinmyheart.`Shehasbloodonherlips!"hesaid,shuddering.`Nevermind!"Iansweredtartly.AndItoldhimhowshehadresolved,previoustohiscoming,onexhibitingafitoffrenzy.Iincautiouslygavetheaccountaloud,andsheheardme;forshestartedup--herhairflyingoverhershoulders,hereyes flashing,themusclesofherneckandarmsstandingoutpreternaturally.Imadeupmymindforbrokenbones,atleast;butsheonlyglaredaboutherforaninstant,andthenrushedfromtheroom.Themasterdirectedmetofollow;Idid,toherchamberdoor:shehinderedmefromgoingfartherbysecuringitagainstme.Assheneverofferedtodescendtobreakfastnextmorning,Iwenttoaskwhethershewouldhavesomecarriedup.`No!"sherepliedperemptorily.Thesamequestionwasrepeatedatdinnerandtea;andagainonthemorrowafter,andreceivedthesameanswer.MrLinton,onhispart,spenthistimeinthelibrary,anddidnotinquireconcerninghiswife"soccupations.Isabellaandhehadhadanhour"sinterview,duringwhichhetriedtoelicitfromhersomesentimentofproperhorrorforHeathcliff"sadvances:buthecouldmakenothingofherevasivereplies,andwasobligedtoclosetheexaminationunsatisfactorily;adding,however,asolemnwarning,thatifsheweresoinsaneastoencouragethatworthlesssuitor,itwoulddissolveallbondsofrelationshipbetweenherselfandhim.Chapter12WhileMissLintonmopedabouttheparkandgarden,alwayssilent,andalmostalwaysintears;andherbrothershuthimselfupamongbooksthatheneveropened--wearying,Iguessed,withacontinualvagueexpectationthatCatherine,repentingherconduct,wouldcomeofherownaccordtoaskpardon,andseek areconciliation--andshefastedpertinaciously,undertheidea,probably,thatateverymeal,Edgarwasreadytochokeforherabsence,andpridealoneheldhimfromrunningtocasthimselfatherfeet:Iwentaboutmyhouseholdduties,convincedthattheGrangehadbutonesensiblesoulinitswalls,andthatlodgedinmybody.IwastednocondolencesonMiss,noranyexpostulationsonmymistress;nordidIpaymuchattentiontothesighsofmymaster,whoyearnedtohearhislady"sname,sincehemightnothearhervoice.Ideterminedtheyshouldcomeaboutastheypleasedforme;andthoughitwasatiresomelyslowprocess,Ibegantorejoiceatlengthinafaintdawnofitsprogress:asIthoughtatfirst.MrsLinton,onthethirdday,unbarredherdoor,andhavingfinishedthewaterinherpitcheranddecanter,desiredarenewedsupply,andabasinofgruel,forshebelievedshewasdying.ThatIsetdownasaspeechmeantforEdgar"sears;Ibelievednosuchthing,soIkeptittomyselfandbroughthersometeaanddrytoast.Sheateanddrankeagerly;andsankbackonherpillowagainclenchingherhandsandgroaning.`Oh,Iwilldie,"sheexclaimed,`sincenoonecaresanythingaboutme.IwishIhadnottakenthat."ThenagoodwhileafterIheardhermurmur,`No,I"llnotdie--he"dbeglad--hedoesnotlovemeatall--hewouldnevermissme!"`Didyouwantanything,ma"am?"Iinquired,stillpreservingmyexternalcomposure,inspiteofherghastlycountenance,and strangeexaggeratedmanner.`Whatisthatapatheticbeingdoing?"shedemanded,pushingherthickentangledlocksfromherwastedface.`Hashefallenintoalethargy,orishedead?"`Neither,"repliedI;`ifyoumeanMrLinton.He"stolerablywell,Ithink,thoughhisstudiesoccupyhimrathermorethantheyought:heiscontinuallyamonghisbooks,sincehehasnoothersociety."Ishouldnothavespokenso,ifIhadknownhertruecondition,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.Isheactuallysoutterlyindifferentformylife?"`Why,ma"am,"Ianswered,`themasterhasnoideaofyourbeingderanged;andofcoursehedoesnotfearthatyouwillletyourselfdieofhunger." `Youthinknot?CannotyoutellhimIwill?"shereturned.`Persuadehim!speakofyourownmind:sayyouarecertainIwill!"`No,youforget,MrsLinton,"Isuggested,`thatyouhaveeatensomefoodwitharelishthisevening,andtomorrowyouwillperceiveitsgoodeffects."`IfIwereonlysureitwouldkillhim,"sheinterrupted,`I"dkillmyselfdirectly!Thesethreeawfulnights,I"veneverclosedmylids--andoh,I"vebeentormented!I"vebeenhaunted,Nelly!ButIbegintofancyyoudon"tlikeme.Howstrange!Ithought,thougheverybodyhatedanddespisedeachother,theycouldnotavoidlovingme.Andtheyhaveallturnedtoenemiesinafewhours:theyhave,I"mpositive;thepeoplehere.Howdrearytomeetdeath,surroundedbytheircoldfaces!Isabellaterrifiedandrepelled,afraidtoentertheroom,itwouldbesodreadfultowatchCatherinego.AndEdgarstandingsolemnlybytoseeitover;thenofferingprayersofthankstoGodforrestoringpeacetohishouse,andgoingbacktohisbooks!Whatinthenameofallthatfeelshashetodowithbooks,whenIamdying?"ShecouldnotbearthenotionwhichIhadputintoherheadofMrLinton"sphilosophicalresignation.Tossingabout,sheincreasedherfeverishbewildermenttomadness,andtorethepillowwithherteeth;thenraisingherselfupallburning,desiredthatIwouldopenthewindow.Wewereinthemiddleof winter,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,andtheoldonesdarenotcome.Imadehimpromisehe"dnevershootalapwingafterthat,andhedidn"t.Yes,herearemore!Didheshootmylapwings,Nelly?Aretheyred,anyofthem!Letmelook."`Giveoverwiththatbaby-work!"Iinterrupted,draggingthe pillowaway,andturningtheholestowardsthemattress,forshewasremovingitscontentsbyhandfuls.`Liedownandshutyoureyes:you"rewandering.There"samess!Thedownisflyingaboutlikesnow."Iwenthereandtherecollectingit.`Iseeinyou,Nelly,"shecontinueddreamily,`anagedwoman:youhavegreyhairandbentshoulders.ThisbedisthefairycaveunderPenistonCrag,andyouaregatheringelf-boltstohurtourheifers;pretending,whileIamnear,thattheyareonlylocksofwool.That"swhatyou"llcometofiftyyearshence:Iknowyouarenotsonow.I"mnotwandering:you"remistaken,orelseIshouldbelieveyoureallywerethatwitheredhag,andIshouldthinkIwasunderPenistonCrag;andI"mconsciousit"snight,andtherearetwocandlesonthetablemakingtheblackpressshinelikejet."`Theblackpress?whereisthat?"Iasked.`Youaretalkinginyoursleep!"`It"sagainstthewall,asitalwaysis,"shereplied.`Itdoesappearodd--Iseeafaceinit!"`There"snopressintheroom,andneverwas,"saidI,resumingmyseat,andloopingupthecurtainthatImightwatchher.`Don"tyouseethatface?"sheinquired,gazingearnestlyatthemirror.AndsaywhatIcould,Iwasincapableofmakingher comprehendittobeherown;soIroseandcovereditwithashawl.`It"sbehindtherestill!"shepursuedanxiously.`Anditstirred.Whoisit?Ihopeitwillnotcomeoutwhenyouaregone!Oh!Nelly,theroomishaunted!I"mafraidofbeingalone!"Itookherhandinmine,andbidherbecomposed:forasuccessionofshuddersconvulsedherframe,andshewouldkeepstraininghergazetowardstheglass.`There"snobodyhere!"Iinsisted.`Itwasyourself,MrsLinton:youknewitawhilesince."`Myself!"shegasped,`andtheclockisstrikingtwelve!It"strue,then!that"sdreadful!"Herfingersclutchedtheclothes,andgatheredthemoverhereyes.Iattemptedtostealtothedoorwithanintentionofcallingherhusband;butIwassummonedbackbyapiercingshriek--theshawlhaddroppedfromtheframe.`Why,whatisthematter?"criedI.`Whoiscowardnow?Wakeup!Thatistheglass--themirror,MrsLinton;andyouseeyourselfinit,andthereamItoo,byyourside."Tremblingandbewildered,sheheldmefast,butthehorrorgraduallypassedfromhercountenance;itspalenessgaveplacetoaglowofshame.`Oh,dear!IthoughtIwasathome,"shesighed.`IthoughtIwaslyinginmychamberatWutheringHeights.BecauseI"mweak,mybraingotconfused,andIscreamedunconsciously.Dontsayanything;butstaywithme.Idreadsleeping:mydreamsappal me."`Asoundsleepwoulddoyougood,ma"am,"Ianswered;`andIhopethissufferingwillpreventyourtryingstarvingagain."`Oh,ifIwerebutinmyownbedintheoldhouse!"shewentonbitterly,wringingherhands,`Andthatwindsoundinginthefirsbythelattice.Doletmefeelit--itcomesstraightdownthemoor--doletmehaveonebreath!"Topacifyher,Iheldthecasementajarafewseconds.Acoldblastrushedthrough;Iclosedit,andreturnedtomypost.Shelaystillnow,herfacebathedintears.Exhaustionofbodyhadentirelysubduedherspirit:ourfieryCatherinewasnobetterthanawailingchild.`HowlongisitsinceIshutmyselfinhere?"sheasked,suddenlyreviving.`ItwasMondayevening,"Ireplied,`andthisisThursdaynight,orratherFridaymorning,atpresent.`What!ofthesameweek?"sheexclaimed.`Onlythatbrieftime?"`Longenoughtoliveonnothingbutcoldwaterandill-temper,observedI.`Well,itseemsawearynumberofhours,"shemuttereddoubtfully:`itmustbemore.Irememberbeingintheparlouraftertheyhadquarrelled,andEdgarbeingcruellyprovoking,andmerunningintothisroomdesperate.AssoonaseverIhadbarredthedoor,utterblacknessoverwhelmedme,andIfellon thefloor.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!Ididnotrecallthattheyhadbeenatall.Iwasachild;myfatherwasjustburied,andmymiseryarosefromtheseparationthatHindleyhadorderedbetweenmeandHeathcliff.Iwaslaidalone,forthefirsttime;and,rousingfromadismaldozeafteranightofweeping,Iliftedmyhandtopushthepanelsaside:itstruckthetabletop!Isweptitalongthecarpet,andthenmemoryburstin:mylateanguishwasswallowedinaparoxysmofdespair.IcannotsaywhyIfeltsowildlywretched:itmusthavebeentemporaryderangement,forthereisscarcelycause.But,supposingattwelveyearsoldIhadbeenwrenchedfromtheHeights,andeveryearlyassociation,andmyallinall,asHeathcliffwasatthattime,andbeen convertedatastrokeintoMrsLinton,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,"shesaidsullenly.`However,I"mnothelpless,yet:I"llopenitmyself."AndslidingfromthebedbeforeIcouldhinderher,shecrossedtheroom,walkingveryuncertainly,threwitback,andbentout,carelessofthefrostyairthatcutabouthershouldersaskeenasaknife.Ientreated,andfinallyattemptedtoforcehertoretire.ButIsoonfoundherdeliriousstrengthmuchsurpassedmine(shewasdelirious,Ibecameconvincedbyhersubsequentactionsandravings).Therewasnomoon,andeverythingbeneathlayinmistydarkness:notalightgleamedfromanyhouse,farornear--allhadbeenextinguishedlongago;andthoseatWutheringHeightswerenevervisible--stillshe assertedshecaughttheirshining.`Look!"shecriedeagerly,`that"smyroomwiththecandleinit,andthetreesswayingbeforeit:andtheothercandleisinJoseph"sgarret.Josephsitsuplate,doesn"the?He"swaitingtillIcomehomethathemaylockthegate.Well,he"llwaitawhileyet.It"saroughjourney,andasadhearttotravelit;andwemustpassbyGimmertonKirk,togothatjourney!We"vebraveditsghostsoftentogether,anddaredeachothertostandamongthegravesandaskthemtocome.But,Heathcliff,ifIdareyounow,willyouventure?Ifyoudo,I"llkeepyou.I"llnotlietherebymyself:theymayburymetwelvefeetdeep,andthrowthechurchdownoverme,butIwon"tresttillyouarewithme.Ineverwill!"Shepaused,andresumedwithastrangesmile.`He"sconsidering--he"dratherI"dcometohim!Findaway,then!notthroughthatkirkyard.Youareslow!Becontent,youalwaysfollowedme!"Perceivingitvaintoargueagainstherinsanity,IwasplanninghowIcouldreachsomethingtowrapabouther,withoutquittingmyholdofherself(forIcouldnottrustheralonebythegapinglattice),when,tomyconsternation,Iheardtherattleofthedoorhandle,andMrLintonentered.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.ThehaggardnessofMrsLinton"sappearancesmotehimspeechless,andhecouldonlyglancefromhertomeinhorrifiedastonishment.`She"sbeenfrettinghere,"Icontinued,`andeatingscarcelyanything,andnevercomplaining;shewouldadmitnoneofustillthisevening,andsowecouldn"tinformyouofherstateaswewerenotawareofitourselves;butitisnothing."IfeltIutteredmyexplanationsawkwardly;themasterfrowned.`Itisnothing,isit,EllenDean?"hesaidsternly.`Youshallaccountmoreclearlyforkeepingmeignorantofthis!"Andhetookhiswifeinhisarms,andlookedatherwithanguish.Atfirstshegavehimnoglanceofrecognition;hewasinvisibletoherabstractedgaze.Thedeliriumwasnotfixed,however;havingweanedhereyesfromcontemplatingtheouterdarkness,bydegreesshecentredherattentiononhim,anddiscoveredwhoitwasthatheldher.`Ah!youarecome,areyou,EdgarLinton?"shesaid,with angryanimation.`Youareoneofthosethingsthatareeverfoundwhenleastwanted,andwhenyouarewanted,never!Isupposeweshallhaveplentyoflamentationsnow--Iseeweshall--buttheycan"tkeepmefrommynarrowhomeoutyonder:myresting-place,whereI"mboundbeforespringisover!Thereitis:notamongtheLintons,mind,underthechapelroof,butintheopenair,withaheadstone;andyoumaypleaseyourself,whetheryougotothemorcometome!"`Catherine,whathaveyoudone?"commencedthemaster.`AmInothingtoyouanymore?DoyoulovethatwretchHeath--"`Hush!"criedMrsLinton.`Hush,thismoment!YoumentionthatnameandIendthematterinstantly,byaspringfromthewindow!Whatyoutouchatpresentyoumayhave;butmysoulwillbeonthathilltopbeforeyoulayhandsonmeagain.Idon"twantyou,Edgar:I"mpastwantingyou.Returntoyourbooks.I"mgladyoupossessaconsolation,forallyouhadinmeisgone."`Hermindwanders,sir,"Iinterposed.`Shehasbeentalkingnonsensethewholeevening;butletherhavequiet,andproperattendance,andshe"llrally.Hereafter,wemustbecautioushowwevexher."`Idesirenofurtheradvicefromyou,"answeredMrLinton.`Youknowyourmistress"snature,andyouencouragedmetoharassher.Andnottogivemeonehintofhowshehasbeenthesethreedays!Itwasheartless!Monthsofsicknesscouldnotcausesuchachange!" Ibegantodefendmyself,thinkingittoobadtobeblamedforanother"swickedwaywardness.`IknewMrsLinton"snaturetobeheadstronganddomineering,"criedI;`butIdidn"tknowthatyouwishedtofosterherfiercetemper!Ididn"tknowthat,tohumourher,IshouldwinkatMrHeathcliff.Iperformedthedutyofafaithfulservantintellingyou,andIhavegotafaithfulservant"swages!Well,itwillteachmetobecarefulnexttime.Nexttimeyoumaygatherintelligenceforyourself!"`Thenexttimeyoubringataletome,youshallquitmyservice,EllenDean,"hereplied.`You"dratherhearnothingaboutit,Isuppose,then,MrLinton?"saidI.`Heathcliffhasyourpermissiontocomeacourtingtomiss,andtodropinateveryopportunityyourabsenceoffers,onpurposetopoisonthemistressagainstyou?"ConfusedasCatherinewas,herwitswerealertatapplyingourconversation.`Ah!Nellyhasplayedtraitor,"sheexclaimedpassionately.`Nellyismyhiddenenemy.Youwitch!Soyoudoseekelf-boltstohurtus!Letmego,I"llmakeherrue!I"llmakeherhowlarecantation!"Amaniac"sfurykindledunderherbrows;shestruggleddesperatelytodisengageherselffromLinton"sarms.Ifeltnoinclinationtotarrytheevent;and,resolvingtoseekmedicalaidonmyownresponsibility,Iquittedthechamber.Inpassingthegardentoreachtheroad,ataplacewhere abridlehookisdrivenintothewall,Isawsomethingwhitemovedirregularly,evidentlybyanotheragentthanthewind.Notwithstandingmyhurry,Istayedtoexamineit,lesteverafterIshouldhavetheconvictionimpressedonmyimaginationthatitwasacreatureoftheotherworld.Mysurpriseandperplexityweregreattodiscover,bytouchmorethanvision,MissIsabella"sspringer,Fanny,suspendedbyahandkerchief,andnearlyatitslastgasp.Iquicklyreleasedtheanimal,andlifteditintothegarden.Ihadseenitfollowitsmistressupstairswhenshewenttobed;andwonderedmuchhowitcouldhavegotoutthere,andwhatmischievouspersonhadtreateditso.Whileuntyingtheknotroundthehook,itseemedtomethatIrepeatedlycaughtthebeatofhorses"feetgallopingatsomedistance;butthereweresuchanumberofthingstooccupymyreflectionsthatIhardlygavethecircumstanceathought:thoughitwasastrangesound,inthatplace,attwoo"clockinthemorning.MrKennethwasfortunatelyjustissuingfromhishousetoseeapatientinthevillageasIcameupthestreet;andmyaccountofCatherineLinton"smaladyinducedhimtoaccompanymebackimmediately.Hewasaplainroughman;andhemadenoscrupletospeakhisdoubtsofhersurvivingthissecondattack;unlesssheweremoresubmissivetohisdirectionsthanshehadshownherselfbefore.`NellyDean,"saidhe,`Ican"thelpfancyingthere"san extracauseforthis.WhathastherebeentodoattheGrange?We"veoddreportsuphere.Astout,heartylasslikeCatherine,doesnotfallillforatrifle;andthatsortofpeopleshouldnoteither.It"shardworkbringingthemthroughfevers,andsuchthings.Howdiditbegin?"`Themasterwillinformyou,"Ianswered;`butyouareacquaintedwiththeEarnshaws"violentdispositions,andMrsLintoncapsthemall.Imaysaythis:itcommencedinaquarrel.Shewasstruckduringatempestofpassionwithakindoffit.That"sheraccount,atleast;forsheflewoffintheheightofit,andlockedherselfup.Afterwards,sherefusedtoeat,andnowshealternatelyravesandremainsinahalf-dream;knowingthoseabouther,byhavinghermindfilledwithallsortsofstrangeideasandillusions."`MrLintonwillbesorry?"observedKenneth,interrogatively.`Sorry?he"llbreakhisheartshouldanythinghappen!"Ireplied.`Don"talarmhimmorethannecessary.`Well,Itoldhimtobeware,"saidmycompanion;`andhemustbidetheconsequencesofneglectingmywarning!Hasn"thebeenthickwithMrHeathcliff,lately?"`HeathclifffrequentlyvisitsattheGrange,"answeredI,`thoughmoreonthestrengthofthemistresshavingknownhimwhenaboy,thanbecausethemasterlikeshiscompany.Atpresent,he"sdischargedfromthetroubleofcalling;owingtosome presumptuousaspirationsafterMissLintonwhichhemanifested.Ihardlythinkhe"llbetakeninagain."`AnddoesMissLintonturnacoldshoulderonhim?"wasthedoctor"snextquestion.`I"mnotinherconfidence,"returnedI,reluctanttocontinuethesubject.`No,she"saslyone,"heremarked,shakinghishead.`Shekeepsherowncounsel!Butshe"sareallittlefool.Ihaveitfromgoodauthority,that,lastnight(andaprettynightitwas!)sheandHeathcliffwerewalkingintheplantationatthebackofyourhouse,abovetwohours;andhepressedhernottogoinagain,butjustmounthishorseandawaywithhim!Myinformantsaidshecouldonlyputhimoffbypledgingherwordofhonourtobepreparedontheirfirstmeetingafterthat:whenitwastobe,hedidn"thear;butyouurgeMrLintontolooksharp!"Thisnewsfilledmewithfreshfears;IoutstrippedKenneth,andranmostofthewayback.Thelittledogwasyelpinginthegardenyet.Isparedaminutetoopenthegateforit,butinsteadofgoingtothehousedoor,itcoursedupanddownsnuffingthegrass,andwouldhaveescapedtotheroad,hadInotseizedandconveyeditinwithme.OnascendingtoIsabella"sroom,mysuspicionswereconfirmed:itwasempty.HadIbeenafewhourssooner,MrsLinton"sillnessmighthavearrestedherrashstep.Butwhatcouldbedonenow?Therewasabarepossibilityofovertakingthemifpursuedinstantly.Icouldnotpursuethem, however;andIdarenotrousethefamily,andfilltheplacewithconfusion;stilllessunfoldthebusinesstomymaster,absorbedashewasinhispresentcalamity,andhavingnohearttospareforasecondgrief!Isawnothingforitbuttoholdmytongue,andsuffermatterstotaketheircourse;andKennethbeingarrived,Iwentwithabadlycomposedcountenancetoannouncehim.Catherinelayinatroubledsleep:herhusbandhadsucceededinsoothingtheaccessoffrenzy:henowhungoverherpillow,watchingeveryshade,andeverychangeofherpainfullyexpressivefeatures.Thedoctor,onexaminingthecaseforhimself,spokehopefullytohimofitshavingafavourabletermination,ifwecouldonlypreservearoundherperfectandconstanttranquillity.Tome,hesignifiedthethreateningdangerwasnotsomuchdeath,aspermanentalienationofintellect.Ididnotclosemyeyesthatnight,nordidMrLinton:indeed,weneverwenttobed;andtheservantswerealluplongbeforetheusualhour,movingthroughthehousewithstealthytread,andexchangingwhispersastheyencounteredeachotherintheirvocations.Everyonewasactive,butMissIsabella;andtheybegantoremarkhowsoundsheslept:herbrother,too,askedifshehadrisen,andseemedimpatientforherpresence,andhurtthatsheshowedsolittleanxietyforhersister-in-law.Itrembledlestheshouldsendmetocallher;butIwassparedthepainofbeingthefirstproclaimantofherflight.Oneof themaids,athoughtlessgirl,whohadbeenonanearlyerrandtoGimmerton,camepantingupstairs,openmouthed,anddashedintothechamber,crying:`Oh,dear,dear!Whatmunwehavenext?Master,master,ouryounglady--`Holdyournoise!"criedIhastily,enragedatherclamorousmanner.`Speaklower,Mary--Whatisthematter?"saidMrLinton.`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,"They"ssomebodygoneafter`em,Iguess?"Istared.HesawIknewnoughtaboutit,andhetoldhowagentlemanandladyhadstoppedtohaveahorse"sshoefastenedatablacksmith"sshop,twomilesoutofGimmerton,notverylongaftermidnight!andhowtheblacksmith"slasshadgotuptospywhotheywere:sheknewthembothdirectly.Andshenoticedthe man--Heathcliffitwas,shefeltcertain:nobodycouldmistakehim,besides--putasovereigninherfather"shandforpayment.Theladyhadacloakaboutherface;buthavingdesiredasupofwater,whileshedrank,itfellback,andshesawherveryplain.Heathcliffheldbothbridlesastheyrodeon,andtheysettheirfacesfromthevillage,andwentasfastastheroughroadswouldletthem.Thelasssaidnothingtoherfather,butshetolditalloverGimmertonthismorning."Iranandpeeped,forform"ssake,intoIsabella"sroom;confirming,whenIreturned,theservant"sstatement.MrLintonhadresumedhisseatbythebed;onmyre-entrance,heraisedhiseyes,readthemeaningofmyblankaspect,anddroppedthemwithoutgivinganorder,orutteringaword.`Arewetotryanymeasuresforovertakingandbringingherback?"Iinquired.`Howshouldwedo?"`Shewentofherownaccord,"answeredthemaster;`shehadarighttogoifshepleased.Troublemenomoreabouther.Hereaftersheisonlymysisterinname:notbecauseIdisownher,butbecauseshehasdisownedme."Andthatwasallhesaidonthesubject:hedidnotmakeasingleinquiryfurther,ormentionherinanyway,exceptdirectingmetosendwhatpropertyshehadinthehousetoherfreshhome,whereveritwas,whenIknewit.Chapter13Fortwomonthsthefugitivesremainedabsent;inthosetwo months,MrsLintonencounteredandconqueredtheworstshockofwhatwasdenominatedabrainfever.NomothercouldhavenursedanonlychildmoredevotedlythanEdgartendedher.Dayandnighthewaswatching,andpatientlyenduringalltheannoyancesthatirritablenervesandashakenreasoncouldinflict;and,thoughKennethremarkedthatwhathesavedfromthegravewouldonlyrecompensehiscarebyformingthesourceofconstantfutureanxiety--infact,thathishealthandstrengthwerebeingsacrificedtopreserveamereruinofhumanity--heknewnolimitsingratitudeandjoywhenCatherine"slifewasdeclaredoutofdanger;andhourafterhourhewouldsitbesideher,tracingthegradualreturntobodilyhealth,andflatteringhistoosanguinehopeswiththeillusionthathermindwouldsettlebacktoitsrightbalancealso,andshewouldsoonbeentirelyherformerself.ThefirsttimesheleftherchamberwasatthecommencementofthefollowingMarch.MrLintonhadputonherpillow,inthemorning,ahandfulofgoldencrocuses;hereye,longstrangertoanygleamofpleasure,caughttheminwaking,andshonedelightedasshegatheredthemeagerlytogether.`ThesearetheearliestflowersattheHeights,"sheexclaimed.`Theyremindmeofsoftthawwinds,andwarmsunshine,andnearlymeltedsnow.Edgar,istherenotasouthwind,andisnotthesnowalmostgone?"`Thesnowisquitegonedownhere,darling,"repliedher husband;`andIonlyseetwowhitespotsonthewholerangeofmoors:theskyisblue,andthelarksaresinging,andthebecksandbrooksareallbrimfull.Catherine,lastspringatthistime,Iwaslongingtohaveyouunderthisroof,now,Iwishyouwereamileortwoupthosehills:theairblowssosweetly,Ifeelthatitwouldcureyou.`Ishallneverbetherebutoncemore,"saidtheinvalid;`andthenyou"llleaveme,andIshallremainforever.Nextspringyou"lllongagaintohavemeunderthisroof,andyou"lllookbackandthinkyouwerehappytoday.Lintonlavishedonherthekindestcaresses,andtriedtocheerherbythefondestwords;but,vaguelyregardingtheflowers,sheletthetearscollectonherlashesandstreamdownhercheeksunheeding.Weknewshewasreallybetter,and,therefore,decidedthatlongconfinementtoasingleplaceproducedmuchofthisdespondency,anditmightbepartiallyremovedbyachangeofscene.Themastertoldmetolightafireinthemany-weeks-desertedparlour,andtosetaneasychairinthesunshinebythewindow;andthenhebroughtherdown,andshesatalongwhileenjoyingthegenialheat,and,asweexpected,revivedbytheobjectsroundher:which,thoughfamiliar,werefreefromthedrearyassociationsinvestingherhatedsickchamber.Byevening,sheseemedgreatlyexhausted;yetnoargumentscouldpersuadehertoreturntothatapartment,andIhadtoarrangetheparloursofaforherbed,tillanotherroom couldbeprepared.Toobviatethefatigueofmountinganddescendingthestairs,wefittedupthis,whereyoulieatpresent:onthesamefloorwiththeparlour;andshewassoonstrongenoughtomovefromonetotheother,leaningonEdgar"sarm.Ah,Ithoughtmyselfshemightrecover,sowaitedonasshewas.Andtherewasdoublecausetodesireit,foronherexistencedependedthatofanother:wecherishedthehopethatinalittlewhile,MrLinton"sheartwouldbegladdened,andhislandssecuredfromastranger"sgripe,bythebirthofanheir.IshouldmentionthatIsabellasenttoherbrother,somesixweeksfromherdeparture,ashortnote,announcinghermarriagewithHeathcliff.Itappeareddryandcold;butatthebottomwasdottedinwithpencilanobscureapology,andanentreatyforkindremembranceandreconciliation,ifherproceedinghadoffendedhim:assertingthatshecouldnothelpitthen,andbeingdone,shehadnownopowertorepealit.Lintondidnotreplytothis,Ibelieve;and,inafortnightmore,IgotalongletterwhichIconsideredodd,comingfromthepenofabridejustoutofthehoneymoon.I"llreadit:forIkeepityet.Anyrelicofthedeadisprecious,iftheywerevaluedliving.DEARELLEN,itbegins:--IcamelastnighttoWutheringHeights,andheard,forthefirsttime,thatCatherinehasbeen,andisyet,veryill.Imustnotwritetoher,Isuppose,andmybrotheriseithertooangryortoodistressedtoanswerwhatIsenthim.Still,Imustwrite tosomebody,andtheonlychoiceleftmeisyou.InformEdgarthatI"dgivetheworldtoseehisfaceagain--thatmyheartreturnedtoThrushcrossGrangeintwenty-fourhoursafterIleftit,andisthereatthismoment,fullofwarmfeelingsforhim,andCatherine!Ican"tfollowit,though--(thosewordsareunderlined)theyneednotexpectme,andtheymaydrawwhatconclusionstheyplease;takingcare,however,tolaynothingatthedoorofmyweakwillordeficientaffection.Theremainderoftheletterisforyourselfalone.Iwanttoaskyoutwoquestions:thefirstis--Howdidyoucontrivetopreservethecommonsympathiesofhumannaturewhenyouresidedhere?Icannotrecognizeanysentimentwhichthosearoundsharewithme.Thesecondquestion,Ihavegreatinterestin;itisthis--IsMrHeathcliffaman?Ifso,ishemad?Andifnot,isheadevil?Ishan"ttellmyreasonsformakingthisinquiry;but,Ibeseechyoutoexplain,ifyoucan,whatIhavemarried:thatis,whenyoucalltoseeme;andyoumustcall,Ellen,verysoon.Don"twrite,butcome,andbringmesomethingfromEdgar.Now,youshallhearhowIhavebeenreceivedinmynewhome,asIamledtoimaginetheHeightswillbe.ItistoamusemyselfthatIdwellonsuchsubjectsasthelackofexternalcomforts:theyneveroccupymythoughts,exceptatthemomentwhenImissthem.Ishouldlaughanddanceforjoy,ifIfoundtheirabsence wasthetotalofmymiseries,andtherestwasanunnaturaldream!ThesunsetbehindtheGrange,asweturnedontothemoors;bythat,Ijudgedittobesixo"clock;andmycompanionhaltedhalfanhour,toinspectthepark,andthegardens,and,probably,theplaceitself,aswellashecould;soitwasdarkwhenwedismountedinthepavedyardofthefarmhouse,andyouroldfellow-servant,Joseph,issuedouttoreceiveusbythelightofadipcandle.Hediditwithacourtesythatredoundedtohiscredit.Hisfirstactwastoelevatehistorchtoalevelwithmyface,squintmalignantly,projecthisunderlip,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. Anoath,andathreattosetThrottleronmeifIdidnot`frameoff",rewardedmyperseverance.`Hey,Throttler,lad!"whisperedthelittlewretch,rousingahalf-bredbulldogfromitslairinacorner.Now,wilttuhbeganging?"heaskedauthoritatively.Loveformylifeurgedacompliance;Isteppedoverthethresholdtowaittilltheothersshouldenter.MrHeathcliffwasnowherevisible;andJoseph,whomIfollowedtothestables,andrequestedtoaccompanymein,afterstaringandmutteringtohimself,screweduphisnose,andreplied:`Mim!mim!mim!DidiverChristianbodyhearaughtlikeit?MinchingUn"munching!HowcanAwtellwhetyesay?"`Isay,Iwishyoutocomewithmeintothehouse!"Icried,thinkinghimdeaf,yethighlydisgustedathisrudeness.`Nornuhme!Igettensummatelsetodo,"heanswered,andcontinuedhiswork;movinghislanternjawsmeanwhile,andsurveyingmydressandcountenance(theformeragreatdealtoofine,butthelatter,I"msure,assadashecoulddesire)withsovereigncontempt.Iwalkedroundtheyard,andthroughawicket,toanotherdoor,atwhichItookthelibertyofknocking,inhopessomemorecivilservantmightshowhimself.Afterashortsuspense,itwasopenedbyatall,gauntman,withoutneckerchief,andotherwiseextremelyslovenly;hisfeatureswerelostinmassesofshaggyhairthathungonhisshoulders;andhiseyes,too,werelike aghostlyCatherine"swithalltheirbeautyannihilated.`What"syourbusinesshere?"hedemandedgrimly.`Whoareyou?"`MynamewasIsabellaLinton,"Ireplied.`You"veseenmebefore,sir.I"mlatelymarriedtoMrHeathcliff,andhehasbroughtmehere--Isupposebyyourpermission."`Ishecomeback,then?"askedthehermit,glaringlikeahungrywolf.`Yes--wecamejustnow,"Isaid;`butheleftmebythekitchendoor;andwhenIwouldhavegonein,yourlittleboyplayedsentinelovertheplace,andfrightenedmeoffbythehelpofabulldog."`It"swellthehellishvillainhaskepthisword!"growledmyfuturehost,searchingthedarknessbeyondmeinexpectationofdiscoveringHeathcliff;andthenheindulgedinasoliloquyofexecrations,andthreatsofwhathewouldhavedonehadthe`fiend"deceivedhim.Irepentedhavingtriedthissecondentrance,andwasalmostinclinedtoslipawaybeforehefinishedcursing,butereIcouldexecutethatintention,heorderedmein,andshutandrefastenedthedoor.Therewasagreatfire,andthatwasallthelightinthehugeapartment,whosefloorhadgrownauniformgrey;andtheoncebrilliantpewterdishes,whichusedtoattractmygazewhenIwasagirl,partookofasimilarobscurity,createdbytarnishanddust.IinquiredwhetherImightcallthemaid,and beconductedtoabedroom?MrEarnshawvouchsafednoanswer.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.Iwasnotawarehowopenly Igrieved,tillEarnshawhaltedopposite,inhismeasuredwalk,andgavemeastareofnewly-awakenedsurprise.Takingadvantageofhisrecoveredattention,Iexclaimed:`I"mtiredwithmyjourney,andIwanttogotobed!Whereisthemaidservant?Directmetoher,asshewon"tcometome!"`Wehavenone,"heanswered;`youmustwaitonyourself!"`WheremustIsleep,then?"Isobbed:Iwasbeyondregardingself-respect,weigheddownbyfatigueandwretchedness.`JosephwillshowyouHeathcliff"schamber,"saidhe;`openthatdoor--he"sinthere."Iwasgoingtoobey,buthesuddenlyarrestedme,andaddedinthestrangesttone:`Besogoodastoturnyourlock,anddrawyourbolt--don"tomitit!"`Well!"Isaid.`Butwhy,MrEarnshaw?"IdidnotrelishthenotionofdeliberatelyfasteningmyselfinwithHeathcliff.`Lookhere!"hereplied,pullingfromhiswaistcoatacuriouslyconstructedpistol,havingadouble-edgedspringknifeattachedtothebarrel.`That"sagreattemptertoadesperateman,isitnot?Icannotresistgoingupwiththiseverynight,andtryinghisdoor.IfonceIfinditopenhe"sdonefor!Idoitinvariably,eventhoughtheminutebeforeIhavebeenrecallingahundredreasonsthatshouldmakemerefrain:itissomedevilthaturgesmetothwartmyownschemesbykillinghim.Youfightagainstthatdevilforloveaslongasyoumay;when thetimescomes,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.Henow recommencedhismoodywalk,andIraisedthelatch,andescapedintothekitchen.Josephwasbendingoverthefire,peeringintoalargepanthatswungaboveit;andawoodenbowlofoatmealstoodonthesettlecloseby.Thecontentsofthepanbegantoboil,andheturnedtoplungehishandintothebowl;Iconjecturedthatthispreparationwasprobablyforoursupper,and,beinghungry,Iresolveditshouldbeeatable;so,cryingoutsharply,`I"llmaketheporridge!"Iremovedthevesseloutofhisreach,andproceededtotakeoffmyhatandridinghabit.`MrEarnshaw",Icontinued,`directsmetowaitonmyself:Iwill.I"mnotgoingtoacttheladyamongyou,forfearIshouldstarve."`GooidLord!"hemuttered,sittingdown,andstrokinghisribbedstockingsfromthekneetotheankle.`Ifthey"stuhbefreshortherings--justwhenAwgettinusedtuhtwomaisters,ifAwmunhevamistressseto"ermyheead,it"sloiketimetuhbeflitting.Awniverdidthinktuhsayt"dayutAwmudlaveth"owldplace--butAwdahtit"snighathend!"Thislamentationdrewnonoticefromme:Iwentbrisklytowork,sighingtorememberaperiodwhenitwouldhavebeenallmerryfun;butcompelledspeedilytodriveofftheremembrance.Itrackedmetorecallpasthappiness,andthegreaterperiltherewasofconjuringupitsapparition,thequickerthethibleranround,andthefasterthehandfulsofmealfellintothewater.Josephbeheldmystyleofcookerywithgrowingindignation. `Thear!"heejaculated,`Hareton,thahwillutsupthyporridgetuhneight;they"llbenowtbudlumpsasbigasmawnave.Thear,agean!Aw"dflinginbowlunall,ifAwweryah!There,palet"guilpoff,un"thenyah"llhaedonewi"t.Bang,bang.It"samarcyt"bothomisn"tdeavedaht!"Itwasratheraroughmess,Iown,whenpouredintothebasins;fourhadbeenprovided,andagallonpitcherofnewmilkwasbroughtfromthedairy,whichHaretonseizedandcommenceddrinkingandspillingfromtheexpansivelip.Iexpostulated,anddesiredthatheshouldhavehisinamug;affirmingthatIcouldnottastetheliquidtreatedsodirtily.Theoldcynicchosetobevastlyoffendedatthisnicety;assuringme,repeatedly,that`thebarnwaseverybitasgood"asI,`andeverybitaswollsome",andwonderinghowIcouldfashiontobesoconceited.Meanwhile,theinfantruffiancontinuedsucking;andgloweredatmedefyingly,asheslaveredintothejug.`Ishallhavemysupperinanotherroom,"Isaid.`Haveyounoplaceyoucallaparlour?"`Parlour!"heechoedsneeringly,`parlour!Nay,we"venoaparlours.Ifyahdunnutloikewercompany,there"smaister"s;un"ifyahdunnutloikemaister,there"sus.`ThenIshallgoupstairs!"Ianswered;`showmeachamber."Iputmybasinonatray,andwentmyselftofetchsomemoremilk.Withgreatgrumblings,thefellowrose,andprecededmeinmyascent:wemountedtothegarrets;heopeningadoor,nowand then,tolookintotheapartmentswepassed.`Here"sarahm,"hesaid,atlast,flingingbackacrankyboardonhinges.`It"sweeleneughtuhateafewporridgein.They"sapacko"corni"t"corner,thear,meeterlyclane;ifyah"refeareduhmuckyingyergrandsilkcloes,spreadyerhankerchiro"t"topon"t."The`rahm"wasakindoflumber-holesmellingstrongofmaltandgrain;varioussacksofwhicharticleswerepiledaround,leavingawide,barespaceinthemiddle.`Why,man!"Iexclaimed,facinghimangrily,`thisisnotaplacetosleepin.Iwishtoseemybedroom.`Bed-rume!"herepeated,inatoneofmockery.`Yah"sseeallt"bed-rumesthearis--yon"smine."Hepointedintothesecondgarret,onlydifferingfromthefirstinbeingmorenakedaboutthewalls,andhavingalarge,low,curtainlessbed,withanindigo-colouredquiltatoneend.`WhatdoIwantwithyours?"Iretorted.`IsupposeMrHeathcliffdoesnotlodgeatthetopofthehouse,doeshe?"`Oh!it"sMaisterHathecliff"syah"rewenting!"criedhe,asifmakinganewdiscovery.`Couldn"tyeuhsaidsoa,atonst?unthen,Awmuduhtelledye,bahtallthiswark,utthat"sjustoneyahcannutsea--healIaskeepsitlocked,unnob"dyivermellson"tbuthisseln."`You"veanicehouse,Joseph,"Icouldnotrefrainfromobserving,`andpleasantinmates;andIthinktheconcentrated essenceofallthemadnessintheworldtookupitsabodeinmybrainthedayIlinkedmyfatewiththeirs!However,thatisnottothepresentpurpose--thereareotherrooms.Forheaven"ssakebequick,andletmesettlesomewhere!"Hemadenoreplytothisadjuration;onlyploddingdoggedlydownthewoodensteps,andhaltingbeforeanapartmentwhich,fromthathaltandthesuperiorqualityofitsfurniture,Iconjecturedtobethebestone.Therewasacarpet:agoodone,butthepatternwasobliteratedbydust;afireplacehungwithcutpaper,droppingtopieces;ahandsomeoakbedsteadwithamplecrimsoncurtainsofratherexpensivematerialandmodernmake;buttheyhadevidentlyexperiencedroughusage:thevalanceshunginfestoons,wrenchedfromtheirrings,andtheironrodsupportingthemwasbentinanarcononeside,causingthedraperytotrailuponthefloor.Thechairswerealsodamaged,manyofthemseverely;anddeepindentationsdeformedthepanelsofthewalls.Iwasendeavouringtogatherresolutionforenteringandtakingpossession,whenmyfoolofaguideannounced,`Thishereist"maister"s."Mysupperbythistimewascold,myappetitegone,andmypatienceexhausted.Iinsistedonbeingprovidedinstantlywithaplaceofrefuge,andmeansofrepose.`Whearthedivil?"beganthereligiouselder.`TheLordblessus!TheLordforgieus!Whearthehellwoldyegang?yemarred,wearisomenowt!YahseenallbudHareton"sbitufacham"er.They"snotanotherhoiletuhligdahnini"th"hahse!" Iwassovexed,Iflungmytrayanditscontentsontheground;andthenseatedmyselfatthestairs-head,hidmyfaceinmyhands,andcried.`Ech!ech!"exclaimedJoseph.