 CHAPTER 1 OF WEATHERING HEIGHTS by Emily Brontë This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. CAST OF CHARACTERS Mr. Lockwood, read by Jesse Mills. Heathcliff, read by Bruce Peary. Catherine Earnshaw, read by Amanda Friday. Ellen, read by Tiffany Halla-Colona. Joseph, read by Algie Pug. Edgar Linton, read by Alan Mapstone. Isabella Linton, read by Ariel Lipschaw. The part of Hindley, played by Anthony. Herten Earnshaw, read by John Trevidig. Kathy Linton, read by Elizabeth Clatt. Letton Heathcliff, read by Chuck Williamson. Francis, read by Charlotte Durkett. Mr. Kenneth, read by Ken Garrett. Zilla, read by Capricia Page. Jaybys Branderham, read by Martin Geeson. Mr. Earnshaw, read by Dublin Gothic. Robert, read by Ernest Patinama. Mr. Linton, read by Mormys. Mrs. Linton, read by Yvra Gonzalez. Mary, read by Grace Garrett. The housekeeper, read by Christine G. Labourer, read by Mormys. Her boy, read by Donna Winters. Servant, read by Mormys. Osler, read by Martin Geeson. Old woman, read by Sally McConnell. Boy, read by Kathleen Watt. Narrated by Amanda Friday. 1801. I have just returned from a visit to my landlord, the solitary neighbour that I should be troubled with. This is certainly a beautiful country. In all England I do not believe that I could have fixed on a situation so completely removed from the stir of society. A perfect misanthropist's heaven. And Mr. Heathcliff and I are such a suitable pair to divide the desolation between us. A capital fellow! He little imagined how my heart warmed towards him when I beheld his black eyes withdraw so suspiciously under their brows as I rode up, and when his fingers sheltered themselves with a jealous resolution still further in his waistcoat as I announced my name. Mr. Heathcliff, I said. A nod was the answer. Mr. Lockwood, your new tenant, sir. I do myself the honour of calling as soon as possible after my arrival to express the hope that I have not inconvenienced you by my perseverance in soliciting the occupation of Thrushcross Grange. I heard yesterday you had had some thoughts. Thrushcross Grange is my own, sir. He interrupted, wincing. I should not allow anyone to inconvenience me if I could hinder it. Walk in. The walk in was uttered with closed teeth and expressed the sentiment, go to the deuce! Even the gate over which he lent manifested no sympathising movement to the words, and I think that circumstance determined me to accept the invitation. I felt interested in a man who seemed more exaggeratedly reserved than myself. When he saw my horse's breast fairly pushing the barrier he did put out his hand to unchain it and then sullenly proceeded me up the causeway, calling as we entered the court. Joseph, take Mr. Lockwood's horse and bring up some wine. Here we have the whole establishment of domestics, I suppose, was the reflection suggested by this compound order. No wonder the grass grows up between the flags and cattle are the only hedge-cutters. Joseph was an elderly, nay and old man, very old, perhaps, though hail and sinewy. The Lord help us! He soliloquized, in an undertone of peevish displeasure, while relieving me of my horse. Looking meantime in my face so sourly that I charitably conjectured he must have need of divine aid to digest his dinner, and his pious ejaculation had no reference to my unexpected advent. Wuthering Heights is the name of Mr. Heathcliff's dwelling. Wuthering being a significant provincial adjective, descriptive of the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather. Pure, bracing ventilation they must have up there at all times indeed. One may guess the power of the north wind blowing over the edge by the excessive slant of a few stunted furs at the end of the house and by a range of gaunt thorns all stretching their limbs one way as if craving arms of the sun. Happily the architect had foresight to build it strong. The narrow windows are deeply set in the wall and the corners defended with large jutting stones. Before passing the threshold, I posed to admire a quantity of grotesque carving lavished over the front and especially about the principal door, above which, among a wilderness of crumbling griffins and shameless little boys, I detected the date 1500 and the name Herten Earnshaw. I would have made a few comments and requested a short history of the place from the surly owner, but his attitude of the door appeared to demand my speedy entrance or complete departure and I had no desire to aggravate his impatience previous to inspecting the penetralium. One stop brought us into the family sitting-room without any introductory lobby or passage. They call it here the house preeminently. It includes kitchen and parlor generally, but I believe at weathering heights the kitchen is forced to retreat altogether into another quarter. At least I distinguished a chatter of tongs and a clatter of culinary utensils deep within and I observed no signs of roasting, boiling or baking about the huge fireplace nor any glitter of copper saucepans and tin colanders on the walls. One end indeed reflected splendidly both light and heat from ranks of immense pewter dishes, interspersed with silver jugs and tankards, towering row after row on a vast oak dresser to the very roof. The lighter had never been under-drawn, its entire anatomy lay bare to an inquiring eye, except where a frame of wood, ledden with oar-cakes and clusters of legs of beef, mutton and ham, concealed it. Above the chimney were sundry villainous old guns and a couple of horse-pistols, and by way of ornament three gaudily-painted canisters disposed along its ledge. The floor was of smooth white stone, the chair's high-backed primitive structures painted green, one or two heavy black ones lurking in the shed. In an arch under the dresser reposed a huge, liver-coloured bitch-pointer surrounded by a swarm of squealing puppies and other dogs haunted other recesses. The apartment and furniture would have been nothing extraordinary as belonging to a homely northern farmer with a stubborn countenance and stalwart limbs set out to advantage in knee-breaches and gaiters. Such an individual seated in his armchair, his mug of ale frothing on the round table before him, is to be seen in any circuit of five or six miles among these hills if you go at the right time after dinner. But Mr Heathcliff forms a singular contrast to his abode and style of living. He is a dark-skinned gypsy in aspect. In dress and manners a gentleman. That is, as much a gentleman as many a country squire, rather slovenly perhaps, yet not looking amiss with his negligence because he has an erect and handsome figure, and rather more ross. Possibly some people might suspect him of a degree of underbred pride. I have a sympathetic cord within that tells me it is nothing of the sort. I know, by instinct, his reserve springs from an aversion to showy displays of feeling, to manifestations of mutual kindliness. He'll love and hate equally under cover and esteem it a species of impertinence to be loved or hated again. No, I'm running on too fast. I bestow my own attributes over liberally on him. Mr Heathcliff may have entirely dissimilar reasons for keeping his hand out of the way when he meets a would-be acquaintance which actuate me. Let me hope my constitution is almost peculiar. My dear mother used to say I should never have a comfortable home, and only last summer I proved myself perfectly unworthy of one. While enjoying a month of fine weather at the sea coast, I was thrown into the company of a most fascinating creature, a real goddess in my eyes as long as she took no notice of me. I never told my love vocally. Still, if looks have language, the merest idiot might have guessed my love and ears. She understood me at last and looked to return the sweetest of all imaginable looks. And what did I do? I confess it with shame, shrunk icily into myself like a snail, at every glance retired colder and farther, till finally the poor innocent was let to doubt her own senses and, overwhelmed with confusion at her supposed mistake, persuaded her mama to decamp. By this curious turn of disposition and kindness, how undeserved I alone can appreciate. I took a seat at the end of the hearthstone opposite that towards which my landlord advanced, and filled up an interval of silence by attempting to caress the canine mother who had left her nursery and was sneaking wolfishly to the back of my legs, her lip curled up, and her white teeth watering for a snatch. My caress provoked a long, guttural gnarl. You'd better let the dog alone. Growled Mr. Heathcliff in unison, checking fiercer demonstrations with a punch of his foot. She's not accustomed to be spoiled, not kept for a pat. Then, striding to a side door, he shouted again, Joseph Joseph mumbled indistinctly in the depths of the cellar, but gave no intimation of ascending, so his master dived down to him, leaving me vis-a-vis the ruffianly bitch and a pair of grim shaggy sheep-dogs who shared with her a jealous guardianship over all my movements, not anxious to come in contact with their fangs, I sat still. But imagining they would scarcely understand tacit insults, I unfortunately indulged in winking and making faces at the trio, and some turn of my physiognomy so irritated madam that she suddenly broke into a fury and leapt on my knees. I flung her back and hastened to interpose the table between us. This proceeding aroused the whole hive. Half a dozen four-footed fiends of various sizes and ages issued from hidden dens to the common centre. I felt my heels and coat-laps peculiar subjects of assault, and parrying off the larger combatants as effectually as I could with the poker, I was constrained to demand a loud assistance from some of the household in re-establishing peace. Mr Heathcliff and his man climbed the cellar steps with vexatious phlegm. I don't think they moved one second faster than usual, though the hearth was an absolute tempest of worrying and yelping. Happily, an inhabitant of the kitchen made more dispatch. A lusty dame with tucked-up gown, bare arms, and fire-flushed cheeks rushed into the midst of us flourishing a frying-pan and used that weapon and her tongue to such purpose that the storm subsided magically, and she only remained heaving like a sea after a high wind when her master entered on the scene. What the devil is the matter? He asked, eyeing me in a manner that I could ill endure after this inhospitable treatment. What the devil indeed, I muttered. The herd of possessed swine could have had no worse spirits in them than those animals of yours, sir. You might as well leave a stranger with a brood of tigers. They won't meddle with persons who touch nothing. He remarked, putting the bottle before me and restoring the displaced table. The dogs do rate to be vigilant. Take a glass of wine. No, thank you. Not bit anario. If I had been, I would have set my signet on the biter. Heathcliff's countenance relaxed into a grin. Come, come, he said. You are flurried, Mr. Lockwood. Here, take a little wine. Guests are so exceedingly rare in this house that I and my dogs I am willing to own hardly know how to receive them. Your health, sir? I bowed, and returned to the pledge, beginning to perceive that it would be foolish to sit sulking for the misbehavior of a pack of curves. Besides, I felt love to yield the fellow further amusement at my expense since his humour took that turn. He, probably swayed by a prudential consideration of the folly of offending a good tenant, relaxed a little in the laconic style of chipping off his pronouns and auxiliary verbs, and introduced what he supposed would be a subject of interest to me, a discourse on the advantages and disadvantages of my present place of retirement. I found him very intelligent on the topics we touched, and before I went home I was encouraged so far as to volunteer another visit tomorrow. He evidently wished no repetition of my intrusion. I shall go, notwithstanding, it is astonishing how sociable I feel myself compared with him. End of Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Yesterday afternoon set in misty and cold. I had half a mind to spend it by my study fire, instead of wading through heath and mud to Wuthering Heights. On coming up from dinner, however, NB I dined between twelve and one o'clock. The housekeeper, a maternally lady taken as a fixture along with the house, could not or would not comprehend my request that I might be served at five. On mounting the stairs with this lazy intention and stepping into the room, I saw a servant girl on her knees surrounded by brushes and coal scuttles, and raising an infernal dust as she extinguished the flames with heaps of syndos. This spectacle drove me back immediately. I took my hat, and after a four miles walk, arrived at Heathcliff's garden gate just in time to escape the first feathery flakes of a snowshow. On that bleak hilltop the earth was hard with a black frost and the air made me shiver through every limb. Being unable to remove the chain I jumped over, and running up the flagged causeway bordered with straggling gooseberry bushes knocked vainly for admittance till my knuckles tingled and the dogs howled. Wretched inmates, I ejaculated mentally. You deserve perpetual isolation from your species for your churlish inhospitality. At least I would not keep my doors bored in the daytime. I don't care. I will get in. So resolved I grasped the latch and shook it vehemently. Vinegar first at Joseph projected his head from a round window of the barn. What are you for? He shouted. The mist is down in the food. Go round by the end of the earth if you want to speak to him. Nobody inside to open the door? I hallowed responsibly. There's no but to missus, and sure not opened, and you mark your place and din still need. Why, cannot you tell her who I am, eh, Joseph? No name me. All ain't a henweed. muttered the head, vanishing. The snow began to drive thickly. I seized the handle to essay another trial, when a young man without a coat and shouldering a cart in the yard behind. He hailed me to follow him, and after marching through a wash-house and a paved area containing a cold shed, pump, and pigeon-cot, we had length arrived in the huge, warm, cheerful apartment where I was formally received. It glowed delightfully in the radiance of an immense fire, compounded of coal, peat, and wood, and near the table, laid for a plentiful evening meal, I was pleased to observe the missus, an individual who looked and waited, thinking she would bid me take a seat. She looked at me, leaning back in her chair, and remained motionless and mute. Rough weather, I remarked, I'm afraid, missus Heathcliff, the door must bear the consequence of your servant's leisure attendance. I had hard work to make them hear me. She never opened her mouth. I stared. She stared also. At any rate, she kept her eyes on me in a cool, regardless manner, sitting down, said the young man gruffly. He'll be in soon. I obeyed, and hemmed, and called the villain Juno, who deigned at the second interview to move the extreme tip of her tail, in token of owning my acquaintance. A beautiful animal, I commenced again. Do you intend parting with the little ones, madam? They are not mine, said the amiable holstess, more repellingly than Heathcliff himself could have replied. Ah, your favourites are I continued, turning to an obscure cushion full of something like cats. A strange choice of favourites, she observed scornfully. Unluckily, it was a heap of dead rabbits. I hemmed once more, and drew closer to the hearth, repeating my comment on the wildness of the evening. You should not have come out, she said, rising and reaching from the chimney-piece two of the Pentecanisters. Her position before was sheltered from the light. Now I had a distinct view of her face. She was slender and apparently scarcely past girlhood, an admirable form, and the most exquisite little face that I have ever had the pleasure of beholding. Small features, very fair, flaxen ringlets, or rather golden, hanging loose on her delicate neck, and eyes, had there been agreeable in expression, that would have been irresistible. Fortunately for my susceptible heart, the only sentiment there evinced hovered between scorn and a kind of coral to be detected there. The canisters were almost out of her reach. I made a motion to aid her. She turned upon me as a miser might turn if anyone attempted to assist him in counting his gold. I don't want your help. She snapped. I can get them for myself. I beg your pardon, I hasten to reply. Were you asked, Tee? She demanded, tying an apron over her neat black frock, and standing with a spoonful of the leaf poised over the pot. I shall be glad to have a cup, if you wish. Were you asked? She repeated. No, I said, half-smiling. You are the proper person to ask me. She flung the tea back, spoon and all, and resumed her chair in a pet. Her forehead corrugated, and her red underlip pushed out, like a child's ready to cry. Meanwhile the young man had slung onto his person a decidedly shabby upper garment, and erecting himself before the blaze, looked down on me from the corner of his world as if there were some mortal feud unevenged between us. I began to doubt whether he were a servant or not. His dress and speech were both rude, entirely devoid of the superiority observable in Mr. and Mrs. Heathley. His thick brown curls were rough and uncultivated. His whiskers encroached bearishly over his cheeks, and his hands were embrowned like those of a common labourer. Still his bearing was free, almost haughty, and he showed none of a domestic assiduity in attending on the lady service. In the absence of clear proofs of his condition I deemed it best to abstain from noticing his curious conduct, and five minutes afterwards the entrance of Heathley relieved me in some measure from my uncomfortable state. You see, sir, I am come according to promise, I exclaimed, assuming the cheerful, and I fear I shall be weather-bound for half an hour if you can afford me shelter during that space. Half an hour? He said, shaking the white flakes from his clothes. I wonder you should select the thick wool about him. Do you know that you run the risk of being lost in the marshes? People familiar with these moors often miss their road on such evenings, and I can tell you there is no chance of a change at present. Perhaps I can get a guide among your lads, and he might stay at the Grange till morning. Could you spare me one? No, I could not. Oh, indeed. Well, then I must trust in my own sagacity. Are you going to make the tea? Demanded he of the shabby coat, shifting his ferocious gaze from me to the young lady. Is he to have any? She asked, appealing to Heathcliff. Get it ready, will you? Was the answer, but it so savagely that I started. The tone in which the words were said revealed a genuine bad nature, and no longer felt inclined to call Heathcliff a capital fellow. When the preparations were finished he invited me with Now, sir, bring forward your chair. And we all, including the rustic youth, drew round the table, an austere silence prevailing while we discussed our meal. I thought, if I had caused the cloud, it was my duty to make an effort to dispel it. There could not every day sit so grim and taciturn, and it was impossible, however ill-tempered they might be, that the universal scowl they wore was their every day countenance. It is strange, I began, in the interval of swallowing one cup of tea and receiving another. It is strange how custom can mould our tastes and ideas. Many could not imagine the existence of happiness in a life of such complete exile from the world as you live. Yet I'll venture to say that, surrounded by your family and with your amiable lady as the presiding genius of your home and heart My amiable lady He interrupted, with an almost diabolical sneer on his face. Where is she, my amiable lady? Mrs. Heathcliff, your wife, I mean. Well, yes. Oh, you would intimate that her spirit has taken the post of ministering angel and guards the fortunes of weathering heights even when her body is gone. Is that it? Perceiving myself in a blunder, I attempted to correct it. I might have seen there was too great a disparity between the ages of the parties to make it likely that there were men and wife. One was about forty, a period of mental vigour at which men seldom cherished the delusion of being married for love by girls. That dream is reserved for the solace of our declining years. The other did not look seventeen. Then it flashed on me. The clown at my elbow, who is drinking his tea out of a berson and eating his bread with unwashed bread, happened. Heathcliff, junior, of course. Here is the consequence of being buried alive. She has thrown herself away upon that boar from sheer ignorance that better individuals existed. A sad pity. I must beware how I cause her to regret her choice. The last reflection may seem conceited. It was not. My neighbour struck me as boar during unrepulsive. I knew through experience that I was tolerably attractive. Mrs. Heathcliff is my daughter-in-law, said Heathcliff, corroborating my surmise. He turned, as he spoke, a peculiar look in her direction, a look of hatred, unless he has a most perverse set of facial muscles that will not like those of other people interpret the language of his soul. Ah, certainly! I see now! You are the favourite possessor of the beneficent fairy, I remarked, turning to my neighbour. This was worse than before. The youth grew crimson and clenched his fist with every appearance of a meditated assault. But he seemed to recollect himself and smothered the storm in a brutal curse muttered on my behalf, which, however, I took care not to notice. Unhappy in your conjectures, sir. Observed my host. We neither of us have the privilege of owning your good fairy. Her mate is dead. I said she was my daughter-in-law, therefore she must have married my son. And this young man is— Not my son, assuredly. Heathcliff smiled again, as if it were rather too bold a jest to attribute the paternity of that bear to him. My name is Hareton Earnshaw. Growled the other. And I'd counsel you to respect it. I shall no disrespect, was my reply, laughing internally at the dignity with which he announced himself. He fixed his eye on me longer than I cared to return the stare, for fear I might be tempted either to box his ears or render my hilarity audible. I began to feel unmistakably out of place in that pleasant family that year overcame and more than neutralised the glowing physical comforts round me, and I resolved to be cautious how I ventured under those rafters a third time. The business of eating being concluded and no one uttering a word of sociable conversation, I approached a window to examine the weather. A sorrowful sight I saw, dark night coming down prematurely, and sky and hills mingled in one bitter whirl of wind and suffocating snow. I don't think it possible for me to not help exclaiming. The roads will be buried already, and if they were bare I could scarcely distinguish a foot in advance. Heriton, drive those dozen sheep into the barn porch, they'll be covered if left in the fold all night, and put a plank before them. Said Heathcliff. How must I do? I continued with rising irritation. There was no reply to my question, and on looking round I saw only Joseph bringing in a pail of porridge for the dogs, and Mrs. Heathcliff under the fire, diverting herself with burning a bundle of matches which had fallen from the chimney-piece as she restored the tea-canister to its place. The former, when he had deposited his burden, took a critical survey of the room, and in cracked tongs grated out, Oh, wonder how you can face and to stand there, you idlest One more, when all of them's going out, but you're in out, and it's no use talking. You'll never mend your ill ways, but go right to the devil Mother of four ye. I imagined for a moment that this piece of eloquence was addressed to me, and sufficiently enraged, stepped towards the edged rascal with an intention of kicking him out of the door. Mrs. Heathcliff, however, checked me by her answer. You scandalous old hypocrite! she replied. Are you not afraid of being carried away bodily whenever you mention the devil's name? I warn you to refrain from provoking me, or I'll ask your abduction as a special favour. Stop. Look here, Joseph. She continued, taking a long, dark book from a shelf. I'll show you how far I've progressed in the black art. I shall soon be competent to make a clear house of it. The red cow didn't die by chance, and your rheumatism can hardly be reckoned among providential visitations. Oh, wicked, wicked! Gasped at the elder. May the Lord deliver us from evil. No, reprobate. You were a castaway. Be off, or I'll hurt you seriously. I'll have you all modelled in wax and clay, and the first who passes the limits I fix shall I'll not say what he shall be done to, but you'll see. Go. I'm looking at you. The little witch put a mock malignity into her beautiful eyes, and Joseph, trembling with sincere horror, hurried out, praying and ejaculating, wicked as he went. I thought her conduct must be prompted by a species of dreary fun, and now that we were alone I endeavoured to interest her in my distress. Mrs Heathcliff, I said earnestly, you must excuse me for troubling you. I presume, because with that face I'm sure you cannot help being good-hearted. Do point out some landmarks by which I may know my way home. I have no more idea how to get there than you would have how to get to London. Take the road you came, she answered, ensconcing herself in a chair, with a candle and the long book open before her. It is brief advice, but as sound as I can give. Then if you hear of me being discovered dead in a bog, or a pit full of snow, your conscience won't whisper that it's partly your fault. How so? I cannot escort you. They wouldn't let me go to the end of the garden wall. You? I should be sorry to ask you to cross the threshold for my convenience on such a night, I cried. I want you to tell me my way, not to show it. Or else to persuade Mr. Heathcliff to give me a guide. Who? There is himself, Ernshaw, Zilla, Joseph and I. Which would you have? Are there no boys at the farm? No, those are all. Then it follows the time compelled to stay. That too may settle with your host. I have nothing to do with it. I hope it will be a lesson to you to make no more rash journeys on these hills. Cried Heathcliff's stern voice from the kitchen entrance. As to staying here, I don't keep accommodations for visitors. You must share a bed with Hertenar Joseph, if you do. I can sleep on a chair in this room, I replied. No, no. A stranger is a stranger, be he rich or poor. It will not suit me to permit any one the range of the place while I am off guard. Said the unmanly wretch. With this insult my patience was at an end. I uttered an expression of disgust and pushed past him into the yard, running against Ernshaw in my haste. It was so dark that I could not see the means of exit, and as I wandered round, I heard another specimen of their civil behaviour amongst each other. At first the young man appeared about to befriend me. I'll go with him as far as the park. He said. You'll go with him to hell. Exclaimed his master, or whatever relation he bore. And who is to look after the horses, eh? A man's life is of more consequence than one evening's neglect of the horses. Somebody must go. He murmured Mrs. Heathcliff more kindly than I expected. Not at your command. Retorted Herton. If you set store on him, you'd better be quiet. Then I hope his ghost will haunt you, and I hope Mr. Heathcliff will never get another ten until the granges are ruined. She answered sharply. Erkin! Erkin! Shoes cursing on him! muttered Joseph towards whom I had been steering. He sat within earshot, milking the cows by the light of a lantern, which I seized unceremoniously, and calling out that I would send it back on the morrow, rushed to the nearest pole-stone. Mr. Mr. Eastell and Lantern! shouted the ancient, pursuing my retreat. He, nusher, he, dog! He was hold him, hold him! On opening the little door, two hairy monsters flew at my throat, bearing me down and extinguishing the light. While a mingled guffaw from Heathcliff and Herton put the cobstone on my rage and humiliation, fortunately the beasts seemed more bent on stretching their paws and yawning and flourishing their tails than devouring me alive, but there would suffer no resurrection, and I was forced to lie till their malignant masters pleased to deliver me. Then, hapless and trembling with wrath, I ordered the miscreants to let me out, on their peril to keep me one minute longer, with several incoherent threats of retaliation that, in their indefinite depths of virulency, smacked of King Lear. The vehemence of my agitation brought on a copious bleeding at the nose, and still Heathcliff laughed, and still I scolded. I don't know what would have concluded the scene had there not been one person at hand rather more rational than myself, and more benevolent than my entertainer. This was Zilla, the stout housewife, who at length issued forth to inquire into the nature of the uproar. She thought that some of them had been laying violent hands on me, and, not daring to attack her master, she turned her vocal artillery against the younger scoundrel. Well, Mr. Unshawe. She cried. I wonder what shall have a gait next. Are we going to murder folk on our very doorstones? I see this house will never do for me. Well, look at the poor lad. He's fair choking. Wished, wished you mightn't go on so. Come in and I'll cure that. There now hold ye still. With these words she suddenly splashed a pint of icy water down my neck, and pulled me into the kitchen. Mr. Heathcliff followed, his accidental merriment expiring quickly in his habitual moralseness. I was sick exceedingly, and dizzy, and faint, and thus compelled perforce to accept lodgings under his roof. He told Zilla to give me a glass of brandy, and then passed on to the inner room, while she condoled with me on my sorry predicament, and, having obeyed his orders whereby I was somewhat revived, ushered me to bed. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. While leading the way upstairs, she recommended that I should hide the candle, and not make a noise, for her master had an odd notion about the chamber she would put me in, and never let anybody lodge there willingly. I asked the reason. She did not know, she answered. She had only lived there a year or two, and there had so many queer goings on, she could not begin to be curious. Too stupified to be curious myself, I fastened my door, and glanced round for the bed. The whole furniture consisted of a chair, a cloth's press, and a large oak case, with squares cut out near the top resembling coach windows. Having approached to this structure, I looked inside, and perceived it to be a singular sort of old-fashioned couch, very conveniently designed to obviate the necessity for every member of the family having a room to himself. In fact, it formed a little closet, and the ledge of a window which it enclosed served as a table. I slid back the paneled sides, got in with my light, pulled them together again, and felt secure against the vigilance of Heathcliff and everyone else. The ledge where I placed my candle had a few mildewed books piled up in one corner, and it was covered with writing scratched on the bed. This writing, however, was nothing but a name repeated in all kinds of characters, large and small. Catherine Earnshaw, here and there, varied to Catherine Heathcliff, and then again to Catherine Linton. In vapid listlessness, I lent my head against the window, and continued spelling over Catherine Earnshaw, Heathcliff, Linton, till my eyes closed. But there had not rested five minutes when a glare of white letters started from the dark as vivid as spectres. The air swarmed with Catherine's, and rousing myself to dispel the obtrusive name, I discovered my candle-wick reclining on one of the antique volumes and perfuming the place with an order of roasted cough-skin. I snuffed it off, and, very ill at ease, under the influence of cold and lingering nausea, sat up and spread open the injured tome on my knee. It was a testament in lean type, and smelling dreadfully musty. A fly-leaf bore the inscription, Catherine Earnshaw, her book, and a date some quarter of a century back. I shut it, and took up another, and another, till I had examined all. Catherine's library was select, and its state of dilapidation proved it to have been well used, though not altogether for a legitimate purpose. Scarcely one chapter had escaped, a pen and ink commentary, at least the appearance of one, covering every morsel of blank that the printer had left. Some were detached sentences. Other parts took the form of a regular diary, scrawled in an unformed, childish hand. At the top of an extra page, quite a treasure probably when first lighted on, I was greatly amused to behold an excellent caricature of Joseph, rudely yet powerfully sketched, an immediate interest kindled within me for the unknown Catherine, and I began forthwith to decipher her faded hieroglyphics. In awful Sunday, commenced the paragraph beneath, I wish my father were back again. Hindley is a detestable substitute. His conduct to Heathcliff is atrocious. H and I are going to rebel. We took our initiatory step this evening. All day had been flooding with rain. We could not go to church, so Joseph must needs get up a congregation in the garret. And, while Hindley and his wife basked downstairs before a comfortable fire, doing anything but reading their bibles, I'll answer for it, Heathcliff, myself, and the unhappy plow-boy were commanded to take our prayer-books and mount. We were ranged in a row, on a sack of corn, groaning and shivering, and hoping that Joseph would shiver too, so that he might give us a short omely for his own sake. A vain idea. Joseph lasted precisely three hours, and yet my brother had the face to exclaim when he saw us descending. What? Done already? On Sunday evenings we used to be permitted to play, if we did not make much noise. Now a mere titter is sufficient to send us into corners. You forgot you have a master here? Says the tyrant. I'll demolish the first who puts me out of temper. I insist on perfect sobriety and silence. Oh, boy, was that you? Francis, darling, pull his hair as you go by. I heard him snap his fingers. Francis pulled his hair heartily, and then went and seated herself on her husband's knee, and there they were, like two babies, kissing and talking nonsense by the hour, foolish palliver that we should be ashamed of. We made ourselves as snug as our means allowed in the arch of the dresser. I had just fastened our pinafores together and hung them up for a curtain, when in comes Joseph, on an errand from the stables. He tears down my handiwork, kisses my ears, and croaks. The maestres knob it just buried, and sabbath nor wood, and the sound of the gospel still in your lugs, and your dart be leaking. Shame on you. Sit ye down, ill-childe, there's good books enough if you'll read them. Sit ye down, and think of your souls. Saying this, he compelled us so to square our positions that we might receive from the far off fire in a dull ray to show us the text of the lumber he thrust upon us. I could not bear the employment. I took my dingy volume by the scroop and hurled it into the dog kennel, vowing I hated a good book. Heathcliff kicked his to the same place. Then there was a hubbub. Master Hindley! shouted our chaplain. Master, come hither! Miss Cathy's ribboned the back off the helm of the salvation, when Heathcliff's posed his feet into the first part of the broad way to destruction. It's fair-falsam that ye let him go on this gait. Eh! the old man water-laced him properly. But he's gone. Hindley hurried up from his paradise on the hearth, and seizing one of us by the collar and the other by the arm, hurled us both into the back-kitchen, where Joseph a-severated, old Nick would fetch us as sure as we were living, and so comforted we each sought a separate nook to await his advent. I reached this book in a pot of ink from a shelf, and pushed the house door ajar to give me light, and I've got the time on with writing for twenty minutes, but my companion is impatient, and proposes that we should appropriate the dairy-woman's cloak and have a scamper on the moors under its shelter. A pleasant suggestion. And then, if the surly old man come in, he may believe his prophecy verified, we cannot be damper or colder in the rain than we are here. I suppose Catherine fulfilled her project, for the next sentence took up another subject. She waxed lacrimors. How little did I dream that Hindley would ever make me cry so! She wrote, My headaches till I cannot keep it on the pillow, and still I can't give over. Poor Heathcliff! Hindley calls him a vagabond, and won't let him sit with us, nor eat with us any more. And he says, he and I must not play together, and threatens to turn him out of the house if we break his orders. He has been blaming our father. How dared he! For treating H too liberally, and swears he will reduce him to his right place. I began to nod drowsily over the dim page. My eye wandered from manuscript to print. I saw a red ornamented title, Seventy times seven, and the first of the seventy first. A pious discourse delivered by the Reverend Jabez Brandeham in the Chapel of Gimod and Sough. And while I was half-consciously worrying my brain to guess what Jabez Brandeham would make of his subject, I sank back in bed, and fell asleep. Alas for the effects of bad tea and bad temper! What else could it be that made me pass such a terrible night? I don't remember another that I can compare at all with it since I was capable of suffering. I began to dream, almost before I ceased to be sensible of my locality. I thought it was morning, and I had set out on my way home with Joseph for a guide. The snow lay yards deep in our road, and as we floundered on, my companion wearied me with constant reproaches that I had not brought a pilgrim's staff, telling me that I could never get into the house without one, and boastfully flourishing a heavy-headed cudgel, which I understood to be so denominated. For a moment I considered it absurd that I should need such a weapon to gain admittance into my own residence. Then a new idea flashed across me. I was not going there. We were journeying to hear the famous Jabez Brandeham preach from the text Seventy times seven. And either Joseph, the preacher, or I had committed the first of the Seventy first, and were to be publicly exposed and excommunicated. We came to the chapel. I have passed it really in my walks, twice or thrice. It lies in a hollow between two hills, an elevated hollow near a swamp, whose petty moisture is said to answer all the purposes of embalming on the few corpses deposited there. The roof has been kept whole, hitherto, but as the clergyman's stipend is only twenty pounds per annum, and a house with two rooms, threatening speedily to determine into one, no clergyman will undertake the duties of pastor, especially as it is currently reported that his flock would rather let him starve than increase the living by one penny from their own pockets. However, in my dream Jabez had a full and attentive congregation, and he preached, good God, what a sermon, divided into four hundred and ninety parts, each fully equal to an ordinary address from the pulpit, and each discussing a separate sin. Where he searched for them I cannot tell. He had his private manner of interpreting the phrase, and it seemed necessary the brother should sin different sins on every occasion. They were of the most curious character, odd transgressions that I never imagined previously. Oh, how weary I grew, how I writhed and yawned, and nodded and revived, how I pinched and pricked myself and rubbed my eyes and stood up and sat down again, and nudged Joseph to inform me if he would ever have done. I was condemned to hear all out. Finally he reached the first of the seventy-first. At that crisis a sudden inspiration descended on me. I was moved to rise and denounce Jabez Brandeham as the sinner of the sin that no Christian need pardon. Sir, I exclaimed, sitting here within these four walls, at one stretch I have endured and forgiven the four hundred and ninety heads of your discourse. Seventy times seven times have I plucked up my hat and been about to depart. Seventy times seven times have you preposterously forced me to resume my seat. The four hundred and ninety-first is too much. Fellow martyrs, have at him, drag him down and crush him to atoms that the place which knows him may know him no more. Thou art the man! cried Jabez after a solemn pause leaning over his cushion. Seventy times seven times did thou gapingly contort thy visage. Seventy times seven did I take counsel with my soul. No, this is human weakness. This also may be absolved. The first of the seventy-first is come. Brethren, execute upon him thy judgment written. Such honour hath all his sense. With that concluding word, the whole assembly exalting their pilgrim's staves rushed round me in a body, and I, having no weapon to raise in self-defense, commenced grappling with Joseph, my nearest and most ferocious assailant, for his. In the confluence of the multitude several clubs crossed. Blalls at him at me fell on other sconces. Presently the whole chapel resounded with wrappings and counter-wrappings. Every man's hand was against his neighbour and Brandeham, unwilling to remain idle, poured forth his zeal in a shower of loud taps on the boards of the pulpit, which responded so smartly that, at last, to my unspeakable relief, there woke me. And what was it that had suggested the tremendous tumult? What had played jam as his part in the row? Merely the branch of a fir tree that touched my lattice as the blast wailed by and rattled its dry cones against the panes. I listened doubtingly an instant, made the disturber, then turned and dozed and dreamt again, if possible, still more disagreeably than before. This time I remembered I was lying in the oak closet and I heard distinctly the gusty wind and the driving of the snow. I heard also the fir bough repeating its teasing sound and ascribed it to the right cause, but it annoyed me so much that I resolved to silence it, if possible, and I thought I rose and endeavoured to unhasp the casement. The hook was soldered into the staple. A circumstance observed by me when awake, but forgotten, I must stop it, nevertheless, I muttered, knocking my knuckles through the glass and stretching an arm out to seize the importunate branch, instead of which my fingers closed on the fingers of a little ice-cold hand. The intense horror of nightmare came over me. I tried to draw back my arm, but the hand clung to it and a most melancholy voice sobbed, Let me in! Let me in! Who are you? I asked, struggling meanwhile to disengage myself. Catherine Linton. It replied shiveringly, Why did I think of Linton? I had read Earnshaw twenty times for Linton. I'm come home. I'd lost my way on the moor. As it spoke, I discerned, obscurely, a child's face looking through the window. Terror made me cruel and finding it useless to attempt shaking the creature off, I pulled its wrist onto the broken pane and ran down and soaked the bedclothes. Still it wailed, Let me in! and maintained its tenacious gripe, almost maddening me with fear. How can I, I said at length, Let me go if you want me to let you in? The fingers relaxed. I snatched mine through the hall, hurriedly piled the books up in a pyramid against it and stopped my ears to exclude the lamentable prayer. I seemed to keep them closed above a quarter of an hour, yet the instant I listened again was coming on. Be gone, I shouted. I'll never let you in. None of you beg for twenty years. It is twenty years. Moored the voice. Twenty years. I've been away for twenty years. Thereat began a feeble scratching outside and the pile of books moved as if thrust forward. I tried to jump up, but could not stir a limb and so yelled aloud in a frenzy of fright. To my confusion I discovered the yell was not ideal. As I approached my chamber door somebody pushed it open with a vigorous hand and a light glimmered through the squares at the top of the bed. I sat shuddering yet and wiping the perspiration from my forehead. The intruder appeared to hesitate and muttered to himself. At last he said in a half whisper plainly not expecting an answer. Is anyone here? I considered it best to confess my presence for I knew Heathcliff's accents and feared he might search further if I kept quiet. With this intention I turned and opened the panels. I shall not soon forget the effect my action produced. Heathcliff stood near the entrance in his shirt and trousers with a candle dripping over his fingers and his face as white as the wall behind him. The first creek of the orc startled him like an electric shock. The light leaped from his hold to a distance of some feet and his agitation was so extreme that he could hardly pick it up. It is only your guests, sir, I called out, desirous to spare him the humiliation of exposing his cowardice further. I heard the misfortune to scream in my sleep, owing to a frightful nightmare. I'm sorry I disturbed you. Oh, God, confound you, Mr. Lockwood. I was sure at the— commenced my host, setting the candle on a chair because he found it impossible to hold it steady. And who showed you up into this room? He continued, crushing his nails into his palms and grinding his teeth to subdue the maxillary convulsions. Who was it? I have a good mind to turn them out of the house this moment. It was your servant, Zilla, I replied, flinging myself onto the floor and unwrapidly resuming my garments. I should not care if you did, Mr. Heathcliff. She richly deserves it. I suppose that she wanted to get another proof that the place was haunted at my expense. Well, it is—swarming with ghosts and goblins. You have reason in shutting it up, I assure you. No one will thank you for a dose in such a den. What do you mean? Asked Heathcliff. And what are you doing? Lie down and finish out the night since you are here. But for heaven's sake, don't repeat that horrid noise. Nothing could excuse it unless you were having your throat cut. If the little fiend had got in at the window, she probably would have strangled me, I returned. I'm not going to endure the persecutions of your hospitable ancestors again. Was not the Reverend Jabez Branderham akin to you on the mother's side? And that minks Catherine Linton or Earnshaw or however she was called. She must have been a changeling wicked little soul. She told me she had been walking the earth these twenty years, a just punishment for her mortal transgressions I've no doubt. Scarcely were these words, uttered, when I recollected the association of Heathcliffs with Catherine's name in the book, which had completely slipped from my memory till thus awakened. I blushed at my inconsideration, but without showing further consciousness of the offence I hastened to add, the truth is I passed the first part of the night in here I stopped afresh. I was about to say, perusing those old volumes. Then it would have revealed my knowledge of their written as well as their printed contents. So, correcting myself, I went on in spelling over the names scratched on that window-edge. A monotonous occupation calculated to set me asleep like counting-or. What can you mean by talking in this way to me? Thundered Heathcliff with savage vehemence. How, how dare you under my roof? God, he's mad to speak so. And he struck his forehead with rage. I did not know whether to resent this language or pursue my explanation, but he seemed so powerfully affected that I took pity and proceeded with my dreams, affirming I had never heard of it. I had never heard of it. I had never heard of it before, but reading it often over produced an impression which personified itself when I had no longer my imagination under control. Heathcliff gradually fell back into the shelter of the bed as I spoke, finally sitting down almost concealed behind it. I guessed, however, by his irregular and intercepted breathing that he struggled to vanquish an excess of violent emotion. Not liking to show him that I had heard the conflict, I continued my toilette rather noisily, looked at my watch and soliloquized on the length of the night. Not three o'clock yet. I could have taken all that it had been six. Time stagnates here. We will surely have retired to rest at eight. Always at nine in winter and rise at four. Said my host, suppressing a groan. And as I fancied by the motion of his arm's shadow, dashing a tear from his eyes. Mr. Lockwood. He added, You may go into my room. You'll only be in the way coming downstairs so early. And your childish outcry has since leaped to the devil for me. And for me too, I replied. I'll walk in the yard till daylight, and then I'll be off. And you need not dread a repetition of my intrusion. I'm now quite cured of seeking pleasure in society, be it country or town. A sensible man ought to find sufficient company in himself. Delightful company. Muttered heathless. Take the candle and go where you please. I shall join you directly. Keep out of the yard, though. The dogs are unchained, and the house, Juneau Mount Sentinel there. And, nay, you can only ramble about the steps and passages. But away with you. I'll come in two minutes. I obeyed, so far as to quit the chamber. When, ignorant where the narrow lob is led, I stood still, and was witness involuntarily, to a piece of superstition on the part of my landlord, which belied, oddly, his apparent sense. He got onto the bed, and wrenched open the lattice, bursting as he pulled at it into an uncontrollable passion of tears. Come in, come in. He sobbed. Kathy, do come. Oh, do once more. Oh, my heart's darling, hear me this time, Catherine, at last. The spectre showed a spectre's ordinary caprice. It gave no sign of being. But the snow and wind whirled wildly through, even reaching my station, and blowing out the light. There was such anguish in the gush of grief that accompanied this raving that my compassion made me overlook its folly, and I drew off, half angry to have listened at all, and vexed at having related my ridiculous nightmare since it produced that agony, though why was beyond my comprehension? I descended cautiously to the lower regions, and landed in the back kitchen, where a gleam of fire, raked compactly together, enabled me to rekindle my candle. Nothing was stirring except a brindled grey cat which crept from the ashes, and saluted me with a quarrelous mew. Two benches, shaped in sections of a circle, nearly enclosed the hearth. On one of these I stretched myself, and Grimelkin mounted the other. We were both of us nodding, ere anyone invaded our retreat, and then it was Joseph shuffling down a wooden ladder that vanished in the roof through a trap, the ascent to his garret, I suppose. He cast a sinister look at the little flame which I had enticed to play between the ribs, swept the cat from its elevation, and bestowing himself in the vacancy, commenced to the operation of stuffing a three-inch pipe with tobacco. My presence in his sanctum was evidently esteemed a piece of impudence too shameful for remark. He silently applied the tube to his lips, folded his arms, and puffed away. I let him enjoy the luxury unannoyed, and after sucking out his last wreath and heaving a profound sigh, he got up and departed as solemnly as he came. A more elastic footstep entered next, and now I opened my mouth for a good morning, but closed it again, the salutation unachieved. For Herton Earnshaw was performing his orison sotto voce in a series of curses directed against every object he touched, while he rummaged a corner for a spade or shovel to dig through the drifts. He glanced over the back of the bench, dilating his nostrils, and thought as little of exchanging civilities with me as with my companion the cat. I guessed, by his preparations, that egress was allowed, and, leaving my hard couch, made a movement to follow him. I noticed this, and thrust at an inner door with the end of his spade, intimating by an inarticulate sound that there was the place where I must go if I changed my locality. It opened into the house, where the females were already a stir, Zilla urging flakes of flame up the chimney with the colossal bellows, and Mrs Heathcliff kneeling on the hearth, reading a book by the aid of the blaze. She held her hand interposed between the furnace heat and her eyes, and seemed absorbed in her occupation, and chied the servant for covering her with sparks, or to push away a dog, now and then, that snoozzled its nose over-forwardly into her face. I was surprised to see Heathcliff there, also. He stood by the fire, his back towards me, just finishing a stormy scene with poor Zilla, who ever and anon interrupted her labour to pluck up the corner of her apron, and heave an indignant groan. And you, you worthless! He broke out, as I entered, turning to his daughter-in-law, and employing an epithet as harmless sheep, but generally represented by a dash. There you are at your idle tricks again. The rest of them do earn their bread. You live on my charity. Put your trash away and find something to do. You shall pay me for the plague at having you eternally in my sight. Do you hear, damnable shade? I'll put my trash away, because you can make me if I refuse. Answered the young lady, closing her book and throwing it on a chair. But I'll not do anything, though you should swear your tongue out, except what I please. Heathcliff lifted his hand and the speaker sprang to a safer distance, obviously acquainted with its weight. Having no desire to be entertained by a cat-and-dog combat, I stepped forward briskly, as if eager to partake the warmth of the hearth and innocent of any knowledge of the interrupted dispute. Each had enough decorum to suspend further hostilities. Heathcliff placed his fists out of temptation in his pockets. Mrs. Heathcliff curled her lip and walked to a seat far off, where she kept her word by playing the part of a statue during the remainder of my stay. That was not long. I declined joining their breakfast, and at the first gleam of dawn took an opportunity of escaping into the free air, now clear and still, and cold as impalpable ice. My landlord hallowed for me to stop ere I reached the bottom of the garden and offered to accompany me across the moor. It was well he did, for the whole hill-back was one billowy white ocean, and the falls not indicating corresponding rises and depressions in the ground. Many pits, at least, were filled to a level. An entire range of mounds, the refuse of the quarries, blotted from the chart which my yesterday's walk left pictured in my mind. I had remarked on one side of the road, at intervals of six or seven yards, a line of upright stones, continued through the whole length of the barren. These were erected and daubed with lime on purpose to serve as guides in the dark, and also when a fall, like the present, comes on either hand with the firmer path. But, accepting a dirty dot pointing up here and there, all traces of their existence had vanished, and my companion found it necessary to warn me frequently to steer to the right or left, when I imagined I was following correctly the windings of the road. We exchanged little conversation, and he halted at the entrance of Thrushcross Park, saying I could make no error there. Our adieu were limited to a hasty bow, and then I pushed forward, trusting to my own resources, and the porter's lodge is untenanted as yet. The distance from the gate to the grange is two miles. I believe I managed to make it four, what with losing myself among the trees, and sinking up to the neck in snow, a predicament which only those who have experienced it can appreciate. At any rate, whatever were my wanderings, the clock chimed twelve as I entered the house, and that gave exactly an hour for every mile of the usual way from Wuthering Heights. My human fixture and her satellites rushed to welcome me, exclaiming tumultuously they had completely given me up. Everybody conjectured that I perished last night, and they were wondering how they must set about the search for my remains. I bid them be quiet, now that they saw me returned, and, benumped to my very heart, I dragged upstairs. Once, after putting on dry clothes and pacing to and fro thirty or forty minutes to restore the animal heat, I adjourned to my study, feeble as a kitten, almost too much so to enjoy the cheerful fire and smoking coffee which the servant had prepared for my refreshment. What vain weathercocks we are! I, who had determined to hold myself independent of all social intercourse, and thanked my stars that at length I had lighted on a spot where it was next to impracticable, I, weak wretch, after maintaining till dusk a struggle with low spirits and solitude, was finally compelled to strike my colours, and under pretence of gaining information concerning the necessities of my establishment I desired Mrs. Dean, when she brought in supper, to sit down while I ate it, hoping sincerely she would prove a regular gossip, and either rose me to animation or lull me to sleep by her talk. You have lived here a considerable time, I commenced. Did you not say sixteen years? Eighteen, sir. I came when the mistress was married, to wait on her, after she died the master retained before his housekeeper. Indeed. There ensued a pause. She was not a gossip, I feared, unless about her own affairs and those could hardly interest me. However, having studied for an interval with a fist on either knee and a cloud of meditation over her ruddy countenance, she ejaculated... Ah, times have greatly changed since then. Yes, I remarked. You've seen a good many alterations, I suppose. I have. And troubles too. She said, Oh, I'll turn the talk on my landlord's family, I thought to myself. A good subject to start. And that pretty girl widow, I should like to know her history, whether she be a native of the country, or, as is more probable, an exotic that the surly indigenee will not recognise the kin. With this intention I asked Mrs. Dean why Heathliff let Thrushcross Grange and preferred living in a situation and residence so much inferior. Is he not rich enough to keep the estate in order, I inquired? She returned. Rich, sir. He has nobody knows what money, and every year it increases. Yes, yes, he's rich enough to live in a finer house than this, but he's very near, close-handed, and, if he had meant to flit to Thrushcross Grange, as soon as he heard of a good tenant, he could not have borne to miss the chance of getting a few hundreds more. It is strange, people should be so greedy when they are alone in the world. He had a son, it seems. Yes, he had one. He is dead. And that young lady, Mrs. Heathliff, is his widow? Yes. Where did she come from, originally? Why, sir, she's my late master's daughter. Catherine Linton was her maiden name. I nursed her poor thing. I did wish Mr. Heathliff would remove here, and then we might have been together again. What? Catherine Linton? I exclaimed, astonished. But a minute's reflection convinced me it was not my ghostly, Catherine. Then, I continued, my predecessor's name was Linton. It was? And who is that Earnshaw, Herton Earnshaw, who lives with Mr. Heathliff? Are they relations? No, he's the late Mrs. Linton's nephew. The young lady's cousin, then? Yes, and her husband was her cousin also. One on the mother's, the other on the father's side. Heathliff married Mr. Linton's sister. I see the house of Wuthering Heights has Earnshaw carved over the front door. Are they an old family? Very old, sir, and Herton is the last of them. As are Miss Cathy as of us, I mean, of the Linton's. Have you been to Wuthering Heights? I beg pardon for asking, but I should like to hear how she is. Mrs. Heathliff? She looked very well, and very handsome. Yet, I think, not very happy. Oh, dear, I don't wonder. And how did you like the master? Hello, rather, Mrs. Dean. Is not that his character? Roff as a sewage, and hard as windstone. The less you meddle with him, the better. He must have had some ups and downs in life to make him such a churl. Do you know anything of his history? It's a cuckoo, sir. I know all about it, except where he was born, and who were his parents, and how he got his money at first. And Herton has been cast out like an unfledged dunnock. The unfortunate lad is the only one in all of this parish who does not guess how he's been cheated. Well, Mrs. Dean, it will be a charitable deed to tell me something of my neighbours. I feel I shall not rest if I go to bed, so be good enough to sit and chat an hour. Oh, certainly, sir. I'll just fetch a little sewing, and then I'll sit as long as you please. But you've got cold, and I saw you shivering, and you must have some gruel to drive it out. The worthy woman bustled off, and I crouched nearer the fire. My head felt hot, and the rest of me chill. Moreover, I was excited almost to a pitch of foolishness through my nerves and brain. This caused me to feel not uncomfortable, but rather fearful, as I am still, of serious effects from the incidents of today and yesterday. She returned presently, bringing a smoking basin and a basket of work, and having placed the former on the hob, drew in her seat evidently pleased to find me so companionable. Before I came to live here, she commenced, waiting no farther invitation to her story. I was almost always at Wuthering Heights, because my mother had nursed Mr. Hindley Earnshaw. That was Heriton's father, and I got used to playing with the children. I ran errands, too, and helped to make hay, and hung about the farm ready for anything that anybody would set me to. One find some a morning. It was the beginning of harvest, I remember. Mr. Earnshaw, the old master, came downstairs dressed for a journey, and after he had told Joseph what was to be done during the day, he turned to Hindley and Kathy and me for I sat eating my porridge with them, and he said, speaking to his son, Now, my bonny man, I'm going to Liverpool today. What shall I bring you? You may choose what you like. Only let it be little, for I shall walk there and back, sixty miles each way. That is a long spell. Hindley named a fiddle, and then he asked Miss Kathy. She was hardly six years old, but she could ride any horse in the stable, and she chose a whip. He did not forget me, for he had a kind heart, though he was rather severe sometimes. He promised to bring me a pocketful of apples and pears, and then he kissed his children, said goodbye, and set off. It seemed a long while to us all, the three days of his absence, and often did little Kathy ask when he would be home. Mrs. Earnshaw expected him by supper time on the third evening, and she put the meal off hour after hour. There were no signs of his coming, however, and at last the children got tired of running down to the gate to look. Then it grew dark. She would have had them to bed, but they begged sadly to be allowed to stay up, and just about eleven o'clock the door latch was raised quietly, and in stepped the master. He threw himself into a chair, laughing and groaning, and bid them all stand off, but he was nearly killed. He would not have such another walk for the three kingdoms. And at the end of it to be flighted to death! He said, opening his great coat, which he held to bundled up in his arms. See here, wife! I was never so beaten with anything in my life, but you must then take it as a gift of God. Though it's as dark almost as if it came from the devil. We crowded round, and over Miss Kathy's head I had a peep at a dirty ragged black-head child, big enough both to walk and talk. Indeed its face looked older than Catherine's, yet when it was set on its feet it only stared round and repeated over and over again some gibberish that nobody could understand. I was frightened, and Mrs. Earnshaw was ready to fling it out of doors. She did fly up, asking how he could fashion to bring that gypsy brat into the house when they had their own bands to feed and fend for. What he meant to do with it, and whether he were mad. The master tried to explain the matter, but he was really huffed dead with fatigue, and all that I could make out amongst her scolding was a tale of his seeing it starving and houseless and as good as dumb in the streets of Liverpool where he picked it up and inquired for its owner. Not a soul knew to whom it belonged, he said, and his money and time being both limited he thought it better to take it home with him at once than to run into vain expenses there because he was determined he would not leave it as he found it. Well, the conclusion was that my mistress grumbled herself calm and Mr. Earnshaw told me to wash it and give it clean things and let it sleep with the children. Hindley and Cathy contented themselves with looking and listening till peace was restored. Then both began searching the father's pockets for the presents he had promised them. The former was a boy of fourteen, but when he drew out what had been a fiddle, crushed to morsels in the great coat, he blubbered aloud, and Cathy, when she learned the master had lost her whip in attending on the stranger, showed her humour by grinning and spitting at the stupid little thing, earning for her pains a sound blow from her father to teach her cleaner manners. They entirely refused to have it in bed with them or even in their room, and I had no more sense, so I put it on the landing of the stairs, hoping it might be gone on the morrow, by chance or else attracted by hearing his voice ekept into Mr. Earnshaw's door, and there he found it on quitting his chamber. Inquiries were made as to how it got there. I was obliged to confess and and recompense for my cowardice and inhumanity was sent out of the house. This was Heathcliff's first introduction to the family. On coming back a few days afterwards, for I did not consider my banishment perpetual, I found they had christened him Heathcliff. It was the name of a son who died in childhood, and it has served him ever since, both for Christian and surname. Miss Cathy and he were now very thick, but Hindley hated him, and to say the truth I did the same, and we plagued and went on with him shamefully, for I wasn't reasonable enough to feel my injustice, and the mistress never put in a word on his behalf when she saw him wronged. He seemed a sullen, patient child, hardened perhaps to ill treatment. He would stand Hindley's blows without winking or shedding a tear, and my pinches moved him only to draw in a breath and open his eyes, as if he had hurt himself by accident and nobody was to blame. This endurance made old Earnshaw furious when he discovered his son persecuting the poor fatherless child as he called him. He took to Heathcliff strangely, believing all he said, for that matter he said precious little, and generally the truth, and petting him up far above Cathy, who was too mischievous and wayward for a favourite. So, from the very beginning he bred bad feeling in the house, and at Mrs. Earnshaw's death, which happened in less than two years after, the young master had learned to regard his father as an oppressor rather than a friend, and Heathcliff as a usurper of his parents' affections and his privileges, and he grew bitter with brooding over these injuries. I sympathised a while, but when the children fell ill of the measles and I had to tend to them and take on me the cares of a woman at once I changed my idea. Heathcliff was dangerously sick and while he lay at the worst he would have me constantly by his pillow. I suppose he felt I did a good deal for him and he hadn't wit to guess that I was compelled to do it. However, I will say this, he was the quietest child that ever nurse watched over. The difference between him and the others forced me to be less partial. Cathy and her brother harassed me terribly. He was as uncomplaining as a lamb, though hardness, not gentleness made him give little trouble. He got through and the doctor affirmed it was in great measure owing to me and praised me for my care. I was vain of his commendations and softened towards the being by whose means I earned them and thus Hindley lost his last ally. Still I couldn't do it on Heathcliff and I wondered often what my masters saw to admire so much in the Solon boy, who never to my recollection repaid his indulgence by any sign of gratitude. He was not insolent to his benefactor, he was simply insensible. Though knowing perfectly the hold he had on his heart and conscious he had only to speak and all the house would be obliged to bend to his wishes. As an instance I remember Mr. Runshaw once bought a couple of coats at the parish fair and gave the lads each one. Heathcliff took the handsomest but it soon fell lame and when he discovered it he said to Hindley you must exchange horses with me I don't like mine and if you won't I shall tell father of the three thrashings you've given me this week and show him my arm which is black to the shoulder. Hindley put out his tongue and cuffed him over the ears. You'd better do it at once. He persisted escaping to the porch they were in the stable. You will have to and if I speak of these blows you'll get them again with interest. Hindley threatening him with an iron weight used for wane potatoes and hay. Throw it. He replied standing still and then I'll tell how you boasted that you would turn me out of doors as soon as he died and see whether he will not turn you out directly. Hindley threw it hitting him on the breast and down he fell but staggered up immediately breathless and white and had I not prevented it he would have gone just so to the master and got full revenge by letting his condition plead for him intimating who had caused it. Take my coat gypsy then said Yong Earnshaw and I pray that he may break your neck take him and be damned you beggarly interoper and weedle my father out of all he has only after we've shown him what you are imp of Satan and take that I hope he'll kick out your brains. Heathcliff had gone to loose the beast and shift it to his own stall he was passing behind it when Hindley finished his speech by knocking him under its feet and without stopping to examine whether his hopes were fulfilled ran away as fast as he could I was surprised to witness how coolly the child gathered himself up and went on with his intention exchanging saddles and all and then sitting down on a bundle of hay to overcome the quam which the violent blow occasioned before he entered the house I persuaded him easily to let me lay the blame of his bruises on the horse he minded little what tail was told since he had what he wanted he complained so seldom indeed of such stares as these that I really thought him not vindictive I was deceived completely as you will hear End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain In the course of time Mr. Earnshaw began to fail he had been active and healthy yet his strength left him suddenly and when he was confined to the chimney corner he grew grievously irritable and nothing vexed him and suspected slights of his authority nearly threw him into fits this was especially to be remarked if anyone attempted to impose upon or dominia over his favourite he was painfully jealous lest a word should be spoken amiss to him seeming to have got into his head the notion that because he liked Heathcliff all hated and longed to do him an ill turn it was a disadvantage to the lad for the kinder among us did not wish to fret the master so he humoured his partiality and that humouring was rich nourishment to the child's pride and black tempers still it became in a manner necessary twice or thrice Hindley's manifestation of scorn while his father was near roused the old man to a fury he seized his stick to strike him and shook with rage that he could not do it at last our curate we had a curate then who made the living answer by teaching the little Lintons and Earnshaws and farming his bit of land himself advised that the young man should be sent to college and Mr. Earnshaw agreed though with a heavy spirit for he said Hindley was not and would never thrive as where he wandered I hoped heartily we should have peace now it hurt me to think the master should be made uncomfortable by his own good deed I fancied this content of age and disease arose from his family disagreements as he would have it that it did really you know sir it was in his sinking frame we might have got on tolerably notwithstanding but for two people Miss Kathy and Joseph the servant you saw him I dare say up yonder he was and is yet most likely the wirisimist self-righteous Pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself and fling the curses to his neighbours by his knack of sermonising in pious discoursing he contrived to make a great impression on Mr. Earnshaw and the more feeble the master became the more influence he gained he was relentless in worrying him about his soul's concerns and about ruling his children rigidly he encouraged him to regard Hindley as a reprobate and night after night he regularly grumbled out a long string of tales against Heathcliff and Catherine always minding to flatter Earnshaw's weakness by heaping the heaviest blame on the latter certainly she had ways with her such as I never saw a child take up before and she put all of us past our patience fifty times and often in a day from the hours she came downstairs till the hours she went to bed we had not to minute security that she wouldn't be in mischief her spirits were always at high water mark her tongue always going singing, laughing and plaguing everybody who had not do the same a wild, wicked slip she was but she had the bonniest eye the sweetest smile and lightest foot in the parish and after all I believe she meant no harm for when once she made you cry and good Ernest it seldom happened that she would not keep you company and obliged you to be quiet that you might comfort her she was much too fond of Heathcliff the greatest punishment we could invent for her was to keep her separate from him yet she got chided more than any of us on his account exceedingly to act the little mistress using her hands freely and commanding her companions she did so to me but I would not bear slapping and ordering and so I let her know now Mr. Earnshaw did not understand jokes from his children he had always been strict and grave with them and Catherine on her part had no idea why her father should be crosser and less patient in his ailing condition than he was in his prime his peevish reproofs awakened she was never so happy as when we were all scolding her at once and she defying us with her bold saucy look and her ready words turning Joseph's religious curses into ridicule baiting me and doing just what her father hated most showing how her pretended insolence which he thought real had more power over Heathcliff than his kindness how the boy could do her bidding in anything and his only when it suited his own inclination after behaving as badly as possible all day she sometimes came fondling to make it up at night nay Cathy the old man would say I cannot love thee thou worst than thy brother go say thy prayers child and ask God's pardon I doubt thy mother and I must rue that we ever rear thee that made her cry at first and then being repulsed continually hardened her and she laughed if I told her to say she was sorry for her faults and begged to be forgiven but the hour came at last that ended Mr. Earnshaw's troubles on earth he died quietly in his chair one October evening seated by the fireside a high wind blustered round the house and roared in the chimney it sounded wild and stormy yet it was not cold and