`Weeldone,MissCathy!weeldone,MissCathy!Hahsiver,t"maistersaIljusttum"leo"erthembrockenpots;un"thenwe"shearsummut;we"shearhahit"stuhbe.Gooid-for-nowtmadling!yahdesarvepiningfroothistoChurstmas,flingingt"preciousgiftsuhGodunderfooiti"yerflaysomerages!BudAw"mmista"enifyahshewyersperritlang.WillHathecliffbidesichbonnyways,thinkye?Awnobbutwishhemuhcotchyei"thatplisky.Awnobbutwishhemay."Andsohewentonscoldingtohisdenbeneath,takingthecandlewithhim;andIremainedinthedark.Theperiodofreflectionsucceedingthissillyaction,compelledmetoadmitthenecessityofsmotheringmyprideandchokingmywrath,andbestirringmyselftoremoveitseffects.AnunexpectedaidpresentlyappearedintheshapeofThrottler,whomInowrecognizedasasonofouroldSkulker:ithadspentitswhelphoodattheGrange,andwasgivenbymyfathertoMrHindley.Ifancyitknewme:itpusheditsnoseagainstminebywayofsalute,andthenhastenedtodevourtheporridge;whileIgropedfromsteptostep,collectingtheshatteredearthenware,anddryingthespattersofmilkfromthebanisterwithmypockethandkerchief.OurlabourswerescarcelyoverwhenIheardEarnshaw"streadinthepassage;myassistanttuckedinhistail, andpressedtothewall;Istoleintothenearestdoorway.Thedog"sendeavourtoavoidhimwasunsuccessful;asIguessedbyascutterdownstairs,andaprolonged,piteousyelping.Ihadbetterluck!hepassedon,enteredhischamber,andshutthedoor.DirectlyafterJosephcameupwithHareton,toputhimtobed.IhadfoundshelterinHareton"sroom,andtheoldman,onseeingme,said:`They"srahmforboathyeunyerpride,now,Isudthink,i"thehahse.It"sempty;yemayhevitalltoyerseln,unHimasallasmaksathird,i"suchillcompany!"GladlydidItakeadvantageofthisintimation;andtheminuteIflungmyselfintoachair,bythefire,Inodded,andslept.Myslumberwasdeepandsweet,thoughoverfartoosoon.MrHeathcliffawokeme;hehadjustcomein,anddemanded,inhislovingmanner,whatIwasdoingthere?Itoldhimthecauseofmystayingupsolate--thathehadthekeyofourroominhispocket.Theadjectiveourgavemortaloffence.Hesworeitwasnot,norevershouldbe,mine;andhe"d--ButI"llnotrepeathislanguage,nordescribehishabitualconduct:heisingeniousandunrestinginseekingtogainmyabhorrence!Isometimeswonderathimwithanintensitythatdeadensmyfear:yet,Iassureyou,atigeroravenomousserpentcouldnotrouseterrorinmeequaltothatwhichhewakens.HetoldmeofCatherine"sillness,andaccusedmybrotherofcausingit;promisingthatIshouldbeEdgar"sproxyinsuffering,tillhecouldgetholdofhim. Idohatehim--Iamwretched--Ihavebeenafool!BewareofutteringonebreathofthistoanyoneattheGrange.Ishallexpectyoueveryday--don"tdisappointme!Chapter14AssoonasIhadperusedthisepistle,Iwenttothemaster,andinformedhimthathissisterhadarrivedattheHeights,andsentmealetterexpressinghersorrowforMrsLinton"ssituation,andherardentdesiretoseehim;withawishthathewouldtransmittoher,asearlyaspossible,sometokenofforgivenessbyme.`Forgiveness!"saidLinton.`Ihavenothingtoforgiveher,Ellen.YoumaycallatWutheringHeightsthisafternoon,ifyoulike,andsaythatIamnotangry,butI"msorrytohavelosther;especiallyasIcanneverthinkshe"llbehappy.Itisoutofthequestionmygoingtoseeher,however:weareeternallydivided;andshouldshereallywishtoobligeme,letherpersuadethevillainshehasmarriedtoleavethecountry."`Andyouwon"twriteheralittlenote,sir?"Iaskedimploringly.`No,"heanswered.`Itisneedless.MycommunicationwithHeathcliff"sfamilyshallbeassparingashiswithmine.Itshallnotexist!"MrEdgar"scoldnessdepressedmeexceedingly;andallthewayfromtheGrangeIpuzzledmybrainshowtoputmoreheartintowhathesaid,whenIrepeatedit;andhowtosoftenhis refusalofevenafewlinestoconsoleIsabella.Idaresayshehadbeenonthewatchformesincemorning:Isawherlookingthroughthelattice,asIcameupthegardencauseway,andInoddedtoher;butshedrewback,asifafraidofbeingobserved.Ienteredwithoutknocking.Thereneverwassuchadreary,dismalsceneastheformerlycheerfulhousepresented!Imustconfess,thatifIhadbeenintheyounglady"splace,Iwould,atleast,havesweptthehearth,andwipedthetableswithaduster.Butshealreadypartookofthepervadingspiritofneglectwhichencompassedher.Herprettyfacewaswanandlistless;herhairuncurled:somelockshanginglanklydown,andsomecarelesslytwistedroundherhead.Probablyshehadnottouchedherdresssinceyesterevening.Hindleywasnotthere.MrHeathcliffsatatatable,turningoversomepapersinhispocket-book;butherosewhenIappeared,askedmehowIdid,quitefriendly,andofferedmeachair.Hewastheonlythingtherethatseemeddecent:andIthoughtheneverlookedbetter.Somuchhadcircumstancesalteredtheirpositions,thathewouldcertainlyhavestruckastrangerasabornandbredgentleman;andhiswifeasathoroughlittleslattern!Shecameforwardeagerlytogreetme;andheldoutonehandtotaketheexpectedletter.Ishookmyhead.Shewouldn"tunderstandthehint,butfollowedmetoasideboard,whereIwenttolaymybonnet,andimportunedmeinawhispertogiveherdirectlywhatIhadbrought.Heathcliffguessedthemeaningofhermanoeuvres,andsaid: `IfyouhavegotanythingforIsabella(asnodoubtyouhave,Nelly),giveittoher.Youneedn"tmakeasecretofit!wehavenosecretsbetweenus."`Oh,Ihavenothing,"Ireplied,thinkingitbesttospeakthetruthatonce.`Mymasterbidmetellhissisterthatshemustnotexpecteitheraletteroravisitfromhimatpresent.Hesendshislove,ma"am,andhiswishesforyourhappiness,andhispardonforthegriefyouhaveoccasioned;buthethinksthatafterthistime,hishouseholdandthehouseholdhereshoulddropintercommunication,asnothinggoodcouldcomeofkeepingitup."MrsHeathcliff"slipquiveredslightly,andshereturnedtoherseatinthewindow.Herhusbandtookhisstandonthehearthstone,nearme,andbegantoputquestionsconcerningCatherine.ItoldhimasmuchasIthoughtproperofherillness,andheextortedfromme,bycross-examination,mostofthefactsconnectedwithitsorigin.Iblamedher,asshedeserved,forbringingitallonherself;andendedbyhopingthathewouldfollowMrLinton"sexampleandavoidfutureinterferencewithhisfamily,forgoodorevil.`MrsLintonisnowjustrecovering,"Isaid;`she"llneverbelikeshewas,butherlifeisspared;andifyoureallyhavearegardforher,you"llshuncrossingherwayagain:nay,you"llmoveoutofthiscountryentirely;andthatyoumaynotregretit,I"llinformyouCatherineLintonisasdifferentnowfrom youroldfriendCatherineEarnshaw,asthatyoungladyisdifferentfromme.Herappearanceischangedgreatly,hercharactermuchmoreso;andthepersonwhoiscompelled,ofnecessity,tobehercompanion,willonlysustainhisaffectionhereafterbytheremembranceofwhatsheoncewas,bycommonhumanity,andasenseofduty!"`Thatisquitepossible,"remarkedHeathcliff,forcinghimselftoseemcalm:`quitepossiblethatyourmastershouldhavenothingbutcommonhumanityandasenseofdutytofallbackupon.ButdoyouimaginethatIshallleaveCatherinetohisdutyandhumanity?andcanyoucomparemyfeelingsrespectingCatherinetohis?Beforeyouleavethishouse,Imustexactapromisefromyou,thatyou"llgetmeaninterviewwithher:consentorrefuse,Iwillseeher!Whatdoyousay?"`Isay,MrHeathcliff,"Ireplied,`youmustnot:younevershall,throughmymeans.Anotherencounterbetweenyouandthemasterwouldkillheraltogether."`Withyouraid,thatmaybeavoided,"hecontinued;`andshouldtherebedangerofsuchanevent--shouldhebethecauseofaddingasingletroublemoretoherexistence--why,IthinkIshallbejustifiedingoingtoextremes!IwishyouhadsincerityenoughtotellmewhetherCatherinewouldsuffergreatlyfromhisloss:thefearthatshewouldrestrainsme.Andthereyouseethedistinctionsbetweenourfeelings:hadhebeeninmyplace,andIinhis,thoughIhatedhimwithahatredthat turnedmylifetogall,Ineverwouldhaveraisedahandagainsthim.Youmaylookincredulous,ifyouplease!Ineverwouldhavebanishedhimfromhersocietyaslongasshedesiredhis.Themomentherregardceased,Iwouldhavetornhisheartout,anddrunkhisblood!But,tillthen--ifyoudon"tbelieveme,youdon"tknowme--tillthen,IwouldhavediedbyinchesbeforeItouchedasinglehairofhishead!"`Andyet,"Iinterrupted,`youhavenoscruplesincompletelyruiningallhopesofherperfectrestoration,bythrustingyourselfintoherremembrancenow,whenshehasnearlyforgottenyou,andinvolvingherinanewtumultofdiscordanddistress."`Yousupposeshehasnearlyforgottenme?"hesaid.`Oh,Nelly!youknowshehasnot!YouknowaswellasIdo,thatforeverythoughtshespendsonLinton,shespendsathousandonme!Atamostmiserableperiodofmylife,Ihadanotionofthekind:ithauntedmeonmyreturntotheneighbourhoodlastsummer;butonlyherownassurancecouldmakemeadmitthehorribleideaagain.Andthen,Lintonwouldbenothing,norHindley,norallthedreamsthateverIdreamt.Twowordswouldcomprehendmyfuture--deathandhell:existence,afterlosingher,wouldbehell.YetIwasafooltofancyforamomentthatshevaluedEdgarLinton"sattachmentmorethanmine.Ifhelovedwithallthepowersofhispunybeing,hecouldn"tloveasmuchineightyyearsasIcouldinaday.AndCatherinehasaheartasdeepasIhave: theseacouldbeasreadilycontainedinthathorse-trough,asherwholeaffectionbemonopolizedbyhim!Tush!Heisscarcelyadegreedearertoherthanherdog,orherhorse.Itisnotinhimtobelovedlikeme:howcansheloveinhimwhathehasnot?"`CatherineandEdgarareasfondofeachotherasanytwopeoplecanbe,"criedIsabella,withsuddenvivacity.`Noonehasarighttotalkinthatmanner,andIwon"thearmybrotherdepreciatedinsilence!"`Yourbrotheriswondrousfondofyoutoo,isn"the?"observedHeathcliffscornfully.`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,buttheverymorrowofourwedding,shewasweepingtogohome.However,she"llsuit thishousesomuchthebetterfornotbeingovernice,andI"lltakecareshedoesnotdisgracemebyramblingabroad."`Well,sir,"returnedI,`Ihopeyou"llconsiderthatMrsHeathcliffisaccustomedtobelookedafterandwaitedon;andthatshehasbeenbroughtuplikeanonlydaughter,whomeveryonewasreadytoserve.Youmustletherhaveamaidtokeepthingstidyabouther,andyoumusttreatherkindly.WhateverbeyournotionofMrEdgar,youcannotdoubtthatshehasacapacityforstrongattachments,orshewouldn"thaveabandonedtheelegances,andcomforts,andfriendsofherformerhome,tofixcontentedly,insuchawildernessasthis,withyou."`Sheabandonedthemunderadelusion,"heanswered;`picturinginmeaheroofromance,andexpectingunlimitedindulgencesfrommychivalrousdevotion.Icanhardlyregardherinthelightofarationalcreature,soobstinatelyhasshepersistedinformingafabulousnotionofmycharacterandactingonthefalseimpressionsshecherished.But,atlast,Ithinkshebeginstoknowme:Idon"tperceivethesillysmilesandgrimacesthatprovokedmeatfirst;andthesenselessincapabilityofdiscerningthatIwasinearnestwhenIgavehermyopinionofherinfatuationandherself.ItwasamarvellouseffortofperspicacitytodiscoverthatIdidnotloveher.Ibelieved,atonetime,nolessonscouldteachherthat!Andyetitispoorlylearnt;forthismorningsheannounced,asapieceofappallingintelligence,thatIhadactuallysucceededin makingherhateme!ApositivelabourofHercules,Iassureyou!Ifitbeachieved,Ihavecausetoreturnthanks.CanItrustyourassertion,Isabella?Areyousureyouhateme?IfIletyoualoneforhalfaday,won"tyoucomesighingandwheedlingtomeagain?IdaresayshewouldratherIhadseemedalltendernessbeforeyou:itwoundshervanitytohavethetruthexposed.ButIdon"tcarewhoknowsthatthepassionwaswhollyononeside;andInevertoldheralieaboutit.Shecannotaccusemeofshowingabitofdeceitfulsoftness.Thefirstthingshesawmedo,oncomingoutoftheGrange,wastohangupherlittledog;andwhenshepleadedforit,thefirstwordsIutteredwereawishthatIhadthehangingofeverybeingbelongingtoher,exceptone:possiblyshetookthatexceptionforherself.Butnobrutalitydisgustedher:Isupposeshehasaninnateadmirationofit,ifonlyherpreciouspersonweresecurefrominjury!Now,wasitnotthedepthofabsurdity--ofgenuineidiocy,forthatpitiful,slavish,mean-mindedbrachtodreamthatIcouldloveher?Tellyourmaster,Nelly,thatInever,inallmylife,metwithsuchanabjectthingassheis.SheevendisgracesthenameofLinton;andI"vesometimesrelented,frompurelackofinvention,inmyexperimentsonwhatshecouldendure,andstillcreepshamefullycringingback!Buttellhim,also,tosethisfraternalandmagisterialheartatease:thatIkeepstrictlywithinthelimitsofthelaw.Ihaveavoided,uptothisperiod,givinghertheslightestrighttoclaima separation;and,what"smore,she"dthanknobodyfordividingus.Ifshedesiredtogo,shemight:thenuisanceofherpresenceoutweighsthegratificationtobederivedfromtormentingher!"`MrHeathcliff,"saidI,`thisisthetalkofamadman,andyourwife,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;andheshan"tobtainit--I"lldiefirst!Ijusthope,Ipray,thathemayforgethisdiabolicalprudenceandkillme!ThesinglepleasureIcanimagineistodieorseehimdead!"`There--thatwilldoforthepresent!"saidHeathcliff.`Ifyouarecalleduponinacourtoflaw,you"llrememberherlanguage,Nelly!Andtakeagoodlookatthatcountenance:she"s nearthepointwhichwouldsuitme.No;you"renotfittobeyourownguardian,Isabella,now;andI,beingyourlegalprotector,mustdetainyouinmycustody,howeverdistastefultheobligationmaybe.Goupstairs;IhavesomethingtosaytoEllenDeaninprivate.That"snottheway:upstairs,Itellyou!Why,thisistheroadupstairs,child!"Heseized,andthrustherfromtheroom:andreturnedmuttering:`Ihavenopity!Ihavenopity!Themorethewormswrithe,themoreIyearntocrushouttheirentrails!Itisamoralteething;andIgrindwithgreaterenergy,inproportiontotheincreaseofpain."`Doyouunderstandwhatthewordpitymeans?"Isaid,hasteningtoresumemybonnet.`Didyoueverfeelatouchofitinyourlife?"`Putthatdown!"heinterrupted,perceivingmyintentiontodepart.`Youarenotgoingyet.Comeherenow,Nelly:ImusteitherpersuadeorcompelyoutoaidmeinfulfillingmydeterminationtoseeCatherine,andthatwithoutdelay.IswearthatImeditatenoharm:Idon"tdesiretocauseanydisturbance,ortoexasperateorinsultMrLinton;Ionlywishtohearfromherselfhowsheis,andwhyshehasbeenill;andtoaskifanythingthatIcoulddowouldbeofusetoher.Lastnight,IwasintheGrangegardensixhours,andI"llreturntheretonight;andeverynightI"llhaunttheplace,andeveryday,tillIfind anopportunityofentering.IfEdgarLintonmeetsme,Ishallnothesitatetoknockhimdown,andgivehimenoughtoinsurehisquiescencewhileIstay.Ifhisservantsopposeme,Ishallthreatenthemoffwiththesepistols.Butwouldn"titbebettertopreventmycomingincontactwiththem,ortheirmaster?Andyoucoulddoitsoeasily.I"dwarnyouwhenIcame,andthenyoumightletmeinunobserved,assoonasshewasalone,andwatchtillIdeparted,yourconsciencequitecalm:youwouldbehinderingmischief."Iprotestedagainstplayingthattreacherouspartinmyemployer"shouse:and,besides,IurgedthecrueltyandselfishnessofhisdestroyingMrsLinton"stranquillityforhissatisfaction.`Thecommonestoccurrencestartlesherpainfully,"Isaid.`She"sallnerves,andshecouldn"tbearthesurprise,I"mpositive.Don"tpersist,sir!orelse,Ishallbeobligedtoinformmymasterofyourdesigns;andhe"lltakemeasurestosecurehishouseanditsinmatesfromanysuchunwarrantableintrusions!"`Inthatcase,I"lltakemeasurestosecureyou,woman!"exclaimedHeathcliff;`youshallnotleaveWutheringHeightstilltomorrowmorning.ItisafoolishstorytoassertthatCatherinecouldnotbeartoseeme;andastosurprisingher,Idon"tdesireit:youmustprepareheraskherifImaycome.Yousayshenevermentionsmyname,andthatIamnevermentionedtoher.TowhomshouldshementionmeifIamaforbiddentopic inthehouse?Shethinksyouareallspiesforherhusband.Oh,I"venodoubtshe"sinhellamongyou!Iguessbyhersilence,asmuchasanything,whatshefeels.Yousaysheisoftenrestless,andanxious-looking;isthataproofoftranquillity?Youtalkofhermindbeingunsettled.Howthedevilcoulditbeotherwiseinherfrightfulisolation?Andthatinsipid,paltrycreatureattendingherfromdutyandhumanity!Frompityandcharity!Hemightaswellplantanoakinaflowerpot,andexpectittothrive,asimaginehecanrestorehertovigourinthesoilofhisshallowcares!Letussettleitatonce:willyoustayhere,andamItofightmywaytoCatherineoverLintonandhisfootmen?Orwillyoubemyfriendasyouhavebeenhitherto,anddowhatIrequest?Decide!causethereisnoreasonformylingeringanotherminute,ifyoupersistinyourstubbornill-nature!"Well,MrLockwood,Iarguedandcomplained,andflatlyrefusedhimfiftytimes;butinthelongrunheforcedmetoanagreement.Iengagedtocarryaletterfromhimtomymistress;andshouldsheconsent,IpromisedtolethimhaveintelligenceofLinton"snextabsencefromhome,whenhemightcome,andgetinashewasable:Iwouldn"tbethere,andmyfellow-servantsshouldbeequallyoutoftheway.Wasitrightorwrong?Ifearitwaswrong,thoughexpedient.IthoughtIpreventedanotherexplosionbymycompliance;andIthought,too,itmightcreateafavourablecrisisinCatherine"smentalillness:andthenIrememberedMrEdgar"ssternrebukeofmycarryingtales;andI triedtosmoothawayalldisquietudeonthesubject,byaffirming,withfrequentiteration,thatthatbetrayaloftrust,ifitmeritedsoharshanappellation,shouldbethelast.Notwithstanding,myjourneyhomewardwassadderthanmyjourneythither;andmanymisgivingsIhad,ereIcouldprevailonmyselftoputthemissiveintoMrsLinton"shand.ButhereisKenneth;I"llgodown,andtellhimhowmuchbetteryouare.Myhistoryisdree,aswesay,andwillservetowhileawayanothermorning.Dree,anddreary!Ireflectedasthegoodwomandescendedtoreceivethedoctor;andnotexactlyofthekindwhichIshouldhavechosentoamuseme.Butnevermind!I"llextractwholesomemedicinesfromMrsDean"sbitterherbs;andfirstly,letmebewarethefascinationthatlurksinCatherineHeathcliff"sbrillianteyes.IshouldbeinacurioustakingifIsurrenderedmyhearttothatyoungperson,andthedaughterturnedoutasecondeditionofthemother!Chapter15Anotherweekover--andIamsomanydaysnearerhealth,andspring!Ihavenowheardallmyneighbour"shistory,atdifferentsittings,asthehousekeepercouldsparetimefrommoreimportantoccupations.I"llcontinueitinherownwords,onlyalittlecondensed.Sheis,onthewhole,averyfairnarrator,andIdon"tthinkIcouldimproveherstyle.Intheevening,shesaid,theeveningofmyvisittothe Heights,Iknew,aswellasifIsawhim,thatMrHeathcliffwasabouttheplace;andIshunnedgoingout,becauseIstillcarriedhisletterinmypocket,anddidn"twanttobethreatenedorteasedanymore.Ihadmadeupmymindnottogiveittillmymasterwentsomewhere,asIcouldnotguesshowitsreceiptwouldaffectCatherine.Theconsequencewas,thatitdidnotreachherbeforethelapseofthreedays.ThefourthwasSunday,andIbroughtitintoherroomafterthefamilyweregonetochurch.Therewasamanservantlefttokeepthehousewithme,andwegenerallymadeapracticeoflockingthedoorsduringthehoursofservice;butonthatoccasiontheweatherwassowarmandpleasantthatIsetthemwideopen,and,tofulfilmyengagement,asIknewwhowouldbecoming,Itoldmycompanionthatthemistresswishedverymuchforsomeoranges,andhemustrunovertothevillageandgetafew,tobepaidforonthemorrow.Hedeparted,andIwentupstairs.MrsLintonsatinaloose,whitedress,withalightshawloverhershoulders,intherecessoftheopenwindow,asusual.Herthick,longhairhadbeenpartlyremovedatthebeginningofherillness,andnowsheworeitsimplycombedinitsnaturaltressesoverhertemplesandneck.Herappearancewasaltered,asIhadtoldHeathcliff;butwhenshewascalm,thereseemedunearthlybeautyinthechange.Theflashofhereyeshadbeensucceededbyadreamyandmelancholysoftness;theynolongergavetheimpressionoflookingattheobjectsaroundher:they appearedalwaystogazebeyond,andfarbeyond--youwouldhavesaidoutofthisworld.Thenthepalenessofherface--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,whichdrownedthatmusicabouttheGrangewhenthetrees wereinleaf.AtWutheringHeightsitalwayssoundedonquietdaysfollowingagreatthaworaseasonofsteadyrain.AndofWutheringHeightsCatherinewasthinkingasshelistened:thatis,ifshethoughtorlistenedatall;butshehadthevague,distantlookImentionedbefore,whichexpressednorecognitionofmaterialthingseitherbyearoreye.`There"saletterforyou,MrsLinton,"Isaid,gentlyinsertingitinonehandthatrestedonherknee.`Youmustreaditimmediately,becauseitwantsananswer.ShallIbreaktheseal?"`Yes,"sheanswered,withoutalteringthedirectionofhereyes.Iopenedit--itwasveryshort.`Now",Icontinued,`readit."Shedrewawayherhand,andletitfall.Ireplaceditinherlap,andstoodwaitingtillitshouldpleasehertoglancedown;butthatmovementwassolongdelayedthatatlastIresumed:`MustIreadit,ma"am?ItisfromMrHeathcliff."Therewasastartandatroubledgleamofrecollection,andastruggletoarrangeherideas.Sheliftedtheletter,andseemedtoperuseit;andwhenshecametothesignatureshesighed:yetstillIfoundshehadnotgathereditsimport,for,uponmydesiringtohearherreply,shemerelypointedtothename,andgazedatmewithmournfulandquestioningeagerness.`Well,hewishestoseeyou,"saidI,guessingherneedofaninterpreter.`He"sinthegardenbythistime,andimpatient toknowwhatanswerIshallbring."AsIspoke,Iobservedalargedoglyingonthesunnygrassbeneathraiseitsearsasifabouttobark,andthensmoothingthemback,announce,byawagofthetail,thatsomeoneapproachedwhomitdidnotconsiderastranger.MrsLintonbentforward,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.AndnowhestaredathersoearnestlythatIthought theveryintensityofhisgazewouldbringtearsintohiseyes;buttheyburnedwithanguish:theydidnotmelt.`Whatnow?"saidCatherine,leaningback,andreturninghislookwithasuddenlycloudedbrow:herhumourwasamerevaneforconstantlyvaryingcaprices.`YouandEdgarhavebrokenmyheart,Heathcliff!Andyoubothcametobewailthedeedtome,asifyouwerethepeopletobepitied!Ishallnotpityyou,notI.Youhavekilledme--andthrivenonit,Ithink.Howstrongyouare!HowmanyyearsdoyoumeantoliveafterIamgone?"Heathcliffhadkneltononekneetoembraceher;heattemptedtorise,butsheseizedhishair,andkepthimdown.`IwishIcouldholdyou,"shecontinuedbitterly,`tillwewerebothdead!Ishouldn"tcarewhatyousuffered.Icarenothingforyoursufferings.Whyshouldn"tyousuffer?Ido!Willyouforgetme?WillyoubehappywhenIamintheearth?Willyousaytwentyyearshence,``That"sthegraveofCatherineEarnshaw.Ilovedherlongago,andwaswretchedtoloseher;butitispast.I"velovedmanyotherssince:mychildrenaredearertomethanshewas;andatdeath,IshallnotrejoicethatIamgoingtoher:IshallbesorrythatImustleavethem!""Willyousayso,Heathcliff?"`Don"ttorturemetillIamasmadasyourself,"criedhe,wrenchinghisheadfree,andgrindinghisteeth.Thetwo,toacoolspectator,madeastrangeandfearfulpicture.WellmightCatherinedeemthatheavenwouldbealand ofexiletoher,unlesswithhermortalbodyshecastawayhermoralcharacteralso.Herpresentcountenancehadawildvindictivenessinitswhitecheek,andabloodlesslipandscintillatingeye;andsheretainedinherclosedfingersaportionofthelocksshehadbeengrasping.Astohercompanion,whileraisinghimselfwithonehand,hehadtakenherarmwiththeother;andsoinadequatewashisstockofgentlenesstotherequirementsofhercondition,thatonhislettinggoIsawfourdistinctimpressionsleftblueinthecolourlessskin.`Areyoupossessedwithadevil,"hepursuedsavagely,`totalkinthatmannertomewhenyouaredying?Doyoureflectthatallthosewordswillbebrandedonmymemory,andeatingdeepereternallyafteryouhaveleftme?YouknowyoulietosayIhavekilledyou:and,Catherine,youknowthatIcouldassoonforgetyouasmyexistence!Isitnotsufficientforyourinfernalselfishness,thatwhileyouareatpeaceIshallwritheinthetormentsofhell?"`Ishallnotbeatpeace,"moanedCatherine,recalledtoasenseofphysicalweaknessbytheviolent,unequalthrobbingofherheart,whichbeatvisiblyandaudiblyunderthisexcessofagitation.Shesaidnothingfurthertilltheparoxysmwasover;thenshecontinued,morekindly--`I"mnotwishingyougreatertormentthanIhave,Heathcliff.Ionlywishusnevertobeparted:andshouldawordofminedistressyouhereafter,thinkIfeelthesamedistress underground,andformyownsake,forgiveme!Comehereandkneeldownagain!Youneverharmedmeinyourlife.Nay,ifyounurseanger,thatwillbeworsetorememberthanmyharshwords!Won"tyoucomehereagain?Do!"Heathcliffwenttothebackofherchair,andleantover,butnotsofarastoletherseehisface,whichwaslividwithemotion.Shebentroundtolookathim;hewouldnotpermitit:turningabruptly,hewalkedtothefireplace,wherehestood,silent,withhisbacktowardsus.MrsLinton"sglancefollowedhimsuspiciously:everymovementwokeanewsentimentinher.Afterapauseandaprolongedgaze,sheresumed;addressingmeinaccentsofindignantdisappointment--`Oh,yousee,Nelly,hewouldnotrelentamomenttokeepmeoutofthegrave.ThatishowI"mloved!Well,nevermind.ThatisnotmyHeathcliff.Ishalllovemineyet;andtakehimwithme:he"sinmysoul.And",addedshe,musingly,`thethingthatirksmemostinthisshatteredprison,afterall.I"mtired,tiredofbeingenclosedhere.I"mwearyingtoescapeintothatgloriousworld,andtobealwaysthere:notseeingitdimlythroughtears,andyearningforitthroughthewallsofanachingheart;butreallywithit,andinit.Nelly,youthinkyouarebetterandmorefortunatethanI;infullhealthandstrength:youaresorryforme--verysoonthatwillbealtered.Ishallbesorryforyou.Ishallbeincomparablybeyondandaboveyouall.Iwonderhewon"tbenearme!"Shewentontoherself.`I thoughthewishedit.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"srelievedmealittlepresently:sheputupherhandtoclasphisneck,andbringhercheektohisasheheldher;whilehe,inreturn,coveringherwithfranticcaresses,saidwildly--`Youteachmenowhowcruelyou"vebeen--cruelandfalse.Whydidyoudespiseme?Whydidyoubetrayyourownheart,Cathy?Ihavenotonewordofcomfort.Youdeservethis.Youhavekilledyourself.Yes,youmaykissme,andcry;andringoutmykisses andtears:they"llblightyou--they"lldamnyou.Youlovedme--thenwhatrighthadyoutoleaveme?Whatright--answerme--forthepoorfancyyoufeltforLinton?Becausemiseryanddegradation,anddeath,andnothingthatGodorSatancouldinflictwouldhavepartedus,you,ofyourownwill,didit.Ihavenotbrokenyourheart--youhavebrokenit;andinbreakingit,youhavebrokenmine.Somuchtheworseforme,thatIamstrong.DoIwanttolive?Whatkindoflivingwillitbewhenyou--oh,God!wouldyouliketolivewithyoursoulinthegrave?"`Letmealone.letmealone,"sobbedCatherine.`IfIhavedonewrong,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,bytheshineofthewesteringsunupthevalley,aconcoursethickeningoutsideGimmertonchapelporch. `Serviceisover,"Iannounced.`Mymasterwillbehereinhalfanhour."Heathcliffgroanedacurse,andstrainedCatherinecloser:shenevermoved.ErelongIperceivedagroupoftheservantspassinguptheroadtowardsthekitchenwing.MrLintonwasnotfarbehind;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.Hewouldhaverisen,andunfixedherfingersbytheact--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?"Isaidpassionately.`Shedoesnotknowwhatshesays.Willyouruinher,becauseshehasnotwittohelpherself?Getup!Youcouldbefreeinstantly.Thatisthemostdiabolicaldeedthateveryoudid.Wearealldonefor--master,mistress,andservant.Iwrungmyhands,andcriedout;MrLintonhastenedhisstepatthenoise.Inthemidstofmyagitation,IwassincerelygladtoobservethatCatherine"sarmshadfallenrelaxed,andherheadhungdown.`She"sfaintedordead,"Ithought:`somuchthebetter.Farbetterthatsheshouldbedead,thanlingeringaburdenandamisery-makertoallabouther."Edgarsprangtohisunbiddenguest,blanchedwithastonishmentandrage.Whathemeanttodo,Icannottell;however,theotherstoppedalldemonstrations,atonce,byplacingthelifelesslookingforminhisarms.`Lookthere!"hesaid;`unlessyoubeafiend,helpherfirst--thenyoushallspeaktome!"Hewalkedintotheparlour,andsatdown.MrLintonsummonedme,andwithgreatdifficulty,andafterresortingtomanymeans, wemanagedtorestorehertosensation;butshewasallbewildered;shesighed,andmoaned,andknewnobody.Edgar,inhisanxietyforher,forgotherhatedfriend.Ididnot.Iwent,attheearliestopportunity,andbesoughthimtodepart;affirmingthatCatherinewasbetter,andheshouldhearfrommeinthemorninghowshepassedthenight.`Ishallnotrefusetogooutofdoors,"heanswered;`butIshallstayinthegarden:and,Nelly,mindyoukeepyourwordtomorrow.Ishallbeunderthoselarchtrees.Mind!orIpayanothervisit,whetherLintonbeinornot.Hesentarapidglancethroughthehalf-opendoorofthechamber,and,ascertainingthatwhatIstatedwasapparentlytrue,deliveredthehouseofhislucklesspresence.Chapter16Abouttwelveo"clockthatnight,wasborntheCatherineyousawatWutheringHeights:apuny,sevenmonths"child;andtwohoursafterthemotherdied,havingneverrecoveredsufficientconsciousnesstomissHeathcliff,orknowEdgar.Thelatter"sdistractionathisbereavementisasubjecttoopainfultobedwelton;itsaftereffectsshowedhowdeepthesorrowsunk.Agreataddition,inmyeyes,washisbeingleftwithoutanheir.Ibemoanedthat,asIgazedonthefeebleorphan;andImentallyabusedoldLintonfor(whatwasonlynaturalpartiality)thesecuringhisestatetohisowndaughter,insteadofhisson"s.Anunwelcomedinfantitwas,poorthing!Itmighthavewailed outoflife,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.I noticedonthatoccasionhowmuchselfishnessthereiseveninalovelikeMrLinton"s,whenhesoregrettedCatherine"sblessedrelease!Tobesure,onemighthavedoubted,afterthewaywardandimpatientexistenceshehadled,whethershemeritedahavenofpeaceatlast.Onemightdoubtinseasonsofcoldreflection;butnotthen,inthepresenceofhercorpse.Itasserteditsowntranquillity,whichseemedapledgeofequalquiettoitsformerinhabitant.Doyoubelievesuchpeoplearehappyintheotherworld,sir?I"dgiveagreatdealtoknow.IdeclinedansweringMrsDean"squestion,whichstruckmeassomethingheterodox.Sheproceeded--RetracingthecourseofCatherineLinton,Ifearwehavenorighttothinksheis;butwe"llleaveherwithherMaker.Themasterlookedasleep,andIventuredsoonaftersunrisetoquittheroomandstealouttothepurerefreshingair.Theservantsthoughtmegonetoshakeoffthedrowsinessofmyprotractedwatch;inreality,mychiefmotivewasseeingMrHeathcliff.Ifhehadremainedamongthelarchesallnight,hewouldhaveheardnothingofthestirattheGrange;unless,perhaps,hemightcatchthegallopofthemessengergoingtoGimmerton.Ifhehadcomenearer,hewouldprobablybeaware,fromthelightsflittingtoandfro,andtheopeningandshuttingoftheouterdoors,thatallwasnotrightwithin.Iwished,yetfeared,tofindhim.Ifelttheterriblenewsmustbetold,and Ilongedtogetitover;buthowtodoit,Ididnotknow.Hewasthere--atleastafewyardsfartherinthepark;leantagainstanoldashtree,hishatoff,andhishairsoakedwiththedewthathadgatheredonthebuddedbranches,andfellpatteringroundhim.Hehadbeenstandingalongtimeinthatposition,forIsawapairofouselspassingandrepassingscarcelythreefeetfromhim,busyinbuildingtheirnest,andregardinghisproximitynomorethanthatofapieceoftimber.Theyflewoffatmyapproach,andheraisedhiseyesandspoke--`She"sdead!"hesaid;`I"venotwaitedforyoutolearnthat.Putyourhandkerchiefaway--don"tsnivelbeforeme.Damnyouall!shewantsnoneofyourtears!"Iwasweepingasmuchforhimasher;wedosometimespitycreaturesthathavenoneofthefeelingeitherforthemselvesorothers;andwhenIfirstlookedintohisface,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,mysympathywithanunflinchingferociousstare.`Howdidshedie?"heresumedatlast--fain,notwithstandinghishardihood,tohaveasupportbehindhim;for,afterthestruggle,hetrembled,inspiteofhimself,tohisveryfinger-ends.`Poorwretch!"Ithought;`youhaveaheartandnervesthesameasyourbrothermen!Whyshouldyoubeanxioustoconcealthem?YourpridecannotblindGod!YoutemptHimtowringthem,tillHeforcesacryofhumiliation.`Quietlyasalamb!"Iansweredaloud.`Shedrewasigh,andstretchedherself,likeachildreviving,andsinkingagaintosleep;andfiveminutesafterIfeltonelittlepulseatherheart,andnothingmore!"`And--didsheevermentionme?"heasked,hesitating,asifhedreadedtheanswertohisquestionwouldintroducedetailsthathecouldnotbeartohear.`Hersensesneverreturned;sherecognizednobodyfromthetimeyoulefther,"Isaid.`Shelieswithasweetsmileonherface;andherlatestideaswanderedbacktopleasantearlydays.Herlifeclosedinagentledream--mayshewakeaskindlyintheotherworld!"`Mayshewakeintorment!"hecried,withfrightfulvehemence,stampinghisfoot,andgroaninginasuddenparoxysm ofungovernablepassion.`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,butlikeasavagebeastgettinggoadedtodeathwithknivesandspears.Iobservedseveralsplashesofbloodaboutthebarkofthetree,andhishandandforeheadwerebothstained;probablythesceneIwitnessedwasarepetitionofothersactedduringthenight.Ithardlymovedmycompassion--itappalledme:still,Ifeltreluctanttoquithimso.Butthemomentherecollectedhimselfenoughtonoticemewatching,hethunderedacommandformetogo,andIobeyed.Hewasbeyondmyskilltoquietorconsole!MrsLinton"sfuneralwasappointedtotakeplaceontheFridayfollowingherdecease;andtillthenhercoffinremaineduncovered,andstrewnwithflowersandscentedleaves,inthegreatdrawing-room.Lintonspenthisdaysandnightsthere,asleeplessguardian;and--acircumstanceconcealedfromallbut me--Heathcliffspenthisnights,atleast,outside,equallyastrangertorepose.Iheldnocommunicationwithhim;still,Iwasconsciousofhisdesigntoenter,ifhecould;andontheTuesday,alittleafterdark,whenmymaster,fromsheerfatigue,hadbeencompelledtoretireacoupleofhours,Iwentandopenedoneofthewindows;movedbyhisperseverance,togivehimachanceofbestowingonthefadedimageofhisidolonefinaladieu.Hedidnotomittoavailhimselfoftheopportunity,cautiouslyandbriefly:toocautiouslytobetrayhispresencebytheslightestnoise.Indeed,Ishouldn"thavediscoveredthathehadbeenthere,exceptforthedisarrangementofthedraperyaboutthecorpse"sface,andforobservingontheflooracurloflighthair,fastenedwithasilverthread;which,onexamination,IascertainedtohavebeentakenfromalockethungroundCatherine"sneck.Heathcliffhadopenedthetrinketandcastoutitscontents,replacingthembyablacklockofhisown.Itwistedthetwo,andenclosedthemtogether.MrEarnshawwas,ofcourse,invitedtoattendtheremainsofhissistertothegrave;andhesentnoexcuse,buthenevercame;sothat,besidesherhusband,themournerswerewhollycomposedoftenantsandservants.Isabellawasnotasked.TheplaceofCatherine"sinterment,tothesurpriseofthevillagers,wasneitherinthechapelunderthecarvedmonumentoftheLintons,noryetbythetombsofherownrelations,outside.Itwasdugonagreenslopeinacornerofthekirkyard,where thewallissolowthatheathandbilberryplantshaveclimbedoveritfromthemoor;andpeatmouldalmostburiesit.Herhusbandliesinthesamespotnow;andtheyhaveeachasimpleheadstoneabove,andaplaingreyblockattheirfeet,tomarkthegraves.Chapter17ThatFridaymadethelastofourfinedaysforamonth.Intheevening,theweatherbroke:thewindshiftedfromsouthtonortheast,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?WhatwouldMrLintonsayifheheardyou?"`Excuseme!"answeredafamiliarvoice;`butIknowEdgarisinbed,andIcannotstopmyself." Withthatthespeakercameforwardtothefire,pantingandholdingherhandtoherside.`IhaverunthewholewayfromWutheringHeights!"shecontinued,afterapause;`exceptwhereI"veflown.Icouldn"tcountthenumberoffallsI"vehad.Oh,I"machingallover!Don"tbealarmed!ThereshallbeanexplanationassoonasIcangiveit;onlyjusthavethegoodnesstostepoutandorderthecarriagetotakemeontoGimmerton,andtellaservanttoseekupafewclothesinmywardrobe."TheintruderwasMrsHeathcliff.Shecertainlyseemedinnolaughingpredicament:herhairstreamedonhershoulders,drippingwithsnowandwater;shewasdressedinthegirlishdressshecommonlywore,befittingheragemorethanherposition:alowfrockwithshortsleeves,andnothingoneitherheadorneck.Thefrockwasoflightsilk,andclungtoherwithwet,andherfeetwereprotectedmerelybythinslippers;addtothisadeepcutunderoneear,whichonlythecoldpreventedfrombleedingprofusely,awhitefacescratchedandbruised,andaframehardlyabletosupportitself,throughfatigue;andyoumayfancymyfirstfrightwasnotmuchallayedwhenIhadhadleisuretoexamineher.`Mydearyounglady,"Iexclaimed,`I"llstirnowhere,andhearnothing,tillyouhaveremovedeveryarticleofyourclothes,andputondrythings;andcertainlyyoushallnotgotoGimmertontonight,soitisneedlesstoorderthecarriage." `Certainly,Ishall,"shesaid;`walkingorriding:yetI"venoobjectiontodressmyselfdecently.And--ah,seehowitflowsdownmynecknow!Thefiredoesmakeitsmart."Sheinsistedonmyfulfillingherdirections,beforeshewouldletmetouchher;andnottillafterthecoachmanhadbeeninstructedtogetready,andamaidsettopackupsomenecessaryattire,didIobtainherconsentforbindingthewoundandhelpingtochangehergarments.`Now,Ellen,"shesaid,whenmytaskwasfinishedandshewasseatedinaneasychaironthehearth,withacupofteabeforeher,yousitdownoppositeme,andputpoorCatherine"sbabyaway:Idon"tliketoseeit!Youmustn"tthinkIcarelittleforCatherine,becauseIbehavedsofoolishlyonentering:I"vecried,too,bitterly--yes,morethananyoneelsehasreasontocry.Wepartedunreconciled,youremember,andIshan"tforgivemyself.But,forallthat,Iwasnotgoingtosympathizewithhim--thebrutebeast!Oh,givemethepoker!ThisisthelastthingofhisIhaveaboutme."Sheslippedthegoldringfromherthirdfinger,andthrewitonthefloor.`I"llsmashit!"shecontinued,strikingitwithchildishspite,`andthenI"llburnit!"andshetookanddroppedthemisusedarticleamongthecoals.`There!heshallbuyanother,ifhegetsmebackagain.He"dbecapableofcomingtoseekme,toteaseEdgar.Idarenotstay,lestthatnotionshouldpossesshiswickedhead!Andbesides,Edgarhasnotbeenkind,hashe?AndIwon"tcomesuing forhisassistance;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;Ishan"tstayanylonger."Irangthebell,andcommittedittoaservant"scare;andthenIinquiredwhathadurgedhertoescapefromWutheringHeightsinsuchanunlikelyplight,andwhereshemeanttogo,assherefusedremainingwithus.`Iought,andIwishtoremain,"answeredshe,`tocheerEdgarandtakecareofthebaby,fortwothings,andbecausetheGrangeismyrighthome.ButIBellyouhewouldn"tletme!Doyouthinkhecouldbeartoseemegrowfatandmerry;andcould beartothinkthatweweretranquil,andnotresolveonpoisoningourcomfort?Now,Ihavethesatisfactionofbeingsurethathedetestsme,tothepointofitsannoyinghimseriouslytohavemewithinearshotoreyesight: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,Ihavenotpowertofeel forhim:andIwouldnot,thoughhegroanedfromthistohisdyingday,andwepttearsofbloodforCatherine!No,indeed,indeed,Iwouldn"t!"AndhereIsabellabegantocry;but,immediatelydashingthewaterfromherlashes,sherecommenced.`Youasked,whathasdrivenmetoflightatlast?Iwascompelledtoattemptit,becauseIhadsucceededinrousinghisrageapitchabovehismalignity.Pullingoutthenerveswithred-hotpincersrequiresmorecoolnessthanknockingonthehead.Hewasworkeduptoforgetthefiendishprudenceheboastedof,andproceededtomurderousviolence.Iexperiencedpleasureinbeingabletoexasperatehim;thesenseofpleasurewokemyinstinctofself-preservation,soIfairlybrokefree;andifeverIcomeintohishandsagainheiswelcometoasignalrevenge.`Yesterday,youknow,MrEarnshawshouldhavebeenatthefuneral.Hekepthimselfsoberforthepurpose--tolerablysober:notgoingtobedmadatsixo"clockandgettingupdrunkattwelve.Consequentlyherose,insuicidallowspirits,asfitforthechurchasforadance;andinstead,hesatdownbythefireandswallowedginorbrandybytumblerfuls.`Heathcliff--Ishuddertonamehim!hasbeenastrangerinthehousefromlastSundaytilltoday.Whethertheangelshavefedhim,orhiskinbeneath,Icannottell;buthehasnoteatenamealwithusfornearlyaweek.Hehasjustcomehomeatdawn,andgoneupstairstohischamber;lockinghimselfin--asifanybodydreamtofcovetinghiscompany!Therehehascontinued, prayinglikeaMethodist:onlythedeityheimploredinsenselessdustandashes;andGod,whenaddressed,wascuriouslyconfoundedwithhisownblackfather!Afterconcludingthesepreciousorisons--andtheylastedgenerallytillhegrewhoarseandhisvoicewasstrangledinhisthroat--hewouldbeoffagain;alwaysstraightdowntotheGrange!I-wonderEdgardidnotsendforaconstable,andgivehimintocustody!Forme,grievedasIwasaboutCatherine,itwasimpossibletoavoidregardingthisseasonofdeliverancefromdegradingoppressionasaholiday.`IrecoveredspiritssufficienttohearJoseph"seternallectureswithoutweeping,andtomoveupanddownthehouselesswiththefootofafrightenedthiefthanformerly.Youwouldn"tthinkthatIshouldcryatanythingJosephcouldsay;butheandHaretonaredetestablecompanions.I"drathersitwithHindley,andhearhisawfultalk,thanwith“thelittlemaister""andhisstaunchsupporter,thatodiousoldman!WhenHeathcliffisin,I"moftenobligedtoseekthekitchenandtheirsociety,orstarveamongthedampuninhabitedchambers;whenheisnot,aswasthecasethisweek,Iestablishatableandchairatonecomerofthehousefire,andnevermindhowMrEarnshawmayoccupyhimself;andhedoesnotinterferewithmyarrangements.Heisquieternowthanheusedtobe,ifnooneprovokeshim:moresullenanddepressed,andlessfurious.Josephaffirmshe"ssurehe"sanalteredman:thattheLordhastouchedhisheart,andheissaved``soasbyfire"".I"mpuzzledtodetectsignsof thefavourablechange:butitisnotmybusiness.`Yester-eveningIsatinmynookreadingsomeoldbookstilllateontowardstwelve.Itseemedsodismaltogoupstairs,withthewildsnowblowingoutside,andmythoughtscontinuallyrevertingtothekirkyardandthenew-madegrave!Idaredhardlyliftmyeyesfromthepagebeforeme,thatmelancholyscenesoinstantlyusurpeditsplace.Hindleysatopposite,hisheadleantonhishand;perhapsmeditatingonthesamesubject.Hehadceaseddrinkingatapointbelowirrationality,andhadneitherstirrednorspokenduringtwoorthreehours.Therewasnosoundthroughthehousebutthemoaningwind,whichshookthewindowseverynowandthen,thefaintcracklingofthecoals,andtheclickofmysnuffersasIremovedatintervalsthelongwickofthecandle.HaretonandJosephwereprobablyfastasleepinbed.Itwasvery,verysad:andwhileIreadIsighed,foritseemedasifalljoyhadvanishedfromtheworld,nevertoberestored.`Thedolefulsilencewasbrokenatlengthbythesoundofthekitchenlatch:Heathcliffhadreturnedfromhiswatchearlierthanusual;owing,Isuppose,tothesuddenstorm.Thatentrancewasfastened,andwebeardhimcomingroundtogetinbytheother.IrosewithanirrepressibleexpressionofwhatIfeltonmylips,whichinducedmycompanion,whohadbeenstaringtowardsthedoor,toturnandlookatme.`I"Ilkeephimoutfiveminutes,""heexclaimed.``Youwon"t object?""`No,youmaykeephimoutthewholenightforme,""Ianswered.``Do!putthekeyinthelock,anddrawthebolts.""`Earnshawaccomplishedthiserehisguestreachedthefront;hethencameandbroughthischairtotheothersideofmytable,leaningoverit,andsearchinginmyeyes,asympathywiththeburninghatethatgleamedfromhis:ashebothlookedandfeltlikeanassassin,hecouldn"texactlyfindthat;buthediscoveredenoughtoencouragehimtospeak.`"YouandI"",hesaid,``haveeachagreatdebttosettlewiththemanoutyonder!Ifwewereneitherofuscowards,wemightcombinetodischargeit.Areyouassoftasyourbrother?Areyouwillingtoenduretothelast,andnotonceattemptarepayment?""``I"mwearyofenduringnow,""Ireplied;``andI"dbegladofaretaliationthatwouldn"trecoilonmyself;buttreacheryandviolencearespearspointedatbothends:theywoundthosewhoresorttothemworsethantheirenemies.""``Treacheryandviolenceareajustreturnfortreacheryandviolence!""criedHindley.``MrsHeathcliff,I"llaskyoutodonothing;butsitstillandbedumb.Tellmenow,canyou?I"msureyouwouldhaveasmuchpleasureasIinwitnessingtheconclusionofthefiend"sexistence;he"llbeyourdeathunlessyouoverreachhim;andhe"llbemyruin.Damnthehellishvillain!Heknocksatthedoorasifheweremasterherealready!Promise toholdyourtongue,andbeforethatclockstrikes--itwantsthreeminutesofone--you"reafreewoman!""`HetooktheimplementswhichIdescribedtoyouinmyletterfromhisbreast,andwouldhaveturneddownthecandle.Isnatcheditaway,however,andseizedhisarm.```I"Ilnotholdmytongue!""Isaid;``youmustn"ttouchhim.Letthedoorremainshut,andbequiet!""```No!I"veformedmyresolution,andbyGodI"llexecuteit!""criedthedesperatebeing.``I"Ildoyouakindnessinspiteofyourself,andHaretonjustice!Andyouneedn"ttroubleyourheadtoscreenme;Catherineisgone.Nobodyalivewouldregretme,orbeashamed,thoughIcutmythroatthisminute--andit"stimetomakeanend!""`Imightaswellhavestruggledwithabear,orreasonedwithalunatic.Theonlyresourceleftmewastoruntoalatticeandwarnhisintendedvictimofthefatewhichawaitedhim.`"You"dbetterseeksheltersomewhereelsetonight!""Iexclaimedinarathertriumphanttone.``MrEarnshawhasamindtoshootyou,ifyoupersistinendeavouringtoenter.""``You"dbetteropenthedoor,you--"heanswered,addressingmebysomeeleganttermthatIdon"tcaretorepeat.``Ishallnotmeddleinthematter,""Iretortedagain.``Comeinandgetshot,ifyouplease!I"vedonemyduty.""`WiththatIshutthewindowandreturnedtomyplacebythefire;havingtoosmallastockofhypocrisyatmycommandto pretendanyanxietyforthedangerthatmenacedhim.Earnshawsworepassionatelyatme:affirmingthatIlovedthevillainyet;andcallingmeallsortsofnamesforthebasespiritIevinced.AndI,inmysecretheart(andconscienceneverreproachedme),thoughtwhatablessingitwouldbeforhimshouldHeathcliffputhimoutofmisery;andwhatablessingformeshouldhesendHeathclifftohisrightabode!AsIsatnursingthesereflections,thecasementbehindmewasbangedontothefloorbyablowfromthelatterindividual,andhisblackcountenancelikedblightinglythrough.Thestanchionsstoodtooclosetosufferhisshoulderstofollow,andIsmiled,exultinginmyfanciedsecurity.Hishairandclotheswerewhitenedwithsnow,andhissharpcannibalteeth,revealedbycoldandwrath,gleamedthroughthedark.`"Isabella,letmein,orI"llmakeyourepent!""he``girned"",asJosephcallsit.Icannotcommitmurder,""Ireplied.``MrHindleystandssentinelwithaknifeandloadedpistol.""``Letmeinbythekitchendoor,""hesaid.``Hindleywillbetherebeforeyou,""Ianswered:``andthat"sapoorloveofyoursthatcannotbearashowerofsnow!Wewereleftatpeaceonourbedsaslongasthesummermoonshone,butthemomentablastofwinterreturns,youmustrunforshelter!Heathcliff,ifIwereyou,I"dgostretchmyselfoverhergraveanddielikeafaithfuldog.Theworldissurelynotworthliving innow,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.`Thecharge,exploded,andtheknife,inspringingback,closedintoitsownerswrist.Heathcliffpulleditawaybymainforce,slittingupthefleshasitpassedon,andthrustitdrippingintohispocket.Hethentookastone,struckdownthedivisionbetweentwowindows,andsprangin.Hisadversaryhadfallensenselesswithexcessivepainandtheflowofblood,thatgushedfromanarteryoralargevein.Theruffiankickedandtrampledonhim,anddashedhisheadrepeatedlyagainsttheflags,holdingmewithonehand,meantime,topreventmesummoningJoseph.Heexertedpreterhumanself-denialinabstainingfromfinishinghimcompletely;butgettingoutofbreathhefinallydesisted,anddraggedtheapparentlyinanimatebodyontothesettle.TherehetoreoffthesleeveofEarnshaw"scoat,and boundupthewoundwithbrutalroughness;spittingandcursingduringtheoperationasenergeticallyashehadkickedbefore.Beingatliberty,Ilostnotimeinseekingtheoldservant;who,havinggatheredbydegreesthepurportofmyhastytale,hurriedbelow,gasping,ashedescendedthestepstwoatonce.``Whatistheretodo,now?whatistheretodo,now?""`"There"sthistodo,""thunderedHeathcliff,``thatyourmaster"smad;andshouldhelastanothermonth,I"llhavehimtoanasylum.Andhowthedevildidyoucometofastenmeout,youtoothlesshound?Don"tstandmutteringandmumblingthere.Come,I"mnotgoingtonursehim.Washthatstuffaway;andmindthesparksofyourcandle--itismorethanhalfbrandy!""`"Andso,ye"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,whosteadilyconcludedhissupplicationsandthenrose,vowinghewouldsetofffortheGrangedirectly.MrLintonwasamagistrate,andthoughhehadfiftywivesdead,heshouldinquireintothis.Hewassoobstinateinhisresolution,thatHeathcliffdeemeditexpedienttocompelfrommylipsarecapitulationofwhathadtakenplace;standingoverme,heavingwithmalevolence,asIreluctantlydeliveredtheaccountinanswertohisquestions.ItrequiredagreatdealoflabourtosatisfytheoldmanthatHeathcliffwasnottheaggressor;especiallywithmyhardlywrungreplies.However,MrEarnshawsoonconvincedhimthathewasalivestill;Josephhastenedtoadministeradoseofspirits,andbytheirsuccourhismasterpresentlyregainedmotionandconsciousness.Heathcliff,awarethathisopponentwasignorantofthetreatmentreceivedwhileinsensible,calledhimdeliriouslyintoxicated;andsaidheshouldnotnoticehisatrociousconductfurther,butadvisedhimtogettobed.Tomyjoy,heleftus,aftergivingthisjudiciouscounsel,andHindleystretchedhimselfonthehearthstone.Idepartedtomyownroom,marvellingthatIhadescapedsoeasily.`Thismorning,whenIcamedown,abouthalfanhourbeforenoon,MrEarnshawwassittingbythefire,deadlysick;hisevilgenius,almostasgauntandghastly,leantagainstthechimney.Neitherappearedinclinedtodine,and,havingwaitedtillallwascoldonthetable,Icommencedalone.Nothinghinderedme fromeatingheartily,andIexperiencedacertainsenseofsatisfactionandsuperiority,as,atintervals,Icastalooktowardsmysilentcompanions,andfeltthecomfortofaquietconsciencewithinme.AfterIhaddone,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.O,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!Arenotyoubruisedandcutoveryourchestandshoulders?""``Ican"tsay,""heanswered:``butwhatdoyoumean?DidhedaretostrikemewhenIwasdown?""Hetrampledonyouandkickedyou,anddashedyouontheground,""Iwhispered.``Andhismouthwateredtotearyouwithhisteeth;becausehe"sonlyhalfaman--notsomuch.""`MrEarnshawlookedup,likeme,tothecountenanceofour mutualfoe;who,absorbedinhisanguish,seemedinsensibletoanythingaroundhim:thelongerhestood,theplainerhisreflectionsrevealedtheirblacknessthroughhisfeatures.`"Oh,ifGodwouldbutgivemestrengthtostranglehiminmylastagony,I"dgotohellwithjoy,""groanedtheimpatientman,writhingtorise,andsinkingbackindespair,convincedofhisinadequacyforthestruggle.`"Nay,it"senoughthathehasmurderedoneofyou,""Iobservedaloud.``AttheGrange,everyoneknowsyoursisterwouldhavebeenlivingnow,haditnotbeenforMrHeathcliff.Afterall,itispreferabletobehatedthanlovedbyhim.WhenIrecollecthowhappywewere--howhappyCatherinewasbeforehecame--I"mfittocursetheday.""`Mostlikely,Heathcliffnoticedmorethetruthofwhatwassaid,thanthespiritofthepersonwhosaidit.Hisattentionwasroused,Isaw,forhiseyesraineddowntearsamongtheashes,andhedrewhisbreathinsuffocatingsighs.Istaredfullathim,andlaughedscornfully.Thecloudedwindowsofhellflashedamomenttowardsme;thefiendwhichusuallylookedout,however,wassodimmedanddrownedthatIdidnotfeartohazardanothersoundofderision.``Getup,andbegoneoutofmysight,""saidthemourner.`Iguessedheutteredthosewords,atleast,thoughhisvoicewashardlyintelligible.`"Ibegyourpardon,""Ireplied.``ButIlovedCatherine too;andherbrotherrequiresattendance,which,forhersake,Ishallsupply.Nowthatshe"sdead,IseeherinHindley:Hindleyhasexactlyhereyes,ifyouhadnottriedtogougethemout,andmadethemblackandred;andher--""``Getup,wretchedidiot,beforeIstampyoutodeath!""hecried,makingamovementthatcausedmetomakeonealso.``Butthen,""Icontinued,holdingmyselfreadytoflee;``ifpoorCatherinehadtrustedyou,andassumedtheridiculous,contemptible,degradingtitleofMrsHeathcliff,shewouldsoonhavepresentedasimilarpicture!Shewouldn"thaveborneyourabominablebehaviourquietly:herdetestationanddisgustmusthavefoundvoice.""`ThebackofthesettleandEarnshaw"spersoninterposedbetweenmeandhim:soinsteadofendeavouringtoreachme,hesnatchedadinnerknifefromthetableandflungitatmyhead.Itstruckbeneathmyear,andstoppedthesentenceIwasuttering;but,pullingitout,Isprangtothedooranddeliveredanother;whichIhopewentalittledeeperthanhismissile.ThelastglimpseIcaughtofhimwasafuriousrushonhispart,checkedbytheembraceofhishost;andbothfelllockedtogetheronthehearth.InmyflightthroughthekitchenIbidJosephspeedtohismaster;IknockedoverHareton,whowashangingalitterofpuppiesfromachairbackinthedoorway;and,blestasasoulescapedfrompurgatory,Ibounded,leaped,andflewdownthesteeproad;then,quittingitswindings,shotdirectacrossthe moor,rollingoverbanks,andwadingthroughmarshes:precipitatingmyself,infact,towardsthebeaconlightoftheGrange.AndfarratherwouldIbecondemnedtoaperpetualdwellingintheinfernalregions,than,evenforonenight,abidebeneaththeroofofWutheringHeightsagain."Isabellaceasedspeaking,andtookadrinkoftea;thensherose,andbiddingmeputonherbonnet,andagreatshawlIhadbrought,andturningadeafeartomyentreatiesforhertoremainanotherhour,shesteppedontoachair,kissedEdgar"sandCatherine"sportraits,bestowedasimilarsaluteonme,anddescendedtothecarriage,accompaniedbyFanny,whoyelpedwildwithjoyatrecoveringhermistress.Shewasdrivenaway,nevertorevisittheneighbourhood:butaregularcorrespondencewasestablishedbetweenherandmymasterwhenthingsweremoresettled.Ibelievehernewabodewasinthesouth,nearLondon;thereshehadasonborn,afewmonthssubsequenttoherescape.HewaschristenedLinton,and,fromthefirst,shereportedhimtobeanailing,peevishcreature.MrHeathcliff,meetingmeonedayinthevillage,inquiredwhereshelived.Irefusedtotell.Heremarkedthatitwasnotofanymoment,onlyshemustbewareofcomingtoherbrother:sheshouldnotbewithhim,ifhehadtokeepherhimself.ThoughIwouldgivenoinformation,hediscovered,throughsomeoftheotherservants,bothherplaceofresidenceandtheexistenceofthechild.Stillhedidn"tmolesther:forwhichforbearance shemightthankhisaversion,Isuppose.Heoftenaskedabouttheinfant,whenhesawme;andonhearingitsname,smiledgrimly,andobserved:`Theywishmetohateittoo,dothey?"`Idon"tthinktheywishyoutoknowanythingaboutit,"Ianswered.`ButI"llhaveit,"hesaid,`whenIwantit.Theymayreckononthat!"Fortunately,itsmotherdiedbeforethetimearrived;somethirteenyearsafterthedeceaseofCatherine,whenLintonwastwelve,oralittlemore.OnthedaysucceedingIsabella"sunexpectedvisit,Ihadnoopportunityofspeakingtomymaster: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:thecoldnessmeltedasfastassnowinApril,anderethetinythingcouldstammerawordortotterastep,itwieldedadespot"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,rushedintoriot andconfusion,leavingnohopefortheirlucklessvessel.Linton,onthecontrary,displayedthetruecourageofaloyalandfaithfulsoul:hetrustedGod;andGodcomfortedhim.Onehoped,andtheotherdespaired:theychosetheirownlots,andwererighteouslydoomedtoendurethem.Butyou"llnotwanttohearmymoralizing,MrLockwood:you"lljudgeaswellasIcan,allthesethings:atleast,you"llthinkyouwill,andthat"sthesame.TheendofEarnshawwaswhatmighthavebeenexpected;itfollowedfastonhissister"s:therewasscarcelysixmonthsbetweenthem.We,attheGrange,nevergotaverysuccinctaccountofhisstateprecedingit;allthatIdidlearn,wasonoccasionofgoingtoaidinthepreparationsforthefuneral.MrKennethcametoannouncetheeventtomymaster.`Well,Nelly,"saidhe,ridingintotheyardonemorning,tooearlynottoalarmmewithaninstantpresentimentofbadnews,`it"syoursandmyturntogointomourningatpresent.Who"sgivenustheslipnow,doyouthink?"`Who?"Iaskedinaflurry.`Why,guess!"hereturned,dismounting,andslinginghisbridleonahookbythedoor.`Andnipupthecornerofyourapron:I"mcertainyou"llneedit."`NotMrHeathcliff,surely?"Iexclaimed.`What!wouldyouhavetearsforhim?"saidthedoctor.`No,Heathcliff"satoughyoungfellow:helooksbloomingtoday.I"vejustseenhim.He"srapidlyregainingfleshsincehelosthis betterhalf."`Whoisitthen,MrKenneth?"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?"IconfessthisblowwasgreatertomethantheshockofMrsLinton"sdeath:ancientassociationslingeredroundmyheart;Isatdownintheporchandweptasforabloodrelation,desiringKennethtogetanotherservanttointroducehimtothemaster.Icouldnothindermyselffromponderingonthequestion--`Hadhehadfairplay?"WhateverIdid,thatideawouldbotherme:itwassotiresomelypertinaciousthatIresolvedonrequestingleavetogotoWutheringHeights,andassistinthelastdutiestothedead.MrLintonwasextremelyreluctanttoconsent,butIpleadedeloquentlyforthefriendlessconditioninwhichhelay;andIsaidmyoldmasterandfoster-brotherhadaclaimonmyservicesasstrongashisown.Besides,IremindedhimthatthechildHaretonwashiswife"snephew,and,intheabsenceofnearerkin,heoughttoactasitsguardian;andheoughttoandmustinquirehowthepropertywasleft,andlookoverthe concernsofhisbrother-in-law.Hewasunfitforattendingtosuchmattersthen,buthebidmespeaktohislawyer;andatlengthpermittedmetogo.HislawyerhadbeenEarnshaw"salso:Icalledatthevillage,andaskedhimtoaccompanyme.Heshookhishead,andadvisedthatHeathcliffshouldbeletalone;affirming,ifthetruthwereknown,Haretonwouldbefoundlittleelsethanabeggar.`Hisfatherdiedindebt,"hesaid;`thewholepropertyismortgaged,andthesolechanceforthenaturalheiristoallowhimanopportunityofcreatingsomeinterestinthecreditor"sheart,thathemaybeinclinedtodeallenientlytowardshim."WhenIreachedtheHeights,IexplainedthatIhadcometoseeeverythingcarriedondecently;andJoseph,whoappearedinsufficientdistress,expressedsatisfactionatmypresence.MrHeathcliffsaidhedidnotperceivethatIwaswanted;butImightstayandorderthearrangementsforthefuneral,ifIchose.`Correctly,"heremarked,`thatfool"sbodyshouldbeburiedatthecrossroads,withoutceremonyofanykind.Ihappenedtoleavehimtenminutesyesterdayafternoon,andinthatintervalhefastenedthetwodoorsofthehouseagainstme,andhehasspentthenightindrinkinghimselftodeathdeliberately!Webrokeinthismorning,forweheardhimsnortinglikeahorse;andtherehewas,laidoverthesettle;flayingandscalpingwouldnothavewakenedhim.IsentforKenneth,andhecame;butnottillthebeasthadchangedintocarrion:hewasbothdead andcold,andstark;andsoyou"llallowitwasuselessmakingmorestirabouthim!"Theoldservantconfirmedthisstatement,butmuttered:`Aw"draytherhe"dgoanhisselnfurt"doctor!Awsuduhtaententuht"maisterbetternurhim--unhewarn"tdeeadwhenAwleft,nowtuht"soart!"Iinsistedonthefuneralbeingrespectable.MrHeathcliffsaidImighthavemyownwaytheretoo;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,spokenomoreofinterferingI"mnotawarethathecouldhavedoneittoanypurpose,hadhebeeneversowilling.　　TheguestwasnowthemasterofWutheringHeights:heheldfirmpossession,andprovedtotheattorney--who,inhisturn,provedittoMrLinton--thatEarnshawhadmortgagedeveryyardoflandheowned,forcashtosupplyhismaniaforgaming;andhe,Heathcliff,wasthemortgagee.InthatmannerHareton,whoshouldnowbethefirstgentlemanintheneighbourhood,wasreducedtoastateofcompletedependenceonhisfather"sinveterateenemy;andlivesinhisownhouseasaservant,deprivedoftheadvantageofwages,andquiteunabletorighthimself,becauseofhisfriendlessness,andhisignorancethathehasbeenwronged.Chapter18Thetwelveyears,continuedMrsDean,followingthatdismalperiod,werethehappiestofmylife:mygreatesttroublesin theirpassagerosefromourlittlelady"striflingillnesses,whichshehadtoexperienceincommonwithallchildren,richandpoor.Fortherest,afterthefirstsixmonths,shegrewlikealarch,andcouldwalkandtalktoo,inherownway,beforetheheathblossomedasecondtimeoverMrsLinton"sdust.Shewasthemostwinningthingthateverbroughtsunshineintoadesolatehouse:arealbeautyinface,withtheEarnshaws"handsomedarkeyes,buttheLintons"fairskinandsmallfeatures,andyellowcurlinghair.Herspiritwashigh,thoughnotrough,andqualifiedbyaheartsensitiveandlivelytoexcessinitsaffections.Thatcapacityforintenseattachmentsremindedmeofhermother:stillshedidnotresembleher;forshecouldbesoftandmildasadove,andshehadagentlevoiceandpensiveexpression:herangerwasneverfurious;herloveneverfierce:itwasdeepandtender.However,itmustbeacknowledged,shehadfaultstofoilhergifts.Apropensitytobesaucywasone;andaperversewill,thatindulgedchildreninvariablyacquire,whethertheybegood-temperedorcross.Ifaservantchancedtovexher,itwasalways--`Ishalltellpapa!"Andifhereprovedher,evenbyalook,youwouldhavethoughtitaheart-breakingbusiness:Idon"tbelieveheeverdidspeakaharshwordtoher.Hetookhereducationentirelyonhimself,andmadeitanamusement.Fortunately,curiosityandaquickintellecturgedherintoanaptscholar:shelearnedrapidlyandeagerly,anddidhonourtohisteaching. Tillshereachedtheageofthirteen,shehadnotoncebeenbeyondtherangeoftheparkbyherself.MrLintonwouldtakeherwithhimamileorsooutside,onrareoccasions;buthetrustedhertonooneelse.Gimmertonwasanunsubstantialnameinherears;thechapel,theonlybuildingshehadapproachedorentered,exceptherownhome.WutheringHeightsandMrHeathcliffdidnotexistforher:shewasaperfectrecluse;and,apparently,perfectlycontented.Sometimes,indeed,whilesurveyingthecountryfromhernurserywindow,shewouldobserve:`Ellen,howlongwillitbebeforeIcanwalktothetopofthosehills?Iwonderwhatliesontheotherside--isitthesea?"`No,MissCathy,"Iwouldanswer;`itishillsagain,justlikethese."`Andwhatarethosegoldenrockslikewhenyoustandunderthem?"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,"Iansweredhastily,`thattheyarenotworththetroubleofvisiting.Themoors,whereyouramblewithhim,aremuchnicer;andThrushcrossParkisthefinestplaceintheworld."`ButIknowthepark,andIdon"tknowthose,"shemurmuredtoherself.`AndIshoulddelighttolookroundmefromthebrowofthattallestpoint:mylittleponyMinnyshalltakemesometime."OneofthemaidsmentioningtheFairyCave,quiteturnedherheadwithadesiretofulfilthisproject:sheteasedMrLintonaboutit;andhepromisedsheshouldhavethejourneywhenshegotolder.ButMissCatherinemeasuredheragebymonths,and,`Now,amIoldenoughtogotoPenistoneCrags?"wastheconstantquestioninhermouth.TheroadthitherwoundclosebyWutheringHeights.Edgarhadnotthehearttopassit;soshereceivedasconstantlytheanswer,`Notyet,love:notyet.IsaidMrsHeathclifflivedaboveadozenyearsafterquittingherhusband.Herfamilywereofadelicateconstitution:sheandEdgarbothlackedtheruddyhealththatyouwill generallymeetintheseparts.Whatherlastillnesswas,Iamnotcertain:Iconjecture,theydiedofthesamething,akindoffever,slowatitscommencement,butincurable,andrapidlyconsuminglifetowardstheclose.Shewrotetoinformherbrotheroftheprobableconclusionofafourmonths"indispositionunderwhichshehadsuffered,andentreatedhimtocometoher,ifpossible;forshehadmuchtosettle,andshewishedtobidhimadieu,anddeliverLintonsafelyintohishands.Herhopewas,thatLintonmightbeleftwithhim,ashehadbeenwithher:hisfather,shewouldfainconvinceherself,hadnodesiretoassumetheburdenofhismaintenanceoreducation.Mymasterhesitatednotamomentincomplyingwithherrequest:reluctantashewastoleavehomeatordinarycalls,heflewtoanswerthis;commendingCatherinetomypeculiarvigilance,inhisabsence,withreiteratedordersthatshemustnotwanderoutofthepark,evenundermyescort:hedidnotcalculateonhergoingunaccompanied.Hewasawaythreeweeks.Thefirstdayortwo,mychargesatinacornerofthelibrary,toosadforeitherreadingorplaying:inthatquietstateshecausedmelittletrouble;butitwassucceededbyanintervalofimpatientfretfulweariness;andbeingtoobusy,andtoooldthen,torunupanddownamusingher,Ihitonamethodbywhichshemightentertainherself.Iusedtosendheronhertravelsroundthegrounds--nowonfoot,andnowonapony;indulgingherwithapatientaudienceofallher realandimaginaryadventures,whenshereturned.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:Idispatchedemissariesdownthispath,andthatpath,andatlastwentwanderinginsearchofhermyself.Therewasalabourerworkingatafenceroundaplantation,onthebordersofthegrounds.Iinquiredofhimifhehadseenouryounglady. `Isawheratmorn,"hereplied;`shewouldhavemetocutherahazelswitch,andthensheleaptherGallowayoverthehedgeyonder,whereitislowest,andgallopedoutofsight."YoumayguesshowIfeltathearingthisnews.ItstruckmedirectlyshemusthavestartedforPenistoneCrags.`Whatwillbecomeofher?"Iejaculated,pushingthroughagapwhichthemanwasrepairing,andmakingstraighttothehighroad.Iwalkedasifforawager,mileaftermile,tillaturnbroughtmeinviewoftheHeights;butnoCatherinecouldIdetectfarornear.TheCragslieaboutamileandahalfbeyondMrHeathcliff"splace,andthatisfourfromtheGrange,soIbegantofearnightwouldfallereIcouldreachthem.`Andwhatifsheshouldhaveslippedinclamberingamongthem?"Ireflected,`andbeenkilled,orbrokensomeofherbones?"Mysuspensewastrulypainful;and,atfirst,itgavemedelightfulrelieftoobserve,inhurryingbythefarmhouse,Charlie,thefiercestofthepointers,lyingunderawindow,withswelledheadandbleedingear.Iopenedthewicketandrantothedoor,knockingvehementlyforadmittance.AwomanwhomIknew,andwhoformerlylivedatGimmerton,answered:shehadbeenservanttheresincethedeathofMrEarnshaw.`Ah,"saidshe,`youarecomeaseekingyourlittlemistress!don"tbefrightened.She"sheresafe:butI"mgladitisn"tthemaster."`Heisnotathomethen,ishe?"Ipanted,quitebreathless withquickwalkingandalarm.`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!"shecriedgaily,jumpingupandrunningtomyside.`Ishallhaveaprettystorytotelltonight:andsoyou"vefoundmeout.Haveyoueverbeenhereinyourlifebefore?"`Putthathaton,andhomeatonce,"saidI.`I"mdreadfullygrievedatyou,MissCathy:you"vedoneextremelywrong.It"snousepoutingandcrying:thatwon"trepaythetroubleI"vehad,scouringthecountryafteryou.TothinkhowMrLintonchargedmetokeepyouin;andyoustealingoffso!itshowsyouarea, cunninglittlefox,andnobodywillputfaithinyouanymore.`WhathaveIdone?"sobbedshe,instantlychecked.`Papachargedmenothing:he"llnotscoldme,Ellen--he"snevercross,likeyou!"`Come,come!"Irepeated.`I"lltietheriband.Now,letushavenopetulance.Oh,forshame!Youthirteenyearsold,andsuchababy!"Thisexclamationwascausedbyherpushingthehatfromherhead,andretreatingtothechimneyoutofmyreach.`Nay,"saidtheservant,`don"tbehardonthebonnylass,MrsDean.Wemadeherstop:she"dfainhaveriddenforwards,afeardyoushouldbeuneasy.ButHaretonofferedtogowithher,andIthoughtheshould:it"sawildroadoverthehills."Hareton,duringthediscussion,stoodwithhishandsinhispockets,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;but perceivingthatthepeopleofthehousetookherpart,shecommencedcaperingroundtheroom;andonmygivingchase,ranlikeamouseoverandunderandbehindthefurniture,renderingitridiculousformetopursue.Haretonandthewomanlaughed,andshejoinedthem,andwaxedmoreimpertinentstill;tillIcried,ingreatirritation:`Well,MissCathy,ifyouwereawarewhosehousethisis,you"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.Andheneversaid,Miss;heshouldhavedone,shouldn"the,ifhe"saservant?"Haretongrewblackasathundercloud,atthischildishspeech.Isilentlyshookmyquestioner,andatlastsucceededinequippingherfordeparture.`Now,getmyhorse,"shesaid,addressingherunknownkinsmanasshewouldoneofthestable-boysattheGrange.`Andyoumaycomewithme.Iwanttoseewherethegoblin-hunterrises inthemarsh,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,staring,fixedinastonishment,`howdarehespeaksotome?Mustn"thebemadetodoasIaskhim?Youwickedcreature,Ishalltellpapawhatyousaid.--Now,then!"Haretondidnotappeartofeelthisthreat;sothetearssprangintohereyeswithindignation.`Youbringthepony,"sheexclaimed,turningtothewoman,`andletmydogfreethismoment!"`Softly,miss,"answeredtheaddressed:`you"lllosenothingbybeingcivil.ThoughMrHareton,there,benotthemaster"sson,he"syourcousin;andIwasneverhiredtoserveyou."`Hemycousin!"criedCathy,withascornfullaugh.`Yes,indeed,"respondedherreprover.`Oh,Ellen!don"tletthemsaysuchthings,"shepursued, ingreattrouble.`PapaisgonetofetchmycousinfromLondon:mycousinisagentleman"sson.Thatmy"--shestopped,andweptoutright;upsetatthebarenotionofrelationshipwithsuchaclown.`Hush,hush!"Iwhispered,`peoplecanhavemanycousins,andofallsorts,MissCathy,withoutbeinganytheworseforit;onlytheyneedn"tkeeptheircompany,iftheybedisagreeableandbad."`He"snot--he"snotmycousin,Ellen!"shewenton,gatheringfreshgrieffromreflection,andflingingherselfintomyarmsforrefugefromtheidea.Iwasmuchvexedatherandtheservantfortheirmutualrevelations;havingnodoubtofLinton"sapproachingarrival,communicatedbytheformer,beingreportedtoMrHeathcliff;andfeelingasconfidentthatCatherine"sfirstthoughtonherfather"sreturn,wouldbetoseekanexplanationofthelatter"sassertionconcerningherrude-bredkindred.Hareton,recoveringfromhisdisgustatbeingtakenforaservant,seemedmovedbyherdistress;and,havingfetchedtheponyroundtothedoor,hetook,topropitiateher,afinecrooked-leggedterrierwhelpfromthekennel,andputtingitintoherhandbidherwisht，forhemeantnought.Pausinginherlamentations,shesurveyedhimwithaglanceofaweandhorror,thenburstforthanew.Icouldscarcelyrefrainfromsmilingatthisantipathytothepoorfellow;whowasawell-made,athleticyouth, good-lookinginfeatures,andstoutandhealthy,butattiredingarmentsbefittinghisdailyoccupationsofworkingonthefarm,andloungingamongthemoorsafterrabbitsandgame.Still,IthoughtIcoulddetectinhisphysiognomyamindowningbetterqualitiesthanhisfathereverpossessed.Goodthingslostamidawildernessofweeds,tobesure,whoseranknessfarovertoppedtheirneglectedgrowth;yet,notwithstanding,evidenceofawealthysoil,thatmightyieldluxuriantcropsunderotherandfavourablecircumstances.MrHeathcliff,Ibelieve,hadnottreatedhimphysicallyill,thankstohisfearlessnature,whichofferednotemptationtothatcourseofoppression:ithadnoneofthetimidsusceptibilitythatwouldhavegivenzesttoill-treatment,inHeathcliff"sjudgment.Heappearedtohavebenthismalevolenceonmakinghimabrute:hewasnevertaughttoreadorwrite;neverrebukedforanybadhabitwhichdidnotannoyhiskeeper;neverledasinglesteptowardsvirtue,orguardedbyasinglepreceptagainstvice.AndfromwhatIheard,Josephcontributedmuchtohisdeterioration,byanarrow-mindedpartialitywhichpromptedhimtoflatterandpethim,asaboy,becausehewastheheadoftheoldfamily.AndashehadbeeninthehabitofaccusingCatherineEarnshawandHeathcliff,whenchildren,ofputtingthemasterpasthispatience,andcompellinghimtoseeksolaceindrinkbywhathetermedtheir`offalldways",soatpresenthelaidthewholeburdenofHareton"sfaultsontheshouldersoftheusurperofhisproperty. Iftheladswore,hewouldn"tcorrecthim:norhoweverculpablyhebehaved.ItgaveJosephsatisfaction,apparently,towatchhimgotheworstlengths:heallowedthathewasruined:thathissoulwasabandonedtoperdition;butthen,hereflectedthatHeathcliffmustanswerforit.Hareton"sbloodwouldberequiredathishands;andtherelayimmenseconsolationinthatthought.Josephhadinstilledintohimaprideofname,andofhislineage;hewould,hadhedared,havefosteredhatebetweenhimandthepresentowneroftheHeights:buthisdreadofthatowneramountedtosuperstition;andheconfinedhisfeelingsregardinghimtomutteredinnuendoesandprivatecomminations.Idon"tpretendtobeintimatelyacquaintedwiththemodeoflivingcustomaryinthosedaysatWutheringHeights:Ionlyspeakfromhearsay;forIsawlittle.ThevillagersaffirmedMrHeathcliffwasnear,andacruelhardlandlordtohistenants;butthehouse,inside,hadregaineditsancientaspectofcomfortunderfemalemanagement,andthescenesofriotcommoninHindley"stimewerenotnowenactedwithinitswalls.Themasterwastoogloomytoseekcompanionshipwithanypeople,goodorbad;andheisyet.This,however,isnotmakingprogresswithmystory.MissCathyrejectedthepeaceofferingoftheterrier,anddemandedherowndogs,CharlieandPhoenix.Theycamelimping,andhangingtheirheads;andwesetoutforhome,sadlyoutofsorts,everyoneofus.Icouldnotwringfrommylittleladyhowshehadspenttheday;exceptthat,asIsupposed,thegoalofherpilgrimage wasPenistoneCrags;andshearrivedwithoutadventuretothegateofthefarmhouse,whenHaretonhappenedtoissueforth,attendedbysomecaninefollowers,whoattackedhertrain.Theyhadasmartbattle,beforetheirownerscouldseparatethem:thatormedanintroduction.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,hewouldperhapsbesoangry,thatIshouldhavetoleave;andCathycouldn"tbearthatprospect:shepledgedherword,andkeptit,formysake.Afterall,shewasasweetlittlegirl.Chapter19 Aletter,edgedwithblack,announcedthedayofmymaster"sreturn.Isabellawasdead;andhewrotetobidmegetmourningforhisdaughter,andarrangearoom,andotheraccommodations,forhisyouthfulnephew.Catherineranwildwithjoyattheideaofwelcomingherfatherback;andindulgedmostsanguineanticipationsoftheinnumerableexcellencesofher`real"cousin.Theeveningoftheirexpectedarrivalcame.Sinceearlymorning,shehadbeenbusyorderingherownsmallaffairs;andnow,attiredinhernewblackfrock--poorthing!Heraunt"sdeathimpressedherwithnodefinitesorrow--sheobligedme,byconstantworrying,towalkwithherdownthroughthegroundstomeetthem.`LintonisjustsixmonthsyoungerthanIam,"shechattered,aswestrolledleisurelyovertheswellsandhollowsofmossyturf,undershadowofthetrees.`Howdelightfulitwillbetohavehimforaplayfellow!AuntIsabellasentpapaabeautifullockofhishair;itwaslighterthanmine--moreflaxen,andquiteasfine.Ihaveitcarefullypreservedinalittleglassbox:andI"veoftenthoughtwhatpleasureitwouldbetoseeitsowner.Oh!Iamhappy--andpapa,dear,dearpapa!Come,Ellen,letusrun!come,run."Sheran,andreturnedandranagain,manytimesbeforemysoberfootstepsreachedthegate,andthensheseatedherselfonthegrassybankbesidethepath,andtriedtowaitpatiently;butthatwasimpossible:shecouldn"tbestillaminute. `Howlongtheyare!"sheexclaimed.