we were all together I, a little removed from the half busy at my knitting and Joseph reading his Bible near the table for the servants generally sat in the house then after their work was done Miss Cathy had been sick and that made her still she learned against her father's knee and Heathcliff was lying on the floor with his head in her lap I remember the master before he fell into a dose stroking her bonny hair it pleased him rarely to see her gentle and saying why can't thou not always be a good lass, Cathy? and she turned her face up to his and laughed and answered oh I cannot you always be a good man, father but as soon as she saw him vexed again she kissed his hand and said she would sing him to sleep she began singing very low till his fingers dropped from hers and his head sank on his breast then I told her to hush and not stir for fear she should wake him we all kept as mute as mice a full half hour and should have done so longer only Joseph having finished his chapter got up and said that he must rouse the master in bed he stepped forward and called him by name and touched his shoulder but he would not move so he took the candle and looked at him I thought there was something wrong as he sat down the light and seizing the children each by an arm whispered to them frame upstairs and make little din they might pray alone that evening he had so much to do I shall bid father good night first said Catherine before we could hinder her the poor thing discovered her lost directly she screamed out oh he's dead Heathcliff he's dead and they both set up a heart-breaking cry I joined my way to theirs loud and bitter but Joseph asked what we could be thinking of to roar in that way over a saint in heaven he told me to put on my cloak and run to Gimiton for the doctor and the parson I could not guess the use that either would be of then however I went through wind and rain and brought one, the doctor, back with me the other said he would come in the morning leaving Joseph to explain matters I ran to the children's room their door was ajar I saw they had never lain down though it was past midnight but they were calmer and did not need me to console them the little souls were comforting each other with better thoughts than I could have hit on no person in the world ever pictured as kindly as they did in their innocent talk and while I sobbed and listened I could not help wishing we were all there safe together End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Mr. Hindley came home to the funeral and a thing that amazed us and set the neighbour's gossiping right and left he brought a wife with him what she was and where she was born he never informed us probably she had neither money nor name to recommend her or he would scarcely have kept the union from his father she was not one that would have disturbed the house much on her own account every object she saw the moment she crossed the threshold appeared to delight her and every circumstance that took place about her except the preparing for the burial and the presence of the mourners I thought she was half-silly while that went on she ran into her chamber and made me come with her though I should have been dressing the children and there she sat shivering and clasping her hands and asking repeatedly are they gone yet? then she began describing with hysterical emotion the effect it produced on her to see black and started and trembled and at last fell a weeping and when I asked what was the matter answered she didn't know but she felt so afraid of dying that her is little likely to die as myself she was rather thin but young and fresh complexions and her eyes sparkled as bright as diamonds I did remark to be sure that mounting the stairs made her breathe very quick that the least sodden noise set her all in a quiver and that she coughed troublesomely sometimes but I knew nothing of what these symptoms portended and had no impulse to sympathize with her we don't in general take to foreigners here Mr. Lockwood unless they take to us first young Earnshaw was altered considerably in the three years of his absence he had grown sparer and lost his colour and spoke and dressed quite differently and on the very day of his return he told Joseph and me we must then s fourth quarter ourselves in the back kitchen and leave the house for him indeed he would have carpeted in papered a small spare room for a parlour but his wife expressed such pleasure at the white floor in huge growing fireplace at the pewter dishes and elf case and dog kennel and the wide space there was to move about in where they usually sat that he thought it unnecessary to her comfort and so dropped the intention she expressed pleasure too at finding a sister among her new acquaintance and she prattled to Catherine and kissed her and ran about with her and gave her quantities of presents at the beginning her affection tired very soon however and when she grew peevish Hindley became tyrannical a few words from her she was expecting a dislike to Heathcliff were enough to rouse in him all his old hatred of the boy he drove him from their company to the servants deprived him of the instructions of the curate and insisted that he should labour out of doors instead compelling him to do so as hard as any other lad on the farm Heathcliff bore his degradation pretty well at first because Cathy taught him what she learnt and worked or played with him in the fields they both promised fair to grow up as rude as savages were being entirely negligent how they behaved and what they did so they kept clear of him he would not have even seen after their going to church on Sundays only Joseph and the curate reprimanded his carelessness when they absented themselves and that reminded him to order Heathcliff for flogging and Catherine are fast from dinner or supper but it was one of their chief amusements to run away to the moors in the morning and remain there all day and the after punishment grew a mere thing to laugh at and that might set as many chapters as he pleased for Catherine to get by heart and Joseph might throw a sheathcliff till his arm ached they forgot everything the minute they were together again at least the minute they had contrived some naughty plan of revenge and many a time I've cried to myself to watch them growing more reckless daily and I am not daring to speak a syllable for fear of losing the small power I still retained over the unfriended creatures one Sunday evening it chanced that they were banished from the sitting-room noise or a light offence of the kind and when I went to call them for supper I could discover them nowhere we searched the house above and below and the yard and stables they were invisible and at last Hindley in a passion told us to bolt the doors and swore nobody should let them in that night the household went to bed and I too anxious to lie down opened my lattice and put my head out to Harkin though it rained determined to admit them in spite of the prohibition should they return in a while I distinguished steps coming up the road and the light of a lantern glimmered through the gate I threw a shawl over my head and ran to prevent them from waking Mr. Anshaw by knocking there was Heathcliff by himself it gave me a start to see him alone where is Miss Catherine I cried hurriedly no accident I hope at Thrushcross Grange he answered and I would have been there too but they had not the manners to ask me to stay well you will catch it I said you'll never be content till you're sent about your business what in the world led you wondering to Thrushcross Grange let me get off my wet clothes and I'll tell you all about it Nellie he replied I bit him beware of rousing the monster and while he undressed and I waited to put out the candle he continued Kathy and I escaped from the wash house to have a ramble at Liberty and getting a glimpse of the Grange lights we thought we would just go and see whether the Lintons passed their Sunday evenings sending shivering in corners while their father and mother sat eating and drinking and singing and laughing and burning their eyes out before the fire do you think they do or reading sermons and being catacysed by their manservant and set to learn a column of scripture names if they don't answer properly probably not I responded they are good children no doubt and don't deserve the treatment you receive for your bad conduct don't can't Nellie he said we ran from the top of the heights to the park without stopping Catherine completely beaten in the race because she was barefoot you'll have to seek for her shoes in the bog tomorrow we crept through a broken hedge groped our way up the path and planted ourselves on a flower plot under the drawing room window the light came from vents they had not put up the shutters and the curtains were only half closed both of us were able to look in by standing on the basement we saw ah it was beautiful a splendid place carpeted with crimson and crimson coverage chairs and tables and a pure white ceiling bordered by gold a shower of glass drops hanging in silver chains from the center and shimmering with little soft tapers old Mr. and Mrs. Linton were not there Edgar and his sisters had it entirely to themselves shouldn't they have been happy we should have thought ourselves in heaven and now guess what your good children were doing Isabella, I believe she is eleven a year younger than Cathy lay screaming at the farther end of the room shrieking as if witches were running red-hot needles into her Edgar stood on the hearth weeping silently and in the middle of the table sat a little dog shaking its paw and yelping which from their mutual accusations we understood they had nearly pulled into between them the idiots that was their pleasure to quarrel who should hold a heap of warm hair and each begin to cry because both after struggling to get it refused to take it we laughed outright at the petted things we did despise them when would you catch me wishing to have what Catherine wanted or find us by ourselves seeking entertainment in yelling and sobbing and rolling on the ground divided by the whole room I'd not exchange for a thousand lives my condition here for Edgar Lintons at Thrushcross Grange not if I might have the privilege of flinging Joseph off the highest gable and painting the house front with Hindley's blood hush hush I interrupted still you have not told me Heathcliff how Catherine had left behind I told you we laughed he answered the Lintons heard us and with one accord they shot like arrows to the door there was silence and then a cry oh mama mama oh papa oh mama come here they really did howl out something in that way we made frightful noises to terrify them still more and then we dropped off the ledge because somebody was drawing the bars and we felt we had better flee I had Kathy by the hand and was urging her on when all at once she fell down run Heathcliff run she whispered the devil had seized her ankle I heard his abominable snorting she did not yell out no she would have scorned to do it if she had been spitted on the horns of a mad cow I did though I vociferated curses enough to annihilate any fiend in Christendom and I got a stone and thrust it between his jaws and tried with all my might to cram it down his throat a beast of a servant came up with a lantern at last shouting keep fast Sculker keep fast he changed his note however when he saw Sculker's game the dog was throttled off his huge purple tongue hanging half a foot out of his mouth and his pendant lips streaming with bloody slather the man took Kathy up she was sick not from fear I'm certain but from pain he carried her in I followed grumbling execrations and vengeance what pray Robert hallowed Linton from the entrance Sculker is called a little girl sir he replied there's a lot here who looks an out and outer very light the robbers were for putting them through the window to open the door stood again after all were asleep they might murder us at their ease hold your tongue you foam out the thief you you shall go to the gallows for this Mr. Linton sir don't lay by your gun no no Robert said the old fool the rascals knew that yesterday was my rent day they thought to have me cleverly come in or furnish them a reception they're drawn fast in the chain give Sculker some water Jenny to be had a magistrate in his stronghold and on the Sabbath too where would their insolence stop oh my dear Mary look here don't be afraid it is but a boy yet the villains the galls so plainly in his face would it not be kindness the country to hang him at once before he shows his nature and acts as well as features he pulled me under the chandelier Mrs. Linton placed her spectacles on her nose and raised her hands in horror the cowardly children crept nearer also Isabella lisping frightful thing put him in the cellar papa he's exactly like the son of the fortune teller that stole my tame pheasant isn't he Edgar while they examined me Kathy came round she heard the last speech and laughed Edgar Linton after an inquisitive stare collected sufficient width to recognize her they see us at church you know though we seldom meet them elsewhere that's Miss Ernshaw he was spread to his mother and look how Skoker has been there how are her foot bleeds Miss Ernshaw nonsense cried the dame Miss Ernshaw scurries the country with a gypsy and yet to my dear the child is in mourning, sure it is and she might be blamed for life what culpable carelessness in her brother exclaimed Mr. Linton turning from me to Catherine I've understood from Shielders that was the curetse that he let to grow up in absolute haithenism who is this, where did she pick up this companion oh I declare he is that strange acquisition my late neighbour made in his journey to Liverpool a little last car or an American or Spanish castaway a wicked boy at all events remarked the old lady unquiet and fit for a decent house did you notice his language Linton I'm shocked that my children should have heard it I recommenced cursing don't be angry Nelly and so Robert was ordered to take me off I refused to go without Kathy he dragged me into the garden pushed the lantern into my hand assured me that Mr. Ernshaw should be informed of my behaviour and bidding me march directly secured the door again the curtains were still looped up at one corner and I resumed my station as spy because if Catherine had wished to return I intended shattering their great glass panes to a million of fragments unless they let her out she sat on the sofa quietly Mrs. Linton took off the grey cloak of the dairymaid which we had borrowed for our excursion shaking her head and expostulating with her I suppose she was a young lady and they made a distinction between her treatment and mine then the woman servant brought a basin of warm water and washed her feet and Mr. Linton mixed a tumbler of neegas and Isabella emptied a plate full of cakes into her lap and Edgar stood gaping at a distance afterwards they dried and combed her beautiful hair and gave her a pair of enormous slippers and wheeled her to the fire and I left her as merry as she could be dividing her food between the little dog and Sculker whose nose she pinched as he ate and kindling a spark of spirit in the vacant blue eyes of the Linton's a dim reflection from her own enchanting face I saw they were full of stupid admiration she is so immeasurably superior to them to everybody on earth is she not Nellie? There will more come of this business than you reckon on I answered covering him up and extinguishing the light you are incurable Heathcliff and Mr. Hindley will have to proceed to extremities see if you want my words came truer than I desired the luckless adventure made Earnshaw furious and then Mr. Linton to mend matters paid us a visit himself on the morrow and read the young master such a lecture on the road he guided his family that he was stirred to look about him in earnest Heathcliff received no flogging but he was told that the first word he spoke to Miss Catherine should ensure a dismissal and Mrs. Earnshaw undertook to keep her sister-in-law in due restraint when she returned home but not force with force she would have found it impossible End of Chapter 6 Chapter 7 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain Cathy stayed at Thrushcross Grange five weeks till Christmas by that time her ankle was thoroughly cured and her manners much improved the mistress visited her often in the interval and commenced her plan of reform by trying to raise her self-respect with fine clothes and flattery which she took too readily so that instead of a wild, headless little savage jumping into the house and rushing to squeeze us all breathless there lighted from a handsome black pony a very dignified person with brown ringlets falling from the cover of a feathered beaver and a long cloth habit which she was obliged to hold up with both hands that she might sail in from the horse exclaiming delightedly Why Cathy you are quite a beauty I should scarcely have known you you look like a lady now Isabella Lytton has not to be compared with her is she Frances Isabella has not her natural advantages replied his wife but she must mind not grow wild here Ellen help Miss Catherine off with her things stay dear you will disarrange your curls let me untie your hat I removed the habit forth beneath a grand plaid silk frock white trousers and burnished shoes and while her eyes sparkled joyfully when the dogs came bounding up to welcome her she dared hardly touch them lest they should fawn upon her splendid garments she kissed me gently I was all flower making the Christmas cake and it would not have done to give me a hug and then she looked round for Heathcliff Mr. and Mrs. Anshaw watched anxiously their meeting thinking it would enable them to judge in some measure what ground they had for hoping to succeed in separating the two friends Heathcliff was hard to discover at first if he were careless and uncared for before Catherine's absence he had been ten times more so since nobody but I even did him the kindness to call him a dirty boy and bid him wash himself once a week and children of his age seldom have a natural pleasure in soap and water therefore not to mention his clothes which had seen three months service in Myron Dost and his thick uncombed hair the surface of his face and hands was dismally be clouded he might well skulk behind the settle on beholding such a bright graceful damsel enter the house instead of a rough-headed counterpart of himself as he expected is Heathcliff not here? she demanded pulling off her gloves and displaying fingers wonderfully whitened with doing nothing and staying indoors Heathcliff you may come forward cried Mr. Hindley enjoying his discomforture and gratified to see what a forbidding young blaggard he would be compelled to present himself you may come and wish Miss Catherine welcome like the other servants Cathy catching a glimpse of her friend in his concealment flew to embrace him she bestowed seven or eight kisses on his cheek within the second and then stopped and drawing back burst into a laugh exclaiming why how very black and cross you look and how funny and grim but that's because I'm used to Edgar and Isabella Linton well Heathcliff have you forgotten me? she had some reason to put the question for shame and pride through double gloom over his countenance and kept him immovable shake hands Heathcliff said Mr. Earnshaw condescendingly once in a way that is permitted I shall not replied the boy finding his tongue at last I shall not stand to be laughed at I shall not bear it and he would have broken from the circle but Miss Cathy seized him again I did not mean to laugh at you she said I could not hinder myself Heathcliff, shake hands at least what are you sulky for it was only that you looked odd if you wash your face and brush your hair it will be all right but you are so dirty she gazed concernedly at the dusky fingers she held in her own she had no contact with his you needn't have touched me he answered following her eye and snatching away his hand I shall be as dirty as I please and I like to be dirty and I will be dirty with that he dashed head foremost out of the room amid the merriment of the master and mistress and to the serious disturbance of Catherine who could not comprehend how her remarks should have produced such an exhibition of bad temper after playing ladies made the newcomer and putting my cakes in the oven and making the house and kitchen cheerful with great fires befitting Christmas Eve I prepared to sit down and amuse myself by singing carols all alone regardless of Joseph's affirmations that he considered the maritunes I chose as next door to songs he had retired to private prayer in his chamber and Mr. and Mrs. Earnshaw were engaging Missy's attention by sundry gay trifles bought for her to present to the Little Lintons as an acknowledgement of their kindness they had invited them to spin the morrow at the night's and the invitation had been accepted on one condition Mrs. Linton begged that her darlings might be kept carefully apart from that naughty swearing boy under these circumstances I remained solitary I smelt the rich scent of the eating spices and admired the shining kitchen utensils the polished clock decked in holly the silver mugs ranged on a tray ready to be filled with mould ale for supper and above all the speckless purity of my particular care the scoured and well-swept floor I gave due inward applause to every object and then I remembered how old Earnshaw used to come in when all was tidied and call me a cantalas and slip a shilling into my hand as a Christmas box and from that I went on to think of his fondness for Heathcliff and his dreadlust he should suffer neglect after death had removed him and that naturally led me to consider the poor lad's situation now and from singing I changed my mind to crying it struck me soon however there would be more sense in endeavouring to repair some of his wrongs than shedding tears over them I got up and walked into the court to see him he was not far I found him smoothing the glossy coat of the new pony in the stable and feeding the other beasts according to custom Make haste Heathcliff I said the kitchen is so comfortable and Joseph is upstairs make haste and let me dress you smart before Miss Kathy comes out and then you can sit together with the whole hearth to yourselves and have a long chatter till bedtime he proceeded with his task and never turned his head towards me come are you coming I continued there's a little cake for each of you nearly enough and you'll need half an hour's donning I waited five minutes but getting no answer left him Catherine sopped with her brother and sister-in-law Joseph and I had joined at an unsociable meal seasoned with reproofs on one side and sauciness on the other his cake and cheese remained on the table all night for the fairies he managed to continue work till nine o'clock and then marched a dumb and dour to his chamber Kathy set up late having a world of things to order for the reception of her new friends she came into the kitchen once to speak to her old one but he was gone and she only stayed to ask what was the matter with him and then went back in the morning he rose early and as it was a holiday carried his ill humour on to the moors not reappearing till the family were departed for church fasting and reflection seemed to have brought him to a better spirit he hung about me for a while and having screwed up his courage exclaimed abruptly Nellie make me decent I'm going to be good hi time Heathcliff I said you have grieved Catherine she's sorry she ever came home I dare say it looks as if you envied her because she has more thought of than you the notion of envying Catherine was incomprehensible to him but the notion of grieving her he understood clearly enough did she say she was grieved he inquired looking very serious she cried when I told her you were off again this morning well I cried last night he returned and I had more reason to cry than she yes you had the reason of going to bed with a proud heart and an empty stomach said I but if you be ashamed of your touchiness you must ask pardon mind when she comes in you must go up and offer to kiss her and say you know best what to say only do it heartily and not as if you thought her converted into a stranger by her grand dress and now though I have dinner to get ready I'll steal time to arrange you so that Edgar Linton shall look quite a doll beside you and that he does you are younger and yet I'll be bound you are taller and twice as broad across the shoulders you could knock him down in a twinkling don't you feel that you could Heathcliff's face brightened a moment then it was overcast afresh and he sighed but Nellie if I knock him down twenty times that wouldn't make him less handsome or me more so I wish I had light hair and a fair skin and was dressed and behaved as well and had a chance of being as rich as he will be and cried for mama at every turn I added and trembled if a country lad heaved his fist against you and sat at home all day for a shower of rain oh Heathcliff you are showing a poor spirit come to the glass and I'll let you see what you should wish do you mark those two lines between your eyes and those thick brows that instead of rising arched sink in the middle and that couple of black fiends so deeply buried who never open their windows boldly but lurk glinting under them like devil's spies wish and learn to smooth away the surly wrinkles to raise your lids frankly and change the fiends to confident innocent angels suspecting and doubting nothing and always seeing friends where they are not sure of foes don't get the expression of a vicious ker that appears to know the kicks it gets are its dessert and yet hates all the world as well as the kicker for what it suffers in other words I must wish for Edgar Linton's great blue eyes and even forehead I do and that won't help me to them a good heart will help you to a bonny face my lad I continued if you were a regular black and a bad one will turn the bonniest into something worse than ugly and now that we've done washing and combing and sulking tell me whether you don't think yourself rather handsome I'll tell you I do you're fit for a prince in disguise who knows but your father was emperor of china and your mother an indian queen each of them able to buy up with one week's income withering heights and thrushcross grange together and you were kidnapped by wicked sailors and brought to England were I in your place I would frame high notions of my birth and the thoughts of what I was should give me courage and dignity to support the oppressions of a little farmer so I chatted on and Heathcliff gradually lost his frown and began to look quite pleasant the conversation was interrupted by a rumbling sound moving up the road and entering the court he ran to the window and eye to the door just in time to behold the two lintons descend from the family carriage smothered in cloaks and furs and the urnshaws dismount from their horses they often rode to church in winter Catherine took a hand of each of the children and brought them into the house and set them before the fire which quickly put colour into their white faces I urged my companion to hasten now and show his amiable humour and he willingly obeyed but Ill Lock would have it that as he opened the door leading from the kitchen on one side Hindley opened it on the other they met and the master irritated at seeing him clean and cheerful all perhaps eager to keep his promise to Mrs. Linton shoved him back with a sudden thrust and angrily bathed Joseph keep the fellow out of the room send him into the garage till dinner's over he'll be cramming his fingers in the tarts instilling the fruit if left alone with them a minute nice sir I could not avoid answering he'll touch nothing not he and I suppose he must have his share of the dainties as well as we he shall have his share of my hand if I catch him downstairs till dark cried Hindley be gone you vagabond what are you tempting the cockscomb are you wait till I get hold of those elegant locks see if I won't pull them a bit longer they're long enough already observed master Linton peeping from the doorway I wonder they don't make his headache it's like a cult's mane over his eyes he ventured this remark without any intention to insult but Heathcliff's violent nature was not prepared to endure the appearance of impertinence from one whom he seemed to hate even then as a rival he seized a churine of hot applesauce the first thing that came under his grip and dashed it full against the speaker's face and neck who instantly commenced a lament that brought Isabella and Catherine Mr. Earnshaw snatched up the culprit directly and conveyed him to his chamber where doubtless he administered a rough remedy to cool the fit of passion for he appeared red and breathless I got the dishcloth and rather spitefully scrubbed Edgar's nose and mouth affirming it to serve him right for meddling his sister began weeping to go home and Cathy stood by confounded blushing for all you should not have spoken to him she expostulated with master Linton he was in a bad temper and now spoiled your visit and he'll be flogged I hate him to be flogged I can't eat my dinner why did you speak to him Edgar? I didn't sobbed the youth escaping from my hands and finishing the remainder of the purification with his Cambridge pocket handkerchief I promised Mama I wouldn't say one word to him and I didn't well don't cry replied Catherine contemptuously you're not killed don't make more mischief my brother's coming be quiet hush Isabella has anybody hurt you? they're their children to your seats cried hintly bustling in for that brute of a lad has warmed me nicely next time master Edgar take the lawn to your own fists it will give you an appetite the little party recovered its equanimity at sight of the fragrant feast they were hungry after their ride and easily consoled since no real harm had befallen them Mr. Earnshaw carved bountiful platefuls and the mistress made them marry with lively talk I waited behind a chair and was pained to behold Catherine with dry eyes and an indifferent air commence cutting up the wing of a goose before her an unfeeling child I thought to myself how lightly she dismisses her old playmate's troubles I could not have imagined her to be so selfish she lifted a mouthful to her lips then she set it down again her cheeks flushed and the tears gushed over them she slipped her fork to the floor and hastily dived under the cloth to conceal her emotion I did not call her unfeeling long for I perceived she was in purgatory throughout the day and worrying to find an opportunity of getting by herself or paying a visit to Heathcliff who had been locked up by the master as I discovered on endeavouring to introduce to him a private mess of victuals in the evening we had a dance Cathy baked that he might be liberated then as Isabella Linton had no partner her intrigue was a little bit different Linton had no partner her entreaties were vain and I was appointed to supply the deficiency we got rid of all the gloom and the excitement of the exercise and our pleasure was increased by the arrival of the guimatin band mustering fifteen strong a trumpet, a trombone clarinets, bassoons, French horns and a bass violin beside singers they go the rounds of all the respectable houses and receive contributions every Christmas and we esteemed at a first rate treat to hear them after the usual carols had been sung we set them to songs and glies Mrs. Earnshaw loved the music and saw they gave us plenty Catherine loved it too but she said it sounded sweetest at the top of the steps and she went up in the dark I followed they shut the house door below never noting our absence it was so full of people she made no stay at the stairs head but mounted farther to the garret where Heathcliff was confined and called him suddenly declined answering for a while she persevered and finally persuaded him to hold communion with her through the boards I let the poor things converse and molested till I suppose the songs were going to cease and the singers to get some refreshment then I clambered up the ladder to warn her instead of finding her outside I heard her voice within the little monkey had crept by the skylight of one garret along the roof into the skylight of the other and it was with the utmost difficulty to get her out again when she did come Heathcliff came with her and she insisted that I should take him into the kitchen as my fellow servant had gone to a neighbour's to be removed from the sound of our devil's sovereignty as it pleased him to call it I told them I intended by no means to encourage their tricks but as the prisoner had never broken his fast since yesterday's dinner I would wink at his cheating Mr Hindley that once he went down I set him a stool by the fire and offered him a quantity of good things but he was sick and could eat little and my attempts to entertain him were thrown away he lamed his two elbows on his knees and his chin on his hands and remained wrapped in dumb meditation on my enquiring the subject of his thoughts he answered gravely I'm trying to settle how I shall pay Hindley back I don't care how long I wait if I can only do it at last I hope he will not die before I do for shame Heathcliff said I it is for God to punish wicked people we should learn to forgive no God won't have the satisfaction that I shall he returned I only wish I knew the best way let me alone and I'll plan it out while I'm thinking of that I don't feel pain but Mr Lockwood I forget these tales cannot divert you I'm annoyed how I should dream of chattering on at such a rate and your gruel cold and you nodding for bed I could have told Heathcliff's history all that you need to hear in half a dozen words thus interrupting herself the housekeeper rose and proceeded to lay aside her sewing but I felt incapable of moving from the hearth and I was very far from nodding sit still Mrs Dean I cried do sit still another half hour you've done just right to tell the story leisurely that is the method I like and you must finish it in the same style I am interested in every character you have mentioned more or less on the stroke of eleven sir no matter I'm not accustomed to go to bed in the long hours one or two is early enough for a person who lies till ten you shouldn't lie till ten there's the very prime of the morning gone long before that time a person who has not done one half his days work by ten o'clock runs a chance of leaving the other half undone nevertheless Mrs Dean resume your chair because tomorrow I intend lengthening the night till afternoon I prognosticate for myself an obstinate cold at least I hope not sir well you must allow me to leap over some three years during that space Mrs Anshaw no no I'll allow nothing of the sort are you acquainted with the mood of mind in which if you were seated alone and the cat licking its kitten on the rug before you you would watch the operation so intently that Puss's neglect of one ear would put you seriously out of temper a terribly lazy mood I should say on the contrary a tiresome active one it is mine at present and therefore continue minutely I perceive that people in these regions acquire over people in towns the value that a spider in a dungeon does over a spider in a cottage to their various occupants and yet the deepened attraction is not entirely owing to the situation of the looker on they do live more in earnest more in themselves and less in surface change and frivolous external things I could fancy a love for life here almost possible and I was a fixed unbeliever in any love of a year standing one state resembles setting a hungry man down to a single dish on which he may concentrate his entire appetite and do it justice the other introducing him to a table laid out by French cooks he could perhaps extract as much enjoyment from the whole but each part is a mere atom in his regard and remembrance oh here we are the same as anywhere else when you get to know us observed Mrs. Dean somewhat puzzled at my speech excuse me I responded you my good friend are striking evidence against that assertion accepting a few provincialisms of slight consequence you have no marks of the manners which I am habituated to consider as peculiar to your class I am sure you have thought a great deal more than the generality of servants think you have been compelled to cultivate your reflective faculties for want of occasions for frittering your life away in silly trifles Mrs. Dean laughed I certainly esteem myself a steady reasonable kind of body she said not exactly from living among the hills and seeing one set of faces and one series of actions from year's end to year's end but I have undergone sharp discipline which has taught me wisdom and then I have read more than you would fancy Mr. Lockwood you could not open a book in this library that I have not looked into and got something out of also unless it be that range of Greek and Latin and that of French and those I know one from another it is as much as you can expect of a poor man's daughter however if I am to follow my story in true gossip's fashion I had better go on and instead of leaping three years I will be content to pass to the next summer the summer of 1778 that is nearly 23 years ago End of Chapter 7 Chapter 8 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain On the morning of a fine June day my first bunny little nursing and the last of the ancient and jaw-stock was born we were busy with the hay in a faraway field and the girl that usually brought our breakfast came running an hour too soon across the meadow and up the lane calling me as she ran oh such a grand bear she panted out the finest lad that ever breathed but the doctor says Mrs. Muskole he says she's been in a consumption these many months I heard him tell Mr. Hindley and now she has nothing to keep her and she'll be dead before winter you must come home directly you're to nurse it Nelly I wish I were you because it'll be all yours when there is no Mrs. But is she very ill I asked flinging down my rake and tying my bonnet I guess she is, she looks bravely replied the girl and she talks as if she thought of living to see it grow a man she's out of her head for joy it's such a beauty if I were her I'm certain I should not die I should get better at the bare sight of it in spite of Kenneth I was fairly mad at him Daymarcher brought the cherub down to master in the house and his face just begun to light up and he says he earn short to blessing your wife has been spared to leave you this son when she came I felt convinced we shouldn't keep her long and now I must tell you the winter will probably finish her don't take on in threat about it too much it can't be helped and besides you should have known better than to choose such a rush of a lass and what did the master answer I inquired I think he swore but I didn't mind him I was straining to see the bear and she began again to describe it rapturously I as Zellis as herself hurried eagerly home to admire on my part though I was very sad for Hindley's sake he had room in his heart only for two idols his wife and himself he doted on both and adored one and I couldn't conceive how he would bear the loss when we got to Wuthering Heights there he stood at the front door and as I passed in I asked how was the baby nearly ready to run about now he replied putting on a cheerful smile and the mistress I ventured to inquire the doctor says she is damn the doctor he interrupted reddening Francis is quite right she'll be perfectly well by this time next week are you going upstairs will you tell her that I'll come if she'll promise not to talk I left her because she would not hold her tongue and she must tell her Mr. Kenneth says she must be quiet I delivered this message to Mrs. Earnshaw she seemed in flighty spirits I hardly spoke a word Ellen and there he has gone out twice crying well I say I promise I won't speak well that doesn't bind me not to laugh at him poor soul till within a week of her death that gay heart never failed her and her husband persisted doggedly naefuriously in affirming her health improved every day when Kenneth warned him that his medicines were useless at that stage of the melody and he needn't put him to further expense by attending her he retorted I know you need not she's well she does not want any more tendons from you she never was in a consumption it was a fever and scorn her pulse is as slow as mine now and her cheek is cool he told his wife the same story and she seemed to believe him but one night while leaning on his shoulder in the act of saying she thought she would be able to get up tomorrow a fit of coughing took her a very slight one he raised her in his arms with two hands about his neck her face changed and she was dead as the girl had anticipated the child heriton fell wholly into my hands Mr. Earnshaw provided he saw him healthy and never heard him cry was contented as far as regarded him for himself he grew desperate his sorrow was of the kind that will not lament he neither wept nor prayed he cursed and defied execrated God in man to reckless dissipation the servants could not bear his tyrannical and evil conduct long Joseph and I were the only two that would stay I had not the heart to leave my charge and besides you know I had been his foster sister and excused his behaviour more readily than a stranger would Joseph remained to hectare over tenants and labourers and because it was his vocation to be where he had plenty of wickedness to reprove the master's bad ways a great example for Catherine and Heathcliff his treatment of the latter was enough to make a fiend of a saint and truly it appeared as if the lad were possessed of something diabolical at that period he delighted to witness Hindley degrading himself past redemption and became daily more notable for savage solanness and ferocity I could not have tell what an infernal house we had the curate dropped calling and nobody decent came near us at last unless Edgar Linton's visits to Miss Cathy might be an exception at fifteen she was the queen of the countryside she had no peer and she did turn out a hotty headstrong creature I own I did not like her after infancy was passed and I vexed her frequently by trying to bring down her arrogance she never took an aversion to me though she had a wondrous constancy to old attachments even Heathcliff kept his hold on her affections unalterably and young Linton with all his superiority found it difficult to make an equally deep impression he was my late master that is his portrait over the fireplace it used to hang on one side and his wife's on the other but hers has been removed or else you might see something of what she was can you make that out Mrs. Dean raised the candle and I discerned a soft featured face exceedingly resembling the young lady at the heights but more pensive and amiable in expression it formed a sweet picture the long light hair curled slightly on the temples the eyes were large and serious the figure almost too graceful I did not marvel how Catherine Earnshaw could forget her first friend for such an individual I marveled much how he with a mind to correspond with his person could fancy my idea of Catherine Earnshaw a very agreeable portrait I observed to the housekeeper is it like? yes she answered when he was animated that is his everyday countenance he wanted spirit in general Catherine had kept up her acquaintance with the Linton since her five weeks residence among them and as she had no temptation to show her rough side in their company and had the sense to be ashamed of being rude where she experienced such invariable courtesy she imposed unwittingly on the old lady and gentleman by her ingenuous cordiality gained the admiration of Isabella and the heart and soul of her brother acquisitions that flattered her from the first for she was full of ambition and led her to adopt a double character without exactly intending to deceive anyone in the place where she heard Heathcliff turned a vulgar young Rofian and worse than a brute she took care not to act like him but at home she had small inclination to practice politeness that would only be laughed at and restrain any unruly nature when it would bring her neither credit nor praise Mr. Edgar Seldom mustered courage to visit Wuthering Heights openly he had a terror of Earnshaw's reputation and shrunk from encountering him and yet he was always received with our best attempts at civility the master himself avoided offending him knowing why he came and if he could not be gracious kept out of the way I rather think his appearance there was distasteful to Catherine she was not artful, never played the coquette and had evidently an objection to her two friends meeting at all for when Heathcliff expressed contempt of Linton in his presence she could not half coincide as she did in his absence and when Linton evinced disgust and antipathy to Heathcliff she dared not treat his sentiments with indifference as if deprecation of her playmate were of scarcely any consequence to her I've had many a laugh at her perplexities and untold troubles which she vainly strove to hide from my mockery sounds ill-natured but she was so proud it became really impossible to pity her distresses till she should be chastened into more humility she did bring herself finally to confess and to confide in me there was not a soul else that she might fashion into an advisor Mr. Hindley had gone from home one afternoon and Heathcliff presumed to give himself a holiday on the strength of it he had reached the age of sixteen then, I think and without having bad features or being deficient in intellect he contrived to convey an impression of inward and outward repulsiveness that his present aspect retains no traces of in the first place he had by that time lost the benefit of his early education continual hard work begun soon and concluded late had extinguished any curiosity he once possessed in pursuit of knowledge and any love for books or learning his childhood's sense of superiority instilled into him by the favors of old Mr. Earnshaw was faded away he struggled long to cape up inequality with Catherine in her studies and yielded with poignant though silent regret but he yielded completely and there was no prevailing on him to take a step in the way of moving upward when he found he must necessarily sink beneath his former level then personal appearance sympathized with mental deterioration he acquired a slouching gait and ignoble look his naturally reserved disposition was exaggerated into an almost idiotic excess of unsociable morose-ness and he took a grim pleasure apparently in exciting the aversion rather than the esteem of his few acquaintance Catherine and he were constant companions still at his seasons of respite from labour but he had ceased to express his fondness for her in words and recoiled with angry suspicion from her girlish caresses as if conscious there could be gratification in lavishing such marks of affection on him on the before-named occasion he came into the house to announce his intention of doing nothing while I was assisting Miss Cathy to arrange her dress she had not reckoned on his taking it into his head to be idle and imagining she would have the whole place to herself she managed by some means to inform Mr Edgar for brother's absence and was then preparing to receive him Cathy are you busy this afternoon? asked Teethcliff are you going anywhere? no it is raining she answered why have you that silk frock on then? he said not that I know of but you should be in the field now it is an hour past dinner time I thought you were gone Hindley does not often free us from his accursed presence I'll not work any more today I'll stay with you but Joseph will tell I suggest it you'd better go Joseph is loading lime on the further side of Peniston crags it will take him till dark and he'll never know saw saying he lounged to the fire and sat down Catherine reflected an instant with knitted brows she found it needful to smooth the way for an intrusion Isabella and Edgar Linton topped of calling this afternoon she said at the conclusion of a minute's silence he said you run the risk of being scolded for no good order Ellen to say you are engaged Cathy he persisted don't turn me out for those pitiful silly friends of yours I'm on the point sometimes of complaining that they but I'll not that they what? cried Catherine gazing at him with the troubled countenance oh Nelly she added petulantly jerking her hand away from my hands you've combed my hair quite out of curl that's enough let me alone what are you on the point of complaining about Heathcliff? nothing only look at the almanac on that wall he pointed to a framed sheet hanging near the window and continued the crosses are for the evenings you have spent with the Lintons the dots for those spent with me do you see I've marked every day yes very foolish as if I took notice and cried Catherine in a peevish tone and where is the sense of that to show that I do take notice said Heathcliff and should I always be sitting with you she demanded growing more irritated what good do I get what do you talk about you might be dumb or a baby for anything you say to amuse me or for anything you do either you never told me before that I talked too little or that you disliked my company Cathy Heathcliff in much agitation it's no company at all when people know nothing and say nothing she muttered her companion rose up but he hadn't time to express his feelings further for a horse's feet were heard on the flags and having knocked gently young Linton entered his face brilliant with the light at the unexpected summon he had received doubtless Catherine marked the difference between her friends as one came in and the other went out the contrast resembled what you see in exchanging a bleak hilly coal country for a beautiful fertile valley and his voice and greeting were as opposite as his aspect he had a sweet low manner of speaking and pronounced his words as you do that's less gruff than we talk here and softer I'm not coming too soon am I he said casting a look at me I had begun to wipe the plate and tidy some drawers at the far end of the dresser no answered Catherine what are you doing there Nelly my work miss I replied Mr Hindley had given me directions to make a third party in any private visits Linton chose to pay she stepped behind me and whispered crossly take yourself and your dusters off when company are in the house servants don't commend scouring and cleaning in the room where they are it's a good opportunity now that master is away I answered aloud he hates me to be fidgeting over these things in my presence I'm sure Mr Edgar will excuse me I hate you to be fidgeting in my presence exclaimed the young lady imperiously not allowing her guest time to speak she had failed to recover her equanimity since the little dispute with Heathcliff I'm sorry for it miss Catherine was my response and I proceeded assiduously with my occupation she supposing Edgar could not see her snatched the cloth from my hand and pinched me with a prolonged wrench very spitefully on the arm I've said I did not love her and rather relished mortifying her vanity now and then besides she hurt me extremely so I started up from my knees and screamed out Miss that's a nasty trick you have no right to nip me and I'm not going to bear it I didn't touch you you lying creature cried she her fingers tingling to repeat the act and her ears red with rage she never had power to conceal her passion it always set a whole complexion in a blaze what's that then I retorted showing a decided purple witness to refute her she stamped her foot wavered a moment and then irresistibly impelled by the naughty spirit within her slapped me on the cheek a stinging blow that filled both eyes with water Catherine love Catherine interposed Lenton greatly shocked at the double fault of falsehood which his idol had committed leave the room Ellen she repeated trembling all over little heritain who followed me everywhere and was sitting near me on the floor at seeing my tears commenced crying himself and sobbed out complaints against wicked Aunt Cathy which drew her fury onto his unlucky head she seized his shoulders and shook him till the poor child waxed livid and Edgar thoughtlessly laid hold of her hands to deliver him in an instant one was wrong free and the astonished young man felt it applied over his own ear in a way that could not be mistaken for jest he drew back in consternation I lifted heritain in my arms and walked off to the kitchen with him leaving the door of communication open for I was curious to watch how they would settle their disagreement the insulted visitor moved to the spot where he had laid his hat pale and with a quivering lip that's right I said to myself take warning and be gone it's a kindness to let you have a glimpse of her genuine disposition where are you going demanded Catherine advancing to the door he swerved aside and attempted to pass you must not go she exclaimed energetically I must and shall not he replied in a subdued voice no she persisted grasping the handle not yet Edgar Linton sit down you shall not leave me in that temper I am miserable all night and I won't be miserable for you can I stay after you have struck me asked Linton Catherine was mute you've made me afraid and ashamed of you he continued I'll not come here again her eyes began to glisten and her lids to twinkle and you told her the liberate untruth he said I didn't she cried recovering her speech I did nothing deliberately please get away and now I'll cry I'll cry myself sick she dropped down on her knees by a chair and set to weeping in serious earnest Edgar persevered in his resolution as far as the court there he lingered I resolved to encourage him Mrs. dreadfully wayward sir I called out as bad as any marred child you'd better be riding home or else she will be sick he looked through the window he possessed the power to depart as much as a cat possesses the power to leave a mouse half killed or a bird half eaten ah! I thought there will be no saving him he's doomed and flies to his fate and so it was he turned abruptly hastened into the house again shut the door behind him and when I went in the while after to inform them that Anshar had come home rabid drunk ready to pull the whole place about our ears his ordinary frame of mind in that condition I saw the quarrel had merely affected a closer intimacy had broken the outworks of youthful timidity and enabled them to forsake the disguise of friendship and confess themselves lovers intelligence of Mr. Hindley's arrival drove Linton speedily to his horse and Catherine to her chamber I went to hide little heriton and to take the shot at of the master's fouling piece which he was fond of playing with in his remaining excitement to the hazard of the lives of any who provoked or even attracted his notice too much and I had hit upon the plan of removing it that he might do less mischief if he did go to the length of firing the gun End of Chapter 8 Chapter 9 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte this LibriVox recording is in the public domain he entered, vociferating Oath's dreadful to hear and caught me by the act of stowing his son away in the kitchen cupboard Heriton was impressed with the wholesome terror of encountering either his wild beast fondness or his madman's rage for in one he ran a chance of being squeezed and kissed to death and in the other of being flung into the fire or dashed against the wall and the poor thing remained perfectly quiet wherever I chose to put him There! I found it out at last cried Hindley pulling me back by the skin of my neck like a dog with an inhale you swore between you to murder that child I know how it is now that he is always out of my way but with the help of Satan I shall make you swallow the carving knife Nelly You needn't laugh I've just crammed Kenneth head down most in the black horse marsh and two is the same as one and I want to kill some of you I shall have no rest till I do But I don't like the carving knife Mr. Hindley I answered I'd rather be shot if you please You'd rather be damned He said And so you shall No law in England can hinder a man from keeping his house decent and mine is abominable Open your mouth He held the knife in his hand and pushed its point between my teeth but for my part I was never much afraid of his vagaries I spat out and affirmed it tasted detestably I would not take it on any account Oh Said he, releasing me I see that hideous little villain is not hurting I beg your pardon If it be he deserves flying alive and not running to welcome me and for screaming as if I were a goblin a natural cub come hither I'll teach thee to impose on a good harder deluded father Now don't you think the lad would be handsome or cropped It makes a dog fiercer and I love him fierce Get me that scissors Something fierce and trim Besides it's infernal affectation Devilish conceited is to cherish our ears Where ass is enough without them hush child hush Well then it is my darling Wish is dry thy eyes There's a joy kiss me What? It won't kiss me hurtin Damn thee kiss me By God If I would rear such a monster As sure as I'm living I'll break the brat's neck Poor Herotin was squalling and kicking in his father's arms with all his might and redoubled his yells when he carried him upstairs and lifted him over the banister I cried out he would brighten the child into fits and ran to rescue him As I reached them Hindley lent forward on the rails to listen to a noise below almost forgetting what he had in his hands Who is that? Someone approaching on the stairs foot I lent forward also for the purpose of signing to Heathcliff whose step I recognized not to come further and at the instant when my eye quitted Herotin he gave a sudden spring delivering himself from the careless grasp that held him and fell There was scarcely time to experience a thrill of horror before we saw that the little wretch was safe Heathcliff arrived underneath just at the critical moment by a natural impulse he arrested his descent letting him on his feet looked up to discover the author of the accident a miser who had parted with a lucky lottery ticket for five shillings and finds next day he has lost in the bag in five thousand pounds could not show a blanker countenance than he did on beholding the figure of Mr. Earnshaw above It expressed, plainer than words could do the intense anguish at having made himself the instrument of thwarting his own revenge Had it been dark I dare say the mistake by smashing Herotin's skull on the steps but we witnessed his salvation and I was presently below with my precious charge pressed to my heart Hindley descended more leisurely sobered and abashed It's your fault, Elin You should have kept him out of sight You should have taken him from me Is he injured anywhere? Injured, I cried angrily If he is not killed he'll be an idiot His mother does not rise from her grave to see how you use him You're worse than a heathen treating your own flesh and blood in that manner He attempted to touch the child who, on finding himself with me sobbed off his terror directly At the first finger his father laid on him however he shrieked again louder than before and struggled as if he would go into convulsions You shall not meddle with him I continued, he hates you He'll hate you, that's the truth A happy family you have and a pretty state you'll come to I shall come to a prettier yet, Nellie Laughed the misguided man recovering his hardness At present convey yourself in him away Enhark you, Heathcliff Clear you too quite from my reach and hearing I wouldn't murder you tonight unless perhaps I set the house on fire But that's as my fancy goes While saying this I overpined a bottle of brandy from the dresser and poured some into a tumbler Nay, don't I entreated Mr. Hindley, do take warning Have mercy on this unfortunate boy If you care nothing for yourself Anyone will do better for him than I shall He answered Have mercy on your own soul I said, endeavouring to snatch the glass from his hand Not I, on the contrary I shall have great pleasure in sending it to perdition to punish its maker exclaimed the blasphemer Here's to its hardy damnation He drank the spirits and impatiently bade us go terminating his command with a sequel of horrid implications too bad to repeat or remember It's a pity he cannot kill himself with drink observed Heathcliff muttering an echo of curses back when the door was shot He's doing his very utmost, but his constitution defies him Mr. Kenneth says he would wager his mare that he'll outlive any man on this side guimerton and go to the grave a hoary sinner, unless some happy chance out of the common course befall him I went into the kitchen and sat down to lull my little lamb to sleep Heathcliff as I thought walked through to the barn it turned out afterwards that he only got as far as the other side of the settle when he flung himself on a bench by the wall removed from the fire and remained silent I was rocking heriton on my knee and humming a song that began it was far in the night and the bear knees grat the mither beneath the mules heard that when Miss Kathy who had listened to the hubbub from her room put her head in and whispered Are you alone, Nelly? Yes, Miss, I replied She entered and approached the hearth I, supposing she was going to say something looked up the expression of her face seemed disturbed and anxious her lips were have asunder as if she meant to speak and she drew a breath but it escaped in a sigh instead of a sentence I resumed my song not having forgotten her recent behaviour Where's Heathcliff? she said, interrupting me about his work in the stable was my answer he did not contradict me perhaps he had fallen into a dose there followed another long pause during which I perceived a drop or two trickle from Catherine's cheek to the flags Is she sorry for her shameful conduct? I asked myself that will be a novelty but she may come to the point as she will, I shan't help her No, she felt small trouble regarding any subject save her own concerns Oh dear She cried at last I'm very unhappy A pity, observed I You're hard to please so many friends and so few cares and can't make yourself content Nelly, will you keep a secret for me? She pursued kneeling down by me and lifting her winsome eyes to my face with that sort of look which turns off bad temper even when one has all the right in the world to indulge it Is it worth caping? I inquired less sulkily Yes, and it worries me and I must let it out I want to know what I should do Today, Edgar Linton has asked me to marry him and I've given him an answer Now, before I tell you whether it was a consent or denial, you tell me which it ought to have been Really, Miss Catherine, how can I know? I replied, to be sure considering the exhibition you performed in his presence this afternoon I might say it would be wise to refuse him since he asked you after that he must either be hopelessly stupid or a venturesome fool If you talk so, I won't tell you any more She returned peevishly rising to her feet I accepted him, Nelly be quick and say whether I was wrong You accepted him then what good is it discussing the matter you have pledged your word and cannot retract But say whether I should have done so do She exclaimed in an irritated tone chafing her hands together and frowning There are many things to be considered before that question can be answered properly I said sententiously First and foremost do you love Mr Edgar I can help it, of course I do She answered Then I put her through the following catechism for a girl of twenty-two it was not injudicious Why do you love him Miss Cathy Nonsense, I do that's sufficient By no means, you must say why Well, because he is handsome and pleasant to be with Bad, was my commentary and because he is young and cheerful Bad still and because he loves me Indifferent, coming there and he will be rich and I shall like to be the greatest woman of the neighbourhood and I shall be proud of having such a husband Worst of all and now say how you love him As everybody loves you're stilly Nelly Not at all, answer I love the ground under his feet and the air over his head and everything he touches and every word he says I love all his looks and all his actions and him entirely and all together there now And why? Nay, you are making a jest of it it is exceedingly ill-natured it's no jest to me said the young lady scowling and turning her face to the fire I'm very far from jesting Miss Catherine I replied You love Mr Edgar because he is handsome and young and cheerful and rich the last however goes for nothing you would love him without that probably and with it you wouldn't unless he possessed the four former attractions No, to be sure not I should only pity him hate him perhaps, if you were ugly and a clown But there are several other handsome rich young men in the world, handsomer possibly and richer than he is What should hinder you from loving them? If there be any way, I've seen none like Edgar You may see some and he won't always be handsome and young and may not always be rich He is now and I have only to do with the present I wish you would speak rationally Well, that settles it if you have only to do with the present marry Mr Linton I don't want your permission for that I shall marry him and yet you have not told me whether I am right Perfectly right If people be right to marry only for the present and now let us hear what you are unhappy about Your brother will be pleased The old lady and gentleman will not object, I think You will escape from a disorderly comfortless home into a wealthy respectable one and you love Edgar and Edgar loves you All seems smooth and easy Where is the obstacle? Here and here replied Catherine striking one hand on her forehead and the other on her breast In whichever place the soul lives in my soul and in my heart I'm convinced I'm wrong That's very strange I cannot make it out It's my secret but if you will not mock at me I'll explain it I can't do it distinctly but I'll give you a feeling of how I feel She seated herself by me again her countenance, crusader and graver and her clasped hands trembled Do you never dream queer dreams? She said suddenly after some minutes' reflection Yes, now and then I answered And so do I I've dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after and changed my ideas They've gone through and through me like wine through water and altered the colour of my mind and this is one I'm going to tell it Oh, don't, Miss Catherine I cried We're dismal enough without conjuring up ghost envisions to perplex us Come, come, be merry and like yourself Look at the little heriton He's dreaming nothing dreary How sweetly he smiles in his sleep Yes, and how sweetly his father curses in his solitude You remember him, I dare say when he was just such another as that chubby thing nearly as young and innocent However, Nelly, I shall oblige you to listen It's not long and I've no power to be merry tonight I won't hear it, I won't hear it I repeated hastily I was superstitious about dreams then and am still and Catherine had an unusual gloom in her aspect that made me dread something from which I might shape a prophecy and foresee a fearful catastrophe She was vexed, but she did not proceed apparently taking up another subject she recommenced in a short time If I were in heaven, Nelly I should be extremely miserable Because you are not fit to go there I answered All sinners would be miserable in heaven But it is not for that I dreamt once that I was there I tell you I won't talk into your dreams Miss Catherine, I'll go to bed I interrupted again She laughed and held me down for I made a motion to leave my chair This is nothing cried she I was only going to say that heaven did not seem to be my home and I broke my heart with weeping to come back to earth and the angels were so angry that they flung me out into the middle of the heath on the top of Wuthering Heights where I woke sobbing for joy that were due to explain my secret as well as the other I've no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven and if the wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low it would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now so he shall never know how I love him and that not because he's handsome Nellie but because he's more myself than I am Whatever our souls are made of his and mine are the same and Linton's is as different as a moonbeam from lightning or frost from fire ere this speech ended I became sensible of Heathcliff's presence having noticed a slight movement I turned my head and then rise from the bench and steal out noiselessly he had listened till he heard Catherine say it would degrade her to marry him and then he stayed to hear no further my companions sitting on the ground was prevented by the back of the settle from remarking on his presence or departure but I started and bade her hush Why? she asked gazing nervously round Joseph is here I answered catching opportunely the role of his cartwheels up the road I'm not sure whether he would not at the door this moment Oh! he couldn't overhear me at the door said she give me hair-tin while you get the supper and when it is ready ask me to sup with you I want to cheat my uncomfortable conscience and be convinced that Heathcliff has no notion of these things he has not has he? he does not know what being in love is I say no reason that he should not know as well as you I returned and if you are his choice the unfortunate creature that ever was born as soon as you become Mrs. Linton he loses friend and love and all have you considered how you'll bear the separation and how he'll bear to be quite deserted in the world because Miss Catherine he quite deserted we separated she exclaimed with an accent of indignation who is to separate us pray they'll meet the fate of Milo not as long as I live, Ellen for no mortal creature every Linton on the face of the earth might melt into nothing before I could consent to forsake Heathcliff oh that's not what I intend that's not what I mean I shouldn't be Mrs. Linton were such a price demanded he'll be as much to me as he has been all his lifetime Edgar must shake off his antipathy and tolerate him at least he will when he learns my true feelings towards him Nelly I see now you think me a selfish wretch but did it never strike you that if Heathcliff and I married we should be beggars whereas if I marry Linton I can aid Heathcliff to rise and place him out of my brother's power with your husband's money Miss Catherine I asked you'll find him not so pliable as you calculate upon and though I'm hardly a judge I think that's the worst motive you've given yet for being the wife of young Linton it is not retorted she it is the best satisfaction of my whims and for Edgar's sake too to satisfy him this is for the sake of one who comprehends in his person my feelings to Edgar and myself I cannot express it but surely you and everybody have a notion that there is or should be an existence of yours beyond you what were the use of my creation if I were entirely contained here my great miseries in this world have been Heathcliff's miseries and I watched and felt each from the beginning my great thought in living is himself if all else perished and he remained I should still continue to be and if all else remained and he were annihilated the universe would turn to a mighty stranger I should not seem a part of it my love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods time will change it I'm well aware as winter changes the trees my love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath a source of little visible delight but necessary Nelly, I am Heathcliff he's always, always in my mind not as a pleasure any more than I am always a pleasure to myself but as my own being so don't talk of our separation again it is impracticable and she paused and hid her face in the folds of my gown but I jerked it forcibly away I was out of patience with her fully if I can make any sense of your nonsense, miss, I said it only goes to convince me that you are ignorant of the duties you undertake in marrying or else that you are wicked, unprincipled girl but trouble me with no more secrets I'll not promise to keep them you'll keep that she asked eagerly no, I'll not promise I repeated she was about to insist when the entrance of Joseph finished our conversation and Catherine removed her seat to a corner and nurse Territon while I made the supper after it was cooked my fellow servant and I began to quarrel who should carry some to Mr. Hindley and we didn't settle it till all was nearly cold then we came to the agreement that we would let him ask if he wanted any for we feared particularly to go into his presence when he had been some time alone and how isn't that note come in for what the field be this time what is he about good, I'll see it she demanded the old man looking round for Heathcliff I'll call him, I replied he's in the barn I've no doubt I went and called but got no answer on returning I whispered to Catherine that he had heard a good part of what she had said I was sure and told how I saw him quit the kitchen just as she complained of her brother's conduct regarding him she jumped up in a fine fright flung Heriton onto the settle and ran to seek for her friend herself not taking leisure to consider why she was so flurried or how her talk would have affected him she was absent such a while that Joseph proposed we should wait no longer he cunningly conjectured they were staying away in order to avoid hearing his protracted blessing they were he'll ignore for any foul manners he affirmed and on their behalf he added that night a special prayer to the unusual quarter of an hour supplication before meet and would have tacked another to the end of the grace had not his young mistress broken in upon him with a hurried command that he must run down the road and wherever Heathcliff had rambled find and make him re-enter directly I want to speak to him and I must before I go upstairs she said and the gate is open he is somewhere out of hearing for he will not reply though I shouted at the top of the fold as loud as I could Joseph objected at first she was too much in earnest however to suffer contradiction and at last he placed his hat on his head and walked grumbling forth meantime Catherine paced up and down the floor exclaiming I wonder where he is I wonder where he can be what did I say Nellie I've forgotten was he vexed at my bad humour this afternoon dear tell me what I've said to grieve him I do wish he'd come I do wish he would what a noise for nothing I cried though rather uneasy myself the trifle scares you it's surely no great cause of alarm that Heathcliff should take a moonlight saunter on the moors or even lie too sulky to speak to us in a hay loft I'll engage his lurking there see if I don't ferret him out I departed to renew my search its result was disappointment and Joseph's quest ended the same you're not yet swore and wore observed he on re-entering he's left the gate at full swing and Mrs. Pony is trodden down two rigs of corn and blotted through right over into the meadow handsome diver to Maestro played the devil to myrrh and he'll do well he's patience at sail with its careless, awful craters patience at sail he hears but you'll not be so Alice yes see all on ye ye are wanted to drive him out of his head for note have you found Heathcliff you arse? interrupted Catherine have you been looking for him as I ordered? arse would more likely look for the horse it'd be to more sense but I can look for no other horse nor a man underneath like this as black as the chimney and Heathcliff's known to chap to Comet Ma whistle happen he'll be less heard of hearing we ye it was a very dark evening for summer the clouds appeared inclined to thunder and I said we had better all sit down the approaching rain would be certain to bring him home without further trouble however Catherine would not be persuaded into tranquility she kept wandering to and fro from the gate to the door in a state of agitation which permitted no repose and at length took up a permanent situation on one side of the wall near the road where heedless of my expostulations and the growling thunder and the great drops that began to plash around her she remained calling at intervals and then listening and then crying outright she beat Herotin or any child at a good passionate fit of crying about midnight while we still set up the storm came rattling over the heights in a full fury there was a violent wind as well as thunder and either one or the other split a tree off at the corner of the building a huge bow fell across the roof and knocked down a portion of the east chimney-stack sending a clatter of stones and soot into the kitchen fire we thought a bolt had fallen in the middle of us and Joseph swung on to his knees beseeching the Lord to remember the patriarch's knower and lot and as in former times spare the righteous though he smote the ungodly I felt some sentiment that it must be a judgement on us also the Jonah in my mind was Mr. Earnshaw and I shook the handle of his den that I might ascertain if he were yet living he replied audibly enough in a fashion which made my companion vociferate more clamorously than before that a wide distinction might be drawn between saints like himself and sinners like his master but the opera passed away in twenty minutes leaving us all unharmed excepting Kathy who got thoroughly drenched for her obstinacy and refusing to take shelter and standing bonnetless and shoreless to catch as much water as she could with her hair in clothes and then laid down on the settle all soaked as she was turning her face to the back and putting her hands before it well miss I exclaimed touching her shoulder you're not bent on getting your death are you do you know what a clock it is half past twelve come come to bed there's no use waiting any longer on that foolish boy he'll be gone to Gimiton and he'll stay there now he guesses we shouldn't wait for him till this late hour at least he guesses that only Mr. Hindley would be up and he'd rather avoid having the door opened by the master nay nay he's known at Gimiton said Joseph he's never wonder but he's at the bottom of a bog hill this visitation warrant finned out and I would have you to look out miss you are moving to next thank even for all all works together for good to them as he's chosen from the rubage you know what the script it says and he began quoting several texts referring us to chapters and verses where we might find them I having vainly begged the willful girl to rise and remove her wet things left him preaching and her shivering and betook myself to bed with little Heriton who slept as fast as if everyone had been sleeping around him I heard Joseph read on a while afterwards then I distinguished his slow step on the ladder and then I dropped to sleep coming down somewhat later than usual I saw by the sunbeams piercing the chinks of the shutters Miss Catherine still seated near the fireplace the house door was ajar too light entered from its unclosed windows Hindley had come out and stood on the kitchen half haggard and drowsy what else you Kathy he was saying when I entered you look as Dismas a drowned welp why you so dapp and pale child I've been wet she answered reluctantly and I'm cold that's all oh she is naughty I cried perceiving the master to be tolerably sober she got steeped in the shower of yesterday evening and there she has sat the night through and I couldn't prevail on her to stir Mr. Urn shall stare at us in surprise the night through he repeated I kept her up not fear of thunder surely that was over hours since neither of us wished to mention Heathcliff's absence as long as we could conceal it so I replied I didn't know how she took it into her head to sit up and she said nothing the morning was fresh and cool I threw back the lattice and presently the room filled with sweet scents from the garden but Catherine called peevishly to me Ellen shut the window I'm starving and her teeth chattered as she shrank closer to the almost extinguished embers she's ill said Hindley taking her wrist I suppose that's the reason she would not go to bed damn it I don't want to be troubled more sickness here what took you into the rain running after the lads as usual croaked to Joseph catching an opportunity from our hesitation to thrust in his evil tongue if I were your master I'd just slam the boards in their faces all on him gentle and simple never a day would you're off beyond Carl Linton comes sneaking hither and Miss Nilly shows a fine lass shows it's watching for you to kitchen and as you're in at one door he's out at tither and then where Grand Lady goes a courting of her side it's Bonnie behavior lurking among the fields after twelve at the night with the foul police and devil of a gypsy Heathcliff they think I'm blind but I'm no note of the sight I see young Linton board coming and going and I see ya directing his discourse to me you're good for note slightly witch nip up and board into the house to minute you're heard the master's horse fit clutter up the road silence eavesdropper cried Catherine none of your insolence before me Edgar Linton came yesterday by chance Hinley and it was I who told him to be off because I knew you would not like to have met him as you were you lie Kathy no doubt answered her brother and you are confounded simpleton but never mind Linton at present tell me were you not with Heathcliff last night speak the truth now you need not be afraid of harming him though I hate him as much as ever he did me a good turn a short time since that will make my conscience tender of breaking his neck to prevent it I shall send him about his business this very morning and after he's gone I'd advise you all to look sharp I shall only have the more humour for you I never saw Heathcliff last night answered Catherine beginning to sob bitterly and if you do turn him out of doors I'll go with him but perhaps you'll never have an opportunity perhaps he's gone here she burst into uncontrollable grief and the remainder of her words were inarticulate Hinley lavished on her a torrent of scornful abuse and bade her get to a room immediately or she shouldn't cry for nothing I obliged her to obey and I shall never forget what a scene she acted when we reached her chamber it terrified me I thought she was going mad and I begged Joseph to run for the doctor it proved to the commencement of delirium Mr. Kenneth, as soon as he saw her pronounced her dangerously ill she had a fever he bled her and he told me to let her live on way and water grew and take care she did not throw herself downstairs or out of the window and then he left for he had enough to do in the parish where two or three miles was the ordinary distance between cottage and cottage though I cannot say I made a gentle nurse and Joseph and the master were no better and though our patient was as wearisome and headstrong as a patient could be she weathered it through old Mrs. Linton paid us several visits to be sure and set things to rights and scolded and ordered us all and when Catherine was convalescent she insisted on conveying her to Thrushcross Grange for which deliverance we were very grateful but the poor Dame had reason to repent her kindness she and her husband both took the fever and died within a few days of each other our young lady returned to us socier and more passionate and hotier than ever Heathcliff had never been heard of since the evening of the thunderstorm and one day I had the misfortune when she had provoked me exceedingly to lay the blame of his disappearance on her where indeed it belonged as she well knew from that period for several months she ceased to hold any communication with me save in the relation of a mere servant Joseph fell under a ban also he would speak his mind and lecture her all the same as if she were a little girl and she esteemed herself a woman and our mistress and thought that her recent illness gave her a claim to be treated with consideration then the doctor had said that she would not bear crossing much she ought to have her own way and it was nothing less than murder in her eyes for anyone to presume to stand up and contradict her for Mr. Unshaw and his companions she kept aloof and tutored by Kenneth and serious threats of a fit that often attended her rages her brother allowed her whatever she pleased to demand and generally avoided aggravating her fiery temper he was rather too indulgent in humoring her caprices not from affection but from pride he wished earnestly to see her bring honor to the family by an alliance with the Lintons and as long as she let him alone she might trample on us like slaves for ought he cared Edgar Linton as multitudes have been before and will be after him was infatuated and believed himself the happiest man alive on the day he led her to Gimiton Chapel three years subsequent to his father's death much against my inclination I was persuaded to leave Wuthering Heights and accompany her here Little Herotin was nearly five years old and I had just begun to teach him his letters we made a sad parting but Catherine's tears were more powerful than ours when I refused to go and when she found her entreaties did not move me she went lamenting to her husband and brother the former offered me munificent wages the latter ordered me to pick up he wanted no woman in the house he said now that there was no mistress and as to Herotin the curate should take him in hand by and by and so I had but one choice left to do as I was ordered I told the master he got rid of all decent people only to run to ruin a little faster I kissed Herotin said goodbye to her in a stranger and it's very queer to think it but I've no doubt he has completely forgotten all about Ellen Dean and that he was ever more than all the world to her and she to him at this point of the housekeeper's story she chanced to glance towards the timepiece over the chimney and was in amazement on seeing the minute hand measure half past one she would not hear of staying a second longer in truth I felt rather disposed to defer the sequel of her narrative myself and now that she has vanished to her rest and I have meditated for another hour or two I shall some courage to go also in spite of aching laziness of head and limbs End of Chapter 9 Chapter 10 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte this LibriVox recording is in the public domain a charming introduction to a hermit's life four weeks torture tossing and sickness oh these bleak winds and bitter northern skies and impassable roads and dilatory country surgeons and oh this dearth of the human physiognomy and worse than all the terrible intimation of Kenneth that I need not expect to be out of doors till spring Mr Heathcliff has just honoured me with a call about seven days ago he sent me a brace of grouse the last of the season scoundrel and that I had a great mind to tell him but alas how could I offend a man who was charitable enough to sit at my bedside a good hour and talk on some subject other than pills and draughts blisters and niches this is quite an easy interval I am too weak to read yet I feel as if I could enjoy something interesting why not have up Mrs Dean to finish her tale I can recollect its chief incidents as far as she had gone yes I remember her hero had run off and never been heard off for three years and the heroine was married I'll ring, she'll be delighted to find me capable of talking cheerfully Mrs Dean came it was twenty minutes sir to taking the medicine she commenced away away with it I replied I desire to have the doctor says you must drop the powders with all my heart don't interrupt me come and take your seat here keep your finger from that bitter phalanx of vials in your pocket now continue the history of Mr Heathcliff from where you left off to the present day did he finish his education on the continent and come back a gentleman or did he get a sizes place at college or escaped to America and earn honours by drawing blood from his foster country or make a fortune more promptly on the English highways he may have done a little in all these vocations Mr Lockwood but I couldn't give my word for any I stated before that I didn't know how he gained his money neither am I aware of the means he took to raise his mind from the savage ignorance into which it was sunk but with your leave I'll proceed in my own fashion if you think it will amuse and not weary you are you feeling better this morning much that's good news I got Miss Catherine and myself to thrush cross range and to my agreeable disappointment she behaved infinitely better than I dared to expect she seemed almost over fond of Mr Linton and even to his sister she showed plenty of affection they were both very attentive to her comfort certainly it was not the thorn bending to the honeysuckles but the honeysuckles embracing the thorn there were no mutual concessions one stood erect the others yielded and who can be ill-natured and bad-tempered when they encounter neither opposition nor indifference I observed that Mr Edgar had a deep-rooted fear of ruffling her humour he concealed it from her to answer sharply or saw any other servant grow cloudy at some imperious order of hers he would show his trouble by a frown of displeasure that never darkened on his own account he many a time spoke sternly to me about my pertness and avert that the stab of a knife could not inflict a worse peng than he suffered at seeing his lady vexed not to grieve a kind master I learned to be less touchy and for the space of half a year the gunpowder lay as harmless as sand because no fire came near to explode it Catherine had seasons of gloom and silence now and then they were respected with sympathising silence by her husband who ascribed them to an alteration in her constitution produced by her perilous illness as she was never subject to depression of spirits before the return of sunshine was welcomed by answering sunshine from him I believe I may assert that they were really in possession of deep and growing happiness it ended well, we must be for ourselves in the long run the mild and generous are only more justly selfish than the domineering and it ended when circumstances caused each to feel that the one's interest was not the chief consideration in the other's thoughts on a mellow evening in September I was coming from the garden with a heavy basket of apples which I had been gathering it had got dusk and the moon looked over the high wall of the court causing undefined shadows to lurk in the corners of the numerous projecting portions of the building I sat my burden on the house steps by the kitchen door and lingered to rest and drew in a few more breaths of the soft sweet air my eyes were on the moon and my back to the entrance when I heard a voice behind me say Nellie, is that you? it was a deep voice and foreign in tone yet there was something in the manner of producing my name which made it sound familiar I turned about to discover who spoke fearfully for the doors were shot and I had seen nobody unapproaching the steps something stirred in the porch and moving nearer I distinguished a tall man dressed in dark clothes with dark face and hair he leaned against the side and held his fingers on the latch as if intending to open for himself who can it be? I thought Mr. Earnshaw, oh no the voice has no resemblance to his I have waited here an hour he resumed well I continued staring and the whole of that time all round has been as still as death I dared not enter you do not know me? look I'm not a stranger a ray fell on his features the cheeks were shallow and half covered with black whiskers the brows lowering the eyes deep set and singular I remembered the eyes what? I cried uncertain whether to regard him as a worldly visitor I raised my hands in amazement what? you come back is it really you? is it? yes, Heathcliff he replied, glancing from me up to the windows which reflected a score of glittering moons but showed no lights from within are they at home? where is she? Nellie, you are not glad you needn't be so disturbed is she here? speak I want to have one word with her, your mistress go and save some person from Lenten desires to see her how will she take it? I exclaimed what will she do? the surprise bewilders me it will put her out of her head and you are Heathcliff, but altered nay, there's no comprehending it have you been for a soldier? go and carry my message he interrupted impatiently I'm in hell till you do he lifted the latch and I entered but when I got to the parlor where Mr. and Mrs. Lenten were I made myself to proceed at length I resolved on making an excuse to ask if they would have the candles lighted and I opened the door they sat together in a window whose lattice lay back against the wall and displayed beyond the garden trees and the wild green park the valley of Gimiton with a long line of mist winding nearly to its top for very soon after you pass the chapel as you may have noticed the sow that runs from the marshes joins a beck which follows the bend to the glen watering heights rose above the silvery vapor but our old house was invisible it rather dips down on the other side both the room and its occupants and the scene they gazed on looked wondrously peaceful I shrank reluctantly from performing my errand and was actually going away leaving it unsaid after having put my question about the candles when a sense of my folly compelled me to return and mutter a person from Gimiton wishes to see you, ma'am what does he want? asked Mrs. Lenten I did not question him, I answered well, close the curtains Nelly she said and bring up tea, I'll be back again directly she quitted the apartment Mr. Edgar inquired carelessly who it was someone Mistress does not expect I replied that Heathcliff, you recollect him sir who used to live at Mr. Unshall's what? the gypsy the playboy he cried Catherine hush, you must not call him by those names muster, I said she'd be sadly grieved to hear you she was nearly hot broken when he ran off I guess his return will make a jubilee to her Mr. Lenten walked to a window on the other side of the room that overlooked the court he unfastened it and lent out I suppose they were below for he exclaimed quickly don't stand there love bring the person in if it be anyone particular I heard the click of the latch and Catherine flew upstairs breathless and wild too excited to show gladness indeed by her face you would rather have surmised an awful calamity oh Edgar, Edgar she panted flinging her arms round his neck oh Edgar darling Heathcliff's come back, he is and she tightened her embrace to a squeeze well, well cried her husband crossly don't strangle me for that he is such a marvellous treasure there's no need to be frantic I know you didn't like him she answered repressing a little intensity of her delight yet for my sake you must be friends now shall I tell him to come up here he said into the parlour where else she asked he looked vexed and suggested the kitchen as a more suitable place for him Mrs. Lenten eyed him with a droll expression huff angry, huff laughing at his fastidiousness no she added after a while I cannot sit in the kitchen set two tables here Ellen one for your master and Mrs. Isabella being gentry the other for Heathcliff and myself being of the lower orders will that please you dear or must I have a fire lighted elsewhere if so give directions I'll run down and secure my guest I'm afraid the joy is too great to be real she was about to dart off again but Edgar arrested her you bid him step up he said addressing me and Catherine try to be glad without being absurd the whole household need not witness the sight of your welcoming a runaway servant as a brother I descended and found Heathcliff waiting under the porch evidently anticipating an invitation to enter he followed my guidance without waste of words and I ushered him into the presence of the master and mistress crushed cheeks betrayed signs of warm talking but the ladies glowed with another feeling when her friend appeared at the door she sprang forward took both his hands and led him to Linton and then she seized Linton's reluctant fingers and crushed them into his now fully revealed by the fire and candlelight I was amazed more than ever to behold the transformation of Heathcliff he had grown at all athletic well-formed man beside whom my master seemed quite slender and youthlike his upright carriage suggested the idea of his having been in the army his countenance was much older and expression and decision of feature than Mr. Linton's it looked intelligent and retained no marks of former degradation a half civilized ferocity looked yet in the depressed brows and eyes full of black fire but it was subdued and his manner was even dignified quite divested of roughness though stern for grace my master's surprise equaled or exceeded mine he remained for a minute at a loss to address the plow boy as he had called him Heathcliff dropped his slight hand and stood looking at him coolly till he chose to speak sit down sir he said at length Mrs. Linton, recording old times would have me give you a cordial reception and of course I am gratified when anything occurs to please her and I also answered Heathcliff especially if it be anything in which I have a part I shall stay an hour or two willingly he took a seat opposite Catherine who kept her gaze fixed on him as if she feared he would vanish were she to remove it he did not wish to raise his to her often a quick glance now and then sufficed but it flashed back each time more confidently the undisguised delight he drank from hers they were too much absorbed in their mutual joy to suffer embarrassment not so Mr. Edgar he grew pale with pure annoyance a feeling that reached its climax when his lady rose and stepping across the rug seized Heathcliff's hands again and laughed like one beside herself I shall think it a dream to-morrow she cried I shall not be able to believe that I have seen and touched and spoken to you once more and yet cruel Heathcliff you don't deserve this welcome to be absent and silent for three years and never to think of me a little more than you have thought of me he murmured I heard of your marriage Cathy not long since and while waiting in the yard below I meditated this plan just to have one glimpse of your face a stare of surprise perhaps and pretended pleasure afterwards settle my score with Hindley and then prevent the law by doing execution on myself your welcome has put these ideas out of my mind but beware of meeting me with another aspect next time now you'll not drive me off again you were really sorry for me were you well there was cause I fought through a bitter life since I last heard your voice and you must forgive me for I struggled only for you Catherine, unless we are to have cold tea please come to the table interrupted Linton striving to preserve his ordinary tone and a due measure of politeness Mr Heathcliff will have a long walk wherever he may lodge tonight and I'm thirsty she took a post before the urn and Miss Isabella came by the bell then having handed the chairs forward I left the room the meal hardly endured ten minutes Catherine's cup was never filled she could neither eat nor drink Edgar had made a slop in his saucer and scarcely swallowed a mouthful their guest did not protract his stay that evening above an hour longer I asked as he departed if he went to Gimiton no to weathering heights he answered Mr Earnshaw invited me when I called this morning Mr Earnshaw invited him and he called on Mr Earnshaw I pondered this sentence painfully after he was gone is he turning out a bit of a hypocrite and coming to the country to work mischief under a cloak I'm used I had a pre-sentiment in the bottom of my heart that he had better have remained away about the middle of the night I was awakened from my first nap by Mrs Linton gliding into my chamber taking a seat on my bedside and pulling me by the hair to rouse me I cannot rest Ellen she said by way of apology and I want some living creature to keep me company in my happiness Edgar's sulky because I'm glad of a thing that does not interest him he refuses to open his mouth except to utter pettish silly speeches and he affirmed I was cruel and selfish for wishing to talk when he was so sick and sleepy he always contrives to be sick at the least cross I gave a few sentences of commendation to Heathcliff but he, either for a headache or a pang of envy, began to cry so I got up and left him what use is it praising Heathcliff to him, I answered as lads they had an aversion to each other and Heathcliff would hate just as much to hear him praised it's human nature let Mr Linton alone about him unless you would like an open quarrel between them but does it not show great weakness pursued she I'm not envious I never feel hurt by the brightness of Isabella's yellow hair and the whiteness of her skin at her dainty elegance and the fondness all the family exhibit for her even you Nelly, if we have a dispute sometimes you back Isabella at once and I yield like a foolish mother I call her a darling and flatter her into a good temper it pleases her brother to see a scourgell and that pleases me but they are very much alike they are spoiled children and fancy the world was made for their accommodation and though I humour both I think a smart chastisement might improve them all the same you're mistaken Mrs Linton said I they humour you I know what there would be to do if they did not you can well afford to indulge their passing whims as long as their business is to anticipate all your desires you may however fall out at last over something of equal consequence to both sides and then those you term weak are very capable of being as obstinate as you and then we shall fight to the death, shan't we Nelly? she returned and laughing no, I tell you I have such faith in Linton's love that I believe I might kill him and he wouldn't wish to retaliate I advised her to value him the more for his affection I do she answered but he needn't resort to whining for trifles it is childish and instead of melting into tears he was now worthy of anyone's regard and it would honour the first gentleman in the country to be his friend he ought to have said it for me in being delighted from sympathy he must get accustomed to him and he may as well like him considering how Heathcliff has reason to object to him I'm sure he behaved excellently what do you think of his going to Wuthering Heights I inquired he is reformed in every respect apparently quite a Christian offering the right hand of fellowship to his enemies all around he explained it she replied I wonder as much as you he said he called to gather information concerning me from you supposing you resided there still and Joseph told Hindley who came out and fell to questioning him of what he had been doing and how he had been living and finally desired him to walk in there were some persons sitting at cards Heathcliff joined them my brother lost some money to him and finding him plentifully supplied in the evening to which he consented Hindley is too reckless to select his acquaintance prudently he doesn't trouble himself to reflect on the causes he might have for mistrusting one whom he has basely injured but Heathcliff affirms his principal reason for resuming a connection with his ancient persecutor is a wish to install himself in quarters at walking distance from the Grange and an attachment to the house where we live together and likewise a hope that I shall have more opportunities of seeing him there than I could have if he settled in Guimerton he means to offer liberal payment for permission to large at the heights and doubtless my brother's covetousness will prompt him to accept the terms he was always greedy though what he grasps with one hand he flings away with the other it's a nice place for a young man to fix his dwelling in, said I have you no fear of the consequences, Mrs. Linton? none for my friend she replied his strong head will keep him from danger a little for Hindley but he can't be made morally worse than he is and I stand between him and bodily harm the event of this evening has reconciled me to God and humanity I had risen in angry rebellion against Providence oh, I've endured very, very bitter misery Nellie if that creature knew how bitter he'd be ashamed to cloud its removal with idle petulance it was kindness for him which induced me to be alone had I expressed the agony I frequently felt he would have been taught to long for its alleviation as ardently as I however, it's over and I'll take no revenge on his folly I can afford to suffer anything hereafter should the meanest thing alive slap me on the cheek I'd not only turn the other but I'd ask pardon for provoking it and, as a proof I'll go make my peace with Edgar instantly good night, I'm an angel in this self-complacent conviction she departed and the success of her fulfilled resolution was obvious on the morrow Mr. Linton had not only abjured his peevishness though his spirit seemed still subdued by Catherine's exuberance of evacity but he ventured no objection to her taking Isabella with her to Wuthering Heights in the afternoon and she rewarded him with such a summer of sweetness and affection in return as made the house a paradise for several days both master and servants profiting from the perpetual sunshine Heathcliff Mr. Heathcliff I should say in future used the liberty of visiting at Thrushcross Grange cautiously at first he seemed estimating how far its owner would bear his intrusion Catherine also deemed it judicious to moderate her expressions of pleasure in receiving him and he gradually established his right to be expected he retained a great deal at the reserve for which his boyhood was remarkable and that served to repress all startling demonstrations of feeling my master's uneasiness experienced a lull and further circumstances diverted it into another channel for a space his new source of trouble sprang from the not anticipated misfortune of Isabella Linton evincing a sudden and irresistible attraction towards the tolerated guest she was at that time a charming young lady of 18 infantile in manners though possessed of keen wit keen feelings and a keen temper too if irritated her brother who loved her tenderly was appalled at this fantastic preference leaving aside the degradation of an alliance with a nameless man and the possible fact that his property in default of air's mail might pass into such a once power he had sensed to comprehend Heathcliff's disposition to know that though his exterior was altered his mind was unchangeable and unchanged and he dreaded that mind it revolted him he shrank forebodingly from the idea of committing Isabella to its keeping he would have recoiled still more had he been aware that her attachment rose unsolicited and was bestowed where it awakened no reciprocation of sentiment for the minute he discovered its existence he laid the blame on Heathcliff's deliberate designing we had all remarked during some time that Miss Linton fretted and pined over something she grew cross and wiry some snapping at and teasing Catherine continually at the imminent risk of exhausting her limited patience we excused her to a certain extent on the plea of ill health she was dwindling and fading before her eyes but one day when she had been peculiarly wayward rejecting her breakfast complaining that the servants did not do what she told them that the mistress would allow her to be nothing in the house and Edgar neglected her that she had caught a cold with the doors being left open and we let the parlifier go out on purpose to vex her with a hundred yet more frivolous Mrs. Linton preemptively insisted that she should get to bed and having scolded her heartily threatened to send for the doctor mention of Kenneth caused her to exclaim instantly that her health was perfect and it was only Catherine's harshness which made her unhappy How can you say I am harsh you nutty fondling cried the mistress amazed at the unreasonable assertion you are surely losing your reason when have I been harsh tell me yesterday and now yesterday and what occasion in our walk along the moor you told me to ramble where I pleased while you sauntered on with Mr. Heathcliff and that's your notion of harshness said Catherine laughing it was no hint that your company was superfluous we didn't care whether you kept with us or not I merely thought Heathcliff's talk would have nothing entertaining for your ears oh no you swept the young lady you wished me away because you knew I liked to be there is she sane asked Mrs. Linton appealing to me I'll repeat our conversation word for word Isabella and you point out any charm it could have had for you I don't mind the conversation she answered I wanted to be with well said Catherine, perceiving her hesitate to complete the sentence with him she always sent off she continued, kindling up you are a dog in the manger Cathy and desire no one to be loved but yourself you are an impertinent little monkey exclaimed Mrs. Linton in surprise but I'll not believe this idiocy it is impossible that you can covet the admiration of Heathcliff that you consider him an agreeable person I hope I have misunderstood you Isabella no you have not said the infatuated girl I love him more than ever you loved Edgar and he might love me if you would let him I wouldn't be you for a kingdom then Catherine declared emphatically and she seemed to speak sincerely Nelly, help me to convince her of her madness tell her what Heathcliff is an unreclaimed creature without refinement without cultivation an arid wilderness of furs and windstone I'd assume put that little canary into the park on a winter's day as recommend you to bestow your heart on him it is deplorable ignorance of his character child and nothing else which makes that dream enter your head pray don't imagine that he conceals depths of benevolence and affection beneath a stern exterior he's not a rough diamond a pearl containing oyster of a rustic he's a fierce pitiless wolfish man I never say to him let this or that enemy alone because it would be ungenerous or cruel to harm them I say let them alone because I should hate them to be wronged and he'd crush you like a sparrow's egg Isabella if he found you a troublesome charge I know he couldn't love a linton and yet he'd be quite capable of marrying your fortune and expectations avarice is growing with him a besetting sin there's my picture and I'm his friend so much so that had he thought seriously to catch you I should perhaps have held my tongue and let you fall into his trap Mrs. Linton regarded her sister-in-law with indignation for shame for shame she repeated angrily you are worse than twenty foes you poisonous friend ah you won't believe me then said Catherine you think I speak from wicked selfishness I'm certain you do retorted Isabella and I shudder at you good try for yourself if that be your spirit I have done and yield the argument to your saucy insolence and I must suffer for her egotism she solved as Mrs. Linton left the room all all is against me she has blighted my single consolation but she uttered falsehoods didn't she Mr. Heathcliff is not a fiend he has an honourable soul and a true one or how could he remember her banish him from your thoughts miss I said he's a bird of bad omen no mate for you Mrs. Linton spoke strongly and yet I can't contradict her she is better acquainted with his heart than I or anyone besides and she never would represent him as worse than he is honest people don't hide their deeds how has he been living how has he got rich why is he staying at Wuthering Heights the house of a man whom he abhors they say Mr. Earnshaw is worse and worse since he came and Henry has been borrowing money on his land and does nothing but play and drink I heard only a week ago it was Joseph who told me I met him at Gimmeton Nellie he said we he's a crown of question now at our folks one of them sir are getting his finger cut off with hoarding to other for sticking his hand like a kerl that's Maester you know that's so a upper going to the grand sizes he's known fear to the bench the judges nor to the Paul nor Peter nor John nor Matthew not he he fair likes he longs to set his breeze and face again and young Bonnie Lard he's Cliff your mind he's a rare one he can go and laugh as well as anybody the right devil's gist does he never see no to his final living among us when he goes to the Grange this is the way aren't upwards and down dice, brandy cloyish shutters and candlelight to next day at noon then to foiled gangs banning and raving to his chamber making decent folks dig to fingers in their lugs for very shame on the nave where he can paint his brass and eat and sleep and off to his neighbors to gossip with the wife he tells to him Catherine how a father's good runes into his pocket and a father soon gallops down to broad road while he flees a four to open to pikes now Miss Linton Joseph is an old rascal but no liar and if his account of Heathcliff's conduct be true you would never think of desiring such a husband would you? you are lead with the rest Ellen she replied I'll not listen to your slanders what malevolence you must have I wish to convince me that there is no happiness in the world whether she would have got over this fancy if left to herself or persevered in nursing it perpetually I cannot say she had little time to reflect the day after there was a justice meeting at the next town my master was obliged to attend and Mr. Heathcliff aware of his absence called rather earlier than usual Catherine and Isabella were sitting in the library on hostile terms but silent the latter alarmed at her recent indiscretion and the disclosure she had made of her secret feelings in a transient fit of passion the former, on mature consideration really offended with her companion and if she laughed again at her pertness inclined to make it no laughing matter to her she did laugh as she saw Heathcliff pass the window I was sweeping the hearth and I noticed a mischievous smile on her lips Isabella absorbed in her meditations or a book remained till the door opened and it was too late to attempt an escape which she would gladly have done had it been practicable come in, that's right exclaimed the mistress gaily pulling a chair to the fire here are two people sadly in need of a third to thaw the ice between them and you are the very one we should both of us choose Heathcliff, I'm proud to show you at last somebody that dotes on you more than myself I expect you to feel flattered nay, it's not Nellie, don't look at her my poor little sister-in-law is breaking her heart by mere contemplation of your physical and moral beauty it lies in your own power to be Edgar's brother no no Isabella, you shan't run off she continued arresting with faint playfulness the confounded girl who had risen indignantly we were quarreling like cats about you Heathcliff and I was fairly beaten in protestations of devotion and admiration and moreover I was informed that if I would but have the manners to stand aside my rival, as she will have herself to be would shoot a shaft into your soul that would fix you for ever and send my image into eternal oblivion Catherine, said Isabella, calling up her dignity and a staining to struggle from the tight grasp that held her I thank you to adhere to the truth and not slander me even in joke Mr. Heathcliff, be kind enough to bid this friend of yours release me she forgets that you and I are not intimate acquaintances and what amuses her is painful to me beyond expression as the guest answered nothing but took his seat and looked thoroughly indifferent what sentiments she cherished concerning him she turned and whispered an earnest appeal for liberty to her tormentor by no means cried Mrs. Linton in answer I won't be named a dog in the manger again you shall stay now then, Heathcliff why don't you event satisfaction at my pleasant news Isabella swears that the love Edgar has for me is nothing to that she entertains for you I'm sure she made some speech of the kind did she not, Ellen? and she has fasted ever since the day before yesterday's walk from sorrow and rage that I dispatched her out of your society under the idea of its being unacceptable I think you'd be lie her said Heathcliff, twisting his chair to face them she wishes to be out of my society now at any rate and he stared hard at the object of discourse as one might do at a strange repulsive animal a centipede from the Indies, for instance which curiosity leads one to examine in spite of the aversion it raises the poor thing couldn't bear that she grew white and red in rapid succession and while the tears bead at her lashes bent the strength of her small fingers to loosen the firm clutch of Catherine and perceiving that as fast as she raised one finger off her arm another closed down and she could not remove the whole together she began to make use of her nails the sharpness presently ornamented the detainers with crescents of red there's a Tigris exclaimed Mrs. Linton setting her free and shaking her hand with pain be gone for God's sake and hide your vixen face how foolish to reveal those talents to him can't you fancy the conclusions he'll draw look, Heathcliff, there are instruments that will do execution you must beware of your eyes I'd rinse them off her fingers if they ever menaced me he answered brutally when the door had closed after her but what did you mean by teasing the creature in that manner, Cathy? you were not speaking the truth, were you? I assure you I was she returned she has been dying for your sake several weeks and raving about you this morning and pouring forth a deluge of abuse because I represented your failings in a plain light for the purpose of mitigating her adoration but don't notice it further I wish to punish her sauciness, that's all I like her too well, my dear Heathcliff to let you absolutely seize and devour her up and I like her too ill to attempt it said he except in a very ghoulish fashion you'd hear of odd things if I lived alone with that mockish waxen face the most ordinary would be painting on its white the colours of the rainbow and turning the blue eyes black every day or two they detestably resemble Lintons delectably observed, Catherine they are Dove's eyes angels she's her brother's heir, is she not? he asked after a brief silence I should be sorry to think so returned his companion half a dozen nephews shall erase her title, please, heaven abstract your mind from the subject at present you are too prone to covet your neighbour's goods remember this neighbour's goods are mine if they were mine they would be none the less that said Heathcliff but though Isabella Linton may be silly she is scarcely mad and in short we'll dismiss the matter as you advise from their tongues they did dismiss it and Catherine probably from her thoughts the other I felt certain recalled it often in the course of the evening I saw him smile to himself grin rather and lapse into ominous musing whenever Mrs. Linton had occasion to be absent from the apartment I determined to watch his movements my heart invariably cleaved to the masters in reference to Catherine's side with reason I imagined for he was kind and trustful and honourable and she she could not be called opposite yet she seemed to allow herself such wide latitude that I had little faith in her principles and still less sympathy for her feelings I wanted something to happen which might have the effect of freeing both Wuthering Heights and the Grange of Mr. Heathcliff quietly leaving us as we had been prior to his advent his visits were a continual nightmare to me and I suspected to my master also his abode at the Heights was an oppression past explaining I felt that God had forsaken the stray sheep there to its own wicked wanderings and an evil beast prowled between it and the fold waiting his time to spring and destroy End of Chapter 10 Chapter 11 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain sometimes while meditating on these things in solitude I've got up in a sudden terror and put on my bonnet to go see how all was at the farm I persuaded my conscience that it was a duty to warn him how people talked regarding his ways and then I've recollected his confirmed bad habits and hopeless of benefitting him have flinched from re-entering the dismal house doubting if I could bear to be taken at my word one time I passed the old gate going out of my way on a journey to Gimiton it was about the period that my narrative has reached a bright frosty afternoon the ground to bear and the road hard and dry I came to a stone where the highway branches off onto the moor at your left hand a rough sandpillar with the letters W H cut on its north side on the east G and on the south west T G it serves as a guidepost to the Grange, the Heights and the village the sun shone yellow on its grey head reminding me of summer and I cannot say why but all at once a gush of child sensations flowed into my heart Hindley and I held it to favourite spot twenty years before I gazed long at the weather-worn block and, stooping down, perceived a hole near the bottom still full of snail-shells and pebbles which we were fond of storing there with more perishable things and, as fresh as reality, it appeared that I beheld my early playmate seated on the withered turf his dark square head bent forward and his little hand scooping out the earth with a piece of slate poor Hindley, I exclaimed involuntarily I started, my bodily eye was cheated into a momentary belief that the child lifted its face and stared straight into mine it vanished in a twinkling but immediately I felt an irresistible yearning to be at the Heights superstition urged me to comply with this impulse supposing he should be dead I thought, or should die soon supposing it were a sign of death the nearer I got to the house the more agitated I grew and on catching sight of it I trembled in every limb the apparition had outstripped me it stood, looking through the gate that was my first idea on observing an elf-locked, brown-eyed boy setting his ruddy countenance against the bars further reflection suggested this must be heriton my heriton, not altered greatly since I left him ten months since God bless thee, darling I cried, forgetting instantaneously my foolish fears heriton, it's Nelly, Nelly, thy nurse he retreated out of arm's length and picked up a large flint I am come to see thy father, Heriton I added, guessing from the action that Nelly, if she lived in his memory at all was not recognized as one with me he raised his missile to hurl it I commenced a soothing speech but could not stay his hand the stone struck my bonnet and then ensued from the stammering lips of the little fellow a string of curses which, whether he comprehended them or not, were delivered with practised emphasis and distorted his baby features into a shocking expression of malignity you may be certain this grieved more than angered me fit to cry I took an orange from my pocket and offered it to propitiate him he hesitated and then snatched it from my hold if he fancied I only intended to tempt him and disappoint him I showed another, keeping it out of his reach who has taught you those fine words, my ban, I inquired, the curate dumb the curate and thee gimme that he replied, tell us where you got your lessons, and you shall have it said I who's your master devil daddy was his answer and what do you learn from daddy, I continued he jumped at the fruit, I raised it higher what does he teach you, I asked naught, said he but to keep out of his gait daddy cannot bide me because I swear at him ah, and the devil teaches you to swear at daddy, I observed I nay he drolled who then Heathcliff I asked if he liked Mr. Heathcliff I he answered again desiring to have his reasons for liking him, I could only gather the sentences ah, naught he pays dad back what he gives to me he curses daddy for cursing me he says I'm on do as I will and the curate does not teach you to read and write then, I pursued no, I was told the curate should have his teeth dashed down his throat if he stepped over the threshold, Heathcliff had promised that I put the orange in his hand and bade him tell his father that a woman called Nellie Dean was wanting to speak with him by the garden gate he went up the walk and entered the house but instead of Hindley Heathcliff appeared on the doorstones and I turned directly and ran down the road as hard as ever I could race making no halt till I gained the guidepost and feeling as scared as if I had raised a goblin this is not much connected with Mrs. Isabella's affair except that it urged me to resolve further on mounting vigilant guard and doing my utmost to check the spread of such bad influence at the Grange even though I should wake a domestic storm by thwarting Mrs. Linton's pleasure the next time Heathcliff came my young lady chanced to be feeding some pigeons in the court she had never spoken a word to her sister-in-law for three days but she likewise dropped her fret for complaining and we found it a great comfort Heathcliff had not the habit of bestowing a single unnecessary civility on Miss Linton, I knew now, as soon as he beheld her, his first precaution was to take a sweeping survey of the house front I was standing by the kitchen window, but I drew out of sight he then stepped across the pavement to her and said something she seemed embarrassed and desirous of getting away to prevent it he laid his hand on her arm she averted her face he apparently put some question which she had no mind to answer there was another rapid glance at the house and supposing himself unseen the scoundrel had the impudence to embrace her I ejaculated you are a hypocrite too are you? a deliberate deceiver who is Nellie? said Catherine's voice at my elbow I had been over intent on watching the pair outside to mark her entrance you're worthless friend I answered warmly the sneaking rascal yonder ah, he has caught a glimpse of us, he is coming in I wonder will he have the heart to find a plausible excuse for making love to Miss when he told you he hated her Mrs. Linton saw Isabella tear herself free and run into the garden and a minute after Heathcliff opened the door I couldn't withhold giving some loose to my own indignation but Catherine angrily insisted on silence and threatened to order me out of the kitchen if I dared to be so presumptuous as to put in my insolent tongue to hear you, people might think you were the mistress she cried you weren't setting down in your right place Heathcliff, what are you about raising this stir I said you must let Isabella alone I beg you will, unless you are tired of being received here and wish Linton to draw the bolts against you God forbid that he should try answered the black villain I detested him just then God keep him meek and patient every day I grow madder after sending him to heaven hush, said Catherine, shutting the inner door don't vex me why have you disregarded my request did she come across you on purpose what is it to you he growled I have a right to kiss her if she chooses and you have no right to object I am not your husband you needn't be jealous of me I'm not jealous of you replied the mistress I'm jealous for you clear your face you shan't scowl at me if you like Isabella you shall marry her but do you like her tell the truth Heathcliff there you won't answer I'm certain you don't and would Mr. Linton approve of his sister marrying that man I inquired Mr. Linton should approve returned my lady decisively he might spare himself the trouble said Heathcliff I could do as well without his approbation and as to you Catherine I have a mind to speak a few words now while we are at it I want you to be aware that I know you have treated me infernally infernally do you hear and if you flatter yourself that I don't perceive it you are a fool and if you think I can be consoled by sweet words you are an idiot if you fancy I'll suffer unrevenged I'll convince you of the contrary in a very little while meantime thank you for telling me your sister-in-law's secret I swear I'll make the most of it and stand you aside what new phase of his character is this exclaimed Mrs. Linton an amazement I've treated you infernally and you'll take your revenge how will you take it ungrateful brute how have I treated you infernally I seek no revenge on you reply, Heathcliff, less vehemently that's not the plan the tyrant grinds down his slaves and they don't turn against him they crush those beneath them you are welcome to torture me to death for your amusement only allow me to amuse myself a little in the same style and refrain from insult as much as you are able having leveled my palace don't erect a hovel and complacently admire your own charity in giving me that for a home if I imagined you really wished me to marry Isabel I'd cut my throat oh the evil is that I am not jealous is it cried Catherine well I won't repeat my offer of a wife it is as bad as offering Satan a lost soul your bliss lies like his in inflicting misery you prove it Edgar is restored from the ill temper he gave way to at your coming I begin to be secure and tranquil and you restless to know us at peace appear resolved on exciting a quarrel quarrel with Edgar if you please Heathcliff and deceive his sister you'll hit on exactly the most efficient method of revenging yourself on me the conversation ceased Mrs. Linton sat down by the fire flushed and gloomy the spirit which served her was growing intractable she could neither lay nor control it he stood on the hearth with folded arms brooding on his evil thoughts and in this position I left them to seek the master who was wondering what kept Catherine below so long Ellen said he when I entered have you seen your mistress yes she's in the kitchen sir I answered she's sadly put out by Mr. Heathcliff's behaviour and indeed I do think it's time to arrange his visits on another footing there's harm in being too soft and now it's come to this and I related the scene in the court and as near as I dared the whole subsequent dispute I fancied it could not be very prejudicial to Mrs. Linton unless she made so afterwards by assuming the defensive for her guest Edgar Linton had difficulty in hearing me to the close his first words revealed that he did not clear his wife of blame this is insufferable Hicks claimed it is disgraceful that she should own him for a friend and force his company on me call me two men out of the hall Ellen Catherine shall linger no longer to argue with the low ruffian I have humoured her enough he descended and bidding the servants wait in the passage he went followed by me to the kitchen its occupants had recommended their angry discussion Mrs. Linton at least was scolding with renewed vigor Heathcliff had moved to the window and hung his head somewhat cowed by her violent rating apparently he saw the master first and made a hasty motion that she should be silent which he obeyed abruptly on discovering the reason of his intimation how is this said Linton addressing her what notion of propriety must you have to remain here after the language which has been held to you by that brygar I suppose because it is his ordinary talk you think nothing of it you are habituated to his baseness and perhaps imagine that I can get used to it too have you been listening at the door Edgar asked the mistress in a tone particularly calculated to provoke her husband implying both carelessness and contempt for his irritation Heathcliff who had raised his eyes at the former speech gave a sneering laugh at the latter on purpose it seemed to draw Mr. Linton's attention to him he succeeded but Edgar did not mean to entertain him with any high flights of passion I have been so far for bearing with you sir he said quietly not that I was ignorant of your miserable degraded character but I felt you were only partly responsible for that and Catherine wishing to keep up your acquaintance I acquiesced foolishly your presence is a moral poison that would contaminate the most virtuous for that cause and to prevent worse consequences I shall deny you hereafter admission into this house and give notice now that I require your instant departure three minutes delay will render it involuntary and ignominious Heathcliff measured the height and breadth of the speaker with an eye full of derision Cathy this lamb of yours threatens like a ball he said it is in danger of splitting its skull against my knuckles by God Mr. Linton I am mortally sorry that you are not worth knocking down my master glanced towards the passage and signed me to fetch the men he had no intention of hazarding a personal encounter I obeyed the hint but Mrs. Linton suspecting something followed and when I attempted to call them she pulled me back slammed the door to and locked it fair means she said in answer to her husband's look of angry surprise if you have not courage to attack him make an apology or allow yourself to be beaten it will correct you of feigning more valor than you possess no I'll swallow the key before you shall get it I'm delightfully rewarded for my kindness to each after constant indulgence of one's weak nature and the other's bad one I earn for thanks two samples of blind ingratitude stupid to absurdity Edgar I was defending you and yours and I wish Heathcliff may flog you sick for daring to think an evil thought of me it did not need the medium of a flogging to produce that effect on the master he tried to rest the key from Catherine's grasp and for safety she flung it to the hottest part of the fire whereupon Mr. Edgar was taken with a nervous trembling and his countenance grew deadly pale for his life he could not avert that excess of emotion mingled anguish and humiliation overcame him completely he lent on the back of a chair and covered his face oh heavens! in old days this would win United exclaimed Mrs. Linton we are vanquished we are vanquished Heathcliff would assume lift a finger at you King would march his army against a colony of mice cheer up! you shan't be hurt your type is not a lamb it's a sucking leverette I wish you joy if the milk-blooded coward Kathy said her friend I compliment you on your taste and that is the slavering shivering thing you preferred to me I would not strike him with my fist but I'd kick him with my foot and experience considerable satisfaction is he weeping or is he going to faint for fear Mallow approached and gave the chair on which Linton rested a push he'd better have kept his distance my master quickly sprang erect and struck him full on the throat with a blow that would have leveled a slight amount it took his breath for a minute and while he choked Mr. Linton walked out by the back door into the yard and from thence to the front entrance there you've done with coming here cried Catherine get away now he'll return with a brace of pistols and half a dozen assistants if he did overhear us of course he'd never forgive you you played me an ill-turn Heathcliff but go make haste I'd rather see Edgar at bay than you do you suppose I'm going with that blow burning in my gullet he thundered I hell no I'll crush his ribs in like a rotten hazelnut before I cross the threshold if I don't floor him now I shall murder him sometime so as you value his existence let me get at him he is not coming I interposed framing a bit of a lie there's the coachman and the two gardeners surely not wait to be thrust into the road by them each has a bludgeon and master will very likely be watching from the parlor windows to see that they fulfill his orders the gardeners and the coachmen were there but Linton was with them they had already entered the court Heathcliff on the second thoughts resolved to avoid a struggle against three underlings he seized the poker, smashed the lock from the innador and made his escape as they tramped in Mrs. Linton who was very much excited bade me accompany her upstairs she did not know my share in contributing to the disturbance and I was anxious to keep her in ignorance I'm nearly distracted Nellie she exclaimed throwing herself on the sofa a thousand smith's hammers are beating in my head tell Isabella to shun me this uproar is owing to her and should she or anyone else aggravate my anger at present I shall get wild and Nellie say to Edgar if you see him again tonight that I'm in danger of being seriously ill I wish it may prove true he has startled and distressed me shockingly I want to frighten him besides he might come and begin a string of abuse or complainings I'm certain I should recriminate and God knows where we should end will you do so my good Nellie you are aware that I am in no way blamable in this matter what possessed him to turn listener Heathcliff's talk was outrageous after you left us but I could soon have diverted him from Isabella and the rest meant nothing now all is dashed wrong by the fools craving to hear evil of self that haunts some people like a demon had Edgar never gathered our conversation he would never have been the worse for it really when he opened on me in that unreasonable tone of displeasure after I had scolded Heathcliff till I was hoarse for him I did not care hardly what they did to each other especially as I felt that however the scene closed we should all be driven asunder for nobody knows how long if I cannot keep Heathcliff for my friend if Edgar will be mean and jealous I'll try to break their hearts by breaking my own that will be a prompt way of finishing all when I am pushed to extremity but it's a deed to be reserved for a forlorn hope I'd not take Linton by surprise with it to this point he has been discreet and dreading to provoke me you must represent the peril of quitting that policy and remind him of my passionate temper surging when kindled on frenzy I wish you could dismiss that apathy out of that countenance and look rather more anxious about me the stolidity with which I received these instructions was no doubt rather exasperating for they were delivered in perfect sincerity but I believed a person who could plan the turning of her fits of passion to account beforehand might by exerting her will manage to control herself tolerably even while under their influence and I did not wish to frighten her husband as she said and multiply his annoyances for the purpose of serving her selfishness therefore I said nothing when I met the master coming towards the parlour but I took the liberty of turning back to listen whether they would resume their quarrel together he began to speak first remain where you are Catherine he said without any anger in his voice but with much sorrowful despondency I shall not stay I am neither come to wrangle nor to be reconciled but I wish just to learn whether after this evening's events you intend to continue your intimacy with oh for mercy's sake interrupted the mistress stamping her foot for mercy's sake let us hear no more of it now your cold blood cannot be worked into a fever your veins are full of ice water but mine are boiling and the sight of such chillness makes them dance to get rid of me answer my question persevered Mr. Linton you must answer it and that violence does not alarm me I have found that you can be as stoical as anyone when you please will you give up Heathcliff hereafter or will you give up me it is impossible for you to be my friend and his at the same time and I absolutely require to know which you choose I require to be let alone exclaimed Catherine furiously I demand it don't you see I can scarcely stand Edgar you you leave me she rang the bell till it broke with a twang I entered leisurely it was enough to try the temper of a saint such senseless wicked rages there she lay dashing her head against the arm of the sofa and grinding her teeth so that you might fancy she would crash them to splinters Mr. Linton stood looking at her in sudden compunction and fear he told me to fetch some water she had no breath for speaking I brought a glass full and as she would not drink I sprinkled it on her face in a few seconds she stretched herself out stiff and turned up her eyes at once blanched and livid assumed the aspect of death Linton looked terrified there is nothing in the world to the matter I whispered I did not want him to yield though I could not help being afraid in my heart she has blood on her lips he said shuddering never mind I answered tartly and I told him how she had resolved previous to his coming on exhibiting a fit of frenzy I unconsciously gave the account aloud and she heard me for she started up her hair flying over her shoulders her eyes flashing the muscles of her neck and arms standing up preternaturally I made up my mind for broken bones at least but she only glared about her for an instant and then rushed from the room the master directed me to follow I did to her chamber door she hindered me from going further by securing it against me as she never offered to descend to breakfast next morning I went to ask whether she would have some carried up no, she replied, peremptorily the same question was repeated at dinner and tea and again on the morrow after and received the same answer Mr. Linton on his part spent his time in the library and did not inquire concerning his wife's occupations Isabella and he had an hours interview during which he tried to elicit from her some sentiment of proper horror for Heathcliff's advances but he could make nothing of her evasive replies and was obliged to close the examination unsatisfactorily adding, however, a solemn warning that if she were so insane as to encourage that worthless suitor it would dissolve all bonds of relationship between herself and him End of Chapter 11 Chapter 12 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain While Miss Linton moped about the park and garden always silent and almost always in tears and her brother shot himself up among books that he never opened worrying, I guessed, with a continual vague expectation that Catherine repenting her conduct would come out of her own cord to ask pardon and seek a reconciliation and she fasted pertinaciously under the idea probably that at every meal Edgar was ready to chalk for her absence and pride alone held him from running to cast himself at her feet I went about my household duties convinced that the Grange had but one sensible soul in all its walls and that lodged in my body I wasted no condolences on Miss nor any expostulations on my mistress nor did I pay much attention to the size of my master who yearned to hear his lady's name since he might not hear her voice I determined they should come about as they pleased for me and though it was a tiresomely slow process I began to rejoice at length in a faint dawn of its progress as I thought at first Mrs. Linton on the third day unboughed her door and having finished the water in her pitcher and decanter desired a renewed supply and a basin of gruel for she believed she was dying that I sat down as a speech meant for Edgar's ears I believed no such thing so I kept it to myself and brought her some tea and dried toast she ate and drank eagerly and sank back on her pillow again clenching her hands and groaning Oh, I will die! she exclaimed since no one cares anything about me I wish I had not taken that then a good while after I heard her murmur No, I'll not die he'd be glad he does not love me at all he would never miss me Did you want anything, Mum? I inquired, still preserving my external composure in spite of her ghastly countenance and strange exaggerated manner What is that apathetic being doing? she demanded, pushing the thick entangled locks from her wasted face Has he fallen into a lethargy, or is he dead? Neither, replied I If you mean Mr. Linton, he's tolerably well, I think though his studies occupy him rather more than they ought he is continually among his books, since he has no other society I should not have spoken so if I had known her true condition but I could not get rid of the notion that she acted a part of her disorder Among his books? she cried confounded and I dying, I on the brink of the grave my God, does he know how I'm altered? continued she, staring at her reflection in a mirror hanging against the opposite wall Is that Catherine Linton? he imagines me in a pet in play perhaps cannot you inform him that it is frightful earnest Nelly, if it be not too late, as soon as I learn how he feels I'll choose between these two, either to starve at once that would be no punishment unless he had a heart or to recover and leave the country are you speaking the truth about him now? take care, is he actually so utterly indifferent for my life? why, mum? I answered the master has no idea of your being deranged and of course he does not fear that you will let yourself die of hunger you think not? cannot you tell him I will? she returned persuade him, speak of your own mind, say you are certain I will no, you forget Mrs. Linton I suggested that you have eaten some food with a relish this evening and tomorrow you will perceive its good effects if I were only sure it would kill him she interrupted I'd kill myself directly these three awful nights I've never closed my lids and oh, I've been tormented I've been haunted Nelly but I begin to fancy you don't like me how strange, I thought, though everybody hated and despised each other they could not avoid loving me and they have all turned to enemies in a few hours they have a positive, the people here so dreary to meet death surrounded by their cold faces Isabella, terrified and repelled, afraid to enter the room it would be so dreadful to watch Catherine go and Edgar, standing solemnly by to see it over then offering prayers of thanks to God for restoring peace to his house and going back to his books what in the name of all that feels has he to do with books when I am dying? she could not bear the notion which I had put into her head of Mr. Linton's philosophical resignation tossing about she increased her feverish bewilderment to madness and tore the pillow with her teeth then raising herself up all burning desired that I would open the window we were in the middle of winter the wind blew strong from the northeast and I objected both the expressions flitting over her face and the changes of her moods began to alarm me terribly and brought to my recollection her former illness and the doctor's injunction that she should not be crossed a minute previously she was violent now supported on one arm and not noticing my refusal to obey her she seemed to find childish diversion in pulling the feathers from the rents she had just made and ranging them on the sheet according to their different species her mind had strayed to other associations that's a turkeys she murmured to herself and this is a wild ducks this is a pigeons ah! they put pigeons feathers in the pillows no wonder I couldn't die let me take care to throw it on the floor when I lie down and here is a moor cocks and this I should know it among a thousand it's a lapwings bunny bird wheeling over our heads in the middle of the moor it wanted to get to its nest but the clouds had touched the swells and it felt rain coming this feather was picked up from the heath the bird was not shot we saw its nest in the winter full of little skeletons Heathcliff set a trap over it and the old ones dared not come I made him promise he'd never shoot a lapwing after that and he didn't yes here are moor did he shoot my lapwings nearly are they red any of them let me look give over with that baby work I interrupted dragging the pillow away and turning the hose towards the mattress while she was removing its contents by hand-falls lie down and shut your eyes you're wondering there's a mess the down is flying about like snow I went here and there collecting it I see in you Nelly she continued dreamily an aged woman you have grey hair and bent shoulders this bed is the fairy cave under penstone crags and you are gathering elf bolts to hurt our heifers and I am standing while I am near that they are only locks of wool that's what she'll come to fifty years hence I know you are not so now I'm not wondering you're mistaken or else I should believe you really were that withered hag and I should think I was under penstone crags and I'm conscious it's night and there are two candles on the table making the black press shine like jet the black press where is that I asked you are talking in your sleep it's against the wall as it always is she replied it does appear odd I see a face in it there's no press in the room and never was said I resuming my seat and looping up the curtain that I might watch her don't you see that face she inquired gazing earnestly at the mirror and say what I could I was incapable of making her comprehend it to be her own so I rose and covered it with a shawl behind there still she pursued anxiously and it stirred who is it I hope it will not come out when you are gone oh Nelly the room is haunted I'm afraid of being alone I took her hand in mine and bid her be composed for a succession of shudders convulsed her frame and she would keep straining her gaze towards the glass there's nobody here I insisted it was yourself Miss Linton myself she gasped and the clock is striking twelve it's true then that's dreadful her fingers clutched the clothes and gathered them over her eyes I attempted to steal to the door with an intention of calling her husband but I was summoned back by a piercing shriek the shawl had dropped from the frame why what is the matter cried I who is coward now wake up pass the mirror Mrs. Linton and you see yourself in it and there am I too by your side trembling and bewildered she held me fast but the horror gradually passed from her countenance its paleness gave place to a glow of shame oh dear I thought I was at home she sighed I thought I was lying in my chamber at Wuthering Heights because I'm weak my brain got confused and I screamed unconsciously don't say anything but stay with me I dread sleeping my dreams appeal me a sound sleep would do you good mom I answered and I hope this suffering will prevent your trying starving again oh if I were but in my own bed in the old house she went on bitterly ringing her hands and that wind sounding in the furs by the lattice do let me feel it it comes straight down the moor do let me have one breath to pacify her I held the casement ajar a few seconds a cold blast rushed through I closed it and returned to my post she lay still now her face bathed in tears exhaustion of body had entirely subdued her spirit our fiery Catherine was no better than a wailing child how long is it since I shot myself in here she asked suddenly reviving it was Monday evening I replied and this is Thursday night or rather Friday morning at present what of the same week she exclaimed only that brief time long enough to live on nothing but cold water in ill temper observed I well it seems a weary number of hours she muttered doubtfully it must be more I remember being in the parlor after they had quarrelled in Edgar being cruelly provoking and me running into this room desperate as soon as ever I had barred the door utter blackness overwhelm me and I fell on the floor I couldn't explain to Edgar how certain I felt of having a fit or going raging mad if he persisted in teasing me I had no command of tongue or brain and he