`Ah,Iseesomedustontheroadtheyarecoming?No!Whenwilltheybehere?Maywenotgoalittleway--halfamile,Ellen:onlyjusthalfamile?Dosayyes:tothatclumpofbirchesattheturn!"Irefusedstaunchly.Atlengthhersuspensewasended:thetravellingcarriagerolledinsight.MissCathyshriekedandstretchedoutherarms,assoonasshecaughtherfather"sfacelookingfromthewindow.Hedescended,nearlyaseagerasherself:andaconsiderableintervalelapsederetheyhadathoughttospareforanybutthemselves.Whiletheyexchangedcaresses,ItookapeepintoseeafterLinton.Hewasasleepinacorner,wrappedinawarm,fur-linedcloak,asifithadbeenwinter.Apale,delicate,effeminateboy,whomighthavebeentakenformymaster"syoungerbrother,sostrongwastheresemblance:buttherewasasicklypeevishnessinhisaspect,thatEdgarLintonneverhad.Thelattersawmelooking;andhavingshakenhands,advisedmetoclosethedoor,andleavehimundisturbed;forthejourneyhadfatiguedhim.Cathywouldfainhavetakenoneglance,butherfathertoldhertocomeon,andtheywalkedtogetherupthepark,whileIhastenedbeforetopreparetheservants.`Now,darling,"saidMrLinton,addressinghisdaughter,astheyhaltedatthebottomofthefrontsteps;`yourcousinisnotsostrongorsomerryasyouare,andhehaslosthismother,remember,averyshorttimesince;therefore,don"texpecthimtoplayandrunaboutwithyoudirectly.Anddon"tharasshim muchbytalking:lethimbequietthisevening,atleast,willyou?"Yes,yes,papa,"answeredCatherine:`butIdowanttoseehim;andhehasn"toncelookedout."Thecarriagestopped;andthesleeperbeingroused,wasliftedtothegroundbyhisuncle.`ThisisyourcousinCathy,Linton,"hesaid,puttingtheirlittlehandstogether.`She"sfondofyoualready;andmindyoudon"tgrieveherbycryingtonight.Trytobecheerfulnow;thetravellingisatanend,andyouhavenothingtodobutrestandamuseyourselfasyouplease."`Letmegotobed,then,"answeredtheboy,shrinkingfromCatherine"ssalute;andheputhisfingerstohiseyestoremoveincipienttears.`Come,come,there"sagoodchild,"Iwhispered,leadinghimin.`You"llmakeherweeptoo--seehowsorrysheisforyou!"Idonotknowwhetheritweresorrowforhim,buthiscousinputonassadacountenanceashimself,andreturnedtoherfather.Allthreeentered,andmountedtothelibrary,whereteawaslaidready.IproceededtoremoveLinton"scapandmantle,andplacedhimonachairbythetable;buthewasnosoonerseatedthanhebegantocryafresh.Mymasterinquiredwhatwasthematter.`Ican"tsitonachair,"sobbedtheboy.`Gotothesofa,then,andEllenshallbringyousometea, answeredhisunclepatiently.Hehadbeengreatlytriedduringthejourney,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.OurdoubtswerepresentlydecidedevenearlierthanIexpected.Ihadjusttakenthechildrenupstairs,afterteawasfinished,andseenLintonasleep--hewouldnotsuffermetoleavehimtillthatwasthecase--Ihadcomedown,andwasstandingbythetableinthehall,lightingabedroomcandleforMrEdgar,whenamaidsteppedoutofthekitchenandinformedmethatMrHeathcliff"sservantJosephwasatthedoor, andwishedtospeakwiththemaster.`Ishallaskhimwhathewantsfirst,"Isaid,inconsiderabletrepidation.`Averyunlikelyhourtobetroublingpeople,andtheinstanttheyhavereturnedfromalongjourney.Idon"tthinkthemastercanseehim."JosephhadadvancedthroughthekitchenasIutteredthesewords,andnowpresentedhimselfinthehall.HewasdonnedinhisSundaygarments,withhismostsanctimoniousandsourestface,and,holdinghishatinonehandandhisstickintheother,heproceededtocleanhisshoesonthemat.`Goodevening,Joseph,"Isaidcoldly.`Whatbusinessbringsyouheretonight?"`It"sMaisterLintonAwmunspaketull,"heanswered,wavingmedisdainfullyaside.`MrLintonisgoingtobed;unlessyouhavesomethingparticulartosay,I"msurehewon"thearitnow,"Icontinued.`Youhadbettersitdowninthere,andentrustyourmessagetome.`Whichishisrahm?"pursuedthefellow,surveyingtherangeofcloseddoors.Iperceivedhewasbentonrefusingmymediation,soveryreluctantlyIwentuptothelibrary,andannouncedtheunseasonablevisitor,advisingthatheshouldbedismissedtillnextday.MrLintonhadnotimetoempowermetodoso,forJosephmountedcloseatmyheels,and,pushingintotheapartment, plantedhimselfatthefarsideofthetable,withhistwofistsclappedontheheadofhisstick,andbeganinanelevatedtone,asifanticipatingopposition:`Heathcliffhassendmeforhislad,andAwmunn"tgoaback"bouthim."EdgarLintonwassilentaminute;anexpressionofexceedingsorrowovercasthisfeatures:hewouldhavepitiedthechildonhisownaccount;but,recallingIsabella"shopesandfears,andanxiouswishesforherson,andhercommendationsofhimtohiscare,hegrievedbitterlyattheprospectofyieldinghimup,andsearchedinhishearthowitmightbeavoided.Noplanoffereditself:theveryexhibitionofanydesiretokeephimwouldhaverenderedtheclaimantmoreperemptory:therewasnothingleftbuttoresignhim.However,hewasnotgoingtorousehimfromhissleep.`TellMrHeathcliff,"heansweredcalmly,`thathissonshallcometoWutheringHeightstomorrow.Heisinbed,andtootiredtogothedistancenow.YoumayalsotellhimthatthemotherofLintondesiredhimtoremainundermyguardianship;and,atpresent,hishealthisveryprecarious."`Noa!"saidJoseph,givingathudwithhisproponthefloor,andassuminganauthoritativeair;`noa!thatmanesnowt.Hathecliffmaksnoa"cahntuht"mother,nuryahnorther;budhe"llhevhislad;undAwmuntakhim--soanahyahknaw!"`Youshallnottonight!"answeredLintondecisively.`Walk downstairsatonce,and,repeattoyourmasterwhatIhavesaid.Ellen,showhimdown.Go--"And,aidingtheindignantelderwithaliftbythearm,heridtheroomofhim,andclosedthedoor.`Varrahweell!"shoutedJoseph,asheslowlydrewoff.`Tuhmorn,he"scomehisseln,unthrusthimaht,ifyahdarr!"Chapter20Toobviatethedangerofthisthreatbeingfulfilled,MrLintoncommissionedmetotaketheboyhomeearly,onCatherine"spony;and,saidhe:`Asweshallnowhavenoinfluenceoverhisdestiny,goodorbad,youmustsaynothingofwhereheisgone,tomydaughter:shecannotassociatewithhimhereafter,anditisbetterforhertoremaininignoranceofhisproximity;lestsheshouldberestless,andanxioustovisittheHeights.Merelytellherhisfathersentforhimsuddenly,andhehasbeenobligedtoleaveus."Lintonwasveryreluctanttoberousedfromhisbedatfiveo"clock,andastonishedtobeinformedthathemustprepareforfurthertravelling;butIsoftenedoffthematterbystatingthathewasgoingtospendsometimewithhisfather,MrHeathcliff,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."Iattemptedtopersuadehimofthenaughtinessofshowing reluctancetomeethisfather;stillheobstinatelyresistedanyprogresstowardsdressing,andIhadtocallformymaster"sassistanceincoaxinghimoutofbed.Thepoorthingwasfinallygotoff,withseveraldelusiveassurancesthathisabsenceshouldbeshort;thatMrEdgarandCathywouldvisithim,andotherpromises,equallyill-founded,whichIinventedandreiteratedatintervalsthroughouttheway.Thepureheather-scentedair,andthebrightsunshine,andthegentlecanterofMinny,relievedhisdespondencyafterawhile.Hebegantoputquestionsconcerninghisnewhome,anditsinhabitants,withgreaterinterestandliveliness.`IsWutheringHeightsaspleasantaplaceasThrushcrossGrange?"heinquired,turningtotakealastglanceintothevalley,whencealightmistmountedandformedafleecycloudontheskirtsoftheblue.`Itisnotsoburiedintrees,"Ireplied,`anditisnotquitesolarge,butyoucanseethecountrybeautifullyallround;andtheairishealthierforyou--fresheranddryer.Youwill,perhaps,thinkthebuildingoldanddarkatfirst;thoughitisarespectablehouse:thenextbestintheneighbourhood.Andyouwillhavesuchniceramblesonthemoors.HaretonEarnshaw--thatisMissCathy"sothercousin,andsoyoursinamanner--willshowyouallthesweetestspots;andyoucanbringabookinfineweather,andmakeagreenhollowyourstudy;and,nowandthen,yourunclemayjoinyouinawalk:hedoes,frequently,walkout onthehills."`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,surveyingwithregretthewhitecomplexionandslimframeofmycompanion,andhislargelanguideyes--hismother"seyes,savethat,unlessamorbidtouchinesskindledthemamoment,theyhadnotavestigeofhersparklingspirit.`Howstrangethatheshouldnevercometoseemammaandme!"hemurmured.`Hasheeverseenme?Ifhehave,Imusthavebeenababy.Iremembernotasinglethingabouthim!"`Why,MasterLinton,"saidI,`threehundredmilesisagreatdistance;andtenyearsseemverydifferentinlengthtoagrown-uppersoncomparedwithwhattheydotoyou.ItisprobableMrHeathcliffproposedgoingfromsummertosummer,butneverfoundaconvenientopportunity;andnowitistoolate.Don"ttroublehimwithquestionsonthesubject:itwilldisturbhim, fornogood."Theboywasfullyoccupiedwithhisowncogitationsfortheremainderoftheride,tillwehaltedbeforethefarmhousegardengate.Iwatchedtocatchhisimpressionsinhiscountenance.Hesurveyedthecarvedfrontandlow-browedlattices,thestragglinggooseberrybushesandcrookedfirs,withsolemnintentness,andthenshookhishead:hisprivatefeelingsentirelydisapprovedoftheexteriorofhisnewabode.Buthehadsensetopostponecomplaining:theremightbecompensationwithin.Beforehedismounted,Iwentandopenedthedoor.Itwashalfpastsix;thefamilyhadjustfinishedbreakfast;theservantwasclearingandwipingdownthetable.Josephstoodbyhismaster"schairtellingsometaleconcerningalamehorse;andHaretonwaspreparingforthehayfield.`Hallo,Nelly!"criedMrHeathcliff,whenhesawme.`IfearedIshouldhavetocomedownandfetchmypropertymyself.You"vebroughtit,haveyou?Letusseewhatwecanmakeofit."Hegotupandstrodetothedoor.HaretonandJosephfollowedingapingcuriosity.PoorLintonranafrightenedeyeoverthefacesofthethree.`Sure-ly,"saidJoseph,afteragraveinspection,`he"sswoppedwi"ye,maister,an"yon"shislass!"Heathcliff,havingstaredhissonintoanagueofconfusion,utteredascornfullaugh.`God!whatabeauty!whatalovely,charmingthing!"he exclaimed.`Haven"ttheyreareditonsnailsandsourmilk,Nelly?Oh,damnmysoul!butthat"sworsethanIexpected--andthedevilknowsIwasnotsanguine!"Ibidthetremblingandbewilderedchildgetdown,andenter.Hedidnotthoroughlycomprehendthemeaningofhisfather"sspeech,orwhetheritwereintendedforhim:indeed,hewasnotyetcertainthatthegrim,sneeringstrangerwashisfather.Butheclungtomewithgrowingtrepidation;andonMrHeathcliff"stakingaseatandbiddinghim`comehither",hehidhisfaceonmyshoulderandwept.`Tut,tut!"saidHeathcliff,stretchingoutahandanddragginghimroughlybetweenhisknees,andthenholdinguphisheadbythechin.`Noneofthatnonsense!We"renotgoingtohurtthee,Linton--isn"tthatthyname?Thouartthymother"schild,entirely!Whereismyshareinthee,pulingchicken?"Hetookofftheboy"scapandpushedbackhisthickflaxencurls,felthisslenderarmsandhissmallfingers;duringwhichexamination,Lintonceasedcrying,andliftedhisgreatblueeyestoinspecttheinspector.`Doyouknowme?"askedHeathcliff,havingsatisfiedhimselfthatthelimbswereallequallyfrailandfeeble.`No,"saidLinton,withagazeofvacantfear.`You"veheardofme,Idaresay?"`No,"herepliedagain.`No?Whatashameofyourmother,nevertowakenyourfilial regardforme!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,MrHeathcliff,oryou"llnotkeephimlong;andhe"sallyouhaveakininthewideworld,thatyouwilleverknow--remember."`I"llbeverykindtohim,youneedn"tfear,"hesaid,laughing.`Onlynobodyelsemustbekindtohim:I"mjealousofmonopolizinghisaffection.And,tobeginmykindness,Joseph,bringtheladsomebreakfast.Hareton,youinfernalcalf,begonetoyourwork.Yes,Nell,"headded,whentheyhaddeparted,`mysonisprospectiveownerofyourplace,andIshouldnotwishhimtodietillIwascertainofbeinghissuccessor.Besides,he"smine,andIwantthetriumphofseeingmydescendantfairlylordoftheirestates:mychildhiringtheirchildrentotilltheirfather"slandsforwages.Thatisthesoleconsiderationwhichcanmakemeendurethewhelp:Idespisehimforhimself,andhatehimforthememoriesherevives!Butthatconsiderationissufficient:he"sassafewithme,andshallbetendedascarefullyasyourmastertendshisown.Ihavearoomupstairs, furnishedforhiminhandsomestyle:I"veengagedatutor,also,tocomethreetimesaweek,fromtwentymilesdistance,toteachhimwhathepleasestolearn.I"veorderedHaretontoobeyhim;andinfactI"vearrangedeverythingwithaviewtopreservethesuperiorandthegentlemaninhim,abovehisassociates.Idoregret,however,thathesolittledeservesthetrouble;ifIwishedanyblessingintheworld,itwastofindhimaworthyobjectofpride;andI"mbitterlydisappointedwiththewhey-facedwhiningwretch!"Whilehewasspeaking,Josephreturnedbearingabasinofmilkporridge,andplaceditbeforeLinton.Hestirredroundthehomelymesswithalookofaversion,andaffirmedhecouldnoteatit.Isawtheoldmanservantsharedlargelyinhismaster"sscornofthechild;thoughhewascompelledtoretainthesentimentinhisheart,becauseHeathcliffplainlymeanthisunderlingstoholdhiminhonour.`Cannotateit?"repeatedhe,peeringinLinton"sface,andsubduinghisvoicetoawhisper,forfearofbeingoverheard.`ButMaisterHaretonniviratenaughtelse,whenheweralittleun;andwhatweregooideneughforhim"sgooideneughforye,Aw"sraytherthink!"`Ishan"teatit!"answeredLintonsnappishly.`Takeitaway."Josephsnatchedupthefoodindignantly,andbroughtittous. `Isthereaughtailsth"victuals?"heaskedthrustingthetrayunderHeathcliff"snose.`Whatshouldailthem?"hesaid.`Wah!"answeredJoseph,`yondaintychapsayshecannutateem.ButAwguessit"sraight!Hismotherwerjustsoa--wewera"mosttoomuckytosowt"cornformakkingherbreead."`Don"tmentionhismothertome,"saidthemasterangrily.`Gethimsomethingthathecaneat,that"sall.Whatishisusualfood,Nelly?"Isuggestedboiledmilkortea;andthehousekeeperreceivedinstructionstopreparesome.Come,Ireflected,hisfather"sselfishnessmaycontributetohiscomfort.Heperceiveshisdelicateconstitution,andthenecessityoftreatinghimtolerably.I"llconsoleMrEdgarbyacquaintinghimwiththeturnHeathcliff"shumourhastaken.HavingnoexcuseforlingeringlongerIslippedout,whileLintonwasengagedintimidlyrebuildingtheadvancesofafriendlysheepdog.Buthewastoomuchonthealerttobecheated:asIclosedthedoor,Iheardacry,andafranticrepetitionofthewords:`Don"tleaveme!I"llnotstayhere!I"llnotstayhere!"Thenthelatchwasraisedandfell:theydidnotsufferhimtocomeforth.ImountedMinny,andurgedhertoatrot;andsomybriefguardianshipended.Chapter21WehadsadworkwithlittleCathythatday;sheroseinhigh glee,eagertojoinhercousin,andsuchpassionatetearsandlamentationsfollowedthenewsofhisdeparture,thatEdgarhimselfwasobligedtosootheher,byaffirmingheshouldcomebacksoon:headded,however,`ifIcangethim";andtherewerenohopesofthat.Thispromisepoorlypacifiedher:buttimewasmorepotent;andthoughstillatintervalssheinquiredofherfatherwhenLintonwouldreturn,beforeshedidseehimagainhisfeatureshadwaxedsodiminhermemorythatshedidnotrecognizehim.WhenIchancedtoencounterthehousekeeperofWutheringHeightsinpayingbusinessvisitstoGimmerton,Iusedtoaskhowtheyoungmastergoton;forhelivedalmostassecludedasCatherineherself,andwasnevertobeseen.Icouldgatherfromherthathecontinuedinweakhealth,andwasatiresomeinmate.ShesaidMrHeathcliffseemedtodislikehimeverlongerandworse,thoughhetooksometroubletoconcealit:hehadanantipathytothesoundofhisvoice,andcouldnotdoatallwithhissittinginthesameroomwithhimmanyminutestogether.Thereseldompassedmuchtalkbetweenthem:Lintonlearnthislessonsandspenthiseveningsinasmallapartmenttheycalledtheparlour:orelselayinbedallday:forhewasconstantlygettingcoughs,andcolds,andaches,andpainsofsomesort.`AndIneverknewsuchafaint-heartedcreature,"addedthewoman;`noronesocarefulofhisseln.Hewillgoon,ifIleavethewindowopenabitlateintheevening.Oh!it"skilling!a breathofnightair!Andhemusthaveafireinthemiddleofsummer;andJoseph"sbaccapipeispoison;andhemustalwayshavesweetsanddainties,andalwaysmilk,milkforever--heedingnaughthowtherestofusarepinchedinwinter;andtherehe"llsit,wrappedinhisfurredcloakinhischairbythefire,sometoastandwaterorothersloponthehobtosipat;andifHareton,forpity,comestoamusehim--Haretonisnotbad-natured,thoughhe"srough--they"resuretopart,oneswearingandtheothercrying.IbelievethemasterwouldrelishEarnshaw"sthrashinghimtoamummy,ifhewerenothisson;andI"mcertainhewouldbefittoturnhimoutofdoors,ifheknewhalfthenursinghegiveshisseln.Butthen,hewon"tgointodangeroftemptation:heneverenterstheparlour,andshouldLintonshowthosewaysinthehousewhereheis,hesendshimupstairsdirectly."Idivined,fromthisaccount,thatutterlackofsympathyhadrenderedyoungHeathcliffselfishanddisagreeable,ifhewerenotsooriginally;andmyinterestinhim,consequently,decayed:thoughstillIwasmovedwithasenseofgriefathislot,andawishthathehadbeenleftwithus.MrEdgarencouragedmetogaininformation:hethoughtagreatdealabouthim,Ifancy,andwouldhaverunsomerisktoseehim;andhetoldmeoncetoaskthehousekeeperwhetherheevercameintothevillage?Shesaidhehadonlybeentwice,onhorseback,accompanyinghisfather,andbothtimeshepretendedtobequiteknockedupfor threeorfourdaysafterwards.Thehousekeeperleft,ifIrecollectrightly,twoyearsafterhecame;andanother,whomIdidnotknow,washersuccessor:shelivestherestill.TimeworeonattheGrangeinitsformerpleasantway,tillMissCathyreachedsixteen.Ontheanniversaryofherbirthwenevermanifestedanysignsofrejoicing,becauseitwasalsotheanniversaryofmylatemistress"sdeath.Herfatherinvariablyspentthatdayaloneinthelibrary;andwalked,atdusk,asfarasGimmertonkirkyard,wherehewouldfrequentlyprolonghisstaybeyondmidnight.ThereforeCatherinewasthrownonherownresourcesforamusement.ThisbothofMarchwasabeautifulspringday,andwhenherfatherhadretired,myyoungladycamedowndressedforgoingout,andsaidshehadaskedtohavearambleontheedgeofthemoorswithme;andMrLintonhadgivenherleave,ifwewentonlyashortdistanceandwerebackwithinthehour.`Somakehaste,Ellen!"shecried.`IknowwhereIwishtogo;whereacolonyofmoorgamearesettled:Iwanttoseewhethertheyhavemadetheirnestsyet.`Thatmustbeagooddistanceup,"Ianswered;`theydon"tbreedontheedgeofthemoor.`No,it"snot,"shesaid.`I"vegoneverynearwithpapa."Iputonmybonnetandsalliedout,thinkingnothingmoreofthematter.Sheboundedbeforeme,andreturnedtomyside,andwasoffagainlikeayounggreyhound;and,atfirst,Ifound plentyofentertainmentinlisteningtothelarkssingingfarandnear,andenjoyingthesweet,warmsunshine;andwatchingher,mypet,andmydelight,withhergoldenringletsflyingloosebehind,andherbrightcheek,assoftandpureinitsbloomasawildrose,andhereyesradiantwithcloudlesspleasure.Shewasahappycreature,andanangel,inthosedays.It"sapityshecouldnotbecontent.`Well,"saidI,`whereareyourmoorgame,MissCathy?Weshouldbeatthem:theGrangeparkfenceisagreatwayoffnow."`Oh,alittlefarther--onlyalittlefarther,Ellen,"washeranswercontinually.`Climbtothathillock,passthatbank,andbythetimeyoureachtheothersideIshallhaveraisedthebirds."Butthereweresomanyhillocksandbankstoclimbandpass,that,atlength,Ibegantobeweary,andtoldherwemusthalt,andretraceoursteps.Ishoutedtoher,asshehadoutstrippedmealongway;sheeitherdidnothearordidnotregard,forshestillsprangon,andIwascompelledtofollow.Finally,shedivedintoahollow;andbeforeIcameinsightofheragain,shewastwomilesnearerWutheringHeightsthanherownhome;andIbeheldacoupleofpersonsarresther,oneofwhomIfeltconvincedwasMrHeathcliffhimself.Cathyhadbeencaughtinthefactofplundering,or,atleast,huntingoutthenestsofthegrouse.TheHeightswereHeathcliff"sland,andhewasreprovingthepoacher. `I"veneithertakenanynorfoundany,"shesaid,asItoiledtothem,expandingherhandsincorroborationofthestatement.`Ididn"tmeantotakethem;butpapatoldmetherewerequantitiesuphere,andIwishedtoseetheeggs."Heathcliffglancedatmewithanill-meaningsmile,expressinghisacquaintancewiththeparty,and,consequently,hismalevolencetowardsit,anddemandedwho`papa"was?`MrLintonofThrushcrossGrange,"shereplied.`Ithoughtyoudidnotknowme,oryouwouldn"thavespokeninthatway."`Yousupposepapaishighlyesteemedandrespectedthen?"hesaidsarcastically.`Andwhatareyou?"inquiredCatherine,gazingcuriouslyonthespeaker.`ThatmanI"veseenbeforeIsheyourson?"ShepointedtoHareton,theotherindividual,whohadgainednothingbutincreasedbulkandstrengthbytheadditionoftwoyearstohisage:heseemedasawkwardandroughasever.`MissCathy,"Iinterrupted,`itwillbethreehoursinsteadofonethatweareout,presently.Wereallymustgoback."`No,thatmanisnotmyson,"answeredHeathcliff,pushingmeaside.`ButIhaveone,andyouhaveseenhimbeforetoo;and,thoughyournurseisinahurry,Ithinkbothyouandshewouldbethebetterforalittlerest.Willyoujustturnthisnabofheath,andwalkintomyhouse?You"llgethomeearlierfortheease;andyoushallreceiveakindwelcome.IwhisperedCatherinethatshemustn"t,onanyaccount, accedetotheproposal: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:butshewasalmostatthedoorstonesalready,scamperingroundthebrowatfullspeed.Herappointedcompaniondidnotpretendtoescorther:heshiedoffbytheroadside,andvanished.`MrHeathcliff,it"sverywrong,"Icontinued:`youknowyoumeannogood.Andthereshe"llseeLinton,andallwillbetoldassoonaseverwereturn;andIshallhavetheblame.`IwanthertoseeLinton,"heanswered;`he"slookingbetterthesefewdays:it"snotoftenhe"sfittobeseen.Andwe"llsoonpersuadehertokeepthevisitsecret:whereistheharmofit?"`Theharmofitis,thatherfatherwouldhatemeifhefoundIsufferedhertoenteryourhouse;andIamconvincedyouhaveabaddesigninencouraginghertodoso,"Ireplied.`Mydesignisashonestaspossible.I"llinformyouofits wholescope,"hesaid.`Thatthetwocousinsmayfallinlove,andgetmarried.I"mactinggenerouslytoyourmaster:hisyoungchithasnoexpectations,andshouldshesecondmywishes,she"llbeprovidedforatonceasjointsuccessorwithLinton."`IfLintondied,"Ianswered,`andhislifeisquiteuncertain,Catherinewouldbetheheir."`No,shewouldnot,"hesaid.`Thereisnoclauseinthewilltosecureitso:hispropertywouldgotome;but,topreventdisputes,Idesiretheirunion,andamresolvedtobringitabout."`AndI"mresolvedsheshallneverapproachyourhousewithmeagain,"Ireturned,aswereachedthegate,whereMissCathywaitedourcoming.Heathcliffbidmebequiet;and,precedingusupthepath,hastenedtoopenthedoor.Myyoungladygavehimseverallooks,asifshecouldnotexactlymakeuphermindwhattothinkofhim;butnowhesmiledwhenhemethereye,andsoftenedhisvoiceinaddressingher;andIwasfoolishenoughtoimaginethememoryofhermothermightdisarmhimfromdesiringherinjury.Lintonstoodonthehearth.Hehadbeenoutwalkinginthefields,forhiscapwason,andhewascallingtoJosephtobringhimdryshoes.Hehadgrowntallofhisage,stillwantingsomemonthsofsixteen.Hisfeatureswereprettyyet,andhiseyeandcomplexionbrighterthanIrememberedthem,thoughwithmerelytemporarylustreborrowedfromthesalubriousairandgenial sun.`Now,whoisthat?"askedMrHeathcliff,turningtoCathy.`Canyoutell?"`Yourson?"shesaid,havingdoubtfullysurveyed,firstoneandthentheother.`Yes,yes,"answeredhe:`butisthistheonlytimeyouhavebeheldhim?Think!Ah!youhaveashortmemory.Linton,don"tyourecallyourcousin,thatyouusedtoteaseussowithwishingtosee?"`What,Linton!"criedCathy,kindlingintojoyfulsurpriseatthename.`IsthatlittleLinton?He"stallerthanIam!Areyou,Linton?"Theyouthsteppedforward,andacknowledgedhimself:shekissedhimfervently,andtheygazedwithwonderatthechangetimehadwroughtintheappearanceofeach.Catherinehadreachedherfullheight;herfigurewasbothplumpandslender,elasticassteel,andherwholeaspectsparklingwithhealthandspirits.Linton"slooksandmovementswereverylanguid,andhisformextremelyslight;buttherewasagraceinhismannerthatmitigatedthesedefects,andrenderedhimnotunpleasing.Afterexchangingnumerousmarksoffondnesswithhim,hiscousinwenttoMrHeathcliff,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.MrLintonhasaprejudiceagainstme:wequarrelledatonetimeofourlives,withunchristianferocity;and,ifyoumentioncomingheretohim,he"llputavetoonyourvisitsaltogether.Therefore,youmustnotmentionit,unlessyoubecarelessofseeingyourcousinhereafter:youmaycome,ifyouwill,butyoumustnotmentionit."`Whydidyouquarrel?"askedCatherine,considerablycrest-fallen. `Hethoughtmetoopoortowedhissister,"answeredHeathcliff,`andwasgrievedthatIgother:hispridewashurt,andhe"llneverforgiveit."`That"swrong!"saidtheyounglady:`sometime,I"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"tyourathersithere?"askedLinton,addressingCathyinatonewhichexpressedreluctancetomoveagain.`Idon"tknow,"shereplied,castingalonginglooktothedoor,andevidentlyeagertobeactive.Hekepthisseat,andshrankclosertothefire.Heathcliffrose,andwentintothekitchen,andfromthencetotheyard,callingoutforHareton.Haretonresponded,andpresentlythetworeentered.Theyoungmanhadbeenwashinghimself,aswasvisiblebytheglowonhischeeksandhiswettedhair.`Oh,I"llaskyou,uncle,"criedMissCathy,recollectingthehousekeeper"sassertion.`Thatisnotmycousin,ishe?"`Yes,"hereplied,`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"llnotventureasinglesyllable,allthetime!Nelly,yourecollectmeathisage--nay,someyearsyounger.DidIeverlooksostupid:so``gaumless"",asJosephcallsit?"`Worse,"Ireplied,`becausemoresullenwithit."　　`I"veapleasureinhim,"hecontinued,reflectingaloud.`Hehassatisfiedmyexpectations.IfhewereabornfoolIshouldnotenjoyithalfsomuch.Buthe"snofool;andIcansympathizewithallhisfeelings,havingfeltthemmyself.Iknowwhathesuffersnow,forinstance,exactly:itismerelyabeginningofwhatheshallsuffer,though.Andhe"llneverbeabletoemergefromhisbathosofcoarsenessandignorance.I"vegothimfasterthanhisscoundrelofafathersecuredme,andlower;forhetakesaprideinhisbrutishness.I"vetaughthimtoscorneverythingextra-animalassillyandweak.Don"tyouthinkHindleywouldbeproudofhisson,ifhecouldseehim?almostasproudasI amofmine.Butthere"sthisdifference;oneisgoldputtotheuseofpaving-stones,andtheotheristinpolishedtoapeaserviceofsilver.Minehasnothingvaluableaboutit;yetIshallhavethemeritofmakingitgoasfarassuchpoorstuffcango.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,IheardCathyinquiring ofherunsociableattendant,whatwasthatinscriptionoverthedoor?Haretonstaredup,andscratchedhisheadlikeatrueclown. `It"ssomedamnablewriting,"heanswered.`Icannotreadit."`Can"treadit?"criedCatherine;`Icanreadit:it"sEnglish.ButIwanttoknowwhyitisthere."Lintongiggled:thefirstappearanceofmirthhehadexhibited.`Hedoesnotknowhisletters,"hesaidtohiscousin.`Couldyoubelieveintheexistenceofsuchacolossaldunce?"`Isheallasheshouldbe?"askedMissCathyseriously;`orishesimple:notright?I"vequestionedhimtwicenow,andeachtimehelookedsostupidIthinkhedoesnotunderstandme.Icanhardlyunderstandhim,I"msure!"Lintonrepeatedhislaugh,andglancedatHaretontauntingly;whocertainlydidnotseemquiteclearofcomprehensionatthatmoment.`There"snothingthematterbutlaziness;isthere,Earnshaw?"hesaid.`Mycousinfanciesyouareanidiot.Thereyouexperiencetheconsequenceofscorning``book-larning"",asyouwouldsay.Haveyounoticed,Catherine,hisfrightfulYorkshirepronunciation?"`Why,wherethedevilistheuseon"t?"growledHareton,morereadyinansweringhisdailycompanion.Hewasabouttoenlarge further,butthetwoyoungstersbrokeintoanoisyfitofmerriment;mygiddymissbeingdelightedtodiscoverthatshemightturnhisstrangetalktomatterofamusement.`Whereistheuseofthedevilinthatsentence?"titteredLinton.`Papatoldyounottosayanybadwords,andyoucan"topenyourmouthwithoutone.Dotrytobehavelikeagentleman,nowdo!"`Ifthouweren"tmorealassthanalad,I"dfelltheethisminute,Iwould;pitifullathofacrater!"retortedtheangryboor,retreating,whilehisfaceburntwithmingledrageandmortification;forhewasconsciousofbeinginsulted,andembarrassedhowtoresentit.MrHeathcliffhavingoverheardtheconversation,aswellasI,smiledwhenhesawhimgo;butimmediatelyafterwardscastalookofsingularaversionontheflippantpair,whoremainedchatteringinthedoorway:theboyfindinganimationenoughwhilediscussingHareton"sfaultsanddeficiencies,andrelatinganecdotesofhisgoings-on;andthegirlrelishinghispertandspitefulsayings,withoutconsideringtheillnaturetheyevinced:butIbegantodislike,morethantocompassionateLinton,andtoexcusehisfather,insomemeasure,forholdinghimcheap.Westayedtillafternoon:IcouldnottearMissCathyaway,before;buthappilymymasterhadnotquittedhisapartment,andremainedignorantofourprolongedabsence.Aswewalkedhome, Iwouldfainhaveenlightenedmychargeonthecharactersofthepeoplewehadquitted;butshegotitintoherheadthatIwasprejudicedagainstthem.`Aha!"shecried,`youtakepapa"sside,Ellen:youarepartial,Iknow;orelseyouwouldn"thavecheatedmesomanyyearsintothenotionthatLintonlivedalongwayfromhere.I"mreallyextremelyangry;onlyI"msopleasedIcan"tshowit!Butyoumustholdyourtongueaboutmyuncle:he"smyuncle,remember;andI"llscoldpapaforquarrellingwithhim.Andsosheranon,tillIdroppedendeavouringtoconvinceherofhermistake.Shedidnotmentionthevisitthatnight,becauseshedidnotseeMrLinton.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?`ItwasbecauseyoudislikedMrHeathcliff,"sheanswered.`ThenyoubelieveIcaremoreformyownfeelingsthanyours,Cathy?"hesaid.`No,itwasnotbecauseIdislikedMrHeathcliff,butbecauseMrHeathcliffdislikesme;andisamostdiabolicalman,delightingtowrongandruinthosehehates,iftheygivehimtheslightestopportunity.Iknewthatyoucouldnotkeepupanacquaintancewithyourcousin,withoutbeingbroughtintocontactwithhim;andIknewhewoulddetestyouonmyaccount;soforyourowngood,andnothingelse,ItookprecautionsthatyoushouldnotseeLintonagain.Imeanttoexplainthissometimeasyougrewolder,andI"msorryIdelayedit."`ButMrHeathcliffwasquitecordial,papa,"observedCatherine,notatallconvinced;`andhedidn"tobjecttoourseeingeachother:hesaidImightcometohishousewhenIpleased;onlyImustnottellyou,becauseyouhadquarrelledwithhim,andwouldnotforgivehimformarryingauntIsabella.Andyouwon"t.Youaretheonetobeblamed:heiswillingtoletusbefriends,atleast;LintonandI;andyouarenot.Mymaster,perceivingthatshewouldnottakehiswordfor heruncle-in-law"sevildisposition,gaveahastysketchofhisconducttoIsabella,andthemannerinwhichWutheringHeightsbecamehisproperty.Hecouldnotbeartodiscourselonguponthetopic;forthoughhespokelittleofit,hestillfeltthesamehorroranddetestationofhisancientenemythathadoccupiedhishearteversinceMrsLinton"sdeath.`Shemighthavebeenlivingyet,ifithadnotbeenforhim!"washisconstantbitterreflection;and,inhiseyes,Heathcliffseemedamurderer.MissCathy--conversantwithnobaddeedsexceptherownslightactsofdisobedience,injustice,andpassion,risingfromhottemperandthoughtlessness,andrepentedofonthedaytheywerecommitted--wasamazedattheblacknessofspiritthatcouldbroodonandcoverrevengeforyears,anddeliberatelyprosecuteitsplanswithoutavisitationofremorse.Sheappearedsodeeplyimpressedandshockedatthisnewviewofhumannature--excludedfromallherstudiesandallherideastillnow--thatMrEdgardeemeditunnecessarytopursuethesubject.Hemerelyadded:`Youwillknowhereafter,darling,whyIwishyoutoavoidhishouseandfamily;nowreturntoyouroldemploymentsandamusements,andthinknomoreaboutthem."Catherinekissedherfatherandsatdownquietlytoherlessonsforacoupleofhours,accordingtocustom;thensheaccompaniedhimintothegrounds,andthewholedaypassedasusual:butintheevening,whenshehadretiredtoherroom,and Iwenttohelphertoundress,Ifoundhercrying,onherkneesbythebedside.`Oh,fie,sillychild!"Iexclaimed.`Ifyouhadanyrealgriefs,you"dbeashamedtowasteatearonthislittlecontrariety.Youneverhadoneshadowofsubstantialsorrow,MissCatherine.Suppose,foraminute,thatmasterandIweredead,andyouwerebyyourselfintheworld:howwouldyoufeelthen?Comparethepresentoccasionwithsuchanafflictionasthat,andbethankfulforthefriendsyouhave,insteadofcovetingmore."`I"mnotcryingformyself,Ellen,"sheanswered,`it"sforhim.Heexpectedtoseemeagaintomorrow,andtherehe"llbesodisappointed:andhe"llwaitforme,andIshan"tcome!"`Nonsense,"saidI,`doyouimaginehehasthoughtasmuchofyouasyouhaveofhim?Hasn"theHaretonforacompanion?Notoneinahundredwouldweepatlosingarelationtheyhadjustseentwice,fortwoafternoons.Lintonwillconjecturehowitis,andtroublehimselfnofurtheraboutyou."`ButmayInotwriteanotetotellhimwhyIcannotcome?"sheasked,risingtoherfeet.`AndjustsendthosebooksIpromisedtolendhim?Hisbooksarenotasniceasmine,andhewantedtohavethemextremely,whenItoldhimhowinterestingtheywere.MayInot,Ellen?"`No,indeed!no,indeed!"repliedI,withdecision.`Thenhewouldwritetoyou,andthere"dneverbeanendofit.No, MissCatherine,theacquaintancemustbedroppedentirely:sopapaexpects,andIshallseethatitisdone."`Buthowcanonelittlenote---"sherecommenced,puttingonanimploringcountenance.`Silence!"Iinterrupted.`We"llnotbeginwithyourlittlenotes.Getintobed."Shethrewatmeaverynaughtylook,sonaughtythatIwouldnotkisshergoodnightatfirst:Icoveredherup,andshutherdoor,ingreatdispleasure;but,repentinghalfway,Ireturnedsoftly,andlo!therewasmissstandingatthetablewithabitofblankpaperbeforeherandapencilinherhand,whichsheguiltilyslippedoutofsight,onmyentrance.`You"llgetnobodytotakethat,Catherine,"Isaid,`ifyouwriteit;andatpresentIshallputoutyourcandle."Isettheextinguisherontheflame,receivingasIdidsoaslaponmyhand,andpetulant`Crossthing!"Ithenquittedheragain,andshedrewtheboltinoneofherworst,mostpeevishhumours.Theletterwasfinishedandforwardedtoitsdestinationbyamilk-fetcherwhocamefromthevillage:butthatIdidn"tlearntillsometimeafterwards.Weekspassedon,andCathyrecoveredhertemper;thoughshegrewwondrousfondofstealingofftocornersbyherself;andoften,ifIcamenearhersuddenlywhilereading,shewouldstartandbendoverthebook,evidentlydesiroustohideit;andIdetectededgesofloosepapersticking outbeyondtheleaves.Shealsogotatrickofcomingdownearlyinthemorningandlingeringaboutthekitchen,asifshewereexpectingthearrivalofsomething:andshehadasmalldrawerinacabinetinthelibrary,whichshewouldtrifleoverforhours,andwhosekeyshetookspecialcaretoremovewhensheleftit. Oneday,assheinspectedthisdrawer,Iobservedthattheplaythings,andtrinketswhichrecentlyformeditscontents,weretransmutedintobitsoffoldedpaper.Mycuriosityandsuspicionswerearoused;Ideterminedtotakeapeepathermysterioustreasures;so,atnight,assoonassheandmymasterweresafeupstairs,Isearchedandreadilyfoundamongmyhousekeysonethatwouldfitthelock.Havingopened,Iemptiedthewholecontentsintomyapron,andtookthemwithmetoexamineatleisureinmyownchamber.ThoughIcouldnotbutsuspect,Iwasstillsurprisedtodiscoverthattheywereamassofcorrespondence--dailyalmost,itmusthavebeen--fromLintonHeathcliff:answerstodocumentsforwardedbyher.Theearlierdatedwereembarrassedandshort;gradually,however,theyexpandedintocopiousloveletters,foolish,astheageofthewriterrenderednatural,yetwithtoucheshereandtherewhichIthoughtwereborrowedfromamoreexperiencedsource.Someofthemstruckmeassingularlyoddcompoundsofardourandflatness;commencinginstrongfeeling,andconcludingintheaffected,wordywaythataschoolboymightusetoafancied,incorporeal sweetheart.WhethertheysatisfiedCathy,Idon"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,attheconclusionofhermorningstudies,sheresortedtothesolaceofthedrawer.Herfathersatreadingatthetable;andI,onpurpose,hadsoughtabitofworkinsomeunrippedfringesofthewindowcurtain,keepingmyeyesteadilyfixedonherproceedings.Neverdidanybirdflyingbacktoaplunderednestwhichithadleftbrimfulofchirpingyoungones,expressmorecompletedespairinitsanguishedcriesandflutterings,thanshebyhersingle`Oh!"andthechangethattransfiguredherlate happycountenance.MrLintonlookedup.`Whatisthematter,love?Haveyouhurtyourself?"hesaid.Histoneandlookassuredherhehadnotbeenthediscovererofthehoard.`No,papa!"shegasped.`Ellen!Ellen!comeupstairs-I"msick!"Iobeyedhersummons,andaccompaniedherout.`Oh,Ellen!youhavegotthem,"shecommencedimmediately,droppingonherknees,whenwewereenclosedalone.`Oh,givethemtome,andI"llnever,neverdosoagain!Don"ttellpapa.Youhavenottoldpapa,Ellen?sayyouhavenot?I"vebeenexceedinglynaughty,butIwon"tdoitanymore!"Withagraveseverityinmymanner,Ibidherstandup.`So,"Iexclaimed,`MissCatherine,youaretolerablyfaron,itseems:youmaywellbeashamedofthem!Afinebundleoftrashyoustudyinyourleisurehours,tobesure:why,it"sgoodenoughtobeprinted!AndwhatdoyousupposethemasterwillthinkwhenIdisplayitbeforehim?Ihaven"tshownityet,butyouneedn"timagineIshallkeepyourridiculoussecrets.Forshame!andyoumusthaveledthewayinwritingsuchabsurdities:hewouldnothavethoughtofbeginning,I"mcertain."`Ididn"t!Ididn"t!"sobbedCathyfittobreakherheart.`Ididn"toncethinkoflovinghimtill--"`Loving!"criedI,asscornfullyasIcoulduttertheword.