did not guess my agony perhaps it barely left me sense to try to escape from him in his voice before I recovered sufficiently to see and hear it began to be done and Nelly I'll tell you what I thought and what is kept recurring and recurring till I feared for my reason I thought as I lay there with my head against that table leg in my eyes dimly discerning the gray square of the window that I was enclosed in the oak-paneled bed at home in my heart ached with some great grief which just waking I could not recollect I pondered and worried myself to discover what it could be and most strangely the whole last seven years of my life grew a blank I did not recall that they had been at all I was a child my father was just buried and my misery arose from the separation that Hindley had ordered between me and Heathcliff I was laid alone for the first time and rousing from a dismal dose after a night of weeping I lifted my hand to push the panels aside it struck the tabletop I swept it along the carpet and then memory burst in my late anguish was swallowed in a paroxysm of despair I cannot say why I felt so wildly wretched it must have been temporary derangement for there are scarcely cars but supposing at twelve years old I had been wrenched from the heights in every early association in my all and all as Heathcliff was at that time and being converted at a stroke into Mrs. Linton the lady of Thrushcross Grange and the wife of a stranger in exile and outcast thenceforth from what had been my world you may fancy a glimpse of the abyss where I groveled shake your head as you will, Nellie you have helped to unsettle me you should have spoken to Edgar indeed you should and compelled him to leave me quiet oh, I'm burning I wish I were out of doors I wish I were a girl again half savage and hardy and free and laughing at injuries not maddening under them why am I so changed why does my blood rush into a hell of tumult at a few words I'm sure I should be myself for I once among the heather on those hills open the window again wide fasten it open quick, why don't you move because I won't give you your death of cold I answered you won't give me a chance of life you mean she said, solemnly however, I'm not helpless yet I'll open it myself and sliding from the bed before I could hinder her she crossed the room walking very uncertainly threw it back and bent out careless of the frosty air that cut about her shoulders as cane as a knife I entreated and finally attempted to force her to retire but soon found her delirious strength much surpassed mine she was delirious I became convinced by her subsequent actions and ravings there was no moon and everything beneath lay in misty darkness not a sight gleamed from any house far or near all had been extinguished long ago and those at withering heights were never visible still, she asserted she caught their shining look, she cried eagerly that's my room with the candle in it and the tree swaying before it and the other candle is in Joseph's garret Joseph sits up late, doesn't he he's waiting till I come home that he may lock the gate well, he'll wait a while yet it's a rough journey and a sad heart to travel it and we must pass by Gimit and Kirk to go that journey we made its ghosts often together and dared each other to stand among the graves and asked them to come but Heathcliff, if I dare you now will you venture if you do, I'll keep you I'll not lie there by myself they may bury me twelve feet deep and throw the church down over me but I won't rest till you are with me I never will she paused and resumed with a strange smile he's considering he'd rather I'd come to him find a way then, not through that Kirk yard you are slow be content, you always followed me perceiving it vain to argue against her insanity I was planning how I could reach something to rap about her without quitting my hold of herself for I could not trust her alone by the gaping lettuce when to my consternation I heard the rattle of the door handle and Mr. Linton entered he had only then come from the library and in passing through the lobby had noticed our talking and been attracted by curiosity or fear to examine what it signified at that late hour oh sir I cried checking the exclamation risen to his lips at the sight which met him and the bleak atmosphere of the chamber my poor mistress is ill and she quite masters me I cannot manage her at all pray come and persuade her to go to bed forget your anger for she's hard to guide anyway but her own Catherine ill he said hastening to us shut the window Ellen Catherine why he was silent the haggardness of Mrs. Linton's appearance smote him speechless and he could only glance from her to me and horrified astonishment she's been fretting here I continued and eating scarcely anything and never complaining she would admit none of us till this evening and so we couldn't inform you of her state as we were not aware of it ourselves but it is nothing I felt I uttered my explanations awkwardly the master frowned it is nothing is it Ellen Dean he said sternly you shall account more clearly for keeping the ignorant of this and he took his wife in his arms and looked at her with anguish at first she gave him no glance of recognition he was invisible to her abstracted gaze the delirium was not fixed however having weaned her eyes from contemplating the outer darkness by degrees she centered her attention on him and discovered who it was that held her ah you are come are you Edgar Linton she said with angry animation you are one of those things that are ever found when least wanted and when you are wanted never I suppose we shall have plenty of lamentations now I see we shall but they can't keep me from my narrow home out yonder my resting place where I'm bound before spring is over there it is not among the Linton's mind under the chapel roof but in the open air with a headstone and you may please yourself whether you go to them or come to me Catherine what have you done commenced the muster am I nothing to you anymore do you love that wretch heath hush cried Mrs. Linton hush this moment you mention that name and I am the matter instantly by a spring from the window what you touch at present you may have but my soul will be on that hilltop before you lay hands on me again I don't want you Edgar I'm past wanting you return to your books I'm glad you possess a consolation for all you had in me is gone her mind wanders sir I interposed she has been talking nonsense the whole evening but let her have her quiet and proper attendance and she'll rally hereafter we must be cautious how we vex her I desire no further advice from you answered Mr. Linton you knew your mistress's nature and you encouraged me to harass her and not to give me one hint of how she's been these three days it was heartless months of sickness could not cause such a change I began to defend myself thinking it too bad to be blamed for another's wicked waywardness I knew Mrs. Linton's nature to be headstrong and domineering cried I but I didn't know that you wished to bust her have fierce temper I didn't know that to humour her I should wink at Mr. Heathcliff I performed the duty of a faithful servant in telling you and I have got a faithful servant's wages well it will teach me to be careful next time next time you may gather intelligence for yourself the next time you bring a tale to me you should quit my service Elindine he replied you'd rather hear nothing about it I suppose then Mr. Linton said I Heathcliff has your permission to come according to miss and to drop in at every opportunity your absence offers on purpose to poison the mistress against you confused as Catherine was her wits were alert at applying our conversation ah Nelly has played traitor she exclaimed passionately Nelly is my hidden enemy you witch so you do seek elf bolts to hurt us let me go and I'll make her rue I'll make her howl or recantation a maniac's fury kindled under her brows she struggled desperately to disengage herself from Linton's arms I felt no inclination to tarry the event and resolving to seek medical aid on my own responsibility I quitted the chamber in passing the garden to reach the road at a place where a bridal hook is driven into the wall I saw something white move regularly evidently by another agent than the wind notwithstanding my hurry I stayed to examine it lest ever after I should have the conviction impressed on my imagination that it was a creature of the other world my surprise and perplexity were great on discovering by touch more than vision miss Isabella's springer Fanny suspended by a handkerchief and nearly at its last gasp I quickly released the animal and lifted it into the garden I had seen it follow its mistress upstairs when she went to bed and wondered much how it could have got out there and what mischievous person had treated it so while untying the knot around the hook it seemed to me that I repeatedly caught the beat of horses feet galloping at some distance but there were such a number of things to occupy my reflections that I hardly gave the circumstance a thought though it was a strange sound in that place at two o'clock in the morning Mr. Kenneth was fortunately just issuing from his house to see a patient in the village as I came up the street and my account of Catherine Linton's malady induced him to accompany me back immediately he was a plain rough man and he made no scruple to speak his doubts of her surviving this second attack unless she were more submissive to his directions than she had shown herself before Melodyne said he I can't help fancying there's an extra cause for this what has there been to do at the Grange we've heard reports up here a stout hearty lass like Catherine does not fall ill for a triple and that sort of people should not either it's hard work bringing them through fevers and such things how did it begin the master will inform you I answered but you are acquainted with the urnshoes violent dispositions and Mrs. Linton caps them all I may say this it commenced in a quarrel she was struck during a tempest of passion with a kind of fit that's her account at least but she flew off in the height of it and locked herself up afterwards she refused to eat and now she alternately raves and remains in a huff dream knowing those about her but having her mind filled with all sorts of strange ideas and illusions Mr. Linton will be sorry observed Kenneth interrogatively sorry he'll break his heart should anything happen I replied don't alarm him more than necessary well I told him to beware said my companion and he must bide the consequences of neglecting me worn and hasn't he been intimate with Mr. Heathcliff lately? Heathcliff frequently visits at the Grange and so do I the more on the strength of the mistress having known him when he was a boy than because the master likes his company charged from the trouble of calling owing to some presumptuous aspirations after Miss Linton which he manifested I hardly think he'll be taken in again and does Miss Linton turn a cold shoulder on him? was the doctor's next question I'm not in her confidence returned I reluctant to continue the subject no she's a sly one he remarked shaking his head she keeps her own counsel but she's a real little fool I have it from good authority that last night and the pretty night it was she and Heathcliff were walking in the plantation at the back of your house about two hours and he pressed her not to go in again but just mount his horse and away with him my informant said she could only put him off by pledging her word of honor to be prepared on their first meeting after that when it was he didn't hear but you urge Mr. Linton to look sharp the news filled me with fresh fears I outstripped Kenneth and ran most of the way back the little dog was yelping in the garden yet I spared a minute to open the gate for it but instead of going to the house door it coursed up and down snuffing the grass and would have escaped to the road had I not seized it and conveyed it in with me on ascending to Isabella's room my suspicions were confirmed it was empty had I been a few hours sooner Mrs. Linton's illness might have arrested her rash step but what could be done now there was a bare possibility of overtaking them if pursued instantly I could not pursue them however and I dared not rouse the family and fill the place with confusion still less unfold the business to my master absorbed as he was in his present calamity and having no heart to spare for a second grief I saw nothing for it but to hold my tongue and suffer matters to take their course and Kenneth being arrived I went with a badly composed countenance to announce him Catherine lay in a troubled sleep her husband had succeeded in soothing the excess of frenzy he now hung over her pillow watching every shade and every change of her painfully expressive features the doctor on examining the case for himself spoke hopefully to him of its having a favourable termination if we could only preserve around her a perfect and constant tranquillity to me he signified the threatening danger was not so much death as permanent alienation of intellect I did not close my eyes that night nor did Mr. Linton indeed we never went to bed and the servants were all up long before the usual hour moving through the house with stealthy tread and exchanging whispers as they encountered each other in their vocations everyone was active but miss Isabella and they began to remark how sound she slept her brother too asked if she had risen and seemed impatient for her presence and hurt that she showed so little anxiety for her sister and more I trembled lest he should send me to call her but I was spared the pain of being the first proclaimment of her flight one of the maids a thoughtless girl who had been on an early errand to Gimiton came panting upstairs open mouth and dashed into the chamber crying oh dear dear what one we have next master master our young lady hold your noise cried I hastily enraged at her clamorous manner speak lower Mary what is the matter said Mr. Linton what eels your young lady she's gone she's gone your neathcliffs run off with her gasped the girl exclaimed Linton rising in agitation it cannot be how has the idea entered your head Ellen Dean go and see her it is incredible it cannot be as he spoke he took the servant to the door and then repeated his demand to know her reasons for such an assertion why met on the road a lad that fetches milk here she stammered and he asked whether we weren't in trouble at the Grange I thought he meant for Mrs. Sickness so I answered yes then to see there's somebody gone after him I guess scared I saw he knew not about it and he told her how a gentleman and lady had stopped to have a horse issue fast into the blacksmith's shop two miles out of Gimiton not very long after midnight and had the blacksmith's lass had got up to spy who they were she knew them both directly and she noticed the man heathcliff it was she felt certain nobody could mistake him besides put his sovereign in her father's hand for payment the lady had a cloak about her face but having desired a sip of water while she drank it fell back and she saw her very plain both bridles as they rode on and they set their faces from the village and went as fast as the rough roads would let them the lass said nothing to her father but she told it all over Gimiton this morning I ran and peeped for forms sick into Isabella's room confirming when I returned the servant's statement Mr. Linton had resumed his seat by the bed on my re-entrance he raised his eyes read the meaning of my blank aspect and dropped them without giving an order or uttering a word are we to try any measures for overtaking and bringing her back? I inquired, how should we do? she went of her own accord answered the master she had a right to go if she pleased trouble me no more about her hereafter she is only my sister in name not because I disown her but because she has disowned me and that was all he said on the subject he did not make a single inquiry further or mention her in any way and that was all he said on the subject further or mention her in any way except directing me to send what property she had in the house to her fresh home wherever it was when I knew it End of Chapter 12 Chapter 13 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain for two months the fugitives remained absent in those two months Mrs. Linton encountered and conquered the first shock of what was denominated a brain fever no mother could have nursed an only child more devotedly than Edgar tended her day and night he was watching and patiently enduring all the annoyances that irritable nerves and a shaken reason could inflict and, though Kenneth remarked that what he saved from the grave would only recompense his care by forming the source of constant future anxiety in fact, that his health and strength were being sacrificed to preserve a citizen of humanity he knew no limits in gratitude and joy when Catherine's life was declared out of danger and hour after hour he would sit beside her tracing the gradual return to bodily health and flattering his two sanguine hopes with the illusion that her mind would settle back to its right balance also and she would soon be entirely her former self the first time she left her chamber was at the commencement of the following march Mr. Linton had put on her pillow in the morning a handful of golden crocuses her eye long stranger to any gleam of pleasure caught them in waking and shone delighted as she gathered their meagrely together these are the earliest flowers at the heights she exclaimed they remind me of soft, thaw winds and warm sunshine and nearly melted snow Edgar is there not a south wind and is not the snow almost gone the snow is quite gone down here darling replied her husband and I only see two white spots on the whole range of the moors the sky is blue the larks are singing and the becks and brooks are all brim full Catherine last spring at this time I was longing to have you under this roof now I wish you were a mile or two up those hills the air blows so sweetly I feel that it would cure you I shall never be there but once more said the invalid and then you'll leave me I shall remain forever next spring you'll long again to have me under this roof and you'll look back and think you were happy today Linton lavished on her the kindest caresses and tried to cheer her by the fondest words but, vaguely regarding the flowers she let the tears collect on her lashes and streamed down her cheeks unheeding we knew she was really better and therefore decided that long confinement to a single place produced much of this despondency and it might be partially removed by a change of scene the master told me to light a fire in the many weeks deserted parlor and to set an easy chair in the sunshine by the window and then he brought her down and she sat a long while enjoying the genial heat and, as we expected revived by the objects around her which, though familiar were free from the dreary associations investing her hated sick chamber by evening she seemed greatly exhausted yet no arguments could persuade her to return to that apartment and I had to arrange the parlor sofa for her bed till another room could be prepared to obviate the fatigue of mounting a descending stairs we fitted up this where you lie at present on the same floor with the parlor and she was soon strong enough to move from one to the other leaning on Edgar's arm ah, I thought myself she might recover, so waited on as she was double-cold to desire it for on her existence depended that of another we cherished the hope that in a little while Mr. Linton's heart would be gladdened and his land secured from a stranger's grip by the birth of an heir I should mention that Isabella sent to her brother some six weeks from her departure a short note announcing her marriage with Heathcliff it appeared dry and cold but at the bottom was dotted in with pencil an obscure apology and an entreaty for kind remembrance and reconciliation if her proceeding had offended him asserting that she could not help it then and being done she had now no power to repeal it Linton did not reply to this, I believe and in a fortnight more I got a long letter which I considered odd coming from the pen of a bride just out of the honeymoon I'll read it, for I keep it yet any relic of the dead is precious if they were valued living Dear Ellen I came last night to Wuthering Heights and heard for the first time that Catherine has been and is yet very ill I must not write to her, I suppose and my brother is either too angry or too distressed to answer what I sent him still I must write to somebody and the only choice left me is you inform Edgar that I'd give the world to see his face again that my heart returned to thrush-cross a strange and twenty-four hours after I left it and is there at this moment full of warm feelings for him and Catherine I can't follow it though these words are underlined they need not expect me and they may draw what conclusions they please taking care, however, to lay nothing at the door of my weak will or deficient affection the remainder of the letter is for yourself alone I want to ask you two questions the first is do you live to preserve the common sympathies of human nature when you resided here I cannot recognize any sentiment which those around share with me the second question I have great interest in it is this is Mr. Heathcliff a man if so is he mad and if not is he a devil I shan't tell my reasons for making this inquiry but I beseech you to explain if you can what I have married that is when you call to see me and you must call Ellen very soon don't write but come and bring me something from Edgar now you shall hear how I have been received in my new home as I am led to imagine the height will be it is to amuse myself that I dwell on such subjects as the lack of external comforts they never occupy my thoughts except at the moment when I miss them I should laugh and dance for joy if I found their absence was the total of my miseries and the rest was an unnatural dream the sun set behind the grange as we turned on to the moors by that I judged it to be six o'clock and my companion halted half an hour to inspect the park and the gardens and probably the place itself as well as he could so it was dark when we dismounted in the paved yard of the farmhouse and your old fellow servant Joseph issued out to receive us by the light of a dip candle he did it with a courtesy that redounded to his credit his first act was to elevate his torch to a level with my face squint malignantly project his underlip and turn away then he took the two horses and led them into the stables reappearing for the purpose of locking the outer gate as if we lived in an ancient castle Heathcliff stayed to speak to him and I entered the kitchen a dingy, untidy hole I dare say you would not know it it is so changed since it was in your charge by the fires stood a ruffianly child strong in limb and dirty in garb with a look of Catherine in his eyes and about his mouth this is Edgar's legal nephew I reflected mine in a manner I must shake hands and yes I must kiss him it is right to establish a good understanding at the beginning I approached and attempting to take his chubby fist said how do you do my dear he replied in a jargon I did not comprehend shall you and I be friends Herton was my next assay at conversation an oath an oath and a threat to set throttler on me if I did not frame off rewarded my perseverance hey, throttler lad whispered the little wretch rousing a half bread bulldog from its lair in a corner now, wilt thou be ganging he asked authoritatively love for my life urged a compliance I stepped over the threshold to wait till the others should enter Mr. Heathcliff was nowhere visible and Joseph whom I followed to the stables and requested to accompany me in after staring and muttering to himself screwed up his nose and replied meme meme did ever Christian buddy hear art like it mincing and munching how can I say what he say I say I wish you to come with me into the house I cried thinking him deaf yet highly disgusted at his rudeness none of me are you getting somebody else to do he answered and continued his work moving his lantern jaws meanwhile and surveying my dress and countenance the former a great deal too fine but the latter I'm sure as sad as he could desire with sovereign contempt I walked round the yard and threw a wicket to another door at which I took the liberty of knocking in hopes some more civil servant might show himself after a short suspense it was opened by a tall gaunt man without knacker chief and otherwise extremely slovenly his features were lost in masses of shaggy hair that hung on his shoulders and his eyes too were like a ghostly Catherine's with all their beauty annihilated what's your business here he demanded grimly who are you my name was Isabella Linton I replied you've seen me before sir I'm lately married to Mr. Heathcliff and he has brought me here I suppose by your permission as he come back then asked the hermit glaring like a hungry wolf yes we came just now I said but he left me by the kitchen door and when I would have gone in your little boy played sentinel over the place and frightened me off by the help of a bulldog it's well the hellish ability has kept his word growled my future host searching the darkness beyond me an expectation of discovering Heathcliff and then he indulged in a soliloquy of execrations and threats of what he would have done had the fiend deceived him I repented having tried this second entrance and was almost inclined to slip away before he finished cursing but ere I could execute that intention he ordered me in and shut and refascined the door there was a great fire and that was all the light in the huge apartment whose floor had grown a uniform grey and the once brilliant pewter dishes which used to attract my gaze when I was a girl partook of a similar obscurity created by tarnish and dust I inquired whether I might call the maid and be conducted to a bedroom Mr. Earnshaw vouchsafed no answer he walked up and down with his hands in his pockets apparently quite forgetting my presence and his abstraction was evidently so deep and his whole aspect so misanthropical that I shrank from disturbing him again you'll not be surprised Ellen at my feeling particularly cheerless seated in worse than solitude on that inhospitable hearth and remembering that four miles distant lay my delightful home containing the only people I loved on earth and there might as well be the Atlantic to part us instead of those four miles I could not overpass them I questioned with myself where must I turn for comfort and mind you don't tell Edgar or Catherine above every sorrow beside this rose preeminent despair at finding nobody who could or would be my ally against Heathcliff I had sought shelter at Wuthering Heights almost gladly because I was secured by that arrangement from living alone with him but he knew the people we were coming amongst and he did not fear their intermeddling I sat and thought a dull full time the clock struck eight and nine and still my companion paced two and fro his head bent on his breast and perfectly silent unless a groan or a bitter ejaculation forced itself out at intervals I listened to detect a woman's voice in the house and heard the interim with wild regrets and dismal anticipations which at last spoke audibly an irrepressible sighing and weeping I was not aware how openly I grieved till Earnshaw halted opposite in his measured walk and gave me a stare of newly awakened surprise taking advantage of his recovered attention I exclaimed I'm tired with my journey and I want to go to bed where is the maid servant direct me to her as she won't come to me we have none he answered you must wait on yourself where must I sleep then I sobbed I was beyond regarding self-respect weighed down by fatigue and wretchedness Joseph will show you Heathcliff's chamber said he open that door he's in there I was going to obey but he suddenly arrested me and added in the strangest tone be so good as to turn your lock and draw your bolt don't omit it well I said but why Mr. Earnshaw I did not relish the notion of deliberately fastening myself in with Heathcliff look here he replied pulling from his waistcoat a curiously constructed pistol having a double edged spring knife attached to the barrel that's a great tempo to a desperate man is it not I cannot resist going up with us every night and trying this door if once I find it open he's done for I'd do it invariably even though the minute before I have been recalling a hundred reasons that should make me refrain it is some devil that urges me to thwart my own schemes by killing him you fight against that devil for love as long as you may when the time comes not all the angels in heaven shall save him I surveyed the weapon inquisitively a hideous notion struck me how powerful I should be possessing such an instrument I took it from his hand and touched the blade he looked astonished at the expression my face assumed during a brief second it was not horror it was covetousness he snatched the pistol back jealously shut the knife and returned it to its concealment I don't care if you tell him said he put him on his guard and watch for him you know the terms we are on I see his danger does not shock you what has Heathcliff done to you I asked in what has he wronged you to warrant this appalling hatred wouldn't it be wiser to bid him quit the house no thundered urn sure should he offer to leave me he's a dead man persuade him to attempt it and you are a murderous am I to lose all without a chance of retrieval is hurting to be a beggar oh damnation I will have it back and I'll have his goal too and then his blood and hell shall have his soul it will be ten times blacker with that guest than ever it was before you've acquainted me Ellen with your old master's habits he is clearly on the verge of madness he was so last night at least I shuddered to be near him and thought on the servant's ill-bred morose-ness as comparatively agreeable he now recommends his moody walk and I raised the latch and escaped into the kitchen Joseph was bending over the fire peering into a large pan that swung above it and a wooden bowl of oatmeal stood on the settle close by the contents of the pan began to boil and he turned to plunge his hand into the bowl I conjectured that this preparation was probably for our supper and being hungry I resolved it should be eatable so crying out sharply I'll make the porridge I removed the vessel out of his reach and proceeded to take off my hat and riding habit Mr. Earnshaw, I continued directs me to wait on myself I will I'm not going to act the lady among you for fear I should starve good lord sitting down and stroking his ribbed stockings from the knee to the ankle if there's to be fresh authorings just when I get used to tourmeisters if I'm on heaven mistress there are my heed it'll like time to be flitting I never did think to see today when I would leave the old place but I doubt it's now at hand this lamentation drew no notice from me I went briskly to work sighing to remember a period when it would have been all merry fun but compelled speedily to drive off the remembrance it wracked me to recall past happiness and the great apparel there was of conjuring up its apparition the quicker the thimble ran round and the faster the handfuls of meal fell into the water Joseph beheld my style of cookery with growing indignation there he ejaculated Heraton, thou will ensook thy puddies to neat there'll be no blumps as big as my knave there again I'd fling in unbowl and all if I were ye there pale and gulp off and then you'll hay done with bang bang it's a mercy to both of us and deved out it was rather a rough mess I own when poured into the basins four had been provided and a gallon pitcher of new milk was brought from the dairy which Heraton seized and commenced drinking and spilling from the expanse of lip I expostulated and desired that he should have his in a mug affirming that I could not taste the liquid treated so dirtily the old cynic chose to be vastly offended at this nicety assuring me repeatedly that the baron was every bit as good as I and every bit as wholesome and wondering how I could fashion to be so conceited meanwhile the infant ruffian continued sucking and glowered up at me defyingly as he slathered into the jug I shall have my supper in another room I said have you no place you call a parlour parlour he echoed sneeringly parlour you know we know a parlours if you don't like where company there's maesters only if you don't like maester there's us then I shall go upstairs I answered show me a chamber I put my basin on a tray and went myself to fetch some more milk with great grumblings the fellow rose and proceeded me in my ascent we mounted to the garrots he opened a door now and then to look into the apartments we passed here's a ram he said at last flinging back a cranky board on hinges it's really nerve to eat a few porridge in there's a pack of corn in the corner there meatly clean fear of mucking a grand silk clothes spread your handkerchief over the tuppant the ram was a kind of lumber-hole smelling strong of mort and grain various sacks of which articles were piled around leaving a wide-bear space in the middle why man? I exclaimed facing him angrily this is not a place to sleep in I wish to see my bedroom bed room he repeated in a tone of mockery you'll see yours to bed rooms there is yours mine he pointed into the second garrot only differing from the first and being more naked about the walls and having a large, low curtain this bed with an indigo-colored quilt at one end what do I want with yours? I retorted I suppose Mr. Heathcliff does not lodge at the top of the house, does he? oh it's Mr. Heathcliff you're wanting cried he as if making a new discovery couldn't he have said sir at Ernst and then I would have told you bad old his work that that's just one you cannot see he always keeps it locked and nobody ever bears on but he's selling you've a nice house Joseph I could not refrain from observing and pleasant inmates and I think the concentrated essence of all the madness in the world took up its abode in my brain the day I linked my fate with theirs however that is not to the present purpose there are other rooms for heaven's sake be quick and let me settle somewhere he made no reply to this adoration only plodding doggedly down the wooden steps halting before an apartment which from that halt and the superior quality of its furniture I conjectured to be the best one there was a carpet a good one but the pattern was obliterated by dust a fireplace hung with cut paper dropping to pieces a handsome oak bedstead with ample crimson curtains of rather expensive material and modern make but they had evidently experienced rough usage the valences hung in festoons wrenched from their rings and the iron rod supporting them was bent in an arc on one side causing the drapery to trail upon the floor the chairs were also damaged many of them severely and deep indentations deformed the panels of the walls I was endeavouring to gather resolution for entering and taking possession when my fool of a guide announced this here is to maesters my supper by this time was cold my appetite gone and my patience exhausted I insisted on being provided instantly with a place of refuge and means of repose where the devil began the religious elder the lord bless this the lord figures where the hell would you gang? you married worrisome note you've seen all but heritons bit of a chamber there's not another hole to lead down in the house I was so vexed I flung my train its contents on the ground and then seated myself at the stairs head hid my face in my hands and cried ech ech exclaimed Joseph well done Miss Cathy well done Miss Cathy however to maester sell this terminal over them broken pots and then we'll hear summat we'll hear how it's to be you'd for not maddling you deserve painting through this to Christmas bringing to precious gifts to God and to food you flee some rages but I'm a stain if you show your spirit long will Heathcliff Bates his bonny ways think ye? I know but wish he may catch ye in that plisky I know but wish he may and so he went on scolding to his den beneath taking the candle with him and I remained in the dark the period of reflection succeeding this silly action compelled me to admit the necessity of smothering my pride and choking my wrath and besturing myself to remove its effects an unexpected aid presently appeared in the shape of throttler whom I now recognized as a son of our old Skalka it had spent its well put at the Grange and was given by my father to Mr. Hindley I fancy it knew me it pushed its nose against mine by way of salute and then hastened to devour the porridge while I groped from step to step collecting the shattered earthenware and drying the splatters of milk from the banister with my pocket handkerchief our labours were scarcely over when I heard Earnshaw's tread in the passage my assistant tucked in his tail and pressed to the wall I stole into the nearest doorway the dog's endeavour to avoid him was unsuccessful as I guessed by a scutter down stairs and a prolonged piteous yelping I had better luck he passed on, entered his chamber and shut the door directly after Joseph came up with Herton to put him to bed I had found shelter in Herton's room and the old man, unseeing me, said these ram for both ye and ye pride no, I should think in the house it's empty, you may have it all to yourself when him as well as makes a third is sit she'll accompany gladly did I take advantage of this intimation and the minute I flung myself into a chair by the fire I nodded and slept my slumber was deep and sweet though over far too soon Mr. Heathcliff awoke me he had just come in and demanded in his loving manner what I was doing there I told him the cause of my staying up so late that he had the key of our room in his pocket the adjective hour gave mortal offence he swore it was not nor ever should be mine and he'd, but I'll not repeat his language nor describe his habitual conduct he is ingenious and unresting and seeking to gain my apparence I sometimes wonder at him with an intensity that deadens my fear yet I assure you a tiger or a venomous serpent could not rouse terror in me equal to that which he wakens he told me of Catherine's illness and accused my brother of causing it promising that I should be Edgar's proxy in suffering till he could get hold of him I do hate him I am wretched I have been a fool beware of uttering one breath of this to anyone at the Grange I shall expect you every day don't disappoint me Isabella End of Chapter 13 Chapter 14 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain As soon as I had perused this epistle I went to the master and informed him that his sister had arrived at the Heights and sent me a letter expressing her sorrow for Mrs. Linton's situation and her ardent desire to see him with a wish that he would transmit to her as early as possible some token of forgiveness by me Forgiveness? said Linton Nothing to forgive her, Ellen You may call at Wuthering Heights this afternoon if you like and say that I am not angry but I am sorry to have lost her especially as I can never think she'll be happy It is out of the question we're going to see her, however We are eternally divided and should she really wish to oblige me let her persuade the villain she has married to leave the country And you won't write her a little note, sir I asked imploringly No, he answered It is needless My communication with Heathcliff's family shall be as sparing as his with mine It shall not exist Mr. Edgar's coldness depressed me exceedingly and all the way from the grange I puzzled my brains how to put more heart into what he said when I repeated it and how to soften his refusal of even a few lines to console Isabella I daresay she had been on the watch for me since morning I saw her looking through the lattice as I came up the garden causeway I nodded to her but she drew back as if afraid of being observed I entered without knocking There never was such a dreary dismal scene as the formerly cheerful house presented I must confess that if I had been in the young lady's place I would at least have swept the hearth and wiped the tables with a duster but she already partook of the pervading spirit of neglect which encompassed her Her pretty face was worn and listless, her hair uncurled some locks hanging lengthily down and some carelessly twisted round her head probably she had not touched her dress since yesterday evening Hindley was not there, Mr. Heathcliff sat at a table turning over some papers in his pocketbook but he rose when I appeared, asked me how I did, quite friendly and offered me a chair He was the only thing there that seemed decent and I thought he never looked better so much had circumstances altered their positions that he would certainly have struck a stranger as a born-in-bread gentleman and his wife as a thorough little slattern She came forward eagerly to greet me and held out one hand to take the expected letter I shook my head, she wouldn't understand the hint but followed me to a sideboard where I went to lay my bonnet and impotuned me in a whisper to give her directly what I had brought Heathcliff guessed the meaning of her manoeuvres and said If you have got anything for Isabella as no doubt you have, Nellie, give it to her You needn't make a secret of it, we have no secrets between us Oh, I have nothing, I replied, thinking it best to speak the truth at once My master bid me tell his sister that she must not expect either a letter or a visit from him at present He sends his love-mom and his wishes for your happiness and his pardon for the grief you have occasioned but he thinks that after this time his household and the household here should drop into communication as nothing could come of keeping it up Mrs. Heathcliff's lip quivered slightly and she returned to her seat in the window Her husband took his stand on the hearthstone near me and began to put questions concerning Catherine I told him as much as I thought proper of her illness and he extorted from me by cross-examination most of the facts connected with its origin I blamed her, as she deserved, for bringing it all on herself and ended by hoping that he would follow Mr. Lenton's example and avoid future interference with his family for good or evil Mrs. Lenton is now just recovering I said, she'll never be like she was, but her life is spared and if you really have a regard for her you'll shun crossing her way again nay, you'll move out of this country entirely and that you may not regret it I'll inform you Catherine Lenton as as different now from your old friend Catherine Earnshaw that young lady is different from me her appearance has changed greatly her character much more so and the person who is compelled of necessity to be her companion will only sustain his affection hereafter by the remembrance of what she once was by common humanity and a sense of duty That is quite possible remarked Heathcliff forcing himself to seem calm quite possible that your master should have nothing but common humanity and a sense of duty to fall back upon but do you imagine that I shall leave Catherine to his duty and humanity and can you compare my feelings respecting Catherine to his before you leave this house I must exact a promise from you that you'll get me an interview with her consent or refuse I will see her what do you say? I say Mr. Heathcliff, I replied you must not, you never shall through my means another encounter between you and the master would kill her altogether with your aid that may be avoided he continued and should there be danger of such an event should he be the cause of adding a single trouble more to her existence why I think I shall be justified in going to extremes I wish you had sincerity enough to tell me whether Catherine would suffer greatly from his loss the fear that she would restrains me and there you see the distinction between our feelings had he been in my place and I in his though I hated him with a hatred that turned my life to gall I never would have raised a hand against him you may look incredulous if you please I never would have banished him from her society as long as she desired his the moment her regard ceased I would have torn his heart out and drunk his blood but till then if you don't believe me you don't know me till then I would have died by inches before I touched a single hair of his head and yet I interrupted you have no scruples in completely ruining all hopes of her perfect restoration by thrusting yourself into her remembrance now when she has nearly forgotten you and involving her in a new tumult of discord and distress you suppose she has nearly forgotten me he said how nally you know she has not you know as well as I do that for every thought she spends on Linton she spends a thousand on me at a most miserable period of my life I had a notion of the kind it haunted me on my return to the neighborhood last summer but only her own assurance could make me admit the horrible idea again and then Linton would be nothing nor hindly nor all the dreams that ever I dreamt two words would comprehend my future death and hell existence after losing her would be hell yet I was a fool to fancy for a moment that she valued Edgar Linton's attachment more than mine if he loved with all the powers of his puny being he couldn't love as much in eighty years as I could in a day and Catherine has a heart as deep as I have the sea could be as readily contained in that horse trough as her whole affection be monopolized by him he is scarcely a degree dearer to her than her dog or her horse it is not in him to be loved like me how can she love in him what he has not Catherine and Edgar are as fond of each other as any two people can be gride Isabella with sudden vivacity no one has a right to talk in that manner and I won't hear my brother depreciated in silence your brother is wondrous fond of you too isn't he observed Heathcliff scornfully he turns you adrift on the world with surprising alacrity he is not aware of what I suffer she replied I didn't tell him that you have been telling him something then you have written have you to say that I was married I did right you saw the note and nothing since no my young lady is looking sadly the worse for her change of condition I remarked somebody's love comes short in her case obviously whose I may guess but perhaps I shouldn't say I should guess it was her own said Heathcliff she degenerates into a mere slut she is tired of trying to please me uncommonly early you'll hardly credit it but the very moral of our wedding she was weeping to go home however she'll suit this house so much the better for not being overnice and I'll take care she does not disgrace me by rambling abroad well sir return die I hope you'll consider that Mrs. Heathcliff is accustomed to being looked after and waited on and that she has been brought up like an only daughter whom everyone was ready to serve you must let her have a maid to keep things tidy about her and you must treat her kindly whatever be your notion of Mr. Edgar you cannot doubt that she has a capacity for strong attachments or she wouldn't have abandoned the elegancies and comforts and friends of her former home to fix contentedly in such a wilderness as this with you she abandoned them under a delusion he answered picturing in me a hero of romance and expecting unlimited indulgences from my chivalrous devotion I can hardly regard her in the light of a rational creature so obstinately has she persisted in forming a fabulous notion of my character and acting on the false impressions she cherished but at last I think she begins to know me I don't perceive the silly smiles and grimaces that provoked me at first and the senseless incapability of discerning that I was in earnest when I gave her my opinion of her infatuation and herself it was a marvelous effort of perspicacity to discover that I did not love her I believed at one time no lessons could teach her that and yet it is poorly learned for this morning she announced as a piece of appalling intelligence that I had actually succeeded in making her hate me a positive labor of Hercules I assure you if it be achieved I have caused to return thanks can I trust your assertion Isabella are you sure you hate me if I let you alone for half a day won't you come sighing and weedling to me again I daresay she would rather I had seemed all tenderness before you it wounds her vanity to have the truth exposed but I don't care who knows that the passion was wholly on one side and I never told her a lie about it she cannot accuse me of showing one bit of deceitful softness the first thing she saw me do on coming out of the Grange was to hang up her little dog and when she pleaded for it the first words I uttered were a wish that I had the hanging of every being belonging to her except one possibly she took that exception for herself but no brutality disgusted her I suppose she has an innate admiration of it if only her precious person were secure from injury now was it not the depth of absurdity of genuine idiocy for that pitiful slavish mean-minded bratch to dream that I could love her tell your master Nelly that I never in all my life met with such an abject thing as she is she even disgraces the name of Linton and I sometimes relented from pure lack of invention my experiments on what she could endure and still creep shamefully cringing back but tell him also to set his fraternal and magisterial heart at ease that I keep strictly within the limits of the law I have avoided up to this period giving her the slightest right to claim a separation and what's more she'd thank nobody for dividing us if she desired to go she might the nuisance of her presence outweighs the gratification to be derived from tormenting her Mr. Heathcliff said I this is the talk of a madman your wife most likely is convinced you are mad and for that reason she has born with you hitherto but now that you say she may go she'll doubtless avail herself of the permission you are not so bewitched mum are you as to remain with him of your own accord take care Ellen answered Isabella her eyes sparkling irefully there was no misdouting by their expression the full success of her partner's endeavours to make himself detested don't put faith in a single word he speaks he's a lying fiend a monster and not a human being I've been told I might leave him before and I've made the attempt but I dare not repeat it only Ellen promise you'll not mention a syllable of his infamous conversation to my brother or Catherine whatever he may pretend he wishes to provoke Edgar to desperation he says he has married me on purpose to obtain power over him and he shan't obtain it I'll die first I just hope I pray that he may forget his diabolical prudence and kill me the single pleasure I can imagine is to die or to see him dead there that will do for the present said Heathcliff if you are called upon in a court of law you'll remember her language Nellie and take a good look at that countenance she's near the point which would suit me no you're not fit to be your own guardian Isabella now and I being your legal protector must retain you in my custody however distasteful the obligation may be go upstairs I have something to say to Ellen Dean in private that's not the way upstairs I tell you why this is the road upstairs child he seized and thrust her from the room and returned muttering I have no pity I have no pity the more the worms writhe the more I yearn to crush out their entrails it is a moral teething and I grind with greater energy in proportion to the increase of pain do you understand what the word pity means I said hastening to resume my bonnet did you ever feel a touch of it in your life put that down he interrupted perceiving my intention to depart you are not going yet come here now Nellie I must either persuade or compel you to aid me in fulfilling my determination to see Catherine and that without delay I swear that I meditate no harm I don't desire to cause any disturbance or to exasperate or insult Mr. Linton I only wish to hear from herself how she is and why she has been ill and to ask if anything that I could do would be of use to her last night I was in the Green's Garden six hours and I'll return there tonight and every night I'll haunt the place and every day till I find an opportunity of entering if Edgar Linton meets me I shall not hesitate to knock him down and give him enough to ensure his quiescence while I stay if his servants oppose me I shall threaten them off with these pistols but wouldn't it be better to prevent my coming in contact with them or their master and you could do it so easily I'd warn you when I came and then you might let me in unobserved as soon as she was alone and watch till I departed your conscience quite calm you would be hindering mischief I protested against playing that treacherous part in my employer's house and besides I urged the cruelty and selfishness of his destroying Mrs. Linton's tranquility for his satisfaction the communist occurrence startles her painfully, I said she's all nerves and she couldn't bear the surprise I'm positive don't persist sir or else I shall be obliged to inform my master of your designs and he'll take measures to secure his house and its inmates from any such unwarrantable intrusions in that case I'll take measures to secure you woman exclaimed Heathcliff you shall not leave Wuthering Heights till tomorrow morning it is a foolish story to assert that Catherine could not bear to see me and as to surprising her I don't desire it you must prepare her, ask her if I may come you say she never mentions my name and that I am never mentioned to her to whom should she mention me if I am a forbidden topic in the house she thinks you are all spies for her husband I've no doubt she's in hell among you I guess by her silence as much as anything what she feels you say she is often restless and anxious looking is that a proof of tranquility you talk of her mind being unsettled the devil could it be otherwise in her frightful isolation and that insipid paltry creature attending her from duty and humanity from pity and charity he might as well plant an oak in a flower pot and expect it to thrive as imagine he can restore her to vigor in the soil of his shallow cares let us settle it at once will you stay here and am I to fight my way to Catherine over Linton and his footmen or will you be my friend as you have been hitherto and do what I request decide because there is no reason for my lingering another minute if you persist in your stubborn ill nature well Mr. Lockwood I argued and complained and flatly refused him fifty times but in the long run he forced me to an agreement I engaged to carry a letter from him to my mistress and should she consent I promised to let him have intelligence of Linton's next absence from home when he might come and get in as he was able I wouldn't be there and my fellow servants should be equally out of the way was it right or wrong I fear it was wrong though expedient I thought I prevented another explosion by my compliance and I thought too it might create a favourable crisis in Catherine's mental illness and then I remembered Mr. Edgar's stern rebuke of my carrying tales and I tried to smooth away all disquietude on the subject by affirming with frequent iteration that that betrayal of trust if it merited so harsh an appellation should be the last notwithstanding my journey homeward was sadder than my journey hither and many misgivings I had ere I could prevail on myself to put the missive into Mrs. Linton's hand but here is Kenneth I'll go down and tell him how much better you are my history is dre as we say and will serve to well away another morning dre and dreary I reflected as the good woman descended to receive the doctor and not exactly of the kind which I should have chosen to amuse me but never mind I'll extract wholesome medicines from Mrs. Dean's bitter herbs and firstly let me beware of the fascination that lurks in Catherine Heathcliff's brilliant eyes I should be in a curious taking if I surrender my heart to that young person and the daughter turned out a second edition of the mother End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain Another week over and I am so many days nearer health and spring I have now heard all my neighbour's history at different sittings as the housekeeper could spare time for more important occupations I'll continue it in her own words only a little condensed she is on the whole a very fair narrator and I don't think I could improve her style In the evening, she said, the evening of my visit to the Heights I knew as well as if I saw him that Mr. Heathcliff was about the place and I shunned going out because I still carried his letter in my pocket and didn't want to be threatened or teased any more I had made up my mind not to give it till my master went somewhere as I could not guess how its receipt would affect Catherine The consequence was that it did not reach her before the lapse of three days The fourth was Sunday and I brought it into her room after the family were gone to church There was a man-servant left to keep the house with me and we generally made a practice of locking the doors during the hours of service but on that occasion the weather was so warm and pleasant that I set them wide open and to fulfil my engagement as I knew who would be coming I told my companion that the mistress wished very much for some oranges and he must run over to the village to get a few to be paid for on the morrow He departed and I went upstairs Mrs. Linton sat in a loose white dress with a light shawl over her shoulders in the recess of the open window as usual Her thick long hair had been partly removed at the beginning of her illness and now she wore it simply, combed in its natural tresses over her temples and neck Her appearance was altered, as I had told Heathcliff but when she was calm there seemed unearthly beauty in the change The flash of her eyes had been succeeded by a dreamy and melancholy softness They no longer gave the impression of looking at the objects around her They appeared always to gaze beyond and far beyond You would have said out of this world Then the paleness of her face, its haggard aspect having vanished as she recovered flesh and the peculiar expression arising from her mental state though painfully suggestive of their causes added to the touching interest which she awakened and invariably, to me I know, and to any person who saw her I should think, refuted more tangible proofs of convalescence and stamped her as one doomed to decay A book lay spread on the sill before her and the scarcely perceptible wind fluttered its leaves at intervals I believe Linton had laid it there, for she never endeavored to divert herself with reading or occupation of any kind and he would spend many an hour in trying to entice her attention to some subject which had formally been her amusement She was conscious of his aim and in her better moods endured his efforts placidly only showing their uselessness by now and then suppressing a wearied sigh and checking him at last with the saddest of smiles and kisses at other times she would turn petulently away and hide her face in her hands or even push him off angrily and then he took care to let her alone for he was certain of doing no good Gimmett and Chappell Bells were still ringing and the full mellow flow of the beck in the valley came soothingly on the ear It was a sweet substitute for the yet absent murmur of the summer foliage which drowned that music about the Grange when the trees were in leaf at Wuthering Heights it always sounded on quiet days following a great thaw or a season of steady rain and of Wuthering Heights Catherine was thinking as she listened that is, if she thought or listened at all but she had the vague distant look I mentioned before which expressed no recognition of material things either by ear or eye There's a letter for you, Mrs. Linton I said, gently inserting it in one hand that rested on her knee You must read it immediately because it wants an answer Shall I break the seal? Yes She answered without altering the direction of her eyes I opened it, it was very short Now I continued, read it She drew away her hand and let it fall I replaced it in her lap and stood waiting till it should please her to glance down but that movement was so long delayed that at last I resumed Must I read it, ma'am? It is from Mr. Heathcliff There was a start and a troubled gleam of recollection and a struggle to arrange her ideas She lifted the letter and seemed to peruse it and when she came to the signature she sighed yet still I found she had not gathered its import for upon my desiring to hear her reply she merely pointed to the name and gazed at me with mournful and questioning eagerness Well, he wishes to see you said I, guessing her need of an interpreter he's in the garden by this time and impatient to know what answer I shall bring As I spoke I observed a large dog lying on the sunny grass beneath raised its ears as if about to bark and then smoothing them back announced by a wag of the tail that someone approached whom it did not consider a stranger Mrs. Lenton bent forward and listened breathlessly The minute after a step traversed the hall the open house was too tempting for Heathcliff to resist walking in Most likely he supposed that I was inclined to shirk my promise and so resolved to trust to his own audacity With straining eagerness Catherine gazed towards the entrance of her chamber He did not hit the right room directly She motioned me to admit him but he found it ere I could reach the door and an astride or two was at her side and had her grasped in his arms He neither spoke nor loosed his hold for some five minutes during which period he bestowed more kisses than ever he gave in his life before, I daresay But then my mistress had kissed him first and I plainly saw that he could hardly bear for downright agony to look into her face The same conviction had stricken him as me from the instant he beheld her that there was no prospect of ultimate recovery there She was fated, sure to die Oh, Cathy! Oh, my life! How can I bear it? Was the first sentence he uttered in a tone that did not seek to disguise his despair and now he stared at her so earnestly that I thought the very intensity of his gaze would bring tears into his eyes but they burned with anguish, they did not melt What now? said Catherine, leaning back and returning his look with a suddenly clouded brow her humour was a mere vein for constantly varying caprices You and Edgar have broken my heart, Heathcliff and you both come to bewail the deed to me as if you were the people to be pitied I shall not pity you, not I You have killed me and threven on it, I think How strong you are! How many years do you mean to live after I am gone? Heathcliff had knelt on one knee to embrace her He attempted to rise, but she seized his hair and kept him down I wish I could hold you She continued bitterly Till we were both dead I shouldn't care what you suffered I care nothing for your sufferings Why shouldn't you suffer? I do Will you forget me? Will you be happy when I am in the earth? Will you say, twenty years hence That's the grave of Catherine Earnshaw I loved her long ago and was wretched to lose her But it is past I've loved many others since My children are dear to me than she was And at death I shall not rejoice that I am going to her I shall be sorry that I must leave them Will you say so, Heathcliff? Don't torture me till I'm as mad as yourself cried he, wrenching his head free and grinding his teeth The two, to a cool spectator made a strange and fearful picture Well might Catherine deem that heaven would be a land of exile to her unless with her mortal body she cast away her moral character also Her present countenance had a wild vindictiveness in its white cheek and a bloodless lip and scintillating eye and she retained in her closed fingers a portion of the locks she had been grasping As to her companion while raising himself with one hand he had taken her arm with the other and so inadequate was his stock of gentleness to the requirements of her condition that on his letting go I saw four distinct impressions left blue in the colourless skin Are you possessed with a devil? he pursued savagely To talk in that manner to me when you are dying do you reflect that all those words will be branded in my memory Beating deeper eternally after you have left me? You know you lie to say I have killed you and Catherine you know that I could as soon forget you as my existence Is it not sufficient for your infernal selfishness that while you are at peace I shall writhe in the torments of hell I shall not be at peace moaned Catherine recalled to a sense of physical weakness by the violent unequal throbbing of her heart which beat visibly and audibly in this excess of agitation she said nothing further till the paroxysm was over then she continued more kindly I am not wishing you greater torment than I have Heathcliff I only wish us never to be parted and should a word of mine distress you hereafter think I feel the same distress underground and for my own sake forgive me come here and kneel down again you never harmed me in your life nay, if you nurse anger that will be worse to remember than my harsh words won't you come here again? do Heathcliff went to the back of her chair and leaned over but not so far as to let her see his face which was livid with emotion she bent round to look at him he would not permit it turning abruptly he walked to the fireplace where he stood silent with his back towards us Mrs. Linton's glance followed him suspiciously every movement woke a new sentiment in her after a pause and a prolonged gaze she resumed addressing me in accents of indignant disappointment oh, you see, Nelly he would not relent a moment to keep me out of the grave that is how I'm loved well, never mind that is not my Heathcliff I shall love mine yet and take him with me he's in my soul and added she musingly the thing that irks me most is the shattered prison after all I'm tired of being enclosed here I'm wearing to escape into that glorious world and to be always there not seeing it dimly through tears and yearning for it through the walls of an aching heart but really with it and in it Nelly, you think you are better and more fortunate than I in full health and strength you are sorry for me very soon that will be altered I shall be sorry for you I shall be incomparably beyond and above you all I wonder he won't be near me she went on to herself I thought he wished it Heathcliff, dear, you should not be silent now do come to me, Heathcliff in her eagerness she rose and supported herself on the arm of the chair at that earnest appeal he turned to her looking absolutely desperate his eyes, wide and wet at last flashed fiercely on her his breast heaved convulsively an instant they held asunder and then how they met I hardly saw but Catherine made a spring and he caught her and they were locked in an embrace from which I thought my mistress would never be released alive in fact, to my eyes, she seemed directly insensible he flung himself into the nearest seat and on my approaching hurriedly to ascertain if she had fainted he gnashed at me and foamed like a mad dog and gathered her to him with greedy jealousy I did not feel as if I were in the company of a creature of my own species it appeared that he would not understand though I spoke to him, so I stood off and held my tongue in great perplexity a movement of Catherine's relieved me a little presently she put up her hand to clasp his neck and bring her cheek to his as he held her while he in return, covering her with frantic caresses, said wildly you teach me now how cruel you've been cruel and false why did you despise me why did you betray your own hard Cathy I have not one word of comfort you deserve this you have killed yourself yes, you may kiss me and cry and wring out my kisses and tears they'll blight you, they'll damn you you loved me then what right had you to leave me what right answer me for the poor fancy you felt for Linton because misery and degradation and death and nothing that God or Satan could inflict would have parted us you, of your own well, did it I have not broken your heart you have broken it and in breaking it you have broken mine so much the worse for me that I am strong do I want to live what kind of living will it be when you oh God, would you like to live with your soul in the grave let me alone, let me alone sobbed Catherine if I've done wrong, I'm dying for it it is enough you left me too but I won't up braid you I forgive you, forgive me it is hard to forgive and to look at those eyes and feel those wasted hands he answered kiss me again and don't let me see your eyes I forgive what you have done to me I love my murderer but yours, how can I they were silent their faces hid against each other and washed by each other's tears at least I suppose the weeping was on both sides as it seemed Heathcliff could weep on a grand occasion like this I grew very uncomfortable meanwhile for the afternoon war fast away the man whom I had sent off returned from his errand and I could distinguish by the shine of the western sun up in the valley a concourse thickening outside Gimiton Chapel porch service is over I announced my master will be here in half an hour Heathcliff groaned a curse and strained Catherine closer she never moved ere long I perceived a group of the servants passing up the road towards the kitchen wing Mr. Linton was not far behind he opened the gate himself and sauntered slowly up probably enjoying the lovely afternoon that breathed as soft as summer now he is here I exclaimed for heaven's sake hurry down you'll not meet anyone on the front stairs do be quick and stay among the trees till he is barely in I must go Cathy said Heathcliff seeking to extricate himself from his companion's arms but if I live I'll see you again before you are asleep I won't stray five yards from your window you must not go she answered holding him as firmly as her strength allowed you shall not I tell you for one hour he pleaded earnestly not for one minute she replied I must Linton will be up immediately persisted the alarmed intruder he would have risen and unfixed her fingers by the act she clung fast gasping there was a mad resolution in her face no she shrieked oh don't don't go it is the last time Edgar will not hurt us Heathcliff I shall die I shall die damn the fool there he is cried Heathcliff sinking back into his seat hush my darling hush hush Catherine I'll stay if he shot me so I'd expire with a blessing on my lips and there they were fast again I heard my master mounting the stairs the cold sweat ran from my forehead I was horrified are you going to listen to her raveings I said passionately she does not know what she says will you ruin her because she has not wit to help herself get up you could be free instantly that is the most diabolical deed that you ever did we are all done for master mistress and servant I rung my hands and cried out and Mr. Linton hastened his step at the noise in the midst of my agitation I was secretly glad to observe that Catherine's arms had fallen relaxed and her head hung down she's fainted or dead I thought so much the better far better that she should be dead than lingering a burden and a misery maker to all about her Edgar sprang to his unbidden guest blanched with astonishment and rage what he meant to do I cannot tell however the other stopped all demonstrations at once by placing the lifeless looking form in his arms look there he said unless you be a fiend help her first then you shall speak to me he walked into the parlour and sat down Mr. Linton summoned me and with great difficulty and after resorting to many means we managed to restore her to sensation but she was all bewildered she sighed and moaned and knew nobody Edgar in his anxiety for her forgot her hated friend I did not I went at the earliest opportunity and besought him to depart affirming that Catherine was better and he should hear from me in the morning how she passed the night I shall not refuse to go out of doors he answered but I shall stay in the garden and Nellie mind you keep your word to-morrow I shall be under those large trees mind or I pay another visit whether Linton be in or not he sent a rapid glance through the half open door of the chamber and ascertaining that what I stated was apparently true delivered the house of his luckless presence End of Chapter 15 Chapter 16 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain About twelve o'clock that night was born the Catherine you saw at Wuthering Heights a puny seven months child and two hours after the mother died having never recovered sufficient consciousness to miss Heathcliff or no Edgar The latter's distraction at his bereavement is a subject too painful to be dwelt on its after effects showed how deep the sorrow sunk a great addition in my eyes was his being left without an heir I bemoaned that as I gazed on the feeble orphan I mentally abused old Linton for what was only natural partiality the securing his estate to his own daughter instead of his sons an unwelcomed infant it was poor thing it might have wailed out of life and nobody cared a morsel during those first hours of existence we redeemed the neglect afterwards but its beginning was as friendless as its end is likely to be next morning bright and cheerful out of doors stole softened in through the blinds of the silent room and suffused the couch and its occupant with a mellow tender glow Edgar Linton had his head laid on the pillow and his eyes shut his young and fair features were almost as dead like as those of the form beside him and almost as fixed but his was the hush of exhausted anguish and hers of perfect peace her brow smooth, her lids closed her lips wearing the expression of a smile no angel in heaven could be more beautiful than she appeared and I potook of the infinite calm in which she lay my mind was never in a holier frame than while I gazed on that untroubled image of divine rest I instinctively echoed the words and uttered a few hours before incomparably beyond and above our soul whether still on earth or now in heaven her spirit is at home with God I don't know if it be a peculiarity in me but I am seldom otherwise than happy while watching the chamber of death should no frenzied or despairing mourner share the duty with me I see a repose that neither earth nor hell can break and I feel an assurance of the endless and shadowless hereafter the eternity they have entered where life is boundless in its duration and love in its sympathy and joy in its fullness I noticed on that occasion how much selfishness there is even in a love like Mr. Linton's when he saw regretted Catherine's blessed release to be sure one might have doubted after the wayward and impatient existence she had led whether she merited a haven of peace at last one might doubt in seasons of cold reflection but not then in the presence of her corpse it asserted its own tranquillity which seemed a pledge of equal quiet to its former inhabitant do you believe such people are happy in the other world, sir? I'd give a great deal to know I declined answering Mrs. Dean's question which struck me as something heterodox she proceeded retracing the course of Catherine Linton I fear we have no right to think she is but we'll leave her with her maker the master looked asleep and I ventured soon after sunrise to quit the room and steal out to the pure refreshing air the servants thought me gone to shake off the drowsiness of my protracted watch in reality my chief motive was seeing Mr. Heathcliff if he had remained among the larches all night he would have heard nothing of the stir at the Grange unless perhaps he might catch the gallop of the messenger going to Gimmeton if he had come nearer he would probably be aware from the light splitting to and fro and the opening and shutting of the outer doors that all was not right within I wished yet feared to find him I felt the terrible news must be told and I longed to get it over but how to do it I did not know he was there at least a few yards further in the park linked against an old ash tree his hat off and his hair soaked with the dew that had gathered on the budded branches and fell pattering round him he had been standing a long time in that position for I saw a pair of osls passing and repassing scarcely three feet from him busy in building their nest and regarding his proximity no more than that of a piece of timber they flew off at my approach and he raised his eyes and spoke she's dead he said I've not waited for you to learn that put your handkerchief away don't snivel before me damn you all she wants none of your tears I was weeping as much for him as her we do sometimes pity creatures that have none of the feeling either for themselves or others when I first looked into his face I perceived that he had got intelligence of the catastrophe and a foolish notion struck me that his heart was quelled and he prayed because his lips moved and his gaze was bent on the ground yes she's dead I answered checking my sobs and drying my cheeks gone to heaven I hope where we may everyone join her if we take due warning and leave our evil ways to follow good did she take due warning then? asked Heathcliff attempting a sneer did she die like a saint? come give me a true history of the event how did he endeavored to pronounce the name but could not manage it and compressing his mouth he held a silent combat with his inward agony defying meanwhile my sympathy with an unflinching ferocious stare how did she die? he resumed at last vain notwithstanding his hardyhood to have a support behind him for after the struggle he trembled in spite of himself to his very finger ends poor wretch I thought you have a heart and nerves the same as your brother men why should you be anxious to conceal them your pride cannot blind God you tempt him to ring them till he forces a cry of humiliation quietly as a lamb I answered aloud she drew a sigh and stretched herself like a child reviving and sinking again to sleep and five minutes after I felt one little pulse at her heart and nothing more and did she ever mention me? he asked hesitating as if he dreaded the answer to his question would introduce details that he could not bear to hear her senses never returned she recognized nobody from the time you left her I said she lies with a sweet smile on her face and her latest ideas wandered back to pleasant early days her life closed in a gentle dream she may wake as kindly in the other world may she wake in torment he cried with frightful vehemence stamping his foot and groaning in a sodden paroxysm of ungovernable passion she's a liar to the end where is she? not there, not in heaven, not perished where? no, you said you cared nothing for my sufferings and I pray one prayer I repeat it till my tongue stiffens Catherine Earnshaw may you not rest as long as I am living you said I killed you haunt me then the murderers do haunt their murderers I believe I know that ghosts have wandered on earth be with me always take any form, drive me mad only do not leave me in this abyss where I cannot find you oh God it is unalterable I cannot live without my life I cannot live without my soul he dashed his head against the knotted trunk and lifting up his eyes howled not like a man but like a savage beast being goaded to death with knives and spears I observed several splashes of blood about the bark of the tree and his hand and forehead were both stained probably the scene I witnessed was a repetition of others acted during the night it hardly moved my compassion it appalled me still I felt reluctant to quit him so but the moment he recollected himself enough to notice me watching he thundered a command for me to go and I obeyed he was beyond my skill to quiet or console Mrs. Linton's funeral was appointed to take place on the Friday following her decease until then her coffin remained uncovered and strewn with flowers and scented leaves in the great drawing-room Linton spent his days and nights there a sleepless guardian and a circumstance concealed from all but me Heathcliff spent his nights at least outside equally a stranger to repose I held no communication with him still I was conscious of his design to enter if he could and on the Tuesday a little after dark when my master from sheer fatigue had been compelled to retire a couple of hours I went and opened one of the windows moved by his perseverance to give him a chance of bestowing on the faded image of his idol one final adieu he did not omit to avail himself of the opportunity cautiously and briefly too cautiously to betray his presence by the slightest noise indeed I shouldn't have discovered that he had been there except for the disarrangement of the drapery about the corpse's face and for observing on the floor a curl of light hair fastened with a silver thread which on examination I ascertained to have been taken from a locket hung round Catherine's neck Heathcliff had opened the trinket and cast out its contents replacing them by a black lock of his own he twisted the two and enclosed them together Mr. Earnshaw was of course invited to attend the remains of his sister to the grave he sent no excuse but he never came so that besides her husband the mourners who were wholly composed of tenants and servants Isabella was not asked the place of Catherine's internment to the surprise of the villagers was neither in the chapel under the carved monument of the Lentons nor yet by the tombs of her own relations outside she stood on a green slope in a corner of the Kirkyard where the wall is so low that Heath and Bilberry plants have climbed over it from the moor and Pete Mould almost buries it her husband lies in the same spot now and they have each a simple headstone above and a plain grey block at their feet to mark the graves that Friday made the last of our fine days for a month in the evening the weather broke the wind shifted from south to northeast and brought rain first and then sleet and snow on the hidden morrow one could hardly imagine that there had been three weeks of summer the primroses and crocuses were hidden under wintery drifts the larks were silent the young leaves of the early trees smitten and blackened and dreary and chill and dismal that morrow did creep over my master kept his room I took possession of the lonely parlour converting it into a nursery and there I was sitting with the moaning doll of a child laid on my knee rocking it to and fro and watching meanwhile the still driving flakes build up the uncurtained window when the door opened and some person entered out of breath and laughing my anger was greater than my astonishment for a minute I supposed it one of the maids and I cried have done how dare you show your giddiness here what would Mr. Linton say if he heard you excuse me answered a familiar voice but I know Edgar is in bed and I cannot stop myself with that the speaker came forward into the fire panting and holding her hand to her side I have run the whole way from weathering heights she continued after a pause except why I've flown I couldn't count the number of falls I've had oh I'm aching all over don't be alarmed there shall be an explanation as soon as I can give it only just have the goodness to step out and order the carriage to take me on to Gimmeton and tell a servant to seek up a few clothes in my wardrobe the intruder was Mrs. Heathcliff she certainly seemed in no laughing predicament her hair streamed on her shoulders dripping with snow and water but she was dressed in the girlish dress she commonly wore befitting her age more than her position a low frock with short sleeves and nothing on either head or neck the frock was of light silk and clung to her with wet and her feet were protected merely by thin slippers to add to this a deep cut under one ear which only the cold prevented from bleeding profusely a white face scratched and bruised and a frame hardly able to support itself through fatigue you may fancy my first fright was not much elade when I had had leisure to examine her my dear young lady I exclaimed I'll stir nowhere and hear nothing till you have removed every article of your clothes and put on dry things and certainly you shall not go to Gimmeton tonight so it is needless to order the carriage certainly I shall she said walking or riding yet I've no objection to dress myself decently and, ah, see how it flows down my neck now the fire does make it smart she insisted on my fulfilling her directions before she would let me touch her and not till after the coachman had been instructed to get ready and a maid set to pack up some necessary attire did I obtain her consent for binding the wound and helping to change her garments now Ellen she said when my task was finished and she was seated in an easy chair on the hearth with a cup of tea before her you sit down opposite me and put poor Catherine's baby away I don't like to see it you mustn't think I care little for Catherine because I behaved so foolishly on entering I've cried too bitterly yes, more than anyone else has reason to cry we parted unreconsiled, you remember and I shan't forgive myself but for all that I was not going to sympathise with him the brute beast give me the poker this is the last thing of his I have about me she slipped the gold ring from her third finger and threw it on the floor I'll smash it she continued striking it with childish spite and then I'll burn it and she took and dropped the misused article among the coals there, he shall buy another if he gets me back again he'd be capable of coming to seek me to tease Edgar I dare not stay lest that notion possess his wicked head and I will not come suing for his assistance nor will I bring him into more trouble necessity compelled me to seek shelter here though if I had not learnt he was out of the way I'd have halted at the kitchen, washed my face, warmed myself got to you to bring what I wanted and departed again to anywhere out of the reach of my accursed of that incarnate goblin ah, he was in such a fury if he had caught me it's a pity Earnshaw is not his match and strike I wouldn't have run till I'd seen him all but demolished had he'd been able to do it well, don't talk so fast, Miss I interrupted you'll disorder the handkerchief I have tied round your face and make the cut bleed again drink your tea and take breath and give over laughing laughter is sadly out of place under this roof and in your condition an undeniable truth, she replied listen to that child it maintains a constant bond child, it maintains a constant wail send it out of my hearing for an hour I shan't stay any longer I rang the bell and committed it to a servant's care and then I inquired what had urged her to escape from withering heights and such an unlikely plight and where she meant to go as she refused remaining with us I ought and I wished to remain answered she to cheer Edgar and take care of the baby for two things and because the Grange is my right home but I tell you he wouldn't let me do you think he could bear to see me grow fat and marry could bear to think that we were tranquil and not resolve on poisoning our comfort now I have the satisfaction of being sure that he detests me to the point of it's annoying him seriously to have me with an earshot or eyesight I notice when I enter his presence the muscles of his countenance are involuntarily distorted into an expression of hatred partly arising from his knowledge of the good causes I have to feel that sentiment for him and partly from original aversion it is strong enough to make me feel pretty certain that he would not chase me over England supposing I can try to clear escape and therefore I must get quite away I've recovered from my first desire to be killed by him I'd rather he'd kill himself he has extinguished my love effectually and so I'm at my ease I can recollect yet how I loved him and can dimly imagine that I could still be loving him if no, no, even if he had doted on me the devilish nature would have revealed its existence somehow Catherine had an awfully perverted taste to esteem him so dearly knowing him so well monster, would that he could be blotted out of creation and out of my memory hush, hush, he's a human being I said, be more charitable there are worse men than he is yet he's not a human being she retorted and he has no claim on my charity I gave him my heart and he took and pinched it to death and flung it back to me people feel with their hearts, Ellen and since he has destroyed mine I have not power to feel for him and I would not, though he groaned from this to his dying day and wept tears of blood for Catherine no, indeed, indeed I wouldn't and here Isabella began to cry but immediately dashing the water from her lashes she recommenced you asked what has driven me to flight at last I was compelled to attempt it because I had succeeded in rousing his rage a pitch above his malignity pulling out the nerves with red-hot pincers requires more coolness than knocking on the head he was worked up to forget the fiendish prudence he boasted of and proceeded to murderous violence I experienced pleasure in being able to exasperate him the sense of pleasure woke my instinct of self-preservation so I fairly broke free and if ever I come into his hands again he is welcome to a signal revenge yesterday, you know, Mr. Earnshaw should have been at the funeral he kept himself sober for the purpose tolerably sober, not going to bed mad at six o'clock and getting up drunk at twelve consequently he rose in suicidal low spirits as fit for the church as for a dance and instead he sat down by the fire and swallowed gin or brandy by tumbler falls Heathcliff, I shudder to name him has been a stranger in the house from last Sunday till today whether the angels have fed him or is kin beneath I cannot tell, but he has not eaten a meal with us for nearly a week he has just come home at dawn and gone upstairs to his chamber locking himself in as if anybody dreamt of coveting his company there he has continued praying like a Methodist only the deity he implored is senseless dust and ashes and God, when addressed, was curiously confounded with his own black father after concluding these precious orisons and they lasted generally till he grew hoarse and his voice was strangled in his throat he would be off again always straight down to the Grange I wonder Edgar did not send for a constable and give him into custody for me, grieved as I was about Catherine it was impossible to avoid regarding this season of deliverance from degrading oppression as a holiday I recovered spirits sufficient to bear Joseph's eternal lectures without weeping and to move up and down the house less with the foot of a frightened thief than formerly you wouldn't think that I should cry at anything Joseph could say but he and Hatton are detestable companions I'd rather sit with Hindley and hear his awful talk than with to little maester and his staunch supporter that odious old man when Heathcliff is in I'm often obliged to seek the kitchen in their society or starve among the damp uninhabited chambers when he is not, as was the case this week I establish a table and chair at one corner of the house fire and never mind how Mr. Earnshaw may occupy himself and he does not interfere with my arrangements he is quieter now than he used to be if no one provokes him more sullen and depressed and less furious Joseph affirms he's sure he's an altered man that the Lord has touched his heart and he is saved so is by fire I'm puzzled to detect signs of the favourable change but it is not my business yesterday evening I sat in my nook reading some old books till late on towards twelve it seemed so dismal to go upstairs with the wild snow blowing outside and my thoughts continually reverting to the kirkyard and the new-made grave I dared hardly lift my eyes from the page before me that melancholy scene so instantly usurped its place Hindley sat opposite, his head lent on his hand perhaps meditating on the same subject he had ceased drinking at a point below a rationality and had neither stirred nor spoken during two or three hours there was no sound through the house but the moaning wind knocked the windows every now and then the faint crackling of the coals and the click of my snuffers as I removed at intervals the long wick of the candle Hatton and Joseph were probably fast asleep in bed it was very very sad and while I read I sighed for it seemed as if all joy had vanished from the world never to be restored the dullful silence was broken at length by the sound of the kitchen latch Heathcliff had returned from his watch earlier than usual as opposed to the sudden storm that entrance was fastened and we heard him coming round to get in by the other I rose with an irrepressible expression of what I felt on my lips which induced my companion who had been staring towards the door to turn and look at me I'll keep him out five minutes he exclaimed you won't object no you may keep him out the whole night for me I answered do put the key in the lock and draw the bolts he accomplished this air his guest reached the front he then came and brought his chair to the other side of my table leaning over it and searching in my eyes for a sympathy with the burning hate that gleamed from his as he both looked and felt like an assassin he couldn't exactly find that but he discovered enough to encourage him to speak you and I he said have each a great debt to settle with the man out yonder if we were neither of us cowards we might combine to discharge it are you willing to endure to the last and not once attempt a repayment I'm weary of enduring now I replied and I'd be glad of a retaliation that wouldn't recoil on myself but treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends they wound those who resort to them worse than their enemies treachery and violence are just returned for treachery and violence cried Hindley Mrs. Heathcliff I'll ask you to do nothing but sit still and be dumb tell me now can you I'm sure you would have as much pleasure as I in witnessing the conclusion of the fiend's existence he'll be your death unless you overreach him and he'll be my ruin damn the hellish villain he knocks at the doors if he were master here already promise to hold your tongue and before that clock strikes it wants three minutes of one you're a free woman he took the implements which I described to you in my letter from his breast and would have turned down the candle I snatched it away however and seized his arm I'll not hold my tongue I said you mustn't touch him let the door remain shut and be quiet no I form my resolution and by God I'll execute it cried the desperate being I'll do you a kindness in spite of yourself and hurt and justice and you needn't trouble your head to scream me Catherine is gone nobody alive would regret me or be ashamed though I cut my throat this minute and it's time to make an end I might as well have struggled with a bear or reasoned with a lunatic the only resource left me was to run to a lattice and warn his intended victim of the fate which awaited him you'd better seek shelter somewhere else tonight I exclaimed in rather a triumphant tone Mr. Earnshaw has a mind to shoot you if you persist in endeavoring to enter you'd better open the door you he answered addressing me by some elegant term that I don't care to repeat I shall not meddle in the matter I retorted again come in and get shot of you please I've done my duty with that I shut the window and returned to my place by the fire having too small a stock of hypocrisy at my command to pretend any anxiety for the danger that menaced him Earnshaw swore passionately at me affirming that I loved the villain yet and calling me all sorts of names for the base spirit I evinced and I in my secret heart and conscience never reproached me thought what a blessing it would be for him should Heathcliff put him out of misery and what a blessing for me should he send Heathcliff to his right abode as I sat nursing these reflections the casement behind me was banged on to the floor by a blow from the latter individual and his black countenance looked blightingly through the stanchions stood too close to suffer his shoulders to follow and I smiled exulting in my fancied security his hair and clothes were whitened with snow and his sharp cannibal teeth revealed by cold and wrath gleamed through the dark Isabella, let me in or I'll make you repent he gurned as Joseph calls it I cannot commit murder, I replied Mr. Hindley stands sentinel with a knife and loaded pistol let me in by the kitchen door he said Hindley will be there before me, I answered that's a poor love of yours that cannot bear a shower of snow we were left in peace in our beds as long as the summer moon shone but the moment of last of winter returns you must run for shelter Heathcliff, if I were you I'd go and stretch myself over her grave and die like a faithful dog the world is surely not worth living in now, is it? you had distinctly impressed on me the idea that Catherine was the whole joy of your life I can't imagine how you think of surviving her loss he's there is he exclaimed my companion if I can get my arm out I can hit him I'm afraid Ellen you'll set me down as really wicked but you don't know all so don't judge I wouldn't have aided or abetted an attempt on even his life for anything wish that he were dead I must and therefore I was fearfully disappointed and unnerved by terror for the consequences of my taunting speech when he flung himself on Earnshaw's weapon and wrenched it from his grasp the charge exploded and the knife in springing back closed into its owner's wrist Heathcliff pulled it away by main force slitting up the flesh as it passed on and thrust it dripping into his pocket he then took a stone struck down the division between two windows and sprang in his adversary had fallen senseless with excessive pain and the flow of blood that gushed from an artery or large vein the ruffian kicked and trampled on him and dashed his head repeatedly against the flags holding me with one hand meantime to prevent me summoning Joseph he exerted pretty human self-denial and abstaining from finishing him completely but getting out of breath he finally desisted and dragged the apparently inanimate body onto the settle there he tore off the sleeve of Earnshaw's coat and bound up the wound with brutal roughness spitting and cursing during the operation as energetically as he had kicked before being at liberty I lost no time in seeking the old servant who, having gathered by degrees the purport of my hasty tale hurried below, gasping as he descended the steps to at once what is there to do, no? what is there to do, no? there's this to do thundered Heathcliff that your master's mad and should he last another month I'll have him to an asylum and how the devil did you come to fasten me out, you toothless hound don't stand muttering and mumbling there come, I'm not going to nurse him wash that stuff away and mind the sparks of your candle it is more than half brandy and so he'd been murdering on him exclaimed Joseph, lifting his hands and eyes in horror if ever I see the seat like this may the lord Heathcliff gave him a push onto his knees in the middle of the blood and flung a towel to him but instead of proceeding to dry it up he joined his hands and began a prayer which excited my laughter from its odd phraseology I was in the condition of mind to be shocked at nothing in fact I was as reckless as some malefactors show themselves at the foot of the gallows oh, I forgot you said the tyrant you do that, down with you and you conspire with him against me, do you, Viper? there, that is work fit for you he shook me till my teeth rattled and pitched me beside Joseph who steadily concluded his supplications and then rose, vowing he would set off for the Grange directly Mr. Linton was a magistrate and though he had fifty wives dead he should inquire into this he was so obstinate in his resolution that Heathcliff deemed it expedient to compel from my lips a recapitulation of what had taken place standing over me, heaving with malevolence as I reluctantly delivered the account in answer to his questions it required a great deal of labour to satisfy the old man that Heathcliff was not the aggressor especially with my hardly rung replies however Mr. Earnshaw soon convinced him that he was alive still Joseph hastened to administer a dose of spirits and by their suker his master presently regained emotion and consciousness Heathcliff, aware that his opponent was ignorant of the treatment received while insensible called him deliriously intoxicated and said that he should not notice his atrocious conduct further but advised him to get to bed to my joy he left us after giving this judicious counsel and Hindley stretched himself on the hearthstone I departed to my own room marveling that I had escaped so easily this morning when I came down about half an hour before noon Mr. Earnshaw was sitting by the fire deadly sick his evil genius almost as gaunt and ghastly lent against the chimney neither appeared inclined to dine and having waited till all was cold on the table I commenced alone nothing hindered me from eating heartily and I experienced a certain sense of satisfaction and superiority as at intervals I cast a look towards my silent companions and felt the comfort of a quiet conscience within me after I had done I ventured on the unusual liberty of drawing near the fire going round Earnshaw's seat and kneeling in the corner beside him Heathcliff did not glance my way and I gazed up and contemplated his features almost as confidently as if they had been turned to stone his forehead that I once thought so manly and that I now think so diabolical was shaded with a heavy cloud his basilisk eyes were nearly quenched by sleeplessness and weeping perhaps for the lashes were wet then his lips devoid of their ferocious sneer and sealed in an expression of unspeakable sadness had it been another I would have covered my face in the presence of such grief in his case I was gratified and ignoble as it seems to insult a fallen enemy I couldn't miss this chance of sticking in a dart his weakness was the only time when I could taste the delight of paying wrong for wrong Fi! Fi! Miss! I interrupted one might suppose you had never opened a Bible in your life if God afflict your enemies surely that ought to suffice you it is both mean and presumptuous to add your tortures to his in general I'll allow that it would be Ellen she continued but what misery laid on Heathcliff could content me unless I have a hand in it I'd rather he suffered less if I might cause his sufferings and he might know that I was the cause oh I owe him so much on only one condition can I hope to forgive him it is if I may take an eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth for every wrench of agony return a wrench reduce him to my level as he was the first to injure make him the first to implore pardon and then why then Ellen I might show you some generosity but it is utterly impossible I can ever be revenged and therefore I cannot forgive him Hindley wanted some water and I handed him a glass and asked him how he was not as ill as I wish he replied but leaving out my arm it's not much of me as a sore it's if I had been fighting with a legion of imps yes no wonder was my next remark Catherine used to boast that she stood between you and bodily harm she meant that certain persons would not hurt you for fear of offending her it's well people don't really rise from their grave or last night she might have witnessed a repulsive scene or not you bruised and cut over your chest and shoulders a cat say he answered what did he mean? did he dare to strike me when I was down? he trampled on and kicked you and dashed you on the ground I whispered and his mouth watered to tear you with his teeth because he's only half man not so much and the rest fiend Mr. Earnshaw looked up like me to the countenance of our mutual foe who, absorbed in his anguish seemed insensible to anything around him the longer he stood the plainer his reflections revealed their blackness through his features oh, if God would but give me the strength to strangle him in my last agony I go to hell with joy groaned the impatient man writhing to rise and sinking back in despair convinced of his inadequacy for the struggle nay it's enough that he has murdered one of you I observed aloud at the Grange everyone knows your sister would have been living now had it not been for Mr. Heathcliff after all it is preferable to be hated and loved by him when I recollect how happy we were how happy Catherine was before he came I'm fit to curse the day most likely Heathcliff noticed more the truth of what was said than the spirit of the person who said it his attention was roused I saw for his eyes rained down tears among the ashes and he drew his breath in suffocating sighs I stirred full at him and larped scornfully the clouded windows of hell flashed a moment towards me the fiend which usually looked out however was so dimmed and round that I did not fear to hazard another sound of derision get up and be gone out of my sight said the mourner I guessed he uttered those words at least though his voice was hardly intelligible I beg your pardon I replied but I loved Catherine too and her brother requires attendance which for her sake I shall supply now that she's dead I see her in Hindley Hindley has exactly her eyes she had not tried to gouge them out and made them black and red and her get up wretched idiot before I stamp you to death he cried making a movement that caused me to make one also but then I continued holding myself ready to flee if poor Catherine had trusted you and assumed the ridiculous contemptible degrading title of Mrs. Heathcliff she would soon have presented a similar picture she wouldn't have borne your abominable behavior quietly her detestation and disgust must have found voice the back of the settle and Earnshaw's person interposed between me and him so instead of endeavouring to reach me he snatched a dinner-knife from the table and flung it at my head it struck beneath my ear and stopped the sentence I was uttering but pulling it out I sprang to the door and delivered another which I hope went a little deeper than his missile the last glimpse I caught of him was a furious rush on his part checked by the embrace of his host and both fell locked together on the hearth in my flight through the kitchen I bid Joseph's speed to his master I knocked over Herton who was hanging a litter of puppies from a chair-back in the doorway and, blessed as a soul escaped from purgatory I bounded, leaped and flew down the steep road then, quitting its windings shot direct across the moor rolling over banks and wading through marshes depotating myself in fact towards the beacon-light of the Grange and far rather would I be condemned to a perpetual dwelling in the infernal regions than, even for one night abide beneath the roof of Wuthering Heights again Isabella ceased speaking and took a drink of tea then she rose and bidding me put on her bonnet and a great shawl I had brought and turning a deaf ear to my entreaties for her to remain another hour she stepped on to a chair Missed Edgar's and Catherine's portraits bestowed a similar salute on me and ascended to the carriage accompanied by Fanny who helped Wilde with joy at recovering her mistress she was driven away never to revisit this neighbourhood but a regular correspondence was established between her and my master when things were more settled I believe her new abode was in the south near London there she had a son born a few months subsequent to her escape he was christened Linton and from the first she reported him to be an ailing, peevish creature Mr Heathcliff meeting me one day in the village inquired where she lived I refused to tell he remarked that it was not of any moment only she must beware of coming to her brother she should not be with him if he had to keep her himself though I would give no information he discovered through some of the other servants both her place of residence and the existence of the child still he didn't molest her for which forbearance she might think his aversion I suppose he often asked about the infant when he saw me and on hearing its name smiled grimly and observed they wish me to hate it too do they? I don't think they wish you to know anything about it I answered but I'll have it he said when I want it they may reckon on that fortunately its mother died before the time arrived some thirteen years after the decease of Catherine when Lenton was twelve or a little more on the day succeeding Isabella's unexpected visit I had no opportunity of speaking to my master he shunned conversation and was fit for discussing nothing when I could get him to listen I saw it pleased him that his sister had left her husband whom he abhorred with an intensity the mildness of his nature would scarcely seem to allow so deep and sensitive was his aversion that he refrained from going anywhere where he was likely to see or hear of Heathcliff grief and that together transformed him into a complete hermit he threw up his office of magistrate ceased even to attend church avoided the village on all occasions and spent a life of entire seclusion within the limits of his park and grounds only varied by solitary rambles on the moors and visits to the grave of his wife mostly at evening or early morning before other wanderers were abroad but he was too good to be thoroughly unhappy long he didn't pray for Catherine's soul to haunt him time brought resignation and a melancholy sweeter than common joy he recalled her memory with ardent tender love and hopeful aspiring to the better world where he doubted not she was gone and he had earthly consolation and affections also for a few days I said he seemed regardless of the puny successor to the departed that coldness melted as fast as snow in April and ere the tiny thing could stammer a word or totter a step it wielded a despot scepter in his heart it was named Catherine but he never called it the name in full as he had never called the first Catherine short probably because Heathcliff had had a habit of doing so the little one was always Cathy it formed to him a distinction from the mother and yet a connection with her and his attachments sprang from its relation to her far more than from its being its own I used to draw comparison between him and Hindley-Earnshaw and perplexed myself to explain satisfactorily why their conduct was so opposite in similar circumstances they had both been fond husbands and were both attached to their children and I could not see how they shouldn't both have taken the same road for good or evil but I thought in my mind Hindley with apparently the stronger head had shown himself sadly the worse and the weaker man when his ship struck the captain abandoned his post and the crew instead of trying to save her rushed into riot and confusion leaving no hope for their luckless vessel Linton on the contrary displayed the true courage of a loyal and faithful soul he trusted God and God comforted him one hoped and the other disbared they chose their own lots and were righteously doomed to endure them but you'll not want to hear my moralizing Mr. Lockwood you'll judge as well as I can all these things at least you'll think you will and that's the same the end of Earnshaw was what might have been expected it followed fast on his sisters there were scarcely six months between them we at the Grange never got a very succinct amount of his state preceding it all that I did learn was on occasion of going to aid in the preparations for the funeral Mr. Kenneth came to announce the event to my master well nearly said he, riding into the yard one morning too early not to alarm me with an instant presentiment of bad news it's yours and my turn to go into mourning at present who's given us the slip now do you think? who? I asked in a flurry well I guess he returned dismounting and slinging his bridle on a hook by the door and nip up the corner of your apron I'm certain you'll need it not Mr. Heathcliff surely I exclaimed what would you have tears for him? said the doctor no Heathcliff's a tough young fellow he looks blooming today I've just seen him he's rapidly regaining flesh since he lost his bitter half again Mr. Kenneth I repeated impatiently Hindley Earnshaw your old friend Hindley he replied and my wicked gossip though he's been too wild for me this long while there I said we should draw water but cheer up he died true to his character drunk as a lord poor lad I'm sorry too one can't help missing an old companion though he had the worst tricks with him that ever man imagined and has done me many a rascally turn he's barely 27 it seems but that's your own age who would have thought you were born in one year I confess this blow was greater to me than the shock of Mrs. Linton's death ancient associations lingered round my heart I sat down in the porch and wept as for a blood relation desiring Mr. Kenneth to get another servant to introduce him to the master I could not hinder myself from pondering on the question had he had fair play whatever I did that idea would bother me it was so tiresomely pertinacious that I resolved on requesting leave to go to Wuthering Heights and assist in the last duties to the dead Mr. Linton was extremely reluctant to consent but I played it eloquently for the friendless condition in which he lay and I said my old master and foster brother had a claim on my services as strong as his own besides I reminded him that the child heritain was his wife's nephew and in the absence of nearer kin he ought to act as its guardian and he ought to and must inquire how the property was left and look over the concerns of his brother-in-law he was unfit for attending to such matters then but he bid me speak to his lawyer and at length permitted me to go his lawyer had been earned shores also he called at the village and asked him to accompany me he shook his head and advised that Heathcliff should be let alone affirming if the truth were known heritain would be found little else than a beggar his father died in debt he said the whole property is mortgaged and the sole chance for the natural heir is to allow him an opportunity of creating some interest in the creditor's heart that he may be inclined to deal leniently towards him when I reached the heights I explained that I had come to see everything carried on decently and Joseph who appeared in sufficient distress expressed satisfaction at my presence Mr. Heathcliff said he did not perceive that I was wanted but I might stay and order the arrangements for the funeral if I chose correctly he remarked that fool's body should be buried at the crossroads without ceremony of any kind I happened to leave him ten minutes yesterday afternoon and in that interval he fastened the two doors of the house against me and he has spent the night in drinking himself to death deliberately we broke in this morning for we heard him sporting like a horse and there he was laid over the saddle flaying and scalping would not have awakened him I sent for Kenneth and he came but not till the beast had changed into carrion he was both dead and cold and stark and so you'll allow it was useless making more stir about him the old servant confirmed this statement but muttered I'd rather he'd gone in sailing for the doctor I should have tended the master better nor him and he weren't dead when I left nor to desert I insisted on the funeral being respectable Mr. Heathcliff said I might have my own way there too only he desired me to remember that the money for the whole affair came out of his pocket he maintained a hard careless deportment indicative of neither joy nor sorrow if anything it expressed a flinty gratification at a piece of difficult work successfully executed I observed once indeed something like exaltation in his aspect it was just when the people were bearing the coffin from the house he had the hypocrisy to represent a mourner and previous to following with heriton he lifted the unfortunate child onto the table and muttered with peculiar gusto now my Bonnie lad you are mine and we'll see if one tree won't grow as crooked as another with the same wind to twist it the unsuspecting thing was pleased at this speech he played with Heathcliff's whiskers and stroked his cheek but I divined its meaning and observed tartly that boy must go back with me to Thrushcross Grange sir there is nothing in the world less yours than he is does Linton say so he demanded of course he has ordered me to take him I replied well said the scoundrel will not argue the subject now but I have a fancy to try my hand at rearing a young one so intimate to your master that I must supply the place of this with my own if he attempt to remove it I don't engage to let Heriton go undisputed but I'll be pretty sure to make the other come remember to tell him this hint was enough to bind our hands I repeated its substance on my return and Edgar Linton little interested at the commencement spoke no more of interfering I'm not aware that he could have done it to any purpose had he been ever so willing the guest was now the master of Wuthering Heights held firm possession and proved to the attorney who in his turn proved it to Mr. Linton that Earnshaw had mortgaged every yard of land he owned for cash to supply his mania for gaming and he, Heathcliff, was the mortgagee in that manner Heriton, who should now be the first gentleman in the neighbourhood was reduced to a state of complete dependence on his father's inveterate enemy and lives in his own house as a servant deprived of the advantage of wages quite unable to write himself because of his friendlessness and his ignorance that he has been wronged End of Chapter 17 Chapter 18 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain The twelve years continued Mrs. Dean following that dismal period with the happiest of my life my greatest troubles in their passage rose from our little lady's trifling illnesses which she had to experience in common with all children rich and poor for the rest, after the first six months she grew like a larch and could walk and talk too in her own way before the Heath blossomed a second time over Mrs. Linton's dust she was the most winning thing that ever brought sunshine into a desolate house a real beauty in face with the Earnshaw's handsome dark eyes but the Linton's fair skin and small features and yellow curling hair her spirit was high, though not wroth and qualified by a heart sensitive and lively to excess in its affections that capacity for intense attachments reminded me of her mother still she did not resemble her for she could be soft and mild as a dove and she had a gentle voice and pensive expression her anger was never furious her love never fierce it was deep and tender however it must be acknowledged she had faults to foil her gifts a propensity to be saucy was won and a perverse will that indulged children invariably acquire whether they be good tempered or cross if a servant chanced to vex her it was always I shall tell papa and if he reproved her even by a look you would have thought it a heartbreaking business I don't believe he ever did speak a harsh word to her he took her education entirely on himself and made it an amusement fortunately curiosity and a quick intellect made her an apt scholar she learned rapidly and eagerly and did honor to his teaching till she reached the age of thirteen she had not once been beyond the range of the park by herself Mr. Linton would take her with him a mile or so outside on rare occasions but he trusted her to no one else Gimmerton was an unsubstantial name in her ears the chapel the only building she had approached or entered except her own home Wuthering Heights and Mr. Heathcliff did not exist for her she was a perfect recluse and apparently perfectly contented sometimes indeed while surveying the country from her nursery window she would observe Alan how long will it be before I can walk to the top of those hills I wonder what lies on the other side is it the sea? nor Miss Cathy I would answer it is hills again just like these and what are those golden rocks like when you stand under them? she once asked the abrupt descent of Peniston crags particularly attracted her notice especially when the setting sun shone on it and the topmost heights and the whole extent of landscape besides lay and shadow I explained that they were bare masses of stone with hardly enough earth in their clefts to nourish a stunted tree and why are they bright so long after it is evening here? she pursued because they are a great deal higher up than we are replied I you could not climb them they are too high and steep in winter the frost is always there before it comes to us and deep into summer I have found snow under that black hollow on the northeast side oh you have been on them she cried gleefully and I can go too when I am a woman has Papa been Ellen? Papa would tell you Miss I answered hastily that they are not worth the trouble of visiting the moors where you ramble with him are much nicer and Thrushcross Park is the finest place in the world but I know the park and I don't know those she murmured to herself and I should delight to look round me from the brow of that tallest point my little pony Mini shall take me some time one of the maids mentioning the fairy cave quite turned her head with a desire to fulfill this project she teased Mr. Linton about it and he promised she should have the journey when she got older but Miss Catherine measured her age by months and now am I old enough to go to Peniston cracks was the constant question in her mouth the road thither wound close by withering heights Edgar had not the heart to pass it so she received as constantly the answer not yet love not yet I said Mrs. Heathcliff lived above a dozen years after quitting her husband her family were of a delicate constitution she and Edgar both lacked the ruddy health that you will generally meet in these parts what her last illness was I am not certain I conjecture they died of the same thing a kind of fever slow at its commencement but incurable and rapidly consuming life towards the close she wrote to inform her brother of the probable conclusion of a four months in disposition under which she had suffered and entreated him to come to her if possible for she had much to settle and she wished to bid him adieu and deliver Linton safely into his hands her hope was that Linton might be left with him as he had been with her his father she would faint convince herself had no desire to assume the burden of his maintenance or education my master hesitated not a moment in complying with her request reluctant as he was to leave home at ordinary calls he flew to answer this commanding Catherine to my peculiar vigilance in his absence with reiterated orders that she must not wander out of the park even under my escort he did not calculate on her going unaccompanied he was away three weeks the first day or two my charge sat in a corner of the library too sad for either reading or playing in that quiet state it caused me little trouble but it was succeeded by an interval of impatient fretful weariness and being too busy and too old then to run up and down amusing her I hit on a method by which she might entertain herself I used to send her on her travels round the grounds now on foot and now on a pony indulging her with a patient audience of all her real and imaginary adventures when she returned the summer shone in full prime and she took such a taste for this solitary rambling Catherine contrived to remain out from breakfast till tea and then the evenings were spent in recounting her fanciful tales I did not fear her breaking bounds because the gates were generally locked and I thought she would scarcely venture forth alone if they had stood wide open unluckily my confidence proved misplaced Catherine came to me one morning at eight o'clock and said she was that day an Arabian merchant going to cross the desert with his caravan and I must give her plenty of provision for herself and beasts a horse and three camels personated by a large hound and a couple of pointers I got together good stores of dainties and slung them in a basket on one side of the saddle and she sprang up as gay as a fairy sheltered by her wide-brimmed hat and God's veil from the July sun and trotted off with a merry laugh mocking my cautious cancel to avoid galloping and come back early the naughty thing never made her appearance at tea one traveller, the hound, being an old dog and fond of its ease, returned but neither Cathy nor the pony nor the two pointers were visible in any direction I dispatched emissaries down this path and that path and at last went wandering in search of her myself there was a labourer working at a fence round a plantation on the borders of the grounds I inquired of him if he had seen our young lady I saw her at morn he replied she would have me to cut her hazel switch and then she leapt her gal away over the hedge yonder where it is lowest and galked out of sight you may guess how I felt at hearing this news it struck me directly she must have started for peniston crags what will become of her? I ejaculated, pushing through a gap which the man was repairing and making straight to the high road I walked as if for a wager, mile after mile till a turn brought me in view of the heights but no Catherine could I detect far or near the crags lie about a mile and a half beyond Mr Heathcliff's place and that is four from the Grange so I began to fear night would fall air I could reach them and what if she should have slipped in clambering among them I reflected and been killed or broken some of her bones my suspense was truly painful and at first it gave me delightful relief to observe in hurrying by the farmhouse Charlie, the fiercest of the pointers lying under a window with swelled head and bleeding ear I opened the wicket and ran to the door knocking vehemently for admittance a woman whom I knew and whom formerly lived at Gimiton answered she had been servant there since the death of Mr Rancho ah, said she you have come a-seeking you little mistress don't be frightened she's here safe but I'm glad it isn't the master he is not at home then is he I panted quite breathless with quick walking and alarm no, no, she replied both he and Joseph are off and I think they won't return this hour or more step in and rest you a bit I entered and beheld my stray lamb seated on the half rocking herself in a little chair that had been her mother's when a child her hat was hung against the wall and she seemed perfectly at home laughing and chattering in the best spirits imaginable to Heraton, now a great strong lad of 18 who stared at her with considerable curiosity and astonishment comprehending precious little of the fluent succession of remarks and questions which Heraton never ceased pouring forth very well miss I exclaimed concealing my joy under an angry cantonance this is your last ride till Papa comes back I'll not trust you over the threshold again you naughty, naughty girl aha, Ellen she cried gaily jumping up and running to my side I shall have a pretty story to tell tonight and so you've found me out have you ever been here in your life before put that hat on and home at once said I, I'm dreadfully grieved at you Miss Kathy you've done extremely wrong it's no use pouting and crying that won't repay the trouble I've had scouring the country after you to think how Mr. Linton charged me to keep you in and you stealing off so it shows you are a cunning little fox and nobody will put faith in you anymore what have I done? sobbed she instantly checked Papa charged me nothing he'll not scold me Ellen he's never crossed like you come, come, I repeated I'll tie the ribbon, now let us have no petulance oh for shame you 13 years old and such a baby this exclamation was caused by her pushing the hat from her head and retreating to the chimney out of my reach nay said the servant don't be hard on the bonny-ass, Mrs. Dean we made her stop she'd faint have ridden forward a third use should be uneasy Harriton offered to go with her and I thought she should it a while rode over the hills Harriton during the discussion stood with his hands in his pockets too awkward for speech though he looked as if he did not relish my intrusion how long am I to wait for you to continue to disregard the woman's interference it will be dark in ten minutes where is the pony, Miss Cathy and where is Phoenix I shall leave you unless you be quick so please yourself the pony is in the yard she replied and Phoenix is shut in there he's bitten and so is Charlie I was going to tell you all about it but you are in a bad temper and don't deserve to hear I picked up her hat and approached to reinstate it believing that the people of the house took her part she commenced capering round the room and on my giving chase ran like a mouse over and under and behind the furniture rendering it ridiculous for me to pursue Harriton and the woman laughed and she joined them and waxed more impertinent still till I cried in great irritation well Miss Cathy if you were aware whose house this is you'd be glad enough to get out it's your father's isn't it said she turning to Harriton nay he replied looking down and blushing bashfully it could not stand a steady gaze from her eyes though they were just his own who's then your masters she asked he colored deeper with a different feeling muttered an oath and turned away who is his master continued the tiresome girl appealing to me he talked about our house and our folk I thought he'd been the owner's son had he never said miss he should have done shouldn't he if he's a servant Harriton grew black as thunder cloud at this childish speech I silently shook my questioner and at last succeeded in equipping her for departure now get my horse she said addressing her unknown kinsman as she would one of the stable boys at the Grange and you may come with me I want to see where the goblin hunter rises in the marsh and to hear about the fairies as you call them but make haste Peter, get my horse I say I'll see thee down before I be thy servant growled the lad you'll see me what? asked Catherine in surprise damn the saucy witch he replied there miss Kathy you see you have got into pretty company I interposed nice words to be used to a young lady pray don't begin to dispute with him come let us seek for many ourselves and be gone but Ellen cried she staring fixed in astonishment how dare he speak so to me mustn't he be made to do as I ask him you wicked creature I shall tell Papa what you said now then Harriton did not appear to feel this threat so the tears sprang into her eyes with indignation you bring the pony she exclaimed turning to the woman and let my dog free this moment softly miss and said she addressed you're loose nothing by being civil don't Mr Harriton there be not the master son he's your cousin and I was never hired to serve you he my cousin cried Kathy with a scornful laugh yes indeed responded her reprover oh Ellen don't let them say such things she pursued in great trouble Papa has gone to fetch my cousin from London my cousin is a gentleman's son that might she stopped and wept outright upset at the bare notion of relationship with such a clown hush hush I whispered people can have many cousins and of all sorts miss Kathy without being any the worse for it only they needn't keep their company if they be disagreeable and bad he's not he's not my cousin Ellen she went on gathering fresh grief from reflection and flinging herself into my arms for refuge from the idea I was much vexed at her and the servant for their mutual revelations having no doubt of Linton's approaching arrival communicated by the former being reported to Mr Heathcliff and feeling as confident that Catherine's first thought on her father's return would be to seek an explanation of the latter's assertion concerning her rude bred kindred Harriton recovering from his disgust at being taken for a servant seemed moved by her distress and having fetched the pony around to the door he took to propitiate her with a fine crooked-legged terrier welp from the kennel and putting it into her hand bid her wist for he meant not pausing in her lamentations she surveyed him with a glance of awe and horror then burst forth anew I could scarcely refrain from smiling at this antipathy to the poor fellow who was a well-made athletic youth good-looking in features and stout and healthy but a tired in garments befitting his daily occupations working on the farm and lounging among the moors after rabbits and game still I thought I could detect in his physiognomy a mind owning better qualities than his father ever possessed good things lost amid a wilderness of weeds to be sure whose rankness far overtopped their neglected growth yet notwithstanding evidence of a wealthy soil that might yield luxuriant crops under other and favourable circumstances Mr. Heathcliff, I believe, had not treated him physically ill thanks to his fearless nature which offered no temptation to that course of oppression he had none of the timid susceptibility that would have given zest to ill treatment in Heathcliff's judgment he appeared to have bent his malevolence on making him a brute he was never taught to read or write never rebuked for any bad habit which did not annoy his keeper never led a single step towards virtue or guarded by a single precept against vice and from what I heard Joseph contributed much to his deterioration by a narrow-minded partiality which prompted him to flatter and pet him as a boy because he was the head of the old family and as he had been in the habit of accusing Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff when children of putting the master past his patience and compelling him to seek solace and drink by what he termed there I've heard ways so at present he laid the whole burden of Heriton's faults on the shoulders of the usurper of his property if the lad swore he wouldn't correct him nor however culpably he behaved it gave Joseph satisfaction apparently to watch him go the worst lengths he allowed that the lad was ruined that his soul was abandoned to perdition but then he reflected that Heathcliff must answer for it Heriton's blood would be required at his hands and there lay immense consolation in that thought Joseph had instilled into him a pride of name and of his lineage he would had he dared have fostered hate between him and the present owner of the Heights but his dread of that owner amounted to superstition and he confined his feelings regarding him to muttered innuendos and private combinations I don't pretend to be intimately acquainted with the mode of living customary in those days at Wuthering Heights I only speak from hearsay for I saw little the villagers affirmed Mr. Heathcliff was near and a cruel hard landlord to his tenants but the house inside had regained its ancient aspect of comfort under female management and the scenes of riot common in Hindley's time were not now enacted within its walls the master was too gloomy to seek companionship with any people good or bad and he is yet this however is not making progress with my story Miss Kathy rejected the peace offering of the terrier and demanded her own dogs Charlie and Phoenix they came limping and hanging their heads and we set out for home sadly out of sorts every one of us I could not ring from my little lady how she had spent the day except that as I supposed the goal of her pilgrimage was Peniston crags and she arrived without adventure to the gate of the farmhouse where Heraton happened to issue forth attended by some canine followers who attacked her train they had a smart battle before their owners could separate them that formed an introduction Catherine told Heraton who she was and where she was going and asked him to show her the way finally beguiling him to accompany her he opened the mysteries of the fairy cave and twenty other queer places but being in disgrace I was not favoured with the description of the interesting objects she saw I could gather however that her guide had been a favourite till she hurt his feelings by addressing him as a servant and Heathcliff's housekeeper hurt hers by calling him her cousin then the language he had held to her wrangled in her heart she who was always love and darling and queen and angel with everybody at the Grange to be insulted so shockingly by a stranger she did not comprehend it and hard work I had to obtain a promise that she would not lay the grievance before her father I explained how he objected to the whole household at the Heights and how sorry he would be to find she had been there but I insisted most on the fact that if she revealed my negligence of his orders he would perhaps be so angry that I should have to leave and Cathy couldn't bear that prospect she pledged her word and kept it for my sake after all she was a sweet little girl End of Chapter 18 Chapter 19 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain A letter edged with black announced the day of my master's return Isabella was dead and he wrote to bid me get mourning for his daughter and arrange a room and other accommodations for his youthful nephew Catherine ran wild with joy at the idea of welcoming her father back and indulged most sanguine anticipations of the innumerable excellencies of her real cousin The evening of their expected arrival came since early morning she had been busy ordering her own small affairs and now attired in her new black frock, poor thing her aunt's death impressed her with no definite sorrow she obliged me by constant worrying to walk with her down through the grounds to meet them Linton is just six months younger than I am she chatted as we strolled leisurely over the swells and hollows of mossy turf under shadow of the trees How delightful it will be to have him for a play-fellow Aunt Isabella sent Papa a beautiful look of his hair it was lighter than mine, more flaxen and quite as fine I have it carefully preserved in a little glass box and I've often thought what a pleasure it would be to see its owner Oh, I am happy and Papa, dear, dear Papa Come, Ellen, let us run, come, run She ran and returned and ran again many times before my sober footsteps reached the gate and then she seated herself on the grassy bank beside the path and tried to wait patiently but that was impossible, she couldn't be still a minute How long they are? she exclaimed Oh, I see some dust on the road, they are coming No When will they be here? May we not go a little way, half a mile, Ellen, only just half a mile? Do say yes to that clump of birches at the turn I refused staunchly At length her suspense was ended the travelling carriage rolled in sight Miss Cathy shrieked and stretched out her arms as soon as she caught her father's face looking from the window He descended nearly as eager as herself and a considerable interval elapsed ere they had a thought to spare for any but themselves While they exchanged caresses I took a peep in to see after Linton He was asleep in a corner wrapped in a warm fur-lined cloak as if it had been winter a pale, delicate, effeminate boy who might have been taken for my master's younger brother so strong was the resemblance but there was a sickly peevishness in his aspect that Edgar Linton never had The latter saw me looking and having shaken hands advised me to close the door and leave him undisturbed for the journey had fatigued him Cathy would feign have taken one glance but her father told her to come and they walked together up the park while I hastened before to prepare the servants Now darling said Mr. Linton addressing his daughter as they halted at the bottom of the front steps Your cousin is not so strong and so merry as you are and he has lost his mother remember a very short time since therefore don't expect him to play and run about with you directly and don't harass him much by talking let him be quiet this evening at least will you Yes yes papa answered Catherine But I do want to see him and he hasn't once looked out The carriage stopped and the sleeper being roused was lifted to the ground by his uncle This is your cousin Cathy Linton He said putting their little hands together She's fond of you already and mind you don't grieve her by crying tonight Try to be cheerful now The travelling is at an end and you have nothing to do but rest and amuse yourself as you please Let me go to bed then answered the boy shrinking from Catherine's salute and he put his fingers to remove incipient tears Come come there's a good child I whispered leading him in You'll make her weep too See how sorry she is for you I do not know whether it was sorrow for him but his cousin put on as sad accountants as himself and returned to her father All three entered and mounted to the library where he was laid ready I proceeded to remove Linton's cap and mantle and placed him on a chair by the table but he was no sooner seated than he began to cry afresh My master inquired what was the matter I can't sit on a chair sobbed the boy Go to the sofa then and Ellen shall bring you some tea answered his uncle patiently He had been greatly tried during the journey I felt convinced by his fretful ailing charge Linton slowly trailed himself off and lay down Cathy carried a footstool and her cup to his side At first she sat silent but that could not last She had resolved to make a pet of her little cousin and she would have him to be and she commenced stroking his curls and kissing his cheek and offering him tea in her saucer like a baby This pleased him for he was not much better He dried his eyes and lightened into a faint smile Oh, he'll do very well said the master to me after watching them a minute Very well if we can keep him Ellen The company of a child of his own age will instill new spirit into him soon and by wishing for strength he'll gain it Aye, if we can keep him I'm used to myself and saw misgivings came over me that there was slight hope of that and then I thought, however will that weakling live at Wuthering Heights, between his father and heriton what playmates and instructors there'll be Our doubts were presently decided even earlier than I expected I had just taken the children upstairs after tea was finished and seen Linton asleep He would not suffer me to leave him till that was the case I had come down and was standing by the table in the hall lighting a bedroom candle for Mr. Edgar when a maid stepped out of the kitchen and informed me that Mr. Heathcliff's servant Jawsif was at the door and wished to speak with the master I shall ask him what he wants first, I said inconsiderable trepidation a very unlikely hour to be troubling people and the instant they have returned from a long journey I don't think the master can see him Jawsif had advanced through the kitchen as I uttered these words and now presented himself in the hall he was donned in his Sunday garments with his most sanctimonious and sourest face and holding his hat in one hand and his stick in the other he proceeded to clean his shoes on the mat Good evening, Jawsif, I said coldly What business brings you here tonight? It's me, Mr. Linton, I must speak to he answered, waving me disdainfully aside Mr. Linton is going to bed unless you have something particular to say I'm sure he won't hear it now, I continued you had better sit down in there and entrust your message to me Which is his ram? pursued the fellow surveying the range of closed doors I perceived he was bent on refusing my mediation so very reluctantly I went up to the library and announced the unseasonable visitor suggesting that he should be dismissed till next day Mr. Linton had no time to empower me to do so for Jawsif mounted close at my heels and, pushing into the apartment planted himself at the far side of the table with his two fists clapped on the head of his stick and began in an elevated tone as if anticipating opposition Heath Clifford sent me for his lad no more to go back, boat him Edgar Linton was silent a minute an expression of exceeding sorrow overcast his features he would have pitied the child on his own account but, recalling Isabella's hopes and fears and anxious wishes for her son and her commendations of him to his care he grieved bitterly at the prospect of yielding him up and searched in his heart how it might be avoided no plan offered itself the very exhibition of any desire to keep him would have rendered the claimant more preemptory there was nothing left but to resign him however he was not going to rouse him from his sleep for Mr Heath Cliff that his son shall come to Wuthering Heights tomorrow he is in bed and too tired to go the distance now you may also tell him that the mother of Linton desired him to remain under my guardianship and at present his health is very precarious no said Jawsif giving a thud with his prop on the floor and assuming an authoritative air no, that means not Heath Cliff makes no account of the mother nor to norther but he'll hurry his lad and I won't take him so now you know you shall not tonight answered Linton decisively walk down the stairs at once and repeat to your master what I have said Ellen show him down go and aiding the indignant elder with a lift by the arm he rid the room of him and closed the door very well shouted Jawsif as he slowly drew off tomorrow and he's coming soon and thrust him out if he dare end of chapter 19 chapter 20 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte this LibriVox recording is in the public domain to obviate the danger of this threat being fulfilled Mr Linton commissioned me to take the boy home early on Catherine's pony and said he as we shall now have no influence over his destiny good or bad you must say nothing of where he has gone to my daughter she cannot associate with him hereafter and it is better for her to remain in ignorance of his proximity lest she should be restless and anxious to visit the Heights merely tell her his father sent for him suddenly and he has been obliged to leave us Linton was very reluctant to be roused from his bed at five o'clock and astonished to be informed that he must prepare for further travelling but I softened off the matter by stating that he was going to spend some time with his father Mr Heathcliff who wished to see him so much he did not like to defer the pleasure till he should recover from his late journey my father he cried in strange perplexity Mama never told me I had a father where does he live? I'd rather stay with uncle he lives a little distance from the Grange I replied just beyond those hills not so far but you may walk over here when you get arty and you should be glad to go home and to see him you must try to love him as you did your mother and then he will love you but why have I not heard of him before? asked Linton why didn't Mama and he live together as other people do? he had business to keep him in the north I answered and your mother's health required her to reside in the south and why didn't Mama speak to me about him? persevered the child she often talked of uncle and I learned to love him long ago how am I to love Papa? I don't know him oh all children love their parents I said your mother perhaps thought you would want to be with him if she mentioned him often to you let us make haste an early ride on such a beautiful morning is much preferable to an hour's more sleep is she to go with us? he demanded the little girl I saw yesterday not now replied I is uncle? he continued no I shall be your companion there I said Linton sank back on his pillow and fell into a brown study I won't go without uncle he cried at length I can't tell what you mean to take me I attempted to persuade him of the naughtiness of showing reluctance to meet his father still he obstinately resisted any progress towards dressing and I had to call for my master's assistance in coaxing him out of bed the poor thing was finally got off with several delusive assurances that his absence should be short that Mr. Edgar and Cathy would visit him and all the promises equally ill-founded which I invented and reiterated at intervals throughout the way the pure heather-centred air, the bright sunshine and the gentle canter of mini relieved his despondency after a while he began to put questions concerning his new home and its inhabitants with greater interest in liveliness his weathering hates as pleasant a place says Thresh Cross Grunge he inquired turning to take a last glance into the valley once a light mist mounted and formed a fleecy cloud on the skirts of the blue it is not so buried in trees, I replied, and it is not quite so large but you can see the country beautifully all round and the air is healthier for you, fresher and drier you will perhaps think the building old and dark at first though it is a respectable house the next best in the neighborhood and you will have such nice rambles on the moors Heriton Earnshaw that is Miss Cathy's other cousin and so yours in a manner will show you all the sweetest spots and you can bring a book in fine weather and make a green hollow your study and now and then your uncle may join you in a walk he does frequently walk out on the hills and what is my father like? he asked is he as young and handsome as uncle? he is as young, said I, but he has black hair and eyes and looks sterner and he is taller and bigger altogether he'll not seem to you so gentle and kind at first perhaps because it is not his way still mind you be frank and cordial with him and naturally he'll be fonder of you than any uncle for you are his own black hair and eyes mused Linton I can't fancy him then I am not like him am I? not much I answered not a morsel I thought surveying with regret the white complexion and slim frame of my companion and his large languid eyes his mother's eyes save that unless a morbid touchiness kindled them a moment they had not a vestige of her sparkling spirit how strange that he should never come to seem a mind me he murmured has he ever seen me if he has I must have been a baby I remember not a single thing about him why must a Linton said I 300 miles is a great distance and 10 years seem very different in length to a grown-up person compared with what they do to you it is probable Mr Heathcliff proposed going from summer to summer but never found a convenient opportunity and now it is too late don't trouble him with questions on the subject it will disturb him for no good the boy was fully occupied with his own cogitations for the remainder of the ride till we halted before the farmhouse garden gate I watched to catch his impressions in his countenance he surveyed the carved front and low-browed lattices the straggling gooseberry bushes and crooked furs with solemn intentness and then shook his head his private feelings entirely disapproved of the exterior of his new abode but he had sensed to postpone complaining there might be compensation within before he dismounted I went and opened the door it was half