`Loving!Didanybodyeverhearthelike!Imightjustaswell talkoflovingthemillerwhocomesonceayeartobuyourcorn.Prettyloving,indeed!andbothtimestogetheryouhaveseenLintonhardlyfourhoursinyourlife!Nowhereisthebabyishtrash.I"mgoingwithittothelibrary;andwe"llseewhatyourfathersaystosuchloving."Shesprangatherpreciousepistles,butIheldthemabovemyhead;andthenshepouredoutfurtherfranticentreatiesthatIwouldburnthem--doanythingratherthanshowthem.Andbeingreallyfullyasinclinedtolaughasscold--forIesteemeditallgirlishvanity--Iatlengthrelentedinameasure,andasked:`IfIconsenttoburnthem,willyoupromisefaithfullyneithertosendnorreceivealetteragain,norabook(forIperceiveyouhavesenthimbooks),norlocksofhair,norrings,norplaythings?"`Wedon"tsendplaythings!"criedCatherine,herprideovercominghershame.`Noranythingatall,then,mylady,"Isaid.`Unlessyouwill,hereIgo."`Ipromise,Ellen!"shecried,catchingmydress.`Oh,puttheminthefire,do,do!"ButwhenIproceededtoopenaplacewiththepoker,thesacrificewastoopainfultobeborne.SheearnestlysupplicatedthatIwouldspareheroneortwo.`Oneortwo,Ellen,tokeepforLinton"ssake!"Iunknottedthehandkerchief,andcommenceddroppingthem infromanangle,andtheflamecurledupthechimney.`Iwillhaveone,youcruelwretch!"shescreamed,dartingherhandintothefire,anddrawingforthsomehalfconsumedfragments,attheexpenseofherfingers.`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,thenceforth,thelittleboycamewithvacantpockets.Chapter22Summerdrewtoanend,andearlyautumn:itwaspastMichaelmas,buttheharvestwaslatethatyear,andafewofourfieldswerestilluncleared.MrLintonandhisdaughterwouldfrequentlywalkoutamongthereapers;atthecarryingofthe lastsheaves,theystayedtilldusk,andtheeveninghappeningtobechillanddamp,mymastercaughtabadcold,thatsettlingobstinatelyonhislungs,confinedhimindoorsthroughoutthewholeofthewinter,nearlywithoutintermission.PoorCathy,frightenedfromherlittleromance,hadbeenconsiderablysadderanddullersinceitsabandonment;andherfatherinsistedonherreadingless,andtakingmoreexercise.Shehadhiscompanionshipnolonger;Iesteemeditadutytosupplyitslack,asmuchaspossible,withmine:aninefficientsubstitute;forIcouldonlysparetwoorthreehours,frommynumerousdiurnaloccupations,tofollowherfootsteps,andthenmysocietywasobviouslylessdesirablethanhis.OnanafternooninOctober,orthebeginningofNovember--afreshwateryafternoon,whentheturfandpathswererustlingwithmoist,witheredleaves,andthecold,blueskywashalfhiddenbyclouds--darkgreystreamers,rapidlymountingfromthewest,andbodingabundantrain--Irequestedmyyoungladytoforegoherramble,becauseIwascertainofshowers.Sherefused;andIunwillinglydonnedacloak,andtookmyumbrellatoaccompanyheronastrolltothebottomofthepark;aformalwalkwhichshegenerallyaffectediflow-spirited--andthatsheinvariablywaswhenMrEdgarhadbeenworsethanordinary,athingneverknownfromhisconfession,butguessedbothbyherandme,fromhisincreasedsilenceandthemelancholyofhiscountenance.Shewentsadlyon:therewasnorunningorbounding now,thoughthechillwindmightwellhavetemptedhertoarace.Andoften,fromthesideofmyeye,Icoulddetectherraisingahand,andbrushingsomethingoffhercheek.Igazedroundforameansofdivertingherthoughts.Ononesideoftheroadroseahigh,roughbank,wherehazelsandstuntedoaks,withtheirrootshalfexposed,helduncertaintenure:thesoilwastoolooseforthelatter;andstrongwindshadblownsomenearlyhorizontal.Insummer,MissCatherinedelightedtoclimbalongthesetrunks,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,`aboutasstarvedandsacklessasyou:yourcheeksarebloodless;letustakeholdofhandsandrun.You"resolow,IdaresayIshallkeepupwithyou.`No,"sherepeated,andcontinuedsaunteringon,pausing,atintervals,tomuseoverabitofmoss,oratuftofblanchedgrass,orafungusspreadingitsbrightorangeamongtheheapsofbrownfoliage;and,everandanon,herhandwasliftedtoheravertedface.`Catherine,whyareyoucrying,love?"Iasked,approachingandputtingmyarmoverhershoulder.`Youmustn"tcrybecausepapahasacold;bethankfulitisnothingworse.Shenowputnofurtherrestraintonhertears;herbreathwasstifledbysobs.`Oh,itwillbesomethingworse,"shesaid.`AndwhatshallIdowhenpapaandyouleaveme,andIambymyself?Ican"tforgetyourwords,Ellen;theyarealwaysinmyear.Howlifewillbechanged,howdrearytheworldwillbe,whenpapaandyouaredead."`Nonecantell,whetheryouwon"tdiebeforeus,"Ireplied.`It"swrongtoanticipateevil.We"llhopethereareyearsandyearstocomebeforeanyofusgo:masterisyoung,andIamstrong,andhardlyforty-five.Mymotherlivedtilleighty,acantydametothelast.AndsupposeMrLintonweresparedtillhesawsixty, thatwouldbemoreyearsthanyouhavecounted,miss.Andwoulditnotbefoolishtomournacalamityabovetwentyyearsbeforehand?"`ButAuntIsabellawasyoungerthanpapa,"sheremarked,gazingupwithtimidhopetoseekfurtherconsolation.`AuntIsabellahadnotyouandmetonurseher,"Ireplied.`Shewasn"tashappyasmaster:shehadn"tasmuchtolivefor.Allyouneeddo,istowaitwellonyourfather,andcheerhimbylettinghimseeyoucheerful;andavoidgivinghimanxietyonanysubject:mindthat,Cathy!I"llnotdisguisebutyoumightkillhim,ifyouwerewildandreckless,andcherishedafoolish,fancifulaffectionforthesonofapersonwhowouldbegladtohavehiminhisgrave;andallowedhimtodiscoverthatyoufrettedovertheseparationhehadjudgeditexpedienttomake."`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;and myyounglady,lighteningintosunshineagain,climbedupandseatedherselfonthetopofthewall,reachingovertogathersomehipsthatbloomedscarletonthesummitbranchesofthewildrosetrees,shadowingthehighwayside:thelowerfruithaddisappeared,butonlybirdscouldtouchtheupper,exceptfromCathy"spresentstation.Instretchingtopullthem,herhatfelloff;andasthedoorwaslocked,sheproposedscramblingdowntorecoverit.Ibidherbecautiouslestshegotafall,andshenimblydisappeared.Butthereturnwasnosucheasymatter:thestonesweresmoothandneatlycemented,andtherose-bushesandblackberrystragglerscouldyieldnoassistanceinre-ascending.I,likeafool,didn"trecollectthat,tillIheardherlaughingandexclaiming:`Ellen,you"llhavetofetchthekey,orelseImustrunroundtotheporter"slodge.Ican"tscaletherampartsonthisside!"`Staywhereyouare,"Ianswered,`Ihavemybundleofkeysinmypocket:perhapsImaymanagetoopenit;ifnotI"llgo."Catherineamusedherselfwithdancingtoandfrobeforethedoor,whileItriedallthelargekeysinsuccession.Ihadappliedthelast,andfoundthatnonewoulddo;so,repeatingmydesirethatshewouldremainthere,IwasabouttohurryhomeasfastasIcould,whenanapproachingsoundarrestedme.Itwasthetrotofahorse;Cathy"sdancestopped,andinaminutethehorsestoppedalso.`Whoisthat?"Iwhispered. `Ellen,Iwishyoucouldopenthedoor,"whisperedbackmycompanionanxiously.`Ho,MissLinton!"criedadeepvoice(therider"s),`I"mgladtomeetyou.Don"tbeinhastetoenter,forIhaveanexplanationtoaskandobtain."`Ishan"tspeaktoyou,MrHeathcliff,"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,andattemptedtofrightenhimoutofhisidiotcy,hegetsworsedaily;andhe"llbeunderthesodbeforesummer,unlessyourestorehim!"`Howcanyouliesoglaringlytothepoorchild?"Icalled fromtheinside.`Prayrideon!Howcanyoudeliberatelygetupsuchpaltryfalsehoods?MissCathy,I"llknockthelockoffwithastone:youwon"tbelievethatvilenonsense.Youcanfeelinyourself,itisimpossiblethatapersonshoulddieforloveofastranger."`Iwasnotawaretherewereeavesdroppers,"mutteredthedetectedvillain.`WorthyMrsDean,Ilikeyou,butIdon"tlikeyourdouble-dealing,"headdedaloud.`Howcouldyouliesoglaringly,astoaffirmIhatedthe``poorchild""?andinventbugbearstoriestoterrifyherfrommydoorstones?CatherineLinton(theverynamewarmsme),mybonnielass,Ishallbefromhomeallthisweek;goandseeifIhavenotspokentruth: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,takingCathybythearmandhalf-forcinghertore-enter;forshelingered,viewingwithtroubledeyesthefeaturesofthespeaker,toosterntoexpresshisinwarddeceit.Hepushedhishorseclose,and,bendingdown,observed:`MissCatherine,I"llowetoyouthatIhavelittlepatiencewithLinton;andHaretonandJosephhaveless.I"llownthathe"swithaharshset.Hepinesforkindness,aswellaslove;andakindwordfromyouwouldbehisbestmedicine.Don"tmindMrsDean"scruelcautions;butbegenerous,andcontrivetoseehim.Hedreamsofyoudayandnight,andcannotbepersuadedthatyoudon"thatehim,sinceyouneitherwritenorcall."Iclosedthedoor,androlledastonetoassisttheloosenedlockinholdingit;andspreadingmyumbrella,Idrewmychargeunderneath:fortherainbegantodrivethroughthemoaningbranchesofthetrees,andwarnedustoavoiddelay.OurhurrypreventedanycommentontheencounterwithHeathcliff,aswestretchedtowardshome;butIdivinedinstinctivelythatCatherine"sheartwascloudednowindoubledarkness.Herfeaturesweresosad,theydidnotseemhers:sheevidentlyregardedwhatshehadheardaseverysyllabletrue.Themasterhadretiredtorestbeforewecamein.Cathystoletohisroomtoinquirehowhewas;hehadfallenasleep.Shereturned,andaskedmetositwithherinthelibrary.Wetookourteatogether;andafterwardsshelaydownontherug,and toldmenottotalk,forshewasweary.Igotabook,andpretendedtoread.Assoonasshesupposedmeabsorbedinmyoccupation,sherecommencedhersilentweeping:itappeared,atpresent,herfavouritediversion.Isufferedhertoenjoyitawhile;thenIexpostulated:deridingandridiculingallMrHeathcliff"sassertionsabouthisson,asifIwerecertainshewouldcoincide.Alas!Ihadn"tskilltocounteracttheeffecthisaccounthadproduced:itwasjustwhatheintended.`Youmayberight,Ellen,"sheanswered;`butIshallneverfeelateasetillIknow.AndImusttellLintonitisnotmyfaultthatIdon"twrite,andconvincehimthatIshallnotchange."Whatusewereangerandprotestationsagainsthersillycredulity?Wepartedthatnight--hostile;butnextdaybeheldmeontheroadtoWutheringHeights,bythesideofmywilfulyoungmistress"spony.Icouldn"tbeartowitnesshersorrow:toseeherpaledejectedcountenance,andheavyeyes;andIyielded,inthefainthopethatLintonhimselfmightprove,byhisreceptionofus,howlittleofthetalewasfoundedonfact.Chapter23Therainynighthadusheredinamistymorning--halffrost,halfdrizzleandtemporarybrookscrossedourpath--gurglingfromtheuplands.Myfeetwerethoroughlywetted;Iwascrossandlow;exactlythehumoursuitedformakingthemostofthesedisagreeablethings.Weenteredthefarmhousebythekitchenway, toascertainwhetherMrHeathcliffwerereallyabsent;becauseIputslightfaithinhisownaffirmation.Josephseemedsittinginasortofelysiumalone,besidearoaringfire;aquartofaleonthetablenearhim,bristlingwithlargepiecesoftoastedoatcake;andhisblack,shortpipeinhismouth.Catherinerantothehearthtowarmherself.Iaskedifthemasterwasin?Myquestionremainedsolongunanswered,thatIthoughttheoldmanhadgrowndeaf,andrepeateditlouder.`Na-ay!"hesnarled,orratherscreamedthroughhisnose.`Na-ay!yahmuhgoabackwhearyahcoomfrough."`Joseph!"criedapeevishvoice,simultaneouslywithme,fromtheinnerroom.`HowoftenamItocallyou?Thereareonlyafewredashesnow.Joseph!comethismoment.Vigorouspuffs,andaresolutestareintothegratedeclaredhehadnoearforthisappeal.ThehousekeeperandHaretonwereinvisible;onegoneonanerrand,andtheotherathiswork,probably.WeknewLinton"stones,andentered.`Oh,Ihopeyou"lldieinagarret!starvedtodeath,"saidtheboy,mistakingourapproachforthatofhisnegligentattendant.Hestopped,onobservinghiserror;hiscousinflewtohim.`Isthatyou,MissLinton?"hesaid,raisinghisheadfromthearmofthegreatchair,inwhichhereclined.`No--don"tkissme:ittakesmybreath.Dearme!Papasaidyouwouldcall,"continuedhe,afterrecoveringalittlefromCatherine"sembrace; whileshestoodbylikingverycontrite.`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.Ittiredmedreadfully,writingthoselongletters.I"dfarratherhavetalkedtoyou.Now,Icanneitherbeartotalk,noranythingelse.IwonderwhereZillahis!Willyou(lookingatme)stepintothekitchenandsee?"Ihadreceivednothanksformyotherservice;andbeingunwillingtorunouttoandfroathisbehest,Ireplied:`NobodyisouttherebutJoseph."`Iwanttodrink,"heexclaimedfretfully,turningaway.`ZillahisconstantlygaddingofftoGimmertonsincepapawent:it"smiserable!AndI"mobligedtocomedownhere--theyresolvednevertohearmeupstairs."`Isyourfatherattentivetoyou,MasterHeathcliff?"Iasked,perceivingCatherinetobecheckedinherfriendlyadvances.`Attentive?Hemakesthemalittlemoreattentiveatleast," hecried.`Thewretches!Doyouknow,MissLinton,thatbruteHaretonlaughsatme!Ihatehim!indeed,Ihatethemall:theyareodiousbeings."Cathybegansearchingforsomewater;shelightedonapitcherinthedresser,filledatumbler,andbroughtit.Hebidheraddaspoonfulofwinefromabottleonthetable;andhavingswallowedasmallportion,appearedmoretranquil,andsaidshewasverykind.`Andareyougladtoseeme?"askedshe,reiteratingherformerquestion,andpleasedtodetectthefaintdawnofasmile.`Yes,Iam.It"ssomethingnewtohearavoicelikeyours!"hereplied.`ButIhavebeenvexed,becauseyouwouldn"tcome.Andpapasworeitwasowingtome:hecalledmeapitiful,shuffling,worthlessthing;andsaidyoudespisedme;andifhehadbeeninmyplace,hewouldbemorethemasteroftheGrangethanyourfather,bythistime.Butyoudon"tdespiseme,doyou,Miss--`IwishyouwouldsayCatherine,orCathy,"interruptedmyyounglady.`Despiseyou?No!NexttopapaandEllen,Iloveyoubetterthananybodyliving.Idon"tloveMrHeathcliff,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:andifyouwerethelatteryouwouldlivewithus,andpapawouldbeasfondofyouasheisofme." Lintondeniedthatpeopleeverhatedtheirwives;butCathyaffirmedtheydid,and,inherwisdom,instancedhisownfather"saversiontoheraunt.Iendeavouredtostopherthoughtlesstongue.Icouldn"tsucceedtilleverythingsheknewwasout.MasterHeathcliff,muchirritated,assertedherrelationwasfalse.`Papatoldme;andpapadoesnottellfalsehoods,"sheansweredpertly.`Nypapascornsyours!"criedLinton.`Hecallshimasneakingfool!"`Yoursisawickedman,"retortedCatherine,`andyouare verynaughtytodaretorepeatwhathesays.HemustbewickedtohavemadeAuntIsabellaleavehimasshedid!"`Shedidn"tleavehim,"saidtheboy;`youshan"tcontradictme!"`Shedid!"criedmyyounglady.`Well,I"lltellyousomething!"saidLinton.`Yourmotherhatedyourfather:nowthen."`Oh!"exclaimedCatherine,tooenragedtocontinue.`Andshelovedmine!"addedhe.`Youlittleliar!Ihateyounow,"shepanted,andherfacegrewredwithpassion.`Shedid!shedid!"sangLinton,sinkingintotherecessofhischair,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,shewept,withallhermight;aghastatthemischiefshehaddone:thoughshesaidnothing.Iheldhimtillthefitexhausteditself.Thenhethrustmeaway,andleanthisheaddownsilently.Catherine quelledherlamentationsalso,tookaseatopposite,andlookedsolemnlyintothefire.`Howdoyoufeelnow,MasterHeathcliff?"Iinquired,afterwaitingtenminutes.`IwishshefeltasIdo,"hereplied:`spiteful,cruelthing!Haretonnevertouchesme:heneverstruckmeinhislife.AndIwasbettertoday:andthere--`hisvoicediedinawhimper.`Ididn"tstrikeyou!"mutteredCathy,chewingherliptopreventanotherburstofemotion.Hesighedandmoanedlikeoneundergreatsuffering,andkeptitupforaquarterofanhour;onpurposetodistresshiscousinapparently,forwheneverhecaughtastifledsobfromherheputrenewedpainandpathosintotheinflectionsofhisvoice. `I"msorryIhurtyou,Linton,"shesaidatlength,rackedbeyondendurance.`ButIcouldn"thavebeenhurtbythatlittlepush,andIhadnoideathatyoucould,either:you"renotmuch,areyou,Linton?Don"tletmegohomethinkingI"vedoneyouharm.Answer!speaktome."`Ican"tspeaktoyou,"hemurmured;`you"vehurtmeso,thatIshalllieawakeallnightchokingwiththiscough.Ifyouhadityou"dknowwhatitwas;butyou"llbecomfortablyasleepwhileI"minagony,andnobodynearme.Iwonderhowyouwouldliketopassthosefearfulnights!"Andhebegantowailaloud,forverypityofhimself. `Sinceyouareinthehabitofpassingdreadfulnights,"Isaid,`itwon"tbemisswhospoilsyourease:you"dbethesamehadshenevercome.However,sheshallnotdisturbyouagain;andperhapsyou"llgetquieterwhenweleaveyou.`MustIgo?"askedCatherinedolefully,bendingoverhim.`Doyouwantmetogo,Linton?"`Youcan"talterwhatyou"vedone,"herepliedpettishly,shrinkingfromher,`unlessyoualteritfortheworsebyteasingmeintoafever."`Well,then,Imustgo?"sherepeated.`Letmealone,atleast,"saidhe;`Ican"tbearyourtalking."Shelingered,andresistedmypersuasionstodepartureatiresomewhile;butasheneitherlookedupnorspoke,shefinallymadeamovementtothedoorandIfollowed.Wewererecalledbyascream.Lintonhadslidfromhisseatontothehearthstone,andlaywrithinginthemereperversenessofanindulgedplagueofachild,determinedtobeasgrievousandharassingasitcan.Ithoroughlygaugedhisdispositionfromhisbehaviour,andsawatonceitwouldbefollytoattempthumouringhim.Notsomycompanion:sheranbackinterror,kneltdown,andcried,andsoothed,andentreated,tillhegrewquietfromlackofbreath:bynomeansfromcompunctionatdistressingher.`Ishalllifthimonthesettle,"Isaid,`andhemayroll aboutashepleases: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"sbeginningtothinkIshallhavefargreatermiserythanhewilltonight,ifIbelieveheistheworseformyvisit;andthenIdarenotcomeagain.Tellthetruthaboutit,Linton;forImustn"tcome,ifIhavehurtyou."`Youmustcome,tocureme,"heanswered.`Yououghttocome, becauseyouhavehurtme:youknowyouhaveextremely!IwasnotasillwhenyouenteredasIamatpresent--wasI?"`Butyou"vemadeyourselfillbycryingandbeinginapassion."`Ididn"tdoitatall,"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.`Andtomorrow,Catherine,willyoubeheretomorrow?"askedyoungHeathcliff,holdingherfrockassherosereluctantly.`No,"Ianswered,`nornextdayneither."She,however,gaveadifferentresponseevidently,forhisforeheadclearedasshestoopedandwhisperedinhisear.`Youwon"tgotomorrow,recollect,miss!"Icommenced,whenwewereoutofthehouse.`Youarenotdreamingofit,areyou?" Shesmiled.`Oh,I"lltakegoodcare,"Icontinued:`I"llhavethatlockmended,andyoucanescapebynowayelse."`Icangetoverthewall,"shesaid,laughing.`TheGrangeisnotaprison,Ellen,andyouarenotmyjailer.Andbesides,I"malmostseventeen:I"mawoman.AndI"mcertainLintonwouldrecoverquicklyifhehadmetolookafterhim.I"molderthanheis,youknow,andwiser:lesschildish,amInot?Andhe"llsoondoasIdirecthim,withsomeslightcoaxing.He"saprettylittledarlingwhenhe"sgood.I"dmakesuchapetofhim,ifheweremine.Weshouldneverquarrel,shouldwe,afterwewereusedtoeachother?Don"tyoulikehim,Ellen?"`Likehim!"Iexclaimed.`Theworst-temperedbitofasicklyslipthateverstruggledintoitsteens.Happily,asMrHeathcliffconjectured,he"llnotwintwenty.Idoubtwhetherhe"llseespring,indeed.Andsmalllosstohisfamilywheneverhedropsoff.Andluckyitisforusthathisfathertookhim:thekinderhewastreated,themoretediousandselfishhe"dbe.I"mgladyouhavenochanceofhavinghimforahusband,MissCatherine."Mycompanionwaxedseriousathearingthisspeech.Tospeakofhisdeathsoregardlessly,woundedherfeelings.`He"syoungerthanI,"sheanswered,afteraprotractedpauseofmeditation,`andheoughttolivethelongest:hewill--hemustliveaslongasIdo.He"sasstrongnowaswhen hefirstcameintothenorth;I"mpositiveofthat.It"sonlyacoldthatailshim,thesameaspapahas.Yousaypapawillgetbetter,andwhyshouldn"the?"`Well,well,"Icried,`afterall,weneedn"ttroubleourselves;forlisten,miss,andmind,I"llkeepmyword,--ifyouattemptgoingtoWutheringHeightsagain,withorwithoutme,IshallinformMrLinton,and,unlessheallowit,theintimacywithyourcousinmustnotberevived."`Ithasbeenrevived,"mutteredCathysulkily.`Mustnotbecontinued,then,"Isaid.`We"llsee,"washerreply,andshesetoffatagallop,leavingmetotoilintherear.Webothreachedhomebeforeourdinnertime;mymastersupposedwehadbeenwanderingthroughthepark,andthereforehedemandednoexplanationofourabsence.AssoonasIentered,Ihastenedtochangemysoakedshoesandstockings;butsittingsuchawhileattheHeightshaddonethemischief.OnthesucceedingmorningIwaslaidup,andduringthreeweeksIremainedincapacitatedforattendingtomyduties:acalamityneverexperiencedpriortothatperiod,andnever,Iamthankfultosay,since.Mylittlemistressbehavedlikeanangel,incomingtowaitonme,andcheermysolitude:theconfinementbroughtmeexceedinglylow.Itiswearisome,toastirringactivebody:but fewhaveslighterreasonsforcomplaintthanIhad.ThemomentCatherineleftMrLinton"sroom,sheappearedatmybedside.Herdaywasdividedbetweenus;noamusementusurpedaminute:sheneglectedhermeals,herstudies,andherplay;andshewasthefondestnursethateverwatched.Shemusthavehadawarmheart,whenshelovedherfatherso,togivesomuchtome.Isaidherdaysweredividedbetweenus;butthemasterretiredearly,andIgenerallyneedednothingaftersixo"clock;thustheeveningwasherown.Poorthing!Ineverconsideredwhatshedidwithherselfaftertea.　　Andthoughfrequently,whenshelookedintobidmegoodnight,Iremarkedafreshcolourinhercheeksandapinknessoverherslenderfingers;insteadoffancyingthehueborrowedfromacoldrideacrossthemoors,Ilaidittothechargeofahotfireinthelibrary.　　Chapter24　　Atthecloseofthreeweeks,Iwasabletoquitmychamber,andmoveaboutthehouse.Andonthefirstoccasionofmysittingupintheevening,IaskedCatherinetoreadtome,becausemyeyeswereweak.Wewereinthelibrary,themasterhavinggonetobed:sheconsented,ratherunwillingly,Ifancied;andimaginingmysortofbooksdidnotsuither,Ibidherplaceherselfinthechoiceofwhatsheperused.Sheselectedoneof herownfavourites,andgotforwardsteadilyaboutanhour;thencamefrequentquestions.　　`Ellen,arenotyoutired?Hadn"tyoubetterliedownnow?You"llbesick,keepingupsolong,Ellen."　　`No,no,dear,I"mnottired,"Ireturnedcontinually.　　Perceivingmeimmovable,sheessayedanothermethodofshowingherdisrelishforheroccupation.Itchangedtoyawning,andstretching,and:　　`Ellen,I"mtired."　　`Giveoverthenandtalk,"Ianswered.　　Thatwasworse:shefrettedandsighed,andlikedatherwatchtilleight,andfinallywenttoherroom,completelyoverdonewithsleep;judgingbyherpeevish,heavylook,andtheconstantrubbingsheinflictedonhereyes.Thefollowingnightsheseemedmoreimpatientstill;andonthethirdfromrecoveringmycompany,shecomplainedofaheadache,andleftme.Ithoughtherconductodd;andhavingremainedalonealongwhile,Iresolvedongoingandinquiringwhethershewerebetter,andaskinghertocomeandlieonthesofa,insteadofupstairsinthedark.NoCatherinecouldIdiscoverupstairs,andnonebelow.Theservantsaffirmedtheyhadnotseenher.IlistenedatMrEdgar"sdoor;allwassilence.Ireturnedtoherapartment,extinguishedmycandle,andseatedmyselfinthewindow.　　Themoonshonebright;asprinklingofsnowcoveredtheground,andIreflectedthatshemight,possibly,havetakenit intoherheadtowalkaboutthegarden,forrefreshment.Ididdetectafigurecreepingalongtheinnerfenceofthepark;butitwasnotmyyoungmistress:onitsemergingintothelight,Irecognizedoneofthegrooms.Hestoodaconsiderableperiod,viewingthecarriage-roadthroughthegrounds;thenstartedoffatabriskpace,asifhehaddetectedsomething,andreappearedpresently,leadingmiss"spony;andthereshewas,justdismounted,andwalkingbyitsside.Themantookhischargestealthilyacrossthegrasstowardsthestable.Cathyenteredbythecasementwindowofthedrawing-room,andglidednoiselesslyuptowhereIawaitedher.Sheputthedoorgentlyto,slippedoffhersnowyshoes,untiedherhat,andwasproceeding,unconsciousofmyespionage,tolayasidehermantle,whenIsuddenlyroseandrevealedmyself.Thesurprisepetrifiedheraninstant:sheutteredaninarticulateexclamation,andstoodfixed.　　`MydearMissCatherine,"Ibegan,toovividlyimpressedbyherrecentkindnesstobreakintoascold,`wherehaveyoubeenridingoutatthishour?Andwhyshouldyoutrytodeceiveme,bytellingatale?Wherehaveyoubeen?Speak."　　`Tothebottomofthepark,"shestammered.`Ididn"ttellatale."　　`Andnowhereelse?"Idemanded.　　`No,"wasthemutteredreply.　　`Oh,Catherine!"Icriedsorrowfully.`Youknowyouhave beendoingwrong,oryouwouldn"tbedriventoutteringanuntruthtome.Thatdoesgrieveme.I"dratherbethreemonthsill,thanhearyouframeadeliberatelie."　　Shesprangforward,andburstingintotears,threwherarmsroundmyneck.　　`Well,Ellen,I"msoafraidofyoubeingangry,"shesaid.`Promisenottobeangry,andyoushallknowtheverytruth:Ihatetohideit."　　Wesatdowninthewindow-seat;IassuredherIwouldnotscold,whateverhersecretmightbe,andIguesseditofcourse;soshecommenced:　　`I"vebeentoWutheringHeights,Ellen,andI"venevermissedgoingadaysinceyoufellill;exceptthricebefore,andtwiceafteryouleftyourroom.IgaveMichaelbooksandpicturestoprepareMinnyeveryevening,andtoputherbackinthestable:youmustn"tscoldhimeither,mind.IwasattheHeightsbyhalf-pastsix,andgenerallystayedtillhalfpasteight,andthengallopedhome.ItwasnottoamusemyselfthatIwent:Iwasoftenwretchedallthetime.NowandthenIwashappy;onceinaweekperhaps.Atfirst,IexpectedtherewouldbesadworkpersuadingyoutoletmekeepmywordtoLinton:forIhadengagedtocallagainnextday,whenwequittedhim;but,asyoustayedupstairsonthemorrow,Iescapedthattrouble;andwhileMichaelwasrefasteningthelockoftheparkdoorintheafternoon,Igotpossessionofthekey,andtoldhimhowmycousinwishedme tovisithim,becausehewassick,andcouldn"tcometotheGrange;andhowpapawouldobjecttomygoing:andthenInegotiatedwithhimaboutthepony.Heisfondofreading,andhethinksofleavingsoontogetmarried;soheoffered,ifIwouldlendhimbooksoutofthelibrary,todowhatIwished:butIpreferredgivinghimmyown,andthatsatisfiedhimbetter.　　`Onmysecondvisit,Lintonseemedinlivelyspirits;andZillah(thatistheirhousekeeper)madeusacleanroomandagoodfire,andtoldusthat,asJosephwasoutataprayermeetingandHaretonEarnshawwasoffwithhisdogs--robbingourwoodsofpheasants,asIheardafterwards--wemightdowhatweliked.Shebroughtmesomewarmwineandgingerbread,andappearedexceedinglygood-natured;andLintonsatinthearmchair,andIinthelittlerocking-chaironthehearthstone,andwelaughedandtalkedsomerrily,andfoundsomuchtosay:weplannedwherewewouldgo,andwhatwewoulddoinsummer.Ineedn"trepeatthat,becauseyouwouldcallitsilly.　　`Onetime,however,wewerenearquarrelling.HesaidthepleasantestmannerofspendingahotJulydaywaslyingfrommorningtilleveningonabankofheathinthemiddleofthemoors,withthebeeshummingdreamilyaboutamongthebloom,andthelarkssinginghighupoverhead,andtheblueskyandbrightsunshiningsteadilyandcloudlessly.Thatwashismostperfectideaofheaven"shappiness:minewasrockinginarustlinggreentree,withawestwindblowing,andbrightwhitecloudsflitting rapidlyabove;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"dhaveagameatblind-man"sbuff;sheshouldtrytocatchus:youusedto,youknow,Ellen.Hewouldn"t:therewasnopleasureinit,hesaid;butheconsentedtoplayatballwithme.Wefoundtwoinacupboard,amongaheapofoldtoys,tops,andhoops,andbattledores,andshuttlecocks.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"tdomuchhurtifitdid";andsurveyeditslegswithasmile.Iwashalfinclinedtomakeittry;however,hemovedofftoopenthedoor,and,asheraisedthelatch,helookeduptotheinscriptionabove,andsaid,withastupidmixtureofawkwardnessandelation:　　```MissCatherine!Icanreadyon,nah.""　　```Wonderful,""Iexclaimed.``Prayletushearyou--youaregrownclever!""　　`Hespelt,anddrawledoverbysyllables,the name--"HaretonEarnshaw".　　```Andthefigures?""Icriedencouragingly,perceivingthathecametoadeadhalt.　　```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;andhewishedtoremedyit andpleaseyou.Tosneerathisimperfectattemptwasverybadbreeding.Hadyoubeenbroughtupinhiscircumstances,wouldyoubelessrude?Hewasasquickandasintelligentachildaseveryouwere;andI"mhurtthatheshouldbedespisednow,becausethatbaseHeathcliffhastreatedhimsounjustly."　　`Well,Ellen,youwon"tcryaboutit,willyou?"sheexclaimed,surprisedatmyearnestness.`Butwait,andyoushallhearifheconnedhisABCtopleaseme;andifitwereworthwhilebeingciviltothebrute.Ientered;Lintonwaslyingonthesettle,andhalfgotuptowelcomeme.　　```I"milltonight,Catherine,love,""hesaid;``andyoumusthaveallthetalk,andletmelisten.Come,andsitbyme.Iwassureyouwouldn"tbreakyourword,andI"llmakeyoupromiseagain,beforeyougo.""　　`IknewnowthatImustn"tteasehim,ashe`wasill;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.　　``Awwersurehe"dsarveyeeht!He"sagrandlad!He"sgettent"raightsperritinhim!Heknaws--Aye,heknaws,asweelasAwdo,whosudbet"maisteryonder--Ech,ech,ech!Hemadyeskiftproperly!Ech,ech,ech!""　　``Wheremustwego?""Isaidtomycousin,disregardingtheoldwretch"smockery.　　`Lintonwaswhiteandtrembling.Hewasnotprettythen,Ellen:ohno!helookedfrightful;forhisthinfaceandlargeeyeswerewroughtintoanexpressionoffrantic,powerlessfury.Hegraspedthehandleofthedoor,andshookit:itwasfastenedinside.　　``Ifyoudon"tletmeinI"llkillyou!--Ifyoudon"tletmein,I"llkillyou!""herathershriekedthansaid.``Devil!devil!--I"llkillyou--I"llkillyou!""　　`Josephutteredhiscroakinglaughagain.　　``Thear,that"st"father!""hecried.``That"sfather!We"veallassummutuhorthersideinus.NiverheedHareton,lad--dunnutbe`feard--hecannotgetatthee!"" 　　`ItookholdofLinton"shands,andtriedtopullhimaway;butheshriekedsoshockinglythatIdarednotproceed.Atlasthiscrieswerechokedbyadreadfulfitofcoughing;bloodgushedfromhismouth,andhefellontheground.Iranintotheyard,sickwithterror;andcalledforZillah,asloudasIcould.Shesoonheardme:shewasmilkingthecowsinashedbehindthebarn,`andhurryingfromherwork,sheinquiredwhattherewastodo?Ihadn"tbreathtoexplain;draggingherin,IlookedaboutforLinton.Earnshawhadcomeouttoexaminethemischiefhehadcaused,andhewasthenconveyingthepoorthingupstairs.ZillahandIascendedafterhim;buthestoppedmeatthetopofthesteps,andsaidIshouldn"tgoin:Imustgohome.IexclaimedthathehadkilledLinton,andIwouldenter.Josephlockedthedoor,anddeclaredIshoulddo``nosichstuff"",andaskedmewhetherIwere``bahntobeasmadashim"".Istoodcrying,tillthehousekeeperreappeared.Sheaffirmedhewouldbebetterinabit,buthecouldn"tdowiththatshriekinganddin;andshetookme,andnearlycarriedmeintothehouse.　　`Ellen,Iwasreadytotearmyhairoffmyhead!Isobbedandweptsothatmyeyeswerealmostblind;andtheruffianyouhavesuchsympathywithstoodopposite:presumingeverynowandthentobidme``wisht"",anddenyingthatitwashisfault;and,finally,frightenedbymyassertionsthatIwouldtellpapa,andthatheshouldbeputinprisonandhanged,hecommencedblubberinghimself,andhurriedouttohidehiscowardly agitation.Still,Iwasnotridofhim:whenatlengththeycompelledmetodepart,andIhadgotsomehundredyardsoffthepremises,hesuddenlyissuedfromtheshadowoftheroadside,andcheckedMinnyandtookholdofme.　　``MissCatherine,I"millgrieved,""hebegan,``butit"sraythertoobad--""　　`Igavehimacutwithmywhip,thinkingperhapshewouldmurderme.Heletgo,thunderingoneofhishorridcurses,andIgallopedhomemorethanhalfoutofmysenses.　　`Ididn"tbidyougoodnightthatevening,andIdidn"tgotoWutheringHeightsthenext:Iwishedto,exceedingly;butIwasstrangelyexcited,anddreadedtohearthatLintonwasdead,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,andHaretonwasnot toblame!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.Lintonsatinthegreatarmchairhalfasleep;walkinguptothefire,Ibeganinaserioustone,partlymeaningittobetrue:　　``Asyoudon"tlikeme,Linton,andasyouthinkIcomeonpurposetohurtyou,andpretendthatIdosoeverytime,thisisourlastmeeting:letussaygoodbye;andtellMrHeathcliffthatyouhavenowishtoseeme,andthathemustn"tinventanymorefalsehoodsonthesubject.""　　```Sitdownandtakeyourhatoff,Catherine,""heanswered.``YouaresomuchhappierthanIam,yououghttobebetter.Papatalksenoughofmydefects,andshowsenoughscorn ofme,tomakeitnaturalIshoulddoubtmyself.IdoubtwhetherIamnotaltogetherasworthlessashecallsme,frequently;andthenIfeelsocrossandbitter,Ihateeverybody!Iamworthless,andbadintemper,andbadinspirit,almostalways;and,ifyouchoose,youmaysaygoodbye:you"llgetridofanannoyance.Only,Catherine,domethisjustice:believethatifImightbeassweet,andaskind,andasgoodasyouare,Iwouldbe;aswillingly,andmoreso,thanashappyandashealthy.AndbelievethatyourkindnesshasmademeloveyoudeeperthanifIdeservedyourlove:andthoughIcouldn"t,andcannothelpshowingmynaturetoyou,Iregretitandrepentit;andshallregretandrepentittillIdie!""　　`Ifelthespokethetruth;andIfeltImustforgivehim:and,thoughheshouldquarrelthenextmoment,Imustforgivehimagain.Wewerereconciled;butwecried,bothofus,thewholetimeIstayed:notentirelyforsorrow;yetIwassorryLintonhadthatdistortednature.He"llneverlethisfriendsbeatease,andhe"llneverbeateasehimself!Ihavealwaysgonetohislittleparlour,sincethatnight;becausehisfatherreturnedthedayafter.　　`Aboutthreetimes,Ithink,wehavebeenmerryandhopeful,aswewerethefirstevening;therestofmyvisitsweredrearyandtroubled:nowwithhisselfishnessandspite,andnowwithhissufferings:butI"velearnedtoenduretheformerwithnearlyaslittleresentmentasthelatter.MrHeathcliff purposelyavoidsme:　　Ihavehardlyseenhimatall.LastSunday,indeed,comingearlierthanusual,IheardhimabusingpoorLinton,cruelly,forhisconductofthenightbefore.Ican"ttellhowheknewofit,unlesshelistened.Lintonhadcertainlybehavedprovokingly:however,itwasthebusinessofnobodybutme,andIinterruptedMrHeathcliff"slecturebyenteringandtellinghimso.Heburstintoalaugh,andwentaway,sayinghewasgladItookthatviewofthematter.Sincethen,I"vetoldLintonhemustwhisperhisbitterthings.NowEllen,youhaveheardall;andIcan"tbepreventedfromgoingtoWutheringHeightsexceptbyinflictingmiseryontwopeople;whereas,ifyou"llonlynottellpapa,mygoingneeddisturbthetranquillityofnone.You"llnottell,willyou?Itwillbeveryheartlessifyoudo."　　`I"llmakeupmymindonthatpointbytomorrow,MissCatherine,"Ireplied.`Itrequiressomestudy;andsoI"llleaveyoutoyourrest,andgothinkitover."　　Ithoughtitoveraloud,inmymaster"spresence;walkingstraightfromherroomtohis,andrelatingthewholestory:withtheexceptionofherconversationswithhercousin,andanymentionofHareton.MrLintonwasalarmedanddistressed,morethanhewouldacknowledgetome.Inthemorning,Catherinelearntmybetrayalofherconfidence,andshelearntalsothathersecretvisitsweretoend.Invainsheweptandwrithedagainsttheinterdict,andimploredherfathertohavepityon Linton:allshegottocomfortherwasapromisethathewouldwriteandgivehimleavetocometotheGrangewhenhepleased;butexplainingthathemustnolongerexpecttoseeCatherineatWutheringHeights.Perhaps,hadhebeenawareofhisnephew"sdispositionandstateofhealth,hewouldhaveseenfittowithholdeventhatslightconsolation.　　Chapter25　　`Thesethingshappenedlastwinter,sir,"saidMrsDean;`hardlymorethanayearago.Lastwinter,Ididnotthink,atanothertwelvemonths"end,Ishouldbeamusingastrangertothefamilywithrelatingthem!Yet,whoknowshowlongyou"llbeastranger?You"retooyoungtorestalwayscontented,livingbyyourself;andIsomewayfancynoonecouldseeCatherineLintonandnotloveher.Yousmile;butwhydoyoulooksolivelyandinterested,whenItalkabouther?andwhyhaveyouaskedmetohangherpictureoveryourfireplace?andwhy--"　　`Stop,mygoodfriend!"Icried.`ItmaybeverypossiblethatIshouldloveher;butwouldsheloveme?Idoubtittoomuchtoventuremytranquillitybyrunningintotemptation:andthenmyhomeisnothere.I"mofthebusyworld,andtoitsarmsImustreturn.Goon.WasCatherineobedienttoherfather"scommands?"　　`Shewas,"continuedthehousekeeper.　　`Heraffectionforhimwasstillthechiefsentimentin herheart;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"llhaveplentyoftimetogetacquaintedwithhim,andseewhetherhewouldsuither:itwantsfouryearsandmoretohisbeingofage."""　　Edgarsighed;andwalkingtothewindow,lookedouttowardsGimmertonKirk.Itwasamistyafternoon,buttheFebruarysunshonedimly,andwecouldjustdistinguishthetwofirtreesintheyard,andthesparelyscatteredgravestones.　　`I"veprayedoften",hehalfsoliloquized,`fortheapproachofwhatiscoming;andnowIbegintoshrink,andfearit.IthoughtthememoryofthehourIcamedownthatglenabridegroomwouldbelesssweetthantheanticipationthatIwassoon,inafewmonths,or,possibly,weeks,tobecarriedup,andlaidinitslonelyhollow!Ellen,I"vebeenveryhappywith mylittleCathy:throughwinternightsandsummerdaysshewasalivinghopeatmyside.ButI"vebeenashappymusingbymyselfamongthosestones,underthatoldchurch:lying,throughthelongJuneevenings,onthegreenmoundofhermother"sgraveandwishing--yearningforthetimewhenImightliebeneathit.WhatcanIdoforCathy?HowmustIquither?I"dnotcareonemomentforLintonbeingHeathcliff"sson;norforhistakingherfromme,ifhecouldconsoleherformyloss.I"dnotcarethatHeathcliffgainedhisends,andtriumphedinrobbingmeofmylastblessing!ButshouldLintonbeunworthy--onlyafeebletooltohisfather--Icannotabandonhertohim!And,hardthoughitbetocrushherbuoyantspirit,ImustpersevereinmakinghersadwhileIlive,andleavinghersolitarywhenIdie.Darling!I"dratherresignhertoGod,andlayherintheearthbeforeme."　　