past six the family had just finished breakfast the servant was clearing and wiping down the table Joseph stood by his master's chair telling some tale concerning a lame horse and Herotin was preparing for the hayfield hello Nelly said Mr. Heathcliff when he saw me I feared I should have to come down and fetch my property myself you brought it have you let us see what we can make of it he got up and strode to the door Herotin and Joseph followed in gaping curiosity fall into and run off right and die over the faces of the three surely said Joseph after a grave inspection he swapped with the master and yarns his lass Heathcliff having stared his son into an ague of confusion uttered a scornful laugh God what a beauty what a lovely charming thing he exclaimed haven't they reared it on snails and sour milk Nelly oh damn my soul but that's worse than I expected and the devil knows I was not sanguine I bid the trembling and bewildered child get down and enter he did not thoroughly comprehend the meaning of his father's speech or whether it were intended for him indeed he was not yet certain that the grim sneering stranger was his father but he clung to me with growing trepidation and on Mr. Heathcliff's taking a seat and bidding him come hither he hid his face on my shoulder and wept cut cut said Heathcliff stretching out a hand and dragging him roughly between his knees and then holding up his heads by the chin none of that nonsense we're not going to hurt the Linton isn't that they name aren't they mother's child entirely where is my share in the pealing chicken he took off the boy's cap and pushed back his thick flaxen curls felt his slender arms and his small fingers during which examination Linton ceased crying and lifted his great blue eyes to inspect the inspector do you know me asked Heathcliff having satisfied himself that the limbs were all equally frail and feeble no said Linton with a gaze of vacant fear you've heard of me I dare say no he replied again no what a shame of your mother never to weaken your filial regard for me you are my son then I'll tell you and your mother was a wicked slut to leave you in ignorance of the sort of father you possessed now don't rinse and colour up though it is something to see you have not white blood be a good lad and I'll do for you Nellie if you be tired you may sit down if not get home again I guess you'll report what you hear and see to the cipher at the Grange and this thing won't be settled while you linger about it well replied I I hope you'll be kind to the boy Mr. Heathcliff or you'll not keep him long and he's all you have a kin in the wide world that you will ever know remember I'll be very kind to him you needn't fear he said laughing only nobody else must be kind to him I'm jealous of monopolizing his affection and to begin my kindness Joseph bring the lad some breakfast Herten you infernal calf be gone to your work yes Nell he added when they had departed my son is prospective owner of your place and I should not wish him to die till I was certain of being his successor besides he's mine and I want the triumph of seeing my descendant fairly lord of their estates my child hiring their children to till their father's lands for wages that is the sole consideration which can make me endure the well I despise him for himself and hate him for the memories he revives but that consideration is sufficient he's as safe with me and shall be tended as carefully as your master tens his own I have a room upstairs furnished for him in handsome style I've engaged a tutor also to come three times a week from twenty miles distance to teach him what he pleases to learn I've ordered Herten to obey him and in fact I've arranged everything with a view to preserve the superior and the gentleman in him above his associates I do regret however that he so little deserves the trouble if I wished any blessing in the world it was to find him a worthy object of pride and I'm bitterly disappointed with the way-faced whining wretch while he was speaking Joseph returned bearing a basin of milk porridge and placed it before Linton who stirred round the homely mess with a look of a version and affirmed he could not eat it I saw the old manservant shared largely in his master's scorn of the child though he was compelled to retain the sentiment in his heart because Heathcliff plainly meant his underlings to hold him in honour cannot eat it so he waited he, peering in Linton's face and subduing his voice to a whisper for fear of being overheard but master Herten never ate not else when he were little and what were good enough for him is good enough for ye I'd rather think I shan't eat it answered Linton snappishly take it away Joseph snatched up the food indignantly and brought it to us is there odd eyes they vituals in the way under Heathcliff's nose what should ill them he said answer Joseph your daddy chaps says he cannot eat them but I guess it's right his mother were just so we were almost too mucky to sow to corn for muck at her breed don't mention his mother to me said the master angrily get him something that he can eat that's all what is his usual food Nelly he suggested boiled milk or tea and the housekeeper received instructions to prepare some come I reflected his father's selfishness may contribute to his comfort he perceives his delicate constitution and the necessity of treating him tolerably I'll console Mr. Edgar by acquainting him with the turn Heathcliff's humour has taken having no excuse for lingering longer I slipped out while Linton was engaged intimately rebuffing the advances of a friendly sheepdog but he was too much on the alert to be cheated as I closed the door I heard a cry and a frantic repetition of the words don't leave me I'll not stay here I'll not stay here then the latch was raised and fell they did not suffer him to come forth I mounted Mini and urged her to a trot and so my brief guardianship ended we had sad work with little Kathy that day she rose in high glee eager to join her cousin and such passionate tears and lamentations followed the news of his departure that Edgar himself was obliged to soothe her by affirming he should come back soon he added however if I can get him and there were no hopes of that this promise poorly pacified her but time was more potent and though still at intervals she inquired of her father when Linton would return before she did see him again his features had waxed so dim in her memory that she did not recognize him when I chanced to encounter the housekeeper of Wuthering Heights in paying business visits to Gimiton I used to ask how the young master got on for he lived almost as secluded as Catherine herself and was never to be seen I could gather from her that he continued in weak health and was a tiresome inmate she said Mr Heathcliff seemed to dislike him ever longer and worse though he took some trouble to conceal it he had an antipathy to the sound of his voice and could not do at all with his sitting in the same room with him many minutes together there seldom passed much talk between them Linton learnt his lessons and spent his evenings in a small apartment they called the parlour or else lay in bed all day for he was constantly getting coughs and colds and aches and pains of some sort and I've never known such a fine-hearted creature No one so careful of hisselding he will go on if I leave the window open a bit light in the evening oh it's killing and breathing a nightmare and he must have a fire in the middle of summer and Joseph's backer pipe is poison and he must always have sweets and dinties and always milk, milk forever eating not how the rest of us are pinched in the winter and they will sit wrapped in his fur cloak in his chair by the fire with some toast and water or other slob on the hub to sip at and if Harriton, for petty, comes to amuse him Harriton is not bad-natured, though he's rough they're sure to part once wearing and the other crying I believe the master would relish earnishorse trashing him to a mummy if he were not his son and I'm certainly would be fit to turn him out of doors if he knew Huston nursing he gives hisseld but then he won't go into danger of temptation he never enters the parlor and should Linden show those wives in the house where he is he sends him upstairs directly I divined from this account that utter lack of sympathy had rendered young Heathcliff selfish and disagreeable if he were not so originally and my interest in him consequently decayed though still I was moved with a sense of grief at his lot and a wish that he had been left with us Mr. Edgar encouraged me to gain information he thought a great deal about him I fancy and would have run some risk to see him and he told me once to ask the housekeeper whether he ever came into the village she said he had only been twice on horseback accompanying his father and both times he pretended to be quite knocked up for three or four days afterwards that housekeeper left if I recollect rightly two years after he came and another whom I did not know was her successor she lives there still time wore on at the Grange in its form of pleasant way till Miss Cathy reached sixteen on the anniversary of her birth we never manifested any signs of rejoicing because it was also the anniversary of my late mistress's death her father invariably spent the day alone in the library and walked at dusk as far as Gimmett in Kirkyard where he would frequently prolong his stay beyond midnight therefore Catherine was thrown on her own resources for amusement this twentieth of March was a beautiful spring day and when her father had retired my young lady came down dressed for going out and said she asked to have a ramble on the edge of the moor with me Mr. Linton had given her leave if we went only a short distance and were back within the hour so make haste, Alan she cried I know where I wish to go where a colony of moor game is settled I want to see whether they have made their nests yet that must be a good distance up, I answered they don't breed on the edge of the moor no, it's not, she said I've gone very near with Papa I put on my bonnet and sallied out thinking nothing more of the matter she bounded before me and returned to my side and was off again like a young greyhound and at first I found plenty of entertainment in listening to the larks singing far and near and enjoying the sweet warm sunshine and watching her my pet and my delight with her golden ringlets flying loose behind and her bright cheek as soft and pure in its bloom as a wild rose and her eyes radiant with cloudless pleasure she was a happy creature and an angel in those days it's a pity she could not be content well, said I where are your moor game, Miss Cathy? we should be at them the Grange Park fence is a great way off now oh, a little further, only a little further, Alan was her answer continually time to that hillock, pass that bank and by the time you reach the other side I shall have raised the birds but there were so many hillocks and banks to climb and pass that at length I began to be weary and told her we must halt and retrace our steps I shouted to her as she had outstripped me a long way she either did not hear or did not regard for she still sprang on and I was compelled to follow finally she dived into a hollow and before I came inside of her again she was two miles nearer, withering heights than her own home and I beheld a couple of persons arrest her one of whom I felt convinced was Mr Heathcliff himself Cathy had been caught in the act of plundering or at least hunting out the nests of the Grouse the heights were Heathcliff's land and he was reproving the poacher I've neither taken any nor found any she said as I toiled to them expanding her hands in corroboration of the statement it didn't mean to take them but Papa told me there were quantities up here and I wished to see the eggs Heathcliff glanced at me with an ill-meaning smile expressing his acquaintance with the party and consequently his malevolence towards it and demanded who Papa was Mr Linton of Thrush Cross Grange she replied I thought you did not know me or you wouldn't have spoken in that way you suppose Papa is highly esteemed and respected then he said sarcastically and what are you? inquired Catherine Gazing curiously on speaker that man I've seen before is he your son? she pointed to Heriton the other individual who had gained nothing but increased bulk and strength by the addition of two years to his age he seemed as awkward and rough as ever Miss Cathy I interrupted it will be three hours instead of one that we are out presently we really must go back no that man is not my son answered Heathcliff pushing me aside but I have one and you have seen him before too and though your nurses in a hurry I think both you and she would be the better for a little rest will you just turn this nab of Heath and walk into my house you'll get home earlier for the ease and you shall receive a kind welcome I whispered Catherine that she mustn't on any account to cede to the proposal it was entirely out of the question why? she asked aloud I'm tired of running and the ground is dewy I can't sit here let us go Ellen besides he says I have seen his son he's mistaken I think but I guess where he lives at the farmhouse I visited in coming from Peniston Craggs don't you? I do come Nellie hold your tongue it will be a treat for her to look in on us Heriton get forwards with the last you shall walk with me Nellie no she's not going to any such place I cried struggling to release my arm which he had seized but she was almost at the door stones already scampering round the brow at full speed her appointed companion did not pretend to escort her he shied off by the roadside and vanished Mr. Heathcliff it's very wrong I continued you know you mean no good and there she'll see Linton and all will be told as soon as ever we return and I shall have the blame I want her to see Linton he answered he's looking better these few days and it's not often he's fit to be seen and we'll soon persuade her to keep the visit secret where is the harm of it the harm of it is that her father would hate me if he found I suffered her to enter your house and I am convinced you have a bad design in encouraging her to do so I replied my design is as honest as possible I'll inform you of its whole scope he said that the two cousins may fall in love and get married I'm acting generously to your master his young chit has no expectations and should she second my wishes she'll be provided for at once as joint successor with Linton if Linton died I answered and his life is quite uncertain Catherine would be the heir no she would not he said there is no clause in the will to secure it so his property would go to me but to prevent disputes I desire their union and I'm resolved to bring it about and I'm resolved she shall never approach your house with me again I returned as we reached the gate where Miss Cathy waited our coming Heathcliff bade me be quiet and proceeding us up the path hastened to open the door my young lady gave him several looks as if she could not exactly make up her mind what to think of him but now he smiled when he met her eye and softened his voice in addressing her and I was foolish enough to imagine the memory of her mother might disarm him from desiring her injury Linton stood on the hearth he had been out walking in the fields for his cap was on and he was calling to Joseph to bring him dry shoes he had grown tall of his age still wanting some months of sixteen his features were pretty yet and his eye and complexion brighter than I remembered them though with merely temporary luster borrowed from the salubrious air and genial sun now who is that asked Mr. Heathcliff turning to Cathy can you tell your son she said having doubtfully surveyed first one and then the other yes yes answered he but is this the only time you have beheld him think ah you have a short memory Linton don't you recall your cousin that you used to tease us so with wishing to see what Linton cried Cathy kindling into joyful surprise at the name is that little Linton he's taller than I am are you Linton the youth stepped forward and acknowledged himself she kissed him fervently and they gazed with wonder at the change time had wrought in the appearance of each Catherine had reached her full height her figure was both plump and slender elastic as steel and her whole aspect sparkling with health and spirits Linton's looks and movements were very languid and his form extremely slight but there was a grace in his manner that mitigated these defects and rendered him not unpleasing after exchanging numerous marks of fondness with him his cousin went to Mr. Heathcliff who lingered by the door dividing his attention between the objects inside and those that lay without pretending that is to observe the latter and really noting the former alone and you are my uncle then she cried reaching up to salute him I thought I liked you though you were cross at first why don't you visit at the Grange with Linton to live all these years such close neighbors and never see us is odd what have you done so for I visited it once or twice too often before you were born he answered there dammit if you have any kisses to spare give them to Linton they are thrown away on me naughty Ellen exclaimed Catherine flying to attack me next with her lavish caresses wicked Ellen to try to hinder me from entering but I'll take this walk every morning in future may I uncle and sometime spring papa won't you be glad to see us of course replied the uncle with a hardly suppressed grimace resulting from his deeper version to both the proposed visitors but stay he continued turning towards the young lady now I think of it I'd better tell you Mr. Linton has a prejudice against me we quarreled at one time of our lives with un-christian ferocity and if you mention coming here to him he'll put a veto on your visits altogether therefore you must not mention it unless you be careless of seeing your cousin hereafter you may come if you will but you must not mention it why did you quarrel asked Catherine considerably crestfallen he thought me too poor to wed his sister answered Heathcliff and was grieved that I got her his pride was hurt and he'll never forgive it that's wrong said the young lady sometime I'll tell him so but Linton and I have no share in your quarrel I'll not come here then he shall come to the Grange it will be too far for me murmured her cousin the walk four miles would kill me no come here Miss Catherine now and then not every morning but once or twice a week the father launched towards his son a glance of bitter contempt I am afraid Nellie I shall lose my labour he muttered to me Miss Catherine as the nanny calls her will discover his value and send him to the devil now if it had been Herton do you know that twenty times a day I covet Herton with all his degradation I'd have loved the lad had he been someone else but I think he's safe from her love I'll pit him against that paltry creature unless it be stir itself briskly we calculate it will scarcely last till it is eighteen ah Khan found the vapid thing he's absorbed in drying his feet and never looks at her Linton yes father answered the boy have you nothing to show your cousin anywhere about not even a rabbit or a weasel's nest take her into the garden before you change your shoes and into the stable to see your horse wouldn't you rather sit here asked Linton addressing Cathy in a tone which expressed reluctance to move again I don't know she replied casting a longing look to the door and evidently eager to be active he kept his seat and shrank closer to the fire Heathcliff rose and went into the kitchen and from thence to the yard calling out for Herton Herton responded and presently the two re-entered the young man had been washing himself as was visible by the glow on his cheeks and his wetted hair oh I'll ask you uncle cried Miss Cathy recollecting the housekeeper's assertion that is not my cousin is he yes he replied your mother's nephew don't you like him Catherine looked queer is he not a handsome lad he continued the uncivil little thing stood on tiptoe and whispered a sentence in Heathcliff's ear he laughed Herton darkened I perceived he was very sensitive to suspected slights and had obviously a dim notion of his inferiority but his master or guardian chased the frown by exclaiming you'll be the favourite among us Herton she says you are a what was it well something very flattering here you go with her round the farm and behave like a gentleman mind don't use any bad words and don't stare when the young lady is not looking at you and be ready to hide your face when she is and when you speak say your words slowly and keep your hands out of your pockets be off and entertain her as nicely as you can he watched the couple walking past the window Earnshaw had his countenance completely averted from his companion he seemed studying the familiar landscape with a stranger's and an artist's interest Catherine took a sly look at him expressing small admiration she then turned her attention to seeking out objects of amusement for herself and tripped merrily on lilting a tune to supply the lack of conversation I've tied his tongue observed Heathcliff he'll not venture a single syllable all the time Nellie you recollect me at his age nay some years younger did I ever look so stupid so gaumless as Joseph calls it yes I replied because more sullen with it I have a pleasure in him he continued reflecting aloud he has satisfied my expectations if he were a born fool I should not enjoy it half so much but he's no fool and I can sympathize with all his feelings having felt them myself I know what he suffers now for instance exactly it is merely a beginning of what he shall suffer though and he'll never be able to emerge from his bathos of coarseness and ignorance I've got him faster than his scoundrel of a father secured me and lower for he takes a pride in his brutishness I've taught him to scorn everything extra animal as silly and weak don't you think Hindley would be proud of his son if he could see him almost as proud as I am of mine but there's this difference one is gold put to the use of paving stones and the other is tin polished to ape a surface of silver mine has nothing valuable about it yet I shall have the merit of making it go as far as such poor stuff can go his had first-rate qualities and they are lost rendered worse than unavailing I have nothing to regret he would have more than any but I are aware of and the best of it is Herton is damnably fond of me you'll own that I vote and matched Hindley there if the dead villain could rise from his grave to abuse me for his offspring's wrongs I should have the fun of seeing the said offspring fight him back again indignant that he should dare to rail at the one friend he has in the world Heathcliff chuckled a fiendish laugh at the idea I made no reply because I saw that he expected none meantime our young companion who sat too removed from us to hear what was said began to event symptoms of uneasiness probably repenting that he had denied himself the trait of Catherine's society for fear of a little fatigue his father remarked the restless glances wandering to the window and the hand irresolutely extended towards his cap get up you idle boy he exclaimed with assumed heartiness away after them they are just at the corner by the stand of hives Linton gathered his energies and left the half the lattice was open and as he stepped out he heard Cathy inquiring of her unsociable attendant what was that inscription over the door Ereton stared up and scratched his head like a true clown it's some damnable writing he answered I cannot read it can't read it cried Catherine I can read it, it's English but I want to know why it is there Linton giggled the first appearance of mirth he had exhibited he does not know his letters he said to his cousin could you believe in the existence of such a colossal dance is he all as he should be asked Miss Cathy seriously or is he simple, not right I've questioned him twice now and each time he looked so stupid I think he does not understand me I can hardly understand him I'm sure Linton repeated his laugh and glanced at Ereton tauntingly who certainly did not seem quite clear of comprehension at that moment there's nothing the matter but laziness is there Earnshaw he said my cousin fancies you are an idiot there you experience the consequence of scorning, book-learning as you would say have you noticed Catherine his frightful Yorkshire pronunciation wow where the devil is the use on it growled Ereton more ready in answering his daily companion he was about to enlarge further but the two youngsters broke into a noisy fit of merriment my giddy miss being delighted to discover that she might turn his strange talk to matter of amusement where's the use of the devil in that sentence titted Linton Papa told you not to say any bad words and you can't open your mouth without one do try to behave like a gentleman now do if thou weren't more or less than a lad I'd sell thee this minute I would hit a full lap of a creator retorted the angry bore, retreating while his face burnt with mingled rage and mortification for he was conscious of being insulted and embarrassed how to resent it Mr Heathcliff having overheard the conversation as well as I smiled when he saw him go but immediately afterwards cast a look of singular aversion on the flippant pair who remained chattering the doorway the boy finding animation enough while discussing Ereton's faults and deficiencies and relating anecdotes of his goings on and the girl relishing his pert and spiteful sayings without considering the ill nature they evenced I began to dislike more than to compassionate Linton and to excuse his father in some measure for holding him cheap we stayed till afternoon I could not term as Cathy away sooner but happily my master had not quitted his apartment and remained ignorant of our prolonged absence as we walked home I would feign have enlightened my charge on the characters of the people we had quitted but she got it into her head that I was prejudiced against them aha! she cried you take papa's side Ellen you are partial I know or else you wouldn't have cheated me so many years into the notion that Linton lived a long way from here I'm really extremely angry only I'm so pleased I can't show it but you must hold your tongue about my uncle he's my uncle remember and I'll scold papa for quarrelling with him and so she ran on till I relinquished the endeavour to convince her of her mistake she did not mention the visit that night because she did not see Mr. Linton next day it all came out sadly to my chagrin and still I was not altogether sorry I thought the burden of directing and warning would be more efficiently borne by him than me but he was too timid in giving satisfactory reasons for his wish that she should shun connection with the household of the Heights and Catherine liked good reasons for every restraint that harassed her petted will papa! she exclaimed after the morning salutations guess whom I saw yesterday in my walk on the moors ah papa you started you've not done right have you now I saw but listen and you shall hear how I found you out and Ellen who is in league with you and yet pretended to pity me so when I kept hoping and was always disappointed about Linton's coming back she gave a faithful account of her excursion and its consequences and my master though he cast more than one reproachful look at me said nothing till she had concluded then he drew her to him and asked if she knew why he had concealed Linton's near neighbourhood from her could she think it was to deny her a pleasure that she might harmlessly enjoy it was because you disliked Mr. Heathcliff she answered then you believe I care more for my own feelings than yours Kathy he said no it was not because I disliked Mr. Heathcliff but because Mr. Heathcliff disliked me and is a most diabolical man delighting to rom and ruin those he hates if they give him the slightest opportunity I knew that you could not keep up an acquaintance with your cousin without being brought into contact with him and I knew he would detest you on my account so for your own good and nothing else I took precaution that you should not see Linton again I meant to explain this some time as you grew older and I'm sorry I delayed it but Mr. Heathcliff was quite cordial, Papa observed Catherine not at all convinced and he didn't object to us seeing each other he said I might come to his house when I pleased only I must not tell you because you had quarrelled with him and would not forgive him for marrying Aunt Isabella and he won't you are the one to be blamed he is willing to let us be friends at least Linton and I and you are not my master perceiving that she would not take his word for her uncle-in-law's evil disposition gave a hasty sketch of his conduct to Isabella and the manner in which Wuthering Heights became his property he could not bear to discourse long upon the topic for though he spoke little of it he still felt the same horror and detestation of his ancient enemy that had occupied his heart ever since Mrs. Linton's death she might have been living yet if it had not been for him was his constant bitter reflection and in his eyes Heathcliff seemed a murderer Miss Cathy conversant with no bad deeds except her own slight acts of disobedience, injustice and passion arising from hot temper and botlessness and repented of on the day they were committed was amazed at the blackness of spirit that could brood on and cover revenge for years and deliberately prosecute its plans without a visitation of remorse she appeared so deeply impressed and shocked at this new view of human nature excluded from all her studies and all her ideas till now that Mr. Edgar deemed it unnecessary to pursue the subject he merely added You will know hereafter darling why I wish you to avoid his house and family now return to your old employments and amusements and think no more about them Catherine kissed her father and sat down quietly to her lessons for a couple of hours according to custom then she accompanied him into the grounds and the whole day passed as usual but in the evening when she had retired to her room and I went to help her to undress I found her crying on her knees by the bedside Oh! my silly child! I exclaimed if you had any real griefs you'd be ashamed to waste a tear on this little contrariety you never had one shadow of substantial sorrow Miss Catherine suppose for a minute that Master and I were dead and you were by yourself in the world how would you feel then? compare the present occasion with such an affliction as that and be thankful for the friends you have instead of coveting more I'm not crying for myself Ellen she answered it's for him he expected to see me again tomorrow and there he'll be so disappointed and he'll wait for me and I shan't come nonsense, said I do you imagine he has thought as much of you as you have of him hasn't he heritained for a companion not one in a hundred would weep at losing a relation they had just seen twice for two afternoons Linton will conjecture how it is and trouble himself no further about you but may I not write a note to tell him where cannot come? she asked rising to her feet and just send those books I promised to learn to him his books are not as nice as mine and he wanted to have them extremely when I told them how interesting they were may I not Ellen no indeed, no indeed replied I with decision then he would write to you and there'd never be an end of it nor Miss Catherine the acquaintance must be dropped entirely so Papa expects and I shall see that it is done but how can one little note she recommenced putting on an imploring countenance silence I interrupted will not begin with your little notes get into bed she threw at me a very knotty look so knotty that I would not kiss her good night at first I covered her up and shot her door in great displeasure but repenting halfway I returned softly and low there was Miss standing at the table with a bit of blank paper before her and a pencil in her hand which she guiltily slipped out of sight on my entrance you'll get nobody to take that Catherine I said if you write it and at present I shall put out your candle I set the extinguisher on the flame receiving as I did so a slap on my hand and a petulant cross-thing I then quitted her again and she drew the bolt in one of her worst most peevish humours the letter was finished and forwarded to its destination by a milk-fetcher who came from the village but that I didn't learn till some time afterwards weeks passed on and Cathy recovered her temper though she grew wondrous fond of stealing off to corners by herself and often if I came near her suddenly while reading she would start and bend over the book evidently desirous to hide it and I detected edges of loose paper sticking out beyond the leaves she also got a trick of coming down early in the morning and lingering about the kitchen as if she were expecting the arrival of something and she had a small drawer in the cabinet in the library which she would trifle over for hours and whose key she took special care to remove when she left it one day as she inspected this drawer I observed that the playthings and trinkets which recently formed its contents were transmuted into bits of folded paper my curiosity and suspicions were roused I determined to take a peep at her mysterious treasures so at night as soon as she and my master were safe upstairs I searched and readily found among my house-keys one that would fit the lock having opened I emptied the whole contents into my apron and took them with me to examine at leisure in my own chamber though I could not but suspect I was still surprised to discover that they were a mass of correspondence daily almost it must have been from Linton Heathcliff answers to documents forwarded by her the earlier dated were embarrassed and short gradually however they expanded into copious love letters foolish as the age of the writer rendered natural yet with touches here and there which I thought were borrowed from a more experienced source some of them struck me as singularly odd compounds of ardour and flatness commencing in strong feeling and concluding in the affected wordy style that a schoolboy might use to a fancied incorporeal sweetheart whether they satisfied Cathy I don't know but they appeared very worthless trash to me after turning over as many as I thought proper I tied them in a handkerchief and set them aside relocking the vacant drawer following her habit my young lady descended early and visited the kitchen I watched her go to the door on the arrival of a certain little boy and while the Dairymaid filled his can she tucked something into his jacket pocket and plucked something out I went round by the garden and laid weight for the messenger who fought valorously to defend his trust and we spilt the milk between us but I succeeded in abstracting the epistle and threatening serious consequences if he did not look sharp home I remained under the wall and perused Miss Cathy's affectionate composition it was more simple and more eloquent than her cousins very pretty and very silly I shook my head and went meditating into the house the day being wet she could not divert herself with rambling about the park so at the conclusion of her morning studies she resorted to the solace of the drawer her father sat reading at the table and I on purpose had sought a bit of work in some unripped fringes of the window curtain keeping my eyes steadily fixed on her proceedings never did any bird flying back to a plundered nest which had had left brimful of chirping young ones express more complete despair in its anguished cries and flutterings then she by her single and then the change that transfigured her late happy countenance Mr. Linton looked up What's the matter, love? Have you heard yourself? he said his tone and look assured her he had not been the discoverer of the horde No, papa she gasped Alan, Alan, come upstairs I'm sick I obeyed her summons and accompanied her out Oh, Alan, you have got them commenced immediately dropping on her knees when we were enclosed alone Oh, give them to me and I'll never, never do so again Don't tell papa You have not told papa Alan, say you have not I've been exceedingly naughty but I won't do it any more With a grave severity in my manner I begged her stand up So I exclaimed Miss Catherine, you are tolerably far on it seems you may well be ashamed of them a fine bundle of trash you study in your leisure hours to be sure why, it's good enough to be printed and what do you suppose the master will think when I display it before him I haven't shown it yet but you needn't imagine I shall keep your ridiculous secrets for shame and you must have led the way in writing such absurdities he would not have thought of beginning I'm certain I didn't, I didn't sobbed Catherine fit to break her heart I didn't once think of loving him till Loving, cried I, as scornfully as I could utter the word Loving, did anybody ever hear the like I might just as well talk of loving the miller who comes once a year to buy our corn Pretty loving indeed, and both times together you have seen lent in hardly four hours in your life Now, here is the babyish trash, I'm going with it to the library and we'll see what your father says to such loving she sprang at her precious epistles but I hold them above my head and then she poured out further frantic entreaties that I would burn them do anything rather than show them and being really fully as much inclined to laugh as scold for I esteemed at all girlish vanity I at length relented in a measure and asked if I consent to burn them will you promise faithfully neither to send nor receive a letter again nor a book for I perceive you have sent him books nor locks of hair nor rings nor play things we don't send play things cried Catherine her pride overcoming her shame nor anything at all then my lady I said unless you will here I go I promise Ellen she cried catching my dress oh put them in the fire do do but when I proceeded to open a place with the poker the sacrifice was too painful to be born she earnestly supplicated that I would spare her one or two one or two Ellen to keep for Linden's sake I unknotted the handkerchief and commenced dropping them in from an angle and the flame curled up the chimney I will have won you cruel wretch she screamed darting her hand into the fire and drawing forth some half consumed fragments at the expense of her fingers very well and I will have some to exhibit to papa I answered shaking back the rest into the bundle and turning anew to the door she emptied her blackened pieces into the flames and motioned me to finish the emulation it was done I stirred up the ashes and interred them under a shuffleful of coals and she mutely and with a sense of intense injury retired to her private apartment I descended to tell my master that the young lady's qualm of sickness was almost gone but I judged it best for her to lie down a while she wouldn't dine but she reappeared at tea, pale and read about the eyes and marvelously subdued in outward aspect next morning I answered the letter by a slip of paper inscribed, Master Heathcliff is requested to send no more notes to Miss Linden as she will not receive them and henceforth the little boy came with vacant pockets CHAPTER XXI Summer drew to an end and early autumn it was past Michaelmas but the harvest was late that year and a few of our fields were still unclear Mr. Linden and his daughter would frequently walk out among the reapers at the carrying of the last sheaves they stayed till dusk and the evening happening to be chill and damp my master caught a bad cold that settled obstinately on his lungs and confined him indoors throughout the whole of the winter nearly without intermission poor Cathy frightened from her little romance had been considerably sadder and duller since its abandonment and her father insisted on her reading less and taking more exercise she had his companionship no longer I esteemed it a duty to supply its lack as much as possible with mine an inefficient substitute for I could only spare two or three hours for my numerous diurnal occupations to follow her footsteps and then my society was obviously less desirable than his on an afternoon in October or the beginning of November a fresh watery afternoon when the turf and pounce were rustling with moist withered leaves and the cold blue sky was half hidden by clouds dark grey streamers rapidly mounting from the west and boating abundant rain I requested my young lady to forego her rambling because I was certain of showers she refused and I unwillingly donned a cloak and took my umbrella to accompany her on the stroll to the bottom of the park a formal walk which she generally affected if low spirited and that she invariably was when Mr. Edgar had been worse than ordinary a thing never known from his confession but guessed both by her and me from his increased silence and the melancholy of his countenance she went sadly on, there was no running or bounding now though the chill wind might well have tempted her to race and often from the side of my eye I could detect her raising a hand and brushing something off her cheek I gazed round for a means of diverting her thoughts on one side of the road rose a high rough bank where hazels and stunted oaks with their roots half exposed held uncertain tenure the soil was too loose for the latter and strong winds had blown some nearly horizontal in summer Miss Catherine delighted to climb among these trunks and sit in the branches swinging twenty feet above the ground and I pleased with her agility and her light childish heart still considered it proper to scold every time I caught her at such an elevation but so that she knew there was no necessity for descending from dinner to tea she would lie in her breeze rocked cradle doing nothing except singing old songs my nursery law to herself or watching the birds, joint tenants feed and entice their young ones to fly or nestling with closed lids half thinking, half dreaming happier than words can express look Miss I exclaimed pointing to a nook under the roots of one twisted tree winter is not here yet there's a little flower up yonder the last bud from the multitude of bluebells that clouded those turf steps in July with a lilac mist will you clamber up and pluck it to show papa Kathy stared a long time at the lonely blossom trembling in its earthy shelter and replied at length no, I'll not touch it but it looks melancholy does it not Ellen? yes, I observed about as starved and suckless as you your cheeks are bloodless let us take hold of hands and run you're so low I dare say I shall keep up with you no she repeated and continued sauntering on posing at intervals to muse over a bit of moss a blanched grass or a fungus spreading its bright orange among the heaps of brown foliage and ever and on her hand was lifted to her averted face Catherine, why are you crying love? I asked, approaching and putting my arm over her shoulder you mustn't cry because papa has a cold be thankful it is nothing worse she now put no further restraint on her tears her breath was stifled by sobs oh it will be something worse she said and what shall I do when papa and you leave me and I am by myself I can't forget your words Ellen they are always in my ear how life will be changed how dreary the world will be when papa and you are dead none can tell whether you won't die before us I replied it's wrong to anticipate evil we'll hope there are years and years to come before any of us go master is young and I am strong and hardly forty-five my mother lived till eighty a ganty dame to the last and suppose Mr. Linton was spared till he saw sixty that would be more years than you have counted miss and would it not be foolish to mourn a calamity above twenty years beforehand but Aunt Isabella was younger than papa she remarked gazing up with timid hope to seek further consolation Aunt Isabella had not you and me to nurse her I replied she wasn't as happy as master she hadn't as much to live for all you need do is to wait well on your father and cheer him by letting him see you cheerful and avoid giving him anxiety on any subject mind that Cathy I'll not disguise but you might kill him if you were wild and reckless and cherished a foolish, fanciful affection for the son of a person who would be glad to have him in his grave and allowed him to discover that you fretted over the separation he has judged it expedient to make I fret about nothing on earth except papa's illness answered my companion I care for nothing in comparison with papa and I'll never, never own never will I have my senses do an act or say a word to vex him I love him better than myself, Ellen and I know it by this I pray every night that I may live after him because I would rather be miserable than that he should be that proves I love him better than myself good words I replied but deeds must prove it also and after he is well remember you don't forget resolutions formed in the hour of fear as we talked we neared a door that opened on the road and my young lady, lightening into sunshine again climbed up and seated herself on the top of the wall reaching over to gather some hips that bloomed scarlet on the summit branches of the wild rose trees shadowing the highway side the lower fruit had disappeared but only birds could touch the upper except from Kathy's present station in stretching to pull them her hat fell off and as the door was locked she proposed scrambling down to recover it I bid her be cautious lest she got a fall and she nimbly disappeared but the return was no sort cheesy matter the stones were smooth and neatly cemented and the rose bushes and blackberry stragglers could yield no assistance in re-ascending I, like a fool, didn't recollect that till I heard her laughing and exclaiming Ellen, you'll have to fetch the key or else I must run round to the porter's lodge I can't scale the ramparts on this side stay where you are, I answered I have my bundle of keys in my pocket perhaps I may manage to open it if not I'll go Catherine amused herself with dancing to in fro before the door while I tried all the large keys in succession I had applied the last and found that none would do so repeating my desire that she would remain there I was about to hurry home as fast as I could when an approaching sound arrested me it was the trot of a horse Kathy's dance stopped also Who is that? I whispered Ellen, I wish you could open the door whispered back my companion anxiously Oh, Miss Linton cried a deep voice, the riders I'm glad to meet you, don't be incased to enter for I have an explanation to ask and obtain I shan't speak to you, Mr. Heathcliff answered Catherine Papa says you are a wicked man and you hate both him and me and Ellen says the same That is nothing to the purpose said Heathcliff, he it was I don't hate my son, I suppose and it is concerning him that I demand your attention Yes, you have caused to blush two or three months since were you not in the habit of writing to Linton making love and play, eh? You deserved both of your flogging for that you especially the elder and less sensitive as it turns out I've got your letters and if you give me any pertness I'll send them to your father I presume you grew weary of the amusement and dropped it, didn't you? Well, you dropped Linton with it into a slew of despond he was an earnest, in love, really as true as I live he's dying for you breaking his heart at your fickleness not figuratively, but actually though Herton has made him a standing jest for six weeks and I have used more serious measures and attempted to frighten him out of his idiocy he gets worse daily and he'll be under the sod before summer unless you restore him How can you lie so glaringly to the poor child? I called from the inside Pray, ride on How can you deliberately get up such paltry falsehoods? Miss Cathy, I'll knock the lock off with a stone you won't believe that vile nonsense you can feel in yourself it is impossible that a person should die for love of a stranger I was not aware there were eavesdroppers muttered the detected villain Worthy, Mrs. Dean, I like you but I don't like your double dealing He added aloud How could you lie so glaringly to the firm I hated the poor child and invent bugbear stories to terrify her from my doorstones? Catherine Linton, the very name, warms me My Bonnie lass I shall be from home all this week Go and see if I have not spoken truth Do, there's a darling Just imagine your father in my place and Linton in yours then think how you would value your careless lover if he refused to stir a step to comfort you Your father himself entreated him and don't, from pure stupidity fall into the same error I swear on my salvation he's going to his grave and none but you can save him The lock gave way and I issued out I swear Linton is dying Repeated Heathcliff, looking hard at me and grief and disappointment are hastening his death Nelly, if you won't let her go you can walk over yourself but I shall not return till this time next week and I think your master himself would scarcely object to her visiting her cousin Come in, said I taking Cathy by the arm and have forcing her to re-enter for she lingered, viewing with troubled eyes the features of the speaker too stern to express his inward deceit He pushed his horse close and bending down, observed Miss Catherine, I alone to you that I have little patience with Linton and Herten and Joseph have less I own that he's with a harsh set He pines for kindness as well as love and a kind word from you would be his best medicine Don't mind Mrs. Dean's cruel cautions but be generous and contrive to see him He dreams of you day and night and cannot be persuaded that you don't hate him since you neither write nor call I closed the door and rolled a stone to assist the loosened lock in holding it and spreading my umbrella I drew my charge underneath to drive through the moaning branches of the trees and warned us to avoid delay Our hurry prevented any comment on the encounter with Heathcliff as we stretched towards home but I divined instinctively that Catherine's heart was clouded now in double darkness Her features were so sad they did not seem hers She evidently regarded what she had heard as every syllable true The master had retired to rest before we came in Cathy stole to his room to inquire how he was He had fallen asleep She returned and asked me to sit with her in the library We took our tea together and afterwards she lay down on the rug and told me not to talk but she was weary I got a book and pretended to read As soon as she supposed me absorbed in my occupation she recommenced her silent weeping It appeared at present her favourite diversion I suffered her to enjoy it a while then I expostulated deriding and ridiculing all Mr. Heathcliff's assertions about his son as if I were certain she would coincide Alas, I hadn't skilled to counteract the effect his account had produced It was just what he intended You may be right, Helen She answered But I shall never feel at ease till I know and I must tell Linton it is not my fault that I don't write and convince him that I shall not change What use were anger in protestations against her silly credulity? We parted that night hostile but next day beheld me on the road to Wuthering Heights by the side of my willful young mistress's pony I couldn't bear to witness her sorrow to see her pale dejected countenance and heavy eyes and I yielded in the faint hope that Linton himself might prove by his reception of us how little of the tale was founded on fact This lever box recording is in the public domain The rainy night had ushered in a misty morning half frost, half drizzle and temporary brooks crossed our path gurgling from the uplands My feet were thoroughly wetted I was cross and low exactly the humour suited for making the most of these disagreeable things We entered the farmhouse by the kitchen way to ascertain whether Mr Heathcliff were really absent because I put slight faith in his own affirmation Joseph seemed sitting in a sort of Elysium alone beside a roaring fire a court of ale on the table near him bristling with large pieces of toasted oat-cake and his black short pipe in his mouth Catherine ran to the hearth to warn herself I asked if the master was in My question remained so long unanswered that I thought the man had grown deaf and repeated it louder Nay He snarled or rather screamed through his nose Nay Yeah, I won't go back where you come from Joseph cried a peevish voice simultaneously with me from the inner room How often am I to call you? There are only a few red ashes now Joseph Come this moment Vigorous puffs and a resolute stare into the grate declared he had no ear for this appeal The housekeeper and Herotin were invisible one gone on an errand and the other at his work probably We knew Lenton's tones and entered Oh, I hope you'll die in a garret Staff to death Said the boy mistaking our approach for that of his negligent attendant He stopped on observing his error His cousin flew to him Is that you, Miss Lenton? He said raising his head from the arm of the great chair in which he reclined No, don't kiss me It takes my breath Oh, dear me Papa said you would call Continued he after recovering a little from Catherine's embrace while she stood by looking very contrite Will you shut the door if you please You left it open and those those detestable creatures won't bring coals to the fire Oh, it's so cold I stirred up the cinders and fetched a scuttleful myself The invalid complained of being covered with ashes, but he had a tiresome cough and looked feverish and ill so I did not rebuke his temper Well, Lenton murmured Catherine when his corrugated brow relaxed Are you glad to see me Can I do you any good Why didn't you come before He asked You should have come instead of writing It tired me dreadfully writing those long letters I'd far rather have talked to you Now I can neither bear to talk nor anything else I wonder where Zilla is Will you looking at me step into the kitchen and see I had received no thanks for my other service and being unwilling to run to and fro at his behest I replied Nobody is out there but Joseph I want to drink He exclaimed fretfully, turning away Zilla is constantly guiding off to Gimmerton since papa went It's miserable and I'm obliged to come here They resolved never to hear me upstairs Is your father attentive to you, Master Heathcliff I asked, perceiving Catherine to be checked in her friendly advances Attentive He makes them a little more attentive at least He cried The wretches Do you know, Miss Linton that brute heriton laughs at me I hate him Indeed I hate them all They are odious beings Cathy began searching for some water She lighted on a picture in the dresser filled a tumbler and brought it He bid her add a spoonful of wine from a bottle on the table and having swallowed a small portion appeared more tranquil and said she was very kind And are you glad to see me? asked she reiterating her former question and pleased to detect the faint dawn of a smile Yes I am It's something new to hear a voice like yours He replied Oh, but I have been vexed because you wouldn't come And Papa swore it was owing to me He called me a pitiful snuffling worthless thing and said you despised me And if he had been in my place he would be more the master of the Grange than your father by this time But you don't despise me Do you miss? I wish you would say Catherine or Cathy Interrupted my young lady Despise you? No! Next to Papa and Ellen I love you better than anybody living I don't love Mr Heathcliff though and I dare not come when he returns Will he stay away many days? Not many answered Linton But he goes on to the Moors since the shooting season commenced and you might spend an hour too with me in his absence Do say you will I think I should not be peevish with you You'd not provoke me and you'd always be ready to help me wouldn't you? Yes said Catherine stroking his long soft hair Papa's consent I'd spend half my time with you Pretty Linton I wish you were my brother And then you would like me as well as your father Observed he more cheerfully But Papa says you would love me better than him and all the world if you were my wife So I'd rather you were that No, I should never love anybody better than Papa And people hate their wives sometimes but not their sisters and brothers and if you were the latter you would live with us and Papa would be as fond of you as he is of me Linton denied that people ever hated their wives but Catherine affirmed they did and in her wisdom instanced his own father's aversion to her aunt I endeavoured to stop her thoughtless tongue I couldn't succeed till everything she knew was out If much irritated asserted her relation was false Papa told me and Papa does not tell falsehoods She answered pertly My Papa scorns yours cried Linton He calls him a sneaking fool Yours is a wicked man retorted Catherine And you were very naughty to dare to repeat what he says He must be wicked to have made Aunt Isabella leave him as she did She didn't leave him said the boy You shan't contradict me She did cried my young lady Well, I'll tell you something said Linton Your mother hated your father Now then exclaimed Catherine to enrage to continue And she loved her name You little liar I hate you now She panted and her face grew red with passion She did She did sang Linton singing into the recess of his chair and leaning back his head to enjoy the agitation of the other disputant who stood behind Hosh master Heathcliff I said that's your father's tale too I suppose It isn't You hold your tongue He answered She did Catherine She did She did Cathy beside herself gave the chair a violent push and caused him to fall against one arm He was immediately seized by a suffocating cough that soon ended his triumph It lasted so long that it frightened even me As to his cousin, she wept with all her might aghast at the mischief she had done Though she said nothing I held him till the fit exhausted itself Then he thrust me away and lent his head down silently Catherine quelled her lamentations also took a seat opposite and looked solemnly into the fire How do you feel now master Heathcliff I inquired after waiting ten minutes I wish she felt as I do He replied spiteful cruel thing Heriton never told me spiteful cruel thing Heriton never touches me He never struck me in his life And I was better today And there His voice died in a whimper I didn't strike you muttered Cathy chewing her lip to prevent another burst of emotion He sighed and moaned like one under great suffering and kept it up for a quarter of an hour on purpose to distress his cousin but whenever he caught a stifled sob from her he put renewed pain and pathos into the inflections of his voice I'm sorry I hurt you, Linton She said at length wracked beyond endurance But I couldn't have been hurt by that little push and I had no idea that you could either You're not much are you, Linton Don't let me go home thinking I've done you harm Answer, speak to me I can't speak to you He murmured You've hurt me so that I shall lie awake all night choking with this cough If you had it you'd know what it was but you'll be comfortably asleep while I'm in agony and nobody near me I wonder how you would like to pass those fearful nights And he began to wail aloud for very pity of himself Since you are in the habit of passing dreadful nights I said it won't be Miss who spoils your ease you'd be the same had she never come however she shall not disturb you again and perhaps you'll get quieter when we leave you Must I go? asked Catherine bending over him Do you want me to go, Linton? You can't alter what you've done He replied pettishly shrinking from her Unless you alter it for the worse by teasing me into a fever Well then I must go She repeated Let me alone at least Said he I can't bear your talking She lingered and resisted my persuasions to departure a tiresome while but as he neither looked up nor spoke she finally made a movement to the door and I followed We were recalled by a scream Linton had slid from his seat onto the hearthstone and lay writhing in the mere perverseness of an indulged plague of a child determined to be as grievous and harassing as it can I thoroughly gauged his disposition from his behaviour and saw it once it would be folly to attempt humouring him not so my companion she ran back in terror knelt down and cried and soothed and entreated till he grew quiet from lack of breath by no means from compunction at distressing her I shall lift him onto the settle I said and he may roll about as he pleases we can't stop to watch him I hope you are satisfied Miss Cathy that you are not the person to benefit him that his condition of health is not occasioned by attachment to you now then there he is come away as soon as he knows there is nobody by to care for his nonsense he'll be glad to lie still she placed a cushion under his head and offered him some water he rejected the latter and tossed on easily on the former as if it were a stone or a block of wood she tried to put it more comfortably I can't do with that he said not high enough Catherine brought another to lay above it that's too high murmured the provoking thing how must I arrange it then she asked despairingly he twined himself up to her as she half knelt by the settle and converted her shoulder into a support no that won't do I said you'll be content with the cushion Master Heathcliff Miss has wasted too much time on you already we cannot remain five minutes longer yes yes we can replied Cathy he's good and patient now he's beginning to think I shall have far greater misery than he will tonight if I believe he is the worst for my visit and then I dare not come again tell the truth about it Linton for I mustn't come if I have hurt you you must come you must cure me he answered you ought to come because you have hurt me you know you have extremely I was not as ill when you entered as I am at present was I but you've made yourself ill by crying and being in a passion I didn't do it all said his cousin however we'll be friends now and you want me you would wish to see me sometimes really I told you I did he replied impatiently sit on the saddle and let me lean on your knee that's as Mama used to do whole afternoons together sit quite still and don't talk but you may sing a song if you can sing or you may say a nice long interesting ballad one of those you promise to teach me or a story I'd rather have a ballad though begin Catherine repeated the longest she could remember the employment pleased both mightily Linton would have another and after that another notwithstanding my strenuous objections and so they went on until the clock struck twelve and we heard Herotin in the court returning for his dinner and tomorrow Catherine will you be here tomorrow? asked young Heathcliff holding her frock as she rose reluctantly no I answered nor next day neither she however gave a different response evidently for his forehead cleared as she stooped and whispered in his ear you won't go tomorrow recollect miss I commenced when we were out of the house you are not dreaming of it are you she smiled you'll take good care I continued I'll have that lock mended and you can escape by no way else I can get over the wall she said laughing the Grange is not a prison Ellen and you are not my jailer and besides I'm almost seventeen I'm a woman and I'm certain Linton would recover quickly if he had me to look after him I'm older than he as you know and wiser less childish am I not and he'll soon do as I direct him with some slight coaxing he's a pretty little darling when he's good I'd make such a pet of him if he were mine we should never quarrel should we after we were used to each other don't you like him Ellen like him I exclaimed the worst tempered bit of a sickly slip that ever struggled into its teens happily as Mr. Heathcliff conjectured he'll not win twenty I doubt whether he'll see spring indeed and small loss to his family whenever he drops off and lucky it is for us that his father took him the kinder he was treated the more tedious and selfish he'd be I'm glad you have no chance of having him for a husband Miss Catherine my companion waxed serious adhering this speech to speak of his death so regardlessly wounded her feelings he's younger than I she answered after a protracted pause of meditation and he ought to live the longest he will he must live as long as I do he's as strong now as when he first came into the north I'm positive of that it's only a cold the day else him the same as Papa has you say Papa will get better and why shouldn't he well well I cried after all we needn't trouble ourselves for listen Miss and mind I'll keep my word if you attempt going to Wuthering Heights again with or without me I shall inform Mr. Linton and unless he allow it the intimacy with your cousin must not be revived it has been revived muttered Cathy Sulkily must not be continued then I said we'll see was her reply and she set off at a gallop leaving me to toil in the rear we both reached home for our dinner time my master supposed we had been wandering through the park and therefore he demanded no explanation of our absence as soon as I entered I hastened to change my soaked shoes and stockings but sitting such a while at the Heights had done the mischief on the succeeding morning I was laid up and during three weeks I remained incapacitated for attending to my duties a calamity never experienced to say since my little mistress behaved like an angel in coming to wait on me and cheer my solitude the confinement brought me exceedingly low it is worrisome to a stirring active body but few have slighter reasons for complaint than I had the moment Catherine left Mr. Linton's room she appeared at my bedside her day was divided between us no amusement you served a minute she neglected her meals her studies and her play and she was the fondest nurse that ever watched she must have had a warm heart when she loved her father so to give so much to me I said her days were divided between us but the master retired early and I generally needed nothing after six o'clock thus the evening was her own poor thing I never considered what she did with herself after tea and though frequently when she looked in to bid me good night I remarked a fresh colour in her cheeks and a pinkness over her slender fingers instead of fancying the line borrowed from a cold ride across the moors I laid it to the charge of a hot fire in the library end of chapter 23 chapter 24 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte this LibriVox recording is in the public domain at the close of three weeks I was able to quit my chamber and move about the house on occasion of my sitting up in the evening I asked Catherine to read to me because my eyes were weak we were in the library the master having gone to bed she consented, rather unwillingly I fancied and imagining my sort of books did not suit her I bid her please herself in the choice of what she perused she selected one of her own favourites and got forward steadily about an hour then came frequent questions Ellen, are not you tired hadn't you better lie down now you'll be sick keeping up so long, Ellen no, no dear I'm not tired I returned continually perceiving me immovable she assayed another method of showing her disrelish for her occupation it changed to yawning and stretching and oh, Ellen, I'm tired give over then and talk, I answered that was worse she fretted inside and looked at her watch till eight and finally went to her room completely overdone with sleep judging by her pee-vish heavy look and the constant robbing she inflicted on her eyes the following night she seemed more impatient still and on the third from recovering my company she complained of a headache and left me I thought her conduct odd and having remained alone a long while I resolved on going and inquiring whether she were better and asking her to come and lie on the sofa instead of upstairs in the dark no Catherine could I discover upstairs and nonbelow the servants affirmed they had not seen her I listened at Mr. Edgar's door all was silence I returned to her apartment extinguished my candle and seated myself in the window the moon shone bright a sprinkling of snow covered the ground and I reflected that she might possibly have taken it into her head to walk about the garden for refreshment I did detect a figure creeping along the inner fence of the park but it was not my young mistress on its emerging into the light I recognized one of the grooms he stood a considerable period viewing the carriage road through the grounds then started off at a brisk pace as if he had detected something and reappeared presently leading Mrs. Pony and there she was just dismounted and walking by its side the man took his charge stealthily across the grass towards the stable Cathy entered by the casement window of the drawing room and glided noiselessly up to where I awaited her she put the door gently to slipped off her snowy shoes untied her hat and was proceeding unconscious of my espionage to lay aside her mantle when I suddenly rose and revealed myself the surprise petrified her an instant she uttered an inarticulate exclamation and stood fixed my dear Miss Catherine I began too vividly impressed by her recent kindness to break into a scold where have you been riding out at this hour and why should you try to deceive me by telling a tale where have you been speak to the bottom of the park she stammered I didn't tell a tale and nowhere else I demanded no was the muttered reply oh Catherine I cried sorrowfully you know you have been doing wrong or you wouldn't be driven to uttering an untruth to me that does grieve me I'd rather be three months ill than hear you frame a deliberate lie she sprang forward and bursting into tears through her arms around my neck well Ellen I'm so afraid of you being angry she said promise not to be angry and you shall know the very truth I hate to hide it I sat down in the window seat I assured her I would not scold whatever her secret might be and I guessed it of course so she commenced I've been to Wuthering Heights Ellen and I've never missed going a day since you fell ill except thrice before and twice after you left your room I gave Michael books and pictures to prepare Minnie every evening and to put her back in the stable you mustn't scold him either mind I was at the Heights by half past six and generally stayed till half past eight and then galloped home it was not to amuse myself that I went I was often wretched all the time now and then I was happy once in a week perhaps at first I expected there would be sad work persuading you to let me keep my word to Linton for I had engaged to call again next day when we quitted him but as you stayed upstairs on the morrow I escaped that trouble while Michael was refastening the lock of the up-door in the afternoon I got possession of the key and told him how my cousin wished me to visit him because he was sick and couldn't come to the Grange and how Papa would object to my going and then I negotiated with him about the pony he is fond of reading and he thinks of leaving soon to get married so he offered if I would lend him books out of the library to do what I wished but I preferred giving him my own and that satisfied him better on my second visit Linton in lively spirits and Zilla that is their housekeeper made us a clean room and a good fire and told us that as Joseph was out at a prayer meeting and Herton Earnshaw was off with his dogs robbing our woods of pheasants as I heard afterwards we might do what we liked she brought me some warm wine and gingerbread and appeared exceedingly good-natured and Linton sat in the armchair and I in the little rocking chair in the hearthstone and we laughed and talked so merrily and found so much to say we planned where we would go and what we would do in summer I needn't repeat that because you would call it silly one time however we were near quarrelling he said the pleasantest manner of spending a hot July day was lying from morning till evening on a bank of heath in the middle of the moors with the bees humming dreamily about among the bloom and the lark singing high up overhead and the blue sky and bright sun shining steadily and cloudlessly that was his most perfect idea of heaven's happiness mine was rocking in a rustling green tree with a west wind blowing and bright white clouds flitting rapidly above and not only larks but throssels and blackbirds and linets and cuckoos pouring out music on every side and the moors seen at a distance broken into cool dusky dels but close by great swells of long grass undulating in waves to the breeze and woods and sounding water and the whole world awake and wild with joy he wanted all to lie in an ecstasy of peace I wanted all to sparkle and dance in a glorious jubilee I said his heaven would be only half alive and he said mine would be drunk I said I should fall asleep in his and he said he could not breathe in mine and began to grow very snappish at last we agreed to try both as soon as the right weather came and then we kissed each other and were friends after sitting still an hour I looked at the great room with its smooth uncarpeted floor and thought how nice it would be to play in if we removed the table and I asked Linton to call Zilla in to help us and we'd have a game at Blindman's Bluff she should try to catch us you used to you know Ellen he wouldn't there was no pleasure in it he said but he consented to play at ball with me we found two in a cupboard among a heap of old toys tops and hoops and battle doors and shuttle cocks one was marked C and the other H I wished to have the C because that stood for Catherine and the H might be for Heathcliff his name but the brand came out of H and Linton didn't like it I beat him constantly and he got cross again and coughed and returned to his chair that night though he easily recovered his good humour he was charmed with two or three pretty songs your songs Ellen and when I was obliged to go he begged and treated me to come the following evening and I promised Minnie and I went flying home as light as air and I dreamt of weathering heights and my sweet darling cousin till morning on the morrow I was sad partly because you were poorly and partly that I wished my father knew and approved of my excursions but it was beautiful moonlight after tea and as I rode on the gloom cleared I shall have another happy evening I thought to myself and what delights me more my pretty Linton will I trotted up their garden and was turning round to the back when that fellow Earnshaw met me took my bridle and bid me go in by the front entrance he patted Minnie's neck and said she was a bonny beast and appeared as if he wanted me to speak to him I only told him to leave my horse alone or else it would kick him he answered in his vulgar accent it wouldn't do much hurt if it did and surveyed its legs with a smile I was half inclined to make it try however he moved off to open the door and as he raised the latch he looked up to the inscription above and said with a stupid mixture of awkwardness and elation Miss Catherine, I can read you on no Wonderful I exclaimed pray let us hear you you are grown clever he spelt and drawled over by Syllables the name Herton Earnshaw and the figures I cried encouragingly perceiving that he came to a dead halt I cannot tell them yet he answered oh you dunce I said laughing heartily at his failure the fools stared with a grin hovering about his lips and a scowl gathering over his eyes as if uncertain whether he might not join in my mirth whether it were not pleasant familiarity or what it really was contempt I settled his doubts by suddenly retrieving my gravity and desiring him to walk away for I came to see Linton not him he reddened I saw that by the moonlight dropped his hand from the latch and sculpted off a picture of mortified vanity he imagined himself to be as accomplished as Linton I suppose because he could spell his own name and was marvelously discomfited saying Stop, Miss Catherine, dear I interrupted I shall not scold but I don't like your conduct there if you had remembered that Herton was your cousin as much as Master Heathcliff you would have felt how improper it was to behave in that way at least it was praiseworthy ambition for him to desire to be as accomplished as Linton and probably he did not learn merely to show off you had made him ashamed of his ignorance or I have no doubt and he wished to remedy it and please you to sneer at his imperfect attempt was very bad breeding had you been brought up in his circumstances would you be less rude he was as quick and as intelligent a child as ever you were and I'm hurt that he should be despised now because that base Heathcliff has treated him so unjustly Well, Ellen, you won't cry about it, will you? she exclaimed surprised at my earnestness but wait and you shall hear if he conned his ABC to please me and if it were worthwhile being civil to the brute I entered Linton was lying on the settle and half got up to welcome me I'm ill tonight Catherine Lough he said and you must have all the talk and let me listen come and sit by me I was sure you wouldn't break your word and I'll make you promise again before you go I knew now that I mustn't tease him as he was ill and I spoke softly and put no questions and avoided irritating him in any way I had brought some of my nicest books for him he asked me to read a little of one and I was about to comply when Earnshaw burst the door open having gathered venom with reflection he advanced direct to us seized Linton by the arm and swung him off the seat get to that own room he said in a voice almost inarticulate with passion and his face looked swelled and furious take her there if she comes to see thee thou shalln't keep me out of this be gone with you both he swore at us and left Linton no time to answer nearly throwing him into the kitchen and he clenched his fist as I followed seemingly longing to knock me down I was afraid for a moment and I let one volume out he kicked it after me and shut us out I heard him a lignant crackly laugh by the fire and turning beheld that odious Joseph standing rubbing his bony hands and quivering I was sure it's savvy out he's a grand lad he's getting the right spirit in him he knows I, he knows as well as I do who should be the master yonder eh, eh, eh he made his gift properly eh, eh, eh where must we go? I asked of my cousin disregarding the old wretches mockery Linton was white and trembling he was not pretty then, Ellen oh, no, he looked frightful for his thin face and large eyes were wrought into an expression of frantic, powerless fury he grasped the handle of the door and shook it, it was fastened inside if you don't let me in I'll kill you if you don't let me in I'll kill you he rather shrieked than said devil, devil I'll kill you I'll kill you Joseph uttered his croaking laugh again there, that's the father he cried that's father we will assume it on either side in us never heed, Herot and Lad do not be feared he cannot get at thee I took hold of Linton's hands and tried to pull him away but he shrieked so shockingly that I dared not to proceed at last his cries were choked by a dreadful fit of coughing blood gushed from his mouth and he fell on the ground I ran into the yard sick with terror and called for Zilla as loud as I could she soon heard me she was milking the cows in a shed behind the barn and hurrying from her work I hadn't breath to explain dragging her in I looked about for Linton Earnshaw had come out to examine the mischief he had caused and he was then conveying the poor thing upstairs Zilla and I ascended after him but he stopped me at the top of the steps and said I shouldn't go in I must go home I exclaimed that he had killed Linton and I would enter Joseph locked the door and declared I should do no such stuff and asked me whether I were bad to be as bad as him I stood crying till the housekeeper reappeared she affirmed he would be better in a bit but he couldn't do with that shrieking and din and she took me and nearly carried me into the house Ellen I was ready to tear my hair off my head I sobbed and wept so that my eyes were almost blind and the ruffian you have such sympathy with stood opposite presuming every now and then to bid me wished and denying that it was his fault finally frightened by my assertions that I would tell Papa and that he should be put in prison and hanged he commenced blubbering himself and hurried out to hide his cowardly agitation still I was not rid of him when at length they compelled me to depart and I had got some hundred yards off the premises he suddenly issued from the shadow of the roadside and checked Mini and took hold of me Miss Catherine Amil grieved he began to give him a cut with my whip thinking perhaps he would murder me he let go thundering one of his horrid curses and I galloped home more than half out of my senses I didn't bid you good night that evening and I didn't go to weathering heights the next I wished to go exceedingly but I was strangely excited and dreaded to hear that Linton was dead sometimes and sometimes shuttered at the thought of encountering Herton on the third day I took courage at least I couldn't bear longer suspense and stole off once more I went at five o'clock and walked fancying I might manage to creep into the house and up to Linton's room unobserved however the dogs gave notice of my approach Zilla received me and saying the lad was mending nicely showed me into a small tidy carpeted apartment where to my inexpressible joy I beheld Linton laid on a little sofa reading one of my books but he would neither speak to me nor look at me through a whole hour, Ellen he has such an unhappy temper and what quite confounded me when he did open his mouth it was to utter the falsehood that I had occasioned to the uproar and Herton was not to blame unable to reply except passionately I got up and walked from the room he sent after me a faint Catherine he did not reckon on being answered so but I wouldn't turn back and the morrow was the second day on which I stayed at home nearly determined to visit him no more but it was so miserable going to bed and getting up and never hearing anything about him that my resolution melted into air before it was properly formed it had appeared wrong to take the journey once now it seemed wrong to refrain Michael came to ask if he must saddle Mini I said yes and considered myself doing a duty as she bore me over the hills I was forced to pass the front windows to get to the court it was no use trying to conceal my presence young master is in the house said Zilla as she saw me making for the parlour I went in Earnshaw was there also but he quitted the room directly Linton sat in the great armchair half asleep walking up to the fire I began in a serious tone partly meaning it to be true as you don't like me Linton and as you think I come on purpose to hurt you and pretend that I do so every day this is our last meeting let us say goodbye and tell Mr Heathcliff that you have no wish to see me and that he mustn't invent any more falsehoods on the subject sit down and take your hat off Catherine he answered you are so much happier than I am you ought to be better Papa talks enough of my defects and shows enough scorn of me to make it natural I should do it I should do it to make it natural I should doubt myself I doubt whether I am not altogether as worthless as he calls me frequently and then I feel so cross and bitter I hate everybody I am worthless and bad in temper and bad in spirit almost always and if you choose you may say goodbye you'll get rid of an annoyance only Catherine do me this justice believe that if I might be as sweet and as kind and as good as you are I would be as willingly and more so than as happy and healthy and believe that your kindness has made me love you deeper than if I deserved your love and though I couldn't and cannot help showing my nature to you I regret it and repent it and shall regret and repent it till I die I felt he spoke the truth and I felt I must forgive him and though we should quarrel the next moment I must forgive him again we were reconciled but we cried both of us the whole time I stayed not entirely for sorrow yet I was sorry Linton had that distorted nature he'll never let his friends be at ease and he'll never be at ease himself I've always gone to his little parlour since that night because his father returned the day after about three times I think we've been merry and hopeful as we were the first evening the rest of my visits were dreary and troubled now with his selfishness in spite and now with his sufferings but I've learned to endure the form with nearly as little resentment as the latter Mr. Heathcliff purposely avoids me I have hardly seen him at all last Sunday indeed coming earlier than usual I heard him abusing poor Linton cruelly for his conduct of the night before I can't tell how he knew of it unless he listened Linton had certainly behaved provokingly however it was the business of nobody but me and I interrupted Mr. Heathcliff's lecture by entering and telling him so he burst into a laugh and went away saying he was glad I took that view of the matter since then I've told Linton he must whisper his bitter things now Ellen you have heard all I can't be prevented from going to Wuthering Heights except by inflicting misery on two people whereas if you'll only not tell Papa my going need to stab the tranquility of none you'll not tell will you it'll be very heartless if you do I'll make up my mind on that point by tomorrow Miss Catherine I replied it requires some study and so I'll leave you to your rest and go think it over I thought it over aloud in my master's presence walking straight from her room to his and relating the whole story with the exception of her conversations with her cousin and any mention of heriton Mr. Linton was alarmed and distressed more than he would acknowledge to me in the morning Catherine learnt my betrayal of her confidence and she learnt also that her secret visits were to end in vain she wept and writhed against the interdict and implored her father to have pity on Linton all she got to comfort her was a promise that he would write and give him leave to come to the Grange when he pleased but explaining that he must no longer expect to see Catherine at Wuthering Heights perhaps had he been aware of his nephew's disposition and state of health he would have seen fit to withhold even that slight consolation these things happened last winter sir said Mrs. Dean hardly more than a year ago last winter I did not think at another twelve months end I should be amusing a stranger to the family with relating them yet who knows how long you'll be a stranger you're too young to rest always contented living by yourself and I some way fancy no one could see Catherine Linton and not love her you smile but why do you look so lively and interested when I talk about her and why have you asked me to hang her picture over your fireplace and why stop my good friend I cried it may be very possible that I should love her but would she love me I doubt it too much to venture my tranquility by running into temptation and then my home is not here I'm of the busy world and to its arms I must return go on was Catherine obedient to her father's commands she was continued the housekeeper her affection for him was still the chief sentiment in her heart and he spoke without anger he spoke in the deep tenderness of one about to leave his treasure amid perils and foes where his remembered words would be the only aid that he could bequeath to guide her he said to me a few days afterwards I wish my nephew would write to Ellen or call tell me sincerely what you think of him has he changed for the better or is there a prospect of improvement as he grows to a man he's very delicate sir I replied and scarcely likely to reach manhood but this I can say he does not resemble his father and if Miss Catherine had the misfortune to marry him he would not be beyond her control unless she were extremely and foolishly indulgent however master you'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with him and see whether he would suit her it wants four years and more to his being of age Edgar's side and walking to the window looked out towards Gimmett and Kirk it was a misty afternoon but the February sun shone dimly and we could just distinguish the two fir trees in the yard and the sparely scattered gravestones I've prayed often he half soliloquized for the approach of what is coming and now I begin to shrink and fear it I thought the memory of the hour I came down that glen of bright groom would be less sweet than the anticipation that I was soon in a few months or possibly weeks to be carried up and laid in its lonely hollow Ellen, I've been very happy with my little Cathy through winter nights and summer days she was a living hope at my side but I've been as happy musing by myself among these stones under that old church lying through the long June evenings on the green mound of her mother's grave and wishing yearning for the time when I might lie beneath it what can I do for Cathy? how must I quit her? I'd not care one moment for Linton being Heathcliff's son nor for his taking her from me if he could console her for my loss I'd not care that Heathcliff gained his ends and triumphed in robbing me of my last blessing but should Linton be unworthy only a feeble tool of his father I cannot abandon her to him and hard though it be to crush her buoyant spirit I must persevere in making her sad while I live and leaving her solitary when I die Darling, I'd rather resign her to God and lay her in the earth before me Resign her to God as it is, sir, I answered and if we should lose you which may he forbid under his providence I'll stand her friend and counsellor to the last Miss Catherine is a good girl I don't fear that she will go willfully wrong and people who do their duty are always finally rewarded Spring advanced yet my master gathered no real strength though he resumed his walks in the grounds with his daughter to her inexperienced notions this itself was a sign of convalescence and then his cheek was often flushed and his eyes were bright she felt sure of his recovering on her seventeenth birthday he did not visit the churchyard it was raining and I observed you'll surely not go out tonight, sir, he answered no, I'll defer it this year a little longer he wrote again to Linton expressing his great desire to see him and had the invalid been presentable I've no doubt his father would have permitted him to come as it was being instructed he returned an answer intimating that Mr Heathcliff objected to his calling at the Grange but his uncle's kind remembrance delighted him and he hoped to meet him sometimes in his rumbles and personally to petition that his cousin and he might not remain long so utterly divided that part of his letter was simple and probably his own Heathcliff knew he could plead eloquently for Catherine's company then I do not ask he said that she may visit me here but am I never to see her because my father forbids me to go to her home and you forbid her to come to mine do now and then ride with her towards the heights and let us exchange a few words in your presence we have done nothing to deserve this separation and you are not angry with me you have no reason to dislike me you allow yourself dear uncle send me a kind note tomorrow and leave to join you anywhere you please except at Thras Cross Grange I believe an interview would convince you that my father's character is not mine he affirms I am more your nephew than his son and though I have faults which render me unworthy of Catherine she has excused them and for her sake you should also you inquire after my health it is better but while I remain cut off from all hope and doomed to solitude or society of those who never did and never will like me how can I be cheerful and well? Edgar, though he felt for the boy could not consent to grant his request because he could not accompany Catherine he said in summer perhaps they might meet meantime he wished him to continue writing at intervals and engaged to give him what advice and comfort he was able by letter being well aware of his hard position in his family Linton complied and had he been unrestrained would probably have spoiled all by filling his epistles with complaints and lamentations but his father kept a sharp watch over him and of course insisted on every line that my master sent being shown so instead of penning his peculiar personal sufferings and distresses the themes constantly uppermost on his thoughts he harped on the cruel obligation of being held asunder from his friend and love and gently intimated that Mr. Linton must allow an interview soon or he should fear he was purposely deceiving him with empty promises Kathy was a powerful ally at home and between them they at length persuaded my master to acquiesce in there having a ride or a walk together about once a week under my guardianship and on the moors nearest the Grange for June found him still declining though he had set aside yearly a portion of his income for my young lady's fortune he had a natural desire that she might retain or at least return in a short time to the house of her ancestors and he considered her only prospect of doing that was by a union with his heir he had no idea that the latter was failing almost as fast as himself nor had anyone I believe no doctor visited the heights and nor one saw master Heathcliff to make a report of his condition among us I for my part began to fancy my forebodings were false and that he must be actually rallying when he mentioned riding and walking on the moors and seemed so earnest in pursuing his object I could not picture a father treating a dying child as tyrannically and wickedly as I afterwards learned Heathcliff had treated him to compel this apparent eagerness his efforts redoubling the more imminently his avaricious and unfeeling plans threatened with defeat by death End of Chapter 25 Chapter 26 of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain Summer was already past its prime when Edgar reluctantly yielded his assent to their entreaties and Catherine and I set out on our first ride to join her cousin it was a close, sultry day, devoid of sunshine but with the sky too dappled and hazy to threaten rain and our place of meeting had been fixed at the guide-stone by the crossroads On arriving there, however, a little herd boy, dispatched as a messenger, told us that Master Linton were just off the side of Heights and he'd be much obliged to us to go on a bit further Then master Linton had forgot the first injunction of his uncle, I observed he bid us keep on the Grange land and here we are off it once Well, we'll turn our horses' heads round when we reach him answered my companion Our excursion shall lie towards home But when we reached him and that was scarcely a quarter of a mile from his own door we found he had no horse and we were forced to dismount and leave ours to graze He lay on the heath awaiting our approach and did not rise till we came within a few yards Then he walked so feebly and looked so pale that I immediately exclaimed Why, master Heathcliff, you are not fit for enjoying a ramble this morning How ill you do look! Catherine surveyed him with grief and astonishment She'd changed the ejaculation of joy on her lips to one of alarm and the congratulation on their long postponed meeting to an anxious inquiry whether he were worse than usual No, better, better He chanted, trembling and retaining her hand as if he needed its support while his large blue eyes wandered timidly over her The hollowness round them transforming to haggard wildness the languid expression they once possessed But you have been worse persisted his cousin Worse than when I saw you last You are thinner and I'm tired He interrupted hurriedly It is too hot for walking Let us rest here And in the morning I often feel sick Papa says I grow so fast Badly satisfied, Cathy sat down and he reclined beside her This is something like your paradise Said she, making an effort at cheerfulness You recollect the two days we agreed to spend in the place and way each thought pleasantest This is nearly yours Only there are clouds Where they are so soft and mellow It is nicer than sunshine Next week if you can we'll ride down to the Grange Park and try mine Linton did not appear to remember what she talked of and he had evidently great difficulty in sustaining any kind of conversation His lack of interest in the subjects she started and his equal incapacity to contribute to her entertainment were so obvious that she could not conceal her disappointment An indefinite alteration had come over his whole person and manner The pettishness that might be caressed into fondness had yielded to a listless apathy There was less of the peevish temper of a child which frets and teases on purpose to be soothed and more of the self-absorbed moroseness of a confirmed invalid repelling consolation and ready to regard the good-humored mirth of others as an insult Catherine perceived as well as I did that he held it rather a punishment than a gratification to endure our company and she made no scruple of proposing presently to depart That proposal unexpectedly roused Linton from his lethargy and threw him into a strange state of agitation He glanced fearfully towards the heights begging she would remain another half-hour at least But I think, said Cathy, you'd be more comfortable at home than sitting here and I cannot amuse you today I see by my tales and songs and chatter You have grown wiser than I in these six months You have little taste for my diversions now or else if I could amuse you I'd willingly stay Stay to rest yourself He replied And Catherine, don't think or say that I'm very unwell It is the heavy weather and heat that makes me dull And I walked about before you came A great deal for me Tell Uncle I'm intolerable health, will you? I'll tell him that you say so, Linton I couldn't affirm that you are Observed my young lady wondering at his pertenacious assertion of what was evidently an untruth And be here again, next Thursday Continuity shunning her puzzled gaze And give her my thanks for permitting you to come My best thanks, Catherine And if you did meet my father And he asked you about me Don't lead him to suppose that I've been extremely silent and stupid Don't look sad and downcast as you are doing He'll be angry I care nothing for his anger Exclaimed Cathy, imagining she would be its object But I do Said her cousin, shuddering Don't provoke him against me, Catherine For he is very hard Is he severe to you, Master Heathcliff? I inquired Has he grown wary of indulgence and passed from passive to active hatred? Linton looked at me but did not answer And, after keeping her seat by his side another ten minutes During which his head fell drowsily on his breast And he uttered nothing except suppressed moans of exhaustion or pain Cathy began to seek solace in looking for billberries And sharing the produce of her researches with me She did not offer them to him For she saw further notice would only weary and annoy Is it half an hour now, Ellen? She whispered in my ear at last I can't tell why we should stay He's asleep and Papa will be wanting us back Well, we must not leave him asleep, I answered Wait till he wakes and be patient You were mighty eager to set off But your longing to see poor Linton has soon evaporated Why did he wish to see me? Returned Catherine In his cross-est humors formerly I liked him better than I do in his present curious mood It's just as if it were a task he was compelled to perform This interview, for fear his father should scold him But I'm hardly going to come to give Mr. Heathcliff pleasure Whatever reason he may have for ordering Linton to undergo this penance And though I'm glad he's better in health I'm sorry he's so much less pleasant And so much less affectionate to me You think he is better in health then, I said Yes, she answered Because he always made such a great deal of his sufferings, you know He is not tolerably well as he told me to tell Papa But he's better, very likely There you differ with me, Miss Cathy, I remarked I should conjecture him to be far worse Linton here started from his slumber in bewildered terror And asked if anyone had called his name No, said Catherine And lessened dreams I cannot conceive how you managed to doze out of doors in the morning I thought I heard my father He gasped, glancing up to the frowning nab above us You are sure nobody spoke? Quite sure, replied his cousin So Nielen and I were disputing concerning your health Are you truly stronger, Linton, than when we were separated in winter? If you be, I'm certain one thing is not stronger You're a guard for me Speak, are you? The tears gushed from Linton's eyes as he answered Yes, yes I am And still under the spell of the imaginary voice His gaze wandered up and down to detect its owner Cathy rose For today we must part, she said And I won't conceal that I have been sadly disappointed with our meeting Though I'll mention it to nobody but you Not that I stand in awe of Mr Heathcliff Hush, murmured Linton For God's sake, hush, he's coming And he clung to Catherine's arm, striving to detain her But at that announcement she hastily disengaged herself And whistled to Minnie, who obeyed her like a dog I'll be here next Thursday She cried, springing to the saddle Goodbye, quick, Ellen And so we left him, scarcely conscious of our departure So absorbed was he in anticipating his father's approach Before we reached home Catherine's displeasure softened Into a perplexed sensation of pity and regret Largely blended with vague uneasy doubts about Linton's actual circumstances Physical and social, in which I partook Though I counseled her not to say much For a second journey would make us better judges My master requested an account of our on-going's His nephew's offering of thanks was duly delivered Miss Cathy gently touching on the rest I also threw little light on his inquiries For I hardly knew what to hide and what to reveal Seven days glided away Everyone marking its course by the henceforth rapid alteration Of Edgar Linton's state The havoc that Monts had previously wrought Was now emulated by the inroads of ours Catherine we would feign have deluded yet But her own quick spirit refused to delude her It divined in secret and brooded on the dreadful probability Gradually ripening into certainty She had not the heart to mention her ride When Thursday came round I mentioned it for her And obtained permission to order her out of doors For the library where her father stopped a short time daily The brief period he could bear to sit up And his chamber had become her whole world She grojged each moment that did not find her bending over his pillow Or seated by his side Her countenance grew one with watching and sorrow And my master gladly dismissed her to what he flattered himself To be change of scene and society Drawing comfort from the hope that she would not now be left entirely alone After his death He had a fixed idea, I guessed, by several observations he let fall That, as his nephew resembled him in person, he would resemble him in mind For Linton's letters bore few or no indications of his defective character And I, through pardonable weakness, refrained from correcting the error Asking myself what good there would be in disturbing his last moments With information that he had neither power nor opportunity to turn to account We deferred our excursion till the afternoon A golden afternoon of August Every breath from the hills so full of life That it seemed to ever respire did, though dying might revive Catherine's face was just like the landscape Shadows and sunshine flitting over it in rapid succession But the shadows rested longer and the sunshine was more transient And her poor little heart reproached itself for even that passing forgetfulness of its cares We discerned Linton watching at the same spot he had selected before My young mistress alighted and told me that, as she was resolved to stay a very little while I had better hold the pony and remain on horseback But I dissented, I wouldn't risk losing sight of the charge committed to me a minute So he climbed the slope of Heath together Master Heathcliff received us with greater animation on this occasion Not the animation of high spirits, though, nor yet of joy It looked more like fear It is late He said, speaking short and with difficulty It is not your father very ill I thought you wouldn't come Why won't you be candid? cried Catherine, swallowing her greeting Why cannot you say it once you don't want me? It is strange, Linton, that for the second time you have brought me here on purpose Apparently to distress us both and for no reason besides Linton shivered and glanced at her, half supplicating, half ashamed But his cousin's patience was not sufficient to endure this enigmatical behaviour My father is very ill, she said And why am I called from his bedside? Why didn't you send to absolve me from my promise when you wished I wouldn't keep it? Come, I desire an explanation Playing and trifling are completely banished out of my mind And I can't dance attendance on your affectations now My affections He murmured What are they? For heaven's sake, Catherine, don't look so angry Despise me as much as you please I am a worthless cowardly wretch I can't be scorned enough But I am too mean for your anger Hate my father And spare me for contempt Nonsense! cried Catherine in a passion Foolish, silly boy And there he trembles as if I were really going to touch him You needn't bespeak contempt, Linton Anybody will have it spontaneously at your service Get off! I shall return home It is folly dragging you from the hearthstone and pretending What do we pretend? Let go, my frock If I pitied you for crying and looking so very frightened You should sperm such pity Ellen, tell him how disgraceful this conduct is Rise and don't degrade yourself into an abject reptile Don't! With streaming face and an expression of agony Linton had thrown his nerveless frame along the ground He seemed convulsed with exquisite terror He sobbed I cannot bear it Catherine, Catherine, I'm a traitor too And I dare not tell you But leave me and I shall be killed Dear Catherine My life is in your hands And you have said you loved me And if you did it wouldn't harm you You'll not go then Kind, sweet good Catherine And perhaps you will consent And he'll let me die with you My young lady, on witnessing his intense anguish Stooped to rise him This feeling of indulgent tenderness overcame her vexation And she grew thoroughly moved and alarmed Consent to what? She asked To stay? Tell me the meaning of this strange talk and I will You contradict your own words and distract me Be calm and frank and confess it once all that weighs on your heart You wouldn't injure me, Linton, would you? You wouldn't let any enemy hurt me if you could prevent it? I'll believe you are a coward for yourself But not a cowardly betrayer of your best friend But my father threatened me Gasp'd the boy, clasping his attenuated fingers And I dread him, I dread him, I dare not tell Oh well, said Catherine with scornful compassion Keep your secret, I'm no coward Save yourself, I'm not afraid Her magnanimity provoked his tears He wept wildly, kissing her supporting hands And yet could not summon courage to speak out I was cogitating what the mystery might be And a term and Catherine should never suffer to benefit him or anyone else By my good will When, hearing a rustle among the ling, I looked up And saw Mr. Heathcliff almost close upon us, descending the heights He didn't cast a glance towards my companions Though they were sufficiently near for Linton's sobs to be audible But, hailing me in the most hearty tone he assumed to none besides And a sincerity of which I couldn't avoid doubting, he said It is something to see you so near to my house, Nelly How are you at the Grange? Let us hear The rumour goes He added in a lower tone That Edgar Linton is on his deathbed Perhaps they exaggerate his illness? No, my master is dying, I replied It is true enough, a sad thing it will be for us all But a blessing for him How long will he last, do you think? He asked I don't know, I said Because He continued looking at the two young people who were fixed under his eye Linton appeared as if he could not venture to stir or raise his head And Catherine could not move on his account Because that lad yonder seems determined to beat me And I'd thank his uncle to be quick and go before him Hello, has the well been playing that game long? I did give him some lessons about snivelling Is he pretty lively with Miss Linton generally? Lively? No, he has shown the greatest distress, I answered To see him I should say that instead of rambling with his sweetheart on the hills He ought to be in bed, under the hands of a doctor He shall be in a day or two muttered Heathcliff But first, get up Linton, get up He shouted Don't grovel on the ground there, up this moment Linton had sunk prostrate again in another paroxysm of helpless fear Caused by his father's glance towards him, I suppose There was nothing else to produce such humiliation He made several efforts to obey but his little strength was annihilated for the time And he fell back again with a moan Heathcliff advanced and lifted him to lean against a ridge of turf Now Said he, with curbed ferocity I'm getting angry if you don't command that paltry spirit of yours Damn you, get up directly I will, father He punted Only, let me alone I shall faint I've done as you wished, I'm sure Catherine will tell you that I... That I have been cheerful Ah, keep by me Catherine Give me your hand Take mine Said his father Stand on your feet There now, she'll lend you her arm That's right, look at her You would imagine I was the devil himself, Miss Linton, to excite such horror He's so kind as to walk home with him, will you? His shutters of eye touch him Linton, dear Whispered Catherine I can't go to Wuthering Heights Papa has forbidden me He'll not harm you, why are you so afraid? I can never re-enter that house He answered I'm not to re-enter it Without you Stop Cried his father We'll respect Catherine's filial scruples Nellie, take him in, and I'll follow your advice concerning the doctor without delay You'll do well, replied I, but I must remain with my mistress to mind your son is not my business You are very stiff, said Heathcliff I know that, but you'll force me to pinch the baby and make it scream before it moves your charity Come then, my hero, are you willing to return escorted by me? He approached once more and made as if he would seize the fragile being But, shrinking back, Linton clung to his cousin and implored her to accompany him with a frantic Importunity that admitted no denial However, I disapproved, I couldn't hinder her Indeed, how could she have refused him herself? What was filling him with dread we had no means of discerning But there he was, powerless under its grip and any addition seemed capable of shocking him into idiocy We reached the threshold, Catherine walked in and I stood waiting till she had conducted the invalid to a chair Expecting her out immediately when Mr. Heathcliff pushing me forward exclaimed My house is not stricken with the plague, Nellie, and I have a mind to be hospitable today Sit down and allow me to shut the door He shut and locked it also, I started You shall have tea before you go home He added I am by myself, Ayrton is gone with some cattle to the Lees and Zilla and Joseph are off on a journey of pleasure And though I'm used to being alone I'd rather have some interesting company if I can get it Miss Linton, take your seat by him I give you what I have, the present is hardly worth accepting but I have nothing else to offer It is Linton, I mean How she does stare It's not what a savage feeling I have to anything that seems afraid of me Had I been born where laws are less strict and tastes less dainty I should treat myself to a slow vivisection of those two as an evening's amusement He drew in his breath, struck the table and swore to himself By hell I hate them I am not afraid of you exclaimed Catherine who could not hear the latter part of his speech She stepped close up, her black eyes flashing with passion and resolution Give me that key, I will have it She said I wouldn't eat or drink here if I was starving Heathcliff had the key in his hand that remained on the table He looked up, seized with a sort of surprise at her boldness Or possibly reminded by her voice and glance of the person from whom she inherited it She snatched at the instrument and have succeeded in getting it out of his loosened fingers But her action recalled him to the present, he recovered it speedily Now Catherine Linton He said Stand off or I shall knock you down, and that will make Mrs. Dean mad Regardless of this warning, she captured his closed hand and its contents again We will go She repeated, exerting her utmost efforts to cause the iron muscles to relax And finding that her nails made no impression, she applied her teeth pretty sharply Heathcliff glanced at me a glance that kept me from interfering a moment Catherine was too intent on his fingers to notice his face He opened them suddenly and resigned the object of dispute But ere she had well secured it, he seized her with the liberated hand And pulling her on his knee administered with the other a shower of terrific slaps on both sides of the head Each sufficient to have fulfilled his threat had she been able to fall At this diabolical violence I rushed on him furiously You villain! I began to cry You villain! A touch on the chest silenced me I am stout and soon put out of breath And what with that and the rage I staggered dizzily back and felt ready to suffocate Or to burst a blood vessel The scene was over in two minutes Catherine released, put her two hands to her temples And looked just as if she were not sure whether her ears were off or on She trembled like a reed poor thing and lent against the table perfectly bewildered I know how to chastise children you see Said the scoundrel grimly as he stooped to repossess himself of the key which had dropped to the floor Go to Linton now as I told you and cry at your ease I shall be your father to-morrow, all the father you'll have in a few days And you shall have plenty of that You can bear plenty, you're no weakling You shall have a daily taste if I catch such a devil of a temper in your eyes again Cathy ran to me instead of Linton and knelt down and put her burning cheek on my lap weeping aloud Her cousin had shrunk into a corner of the settle as quiet as a mouse congratulating himself I daresay that the correction had alighted on another than him Mr. Heathcliff perceiving us all confounded, rose and expeditiously made the tea himself The cups and saucers were laid ready, he poured it out and handed me a cup Wash away your spleen And help your own naughty pet and mine It is not poisoned though I prepared it I'm going out to seek your horses Our first thought on his departure was to force an exit somewhere We tried the kitchen door but that was fastened outside We looked at the windows, they were too narrow for even Cathy's little figure Mr. Linton, I cried, seeing we were regularly imprisoned You know what your diabolical father is after and you shall tell us or I'll box your ears as he has done your cousins Yes Linton, you must tell Said Catherine It was for your sake I came and it will be wickedly ungrateful if you refuse Give me some tea, I'm thirsty and then I'll tell you He answered Mrs. Dean, go away, I don't like you standing over me Now Catherine, you are letting your tears fall into my cup I won't drink that, give me another Catherine pushed another to him and wiped her face I felt disgusted at the little wretches composure since he was no longer in terror for himself The anguish he had exhibited on the moor subsided as soon as ever he entered Wuthering Heights So I guessed he had been menaced with an awful visitation of wrath if he failed in decoying us there And that accomplished he had no further immediate fears Papa wants us to be married He continued after sipping some of the liquid And he knows your papa wouldn't let us marry now And he's afraid of my dying if we wait So we are to be married in the morning And you are to stay here all night And if you do as he wishes You shall return home next day And take me with you Take you with her pitiful changeling I exclaimed You marry Why the man is mad Or he thinks us fools, everyone And do you imagine that beautiful young lady, that healthy, hearty girl Will tie herself to a little perishing monkey like you Are you cherishing the notion that anybody, let alone Miss Catherine Linton Would have you for a husband You want whipping for bringing us in here at all With your dastardly-puling tricks And don't look so silly now Neither very good mind to shake you severely For your contemptible treachery And your imbecile conceit I did give him a slight shaking But it brought on the cough And he took to his ordinary resource Of moaning and weeping And Catherine rebuked me Stay all night No She said, looking slowly round Ellen, I'll burn that door down But I'll get out And she would have commenced the execution Of her threat directly But Linton was up in alarm for his dear self again He clustered her in his two feeble arms sobbing Won't you have me and save me Not let me come to the grunge Oh, darling Catherine You mustn't go and leave after all You must obey my father You must I must obey my own She replied And relieve him from this cruel suspense The whole night? What would he think? He'll be distressed already I'll either break or burn away out of the house Be quiet, you're in no danger But if you hinder me Linton, I love papa better than you The mortal terror he felt of Mr. Heathcliff's anger Restored to the boy his coward's eloquence Catherine was near distraught Still, she persisted that she must go home And tried in treaty in her turn Persuading him to subdue his selfish agony While they were thus occupied Our jailor re-entered Your beasts have trotted off He said And now Linton, sniveling again What has she been doing to you? Come, come, have done and get to bed In a month or two my lad You'll be able to pay her back her present tyrannies With a vigorous hand You're pining for pure love, are you? Nothing else in the world and she shall have you There, to bed Zilla won't be here tonight, you must undress yourself Hush! Hold your noise Once in your own room I'll not come near you, you needn't fear By chance you've managed tolerably I'll look to the rest He spoke these words Holding the door open for his son to pass And the latter achieved his exit Exactly as a spaniel might Which suspected the person who attended on it Of designing a spiteful squeeze The lock was resecured Heathcliff approached the fire Where my mistress and I stood silent Catherine looked up And instinctively raised her hand to her cheek His neighbourhood revived a painful sensation Anybody else would have been incapable Of regarding the childish act with sternness But he scowled on her and muttered Oh! you are not afraid of me Your courage is well disguised You seem damnably afraid I am afraid now She replied Because if I stay, Papa will be miserable And how can I endure making him miserable When he—when he— Mr. Heathcliff, let me go home I promised to marry Linton Papa would like me to, and I love him Why should you wish to force me to do What I'll willingly do of myself? Let him dare to force you, I cried There's law in this land, thank God There is, though we be in an out-of-the-way place I'd inform if he were my own son And it's felony without benefit of clergy Silence, said the Ruffian To the devil with your clamour I don't want you to speak Miss Linton, I shall enjoy myself remarkably In thinking your father will be miserable I shall not sleep for satisfaction You could have hit on no sureer way Of fixing your residence under my roof For the next twenty-four hours Than informing me that such an event would follow As to your promise to marry Linton I'll take care you shall keep it For you shall not quit this place till it is fulfilled Send Ellen then to let Papa know I'm safe Exclaimed Catherine, weeping bitterly Well, marry me now Poor Papa, Ellen, he'll think we're lost What shall we do? Not he, he'll think you're tired of waiting on him And run off for a little amusement Answered Heathcliff You cannot deny that you entered my house of your own accord In contempt of his injunctions to the contrary And it is quite natural that you should desire amusement At your age and that you would weary of nursing A sick man and that man only your father Catherine, his happiest days were over When your days began He cursed you, I dare say, for coming into the world I did, at least, and it would just do if he cursed you As he went out of it I'd join him, I don't love you, how should I? Weep away As far as I can see it will be your chief diversion hereafter Unless Linton make amends for other losses And your provident parent appears to fancy he may His letters of advice and consolation Entertained me vastly In his last he recommended my jewel To be careful of his and kind to her When he got her, careful and kind That's paternal But Linton requires his whole stock of care And kindness for himself Linton can play the little tyrant well He'll undertake to torture any number of cats If their teeth be drawn and their claws paired He'll be able to tell his uncle fine tales Of his kindness when you get home I assure you You're right there, I said Explain your son's character Show his resemblance to yourself And then I hope Miss Kathy will think twice Before she takes the cockatrice I don't much mind speaking of his amiable qualities now He answered Because she must either accept him or remain a prisoner And you, along with her, till your master dies I can detain you both quite concealed here If you doubt, encourage her to retract her word And you'll have an opportunity of judging I'll not retract my word Said Catherine I'll bury him within this hour If I may go to Thrushcross Grange afterwards Mr. Heathcliff, you're a cruel man But you're not a fiend And you won't, for mere malice Destroy irrevocably all my happiness If Papa thought I had left him on purpose And if he died before I returned Could I bear to live? I've given over-crying But I'm going to kneel here at your knee And I'll not get up And I'll not take my eyes from your face Till you look back at me You'll see nothing to provoke you I don't hate you I'm not angry that you struck me Have you never loved anybody in all your life, Uncle? Never! Oh, you must look once I'm so wretched you can't help being sorry And pitying me Keep your effed fingers off And move her, I'll kick you Cried Heathcliff, brutally repulsing her I'd rather be hugged by a snake How the devil can you dream of fawning on me? I detest you He shrugged his shoulders, shook himself indeed As if his flesh crept with aversion And thrust back his chair While I got up and opened my mouth To commence a downright torrent of abuse But I was rendered dumb in the middle of the first sentence By a threat that I should be shown into a room by myself The very next syllable I uttered It was growing dark We heard a sound of voices at the garden gate Our host hurried out instantly He had his wits about him We had not There was a talk of two or three minutes And he returned alone I thought it had been your cousin, Herotin, I observed to Catherine I wish he would arrive Who knows but he might take our part It was three servants sent to seek you from the Grange Said Heathcliff, overhearing me You should have opened a lattice and called out But I could swear that shit is glad you didn't She's glad to be obliged to stay, I'm certain At learning the chance we had missed We both gave vent to our grief without control And he allowed us to wail on till nine o'clock Then he bid us go upstairs Through the kitchen to Zilla's chamber And I whispered my companion to obey Perhaps we might contrive to get through the window there Or into a garret and out by its skylight The window, however, was narrow And the garret trap was safe from our attempts For we were fastened in as before We neither of us lay down Catherine took a station by the lattice And watched anxiously for mourning A deep sigh being the only answer I could obtain To my frequent entreaties that she would try to rest I seated myself in a chair And rocked two in fro, passing harsh judgment On my many derelictions of duty From which it struck me then All the misfortunes of my employers sprang It was not the case in reality I am aware But it was in my imagination that dismal night And I thought Heathcliff himself less guilty than I At seven o'clock he came And inquired if Miss Linton had risen She ran to the door immediately and answered Yes Here then He said opening it and pulling her out I rose to follow, but he turned the lock again I demanded my release Be patient He replied I'll send up your breakfast in a while I thumped on the panels and rattled the latch angrily And Catherine asked why I was still shot up He answered I must try to endure it another hour And then went away I endured it two or three hours At length I heard a footstep, not Heathcliffs I brought you something to eat Said a voice Open door Complying eagerly I beheld heriton With food enough to last me all day Take it He added, thrusting the tray into my hand Stay one minute, I began Nay Cried he and retired, regardless of any prayers I could put forth to detain him And there I remained, enclosed the whole day And the whole of the next night And another, and another Five nights and four days I remained altogether Seeing nobody but Heriton once every morning And he was a model of a jailer Surly and dumb and deaf to every attempt At moving his sense of justice or compassion End of Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain On the fifth morning, or rather afternoon A different step approached, lighter and shorter And this time the person entered the room It was Zilla, donned in her scarlet shawl With a black silk bonnet on her head And a willow basket swung to her arm Ah, dear! Mrs. Dean! She exclaimed Well, there is a talk about you at Gimmerton I never thought but you were sunk in the black horse marsh And Missy with you, till Master told me you'd been found And he lodged you here What? And you must have got on an island, sure And how long were you in the hole? Did Master save you, Mrs. Dean? But you're not so thin You've not been so poorly, have you? Your muster is a true scoundrel, I replied But he shall answer for it He needn't have raised that tail It shall be all laid bare What do you mean? Asked Zilla It's not his tail. They tell it in the village About you're being lost in the marsh And I call us to Earnshaw when I come in Hey! There's queer things, Mr. Hayton Happened since I went off It's a sad pity of that likely young lass And can't Nellie Dean He stared And I thought he had not heard art So I told him the rumour The master listened And he just smiled to himself And said If they had been in the marsh They are out now, Zilla Nellie Dean is lodged at this minute In your room You can tell her to flit when you go up Here is the key Logwater got in her head And she would have run home quite flighty But I fixed her till she came round to her senses You can bid her go to the grange at once If she be able and carry a message from me That her young lady will follow in time To attend to the squire's funeral Mr. Edgar is not dead I gasped Oh, Zilla, Zilla No, no, sit you down, my good mistress She replied You're right, sickly yet He's not dead Dr. Kenner thinks he'll may last another day I met him on the road and asked Instead of sitting down I snatched my outdoor things And hastened below, for the way was free On entering the house I looked about for someone to give information of Catherine The place was filled with sunshine And the door stood wide open But nobody seemed at hand As I hesitated whether to go off at once Or return to seek my mistress A slight cough drew my attention to the hearth Lint and lay on the settle Soul tenant Sucking a stick of sugar candy And pursuing my movements with apathetic eyes Where is Miss Catherine? I demanded sternly Supposing I could frighten him into giving intelligence By catching him thus alone He sucked on like an innocent Is she gone? I said No He replied She's upstairs She's not to go We won't let her You won't let her, little idiot I exclaimed Direct me to her room immediately Or I'll make you sing out sharply Papa would make you sing out If you attempted to get there He answered He says I'm not as soft with Catherine She's my wife And it's shameful that She should wish to leave me She says she hates me And wants me to die That she may have my money But she shan't have it And she shan't go home She never shall She may cry and be sick As much as she pleases He resumed his former occupation Closing his lids as if he meant To drop asleep Master Heathcliff, I resumed Have you forgotten all Catherine's kindness To you last winter When you affirmed you loved her And when she brought you books And sung you songs And came many a time through the wind And snow to see you And you felt then that she was A hundred times too good to you And now you believe the lies Your father tells Though you know he detests you both And you join him against her That's fine gratitude is it not The corner of Linton's mouth fell And he took the sugar candy From his lips Did she come to Wuthering Heights Because she hates you I continued, think for yourself As to your money She does not even know That you will have any And you say she's sick And yet you leave her alone Up there in a strange house You who have felt what it is To be so neglected You could pity your own sufferings And she pitied them too But you won't pity hers I shed tears, Master Heathcliff You see, an elderly woman And a servant merely And you, after pretending such affection Worship her almost Store every tear you have for yourself And lie there quite at ease Ah, you're a heartless selfish boy He can't stay with her He answered crossly I'll not stay by myself She cries so I can't bear it And she won't give over Though I say I'll call my father I did call him once And he threatened to strangle her If she was not quiet But she began again The instant he left the room Bowning and grieving all night long Though I screamed for vexation That I couldn't sleep Is Mr. Heathcliff out? I inquired, perceiving that the wretched creature Had no power to sympathise With his cousin's mental tortures He's in the court He replied Talking to Uncle Kenneth Who says Uncle is dying Truly at last I'm glad for I shall be master of the grunge After him Catherine always spoke of it As her house It isn't hers It's mine Papa says everything She has is mine All her nice books are mine She offered to give me them And her pretty birds And her pony mini If I would get the key of our room And let her out But I told her She had nothing to give They were all All mine And then She cried And took a little picture from her neck And said I should have that Two pictures in a gold case On one side her mother And on the other uncle When they were young That was yesterday I said They were mine too And tried to get them from her This spiteful thing wouldn't let me She pushed me off And hurt me I shrieked out That frightened her She heard Papa coming And she broke the hinges And divided the case And gave me Her mother's portrait The other she attempted to hide But Papa asked What was the matter And I explained it He took the other I had away And ordered her To resign hers to me She refused And he He struck her down And wrenched it off the chain And crushed it With his foot And were you pleased to see her struck I asked Having my designs in encouraging his talk I winked He answered I winked to see my father strike a dog Or a horse He does it so hard Yet I was glad at first She deserved punishing For punishing me But when Papa was gone She made me come to the window And showed me her cheek Cut on the inside Against her teeth And her mouth filling With blood And then She gathered up the bits of the picture And went And sat down with her face To the wall And she has never spoken To me since And I sometimes think She can't speak for pain I don't like to think so But she's a naughty thing For crying continually And she looks so pale and wild I'm afraid of her And you can get the key if you choose I said Yes, when I am upstairs He answered I'm upstairs now In what apartment is it? I asked He cried I shan't tell you where it is It is our secret Nobody, neither Hereton nor Zilla Is to know There You've tired me Go away Go away And he turned his face on to his arm And shut his eyes again I considered it best to depart Without seeing Mr. Heathcliff And bring a rescue for my young lady From the grange. On reaching it The astonishment of my fellow servants To see me and their joy also was intense And when they heard that their little mistress Was safe, two or three were about to hurry up And shout the news at Mr. Edgar's door But I bespoke the announcement of it myself How changed I found him Even in those few days He lay an image of sadness and resignation Awaiting his death Though his actual age was thirty-nine One would have called him ten years younger At least He thought of Catherine, for he murmured her name I touched his hand and spoke Catherine is coming, Dimmaster I whispered She is alive and well, and will be here I hope tonight I trembled at the first effects of this intelligence He half rose up Looked eagerly round the apartment And then sank back in a swoon As soon as he recovered A compulsory visit and detention at the heights I said Heathcliff forced me to go in Which was not quite true I uttered as little as possible Against Linton, nor did I describe All his father's brutal conduct My intentions being to add no bitterness If I could help it To his already overflowing cup He divined that one of his enemies' Purposes was to secure the personal property As well as the estate to his son Or rather himself Yet why he did not wait till His deceased was a puzzle to my master Because ignorant how nearly He and his nephew would quit the world together However he felt that his will Had better be altered Instead of leaving Catherine's fortunes At her own disposal he determined to put it In the hands of trustees for her use During life and for her children If she had any after her By that means it could not fall To Mr. Heathcliff should Linton die Having received his orders I dispatched a man to fetch the attorney And four more provided with serviceable weapons To demand my young lady of her jailer Both parties were delayed very late The single servant returned first He said Mr. Green the lawyer was out When he arrived at his house And he had to wait two hours for his re-entrance And then Mr. Green told him He had a little business in the village That must be done, but he would be At Thrushcross Grange before morning The four men came back unaccompanied also They brought word that Catherine was ill Too ill to quit her room Mr. Heathcliff would not suffer them to see her I scolded the stupid fellow's welfare Listening to that tale which I would not carry To my master resolving to take a whole Bevy up to the heights at daylight And storm it literally unless The prisoner were quietly surrendered to us Her father shall see her I vowed and vowed again if that Devil be killed on his own doorstones In trying to prevent it Happily I was spared the journey And the trouble I had gone downstairs At three o'clock to fetch a jug of water And was passing through the hall with it In my hand when a sharp knock at the front door Made me jump, oh it is green I said recollecting myself Only green and I went on Intending to send somebody else to open it But the knock was repeated Not loud and still, importunately I put the jug on the banister And hastened to admit him myself The harvest moon shown clear outside It was not the attorney My own sweet little mistress Spraying on my neck sobbing Ellen, Ellen, is Papa alive? Yes, I cried, yes my angel he is God be thanked you are safe with us again She wanted to run breathless as she was Upstairs to Mr. Linton's room But I compelled her to sit down on a chair And made her drink and washed her pale face Chafing it into a faint colour with my apron Then I said I must go first And tell of her arrival Imploring her to say she should be happy With young Heathcliff, she stared But soon comprehending why I counseled her To utter the falsehood She assured me she would not complain I couldn't abide to be present at their meeting I stood outside the chamber door a quarter Of an hour and hardly ventured near the bed then All was composed however Catherine's despair was as silent as her father's joy She supported him calmly, in appearance And he fixed on her features his raised eyes That seemed dilating with ecstasy He died blissfully, Mr. Lockwood He died so, kissing her cheek, he murmured I am going to her And you, darling child Shall come to us And never stirred or spoke again But continued that rapt radiant gaze Till his pulse imperceptibly stopped And his soul departed None could have noticed the exact minute Up his death it was so entirely without a struggle Whether Catherine had spent her tears Or whether the grief were too weighty To let them flow she sat there Dry-eyed till the sun rose She sat till noon and would still Have remained brooding over that deathbed But I insisted on her coming away And taking some repose It was well I succeeded in removing her For at dinner time appeared the lawyer Having called at Wuthering Heights To get his instructions how to behave He had sold himself to Mr. Heathcliff That was the cause of his delay In obeying my master's summons Fortunately no thought of worldly affairs Crossed the latter's mind to disturb him After his daughter's arrival Mr. Green took upon himself to order Everything and everybody about the place He gave all the servants but me Noticed to quit He would have carried his delegated authority To the point of insisting that Edgar Linton Should not be buried beside his wife But in the chapel with his family There was the will, however, to hinder that And my loud protestations against Any infringement of its directions The funeral was hurried over Catherine, Mrs. Linton Heathcliff now Was suffered to stay at the Grange Till her father's corpse had quitted it She told me that her anguish had at last Spurred Linton to incur the risk Of liberating her After the men I sent disputing at the door And she gathered the sense of Heathcliff's answer It drove her desperate Linton, who had been conveyed up to the little parlour Soon after I left Was terrified into fetching the key Before his father re-ascended He had the cunning to unlock and re-lock the door Without shutting it And when he should have gone to bed He begged to sleep with Heroton And his petition was granted for once Catherine stole out before break of day She dared not try the door In alarm she visited the empty chambers And examined their windows And luckily lighting on her mother's She got easily out of its lattice And onto the ground by means of the fir tree Close by her accomplice suffered For his share in the escape Notwithstanding his timid contrivances End of Chapter 28 Chapter 29 of Wuthering Heights By Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain The evening after the funeral My young lady and I were seated in the library Now musing mournfully One of us despairingly On our loss Now venturing conjectures as to the gloomy future We had just agreed the best destiny Which could await Catherine could be a permission To continue resident at the Grange At least during Linton's life He being allowed to join her there And I to remain as housekeeper That seemed rather too favourable An arrangement to be hoped for And yet I did hope And began to cheer up under the prospect Of retaining my home and my employment And above all my beloved young mistress When a servant, one of the discarded ones Not yet departed Roched hastily in and said That devil he's clever Was coming through the court Should he fasten the door in his face If we had been mad enough To order that proceeding He made no ceremony of knocking Or announcing his name He was master and availed himself Of the master's privilege to walk straight in Without saying a word The sound of our informants' voice Directed him to the library He entered and motioning him out Shut the door It was the same room into which He had been ushered as a guest Eighteen years before The same moon shown through the window And the same autumn landscape lay outside The apartment was visible Even to the portraits on the wall The splendid head of Mrs. Linton And the graceful one of her husband Heathcliff advanced to the half Time had little altered his person either There was the same man His dark face rather salower And more composed His frame a stone or two heavier Perhaps and no other difference Catherine had risen with an impulse To dash out when she saw him Stop! I was embarrassed how to punish him When I discovered his part in the business He such a cobweb A pinch would annihilate him But you'll see by his look That he has received his due I brought him down one evening The day before yesterday And just set him in a chair And never touched him afterwards I sent her to note and we had the room To ourselves In two hours I called Joseph To carry him away And since then my presence is as potent On his nerves as a ghost And I fancy he sees me off And though I am not near Herten says he wakes and shrieks In the night by the hour together And calls you to protect him from me And whether you like your precious mate Or not you must come He's your concern now I yield all my interest in him to you Why not let Catherine continue here I pleaded and send Master Linton to her As you hate them both You'd not miss them They can only be a daily plague To your unnatural heart I'm seeking a tenant for the Grange He answered And I want my children about me to be sure Besides that lass owes me her services For her bread I'm not going to nurture her in luxury And idleness after Linton is gone Make haste and get ready now And don't oblige me to compel you I shall, said Catherine To love in the world And though you have done what you could To make him hateful to me And me to him You cannot make us hate each other And I defy you to hurt him when I am by And I defy you to frighten me You are a boastful champion Replied Heathcliff But I don't like you well enough to hurt him You shall get the full benefit of the torment As long as it lasts It is not I who will make him hateful to you It is his own sweet spirit He's as bitter as gall at your desertion And its consequences Don't expect thanks for this noble devotion I heard him draw a pleasant picture To Zilla of what he would do If he were as strong as I The inclination is there And his very weakness will sharpen His wits to find a substitute For strength I know he has a bad nature Said Catherine He's your son But I'm glad I've a better to forgive it I know he loves me And for that reason I love him Mr. Heathcliff, you have nobody to love you And however miserable you make us We shall still have the revenge Of thinking that your cruelty arises From your greater misery You are miserable, are you not? Lonely Like the devil And envious like him Nobody loves you Nobody will cry for you when you die I wouldn't be you Catherine spoke with a kind of dreary triumph She seemed to have made up her mind To enter into the spirit of her future family And draw pleasure from the griefs Of her enemies You shall be sorry to be yourself presently Said her father-in-law If you stand there another minute Begone, witch, and get your things She scornfully withdrew In her absence I began to beg For Zilla's place at the Heights Offering to resign mine to her But he would suffer it on no account He bid me be silent, and then for the first time Allowed himself a glance around the room And a look at the pictures Having studied Mrs. Linton's he said I shall have that home Not because I need it, but He turned abruptly to the fire And continued with what for lack of a better word I must call a smile I'll tell you what I did yesterday I got the sexton who was digging Linton's grave To remove the earth off her coffin And I opened it I thought once I would have stayed there When I saw her face again It is hers yet He had hard work to stir me But he said it would change If the air blew on it And so I struck one side Of the coffin loose And covered it up Not Linton's side, damn him I wish he'd been soldered in lead And I bribed the sexton to pull it away When I'm laid there And slide mine out too I'll have it made so And then by the time Linton gets to us He'll not know which is which You were very wicked, Mr. Heathcliff I exclaimed Were you not ashamed to disturb the dead I disturbed nobody, Nellie He replied And I gave some ease to myself I shall be a great deal more comfortable now And you'll have a better chance Of keeping me underground When I get there Disturbed her Now, she has disturbed me Night and day through eighteen years Incessantly, remorselessly Till yesterday And yesterday I was tranquil I dreamt I was sleeping The last sleep By that sleeper With my heart stopped And my cheek frozen against hers And if she had been dissolved Into earth or worse What would you have dreamt of then, I said Of dissolving with her And being more happy still He answered Do you suppose I dread any change of that sort I expected such a transformation On raising the lid But I'm better pleased That it should not commence till I share it Besides, unless I had received A distinct impression of her Passionless features That strange feeling would hardly have been removed It began oddly You know I was wild after she died And eternally from dawn to dawn Praying her to return to me Her spirit I have a strong faith in ghosts I have a conviction that they can And do exist among us The day she was buried There came a fall of snow In the evening I went to the churchyard It blew bleak as winter All round was solitary I didn't fear that her fool of a husband Would wander up the glen so late And no one else had business to bring them there Being alone and conscious Two yards of loose earth Was the sole barrier between us I said to myself I'll have her in my arms again If she be cold I'll think it is This north wind that chills me And if she be motionless It is sleep I got a spade from the toolhouse And began to delve with all my might It scraped the coffin I fell to work with my hands The wood commenced cracking about the screws I was on the point of attaining my object When it seemed that I heard a sigh From someone above Close at the edge of the grave And bending down If I can only get this off I muttered I wish they may shovel in the earth over us both And I wrenched at it more desperately still There was another sigh Close at my ear I appeared to feel the warm breath of it Displacing the sleet laden wind I knew no living thing in flesh and blood was by But as certainly as you perceive The approach to some substantial body In the dark Though it cannot be discerned So certainly I felt that Kathy Was there Not under me but on the earth A sudden sense of relief Float from my heart through every limb I relinquished my labour of agony And turned Consoled at once Unspeakably consoled Her presence was with me It remained while I refilled The grave and led me home You may laugh if you will But I was sure I should see her there I was sure she was with me And I could not help talking to her Having reached the heights I rushed eagerly to the door It was fastened and I remember That a cursed urnshawn And my wife opposed my entrance I remember stopping to kick The breath of Kathy I remember stopping to kick the breath Out of him and then hurrying upstairs To my room and hers I looked round impatiently I felt her by me I could almost see her And yet I could not I ought to have sweat blood then From the anguish of my yearning From the fervour of my supplications To have but one glimpse I had not one She showed herself as she often Was in life a devil to me And since then Sometimes more and sometimes less And I've been the sport of that intolerable torture Infernal Keeping my nerves at such a stretch That if they had not resembled cat-gut They would long ago have relaxed To the feebleness of Linton's When I sat in the house with Herton It seemed that on going out I should meet her When I walked on the moors I should meet her coming in When I went from home I must be somewhere at the heights I was certain And when I slept in her chamber I was beaten out of that I couldn't lie there For the moment I closed my eyes She was either outside the window Or sliding back the panels Or entering the room Or even resting her darling head On the same pillow as she did When a child and I must open My lids to see And so I opened and closed She always disappointed It wracked me I've often grown aloud Till that old rascal Joseph No doubt believed that my conscience Was playing the fiend inside of me Now, since I've seen her I'm pacified a little It was a strange way of killing Not by inches But by fractions of hair-breaths To be guile me with the spectre Of a hope through eighteen years Mr. Heathcliff paused and wiped his forehead His hair clung to it, wet with perspiration His eyes were fixed on the red embers of the fire The brows not contracted But raised next the temples Diminishing the grim aspect of his countenance But imparting a peculiar look of trouble And a painful appearance of mental tension Towards one absorbing subject He only half addressed me And I maintained silence I didn't like to hear him talk After a short period He resumed his meditation on the picture Took it down and lent it against the sofa To contemplate it at better advantage And when so occupied Catherine entered Announcing that she was ready When her pony should be saddled Send that over to morrow Said Heathcliff to me Then turning to her he added You may do without your pony It is a fine evening and you'll need no ponies At weathering heights For what journeys you take Come along Goodbye, Ellen Whispered my dear little mistress As she kissed me her lips felt like ice Come and see me, Ellen Don't forget Take care you do no such thing, Mrs. Dean Said her new father When I wish to speak to you I'll come here I want none of your prying at my house He signed her to proceed him And casting back a look that cut my heart She obeyed I watched them from the window Walk down the garden Heathcliff fixed Catherine's arm under his Though she disputed the act at first evidently And with rapid strides he hurried her into the alley Whose trees concealed them End of Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Of Weathering Heights by Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain I have paid a visit to the Heights But I have not seen her since she left