ResignhertoGod,asitis,sir,"Ianswered,`andifweshouldloseyou--whichmayHeforbid--underHisprovidence,I"llstandherfriendandcounsellortothelast.MissCatherineisagoodgirl:Idon"tfearthatshewillgowilfullywrong;andpeoplewhodotheirdutyarealwaysfinallyrewarded."　　Springadvanced;yetmymastergatherednorealstrength,thoughheresumedhiswalksinthegroundswithhisdaughter.Toherinexperiencednotions,thisitselfwasasignofconvalescence;andthenhischeekwasoftenflushed,andhiseyeswerebright:shefeltsureofhisrecovering. 　　Onherseventeenthbirthday,hedidnotvisitthechurchyard:itwasraining,andIobserved:　　`You"llsurelynotgoouttonight,sir?"　　Heanswered:　　`No,I"lldeferitthisyearalittlelonger."　　HewroteagaintoLinton,expressinghisgreatdesiretoseehim;and,hadtheinvalidbeenpresentable,I"venodoubthisfatherwouldhavepermittedhimtocome.Asitwas,beinginstructed,hereturnedananswer,intimatingthatMrHeathcliffobjectedtohiscallingattheGrange;buthisuncle"skindremembrancedelightedhim,andhehopedtomeethim,sometimes,inhisrambles,andpersonallytopetitionthathiscousinandhemightnotremainlongsoutterlydivided.　　Thatpartofhisletterwassimple,andprobablyhisown.HeathcliffknewhecouldpleadeloquentlyenoughforCatherine"scompany,then.　　`Idonotask",hesaid,`thatshemayvisithere;but,amInevertoseeher,becausemyfatherforbidsmetogotoherhome,andyouforbidhertocometomine?Donowandthen,ridewithhertowardstheHeights;andletusexchangeafewwords,inyourpresence!Wehavedonenothingtodeservethisseparation;andyouarenotangrywithme;youhavenoreasontodislikeme,youallow,yourself.Dearuncle!sendmeakindnotetomorrow,andleavetojoinyouanywhereyouplease,exceptatThrushcrossGrange.Ibelieveaninterviewwouldconvinceyouthatmy father"scharacterisnotmine:heaffirmsIammoreyournephewthanhisson;andthoughIhavefaultswhichrendermeunworthyofCatherine,shehasexcusedthem,andforhersake,youshouldalso.Youinquireaftermyhealth--itisbetter;butwhileIremaincutofffromallhope,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;andgentlyintimatedthatMrLintonmustallowaninterviewsoon,orheshouldfearhewaspurposelydeceivinghimwithemptypromises.　　Cathywasapowerfulallyathome;and,betweenthem,theyatlengthpersuadedmymastertoacquiesceintheirhaving arideorawalktogetheraboutonceaweek,undermyguardianship,andonthemoorsnearesttheGrange:forJunefoundhimstilldeclining;andthoughhehadsetasideyearlyaportionofhisincomeformyyounglady"sfortune,hehadanaturaldesirethatshemightretain--oratleastreturninashorttimeto--thehouseofherancestors;andheconsideredheronlyprospectofdoingthatwasbyaunionwithhisheir;hehadnoideathatthelatterwasfailingalmostasfastashimself;norhadanyone;Ibelieve:nodoctorvisitedtheHeights,andnoonesawMasterHeathclifftomakereportofhisconditionamongus.I,formypart,begantofancymyforebodingswerefalse,andthathemustbeactuallyrallying,whenhementionedridingandwalkingonthemoors,andseemedsoearnestinpursuinghisobject.IcouldnotpictureafathertreatingadyingchildastyrannicallyandwickedlyasIafterwardslearnedHeathcliffhadtreatedhim,tocompelthisapparenteagerness:hiseffortsredoublingthemoreimminentlyhisavariciousandunfeelingplanswerethreatenedwithdefeatbydeath.Chapter26　　Summerwasalreadypastitsprime,whenEdgarreluctantlyyieldedhisassenttotheirentreaties,andCatherineandIsetoutonourfirstridetojoinhercousin.Itwasaclose,sultryday:devoidofsunshine,butwithaskytoodappledandhazytothreatenrain;andourplaceofmeetinghadbeenfixedattheguide-stone,bythecrossroads.Onarriving there,however,alittleherd-boy,dispatchedasamessenger,toldusthat:　　`MaisterLintonwerjustutthissideth"Heights:andhe"dbemitchobleegedtoustogangonabitfarther."　　`ThenMasterLintonhasforgotthefirstinjunctionofhisuncle,"Iobserved:`hebiduskeepontheGrangeland,andhereweareoffatonce."　　`Well,we"llturnourhorses"headsround,whenwereachhim,"answeredmycompanion,`ourexcursionshalllietowardshome."　　Butwhenwereachedhim,andthatwasscarcelyaquarterofamilefromhisowndoor,wefoundhehadnohorse;andwewereforcedtodismount,andleaveourstograze.Helayontheheath,awaitingourapproach,anddidnotrisetillwecamewithinafewyards.Thenhewalkedsofeebly,andlookedsopale,thatIimmediatelyexclaimed:　　`Why,MasterHeathcliff,youarenotfitforenjoyingaramble,thismorning.Howillyoudolook!"　　Catherinesurveyedhimwithgriefandastonishment;andchangedtheejaculationofjoyonherlips,tooneofalarm;andthecongratulationontheirlong-postponedmeeting,toananxiousinquiry,whetherhewereworsethanusual?　　`No--better--better!"hepanted,trembling,andretainingherhandasifheneededitssupport,whilehislargeblueeyeswanderedtimidlyoverher;thehollownessroundthem transformingtohaggardwildnessthelanguidexpressiontheyoncepossessed.　　`Butyouhavebeenworse,"persistedhiscousin;`worsethanwhenIsawyoulast;youarethinner,and--　　`I"mtired,"heinterruptedhurriedly.`Itistoohotforwalking,letusresthere.And,inthemorning,Ioftenfeelsick--papasaysIgrowsofast."　　Badlysatisfied,Cathysatdown,andhereclinedbesideher.　　`Thisissomethinglikeyourparadise,"saidshe,makinganeffortatcheerfulness.`Yourecollectthetwodaysweagreedtospendintheplaceandwayeachthoughtpleasantest?Thisissurelyyours,onlythereareclouds:butthentheyaresosoftandmellow:itisnicerthansunshine.Nextweek,ifyoucan,we"llridedowntotheGrangePark,andtrymine."　　Lintondidnotappeartorememberwhatshetalkedof;andhehadevidentlygreatdifficultyinsustaininganykindofconversation.Hislackofinterestinthesubjectsshestarted,andhisequalincapacitytocontributetoherentertainment,weresoobviousthatshecouldnotconcealherdisappointment.Anindefinitealterationhadcomeoverhiswholepersonandmanner.Thepettishnessthatmightbecaressedintofondness,hadyieldedtoalistlessapathy;therewaslessofthepeevishtemperofachildwhichfretsandteasesonpurposetobesoothed,andmoreoftheself-absorbedmorosenessofaconfirmedinvalid, repellingconsolation,andreadytoregardthegood-humouredmirthofothersasaninsult.Catherineperceived,aswellasIdid,thathehelditratherapunishment,thanagratification,toendureourcompany;andshemadenoscrupleofproposing,presently,todepart.Thatproposal,unexpectedly,rousedLintonfromhislethargy,andthrewhimintoastrangestateofagitation.HeglancedfearfullytowardstheHeights,beggingshewouldremainanotherhalf-houratleast.　　`ButIthink",saidCathy,`you"dbemorecomfortableathomethansittinghere;andIcannotamuseyoutoday,Isee,bymytales,andsongs,andchatter:youhavegrownwiserthanI,inthesesixmonths;youhavelittletasteformydiversionsnow:orelse,ifIcouldamuseyou,I"dwillinglystay."　　`Staytorestyourself,"hereplied.`AndCatherine,don"tthink,orsaythatI"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"tleadhimtosuppose thatI"vebeenextremelysilentandstupid:don"tlooksadanddowncast,asyouaredoing--he"llbeangry."　　`Icarenothingforhisanger,"exclaimedCathy,imaginingshewouldbeitsobject.　　`ButIdo,"saidhercousin,shuddering.`Don"tprovokehimagainstme,Catherine,forheisveryhard."　　`Isheseveretoyou,MasterHeathcliff?"Iinquired.`Hashegrownwearyofindulgence,andpassedfrompassivetoactivehatred?"　　Lintonlookedatme,butdidnotanswer;and,afterkeepingherseatbyhissideanothertenminutes,duringwhichhisheadfelldrowsilyonhisbreast,andheutterednothingexceptsuppressedmoansofexhaustionorpain,Cathybegantoseeksolaceinlookingforbilberries,andsharingtheproduceofherresearcheswithme:shedidnotofferthemtohim,forshesawfurthernoticewouldonlywearyandannoy.　　`Isithalfanhournow,Ellen?"shewhisperedinmyear,atlast.`Ican"ttellwhyweshouldstay.He"sasleep,andpapawillbewantingusback."　　`Well,wemustnotleavehimasleep,"Ianswered;`waittillhewakes,andbepatient.Youweremightyeagertosetoff,butyourlongingtoseepoorLintonhassoonevaporated!"　　`Whydidhewishtoseeme?"returnedCatherine.`Inhiscrossesthumours,formerly,IlikedhimbetterthanIdoinhispresentcuriousmood.It"sjustasifitwereataskhewas compelledtoperform--thisinterview--forfearhisfathershouldscoldhim.ButI"mhardlygoingtocometogiveMrHeathcliffpleasure;whateverreasonhemayhavefororderingLintontoundergothispenance.And,thoughI"mgladhe"sbetterinhealth,I"msorryhe"ssomuchlesspleasant,andsomuchlessaffectionatetome."　　`Youthinkheisbetterinhealththen?"Isaid.　　`Yes,"sheanswered;`becausehealwaysmadesuchagreatdealofhissufferings,youknow.Heisnottolerablywell,ashetoldmetotellpapa;buthe"sbetter,verylikely."　　`Thereyoudifferwithme,MissCathy,"Iremarked;`Ishouldconjecturehimtobefarworse."　　Lintonherestartedfromhisslumberinbewilderedterror,andaskedifanyonehadcalledhisname.　　`No,"saidCatherine;`unlessindreams.Icannotconceivehowyoumanagetodozeoutofdoors,inthemorning."　　`IthoughtIheardmyfather,"hegasped,glancinguptothefrowningnababoveus.`Youaresurenobodyspoke?"　　`Quitesure,"repliedhiscousin.`OnlyEllenandIweredisputingconcerningyourhealth.Areyoutrulystronger,Linton,thanwhenweseparatedinwinter?IfyoubeI"mcertainonethingisnotstronger--yourregardforme:speak,--areyou?"　　ThetearsgushedfromLinton"seyesasheanswered,`Yes,yes,Iam!"And,stillunderthespelloftheimaginaryvoice,hisgazewanderedupanddowntodetectitsowner.Cathyrose. `Fortodaywemustpart,"shesaid.`AndIwon"tconcealthatIhavebeensadlydisappointedwithourmeeting;thoughI"llmentionittonobodybutyou:notthatIstandinaweofMrHeathcliff."　　`Hush,"murmuredLinton:`forGod"ssake,hush!He"scoming."AndheclungtoCatherine"sarm,strivingtodetainher;butatthatannouncementshehastilydisengagedherself,andwhistledtoMinny,whoobeyedherlikeadog.　　`I"llbeherenextThursday,"shecried,springingtothesaddle.`Goodbye.Quick,Ellen!"　　Andsowelefthim,scarcelyconsciousofourdeparture,soabsorbedwasheinanticipatinghisfather"sapproach.　　Beforewereachedhome,Catherine"sdispleasuresoftenedintoaperplexedsensationofpityandregret,largelyblendedwithvague,uneasydoubtsaboutLinton"sactualcircumstances,physicalandsocial;inwhichIpartook,thoughIcounselledhernottosaymuch;forasecondjourneywouldmakeusbetterjudges.Mymasterrequestedanaccountofourongoings.Hisnephew"sofferingofthankswasdulydelivered,MissCathygentlytouchingontherest:Ialsothrewlittlelightonhisinquiries,forIhardlyknewwhattohide,andwhattoreveal.Chapter27　　Sevendaysglidedaway,everyonemarkingitscoursebythehenceforthrapidalterationofEdgarLinton"sstate.Thehavocthatmonthshadpreviouslywroughtwasnowemulatedbythe inroadsofhours.Catherine,wewouldfainhavedeludedyet: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,apparently,todistressusboth,andfornoreasonbesides!"　　Lintonshivered,andglancedather,halfsupplicating,halfashamed;buthiscousin"spatiencewasnotsufficienttoendurethisenigmaticalbehaviour. 　　`Myfatherisveryill,"shesaid;`andwhyamIcalledfromhisbedside?Whydidn"tyousendtoabsolvemefrommypromise,when""youwishedIwouldn"tkeepit?Come!Idesireanexplanation:playingandtriflingarecompletelybanishedoutofmymind;andIcan"tdanceattendanceonyouraffectationsnow!"　　`Myaffectations!"hemurmured;`whatarethey?ForHeaven"ssake,Catherine,don"tlooksoangry!Despisemeasmuchasyouplease;Iamaworthless,cowardlywretch:Ican"tbescornedenough;butI"mtoomeanforyouranger.Hatemyfather,andsparemeforcontempt."　　`Nonsense!"criedCatherine,inapassion.`Foolish,sillyboy!Andthere!hetrembles,asifIwerereallygoingtotouchhim!Youneedn"tbespeakcontempt,Linton:anybodywillhaveitspontaneouslyatyourservice.Getoff!Ishallreturnhome:itisfollydraggingyoufromthehearthstone,andpretending--whatdowepretend?Letgomyfrock!IfIpitiedyouforcryingandlookingsoveryfrightened,youshouldspurnsuchpity.Ellen,tellhimhowdisgracefulthisconductis.Rise,anddon"tdegradeyourselfintoanabjectreptile--don"t!"　　Withstreamingfaceandanexpressionofagony,Lintonhadthrownhisnervelessframealongtheground:heseemedconvulsedwithexquisiteterror.　　`Oh!"hesobbed,`Icannotbearit!Catherine,Catherine,I"matraitor,too,andIdarenottellyou!Butleaveme,and Ishallbekilled!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"llbelieveyouareacowardforyourself,butnotacowardlybetrayerofyourbestfriend."　　`Butmyfatherthreatenedme,"gaspedtheboy,claspinghisattenuatedfingers,`andIdreadhim--Idreadhim!Idarenottell!"　　`Oh,well!"saidCatherine,withscornfulcompassion,`keepyoursecret:I"mnocoward.Saveyourself;I"mnotafraid!"　　Hermagnanimityprovokedhistears:heweptwildly,kissinghersupportinghands,andyetcouldnotsummoncouragetospeakout.Iwascogitatingwhatthemysterymightbe,anddeterminedCatherineshouldneversuffer,tobenefithimoranyoneelse,bymygoodwill;whenhearingarustleamongtheling, IlookedupandsawMrHeathcliffalmostcloseuponus,descendingtheHeights.Hedidn"tcastaglancetowardsmycompanions,thoughtheyweresufficientlynearforLinton"ssobstobeaudible;buthailingmeinthealmostheartytoneheassumedtononebesides,andthesincerityofwhichIcouldn"tavoiddoubting,hesaid:　　`Itissomethingtoseeyousoneartomyhouse,Nelly.HowareyouattheGrange?Letushear.Therumourgoes",headdedinalowertone,`thatEdgarLintonisonhisdeathbed: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,heoughttobeinbed,under thehandsofadoctor."　　`Heshallbeinadayortwo,"mutteredHeathcliff.`Butfirst--getup,Linton!Getup!"heshouted.`Don"tgrovelonthegroundthere:up,thismoment!"　　Lintonhadsunkprostrateagaininanotherparoxysmofhelplessfear,causedbyhisfather"sglancetowardshim,Isuppose:therewasnothingelsetoproducesuchhumiliation.Hemadeseveraleffortstoobey,buthislittlestrengthwasannihilatedforthetime,andhefellbackagainwithamoan.MrHeathcliffadvanced,andliftedhimtoleanagainstaridgeofturf.　　`Now,"saidhe,withcurbedferocity,`I"mgettingangry;andifyoudon"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."　　`Linton,dear!"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;whenMrHeathcliff,pushingmeforward,exclaimed:　　`Myhouseisnotstrickenwiththeplague,Nelly;andIhaveamindtobehospitabletoday:sitdown,andallowmeto shutthedoor."　　Heshutandlockeditalso.Istarted.　　`Youshallhaveteabeforeyougohome,"headded.`Iambymyself.HaretonisgonewithsomecattletotheLees,andZillahandJosephareoffonajourneyofpleasure;and,thoughI"musedtobeingalone,I"dratherhavesomeinterestingcompany,ifIcangetit.MissLinton,takeyourseatbyhim.IgiveyouwhatIhave:thepresentishardlyworthaccepting;butIhavenothingelsetooffer.ItisLinton,Imean.Howshedoesstare!It"soddwhatasavagefeelingIhavetoanythingthatseemsafraidofme!HadIbeenbornwherelawsarelessstrictandtasteslessdainty,Ishouldtreatmyself,toaslowvivisectionofthosetwo,asanevening"samusement.　　Hedrewinhisbreath,struckthetable,andsworetohimself,`Byhell!Ihatethem."　　`I"mnotafraidofyou!"exclaimedCatherine,whocouldnothearthelatterpartofhisspeech.Shesteppedcloseup;herblackeyesflashingwithpassionandresolution.`Givemethatkey:Iwillhaveit!"shesaid.`Iwouldn"teatordrinkhere,ifIwerestarving."　　Heathcliffhadthekeyinhishandthatremainedonthetable.Helookedup,seizedwithasortofsurpriseatherboldness;or,possibly,remindedbyhervoiceandglance,ofthepersonfromwhomsheinheritedit.Shesnatchedattheinstrument,andhalfsucceededingettingitoutofhisloosenedfingers: butheractionrecalledhimtothepresent;herecovereditspeedily.　　`Now,CatherineLinton,"hesaid,`standoff,orIshallknockyoudown;andthatwillmakeMrsDeanmad."　　Regardlessofthiswarning,shecapturedhisclosedhandanditscontentsagain.`Wewillgo!"sherepeated,exertingherutmosteffortstocausetheironmusclestorelax;andfindingthathernailsmadenoimpression,sheappliedherteethprettysharply.Heathcliffglancedatmeaglancethatkeptmefrominterferingamoment.Catherinewastoointentonhisfingerstonoticehisface.Heopenedthemsuddenly,andresignedtheobjectofdispute;but,ereshehadwellsecuredit,heseizedherwiththeliberatedhand,and,pullingheronhisknee,administeredwiththeotherashowerofterrificslapsonthesideofthehead,eachsufficienttohavefulfilledhisthreat,hadshebeenabletofall.　　AtthisdiabolicalviolenceIrushedonhimfuriously.`Youvillain!"Ibegantocry,`youvillain!"Atouchonthechestsilencedme:Iamstout,andsoonputoutofbreath;and,whatwiththatandtherage,Istaggereddizzilyback,andfeltreadytosuffocate,ortoburstabloodvessel.Thescenewasoverintwominutes;Catherine,released,puthertwohandstohertemples,andlookedjustasifshewerenotsurewhetherherearswereofforon.Shetrembledlikeareed,poorthing,andleantagainstthetableperfectlybewildered. 　　`Iknowhowtochastisechildren,yousee,"saidthescoundrelgrimly,ashestoopedtorepossesshimselfofthekey,whichhaddroppedtothefloor.`GotoLintonnow,asItoldyou;andcryatyourease!Ishallbeyourfather,tomorrow--allthefatheryou"llhaveinafewdays--andyoushallhaveplentyofthat.Youcanbearplenty;you"renoweakling:youshallhaveadailytaste,ifIcatchsuchadevilofatemperinyoureyesagain!"　　CathyrantomeinsteadofLinton,andkneltdownandputherburningcheekonmylap,weepingaloud.Hercousinhadshrunkintoacornerofthesettle,asquietasamouse,congratulatinghimself,Idaresay,thatthecorrectionhadlightedonanotherthanhim.MrHeathcliff,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,and youshalltellus,orI"llboxyourears,ashehasdoneyourcousin"s."　　`Yes,Linton,youmusttell,"saidCatherine.`ItwasforyoursakeIcame;anditwillbewickedlyungratefulifyourefuse."　　`Givemesometea,I"mthirsty,andthenI"lltellyou,"heanswered.`MrsDean,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"safraidofmydying,ifwewait;sowearetobemarriedinthemorning,andyouaretostayhereallnight;andifyoudoashewishes,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"llburnthatdoordown,butI"llgetout."　　Andshewouldhavecommencedtheexecutionofherthreatdirectly,butLintonwasupinalarmforhisdearselfagain.Heclaspedherinhistwofeeblearms,sobbing:　　`Won"tyouhaveme,andsaveme?notletmecometotheGrange?Oh!darlingCatherine!youmustn"tgoandleaveme,afterall.Youmustobeymyfather--youmust!"　　`Imustobeymyown,"shereplied,`andrelievehimfromthiscruelsuspense.Thewholenight!Whatwouldhethink?he"llbedistressedalready.I"lleitherbreakorburnawayoutofthehouse.Bequiet!You"reinnodanger;butifyouhinderme--Linton,Ilovepapabetterthanyou!"　　ThemortalterrorhefeltofMrHeathcliff"sanger,restoredtotheboyhiscoward"seloquence.Catherinewasnear distraught:still,shepersistedthatshemustgohome,andtriedentreatyinherturn,persuadinghimtosubduehisselfishagony.Whiletheywerethusoccupied,ourgaolerre-entered.　　`Yourbeastshavetrottedoff,"hesaid,`and--now,Linton!snivellingagain?Whathasshebeendoingtoyou?Come,come--havedone,andgettobed.Inamonthortwo,mylad,you"llbeabletopayherbackherpresenttyrannieswithavigoroushand.You"repiningforpurelove,areyounot?nothingelseintheworld:andsheshallhaveyou!There,tobed!Zillahwon"tbeheretonight;youmustundressyourself.Hush!holdyournoise!Onceinyourownroom,I"llnotcomenearyou:youneedn"tfear.Bychanceyou"vemanagedtolerably.I"lllooktotherest."　　Hespokethesewords,holdingthedooropenforhissontopass;andthelatterachievedhisexitexactlyasaspanielmight,whichsuspectedthepersonwhoattendedonitofdesigningaspitefulsqueeze.Thelockwasre-secured.Heathcliffapproachedthefire,wheremymistressandIstoodsilent.Catherinelookedup,andinstinctivelyraisedherhandtohercheek:hisneighbourhoodrevivedapainfulsensation.Anybodyelsewouldhavebeenincapableofregardingthechildishactwithsternness,buthescowledonher,andmuttered:　　`Oh!youarenotafraidofme?Yourcourageiswelldisguised:youseemdamnablyafraid!"　　`Iamafraidnow,"shereplied,`because,ifIstay,papawillbemiserable;andhowcanIenduremakinghim miserable;--whenhe--whenhe--MrHeathcliff,letmegohome!IpromisetomarryLinton:papawouldlikemeto,andIlovehim--whyshouldyouwishtoforcemetodowhatI"llwillinglydoofmyself?"　　`Lethimdaretoforceyou!"Icried.`There"slawintheland,thankGodthereis;thoughwebeinanout-of-the-wayplace.I"dinformifheweremyownson:andit"sfelonywithoutbenefitofclergy!"　　`Silence!"saidtheruffian.`Tothedevilwithyourclamour!Idon"twantyoutospeak.MissLinton,Ishallenjoymyselfremarkablyinthinkingyourfatherwillbemiserable:Ishallnotsleepforsatisfaction.Youcouldhavehitonnosurerwayoffixingyourresidenceundermyroofforthenexttwenty-fourhours,thaninformingmethatsuchaneventwouldfollow.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;aridthat youwouldwearyofnursingasickman,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"llhaveanopportunityof judging!"　　`I"llnotretractmyword,"saidCatherine.`I"llmarryhimwithinthishour,ifImaygotoThrushcrossGrangeafterwards.MrHeathcliff,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--weheardasoundofvoicesatthegardengate.Ourhosthurriedout instantly: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:perhapswemightcontrivetogetthroughthewindowthere,orintoagarret,andoutbyitsskylight.Thewindow,however,wasnarrow,likethosebelow,andthegarrettrapwassafefromourattempts;forwewerefastenedinasbefore.Weneitherofuslaydown:Catherinetookherstationbythelattice,andwatchedanxiouslyformorning;adeepsighbeingtheonlyanswerIcouldobtaintomyfrequententreatiesthatshewouldtrytorest.Iseatedmyselfinachair,androckedtoandfro,passingharshjudgmentonmymanyderelictionsofduty;fromwhich,itstruckmethen,allthemisfortunesofallmyemployerssprang.Itwasnotthecase,inreality,Iamaware;butitwas,inmyimagination,thatdismalnight;andIthoughtHeathcliffhimself lessguiltythanI.　　Atseveno"clockhecame,andinquiredifMissLintonhadrisen.　　Sherantothedoorimmediately,andanswered,`Yes."　　`Here,then,"hesaid,openingit,andpullingheroutIrosetofollow,butheturnedthelockagain.Idemandedmyrelease.　　`Bepatient,"hereplied;`I"llsendupyourbreakfastinawhile."　　Ithumpedonthepanels,andrattledthelatchangrily;andCatherineaskedwhyIwasstillshutup?Heanswered,Imusttrytoendureitanotherhour,andtheywentaway.Ienduredittwoorthreehours;atlength,Iheardafootstep:notHeathcliff"s.　　`I"vebroughtyousomethingtoeat,"saidavoice;`oppentdoor!"　　Complyingeagerly,IbeheldHareton,ladenwithfoodenoughtolastmeallday.　　`Takit,"headded,thrustingthetrayintomyhand.　　`Stayoneminute,"Ibegan.　　`Nay,"criedhe,andretired,regardlessofanyprayersIcouldpourforthtodetainhim.　　AndthereIremainedenclosedthewholeday,andthewholeofthenextnight;andanother,andanother.FivenightsandfourdaysIremained,altogether,seeingnobodybutHareton, onceeverymorning;andhewasamodelofajailer:surly,anddumb,anddeaftoeveryattemptatmovinghissenseofjusticeorcompassion.　　Chapter28　　Onthefifthmorning,orratherafternoon,adifferentstepapproached--lighterandshorter;and,thistime,thepersonenteredtheroom.ItwasZillah;donnedinherscarletshawl,withablacksilkbonnetonherhead,andawillowbasketswungtoherarm.　　`Eh,dear!MrsDean!"sheexclaimed.`Well!thereisatalkaboutyouatGimmerton.IneverthoughtbutyouweresunkintheBlackhorsemarsh,andmissywithyou,tillmastertoldmeyou"dbeenfound,andhe"dlodgedyouhere!What!andyoumusthavegotonanisland,sure?Andhowlongwereyouinthehole?Didmastersaveyou,MrsDean?Butyou"renotsothin--you"venotbeensopoorly,haveyou?"　　`Yourmasterisatruescoundrel!"Ireplied.`Butheshallanswerforit.Heneedn"thaveraisedthattale:itshallallbelaidbare!"　　`Whatdoyoumean?"askedzillah.`It"snothistale:theytellthatinthevillage--aboutyourbeinglostinthemarsh:andIcallstoEarnshaw,whenIcomein--"Eh,they"squeerthings,MrHareton,happenedsinceIwentoff.It"sasadpityofthatlikelyyounglass,andcantNellyDean.""Hestared.Ithought hehadnotheardaught,soItoldhimtherumour.Themasterlistened,andhejustsmiledtohimself,andsaid,``Iftheyhavebeeninthemarsh,theyareoutnow,Zillah.NellyDeanislodged,atthisminute,inyourroom.Youcantellhertoflit,whenyougoup;hereisthekey.Thebogwatergotintoherhead,andshewouldhaverunhomequiteflighty;butIfixedhertillshecameroundtohersenses.YoucanbidhergototheGrangeatonce,ifshebeable,andcarryamessagefromme,thatheryoungladywillfollowintimetoattendthesquire"sfuneral.""　　`MrEdgarisnotdead?"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.Hesays,shehatesmeandwantsmetodie,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"smouthfell,andhetookthesugar-candyfromhislips. 　　`DidshecometoWutheringHeights,becauseshehatedyou?"Icontinued.`Thinkforyourself!Astoyourmoney,shedoesnotevenknowthatyouwillhaveany.Andyousayshe"ssick;andyet,youleaveheralone,upthereinastrangehouse!Youwhohavefeltwhatitistobesoneglected!Youcouldpityyourownsufferings;andshepitiedthemtoo;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,andhethreatenedtostrangleher,ifshewasnotquiet;butshebeganagaintheinstanthelefttheroom,moaningandgrievingallnightlong,thoughIscreamedforvexationthatIcouldn"tsleep."　　`IsMrHeathcliffout?"Iinquired,perceivingthatthewretchedcreaturehadnopowertosympathizewithhiscousin"smentaltortures.　　`He"sinthecourt,"hereplied,`talkingtoDrKenneth;whosaysuncleisdying,truly,atlast.I"mglad,forIshallbemasteroftheGrangeafterhim--andCatherinealwaysspokeofitasherhouse.Itisn"thers!It"smine:papasayseverything shehasismine.Allhernicebooksaremine;sheofferedtogivemethem,andherprettybirds,andherponyMinny,ifIwouldgetthekeyofourroom,andletherout;butItoldhershehadnothingtogive,theywereall,allmine.Andthenshecried,andtookalittlepicturefromherneck,andsaidIshouldhavethat;twopicturesinagoldcase,ononesidehermother,andontheother,uncle,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."　　`Andwereyoupleasedtoseeherstruck?"Iasked:havingmydesignsinencouraginghistalk.　　`Iwinked,"heanswered:`Iwinktoseemyfatherstrikeadogorahorse,hedoesitsohard.YetIwasgladatfirst--shedeservedpunishingforpushingme:butwhenpapawasgone,shemademecometothewindowandshowedmehercheekcutontheinside,againstherteeth,andhermouthfillingwithblood;andthenshegatheredupthebitsofthepicture,andwentandsatdownwithherfacetothewall,andshehasneverspokentome since:andIsometimesthinkshecan"tspeakforpain.Idon"tliketothinkso;butshe"sanaughtythingforcryingcontinually;andshelookssopaleandwild,I"mafraidofher."　　`Andyoucangetthekeyifyouchoose?"Isaid.　　`Yes,whenI"mupstairs,"heanswered;`butIcan"twalkupstairsnow.　　`Inwhatapartmentisit?"Iasked.　　`Oh,"hecried,`Ishan"ttellyouwhereitis!Itisoursecret.Nobody,neitherHaretonnorZillah,istoknow.There!you"vetiredme--goaway,goaway!"Andheturnedhisfaceontohisarm,andshuthiseyesagain.　　IconsidereditbesttodepartwithoutseeingMrHeathcliff,andbringarescueformyyoungladyfromtheGrange.Onreachingit,theastonishmentofmyfellow-servantstoseeme,andtheirjoyalso,wasintense;andwhentheyheardthattheirlittlemistresswassafe,twoorthreewereabouttohurryupandshoutthenewsatMrEdgar"sdoor:butIbespoketheannouncementofit,myself.HowchangedIfoundhim,eveninthosefewdays!Helayanimageofsadnessandresignationwaitinghisdeath.Veryyounghelooked;thoughhisactualagewasthirty-nine,onewouldhavecalledhimtenyearsyounger,atleast.HethoughtofCatherine;forhemurmuredhername.Itouchedhishand,andspoke.　　`Catherineiscoming,dearmaster!"Iwhispered;`sheisaliveandwell;andwillbehere,Ihope,tonight." 　　Itrembledatthefirsteffectsofthisintelligence:hehalfroseup,lookedeagerlyroundtheapartment,andthensankbackinaswoon.Assoonasherecovered,Irelatedourcompulsoryvisit,anddetentionattheHeights.IsaidHeathcliffforcedmetogoin:whichwasnotquitetrue.IutteredaslittleaspossibleagainstLinton;nordidIdescribeallhisfather"sbrutalconduct--myintentionsbeingtoaddnobitterness,ifIcouldhelpit,tohisalreadyoverflowingcup.　　Hedivinedthatoneofhisenemy"spurposeswastosecurethepersonalproperty,aswellastheestate,tohisson:orratherhimself;yetwhyhedidnotwaittillhisdeceasewasapuzzletomymaster,becauseignoranthownearlyheandhisnephewwouldquittheworldtogether.However,hefeltthathiswillhadbetterbealtered:insteadofleavingCatherine"sfortuneatherowndisposal,hedeterminedtoputitinthehandsoftrusteesforheruseduringlife,andforherchildren,ifshehadany,afterher.Bythatmeans,itcouldnotfalltoMrHeathcliffshouldLintondie.　　Havingreceivedhisorders,Idispatchedamantofetchtheattorney,andfourmore,providedwithserviceableweapons,todemandmyyoungladyofherjailer.Bothpartiesweredelayedverylate.Thesingleservantreturnedfirst.HesaidMrGreen,thelawyer,wasoutwhenhearrivedathishouse,andhehadtowaittwohoursforhisre-entrance;andthenMrGreentoldhimhehadalittlebusinessinthevillagethatmustbedone;but hewouldbeatThrushcrossGrangebeforemorning.Thefourmencamebackunaccompaniedalso.TheybroughtwordthatCatherinewasill:tooilltoquitherroom;andHeathcliffwouldnotsufferthemtoseeher.Iscoldedthestupidfellowswellforlisteningtothattale,whichIwouldnotcarrytomymaster;resolvingtotakeawholebevyuptotheHeights,atdaylight,andstormitliterally,unlesstheprisonerwerequietlysurrenderedtous.Herfathershallseeher,Ivowed,andvowedagain,ifthatdevilbekilledonhisowndoorstonesintryingtopreventit!　　Happily,Iwassparedthejourneyandthetrouble.Ihadgonedownstairsatthreeo"clocktofetchajugofwater;andwaspassingthroughthehallwithitinmyhand,whenasharpknockatthefrontdoormademejump.`Oh!itisGreen,"Isaid,recollectingmyself--`onlyGreen,"andIwenton,intendingtosendsomebodyelsetoopenit;buttheknockwasrepeated:notloud,andstillimportunately.Iputthejugonthebanisterandhastenedtoadmithimmyself.Theharvestmoonshoneclearoutside.Itwasnottheattorney.Myownsweetlittlemistresssprangonmyneck,sobbing:　　`Ellen!Ellen!ispapaalive?"　　`Yes,"Icried:`yes,myangel,heis.Godbethanked,youaresafewithusagain!"　　Shewantedtorun,breathlessasshewas,upstairstoMrLinton"sroom;butIcompelledhertositdownonachair,andmadeherdrink,andwashedherpaleface,chafingitinto afaintcolourwithmyapron.ThenIsaidImustgofirst,andtellofherarrival;imploringhertosay,sheshouldbehappywithyoungHeathcliff.Shestared,butsooncomprehendingwhyIcounselledhertoutterthefalsehood,sheassuredmeshewouldnotcomplain.　　Icouldn"tabidetobepresentattheirmeeting.Istoodoutsidethechamberdooraquarterofanhour,andhardlyventurednearthebed,then.Allwascomposed,however:Catherine"sdespairwasassilentasherfather"sjoy.Shesupportedhimcalmly,inappearance;andhefixedonherfeatureshisraisedeyes,thatseemeddilatingwithecstasy.　　Hediedblissfully,MrLockwood:hediedso.Kissinghercheek,hemurmured.　　`Iamgoingtoher;andyou,darlingchild,shallcometous!"andneverstirredorspokeagain;butcontinuedthatrapt,radiantgaze,tillhispulseimperceptiblystoppedandhissouldeparted.Nonecouldhavenoticedtheexactminuteofhisdeath,itwassoentirelywithoutastruggle.　　WhetherCatherinehadspenthertears,orwhetherthegriefweretooweightytoletthemflow,shesattheredry-eyedtillthesunrose:shesattillnoon,andwouldstillhaveremainedbroodingoverthatdeathbed,butIinsistedonhercomingawayandtakingsomerepose.ItwaswellIsucceededinremovingher;foratdinnertimeappearedthelawyer,havingcalledatWutheringHeightstogethisinstructionshowtobehave. HehadsoldhimselftoMrHeathcliff,andthatwasthecauseofhisdelayinobeyingmymaster"ssummons.Fortunately,nothoughtofworldlyaffairscrossedthelatter"smind,todisturbhim,afterhisdaughter"sarrival.　　MrGreentookuponhimselftoordereverythingandeverybodyabouttheplace.Hegavealltheservants,butme,noticetoquit.HewouldhavecarriedhisdelegatedauthoritytothepointofinsistingthatEdgarLintonshouldnotbeburiedbesidehiswife,butinthechapel,withhisfamily.Therewasthewill,however,tohinderthat,andmyloudprotestationsagainstanyinfringementofitsdirections.Thefuneralwashurriedover;Catherine,MrsLintonHeathcliffnow,wassufferedtostayattheGrangetillherfather"scorpsehadquittedit.　　ShetoldmethatheranguishhadatlastspurredLintontoincurtheriskofliberatingher.SheheardthemenIsentdisputingatthedoor,andshegatheredthesenseofHeathcliff"sanswer.Itdroveherdesperate.Linton,whohadbeenconveyeduptothelittleparloursoonafterIleft,wasterrifiedintofetchingthekeybeforehisfatherre-ascended.Hehadthecunningtounlockandrelockthedoor,withoutshuttingit;andwhenheshouldhavegonetobed,hebeggedtosleepwithHareton,andhispetitionwasgrantedforonce.Catherinestoleoutbeforebreakofday.Shedarenottrythedoors,lestthedogsshouldraiseanalarm;shevisitedtheemptychambersandexaminedtheirwindows;and,luckily,lightingonhermother"s,shegoteasily outofitslattice,andontotheground,bymeansofthefirtreecloseby.Heraccomplicesufferedforhisshareintheescape,notwithstandinghistimidcontrivances.　　Chapter29　　Theeveningafterthefuneral,myyoungladyandIwereseatedinthelibrary;nowmusingmournfully--oneofusdespairingly--onourloss,nowventuringconjecturesastothegloomyfuture.　　WehadjustagreedthebestdestinywhichcouldawaitCatherine,wouldbeapermissiontocontinueresidentattheGrange;atleast,duringLinton"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:heentered, andmotioninghimout,shutthedoor.　　Itwasthesameroomintowhichhehadbeenushered,asaguest,eighteenyearsbefore:thesamemoonshonethroughthewindow;andthesameautumnlandscapelayoutside.Wehadnotyetlightedacandle,butalltheapartmentwasvisible,eventotheportraitsonthewall:thesplendidheadofMrsLinton,andthegracefuloneofherhusband.Heathcliffadvancedtothehearth.Timehadlittlealteredhispersoneither.Therewasthesameman:hisdarkfacerathersallowerandmorecomposed,hisframeastoneortwoheavier,perhaps,andnootherdifference.Catherinehadrisen,withanimpulsetodashout,whenshesawhim.　　`Stop!"hesaid,arrestingherbythearm.`Nomorerunningsaway!Wherewouldyougo?I"mcometofetchyouhome;andIhopeyou"llbeadutifuldaughter,andnotencouragemysontofurtherdisobedience.IwasembarrassedhowtopunishhimwhenIdiscoveredhispartinthebusiness:he"ssuchacobweb,apinchwouldannihilatehim;butyou"llseebyhislookthathehasreceivedhisdue!Ibroughthimdownoneevening,thedaybeforeyesterday,andjustsethiminachair,andnevertouchedhimafterwards.IsentHaretonout,andwehadtheroomtoourselves.Intwohours,IcalledJosephtocarryhimupagain;andsincethenmypresenceisaspotentonhisnervesasaghost;andIfancyheseesmeoften,thoughIamnotnear.Haretonsayshewakesandshrieksinthenightbythehourtogether,andcalls youtoprotecthimfromme;and,whetheryoulikeyourpreciousmateornot,youmustcome:he"syourconcernnow;Iyieldallmyinterestinhimtoyou.　　`WhynotletCatherinecontinuehere?"Ipleaded,`andsendMasterLintontoher.Asyouhatethemboth,you"dnotmissthem:theycanonlybeadailyplaguetoyourunnaturalheart.　　`I"mseekingatenantfortheGrange,"heanswered;`andIwantmychildrenaboutme,tobesure.Besides,thatlassowesmeherservicesforherbread.I"mnotgoingtonurtureherinluxuryandidlenessafterLintonhasgone.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.MrHeathcliff,youhavenobodytoloveyou;and,howevermiserableyoumakeus,weshallstillhavetherevengeofthinkingthatyourcrueltyarisesfromyourgreatermisery.Youaremiserable,areyounot?Lonely,likethedevil,andenviouslikehim?Nobodylovesyou--nobodywillcryforyouwhenyoudie!Iwouldn"tbeyou!"　　Catherinespokewithakindofdrearytriumph:sheseemedtohavemadeuphermindtoenterintothespiritofherfuturefamily,anddrawpleasurefromthegriefsofherenemies.　　`Youshallbesorrytobeyourselfpresently",saidherfather-in-law,`ifyoustandthereanotherminute.Begone,witch,andgetyourthings!"　　Shescornfullywithdrew.Inherabsence,IbegantobegforZillah"splaceattheHeights,offeringtoresignminetoher;buthewouldsufferitonnoaccount.Hebidmebesilent;andthen,forthefirsttime,allowedhimselfaglanceroundtheroomandalookatthepictures.HavingstudiedMrsLinton,hesaid:　　`Ishallhavethathome.NotbecauseIneedit,but--"Heturnedabruptlytothefire,andcontinued,withwhat,forlackofabetterword,Imustcallasmile--`I"IltellyouwhatIdidyesterday!Igotthesexton,whowasdiggingLinton"sgrave,toremovetheearthoffhercoffin-lid,andIopenedit.Ithought, once,Iwouldhavestayedthere:whenIsawherfaceagain--it.ishersyet!--hehad~hardworktostirme;buthesaiditwouldchangeiftheairblewonit,andsoIstruckonesideofthecoffinloose,andcovereditup:notLinton"sside,damnhim!Iwishhe"dbeensolderedinlead.AndIbribedthesextontopullitawaywhenI"mlaidthere,andslidemineouttoo;I"llhaveitmadeso:andthen,bythetimeLintongetstoushe"llnotknowwhichiswhich!"　　`Youwereverywicked,MrHeathcliff!"Iexclaimed,`wereyounotashamedtodisturbthedead?"　　`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!Thedayshewasburiedtherecameafallofsnow.IntheeveningIwenttothechurchyard.Itblewbleakaswinter--allroundwassolitary.Ididn"tfearthatherfoolofahusbandwouldwanderupthedensolate;andnooneelsehadbusinesstobringthemthere.Beingalone,andconscioustwoyardsoflooseearthwasthesolebarrierbetweenus,Isaidtomyself--"I"llhaveherinmyarmsagain!Ifshebecold,I"llthinkitisthisnorthwindthatchillsme;andifshebemotionless,itissleep."Igotaspadefromthetoolhouse,andbegantodelvewithallmymight--itscrapedthecoffin;Ifelltoworkwithmyhands;thewoodcommencedcrackingaboutthescrews;Iwasonthepointofattainingmyobject,whenitseemedthatIheardasighfromsomeoneabove,closeattheedgeofthegrave,andbendingdown."IfIcanonlygetthisoff,"Imuttered,"Iwishtheymayshovelintheearthoverusboth!"andIwrenchedatitmoredesperatelystill.Therewasanothersigh,closeatmyear.Iappearedtofeelthewarmbreathofitdisplacingthesleet-ladenwind.Iknewnolivingthinginfleshandbloodwasby;but,ascertainlyasyouperceivetheapproachtosomesubstantialbodyinthedark,thoughitcannotbe discerned,socertainlyIfeltthatCathywasthere:notunderme,butontheearth.Asuddensenseofreliefflowedfrommyheartthrougheverylimb.Irelinquishedmylabourofagony,andturnedconsoledatonce:unspeakablyconsoled.Herpresencewaswithme:itremainedwhileIrefilledthegrave,andledmehome.Youmaylaugh,ifyouwill;butIwassureIshouldseeherthere.Iwassureshewaswithme,andIcouldnothelptalkingtoher.HavingreachedtheHeights,Irushedeagerlytothedoor.Itwasfastened;and,Iremember,thataccursedEarnshawandmywifeopposedmyentrance.Irememberstoppingtokickthebreathoutofhim,andthenhurryingupstairs,tomyroomandhers.Ilookedroundimpatiently--Ifeltherbyme--Icouldalmostseeher,andyetIcouldnot!Ioughttohavesweatbloodthen,fromtheanguishofmyyearning--fromthefervourofmysupplicationstohavebutoneglimpse!Ihadnotone.Sheshowedherself,assheoftenwasinlife,adeviltome!And,sincethen,sometimesmoreandsometimesless,I"vebeenthesportofthatintolerabletorture!Infernal!keepingmynervesatsuchastretch,that,iftheyhadnotresembledcatgut,theywouldlongagohaverelaxedtothefeeblenessofLinton"s.WhenIsatinthehousewithHareton,itseemedthatongoingout,Ishouldmeether;whenIwalkedonthemoorsIshouldmeethercomingin.WhenIwentfromhome,Ihastenedtoreturn:shemustbesomewhereattheHeights,Iwascertain!AndwhenIsleptinherchamber--Iwasbeatenoutofthat.Icouldn"tliethere;forthemomentI closedmyeyes,shewaseitheroutsidethewindow,orslidingbackthepanels,orenteringtheroom,orevenrestingherdarlingheadonthesamepillowasshedidwhenachild;andImustopenmylidstosee.AndsoIopenedandclosedthemahundredtimesanight--tobealwaysdisappointed!Itrackedme!I"veoftengroanedaloud,tillthatoldrascalJosephnodoubtbelievedthatmyconsciencewasplayingthefiendinsideofme.Now,sinceI"veseenher,I"mpacified--alittle.It~sastrangewayofkilling!notbyinches,butbyfractionsandhairbreadths,tobeguilemewiththespectreofahope,througheighteenyears!"　　MrHeathcliffpausedandwipedhisforehead;hishairclungtoit,wetwithperspiration;hiseyeswerefixedontheredembersofthefire,thebrowsnotcontracted,butraisednextthetemples;diminishingthegrimaspectofhiscountenance,butimpartingapeculiarlookoftrouble,andapainfulappearanceofmentaltensiontowardsoneabsorbingsubject.Heonlyhalfaddressedme,andImaintainedsilence.Ididn"tliketohearhimtalk!Afterashortperiodheresumedhismeditationonthepicture,tookitdownandleantitagainstthesofatocontemplateitatbetteradvantage;andwhilesooccupiedCatherineentered,announcingthatshewasready,whenherponyshouldbesaddled.　　`Sendthatovertomorrow,"saidHeathclifftome;thenturningtoher,headded--`Youmaydowithoutyourpony:itis afineevening,andyou"llneednoponiesatWutheringHeights;forwhatjourneysyoutake,yourownfeetwillserveyou.Comealong."　　`Goodbye,Ellen!"whisperedmydearlittlemistress.Asshekissedme,herlipsfeltlikeice.`Comeandseeme,Ellen;don"tforget."　　`Takecareyoudonosuchthing,MrsDean!"saidhernewfather.`WhenIwishtospeaktoyouI"llcomehere.Iwantnoneofyourpryingatmyhouse!"　　Hesignedhertoprecedehim;andcastingbackalookthatcutmyheart,sheobeyed.Iwatchedthemfromthewindow,walkdownthegarden.HeathclifffixedCatherine"sarmunderhis:thoughshedisputedtheactatfirstevidently;andwithrapidstrideshehurriedherintothealley,whosetreesconcealedthem.　　Chapter30　　IhavepaidavisittotheHeights,butIhavenotseenhersincesheleft:JosephheldthedoorinhishandwhenIcalledtoaskafterher,andwouldn"tletmepass.HesaidMrsLintonwas`thrang",andthemasterwasnotin.Zillahhastoldmesomethingofthewaytheygoon,otherwiseIshouldhardlyknowwhowasdeadandwholiving.ShethinksCatherinehaughty,anddoesnotlikeher,Icanguessbyhertalk.Myyoungladyaskedsomeaidofherwhenshefirstcame;butMrHeathclifftoldher tofollowherownbusiness,andlethisdaughter-in-lawlookafterherself;andZillahwillinglyacquiesced,beinganarrow-minded,selfishwoman.Catherineevincedachild"sannoyanceatthisneglect;repaiditwithcontempt,andthusenlistedmyinformantamongherenemies,assecurelyasifshehaddonehersomegreatwrong.IhadalongtalkwithZillahaboutsixweeksago,alittlebeforeyoucame,onedaywhenweforegatheredonthemoor;andthisiswhatshetoldme.　　`ThefirstthingMrsLintondid",shesaid,`onherarrivalattheHeights,wastorunupstairs,withoutevenwishinggoodeveningtomeandJoseph;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"dhadenoughplaguewiththetiresomething;weeachhadourtasks,andhers wastowaitonLinton,MrHeathcliffbidmeleavethatlabourtoher.　　`Howtheymanagedtogether,Ican"ttell.Ifancyhefrettedagreatdeal,andmoanedhisselnnightandday;andshehadpreciouslittlerest:onecouldguessbyherwhitefaceandheavyeyes.Shesometimescameintothekitchenallwilderedlike,andlookedasifshewouldfainbegassistance;butIwasnotgoingtodisobeythemaster:Ineverdaredisobeyhim,MrsDean;and,thoughIthoughtitwrongthatKennethshouldnotbesentfor,itwasnoconcernofmineeithertoadviseorcomplain,andIalwaysrefusedtomeddle.Onceortwice,afterwehadgonetobed,I"vehappenedtoopenmydooragainandseenhersittingcryingonthestairs"top;andthenI"veshutmyselfinquick,forfearofbeingmovedtointerfere.Ididpityherthen,I"msure:stillIdidn"twishtolosemyplace,youknow.　　`Atlast,onenightshecameboldlyintomychamber,andfrightenedmeoutofmywits,bysaying:　　`"TellMrHeathcliffthathissonisdying--I"msureheis,thistime.Getup,instantly,andtellhim."　　`Havingutteredthisspeech,shevanishedagain.Ilayaquarterofanhourlisteningandtrembling.Nothingstirred--thehousewasquiet.　　`She"smistaken,Isaidtomyself.He"sgotoverit.Ineedn"tdisturbthem;andIbegantodoze.Butmysleepwasmarredasecondtimebyasharpringingofthebell--theonlybellwe have,putuponpurposeforLinton;andthemastercalledtometoseewhatwasthematter,andinformthemthathewouldn"thavethatnoiserepeated.　　`IdeliveredCatherine"smessage.Hecursedtohimself,andinafewminutescameoutwithalightedcandle,andproceededtotheirroom.Ifollowed.MrsHeathcliffwasseatedbythebedside,withherhandsfoldedonherknees.Herfather-in-lawwentup,heldthelighttoLinton"sface,lookedathim,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,andMrsHeathcliffremainedbyherself. 　　`Inthemorning,hesentmetotellhershemustcomedowntobreakfast:shehadundressed,andappearedgoingtosleep,andsaidshewasill;atwhichIhardlywondered.IinformedMrHeathcliff,andhereplied:　　`"Well,letherbetillafterthefuneral;andgoupnowandthentogetherwhatisneedful;and,assoonassheseemsbetter,tellme.""　　Cathystayedupstairsafortnight,accordingtoZillah;whovisitedhertwiceaday,andwouldhavebeenrathermorefriendly,butherattemptsatincreasingkindnesswereproudlyandpromptlyrepelled.　　Heathcliffwentuponce,toshowherLinton"swill.Hehadbequeathedthewholeofhis,andwhathadbeenher,movablepropertytohisfather:thepoorcreaturewasthreatened,orcoaxed,intothatactduringherweek"sabsence,whenhisuncledied.Thelands,beingaminor,hecouldnotmeddlewith.However,MrHeathcliffhasclaimedandkepttheminhiswife"srightandhisalso:Isupposelegally:atanyrate,Catherine,destituteofcashandfriends,cannotdisturbhispossession.　　`Nobody",saidZillah,`everapproachedherdoor,exceptthatonce,butI;andnobodyaskedanythingabouther.ThefirstoccasionofhercomingdownintothehousewasonaSundayafternoon.Shehadcriedout,whenIcarriedupherdinner,thatshecouldn"tbearanylongerbeinginthecold:andItoldherthemasterwasgoingtoThrushcrossGrange,andEarnshawand Ineedn"thinderherfromdescending;so,assoonassheheardHeathcliff"shorsetrotoff,shemadeherappearancedonnedinblack,andheryellowcurlscombedbackbehindherearsasplainasaQuaker:shecouldn"tcombthemout.　　`JosephandIgenerallygotochapelonSundays";thekirk,youknow,hasnoministernow,explainedMrsDean;andtheycalltheMethodists"orBaptists"place(Ican"tsaywhichitis),atGimmerton,achapel.`Josephhadgone,"shecontinued,`butIthoughtpropertobideathome.Youngfolksarealwaysthebetterforanelder"soverlooking;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,MrsDean,"Zillahwenton,seeingmenotpleasedbyhermanner,`youhappenthinkyouryoungladytoofineforMrHareton;andhappenyou"reright:butIownIshouldlovewelltobringherprideapeglower.Andwhatwillallherlearningandherdaintinessdoforher,now?She"saspoorasyouorI: poorerI"llbebound:you"resaving,andI"mdoingmylittleallthatroad."*HaretonallowedZillahtogivehimheraid;andsheflatteredhimintoagoodhumour:so,whenCatherinecame,halfforgettingherformerinsults,hetriedtomakehimselfagreeable,bythehousekeeper"saccount.　　`Missiswalkedin",shesaid,`aschillasanicicle,andashighasaprincess.Igotupandofferedhermyseatinthearmchair.No,sheturneduphernoseatmycivility.Earnshawrose,too,andbidhercometothesettle,andsitclosebythefire:hewassureshewasstarved.　　`"I"vebeenstarvedamonthandmore,"sheanswered,restingonthewordasscornfulasshecould.　　`Andshegotachairforherself,andplaceditatadistancefrombothofus.Havingsattillshewaswarm,shebegantolookround,anddiscoveredanumberofbooksinthedresser;shewasinstantlyuponherfeetagain,stretchingtoreachthem:buttheyweretoohighup.Hercousin,afterwatchingherendeavoursawhile,atlastsummonedcouragetohelpher;sheheldherfrock,andhefilleditwiththefirstthatcametohand.　　`Thatwasagreatadvanceforthelad.Shedidn"tthankhim;still,hefeltgratifiedthatshehadacceptedhisassistance,andventuredtostandbehindassheexaminedthem,andeventostoopandpointoutwhatstruckhisfancyincertainoldpictureswhichtheycontained;norwashedauntedbythesaucystyleinwhichshejerkedthepagefromhisfinger:he contentedhimselfwithgoingabitfartherback,andlookingatherinsteadofthebook.Shecontinuedreading,orseekingforsomethingtoread.Hisattentionbecame,bydegrees,quitecentredinthestudyofherthick,silkycurls:herfacehecouldn"tsee,andshecouldn"tseehim.And,perhaps,notquiteawaketowhathedid,butattractedlikeachildtoacandle,atlastheproceededfromstaringtotouching;heputouthishandandstrokedonecurl,asgentlyasifitwereabird.Hemighthavestuckaknifeintoherneck,shestartedroundinsuchataking.　　`"Getaway,thismoment!Howdareyoutouchme?Whyareyoustoppingthere?"shecried,inatoneofdisgust."Ican"tendureyou!I"llgoupstairsagain,ifyoucomenearme."　　`MrHaretonrecoiled,lookingasfoolishashecoulddo:hesatdowninthesettleveryquiet,andshecontinuedturningoverhervolumesanotherhalf-hour;finally,Earnshawcrossedover,andwhisperedtome:　　`"Willyouaskhertoreadtous,Zillah?I"mstalledofdoingnaught;andIdolike--Icouldliketohearher!DunnotsayIwantedit,butaskofyourseln."　　`"MrHaretonwishesyouwouldreadtous,ma"am,"Isaidimmediately."He"dtakeitverykind--he"dbemuchobliged."　　`Shefrowned;andlookingup,answered:　　`"MrHareton,andthewholesetofyou,willbegoodenoughtounderstandthatIrejectanypretenceatkindnessyou havethehypocrisytooffer!Idespiseyou,andwillhavenothingtosaytoanyofyou!WhenIwouldhavegivenmylifeforonekindword,eventoseeoneofyourfaces,youallkeptoff.ButIwon"tcomplaintoyou!I"mdrivendownherebythecold;noteithertoamuseyouorenjoyyoursociety."　　`"WhatcouldIha"done?"beganEarnshaw."HowwasItoblame?"　　`"Oh!youareanexception,"answeredMrsHeathcliff."Inevermissedsuchaconcernasyou."　　`"ButIofferedmorethanonce,andasked,"hesaid,kindlingupatherpertness,"IaskedMrHeathclifftoletmewakeforyou."　　`"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,letthemsaytheleastwordtoher,andshe"llcurlbackwithoutrespectofanyone!She"llsnapatthemasterhimself,andasgoodasdareshimtothrashher; andthemorehurtshegets,themorevenomousshegrows."　　Atfirst,onhearingthisaccountfromZillah,Ideterminedtoleavemysituation,takeacottage,andgetCatherinetocomeandlivewithme:butMrHeathcliffwouldassoonpermitthatashewouldsetupHaretoninanindependenthouse;andIcanseenoremedy,atpresent,unlessshecouldmarryagain:andthatschemeitdoesnotcomewithinmyprovincetoarrange.　　ThusendedMrsDean"sstory.Notwithstandingthedoctor"sprophecy,Iamrapidlyrecoveringstrength;andthoughitbeonlythesecondweekinJanuary,Iproposegettingoutonhorsebackinadayortwo,andridingovertoWutheringHeights,toinformmylandlordthatIshallspendthenextsixmonthsinLondon;and,ifhelikes,hemaylookoutforanothertenanttotaketheplaceafterOctober.Iwouldnotpassanotherwinterhereformuch.　　Chapter31　　Yesterdaywasbright,calm,andfrosty.IwenttotheHeightsasIproposed;myhousekeeperentreatedmetobearalittlenotefromhertoheryounglady,andIdidnotrefuse,fortheworthywomanwasnotconsciousofanythingoddinherrequest.Thefrontdoorstoodopen,butthejealousgatewasfastened,asatmylastvisit;Iknocked,andinvokedEarnshawfromamongthegardenbeds;heunchainedit,andIentered.The fellowisashandsomearusticasneedbeseen.Itookparticularnoticeofhimthistime;butthenhedoeshisbest,apparently,tomaketheleastofhisadvantages.　　IaskedifMrHeathcliffwereathome?Heanswered,No;buthewouldbeinatdinnertime.Itwaseleveno"clock,andIannouncedmyintentionofgoinginandwaitingforhim,atwhichheimmediatelyflungdownhistoolsandaccompaniedme,intheofficeofwatchdog,notasasubstituteforthehost.　　Weenteredtogether;Catherinewasthere,makingherselfusefulinpreparingsomevegetablesfortheapproachingmeal;shelookedmoresulkyandlessspiritedthanwhenIhadseenherfirst.Shehardlyraisedhereyestonoticeme,andcontinuedheremploymentwiththesamedisregardtocommonformsofpolitenessasbefore;neverreturningmybowandgoodmorningbytheslightestacknowledgment.　　`Shedoesnotseemsoamiable",Ithought,`asMrsDeanwouldpersuademetobelieve.She"sabeauty,itistrue;butnotanangel."　　Earnshawsurlilybidherremoveherthingstothekitchen.`Removethemyourself,"shesaid,pushingthemfromherassoonasshehaddone;andretiringtoastoolbythewindow,whereshebegantocarvefiguresofbirdsandbeastsoutoftheturnipparingsinherlap.Iapproachedher,pretendingtodesireaviewofthegarden;and,asIfancied,adroitlydroppedMrsDean"snoteontoherknee,unnoticedbyHareton--butsheasked aloud,`Whatisthat?"andchuckeditoff.　　`Aletterfromyouroldacquaintance,thehousekeeperattheGrange,"Ianswered;annoyedatherexposingmykinddeed,andfearfullestitshouldbeimaginedamissiveofmyown.Shewouldgladlyhavegathereditupatthisinformation,butHaretonbeather;heseizedandputitinhiswaistcoat,sayingMrHeathcliffshouldlookatitfirst.Thereat,Catherinesilentlyturnedherfacefromus,and,verystealthily,drewoutherpockethandkerchiefandappliedittohereyes;andhercousin,afterstrugglingawhiletokeepdownhissofterfeelings,pulledouttheletterandflungitonthefloorbesideher,asungraciouslyashecould.Catherinecaughtandperusediteagerly;thenshebutafewquestionstomeconcerningtheinmates,rationalandirrational,ofherformerhome;andgazingtowardsthehills,murmuredinsoliloquy:　　`IshouldliketoberidingMinnydownthere!Ishouldliketobeclimbingupthere!Oh!I"mtired--I"mstalled,Hareton!"Andsheleantherprettyheadbackagainstthesill,withhalfayawnandhalfasigh,andlapsedintoanaspectofabstractedsadness:neithercaringnorknowingwhetherweremarkedher.　　`MrsHeathcliff,"Isaid,aftersittingsometimemute,`youarenotawarethatIamanacquaintanceofyours?sointimatethatIthinkitstrangeyouwon"tcomeandspeaktome.Myhousekeeperneverweariesoftalkingaboutandpraisingyou;and she"llbegreatlydisappointedifIreturnwithnonewsoforfromyou,exceptthatyoureceivedherletterandsaidnothing!"　　Sheappearedtowonderatthisspeech,andasked:　　`DoesEllenlikeyou?"　　`Yes,verywell,"Irepliedunhesitatingly.　　`Youmusttellher,"shecontinued,`thatIwouldanswerherletter,butlhavenomaterialsforwriting:notevenabookfromwhichImighttearaleaf."　　`Nobooks!"Iexclaimed.`Howdoyoucontrivetoliveherewithoutthem?iflmaytakethelibertytoinquire.Thoughprovidedwithalargelibrary,I"mfrequentlyverydullattheGrange;takemybooksaway,andIshouldbedesperate!"　　`Iwasalwaysreading,whenIhadthem,"saidCatherine;`andMrHeathcliffneverreads;sohetookitintohisheadtodestroymybooks.Ihavenothadaglimpseofoneforweeks.Onlyonce,IsearchedthroughJoseph"sstoreoftheology,tohisgreatirritation;andonce,Hareton,Icameuponasecretstockinyourroom--someLatinandGreek,andsometalesandpoetry:alloldfriends.Ibroughtthelasthere--andyougatheredthem,asamagpiegatherssilverspoons,forthemereloveofstealing!Theyareofnousetoyou;orelseyouconcealedtheminthebadspiritthatasyoucannotenjoythemnobodyelseshall.PerhapsyourenvycounselledMrHeathclifftorobmeofmytreasures?ButI"vemostofthemwrittenonmybrainandprintedinmyheart,andyoucannotdeprivemeofthose!" 　　Earnshawblushedcrimsonwhenhiscousinmadethisrevelationofhisprivateliteraryaccumulations,andstammeredanindignantdenialofheraccusations."　　`MrHaretonisdesirousofincreasinghisamountofknowledge,"Isaid,comingtohisrescue.`Heisnotenviousbutemulousofyourattainments.He"llbeacleverscholarinafewyears."　　`Andhewantsmetosinkintoadunce,meantime,"answeredCatherine.`Yes,Ihearhimtryingtospellandreadtohimself,andprettyblundershemakes!IwishyouwouldrepeatChevyChaseasyoudidyesterday:itwasextremelyfunny.Iheardyou;andIheardyouturningoverthedictionarytoseekoutthehardwords,andthencursingbecauseyoucouldn"treadtheirexplanations!"　　Theyoungmanevidentlythoughtittoobadthatheshouldbelaughedatforhisignorance,andthenlaughedatfortryingtoremoveit.Ihadasimilarnotion;and,rememberingMrsDean"sanecdoteofhisfirstattemptatenlighteningthedarknessinwhichhehadbeenreared,Iobserved:　　`But,MrsHeathcliff,wehaveeachhadacommencement,andeachstumbledandtotteredonthethreshold;hadourteachersscornedinsteadofaidingus,weshouldstumbleandtotteryet."　　`Oh!"shereplied,`Idon"twishtolimithisacquirements:still,hehasnorighttoappropriatewhatismine,andmakeitridiculoustomewithhisvilemistakesand mispronunciations!Thosebooks,bothproseandverse,wereconsecratedtomebyotherassociations;andIhatetohavethemdebasedandprofanedinhismouth!Besides,ofall,hehasselectedmyfavouritepiecesthatIlovethemosttorepeat,asifoutofdeliberatemalice."　　Hareton"schestheavedinsilenceaminute:helabouredunderaseveresenseofmortificationandwrath,whichitwasnoeasytasktosuppress.Irose,and,fromagentlemanlyideaofrelievinghisembarrassment,tookupmystationinthedoorway,surveyingtheexternalprospectasIstood.Hefollowedmyexample,andlefttheroom;butpresentlyreappeared,bearinghalfadozenvolumesinhishands,whichhethrewintoCatherine"slap,exclaiming:　　`Takethem!Ineverwanttohear,orread,orthinkofthemagain!"　　`Iwon"thavethemnow,"sheanswered.`Ishallconnectthemwithyou,andhatethem."　　Sheopenedonethathadobviouslybeenoftenturnedover,andreadaportioninthedrawlingtoneofabeginner;thenlaughed,andthrewitfromher.`Andlisten,"shecontinuedprovokingly,commencingaverseofanoldballadinthesamefashion.　　Buthisself-lovewouldendurenofurthertorment:Iheard,andnotaltogetherdisapprovingly,amanualcheckgiventohersaucytongue.Thelittlewretchhaddoneherutmostto hurthercousinssensitivethoughuncultivatedfeelings,andaphysicalargumentwastheonlymodehehadofbalancingtheaccount,andrepayingitseffectsontheinflicter.Heafterwardsgatheredthebooksandhurledthemonthefire.Ireadinhiscountenancewhatanguishitwastoofferthatsacrificetospleen.Ifanciedthatastheyconsumed,herecalledthepleasuretheyhadalreadyimparted,andthetriumphandever-increasingpleasurehehadanticipatedfromthem;andIfanciedIguessedtheincitementtohissecretstudiesalso.Hehadbeencontentwithdailylabourandroughanimalenjoyments,tillCatherinecrossedhispath.Shameatherscorn,andhopeofherapproval,werehisfirstprompterstohigherpursuits;and,insteadofguardinghimfromoneandwinninghimtotheother,hisendeavourstorisehimselfhadproducedjustthecontraryresult.　　`Yes;that"sallthegoodthatsuchabruteasyoucangetfromthem!"criedCatherine,suckingherdamagedlip,andwatchingtheconflagrationwithindignanteyes.　　`You"dbetterholdyourtongue,now,"heansweredfiercely.　　Andhisagitationprecludingfurtherspeech,headvancedhastilytotheentrance,whereImadewayforhimtopass.Buterehehadcrossedthedoorstones,MrHeathcliff,comingupthecauseway,encounteredhim,andlayingholdofhisshoulder,asked: 　　"What"stodonow,mylad?"　　`Naught,naught,"hesaid,andbrokeawaytoenjoyhisgriefandangerinsolitude.　　Heathcliffgazedafterhim,andsighed.　　`ItwillbeoddifIthwartmyself,"hemuttered,unconsciousthatIwasbehindhim.`ButwhenIlookforhisfatherinhisface,Ifindhereverydaymore.Howthedevilishesolike?Icanhardlybeartoseehim."　　Hebenthiseyestotheground,andwalkedmoodilyin.Therewasarestless,anxiousexpressioninhiscountenanceIhadneverremarkedtherebefore;andhelookedsparerinperson.Hisdaughter-in-law,onperceivinghimthroughthewindow,immediatelyescapedtothekitchen,sothatIremainedalone.　　`I"mgladtoseeyououtofdoorsagain,MrLockwood,"hesaid,inreplytomygreeting;`fromselfishmotivespartly:Idon"tthinkIcouldreadilysupplyyourlossinthisdesolation.I"vewonderedmorethanoncewhatbroughtyouhere.　　`Anidlewhim,Ifear,sir,"wasmyanswer;`orelseanidlewhimisgoingtospiritmeaway.IshallsetoutforLondon,nextweek;andImustgiveyouwarningthatIfeelnodispositiontoretainThrushcrossGrangebeyondthetwelvemonthsIagreedtorentit.1believeIshallnotlivethereanymore."　　`Oh,indeed;you"retiredofbeingbanishedfromtheworld,areyou?"hesaid.`Butifyoubecomingtopleadoffpayingforaplaceyouwon"toccupy,yourjourneyisuseless: Ineverrelentinexactingmyduefromanyone."　　`I"mcomingtopleadoffnothingaboutit,"Iexclaimed,considerablyirritated.`Shouldyouwishit,I"llsettlewithyounow,"andIdrewmynotebookfrommypocket.　　`No,no,"herepliedcoolly;`you"llleavesufficientbehindtocoveryourdebts,ifyoufailtoreturn:I"mnotinsuchahurry.Sitdownandtakeyourdinnerwithus;aguestthatissafefromrepeatinghisvisitcangenerallybemadewelcome.Catherine,bringthethingsin:whereareyou?"　　Catherinereappeared,bearingatrayofknivesandforks.　　`YoumaygetyourdinnerwithJoseph,"mutteredHeathcliffaside,`andremaininthekitchentillheisgone."　　Sheobeyedhisdirectionsverypunctually:perhapsshehadnotemptationtotransgress.Livingamongclownsandmisanthropists,sheprobablycannotappreciateabetterclassofpeoplewhenshemeetsthem.　　WithMrHeathcliff,grimandsaturnine,ontheonehand,andHareton,absolutelydumb,ontheother,Imadeasomewhatcheerlessmeal,andbidadieuearly.Iwouldhavedepartedbythebackway,togetalastglimpseofCatherineandannoyoldJoseph;butHaretonreceivedorderstoleadupmyhorse,andmyhosthimselfescortedmetothedoor,soIcouldnotfulfilmywish.　　`Howdrearylifegetsoverinthathouse!"lreflected, whileridingdowntheroad.`WhatarealizationofsomethingmoreromanticthanafairytaleitwouldhavebeenforMrsLintonHeathcliff,hadsheandIstruckupanattachment,ashergoodnursedesired,andmigratedtogetherintothestirringatmosphereofthetown!"　　Chapter32　　1802.--　　ThisSeptemberIwasinvitedtodevastatethemoorsofafriendinthenorth,andonmyjourneytohisabode,IunexpectedlycamewithinfifteenmilesofGimmerton.Theostlerataroadsidepublichousewasholdingapailofwatertorefreshmyhorses,whenacartofverygreenoats,newlyreaped,passedby,andheremarked:　　`Yon"sfroughGimmerton,nah!They"reallasthreewickafterotherfolkwi"therharvest."　　`Gimmerton?`Irepeated--myresidenceinthatlocalityhadalreadygrowndimanddreamy.`Ah!Iknow.Howfarisitfromthis?"　　`Happenfourteenmileo"erth"hills;andaroughroad,"heanswered.　　AsuddenimpulseseizedmetovisitThrushcrossGrange.Itwasscarcelynoon,andIconceivedthatImightaswellpassthenightundermyownroofasinaninn.Besides,Icouldspareadayeasilytoarrangematterswithmylandlord,andthussave myselfthetroubleofinvadingtheneighbourhoodagain.Havingrestedawhile,Idirectedmyservanttoinquirethewaytothevillage;and,withgreatfatiguetoourbeasts,wemanagedthedistanceinsomethreehours.　　Ilefthimthere,andproceededdownthevalleyalone.Thegreychurchlookedgreyer,andthelonelychurchyardlonelier.Idistinguishedamoorsheepcroppingtheshortturfonthegraves.Itwassweet,warmweather--toowarmfortravelling;buttheheatdidnothindermefromenjoyingthedelightfulsceneryaboveandbelow:hadIseenitnearerAugust,I"msureitwouldhavetemptedmetowasteamonthamongitssolitudes.Inwinternothingmoredreary,insummernothingmoredivine,thanthoseglensshutinbyhills,andthosebluff,boldswellsofheath.　　IreachedtheGrangebeforesunset,andknockedforadmittance;butthefamilyhadretreated"intothebackpremises,Ijudged,byonethin,bluewreathcurlingfromthekitchenchimney,andtheydidnothear.Irodeintothecourt.Undertheporch,agirlofnineortensatknitting,andanoldwomanreclinedonthehousesteps,smokingameditativepipe.　　`IsMrsDeanwithin?"Idemandedofthedame.　　`MistressDean?Nay!"sheanswered,`shoodoesn"tbidehere:shoo"supatth"Heights."　　`Areyouthehousekeeper,then?"Icontinued.　　`Ea,Awkeepth"house,"shereplied. 　　`Well,I"mMrLockwood,themaster.Arethereanyroomstolodgemein,Iwonder?Iwishtostayhereallnight."　　`T"maister!"shecriedinastonishment.`Whet,whoiverknewyahwurcoming?Yahsudha"sendword.They"snowtnortherdrynormensfulabahtt"place:nowtthereisn"t!"　　Shethrewdownherpipeandbustledin,thegirlfollowed,andIenteredtoo;soonperceivingthatherreportwastrue,and,moreover,thatIhadalmostupsetherwitsbymyunwelcomeapparition,Ibidherbecomposed.Iwouldgooutforawalk;and,meantime,shemusttrytoprepareacornerofasitting-roomformetosupin,andabedroomtosleepin.Nosweepinganddusting,onlygoodfireanddrysheetswerenecessary.Sheseemedwillingtodoherbest;thoughshethrustthehearth-brushintothegratesinmistakeforthepoker,andmalappropriatedseveralotherarticlesofhercraft:butIretired,confidinginherenergyforaresting-placeagainstmyreturn.WutheringHeightswasthegoalofmyproposedexcursion.Anafterthoughtbroughtmeback,whenIhadquittedthecourt.　　`AllwellattheHeights?"Iinquiredofthewoman.　　`Eea,f"rowtEeknaw,"sheanswered,skurryingawaywithapanofhotcinders.　　IwouldhaveaskedwhyMrsDeanhaddesertedtheGrange,butitwasimpossibletodelayheratsuchacrisis,soIturnedawayandmademyexit,ramblingleisurelyalongwiththeglowofasinkingsunbehind,andthemildgloryofarisingmoonin front--onefading,andtheotherbrightening--asIquittedthepark,andclimbedthestonyby-roadbranchingofftoMrHeathcliff"sdwelling.BeforeIarrivedinsightofit,allthatremainedofdaywasabeamlessamberlightalongthewest:butIcouldseeeverypebbleonthepath,andeverybladeofgrass,bythatsplendidmoon.Ihadneithertoclimbthegatenortoknock--ityieldedtomyhand.Thatisanimprovement,Ithought.AndInoticedanother,bytheaidofmynostrils;afragranceofstocksandwallflowerswaftedontheairfromamongstthehomelyfruittrees.　　Bothdoorsandlatticeswereopen;andyet,asisusuallythecaseinacoaldistrict,afine,redfireilluminedthechimney:thecomfortwhichtheeyederivesfromitrenderstheextraheatendurable.ButthehouseofWutheringHeightsissolarge,thattheinmateshaveplentyofspaceforwithdrawingoutofitsinfluence;andaccordingly,whatinmatestherewerehadstationedthemselvesnotfarfromoneofthewindows.IcouldbothseethemandhearthemtalkbeforeIentered,andlookedandlistenedinconsequence;beingmovedtheretobyamingledsenseofcuriosityandenvy,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,withhisbrownlocks,asshebenttosuperintendhisstudies;andherface--itwasluckyhecouldnotseeherface,orhewouldneverhavebeensosteady.Icould:andIbitmylipinspite,athavingthrownawaythechanceImighthavehadofdoingsomethingbesidesstaringatitssmilingbeauty.　　Thetaskwasdone,notfreefromfurtherblunders;butthepupilclaimedareward,andreceivedatleastfivekisses:which,however,hegenerouslyreturned.Thentheycametothedoor,andfromtheirconversationIjudgedtheywereabouttoissueoutandhaveawalkonthemoors.IsupposedIshouldbecondemnedinHaretonEarnshaw"sheart,ifnotbyhismouth,tothelowestpitintheinfernalregions,ifIshowedmy`unfortunatepersoninhisneighbourhoodthen;andfeelingverymeanandmalignant,Iskulkedroundtoseekrefugeinthekitchen.Therewasunobstructedadmittanceonthatsidealso,andatthedoorsatmyoldfriendNellyDean,sewingandsingingasong; whichwasofteninterruptedfromwithinbyharshwordsofscornandintolerance,utteredinfarfrommusicalaccents.　　`Aw"drayther,byth"haulf,hev`emswearingi"mylugsfroughmorntoneeght,nurhearkenyah,hahsiver!"saidthetenantofthekitchen,inanswertoanunheardspeechofNelly"s.`It"sablazingshaime,utAwcannutoppent"blessedBook,budyahsetupthemgloriestuhSattan,un"allt"flaysomewickednessesutiverwerbornintuht"warld!Oh!yah"eraraightnowt;un"shoo"sanother;un"thatpoorlad"llbelostatweenye.Poorlad!"headded,withagroan;`he"switched:Aw"msartinon"t!OLord,judge`em,furthey"snortherlawnurjusticeamangwerrullers!"　　`No!orweshouldbesittinginflamingfagots,Isuppose,"retortedthesinger.`Butwisht,oldman,andreadyourBiblelikeaChristian,andnevermindme.Thisis"FairyAnnie"s`Wedding"--abonnytune--itgoestoadance."　　MrsDeanwasabouttorecommence,whenIadvanced;andrecognizingmedirectly,shejumpedtoherfeet,crying:　　`Why,blessyou,MrLockwood!Howcouldyouthinkofreturninginthisway?All"sshutupatThrushcrossGrange.Youshouldhavegivenusnotice!"　　`I"vearrangedtobeaccommodatedthere,foraslongasIshallstay,"Ianswered.`Idepartagaintomorrow.Andhowareyoutransplantedhere,MrsDean?tellmethat."　　`Zillahleft,andMrHeathcliffwishedmetocome,soon afteryouwenttoLondon,andstaytillyoureturned.But,stepin,pray!HaveyouwalkedfromGimmertonthisevening?"　　`FromtheGrange,"Ireplied;`andwhiletheymakemelodgingroomthere,Iwanttofinishmybusinesswithyourmaster;becauseIdon"tthinkofhavinganotheropportunityinahurry."　　`Whatbusiness,sir?"saidNelly,conductingmeintothehouse.`He"sgoneoutatpresent,andwon"treturnsoon."　　`Abouttherent,"Ianswered.　　`Oh!thenitiswithMrsHeathcliffyoumustsettle,"sheobserved;`orratherwithme.Shehasnotlearnttomanageheraffairsyet,andIactforher:there"snobodyelse."　　Ilookedsurprised.　　`Ah!youhavenotheardofHeathcliff"sdeath,Isee,"shecontinued.　　`Heathcliffdead!"Iexclaimed,astonished.`Howlongago?"　　`Threemonthssince:butsitdownandletmetakeyourhat,andI"lltellyouallaboutit.Stop,youhavehadnothingtoeat,haveyou?"　　`Iwantnothing:Ihaveorderedsupperathome.Yousitdowntoo.Ineverdreamtofhisdying!Letmehearhowitcametopass.Yousayyoudon"texpectthembackforsometime--theyoungpeople?"　　`No--Ihavetoscoldthemeveryeveningfortheirlaterambles:buttheydon"tcareforme.Atleasthaveadrinkof ouroldale;itwilldoyougood:youseemweary."　　ShehastenedtofetchitbeforeIcouldrefuse,andIheardJosephaskingwhether`itwarn"tacryingscandalthatsheshouldhavefelliesathertimeoflife?Andthen,togetthemjocksoutuh"t"maister"scellar!Hefairshaamedto`bidestillandseeit."　　Shedidnotstaytoretaliate,butre-enteredinaminute,bearingareamingsilverpint,whosecontentsIlaudedwithbecomingearnestness.AndafterwardsshefurnishedmewiththesequelofHeathclifFshistory.Hehada`queer"end,assheexpressedit.　　IwassummonedtoWutheringHeights,withinafortnightofyourleavingus,shesaid;andIobeyedjoyfully,forCatherine"ssake.Myfirstinterviewwithhergrievedandshockedme:shehadalteredsomuchsinceourseparation.MrHeathcliffdidnotexplainhisreasonsfortakinganewmindaboutmycominghere;heonlytoldmehewantedme,andhewastiredofseeingCatherine:Imustmakethelittleparlourmysitting-room,andkeepherwithme.Itwasenoughifhewereobligedtoseeheronceortwiceaday.Sheseemedpleasedatthisarrangement;and,bydegrees,Ismuggledoveragreatnumberofbooks,andotherarticles,thathadformedheramusementattheGrange;andflatteredmyselfweshouldgetonintolerablecomfort.Thedelusiondidnotlastlong.Catherine,contentedatfirst,inabriefspacegrewirritableandrestless.Forone thing,shewasforbiddentomoveoutofthegarden,anditfrettedhersadlytobeconfinedtoitsnarrowboundsasspringdrewon;foranother,infollowingthehouse,Iwasforcedtoquitherfrequently,andshecomplainedofloneliness:shepreferredquarrellingwithJosephinthekitchentosittingatpeaceinhersolitude.Ididnotmindtheirskirmishes:butHaretonwasoftenobligedtoseekthekitchenalso,whenthemasterwantedtohavethehousetohimself;andthoughinthebeginningsheeitherleftitathisapproach,orquietlyjoinedinmyoccupations,andshunnedremarkingoraddressinghim--andthoughhewasalwaysassullenandsilentaspossible--afterawhileshechangedherbehaviour,andbecameincapableoflettinghimalone:talkingathim;commentingonhisstupidityandidleness;expressingherwonderhowhecouldendurethelifehelived--howhecouldsitawholeeveningstaringintothefireanddozing.　　`He"sjustlikeadog,ishenot,Ellen?"sheonceobserved,`oracarthorse?Hedoeshiswork,eatshisfood,andsleepseternally!Whatablank,drearymindhemusthave!Doyoueverdream,Hareton?And,ifyoudo,whatisitabout?Butyoucan"tspeaktome!"　　Thenshelookedathim;buthewouldneitheropenhismouthnorlookagain.　　`He"s,perhaps,dreamingnow,"shecontinued.`HetwitchedhisshoulderasJunotwitcheshers.Askhim,Ellen." 　　`MrHaretonwillaskthemastertosendyouupstairs,ifyoudon"tbehave!"Isaid.　　Hehadnotonlytwitchedhisshoulderbutclenchedhisfist,asiftemptedtouseit.　　`IknowwhyHaretonneverspeaks,whenIaminthekitchen,"sheexclaimed,onanotheroccasion.`HeisafraidIshalllaughathim.Ellen,whatdoyouthink?Hebegantoteachhimselftoreadonce;andbecauseIlaughed,heburnedhisbooks,anddroppedit:washenotafool?"　　`Werenotyounaughty?"Isaid;`answermethat.　　`PerhapsIwas,"shewenton;`butIdidnotexpecthimtobesosilly.Hareton,ifIgaveyouabook,wouldyoutakeitnow?I"lltry!"　　Sheplacedoneshehadbeenperusingonhishand;heflungitoff,andmuttered,ifshedidnotgiveover,hewouldbreakherneck.　　"Well,Ishallputithere,"shesaid,`inthetabledrawer;andI"mgoingtobed."　　Thenshewhisperedmetowatchwhetherhetouchedit,anddeparted.Buthewouldnotcomenearit;andsoIinformedherinthemorning,tohergreatdisappointment.Isawshewassorryforhisperseveringsulkinessandindolence:herconsciencereprovedherforfrighteninghimoffimprovinghimself:shehaddoneiteffectually.Butheringenuitywasatworktoremedytheinjury:whileIironed,orpursuedother stationaryemploymentsIcouldnotwelldointheparlour,shewouldbringsomepleasantvolumeandreaditaloudtome.`WhenHaretonwasthere,shegenerallypausedinaninterestingpart,andleftthebooklyingabout:thatshedidrepeatedly;buthewasasobstinateasamule,and,insteadofsnatchingatherbait,inwetweatherhetooktosmokingwithJoseph;andtheysatlikeautomatons,oneoneachsideofthefire,theelderhappilytoodeaftounderstandherwickednonsense,ashewouldhavecalledit,theyoungerdoinghisbesttoseemtodisregardit.Onfineeveningsthelatterfollowedhisshootingexpeditions,andCatherineyawnedandsighed,andteasedmetotalktoher,andranoffintothecourtorgarden,themomentIbegan;and,asalastresource,cried,andsaidshewastiredofliving:herlifewasuseless.　　MrHeathcliff,whogrewmoreandmoredisinclinedtosociety,hadalmostbanishedEarnshawoutofhisapartment.OwingtoanaccidentatthecommencementofMarch,hebecameforsomedaysafixtureinthekitchen.Hisgunburstwhileoutonthehillsbyhimself;asplintercuthisarm,andhelostagooddealofbloodbeforehecouldreachhome.Theconsequencewasthat,perforce,hewascondemnedtothefiresideandtranquillity,tillhemadeitupagain.ItsuitedCatherinetohavehimthere:atanyrate,itmadeherhateherroomupstairsmorethanever:andshewouldcompelmetofindoutbusinessbelow,thatshemightaccompanyme. 　　OnEasterMonday,JosephwenttoGimmertonfairwithsomecattle;and,intheafternoon,Iwasbusygettinguplineninthekitchen.Earnshawsat,moroseasusual,atthechimney-corner,andmylittlemistresswasbeguilinganidlehourwithdrawingpicturesonthewindowpanes;varyingheramusementbysmotheredburstsofsongs,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.　　`Letmetakethatpipe,"shesaid,cautiouslyadvancingherhandandabstractingitfromhismouth.　　Beforehecouldattempttorecoverit,itwasbroken,andbehindthefire.Hesworeatherandseizedanother.　　`Stop,"shecried,`youmustlistentomefirst;andI can"tspeakwhilethosecloudsarefloatinginmyface."　　`Willyougotothedevil!"heexclaimedferociously,`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"gait,now;thisminute!"　　Catherinefrowned,andretreatedtothewindow-seatchewingherlip,andendeavouring,byhumminganeccentrictune,toconcealagrowingtendencytosob.　　`Youshouldbefriendswithyourcousin,MrHareton,"Iinterrupted,`sincesherepentsofhersauciness.Itwoulddoyouagreatdealofgood:itwouldmakeyouanothermantohaveherforacompanion."　　`Acompanion?"hecried;`whenshehatesme,anddoesnotthinkmefittowipehershoon!Nay!ifitmademeaking,I"dnotbescornedforseekinghergoodwillanymore."　　`ItisnotIwhohateyou,itisyouwhohateme!"weptCathy,nolongerdisguisinghertrouble.`YouhatemeasmuchasMrHeathcliffdoes,andmore." 　　`You"readamnedliar,"beganEarnshaw:`whyhaveImadehimangry,bytakingyourpart,then,ahundredtimes?andthatwhenyousneeredatanddespisedme,and--Goonplaguingme,andI"llstepinyonder,andsayyouworriedmeoutofthekitchen!"　　`Ididn"tknowyoutookmypart,"sheanswered,dryinghereyes;`andIwasmiserableandbitterateverybody;butnowIthankyou,andbegyoutoforgiveme:whatcanIdobesides?"　　Shereturnedtothehearth,andfranklyextendedherhand.Heblackenedandscowledlikeathundercloud,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,thathisfaceshouldnotbeseen,andwhenhedidraiseit,hewassadlypuzzledwheretoturnhiseyes.　　Catherineemployedherselfinwrappingahandsomebook neatlyinwhitepaper,andhavingtieditwithabitofribband,andaddresseditto`MrHaretonEarnshaw",shedesiredmetobeherambassadress,andconveythepresenttoitsdestinedrecipient.　　`Andtellhim,ifhe"lltakeitI"llcomeandteachhimtoreaditright,"shesaid;`and,ifherefuseit,I"llgoupstairs,andneverteasehimagain."　　Icarriedit,andrepeatedthemessage;anxiouslywatchedbymyemployer.Haretonwouldnotopenhisfingers,soIlaiditonhisknee.Hedidnotstrikeoff,either.Ireturnedtomywork.Catherineleanedherheadandarmsonthetable,tillsheheardtheslightestrustleofthecoveringbeingremoved;thenshestoleaway,andquietlyseatedherselfbesidehercousin.Hetrembled,andhisfaceglowed:allhisrudenessandallhissurlyharshnesshaddesertedhim:hecouldnotsummoncourage,atfirst,toutterasyllableinreplytoherquestioninglook,andhermurmuredpetition.　　`Sayyouforgiveme,Hareton,do?Youcanmakemesohappybyspeakingthatlittleword."　　Hemutteredsomethinginaudible.　　`Andyou"llbemyfriend?"addedCatherineinterrogatively.　　`Nay,you"llbeashamedofmeeverydayofyourlife,"heanswered;`andthemore,themoreyouknowme;andIcannotbideit." 　　`Soyouwon"tbemyfriend?"shesaid,smilingassweetashoney,andcreepingcloseup.　　Ioverheardnofurtherdistinguishabletalk,but,onlookingroundagain,Iperceivedtwosuchradiantcountenancesbentoverthepageoftheacceptedbook,thatIdidnotdoubtthetreatyhadbeenratifiedonbothsides;andtheenemieswere,thenceforth,swornallies.　　Theworktheystudiedwasfullofcostlypictures;andthoseandtheirpositionhadcharmenoughtokeepthemunmovedtillJosephcamehome.He,poorman,wasperfectlyaghastatthespectacleofCatherineseatedonthesamebenchwithHaretonEarnshaw,leaningherhandonhisshoulder;andconfoundedathisfavourite"senduranceofherproximity:itaffectedhimtoodeeplytoallowanobservationonthesubjectthatnight.Hisemotionwasonlyrevealedbytheimmensesighshedrew,ashesolemnlyspreadhislargeBibleonthetable,andoverlaiditwithdirtybank-notesfromhispocket-book,theproduceoftheday"stransactions.Atlength,hesummonedHaretonfromhisseat.　　`Tak"theseintuht"maister,lad,"hesaid,`un"bidethar.Aw"sganguptuhmyawnrahm.Thishoile"snorthermensfulnorseemlyfurus:wemunsideahtandseearchanother."　　`Come,Catherine,"Isaid,`wemust"sideout"too;I"vedonemyironing,areyoureadytogo?"　　`Itisnoteighto"clock!"sheanswered,rising unwillingly.`Hareton,I"llleavethisbookuponthechimney-piece,andI"llbringsomemoretomorrow."　　`Onybooksutyahleave,Awsualltak"intuhth"hahse,"saidJoseph,`unit"llbemitchifyahfindemagean;soa,yahmuhplaseyourseln!"　　Cathythreatenedthathislibraryshouldpayforhers;and,smilingasshepassedHareton,wentsingingupstairs:lighterofheart,Iventuretosay,thanevershehadbeenunderthatroofbefore;except,perhaps,duringherearliestvisitstoLinton.　　Theintimacythuscommenced,grewrapidly;thoughitencounteredtemporaryinterruptions.Earnshawwasnottobecivilizedwithawish,andmyyoungladywasnophilosopher,andnoparagonofpatience;butboththeirmindstendingtothesamepoint--onelovinganddesiringtoesteem,andtheotherlovinganddesiringtobeesteemed--theycontrivedintheendtoreachit.　　Yousee,MrLockwood,itwaseasyenoughtowinMrsHeathcliff"sheart.Butnow,I"mgladyoudidnottry.Thecrownofallmywisheswillbetheunionofthosetwo.Ishallenvynooneontheirweddingday:therewon"tbeahappierwomanthanmyselfinEngland!　　Chapter33　　OnthemorrowofthatMonday,Earnshawbeingstill unabletofollowhisordinaryemployments,andthereforeremainingaboutthehouse,Ispeedilyfounditwouldbeimpracticabletoretainmychargebesideme,asheretofore.Shegotdownstairsbeforeme,andoutintothegarden,whereshehadseenhercousinperformingsomeeasywork;andwhenIwenttobidthemcometobreakfast,Isawshehadpersuadedhimtoclearalargespaceofgroundfromcurrantandgooseberrybushes,andtheywerebusyplanningtogetheranimportationofplantsfromtheGrange.　　Iwasterrifiedatthedevastationwhichhadbeenaccomplishedinabriefhalf-hour;theblack-curranttreesweretheappleofJoseph"seye,andshehadjustfixedherchoiceofaflowerbedinthemidstofthem.　　`There!Thatwillbeallshowntothemaster,"Iexclaimed,`theminuteitisdiscovered.Andwhatexcusehaveyoutoofferfortakingsuchlibertieswiththegarden?`Weshallhaveafineexplosionontheheadofit:seeifwedon"t!MrHareton,Iwonderyoushouldhavenomorewit,thantogoandmakethatmessatherbidding!"　　`I"dforgottentheywereJoseph"s,"answeredEarnshaw,ratherpuzzled;`butI"lltellhimIdidit."　　`WealwaysateourmealswithMrHeathcliff.Iheldthemistress"spostinmakingteaandcarving;soIwasindispensableattable.Catherineusuallysatbyme,buttodayshestolenearertoHareton;andIpresentlysawshewouldhavenomorediscretion inherfriendshipthanshehadinherhostility.　　`Now,mindyoudon"ttalkwithandnoticeyourcousintoomuch,"weremywhisperedinstructionsasweenteredtheroom.`ItwillcertainlyannoyMrHeathcliff,andhe"llbemadatyouboth."　　`I"mnotgoingto,"sheanswered.　　Theminuteafter,shehadsidledtohim,andwasstickingprimrosesinhisplateofporridge.　　Hedarednotspeaktoherthere:hedaredhardlylook;andyetshewentonteasing,tillhewastwiceonthepointofbeingprovokedtolaugh;andIfrowned,andthensheglancedtowardsthemaster:whosemindwasoccupiedonothersubjectsthanhiscompany,ashiscountenanceevinced;andshegrewseriousforaninstant,scrutinizinghimwithdeepgravity.Afterwardssheturned,andrecommencedhernonsense;atlast,Haretonutteredasmotheredlaugh.MrHeathcliffstarted;hiseyerapidlysurveyedourfaces.Catherinemetitwithheraccustomedlookofnervousnessandyetdefiance,whichheabhorred.　　`Itiswellyouareoutofmyreach,"heexclaimed."Whatfiendpossessesyoutostarebackatme,continually,withthoseinfernaleyes?Downwiththem!anddon"tremindmeofyourexistenceagain.IthoughtIhadcuredyouoflaughing."　　`Itwasme,"mutteredHareton.　　`Whatdoyousay?"demandedthemaster. 　　Haretonlookedathisplate,anddidnotrepeattheconfession.MrHeathclifflookedathimabit,andthensilentlyresumedhisbreakfastandhisinterruptedmusing.`Wehadnearlyfinished,andthetwoyoungpeopleprudentlyshiftedwiderasunder,soIanticipatednofurtherdisturbanceduringthatsitting:whenJosephappearedatthedoor,revealingbyhisquiveringlipandfuriouseyes,thattheoutragecommittedonhispreciousshrubswasdetected.HemusthaveseenCathyandhercousinaboutthespotbeforeheexaminedit,forwhilehisjawsworkedlikethoseofacowchewingitscud,andrenderedhisspeechdifficulttounderstand,hebegan:　　`Awmunhevmywage,andAwmungoa!Awbedaimedtuhdee,wheareAw"dsarvedfursixtyyear;`unAwthowtAw"dlugmybooksupintuht"garret,un"allmybitsuhstuff,un"theysudhevt"kitchentuhtheirseln;furt"sakeuhquietness.Itwurhardtuhgieupmyawnhearthstun,budAwthowtAwcoulddothat!Bud,nah,shoo"staanmygardenfroughme,un"byth"heart,maister,Awcannotstandit!Yahmuhbendtuhth"yoak,anyewillAwnoanusedto`t,andanow"dmandosen"tsooingetusedtuhnewbarthens.Aw"draytherarnmybitean"mysupwi"ahammerinth"road!"　　`Now,now,idiot!"interruptedHeathcliff,`cutitshort!`What"syourgrievance?I"llinterfereinnoquarrelsbetweenyouandNelly.Shemaythrustyouintothecoal-holeforanythingIcare." 　　`It"snoanNelly!"answeredJoseph.`Awsudn"tshiftfurNellie--nastyillnowtasshoois.ThankGod!shoocannotstalet"sowlo"nob"dy!Shoowerniversoahandsome,budwhetabodymudlookather`bahtwinking.It"syonflaysome,gracelessquean,utswitchedahrlad,wi"herboldeenun"herforrardways--till--Nay!itfairbrustsmyheart!He"sforgettenallEedoneforhim,un"madeonhim,un"goanun"rivenupawholerowutt"grandestcurranttrees,i"t"garden!"Andherehelamentedoutright;unmannedbyasenseofhisbitterinjuries,andEarnshaw"singratitudeanddangerouscondition.　　`Isthefooldrunk?"askedMrHeathcliff.`Hareton,isityouhe"sfindingfaultwith?"　　`I"vepulleduptwoorthreebushes,"repliedtheyoungman;`butI"mgoingtoset`emagain."　　`Andwhyhaveyoupulledthemup?"saidthemaster.　　Catherineunwiselyputinhertongue.　　`Wewantedtoplantsomeflowersthere,"shecried.`I"mtheonlypersontoblame,forIwishedhimtodoit."　　`Andwhothedevilgaveyouleavetotouchastickabouttheplace?"demandedherfather-in-law,muchsurprised.`Andwhoorderedyoutoobeyher?"headded,turningtoHareton.　　Thelatterwasspeechless;hiscousinreplied:　　`Youshouldn"tgrudgeafewyardsofearthformetoornament,whenyouhavetakenallmyland!"　　`Yourland,insolentslut!Youneverhadany,"said Heathcliff.　　`Andmymoney,"shecontinued;returninghisangryglare,andmeantimebitingapieceofcrust,theremnantofherbreakfast.　　`Silence!"heexclaimed.`Getdone,andbegone!"　　`AndHareton"sland,andhismoney,"pursuedtherecklessthing.`HaretonandIarefriendsnow;andIshalltellhimallaboutyou!"　　Themasterseemedconfoundedamoment:hegrewpale,androseup,eyeingherallthewhile,withanexpressionofmortalhate.　　`Ifyoustrikeme,Haretonwillstrikeyou,"shesaid;`soyoumayaswellsitdown."　　`IfHaretondoesnotturnyououtoftheroom,I"llstrikehimtohell,"thunderedHeathcliff.`Damnablewitch!dareyoupretendtorousehimagainstme?Offwithher!Doyouhear?Flingherintothekitchen!I"llkillher,EllenDean,ifyoulethercomeintomysightagain!"　　Haretontried,underhisbreath,topersuadehertogo.　　`Dragheraway!"hecriedsavagely.`Areyoustayingtotalk?"Andheapproachedtoexecutehisowncommand.　　`He"llnotobeyyou,wickedman,anymore,"saidCatherine;`andhe"llsoondetestyouasmuchasIdo."　　"Wisht!wisht!"mutteredtheyoungmanreproachfully.`Iwillnothearyouspeaksotohim.Havedone." 　　`Butyouwon"tlethimstrikeme?"shecried.　　`Come,then,"hewhisperedearnestly.Itwastoolate:Heathcliffhadcaughtholdofher.　　`Nowyougo!"hesaidtoEarnshaw.`Accursedwitch!thistimeshehasprovokedmewhenIcouldnotbearit;andI"llmakeherrepentitforever!"　　Hehadhishandinherhair;Haretonattemptedtoreleasethelocks,entreatinghimnottohurtherthatonce.Heathcliff"sblackeyesflashed;heseemedreadytotearCatherineinpieces,andIwasjustworkeduptoriskcomingtotherescue,whenofasuddenhisfingersrelaxed;heshiftedhisgraspfromherheadtoherarm,andgazedintentlyinherface.Thenhedrewhishandoverhiseyes,stoodamomenttocollecthimselfapparently,andturninganewtoCatherine,saidwithassumedcalmness:`Youmustlearntoavoidputtingmeinapassion,orIshallreallymurderyousometime!GowithMrsDean,andkeepwithher;andconfineyourinsolencetoherears.AstoHaretonEarnshaw,ifIseehimlistentoyou,I"llsendhimseekinghisbreadwherehecangetit!Yourlovewillmakehimanoutcastandabeggar.Nelly,takeher;andleavemeallofyou!Leaveme!"　　Iledmyyoungladyout:shewastoogladofherescapetoresist;theotherfollowed,andMrHeathcliffhadtheroomtohimselftilldinner.IhadcounselledCatherinetogethersupstairs;but,assoonasheperceivedhervacantseat,hesentmetocallher.Hespoketononeofus,ateverylittle,andwent outdirectlyafterwards,intimatingthatheshouldnotreturnbeforeevening.　　Thetwonewfriendsestablishedthemselvesinthehouseduringhisabsence;whenIheardHaretonsternlycheckhiscousin,onherofferingarevelationofherfather-in-law"sconducttohisfather.Hesaidhewouldn"tsufferawordtobeutteredtohim,inhisdisparagement:ifhewerethedevil,itdidn"tsignify:hewouldstandbyhim;andhe"drathershewouldabusehimself,assheusedto,thanbeginonMrHeathcliff.Catherinewaswaxingcrossatthis;buthefoundmeanstomakeherholdhertongue,byaskinghowshewouldlikehimtospeakillofherfather?andthenshecomprehendedthatEarnshawtookthemaster"sreputationhometohimself;andwasattachedbytiesstrongerthanreasoncouldbreak--chains,forgedbyhabit,whichitwouldbecrueltoattempttoloosen.Sheshowedagoodheart,thenceforth,inavoidingbothcomplaintsandexpressionsofantipathyconcerningHeathcliff;andconfessedtomehersorrowthatshehadendeavouredtoraiseabadspiritbetweenhimandHareton:indeed,Idon"tbelieveshehaseverbreathedasyllable,inthelatter"shearing,againstheroppressorsince.　　`Whenthisslightdisagreementwasover,theywerethickagain,andasbusyaspossibleintheirseveraloccupationsofpupilandteacher.Icameintositwiththem,afterIhaddonemywork;andIfeltsosoothedandcomfortedtowatchthem,thatIdidnotnoticehowtimegoton.Youknow,theybothappeared inameasuremychildren:Ihadlongbeenproudofone;andnow,Iwassure,theotherwouldbeasourceofequalsatisfaction.Hishonest,warm,andintelligentnatureshookoffrapidlythecloudsofignoranceanddegradationinwhichithadbeenbred;andCatherine"ssincerecommendationsactedasaspurtohisindustry.Hisbrighteningmindbrightenedhisfeatures,andaddedspiritandnobilitytotheiraspect:IcouldhardlyfancyitthesameindividualIhadbeheldonthedayIdiscoveredmylittleladyat`WutheringHeights,afterherexpeditiontotheCrags.`WhileIadmiredandtheylaboured,duskgrewon,andwithitreturnedthemaster.Hecameuponusquiteunexpectedly,enteringbythefrontway,andhadafullviewofthewholethree,erewecouldraiseourheadstoglanceathim.Well,Ireflected,therewasneverapleasanter,ormoreharmlesssight;anditwillbeaburningshametoscoldthem.Theredfirelightglowedontheirtwobonnyheads,andrevealedtheirfacesanimatedwiththeeagerinterestofchildren;for,--thoughhewastwenty-threeandsheeighteen,eachhadsomuchofnoveltytofeelandlearn,thatneitherexperiencednorevincedthesentimentsofsoberdisenchantedmaturity.　　Theyliftedtheireyestogether,toencounterMrHeathcliff:perhapsyouhaveneverremarkedthattheireyesarepreciselysimilar,andtheyarethoseofCatherineEarnshaw.ThepresentCatherinehasnootherlikenesstoher,exceptabreadthofforehead,andacertainarchofthenostrilthatmakesher appearratherhaughty,whethershewillornot.`WithHaretontheresemblanceiscarriedfurther:itissingularatalltimes,thenitwasparticularlystriking;becausehissenseswerealert,andhismentalfacultieswakenedtounwontedactivity.IsupposethisresemblancedisarmedMrHeathcliff: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!ThatsoundsasifIhadbeenlabouringthewholetimeonlytoexhibitafinetraitofmagnanimity.Itisfarfrombeingthecase:Ihavelostthefacultyofenjoyingtheirdestruction,and Iamtooidletodestroyfornothing.　　`Nelly,thereisastrangechangeapproaching:I"minitsshadowatpresent.Itakesolittleinterestinmydailylife,thatIhardlyremembertoeatanddrink.Thosetwowhohavelefttheroomaretheonlyobjectswhichretainadistinctmaterialappearancetome;andthatappearancecausesmepain,amountingtoagony.AboutherIwon"tspeak;andIdon"tdesiretothink;butIearnestlywishshewereinvisible:herpresenceinvokesonlymaddeningsensations.Hemovesmedifferently:andyetifIcoulddoitwithoutseeminginsane,I"dneverseehimagain.You"llperhapsthinkmeratherinclinedtobecomeso,"headded,makinganefforttosmile,`ifItrytodescribethethousandformsofpastassociationsandideasheawakensorembodies.Butyou"llnottalkofwhatItellyou;andmymindissoeternallysecludedinitself,itistemptingatlasttoturnitouttoanother.　　`Fiveminutesago,Haretonseemedapersonificationofmyyouth,notahumanbeing:Ifelttohiminsuchavarietyofways,thatitwouldhavebeenimpossibletohaveaccostedhimrationally.Inthefirstplace,hisstartlinglikenesstoCatherineconnectedhimfearfullywithher.That,however,whichyoumaysupposethemostpotenttoarrestmyimagination,isactuallytheleast:forwhatisnotconnectedwithhertome?andwhatdoesnotrecallher?Icannotlookdowntothisfloor,butherfeaturesareshapedintheflags!Ineverycloud,inevery tree--fillingtheairatnight,andcaughtbyglimpsesineveryobjectbyday--Iamsurroundedwithherimage!Themostordinaryfacesofmenandwomen--myownfeatures--mockmewitharesemblance.Theentireworldisadreadfulcollectionofmemorandathatshedidexist,andthatIhavelosther!Well,Hareton"saspectwastheghostofmyimmortallove;ofmywildendeavourstoholdmyright;mydegradation,mypride,myhappiness,andmyanguish:　　`Butitisfrenzytorepeatthesethoughtstoyou:onlyitwillletyouknowwhy,withareluctancetobealwaysalone,hissocietyisnobenefit;ratheranaggravationoftheconstanttormentIsuffer;anditpartlycontributestorendermeregardlesshowheandhiscousingoontogether.Icangivethemnoattention,anymore.　　`Butwhatdoyoumeanbyachange,MrHeathcliff?"Isaid,alarmedathismanner:thoughhewasneitherindangeroflosinghissenses,nordying,accordingtomyjudgment;hewasquitestrongandhealthy:and,astohisreason,fromchildhoodhehadadelightindwellingondarkthings,andentertainingoddfancies.Hemighthavehadamonomaniaonthesubjectofhisdepartedidol;butoneveryotherpointhiswitswereassoundasmine.　　`Ishallnotknowthattillitcomes,"hesaid,`I"monlyhalfconsciousofitnow.　　`Youhavenofeelingsofillness,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,itwashishabitual mood,Ihadnodoubt:heassertedithimself;butnotasoul,fromhisgeneralbearing,wouldhaveconjecturedthefact.Youdidnotwhenyousawhim,MrLockwood:andattheperiodofwhichIspeakhewasjustthesameasthen;onlyfonderofcontinuedsolitude,andperhapsstillmorelaconicincompany.　　Chapter34　　Forsomedaysafterthatevening,MrHeathcliffshunnedmeetingusatmeals;yethewouldnotconsentformallytoexcludeHaretonandCathy.Hehadanaversiontoyieldingsocompletelytohisfeelings,choosingrathertoabsenthimself;andeatingonceintwenty-fourhoursseemedsufficientsustenanceforhim.　　Onenight,afterthefamilywereinbed,Iheardhimgodownstairs,andoutatthefrontdoor.Ididnothearhimre-enter,andinthemorningIfoundhewasstillaway.WewereinAprilthen:theweatherwassweetandwarm,thegrassasgreenasshowersandsuncouldmakeit,andthetwodwarfappletreesnearthesouthernwallinfullbloom.　　Afterbreakfast,Catherineinsistedonmybringingachairandsittingwithmyworkunderthefirtreesattheendofthehouse;andshebeguiledHareton,whohadperfectlyrecoveredfromhisaccident,todigandarrangeherlittlegarden,whichwasshiftedtothatcornerbytheinfluenceofJoseph"scomplaints.　　Iwascomfortablyrevellinginthespringfragrance around,andthebeautifulsoftblueoverhead,whenmyyounglady,whohadrundownnearthegatetoprocuresomeprimroserootsforaborder,returnedonlyhalfladen,andinformedusthatMrHeathcliffwascomingin.‘Andhespoketome,"sheadded,withaperplexedcountenance.　　‘Whatdidhesay?"askedHareton.　　‘HetoldmetobegoneasfastasIcould,"sheanswered.‘ButhelookedsodifferentfromhisusuallookthatIstoppedamomenttostareathim."　　‘How?"heinquired.　　‘Why,almostbrightandcheerful.No,almostnothing--verymuchexcited,andwildandglad!"shereplied.　　‘Nightwalkingamuseshim,then,"Iremarked,affectingacarelessmanner:inrealityassurprisedasshewas,andanxioustoascertainthetruthofherstatement;fortoseethemasterlookinggladwouldnotbeaneverydayspectacle.Iframedanexcusetogoin.Heathcliffstoodattheopendoor,hewaspale,andhetrembled:yet,certainly,hehadastrange,joyfulglitterinhiseyes,thatalteredtheaspectofhiswholeface.　　‘Willyouhavesomebreakfast?"Isaid.‘Youmustbehungry,ramblingaboutallnight!"Iwantedtodiscoverwherehehadbeen,butIdidnotliketoaskdirectly.　　‘No,I"mnothungry,"heanswered,avertinghishead,andspeakingrathercontemptuously,asifheguessedIwastryingtodivinetheoccasionofhisgoodhumour. 　　Ifeltperplexed:Ididn"tknowwhetheritwerenotaproperopportunitytoofferabitofadmonition.　　‘Idon"tthinkitrighttowanderoutofdoors,"Iobserved,‘insteadofbeinginbed:itisnotwise,atanyrate,thismoistseason.Idaresayyou"llcatchabadcold,orafever:youhavesomethingthematterwithyounow!"　　‘NothingbutwhatIcanbear,"hereplied;‘andwiththegreatestpleasure,providedyou"llleavemealone;getin,anddon"tannoyme."　　Iobeyed:and,inpassing,Inoticedhebreathedasfastasacat.　　‘Yes!"Ireflectedtomyself,‘weshallhaveafitofillness.Icannotconceivewhathehasbeendoing."　　Thatnoonhesatdowntodinnerwithus,andreceivedaheaped-upplatefrommyhands,asifheintendedtomakeamendsforpreviousfasting.　　‘I"veneithercoldnorfever,Nelly,"heremarked,inallusiontomymorning"sspeech;andI"mreadytodojusticetothefoodyougiveme.　　Hetookhisknifeandfork,andwasgoingtocommenceeating,whentheinclinationappearedtobecomesuddenlyextinct.Helaidthemonthetable,lookedeagerlytowardsthewindow,thenroseandwentout.Wesawhimwalkingtoandfrointhegardenwhileweconcludedourmeal,andEarnshawsaidhe"dgoandaskwhyhewouldnotdine:hethoughtwehadgrievedhimsomeway. 　　‘Well,ishecoming?"criedCatherine,whenhercousinreturned.　　‘Nay,"heanswered;‘buthe"snotangry:heseemedrareandpleasedindeed;onlyImadehimimpatientbyspeakingtohimtwice;andthenhebidmebeofftoyou:hewonderedhowIcouldwantthecompanyofanybodyelse."　　Isethisplatetokeepwarmonthefender;andafteranhourortwohere-entered,whentheroomwasclear,innodegreecalmer:thesameunnatural--itwasunnatural--appearanceofjoyunderhisblackbrows;thesamebloodlesshue,andhisteethvisible,nowandthen,inakindofsmile;hisframeshivering,notasoneshiverswithchillorweakness,butasatight-stretchedcordvibrates--astrongthrilling,ratherthantrembling.　　Iwillaskwhatisthematter,Ithought;orwhoshould?AndIexclaimed:　　‘Haveyouheardanygoodnews,MrHeathcliff?Youlookuncommonlyanimated."　　‘Whereshouldgoodnewscomefromtome?"hesaid.‘I"manimatedwithhunger;and,seemingly,Imustnoteat."　　‘Yourdinnerishere,"Ireturned;‘whywon"tyougetit?"　　‘Idon"twantitnow;"hemutteredhastily;‘I"llwaittillsupper.And,Nelly,onceforall,letmebegyoutowarnHaretonandtheotherawayfromme.Iwishtobetroubledby nobody:Iwishtohavethisplacetomyself."　　‘Istheresomenewreasonforthisbanishment?"Iinquired.‘Tellmewhyyouaresoqueer,MrHeathcliff?Wherewereyoulastnight?I"mnotputtingthequestionthroughidlecuriosity,but--"　　‘Youareputtingthequestionthroughveryidlecuriosity,"heinterrupted,withalaugh.‘YetI"llanswerit.LastnightIwasonthethresholdofhell.Today,Iamwithinsightofmyheaven.Ihavemyeyesonit:hardlythreefeettoseverme!Andnowyou"dbettergo!You"llneitherseenorhearanythingtofrightenyou,ifyourefrainfromprying."　　Havingsweptthehearthandwipedthetable,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,MrLockwood,IcannotexpresswhataterriblestartIgotbythemomentaryview!Thosedeepblackeyes!Thatsmile,andghastlypaleness!Itappearedtome,notMrHeathcliff,butagoblin;and,inmyterror,Iletthecandlebendtowardsthewall,anditleftmeindarkness.　　‘Yes,closeit,"hereplied,inhisfamiliarvoice.‘There,thatispureawkwardness!Whydidyouholdthecandlehorizontally?Bequick,andbringanother."　　Ihurriedoutinafoolishstateofdread,andsaidtoJoseph:‘Themasterwishesyoutotakehimalightandrekindlethefire."　　ForIdarenotgoinmyselfagainjustthen.　　Josephrattledsomefireintotheshovel,andwent;buthebroughtitbackimmediately,withthesuppertrayinhisotherhand,explainingthatMrHeathcliffwasgoingtobed,andhewantednothingtoeattillmorning.Weheardhimmountthestairsdirectly;hedidnotproceedtohisordinarychamber,butturnedintothatwiththepanelledbed:itswindow,asImentionedbefore,iswideenoughforanybodytogetthrough;anditstruckmethatheplottedanothermidnightexcursion,ofwhichhehadratherwehadnosuspicion.　　‘Isheaghouloravampire?"Imused.Ihadreadof suchhideousincarnatedemons.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"llreadonhisheadstone,onlythat,andthedateofhisdeath.　　Dawnrestoredmetocommonsense.Irose,andwentintothegarden,assoonasIcouldsee,toascertainiftherewereanyfootmarksunderhiswindow.Therewerenone.Hehasstayedathomeought,andhe"llbeallrighttoday."Ipreparedbreakfastforthehousehold,aswasmyusualcustom,buttoldHaretonandCatherinetogettheirserethemastercamedown, forhelaylate.Theypreferredtakingitoutofdoors,underthetrees,andIsetalittletabletoaccommodatethem.　　Onmyre-entrance,IfoundMrHeathcliffbelow.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.　　‘MrHeathcliff!master!"Icried,‘don"t,forGod"ssake,stareasifyousawanunearthlyvision."　　‘Don"t,forGod"ssake,shoutsoloud,"hereplied.‘Turnround,andtellme,arewebyourselves?"　　‘Ofcourse,"wasmyanswer;‘ofcourseweare."　　StillIinvoluntarilyobeyedhim,asifIwerenotquite sure.Withasweepofhishandheclearedavacantspaceinfrontamongthebreakfastthings,andleantforwardtogazemoreathisease.　　Now,Iperceivedhewasnotlookingatthewall;forwhenIregardedhimalone,itseemedexactlythathegazedatsomethingwithintwoyards"distance.Andwhateveritwas,itcommunicated,apparently,bothpleasureandpaininexquisiteextremes:atleasttheanguished,yetraptured,expressionofhiscountenancesuggestedthatidea.Thefanciedobjectwasnotfixed:eitherhiseyespursueditwithunwearieddiligence,and,eveninspeakingtome,wereneverweanedaway.　　Ivainlyremindedhimofhisprotractedabstinencefromfood:ifhestirredtotouchanythingincompliancewithmyentreaties,ifhestretchedhishandouttogetapieceofbread,hisfingersclenchedbeforetheyreachedit,andremainedonthetable,forgetfuloftheiraim.　　Isat,amodelofpatience,tryingtoattracthisabsorbedattentionfromitsengrossingspeculation;tillhegrewirritable,andgot--up,askingwhyIwouldnotallowhimtohavehisowntimeintakinghismeals?andsayingthatonthenextoccasion,Ineedn"twait:Imightsetthethingsdownandgo.Havingutteredthesewordsheleftthehouse,slowlysauntereddownthegardenpath,anddisappearedthroughthegate.　　Thehourscreptanxiouslyby:anothereveningcame.Ididnotretiretoresttilllate,andwhenIdid,Icouldnot sleep.Hereturnedaftermidnight,and,insteadofgoingtobed,shuthimselfintotheroombeneath.Ilistened,andtossedabout,and,finally,dressedanddescended.Itwastooirksometolieupthere,harassingmybrainwithahundredidlemisgivings.　　IdistinguishedMrHeathcliff"sstep,restlesslymeasuringthefloor,andhefrequentlybrokethesilencebyadeepinspiration,resemblingagroan.Hemuttereddetachedwordsalso;theonlyoneIcouldcatchwasthenameofCatherine,coupledwithsomewildtermofendearmentorsuffering;andspokenasonewouldspeaktoapersonpresent:lowandearnest,andwrungfromthedepthofhissoul.Ihadnotcouragetowalkstraightintotheapartment;butIdesiredtodiverthimfromhisreverie,andthereforefellfoulofthekitchenfire,stirredit,andbegantoscrapethecinders.ItdrewhimforthsoonerthanIexpected.Heopenedthedoorimmediately,andsaid:　　‘Nelly,comehere--isitmorning?Comeinwithyourlight."　　‘Itisstrikingfour,"Ianswered.‘Youwantacandletotakeupstairs:youmighthavelitoneatthisfire."　　‘No,Idon"twishtogoupstairs,"hesaid.‘Comein,andkindlemeafire,anddoanythingthereistodoabouttheroom."　　‘Imustblowthecoalsredfirst,beforeIcancarryany,"Ireplied,gettingachairandthebellows.　　Heroamedtoandfro,meantime,inastateapproaching distraction;hisheavysighssucceedingeachothersothickastoleavenospaceforcommonbreathingbetween.　　"WhendaybreaksI"llsendforGreen,"hesaid;‘IwishtomakesomelegalinquiriesofhimwhileIcanbestowathoughtonthosematters,andwhileIcanactcalmly.Ihavenotwrittenmywillyet;andhowtoleavemypropertyIcannotdetermine.IwishIcouldannihilateitfromthefaceoftheearth."　　‘Iwouldnottalkso,MrHeathcliff,"Iinterposed.‘Letyourwillbeawhile:you"llbesparedtorepentofyourmanyinjusticesyet.Ineverexpectedthatyournerveswouldbedisordered:theyare,atpresent,marvellouslyso,however;andalmostentirelythroughyourownfault.Thewayyou"vepassedthesethreelastdaysmightknockupaTitan.Dotakesomefood,andsomerepose.Youneedonlylookatyourselfinaglasstoseehowyourequireboth.Yourcheeksarehollow,andyoureyesbloodshot,likeapersonstarvingwithhungerandgoingblindwithlossofsleep."　　‘ItisnotmyfaultthatIcannoteatorrest,"hereplied.‘Iassureyouitisthroughnosettleddesigns.I"lldobothassoonasIpossiblycan.Butyoumightaswellbidamanstrugglinginthewaterrestwithinarm"slengthoftheshore!Imustreachitfirst,andthenI"llrest.Well,nevermindMrGreen:astorepentingofmyinjustices,I"vedonenoinjustice,andIrepentofnothing.I"mtoohappy;andyetI"mnothappyenough.Mysoul"sblisskillsmybody,butdoesnotsatisfy itself."　　‘Happy,master?"Icried.‘Strangehappiness!Ifyouwouldhearmewithoutbeingangry,Imightoffersomeadvicethatwouldmakeyouhappier.　　"Whatisthat?"heasked.‘Giveit."　　‘Youareaware,MrHeathcliff,"Isaid,‘thatfromthetimeyouwerethirteenyearsold,youhavelivedaselfish,unchristianlife;andprobablyhardlyhadaBibleinyourhandsduringallthatperiod.Youmusthaveforgottenthecontentsofthebook,andyoumaynothavespacetosearchitnow.Coulditbehurtfultosendforsomeone--someministerofanydenomination,itdoesnotmatterwhich--toexplainit,andshowyouhowveryfaryouhaveerredfromitsprecepts;andhowunfityouwillbeforitsheaven,unlessachangetakesplacebeforeyoudie?"　　‘I"mratherobligedthanangry,Nelly,"hesaid,‘foryouremindmeofthemannerthatIdesiretobeburiedin.Itistobecarriedtothechurchyardintheevening.YouandHaretonmay,ifyouplease,accompanyme:andmind,particularly,tonoticethatthesextonobeysmydirectionsconcerningthetwocoffins!Noministerneedcome;norneedanythingbesaidoverme.--ItellyouIhavenearlyattainedmyheaven;andthatofothersisaltogetherunvaluedanduncoveredbyme.　　‘Andsupposingyouperseveredinyourobstinatefast,anddiedbythatmeans,andtheyrefusedtoburyyouin theprecinctsofthekirk?"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.Atdusk,hewentintohischamber.Throughthewholenight,andfarintothemorning,weheardhimgroaningandmurmuringtohimself.Haretonwasanxioustoenter;butIbadehimfetchMrKenneth,andhe shouldgoinandseehim.Whenhecame,andIrequestedadmittanceandtriedtoopenthedoor,Ifounditlocked;andHeathcliffbidusbedamned.Hewasbetter,andwouldbeleftalone;sothedoctorwentaway.　　Thefollowingeveningwasverywet:indeeditpoureddowntillday-dawn;and,asItookmymorningwalkroundthehouse,Iobservedthemaster"swindowswingingopen,andtheraindrivingstraightin.Hecannotbeinbed,Ithought:thoseshowerswoulddrenchhimthrough.Hemusteitherbeuporout.ButI"llmakenomoreado,I"llgoboldlyandlook.　　Havingsucceededinobtainingentrancewithanotherkey,Irantounclosethepanels,forthechamberwasvacant;quicklypushingthemaside,Ipeepedin.MrHeathcliffwasthere--laidonhisback.Hiseyesmetminesokeenandfierce,Istarted;andthenheseemedtosmile.Icouldnotthinkhimdead:buthisfaceandthroatwerewashedwithrain;thebedclothesdripped,andhewas~perfectlystill.Thelattice,flappingtoandfro,hadgrazedonehandthatrestedonthesill;nobloodtrickledfromthebrokenskin,andwhenIputmyfingerstoit,Icoulddoubtnomore:hewasdeadandstark!　　Ihaspedthewindow;Icombedhisblacklonghairfromhisforehead;Itriedtoclosehiseyes:toextinguish,ifpossible,thatfrightful,lifelikegazeofexultationbeforeanyoneelsebeheldit.Theywouldnotshut:theyseemedtosneeratmyattempts:andhispartedlipsandsharpwhiteteethsneered too!Takenwithanotherfitofcowardice,IcriedoutforJoseph.Josephshuffledupandmadeanoise;butresolutelyrefusedtomeddlewithhim.　　‘Th"divil"sharriedoffhissoul,"hecried,‘andhemuhhevhiscarcassintuht"bargain,forow"tAwcare!Ech!whatawickedunhelooksgirningatdeath!"andtheoldsinnergrinnedinmockery.Ithoughtheintendedtocutacaperroundthebed;but,suddenlycomposinghimself,hefellonhisknees,andraisedhishands,andreturnedthanksthatthelawfulmasterandtheancientstockwererestoredtotheirrights.　　Ifeltstunnedbytheawfulevent;andmymemoryunavoidablyrecurredtoformertimeswithasortofoppressivesadness.ButpoorHareton,themostwronged,wastheonlyonethatreallysufferedmuch.Hesatbythecorpseallnight,weepinginbitterearnest.Hepresseditshand,andkissedthesarcasticsavagefacethateveryoneelseshrankfromcontemplating;andbemoanedhimwiththatstronggriefwhichspringsnaturallyfromagenerousheart,thoughitbetoughastemperedsteel.　　MrKennethwasperplexedtopronounceofwhatdisorderthemasterdied.Iconcealedthefactofhishavingswallowednothingforfourdays,fearingitmightleadtotrouble,andthen,Iampersuaded,hedidnotabstainonpurpose:itwastheconsequenceofhisstrangeillness,notthecause.　　‘Weburiedhim,tothescandalofthewholeneighbourhood, ashewished.EarnshawandI,thesexton,andsixmentocarrythecoffin,comprehendedthewholeattendance.Thesixmendepartedwhentheyhadletitdownintothegrave:westayedtoseeitcovered.Hareton,withastreamingface,duggreensods,andlaidthemoverthebrownmouldhimself:atpresentitisassmoothandverdantasitscompanionmounds--andIhopeitstenantsleepsassoundly.Butthecountryfolk,ifyouaskthem,wouldswearontheBiblethathewalks:therearethosewhospeaktohavingmethimnearthechurch,andonthemoor,andeveninthishouse.Idletales,you"llsay,andsosayI.Yetthatoldmanbythekitchenfireaffirmshehasseentwoonthem,lookingoutofhischamberwindow,oneveryrainynightsincehisdeath:andanoddthinghappenedtomeaboutamonthago.IwasgoingtotheGrangeoneevening--adarkevening,threateningthunder--and,justattheturnoftheHeights,Iencounteredalittleboywithasheepandtwolambsbeforehim;hewascryingterribly;andIsupposedthelambswereskittish,andwouldnotbeguided.　　"What"sthematter,mylittleman?"Iasked.　　‘There"sHeathcliffandawoman,yonder,undert"nab,"heblubbered,‘unIdarnutpass`em."　　Isawnothing;butneitherthesheepnorhewouldgoon;soIbidhimtaketheroadlowerdown.Heprobablyraisedthephantomsfromthinking,ashetraversedthemoorsalone,onthenonsensehehadheardhisparentsandcompanionsrepeat.Yet, still,Idon"tlikebeingoutinthedarknow;andIdon"tlikebeingleftbymyselfinthisgrimhouse:Icannothelpit;Ishallbegladwhentheyleaveit,andshifttotheGrange.　　‘TheyaregoingtotheGrange,then,"Isaid.　　‘Yes,"answeredMrsDean,‘issoonastheyaremarried,andthatwillbeonNewYear"sDay."　　‘Andwhowilllivehere,then?"　　‘Why,Josephwilltakecareofthehouse,and,perhaps,aladtokeephimcompany.Theywillliveinthekitchen,andtherestwillbeshutup."　　‘Fortheuseofsuchghostsaschoosetoinhabitit,"Iobserved.　　‘No,MrLockwood,"saidNelly,shakingherhead.‘Ibelievethedeadareatpeace:butitisnotrighttospeakofthemwithlevity."　　Atthatmomentthegardengateswungto;theramblerswerereturning.　　‘Theyareafraidofnothing,"Igrumbled,watchingtheirapproachthroughthewindow.‘TogethertheywouldbraveSatanandallhislegions."　　Astheysteppedontothedoorstones,andhaltedtotakealastlookatthemoon--or,morecorrectly,ateachotherbyherlight--Ifeltirresistiblyimpelledtoescapethemagain;and,pressingaremembranceintothehandofMrsDean,anddisregardingherexpostulationsatmyrudeness,Ivanished throughthekitchenastheyopenedthehouse-door;andsoshouldhaveconfirmedJosephinhisopinionofhisfellow-servant"sgayindiscretions,hadhenotfortunatelyrecognizedmeforarespectablecharacterbythesweetringofasovereignathisfeet.　　Mywalkhomewaslengthenedbyadiversioninthedirectionofthekirk.Whenbeneathitswalls,Iperceiveddecayhadmadeprogress,eveninsevenmonths:manyawindowshowedblackgapsdeprivedofglass;andslatesjuttedoff,hereandthere,beyondtherightlineoftheroof,tobegraduallyworkedoffincomingautumnstorms.　　Isought,andsoondiscovered,thethreeheadstonesontheslopenextthemoor:themiddleonegrey,andhalfburiedinheath:EdgarLinton"sonlyharmonizedbytheturfandmosscreepingupitsfoot:Heathcliff"sstillbare.　　Ilingeredroundthem,underthatbenignsky;watchedthemothsflutteringamongtheheathandharebells,listenedtothesoftwindbreathingthroughthegrass,andwonderedhowanyonecouldeverimagineunquietslumbersforthesleepersinthatquietearth.