Joseph held the door in his hand When I called to ask after her And wouldn't let me pass He said Mrs. Linton was thrang And the master was not in Zilla had told me something of the way they go on Otherwise I should hardly know who was dead And who was living She thinks Catherine haughty And does not like her I can guess by her talk My young lady asked some aid of her When she first came But Mr. Heathcliff told her to follow her own business And let his daughter-in-law look after herself And Zilla willingly acquiesced Being a narrow-minded selfish woman Catherine evinced a child's annoyance at this neglect Repaid it with contempt And thus enlisted my informant among her enemies As securely as if she had done her some great wrong I had a long talk with Zilla about six weeks ago A little before you came One day when we foregathered on the moor And this is what she told me The first thing Mrs. Linton did She said On her arrival at the heights Was to run upstairs Without even wishing good evening to me and Joseph She shut herself into Linton's room And remained till morning Then while the master and Earnshaw were at breakfast She entered the house And asked all in a quiver If the doctor might be sent for Her cousin was very ill We know that Answered Heathcliff But his life is not worth a farthing And I won't spend a farthing on him But I cannot tell how to do She said And if nobody will help me He'll die Walk out of the room Cried the master And let me never hear a word more about him None here care what becomes of him If you do act the nurse If you do not, lock him up and leave him Then she began to bother me And I said I had enough plague With the tiresome thing We each had our tasks And hers was to wait on Linton Mr. Heathcliff bid me leave the labour to her How they managed, together I can't tell I fancy he fretted a great deal And moaned hislin night and day And she had precious little rest One could guess by her white face And heavy eyes She sometimes came into the kitchen All wildered-like And looked as if she would feign beg assistance But I was not going to disobey the master I never dare disobey him, Mrs. Dean Though I thought it wrong that Kenneth should not be sent for It was no concern of mine Either to advise or complain And I always refused to meddle Once or twice after we had gone to bed I happened to open my door again And see her sitting crying on the stairs top And then I've shut myself in quick For fear of being moved to interfere I did pity her then, I'm sure Still, I didn't wish to lose my place, you know At last one night she came boldly into my chamber And frightened me out of my wits by saying Tell Mr. Heathcliff that his son is dying I'm sure he is this time Get up instantly and tell him Having uttered this speech she vanished again I lay a quarter of an hour listening and trembling Nothing stirred The house was quiet She's mistaken, I said to myself He's got over it I needn't disturb them I began to doze But my sleep was marred a second time By a sharp ringing of the bell The only bell we have Put up on purpose for Linton And the master called me to see what was the matter And informed them that he wouldn't have that noise repeated I delivered Catherine's message He cursed to himself and in a few minutes Came out with a lighted candle and proceeded to their room I followed Mrs. Heathcliff was seated by the bedside With her hands folded on her knees Her father-in-law went up, held the candle To Linton's face, looked at him And touched him Afterwards he turned to her Now, Catherine He said How do you feel? She was dumb How do you feel, Catherine? He repeated He's safe And I'm free She answered I should feel well But She continued with a bitterness She couldn't conceal You have left me so long to struggle against death alone That I feel and see only death I feel like death And she looked like it too I gave her a little wine Herten and Joseph, who had been wakened by the ringing and the sound of feet And heard our talk from outside, now entered Joseph was faint, I believe, for the lad's removal Herten seemed a thought bothered Though he was more taken up with staring at Catherine than thinking of Linton But the master bid him get off to bed again We didn't want his help He afterwards made Joseph remove the body to his chamber And told me to return to mine And Mrs. Heathcliff remained by herself In the morning he sent me to tell her she must come down to breakfast She had undressed and appeared going to sleep And said she was ill, at which I hardly wondered I informed Mr. Heathcliff and he replied Well, let her be till after the funeral And go up now and then to get her what is needful As soon as she seems better, tell me Cathy stayed upstairs a fortnight according to Zilla Who visited her twice a day and would have been rather more friendly But her attempts at increasing kindness were proudly and promptly repelled Heathcliff went up once to show her Linton's will He had bequeathed the whole of his and what had been her Moveable property to his father The poor creature was threatened or coaxed into that act During her weak substance when his uncle died The lands being a miner he could not meddle with However Mr. Heathcliff had claimed and kept them in his wife's right And his also, I suppose legally at any rate Catherine, destitute of cash and friends Cannot disturb his possession Nobody, said Zilla Ever approached her door except that once but I And nobody asked anything about her The first occasion of her coming down into the house was on a Sunday afternoon She had cried out when I carried up her dinner That she couldn't bear any longer being in the cold And I told her that the master was going to thrush cross-grainge And earn Sean I needn't hinder her from descending So as soon as she heard Heathcliff's horse trot off She made her appearance, dawned in black And her yellow curls combed back behind her ears As plain as a quaker She couldn't comb them out Joseph and I generally go to chapel on Sundays The Kirk you know has no minister now Explain Mrs. Dean And they call it the Methodist's or Baptist's place I can't say which it is, at Gimmeton, a chapel Joseph had gone, she continued But I thought proper to buy it at home Young folks are always the better for the elders overlooking And Herton, with all his bashfulness Isn't a model of nice behaviour I let him know that his cousin would very likely sit with us And she had been always used to see the Sabbath respected So he had as good leave his guns and bits of indoor work alone While she stayed He coloured up at this news and cast his eyes over his hands and clothes The train oil and gunpowder was shoved out of sight in a minute I saw he meant to give her his company And I guessed by his way he wanted to be presentable so laughing As I just not laugh when the master is by I offered to help him if he would and joked at his confusion He grew sullen and began to swear Now, Mrs. Dean Zilla went on, seeing me not pleased by her manner You happen to think you're a young lady too fine for Mr. Hayerton And happen you're right But I own I should love well to bring her pride a peg lower And what will all her learning and her daintiness do for her now? She's as poor as you or I Poor I'll be bound You're saying and I'm doing my little all that road Heriton allowed Zilla to give him her aid And she flattered him into a good humour So when Catherine came Huff forgetting her former insults He tried to make himself agreeable by the housekeeper's account Mrs. walked in, she said As chill as an icicle and as high as a princess I got up and offered her my seat in the armchair No, she turned up her nose at my civility Earned shower-rows too and bid her come to the settle And sit close by the fire He was sure she was starved I've been starved a month And more She answered, resting on the word A scornful as she could And she got a chair for herself And placed it at a distance from both of us Having sat till she was warm She began to look around And discovered a number of books on the dresser She was instantly upon her feet again Stretching to reach them But they were too high up Her cousin after watching her endeavours a while At last some encouraged to help her She held her frock and he filled it The first that came to hand That was a great advance for the lad She didn't think him Still he felt gratified That she had accepted his assistance And ventured to stand behind as She examined them And even to stoop and point out what struck his fancy In certain old pictures which they contained Nor was he daunted by the saucy style In which she jerked the page from his finger He contented himself with going A bit farther back And looking at her instead of the book She continued reading or seeking For something to read His attention became by degrees Quite centred in the study of her thick Silky curls Her face he couldn't see And she couldn't see him And perhaps not quite awake to what He did but attracted Like a child to a candle At last he proceeded From staring to touching He put out his hand and stroked One curl as gently as if it were a bird He might have struck a knife into her neck She started round and such a taking Get away this moment How dare you touch me Why are you stopping there? She cried in a tone of disgust I can't endure you I'll go upstairs again if you come near me Mr. Hilton recoiled Looking as foolish as he could do He sat down in the settle very quiet And she continued turning over her volumes Another half hour Finally earned charcrossed over And whispered to me Will you ask her to read to us, Zilla? I'm stalled and doing naught And I do like I could like to hear her Do not say I wanted it But ask of yourself Mr. Hilton wishes you would Read to us, ma'am, I said immediately He'd take it very kindly He'd be much obliged She frowned and looking up answered Mr. Hilton and the whole set of you Will be good enough to understand That I reject any pretence at kindness You have the hypocrisy to offer I despise you And will have nothing to say to any of you When I would have given my life For one kind word Even to see one of your faces You all kept off But I won't complain to you I'm driven down here by the cold Not either to amuse you Or enjoy your society What could I have done? Began earn char Oh, you are an exception Answered Mrs. Heathcliff I never missed such a concern as you But I offered more than once And asked He said, kindling up at her pertness I asked Mr. Heathcliff To let me work for you Be silent I'll go out to doors or anywhere Rather than have your disagreeable voice In my ear, said my lady Hilton muttered she might go To hell for him Constlinging his gun, restraining himself From his Sunday occupations no longer He talked now freely enough And she presently saw fit To retreat to her solitude But the frost had set in And in spite of her pride She was forced to condescend to our company More and more However I took care there should Be no further scorning of my good nature Ever since I've been as stiff as herself And she has no lover or likeer among us And she does not deserve one Let them say the least word to her And she'll curl back Without respect of any one She'll snap the master himself As good as dares him to thrash her And the more hurt she gets The more venomous she grows At first, on hearing this Account from Zilla, I determined To leave my situation, take a cottage And get Catherine to come And live with me. But Mr. Heathcliff Would as soon permit that As he would set up Heratin in an independent house And I can see no remedy at present Unless she could marry again And that scheme it does not come Within my province to arrange. Thus ended Mrs. Dean's story. Notwithstanding the doctor's prophecy I am rapidly recovering strength And though it be only the second week in January I propose getting out on horseback in a day or two And riding over to Wuthering Heights To inform my landlord that I shall spend The next six months in London And if he likes, he may look out for another tenant To take the place after October. I would not pass another winter here for much. End of Chapter 30 Chapter 31 of Wuthering Heights By Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Yesterday was bright, calm and frosty. I went to the Heights as I proposed. My housekeeper entreated me to bear A little nought from her to her young lady. And I did not refuse, For the worthy woman was not conscious Of anything odd in her request. The front door stood open, But the jealous gate was fastened as at my last visit. I knocked and invoked urn-shore From among the garden-beds. He unchained it, and I entered. The fellow is as handsome a rustic as need be seen. I took particular notice of him this time. But then he does his best, Apparently to make the least of his advantages. I asked if Mr. Heathcliff were at home. He answered no, But he would be in at dinner-time. It was eleven o'clock, And I announced my intention of going in and waiting for him, At which he immediately flung down his tools, And accompanied me in the office of Watchdog, Not as a substitute for the host. We entered together. Catherine was there, making herself useful In preparing some vegetables for the approaching meal. She looked more sulky and less spirited Than when I had seen her first. She hardly raised her eyes to notice me, And continued her employment with the same day And continued her employment with the same disregard To common forms of politeness as before. Never returning my bow and good morning By the slightest acknowledgement. She does not seem so amiable, I thought, as Mrs. Dean would persuade me to believe. She's a beauty, it is true, But not an angel. Earnshaw surly bid her remove her things To the kitchen. Remove them yourself! She said, pushing them from her as soon as she had done, And retiring to a stool by the window, Where she began to carve figures of birds And beasts out of the turnip pairings in her lap. I approached her, Pretending to desire a view of the garden, And, as I fancied, Adroitly dropped Mrs. Dean's note onto her knee, Unnoticed by Heriton. But she asked aloud, What is that? And chucked it off. A letter from your old acquaintance, The housekeeper of the Grange, I answered, Anointed her exposing my kind deed, And fearful lest it should be imagined Amissive of my own. She would gladly have gathered it up at this information, But Heriton beat her. He seized and put it in his waistcoat, Saying Mr. Heathcliff should look at it first. There at Catherine silently turned her face from us, And very stealthily drew out her pocket handkerchief, And applied it to her eyes. And her cousin, after struggling a while To keep down his softer feelings, Pulled out the letter, And flung it on the floor beside her As ungraciously as he could. Catherine caught and perused it eagerly. Then she put a few questions to me Concerning the inmates, rational and irrational, Of her former home, And gazing towards the hills, Murmured in soliloquy. I should like to be riding mini down there. I should like to be climbing up there. Oh, I'm tired. I'm stalled, Heriton. And she lent her pretty head back Against the sill, With half a yawn and half a sigh, And lapsed into an aspect of abstracted sadness, Neither caring nor knowing whether We remarked her. Mrs. Heathcliff, I said, After sitting some time mute. You are not aware that I am an acquaintance Of yours, so intimate that I think It's strange you won't come and speak to me. My housekeeper never weary Of talking about and praising you, And she'll be greatly disappointed If I return with no news of or from you, Except that you received her letter And said nothing. She appeared to wonder at this speech And asked, Does Ellen like you? She cried unhesitatingly. You must tell her, she continued, That I would answer her letter, But I have no materials for writing, Not even a book from which I might tear a leaf. No books, I exclaimed. How do you contrive to live here without them, If I may take the liberty to inquire? Though provided with a large library, I'm frequently very dull at the grange. Take my books away and I should be desperate. I was always reading when I had them, Said Catherine. And Mr. Heathcliff never reads. So he took it into his head to destroy my books. I have not had a glimpse of one for weeks. Only once I searched Through Joseph's store of theology To his great irritation. And once had, and I came upon A secret stock in your room, Some Latin and Greek, And some tales and poetry. All old friends. I brought the last here, And you gathered them as a magpie Gathers silver spoons for the mere little Of stealing. There of no use to you, Or else you concealed them in the bad spirit That as you cannot enjoy them, Nobody else shall. Perhaps your envy counselled Mr. Heathcliff to rob me of my treasures? But I've most of them written on my brain And printed in my heart, And you cannot deprive me of those. Own show blushed crimson When his cousin made this revelation Of his private literary accumulations, And stammered and bewildered Acumulations, and stammered An indignant denial of her accusations. Mr. Hearton is desirous Of increasing his amount of knowledge, I said, coming to his rescue. He is not envious, but emulous Of your attainments. Here we are clever scholar In a few years. And he wants me to sink into a dunce Meantime," answered Catherine. Yes, I hear him trying to spell And read to himself, and pretty Blunders he makes. I wish you would repeat Chevy Chase Extremely funny. I heard you, And I heard you turning over the dictionary To seek out the hard words, And then cursing, because you couldn't Read their explanations. The young man evidently thought it too bad That he should be laughed at for his ignorance, And then laughed at for trying to remove it. I had a similar notion, And remembering Mrs. Dean's anecdote Of his first attempt at enlightening the darkness In which he had been reared, I observed, But Mrs. Heathcliff, We have each had a commencement, Stumbled and tottered on the threshold. Had our teachers scorned, instead of aiding Us, we should stumble and totter yet. Oh! she replied. I don't wish to limit his acquirements. Still he has no right to appropriate what is mine, And to make it ridiculous to me With his vile mistakes and mispronunciations. Those books, both prose and verse, Are consecrated to me by other associations, And I hate to have them debased And profaned in his mouth. Besides of all, he has selected My favourite pieces that I love the most to repeat. Is it out of deliberate malice? Heriton's chest heaved In silence a minute. He laboured under a severe sense Of mortification and wrath, Which it was no easy task to suppress. I rose, and, from a gentlemanly Idea of relieving his embarrassment, Took up my station in the doorway, Surveying the external prospect as I stood. He followed my example, And left the room, But presently reappeared, Half a dozen volumes in his hands, Which he threw into Catherine's lap, Exclaiming, Take them. I'll never want to hear or read Or think of them again. I won't have them now, she answered. I shall connect them with you, And hate them. She opened one that had obviously Been often turned over, And read a portion in the Drawling tone of a beginner, Then laughed and threw it from her. And listened, she continued, But his self-love would endure No further torment. I heard, and not altogether disapprovingly, A manual check given to her saucy tongue. The little wretch had done her utmost To hurt her cousin's sensitive, Though uncultivated feelings, And a physical argument was the only mode He had of balancing the account And repaying its effects on the inflictor. He afterwards gathered the books And hurled them on the fire. I read in his countenance what anguish It was to offer that sacrifice to spleen. I fancied that as they consumed He recalled the pleasure they had already imparted And the triumph and ever-increasing Pleasure he had anticipated from them. And I fancied I guessed the incitement To his secret studies also. He had been content with daily labour And rough animal enjoyments Till Catherine crossed his path. Shame at her scorn and hope Of her approval were his first Promptors to higher pursuits, And instead of guarding him from one And winning him to the other, He himself had produced just the contrary result. Yes, that's all the good That such a brute as you can get from them. Cried Catherine, sucking her damaged Lip and watching the conflagration With indignant eyes. You'd better hold your tongue now. He answered fiercely. And his agitation precluded further Speech. He advanced hastily To the entrance where I made way for him to pass. But ere he had crossed the doorstones Mr Heathcliff, coming up the causeway Encountered him, and laying hold Of his shoulder asked, What's to do now, my lad? Not, not, he said, And broke away to enjoy his grief And anger in solitude. Heathcliff gazed after him, And sighed, It will be odd if I thought myself. He muttered, unconscious that I was behind him. But when I look for his father In his face I find her Every day more. How the devil is he so like I can hardly bear to see him. He bent his eyes to the ground And walked moodyly in. There was a restless, anxious expression In his countenance I had never remarked there before And he looked spare in person. His daughter-in-law, On perceiving him through the window, Immediately escaped to the kitchen, So that I remained alone. I'm glad to see you out of doors again, Mr Lockwood. He said, in reply to my greeting, From selfish motives partly I don't think I could readily supply Your loss in this desolation. I've wondered more than once what brought you here. An idle whim, I fear, sir, was my answer. Or else an idle whim is going to spirit me away. I shall set out for London next week, And I must give you warning that I feel no disposition To retain Thrushcross Grange Beyond the twelve months I agree to rent it. I believe I shall not live there any more. Oh, indeed, you're tired of being banished From the world, are you? He said. But if you be coming to plead off Paying for a place you won't occupy Your journey is useless. I never relent in exacting my due from any one. I'm coming to plead off nothing about it, I exclaimed, considerably irritated. Should you wish it, I'll settle with you now. And I drew my notebook from my pocket. No, no, he replied, coolly. You'll leave sufficient behind To cover your debts if you fail to return. I'm not in such a hurry. Sit down and take your dinner with us. A guest that is safe from repeating His visit can generally be made welcome. Catherine, bring the things in. Where are you? Catherine reappeared, bearing a tray Of knives and forks. You may get your dinner with Joseph, muttered Heathcliff aside, and remain in the kitchen till he is gone. She obeyed his directions very punctually. Perhaps she had no temptation to transgress. Living among clowns and misanthropists, she probably cannot appreciate a better Class of people when she meets them. With Mr. Heathcliff, Grim and Saturnine On the one hand, and Heroton Absolutely dumb on the other, I made a somewhat cheerless meal, And bated you early. I would have departed by the back-way To get a last glimpse of Catherine And annoy old Joseph, But Heroton received orders to lead up My horse, and my horse himself Escorted me to the door, So I could not fulfil my wish. How dreary life gets over in that house I reflected while riding down the road. What a realisation of something More romantic than a fairy-tale It would have been for Mrs. Heathcliff had she and I Struck up an attachment as her good nurse Desired and migrated together Into the stirring atmosphere of the town. End of Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Of Wuthering Heights By Emily Bronte This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. 1802 This September I was invited To devastate the moors of a friend In the north, and on my journey To his abode I unexpectedly came In fifteen miles of Gimmerton. The Osler, at a roadside public house Was holding a pail of water to refresh my horses When a cart of very green alts Newly reaped, passed by, and he remarked, Yonce for Gimmerton Nah, there all is three Week after other folk With their harvest. Gimmerton, I repeated. My residence in that locality Had already grown dim and dreamy. Ah, I know. How far is it from this? At fourteen miles, Lord Hills, And a rough road. He answered. A sudden impulse seized me To visit Thrushcross Grange. It was scarcely noon, and I conceived That I might as well pass the night Under my own roof as in an inn. Besides, I could spare a day easily To arrange matters with my landlord And thus serve myself the trouble Of invading the neighbourhood again. Having rested a while, I directed My servant to inquire the way to the village At the distance in some three hours. I left him there and proceeded Down the valley alone. The Grey Church looked grayer, And the lonely churchyard lonelier. I distinguished a moor sheep Cropping the short turf on the graves. It was sweet, warm weather, Too warm for travelling, but the heat Did not hinder me from enjoying The delightful scenery above and below. Had I seen it nearer August, I'm sure it would have tempted me To waste a month among its solitudes. In summer nothing more divine Than those glens shut in by hills And those bluff-bold swells of heath. I reached the Grange before sunset And knocked for admittance, But the family had retreated into The back premises I judged by One thin blue wreath curling from The kitchen chimney, and they did not hear. I rode into the court. Under the porch a girl of nine or ten Sat knitting, and an old woman Reclined on the house-steps, Smoking a meditative pipe. It was Dean within, I demanded of the derm. Mr. is Dean? No, she answered. She doesn't buy, dear. She's up at the arts. Are you the housekeeper, then? I continued. Er, I'll keep the house. She replied. Well, I'm Mr. Lockwood, the master. Are there any rooms to lodge me in, I wonder? I wish to stay all night. The master? She cried in astonishment. Whither ever knew you were coming? You said your said word. There's not nor the dry nor midst all about the place. Now there isn't. She threw down her pipe and bustled in. The girl followed, and I entered too. Soon perceiving that her report was true, And, moreover, that I had almost upset her wits By my unwelcome apparition, I bared her becomposed. I would go out for a walk, And, meantime, she must try to prepare A corner of the sitting-room for me to sub in, And a bedroom to sleep in. No sweeping and dusting, Only good fire and dry sheets were necessary. She seemed willing to do her best, Though she thrust the hearth-brush into the grate In mistake for the poker, And malappropriated several other articles of her craft. But I retired, confiding in her energy For a resting-place against my return. Wuthering heights was the goal Of my proposed excursion, And afterthought brought me back When I had quitted the court. All well at the heights, I inquired of the woman. Eh, poor Altino! She answered, scurrying away With a pan of hot cinders. I would have asked why Mrs. Dean Had deserted the Grange, But it was impossible to delay her at such a crisis, So I turned away and made my exit, Rambling leisurely along, With the glow of a sinking sun behind And the mild glory of a rising moon in front, One fading, and the other brightening, As I quitted the park and climbed The stony by-road, branching off to Mr. Heathliff's dwelling. Before I arrived in sight of it, All that remained of day Was a beamless amber light along the west, But I could see every pebble on the path And every blade of grass by that splendid moon. I had neither to climb the gate nor to knock. It yielded to my hand. That is an improvement, I thought. And I noticed another by the head of my nostrils, A fragrance of stalks and wall-flowers Woffed it on the air from among The homely fruit-trees. Both doors and lattices were open, And yet, as is usually the case in a coal district, A fine red fire illumined the chimney. The comfort which the eye derives from it Renders the extra heat and durable. But the house of Wuthering Heights is so large That the inmates have plenty of space For withdrawing out of its influence, And accordingly what inmates there were Had stationed themselves not far from one of the windows. I could both see them and hear them talk Before I entered, and looked and listened In consequence, being moved there too By a mingled sense of curiosity and envy. The grew as I lingered. Contrary! said a voice as sweet as a silver bell. That for the third time, you dunce! I'm not going to tell you again. Recollect, or I'll pull your hair. Contrary, then! answered another, In deep but softened tones. And now kiss me, for mine is so well. No, read it over first correctly Without a single mistake. The male speaker began to read. He was a young man, respectably dressed, And seated at a table, having a book before him. His handsome features glowed with pleasure, And his eyes kept impatiently wandering from the page To a small white hand over his shoulder, Which recalled him by a smart slap on the cheek Whenever its owner detected such signs of inattention. Its owner stood behind, her light shining ringlets Blending at intervals with his brown looks As she bent to superintend his studies, And her face, it was lucky he could not see her face, Or he would never have been so steady. I could, and I bit my lip in spite That having thrown away the chance I might have had Of doing something besides staring at its smiting beauty. The task was done, not free from further blunders, But the pupil claimed a reward, And received at least five kisses, Which, however, he generously returned. Then they came to the door, And from their conversation I judged That they were about to issue out And have a walk on the moors. I supposed I should be condemned In hurt and urnshell's heart, if not by his mouth, To the lowest pit in the infernal regions If I showed my unfortunate person in his neighbourhood then, And, feeling very mean and malignant, I sulked round to seek refuge in the kitchen. There was unobstructed admittance on that side also, And at the door sat my old friend Nellie Dean Sewing and singing a song, Which was often interrupted from within Dorn and intolerance, But it in far from musical accents. I'd rather, by the hoof, Have him swearing in me lugs from on to neat. No hair can he harseiver, Said the tenant of the kitchen In answer to an unheard speech of Nellie's. It's a blazing shame That I cannot open to blessed book, But ye sit up dim glories to satin And order to flee some wickednesses That ever were born in the world. Oh, you're a right note, And shoes another, And that poor lad would be lost between ye. Poor lad! He added with a groan. He's witch'd, I'm sartanant. Oh, lord, judge him, For there's no the law nor justice among we're rulers. No, or we should be sitting In flaming faggots, I suppose. Retorted the singer. But wish, old man, And read your Bible like a Christian, And never mind me. This is Ferry Annie's wedding, A bonnetune. It goes to a dance. Mrs. Dean was about to recommence When I advanced, And, recognising me directly, She jumped at her feet, crying, Why, bless you, Mr. Lockwood. How could you think of returning in this way? All shut up at Thrushcross Grange. You should have given us notice. I've arranged to be accommodated there For as long as I shall stay, I answered. I depart again tomorrow. And how are you transplanted here, Mrs. Dean? Tell me that. Zilla left, And Mr. Heathcliff wished me to come Soon after you went to London. And stay till you returned. But step in, pray. Have you walked from Gimmitton this evening? From the Grange, I replied. And while they make me lodging-room there, I want to finish my business with your master, Because I don't think of having another opportunity in a hurry. What business, sir? Said Nellie, conducting me into the house. He's gone out at present, and won't return soon. About the rent, I answered. Oh, then it is with Mrs. Heathcliff you must settle. She observed. Or rather with me. She has not learnt to manage her affairs yet, And I act for her. There's nobody else. I looked surprised. Ah, you have not heard of Heathcliff's death, I see. She continued. Heathcliff dead? I exclaimed, astonished. How long ago? Three months since. But sit down and let me take your hat, And I'll tell you about it. Stop, you have had nothing to eat, have you? I want nothing. I have ordered supper at home. You sit down, too. I never dreamt of his dying. Let me hear how he came to pass. You say you don't expect them back for some time, the young people? No, I have to scold them every evening for their late rambles, But they don't care for me. At least have a drink of our old ale. It will do you good. You seem weary. She hasn't effected it before I could refuse, And I heard Joseph asking whether It weren't a crying scandal That she should have followers at her time of life. And then, to get them jokes out of the master's cellar, He fear shamed to bide still and see it. She did not stare to retaliate, But re-entered in a minute, Bearing a reaming silver pint, Whose contents I lauded with becoming earnestness. And afterwards she furnished me With the sequel of Heathcliff's history. He had a queer end, as she expressed it. I was summoned to Wuthering Heights Within a fortnight of your leaving us, She said, And I obeyed joyfully for Catherine's sake. My first interview with her grieved and shocked me. She had altered so much since our separation. Mr. Heathcliff did not explain his reasons For taking a new mind about my coming here. He only told me he wanted me, And he was tired of seeing Catherine. I must make the little parlour my sitting-room And keep her with me. It was enough if he were obliged To see her once or twice a day. She seemed pleased at this arrangement. And, by degrees, I smuggled over a great number of books And other articles that had formed her amusement at the Grange. And flattered myself we should get on intolerable comfort. The delusion did not last long. Catherine contented at first in a brief space Grew irritable and restless. For one thing she was forbidden to move out of the garden, And it fretted her sadly to be confined To its narrow bounds as spring drew on. For another, in following the house, I was forced to quit her frequently, And she complained of loneliness. She preferred quarrelling with Joseph in the kitchen To sitting at peace and her solitude. I did not mind their skirmishes, But Herotin was often obliged to seek the kitchen also When the master wanted to have the house to himself, And though in the beginning she either left it at his approach Or quietly joined in my occupations And shunned remarking or addressing him, And though he was always as sullen and silent as possible, After a while he had left the house. After a while she changed her behaviour And became incapable of letting him alone, Talking at him, commenting on his stupidity and idleness, Expressing her wonder how he could endure the life he lived, How he could sit a whole evening Staring into the fire and dozing. He's just like a dog. Is he not, Ellen? She once observed. Or a cart horse. He does his work, eats his food And sleeps eternally. What a blank, dreary mind he must have. Do you ever dream, Herotin? And if you do, what is it about? But you can't speak to me. Then she looked at him, But he would neither open his mouth nor look again. He's perhaps dreaming now. She continued. He twitched his shoulder as Juno twitches hers. Ask him, Ellen. Mr. Herotin will ask the master to send you upstairs If you don't behave, I said. He had not only twitched his shoulder but clenched his fist, As if tempted to use it. I know why Herotin never speaks when I am in the kitchen. She exclaimed on another occasion. He is afraid I shall laugh at him. Ellen, what do you think? He began to teach himself to read once, And because I laughed he burned his books and dropped it. Was he not a fool? Were not you naughty, I said. Answer me that. Perhaps I was. She went on. But I did not expect him to be so silly. Herotin, if I gave you a book, would you take it now? I'll try. She placed one she had been perusing on his hand. He flung it off, and muttered, If she did not give over, he would break her neck. Well, I shall put it here. She said. In the table-draw. And I'm going to bed. Then she whispered to me to watch Whether he touched it and departed. But he would not come near it, And so I informed her in the morning to her great disappointment. I saw she was sorry for his persevering sulkiness and indolence. Her conscience reproved her for frightening him off of improving himself. She had done it effectually. But her ingenuity was at work to remedy the injury. While I ironed, or pursued other such stationary employments as I could not well do in the parlour, She would bring some pleasant volume and read it aloud to me. When Herotin was there, She generally paused in an interesting part, And left the book lying about. That she did repeatedly. But he was as obstinate as a mule, And instead of snatching at her bait, In wet weather he took to smoking with Joseph, And they sat like automatons, One on each side of the fire, The elder happily too deaf to understand her wicked nonsense, As he would have called it, The younger doing his best to seem to disregard it. On fine evenings the latter followed his shooting expeditions, And Catherine yawned and sighed, And teased me to talk to her, And ran off into the court or garden the moment I began, And at last resource cried, And said she was tired of living, Her life was useless. Mr Heathcliff, who grew more and more disinclined to society, Had almost banished Earnshaw from his apartment. Owing to an accident at the commencement of March, He became for some days a fixture in the kitchen. His gun burst while out on the hills by himself, The elder cut his arm, And he lost a good deal of blood before he could reach home. The consequence was that, per force, He was condemned to the fireside and tranquillity, Till he made it up again. It suited Catherine to have him there, At any rate, it made her hate her room upstairs more than ever, And she would compel me to find out business below, That she might accompany me. On Easter Monday, Joseph went to Gimatin Fair with some cattle, And in the afternoon I was busy getting up linen in the kitchen, Earnshaw sat, morose as usual, at the chimney corner, And my little mistress was beguiling an idle hour With drawing pictures on the window-panes, Varying her amusement by smothered bursts of songs, And whispered ejaculations, And quick glances of annoyance and impatience In the direction of her cousin, Who steadfastly smoked and looked into the grate. At a notice that I could do with her No longer intercepting my light, She removed to the hearthstone. I bestowed little attention on her proceedings, But presently I heard her begin. I found out, Herton, That I want... That I'm glad... That I should like you to be my cousin now, If you had not grown so cross to me and so rough. Heriton returned no answer. Herton? Herton? Herton, do you hear? She continued, Get off where you're. Egralled with uncompromising roughness. Let me take that pipe. She said cautiously advancing her hand And abstracting it from his mouth. Before he could attempt to recover it It was broken and behind the fire. He swore at her and seized another. Stop! She cried. You must listen to me first And I can't speak while those clouds are floating in my face. Will you go to the devil? He exclaimed ferociously. And let me be. No. She persisted. I won't. I can't tell what to do to make you talk to me. And you are determined not to understand. When I call you stupid, I don't mean anything. I don't mean that I despise you. Come, you shall take notice of me, Herton. You are my cousin. And you shall own me. I shall have not to do with you and your mocky pride And your damn mocking tricks. He answered. I'll go to hell, body and soul Before I look sideways after you again. Side out at gate now, this minute. Catherine frowned and retreated to the window-seat Chewing her lip and endeavouring by humming an eccentric tune To conceal a growing tendency to sob. You should be friends with your cousin, Mr. Heraton. I interrupted, since she repents of her sauciness. It would do you a great deal of good. It would make you another man to have her for a companion. A companion? He cried. When she hates me and does not think me fit to wipe her shoe. If it made me a king, I'd not be scorned For seeking her good will any more. It is not I who hate you. It is you who hate me. Wept, Cathy, no longer disguising her trouble. You hate me as much as Mr. Heathcliff does and more. You're a damned liar. Began, Earnshaw. Why have I made him angry By taking your part, then, a hundred times? And that when you sneered at and despised me And go on plaguing me and I'll step in yonder And say you worried me out of the kitchen. I didn't know you took my part. She answered, drawing her eyes. And I was miserable and bitter at everybody. But now I thank you and beg you to forgive me. What can I do besides? She returned to the hearth and frankly extended her hand. He blackened and scowled like a thunder-cloud And kept his fists resolutely clenched And his gaze fixed on the ground. Catherine, by instinct, must have divined It was obdurate perversity and not dislike That prompted this dogged conduct. For, after remaining an instant undecided She stooped and impressed on his cheek a gentle kiss. The little rogue thought I had not seen her And, drawing back, she took her former station By the window quite demurely. I shook my head reprovingly And then she blushed and whispered, Well, what should I have done, Alan? He wouldn't shake hands and he wouldn't look. I must show him some way that I like him, That I want to be friends. Whether the kiss convinced Tarotin I cannot tell. He was very careful for some minutes That his face should not be seen. And when he did raise it He was sadly puzzled where to turn his eyes. Catherine employed herself in wrapping A handsome book needly and white paper And, having tied it with a bit of ribbon And addressed it to Mr. Heriton Unshaw She desired me to be her ambassador dress And convey the present to its destined recipient. And tell him if he'll take it I'll come and teach him to read it right. She said, And if he refuse it I'll go upstairs And never tease him again. I carried it and repeated the message Anxiously watched by my employer. Heriton would not open his fingers So I laid it on his knee. He did not strike it off either. I returned to my work. Catherine leaned her head and arms on the table Till she heard the slight rustle Of the covering being removed. Then she stole away And quietly seated herself beside her cousin. He trembled and his face glowed. All his rudeness and all his surly harshness Had deserted him. He could not summon courage at first To utter a syllable in reply to her questioning look And her murmured petition. Say you forgive me, Heriton. Do. You can make me so happy by speaking that little word. He muttered something inaudible. And you'll be my friend. Added Catherine interrogatively. Nay, you'll be ashamed of me every day of your life. He answered, And the more ashamed, the more you know me. And I cannot bide it. So you won't be my friend. She said, smiling as sweet as honey And creeping close-up. I overheard no further distinguishable talk. But, on looking round again, I perceived two such radiant countenances Bent over the page of the accepted book That I did not doubt the treaty had been ratified On both sides, And the enemies were, thenceforth, sworn allies. The work they studied was full of costly pictures, And those and their position had charm enough To keep them unmoved till Joseph came home. He poor man was perfectly aghast at the spectacle Of Catherine seated on the same bench with Heriton Anshaw, Leaning her hand on his shoulder, And confounded at his favourite's endurance of her proximity. It affected him too deeply to allow an observation On the subject that night. His emotion was only revealed by the immense size he drew, As he solemnly spread his large Bible on the table, And overlaid it with dirty bank-notes from his pocket-book, The produce of the day's transactions. At length he summoned Heriton from his seat. Tack these into the maester, lad. He said, And abide there. He's going up to my own room. This oil is neither mince nor seamly for us. We one side out and search another. Come, Catherine, I said. We must side out, too. I've done my ironing. Are you ready to go? It is nought eight o'clock. She answered, rising unwillingly. Heriton, I'll leave this book upon the chimney-piece, And I'll bring some more to-morrow. Only books that you leave I shall take into the house. Said Joseph. That'll be Mitch if you can find him again. Sir, you may please your cell. Cathy threatened that his library should pay for hers, And, smiling as she passed Heriton, went singing upstairs, Lighter of heart, I venture to say, Than ever she had been under that roof before, Except perhaps during her earliest visits to Linton. The intimacy thus commenced, grew rapidly, Though it encountered temporary interruptions. Earnshaw was not to be civilized with a wish, And, my young lady was no philosopher, And no paragon of patience, But both their minds tending to the same point, One loving and desiring to esteem, The other loving and desiring to be esteemed, They contrived in the end to reach it. You see, Mr. Lockwood, it was easy enough To win Mrs. Heathcliff's heart. But now I am glad you did not try. The crown of all my wishes will be the union of those two. I shall envy no one on their wedding-day. There won't be a happier woman than myself in England. Chapter 33 Of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte On the morrow of that Monday, Earnshaw being still unable to follow his ordinary employments, And therefore remaining about the house, I speedily found it would be impracticable To retain my charge beside me, as here to fall. She got downstairs before me, and out into the garden, Where she had seen her cousin performing some easy work, When I went to bid them come to breakfast, I saw she had persuaded him to clear a large space of ground From current and gooseberry bushes, And they were busy planning together An importation of plants from the Grange. I was terrified at the devastation which had been Accomplished in a brief half-hour, The black current trees were the apple of Joseph's eye, And she had just fixed her choice of a flower-bed In the midst of them. There, that will be all shown to the master, I exclaimed, the minute it is discovered, What excuse have you to offer for taking such liberties with the garden? We shall have a fine explosion on the head of it, See if we don't. Mr. Heriton, I wonder you should have no more wit Than to go and make that mess at her bidding? I have forgotten there were Joseph's. Answered Earnshaw, rather puzzled. But I'll tell him I did it. We always ate our meals with Mr. Heathcliff. I held the mistress's post in making tea and carving, So I was indispensable at table. Catherine usually sat by me, But today she stole nearer to Heriton, And I presently saw she would have no more discretion In her friendship than she had in her hostility. Now, mind you don't talk with and notice your cousin too much, When I whispered instructions as we entered the room, It will certainly annoy Mr. Heathcliff, And he'll be mad at you both. I'm not going to, she answered. The minute after she had sidled to him, And was sticking prim roses in his plate of porridge. He dared not speak to her there, he dared hardly look, And yet she went on teasing, till he was twice on the point Of being provoked to laugh. I frowned, and then she glanced towards the master, Whose mind was occupied on other subjects than his company, As his countenance evenced. And she grew serious for an instant, Scrutinizing him with deep gravity. Afterwards she turned, and recommended her nonsense. At last Heriton uttered a smothered laugh. Mr. Heathcliff started, his eye rapidly surveyed our faces. Catherine met it with her accustomed look of nervousness And yet defiance, which he abhorred. It is well you are out of my reach. He exclaimed, What fiend possesses you to stare back at me continually With those infernal eyes. Down with them, don't remind me of your existence again. I thought I had cured you of laughing. It was me. muttered Heriton. What do you say? demanded the master. Heriton looked at his plate, and did not repeat the confession. Mr. Heathcliff looked at him a bit, And then silently resumed his breakfast, And his interrupted musing. We had nearly finished, and the two young people Prudently shifted wider asunder, So I anticipated no further disturbance during that sitting, When Joseph appeared at the door, Revealing by his quivering lip and furious eye That the outrage committed on his precious shrubs was detected. He must have seen Cathy and her cousin About the spot before he examined it, For while his jaws worked like those of a cow chewing its cod, And rendered his speech difficult to understand, he began. Ah, I won't have my wage. And I won't go. I had aimed to die where I'd saw for sixty years, And I thought I'd lug my books into the garret And all my bits of stuff, And they should have to kitchen to their cell, For to take a quietness. It were hard to give me own hearthstone, But I thought I could do that. But nah, shooed on my garden fro me, And by the heart, meester, I cannot stand it. Yeah, me bendy oak, and ye will. I known used it, And an old man doesn't soon get used to new bathens. I'd rather iron my bait and my soup We a hummer in the road. Now, now, idiot! Interrupted, Heathcliff. Cut it short. What's your grievance? I'll interfere in no quarrels between you and Nellie. She may thrust you into the coal-hole for anything I care. It's known, Nellie. Answered, Joseph. I shouldn't shift for Nellie. Nasty old note, as she is. Thank God, shoo cannot stale to sell a nobody. Sure, well, never, sir, handsome. But what a body would look at her about winking. It's unflaisome, raceless queen That switched her lad with her bowed ead And her forehead ways. Till, nay, he fair brust my heart. He's forgotten all I've done for him, And made on him, and gone, And driven up a whole road To grandest current trees in the garden. And here he lamented outright, Unmanned by a sense of his bitter injuries, And unshores in gratitude and dangerous condition. Is the fool drunk? Asked Mr Heathcliff. Herten, is it you he's finding fault with? I've pulled up two or three bushes. Replied the young man. But I'm going to set him again. And why have you pulled them up? Said the master. Catherine wisely put in her tongue. We wanted to plant some flowers there. She cried. I'm the only person to blame, for I wished him to do it. And who the devil gave you leave to touch a stick about the place? Demanded her father-in-law, Much surprised. And who ordered you to obey her? He added, turning to heriton. The latter was speechless, his cousin replied. You shouldn't grudge a few yards of earth for me to ornament, When you had taken all my land. Your land, insolent slut, you never had any. Said Heathcliff. And my money. She continued, returning his angry glare, And meantime biting a piece of crust, The remnant of her breakfast. Silence. He exclaimed. Get done and be gone. And Herton's land and his money. Pursued the reckless thing. Herton and I are friends now, And I shall tell him all about you. The master seemed confounded a moment. He grew pale and rose up, Eyeing her all the while with an expression of mortal hate. If you strike me, Herton will strike you. She said. So you may as well sit down. If Herton does not turn you out of the room, I'll strike him to hell. Thundered Heathcliff. Damnable witch, dare you pretend to rouse him against me? Off with her. Do you hear? Fling her into the kitchen. I'll kill her, Elendine, if you let her come into my sight again. Herton tried, under his breath, to persuade her to go. Drag her away. He cried savagely. Are you staying to talk? And he approached to execute his own command. He'll not obey you wicked man any more, Said Catherine. And he'll soon detest you as much as I do. Wished, wished! muttered the young man reproachfully. I will not hear you speak so to him, have done. But he won't let him strike me. She cried. Come, men! He whispered earnestly. It was too late. Heathcliff had caught hold of her. Now you go! He said to Arnshaw. A cursed witch, this time she has provoked me when I could not bear it, and I'll make her repent it forever. He had his hand in her hair. Herton attempted to release her locks, in treating him not to hurt her that once. Heathcliff's black eyes flashed, he seemed ready to tear Catherine in pieces, and I was just worked up to risk coming to the rescue, when of a sudden his fingers relaxed. He shifted his grasp from her head to her arm, and gazed intently in her face. Then he drew his hand over his eyes, stood a moment to collect himself apparently, and turning anew to Catherine, said with assumed calmness. You must learn to avoid putting me in a passion, or I shall really murder you some time. Go with Mrs. Dean and keep with her, and confine your insolence to her ears. As to Herton Arnshaw, if I see him listen to you, I'll send him seeking his bread where he can get it. Your love will make him an outcast and a beggar. Nelly, take her, and leave me, all of you, leave me. I led my young lady out. She was too glad of her escape to resist. The others followed, and Mr. Heathcliff had the room to himself till dinner. I had counseled Catherine to dine upstairs, but, as soon as he perceived her vacant seat, he sent me to call her. He spoke to none of us, ate very little, and went out directly afterwards, intimating that he should not return before evening. The two new friends established themselves in a house during his absence, where I heard Herot and Stirling check his cousin on her offering a revelation of her father-in-law's conduct to his father. He said he wouldn't suffer a word to be uttered in his disparagement. If he were the devil, it didn't signify he would stand by him, and he'd rather she would abuse himself as she used to than begin on Mr. Heathcliff. Catherine was waxing cross at this, but he found means to make her hold her tongue by asking how she would like him to speak ill of her father. Then she comprehended that Earnshaw took the master's reputation home to himself and was attached by tie stronger than reason could break, chains forged by habit, which it would be cruel to attempt to loosen. She showed a good heart thenceforth in avoiding both complaints and expressions of antipathy, concerning Heathcliff, and confessed to me her sorrow that she had endeavoured to raise a bad spirit between him and Herotton. Indeed, I don't believe she has ever breathed a syllable in the latter's hearing against her oppressor since. When this slight disagreement was over, they were friends again, and as busy as possible in their several occupations of pupil and teacher. I worked with them after I had done my work, and I felt so soothed and comforted to watch them that I did not notice how time got on. You know, they both appeared in a measure, my children. I had long been proud of one, and now I was sure the other would be a source of equal satisfaction. His honest, warm and intelligent nature shook off rapidly the clouds of ignorance and degradation in which it had been bred, and Catherine's sincere commendations spurred to his industry. His brightening mind brightened his features and added spirit and nobility to their aspect. I could hardly fancy at the same individual I had beheld on the day I discovered my little lady at Wuthering Heights after her expedition to the crags. While I admired and they laboured, Dosk drew on, and with it returned the master. He came upon us quite unexpectedly, entering by the front way, and had a full view of the whole three, and raised our heads to glance at him. Well, I reflected, there was never a pleasanter or more harmless sight, and it will be a burning shame to scold them. The red firelight glowed on their two bonny heads, and revealed their faces animated with the eager interest of children, for, though he was twenty-three and she eighteen, each had so much of nobility to feel and learn that neither experienced nor evinced the sentiments of sober disenchanted maturity. They lifted their eyes together to encounter Mr. Heathcliff. Perhaps you have never remarked that their eyes are precisely similar, and they are those of Catherine Earnshaw. The present Catherine has no other likeness to her, except a breadth of forehead, and a certain arch of the nostril that makes her appear rather hotty, whether she will or not. With heriton the resemblance has carried farther. It is singular at all times, then it was particularly striking, because his senses were alert and his mental faculties wakened to unwanted activity. I suppose this resemblance disarmed Mr. Heathcliff. He walked to the hearth in evident agitation, but it quickly subsided as he looked at the young man, or I should say altered its character, for it was there yet. He took the book from his hand and glanced at the open page, then returned it without any observation, merely signing Catherine away. Her companion lingered very little behind her, and I was about to depart also, but he bid me sit still. It is a poor conclusion, is it not? He observed, having brooded a while on the scene he had just witnessed. An absurd termination to my violent exertions. I get levers and mattocks to demolish the two houses and train myself to be capable of working like Hercules, but everything is ready and in my power. I find the will to lift a slate off either roof has vanished. My old enemies have not beaten me. Now would be the precise time to revenge myself on their representatives. I could do it and none could hinder me. But where is the use? I don't care for striking. I can't take the trouble to raise my hand. That sounds as if I had been laboring the whole time only to exhibit a fine trait of magnanimity. It is far from being the case. I have lost the faculty of enjoying their destruction, and I am too idle to destroy for nothing. Nellie, there is a strange change approaching. I am in its shadow at present. I take so little interest in my daily life that I hardly remember to eat and drink. Those two who have left the room are the only objects which retain a distinct material appearance to me, and that appearance causes me pain, amounting to agony. About her I won't speak, and I don't desire to think, but I earnestly wish she were invisible. Her presence invokes only maddening sensations. He moves me differently, and yet if I could do it without seeming insane, I'd never see him again. You'll perhaps think me rather inclined to become so. He added, making an effort to smile. If I try to describe the thousand forms of past associations and ideas he awakens or embodies. But you'll not talk of what I tell you, and my mind is so eternally secluded in itself it is tempting at last to turn it out to another. Five minutes ago Heriton seemed a personification of my youth, not a human being. I felt to him in such a variety of ways that it would have been impossible to have accosted him rationally. In the first place his startling likeness to Catherine connected him fearfully with her. That, however, which you may suppose the most potent to arrest my imagination, is actually the least, for what is not connected with her to me and what does not recall her I cannot look down to this floor but her features are shaped in the flags. In every cloud, in every tree, filling the air at night and caught by glimpses in every object by day I am surrounded with her image. The most ordinary faces of men and women, my own features mock me with a resemblance. The entire world is a dreadful collection of memoranda that she did exist and that I have lost her. Well, Heriton's aspect was the ghost of my immortal love, of my wild endeavours to hold my right, my degradation, my pride, my happiness and my anguish. But it is frenzy to repeat these thoughts to you, only it will let you know why, with a reluctance to be always alone, his society is no benefit, rather an aggravation of the constant torment I suffer, and it partly contributes to render me, regardless how he and his cousin go on together, I can give them no attention any more. But what do you mean by a change, Mr. Heathcliff? I said, alarmed at his manner. Though he was neither in danger of losing his senses nor dying, according to my judgement, he was quite strong and healthy, and, as to his reason, from childhood he had a delight in dwelling on dark things and entertaining odd fancies. He might have had a monomania on the subject of his departed idol, but on every other point his wits were as sound as mine. I shall not know that till it comes. He said, I'm only half conscious of it now. You have no feeling of illness, have you? I asked. No, Nellie, I have not. He answered, then you are not afraid of death, I pursued. Afraid? No. He replied, I have neither a fear nor a presentiment nor a hope of death. Why should I? With my hard constitution and temperate mode of living and unparalleled occupations I ought to and probably shall remain above ground till there is scarcely a black hair on my head. And yet I cannot continue in this condition. I have to remind myself to breathe, almost to remind my heart to beat, and it is like bending back a stiff spring. It is by compulsion that I do the slightest act not prompted by one thought, and by compulsion that I notice anything alive or dead which is not associated with one universal idea. I have a single wish, and my whole being and faculties are yearning to attain it. They have yearned towards it so long and so unwaveringly that I am convinced it will be reached and soon, because it has devoured my existence. I am swallowed up in the anticipation of its fulfilment. My confessions have not relieved me, but they may account for some otherwise unaccountable phases of humour which I show. Oh, God, it is a long fight. I wish it were over. He began to pace the room, muttering terrible things to himself, till I was inclined to believe, as he said Joseph did, that conscience had turned his heart to an earthly hell. I wondered greatly how it would end, though he seldom before had revealed this state of mind, even by looks, it was his habitual mood I had no doubt. He asserted it himself, but not a soul from his general bearing would have conjectured the fact. You did not when you saw him, Mr. Lockwood, and at the period of which I speak he was just the same as then, only fonder of continued solitude and perhaps still more laconic in company. CHAPTER XXXIV This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. For some days after that evening Mr. Heathcliff shunned meeting or set meals, yet he would not consent formally to exclude Herotin and Cathy. He had an aversion to yielding so completely to his feelings, choosing rather to absent himself, waiting once in twenty-four hours seemed sufficient sustenance for him. One night, after the family were in bed, I heard him go downstairs and out at the front door. I did not hear him re-enter, and in the morning I found he was still away. We were in April then, the weather was sweet and warm, the grass as green as showers and sun could make it, and the two dwarf apple trees near the southern wall in full bloom. After breakfast Catherine insisted on my bringing a chair sitting with my work under the fir trees at the end of the house, and she beguiled Herotin, who had perfectly recovered from his accident, to dig and arrange her little garden, which was shifted to that corner by the influence of Joseph's complaints. I was comfortably reveling in the spring fragrance around and the beautiful soft blue overhead, when my young lady, who had run down near the gate to procure some primrose roots for a border, and only half laden, and informed us that Mr Heathcliff was coming in. And he spoke to me, she added, with a perplexed countenance. What did he say? asked Herotin. He told me to be gone as fast as I could, she answered, but he looked so different from his usual look that I stopped a moment to stare at him. How? he inquired. Why, almost bright and cheerful, no, almost nothing, very much excited, and wild and glad, she replied. Nightwalking amuses him then, a remarked affecting a careless manner, in reality as surprised as she was, and anxious to ascertain the truth of her statement, for to see the master looking glad would not be an everyday spectacle. I framed an excuse to go in. Heathcliff stood at the open door, he was pale, and he trembled, yet certainly he had a strange joyful glitter in his eyes that altered the aspect of his whole face. Will you have some breakfast? I said. You must be hungry, rambling about all night. I wanted to discover where he had been, but I did not like to ask directly. No, I'm not hungry. He answered, averting his head, and speaking rather contemptuously, as if he guessed I was trying to divine the occasion of his good humour. I felt perplexed, I didn't know whether it were not a proper opportunity to offer a bit of admonition. I don't think it right to wander out of doors, I observed, instead of being in bed. It is not wise at any rate this moist season. I dare say you'll catch a bad cold or a fever. You have something the matter with you now. Nothing but what I can bear, he replied, and with the greatest pleasure provided you'll leave me alone. Get in and don't annoy me. I obeyed, and in passing, I noticed he breathed as fast as a cat. Yes, I reflected to myself, we shall have a fit of illness, I cannot conceive what he has been doing. That noon he sat down to dinner with us, and received a heaped up plate from my hands, as if he intended to make amends for previous fasting. I've neither cold nor fever, Nellie. He remarked, in allusion to my morning speech, and I'm ready to do justice to the food you give me. He took his knife and fork, and was going to commence eating, when the inclination appeared to become suddenly extinct. He laid them on the table, looked eagerly towards the window, then rose, and went out. We saw him walking to and fro in the garden, while we concluded our meal, and Earnshaw said he'd go and ask why he would not dine. He thought we had grieved him some way. Well, is he coming? cried Catherine, when her cousin returned. Nay, he answered. But he's not angry. He seemed rarely pleased indeed, only I made him impatient by speaking to him twice, and then he bid me be off to you. He wondered how I could want the company of anybody else. I set his plate to keep warm on the fender, and after an hour or two he re-entered, when the room was clear, in no degree calmer, the same unnatural. It was unnatural, appearance of joy under his black brows, the same bloodless hue, and his teeth visible, now and then, in a kind of smile, his frame shivering, not as one shivers with chill or weakness, but as a tight-stretched cord vibrates, a strong thrilling rather than trembling. I will ask what is the matter, I thought, or who should, and I exclaimed, Have you heard any good news, Mr. Heathcliff? You look uncommonly animated. Where should good news come from to me? He said. I'm animated with hunger, and seemingly I must not eat. Your dinner is here, I returned. Why won't you get it? I don't want it now. He muttered hastily. I'll wait till supper, and Nelly, once for all, let me beg you to warn Herton and the other away from me. I wish to be troubled by nobody. I wish to have this place to myself. Is there some new reason for this banishment? I inquired. Tell me why you are so queer, Mr. Heathcliff. Where were you last night? I'm not putting the question through idle curiosity, but— You are putting the question through very idle curiosity. He interrupted with a laugh. Yet I'll answer it. Last night I was on the threshold of hell. Today I am within sight of my heaven. I have my eyes on it, hardly three feet to sever me, and now you'd better go. You'll neither see nor hear anything to frighten you if you refrain from prying. Having swept the hearth and wiped the table, I departed, more perplexed than ever. He did not quit the house again that afternoon, and no one intruded on his solitude, till at eight o'clock I deemed it proper, though one summoned to carry a candle and his supper to him. He was leaning against the ledge of an open lattice, but not looking out. His face was turned to the interior gloom. The fire had smoldered to ashes, the room was filled with the damp, mild air of the cloudy evening, and so still that not only the murmur of the beck down-gimmetin was distinguishable, but its ripples and its gurgling over the pebbles, or through the large stones which it could not cover. I uttered an ejaculation of discontent at seeing the dismal grate, and commenced shutting the casements one after another, till I came to his. Must I close this, I asked, in order to rouse him, for he would not stir. The light flashed on his features as I spoke. Oh, Mr. Lockwood, I cannot express what a terrible start I got by the momentary view, those deep black eyes, that smile and ghastly paleness. It appeared to me, not Mr. Heathcliff, but a goblin, and in my terror I let the candle bend towards the wall, and it left me in darkness. Yes, close it. He replied, in his familiar voice. There, that is pure awkwardness. Why did you hold the candle horizontally? Be quick, and bring another. I hurried out in a foolish state of dread, and said to Joseph, the master wishes you to take him alight, and rekindle the fire, for I dared not go in myself again just then. Joseph rattled some fire into the shovel, and went, but he brought it back immediately, with the suppertree in his other hand, explaining that Mr. Heathcliff was going to bed, and he wanted nothing to eat till morning. We heard him mount the stairs directly. He did not proceed to his ordinary chamber, but turned into that with the panelled bed. Its window, as I mentioned before, is wide enough for anybody to get through, and it struck me that he plotted another midnight excursion, of which he had rather we had no suspicion. Is he a ghoul, or a vampire? I amused. I had read of such hideous incarnate demons, and then I set myself to reflect how I had tended him in infancy, and watched him grow to youth, and followed him almost through his whole course, and what absurd nonsense it was to yield to that sense of horror. But where did he come from, the little dark thing, harboured by a good man to his bane? muttered superstition as I dozed into unconsciousness. And I began, half-dreaming, to weary myself with imagining some fit parentage for him, and repeating my waking meditations, I tracked his existence over again, with grim variations, at last picturing his death and funeral, of which all I can remember is, being exceedingly vexed at having the task of dictating an inscription for his monument, and consulting the sexton about it, and, as he had no surname, and we could not tell his age, we were obliged to content ourselves with the single word, heath-cliff. That came true, we were. If you enter the kirkyard, you'll read, on his headstone, only that, and the date of his death. Dawn restored me to common sense, I rose and went into the garden, as soon as I could see, to ascertain if there were any footmarks under his window. There were none. He has stayed at home, I thought, and he'll be all right today. I prepared breakfast for the household, as was my usual custom, but told Heriton and Catherine to get theirs ere the master came down, for he lay late. They preferred taking it out of doors, under the trees, and I set a little table to accommodate them. On my re-entrance I found Mr. Heathcliff below. He and Jorseth were conversing about some farming business. He gave clear, minute directions concerning the matter discussed, but he spoke rapidly, and turned his head continually aside, and had the same excited expression, even more exaggerated. When Jorseth quitted the room, he took his seat in the place he generally chose, and I put a basin of coffee before him. He drew it nearer, and then rested his arms on the table, and looked at the opposite wall, as I supposed surveying one particular portion, up and down, with glittering, restless eyes, and with such eager interest that he stopped breathing during half a minute together. Come now, I exclaimed, pushing some bread against his hand. Eat and drink that, while it is hot. It has been waiting near an hour. He didn't notice me, and yet he smiled. I'd rather have seen him gnash his teeth than smile so. Mr. Heathcliff, Master, I cried, Don't, for God's sake, stare as if you saw an unearthly vision. Don't, for God's sake, shout so loud. He replied, Turn round and tell me, are we by ourselves? Of course, was my answer. Of course we are. Still I involuntarily obeyed him, as if I was not quite sure. With a sweep of his hand he cleared a vacant space in front, among the breakfast things, and leaned forward to gaze more at his ease. Now I perceived he was not looking at the wall, for when I regarded him alone, it seemed exactly that he gazed at something within two yards' distance, never at walls, it communicated, apparently, both pleasure and pain in exquisite extremes. At least the anguished yet raptured expression of his countenance suggested that idea. The fancied object was not fixed either, his eyes pursued it with unwirried diligence, and, even in speaking to me, were never weaned away. I vainly reminded him of his protracted absence from food, if he stirred to touch anything in compliance with my entreaties, if he stretched his hand out to get a piece of bread, his fingers clenched before they reached it, and remained on the table, forgetful of their aim. I sat, a model of patience, trying to attract his absorbed attention from its engrossing speculation, till he grew irritable, and got up, asking why I would not allow him to have his own time in taking his meals, and saying that on the next occasion I needn't wait, I might set the things down and go. Having uttered these words he left the house slowly sauntered down the garden path, and disappeared through the gate. The hours crept anxiously by, another evening came, I did not retire to rest till late, and when I did I could not sleep. He returned after midnight, and instead of going to bed, shut himself into the room beneath. I listened and tossed about, and finally dressed and descended. It was too irksome to lie there, harassing my brain with a hundred idle misgivings. I distinguished Mr. Heathcliff's step, restlessly measuring the floor, and he frequently broke the silence by a deep inspiration, resembling a groan. He mottered detached words also, the only one I could catch was the name of Catherine, coupled with some wild term of endearment or suffering, and spoken as one would speak to a person present, low and earnest, and wrong from the depth of his soul. I had not courage to walk straight into the apartment, but I desired to divert him from his reverie, and therefore fell foul of the kitchen fire, stirred it, and began to scrape the cinders. It drew him forth sooner than I expected. He opened the door immediately and said, Nellie, come here, is it morning? Come in with your light. It is striking fall, I answered. You want a candle to take upstairs? You might have lit one at this fire. No, I don't wish to go upstairs. He said, Come in and kindle me a fire and do anything there is to do about the room. I must blow the coals red first before I can carry any, I replied, getting a chair in the bellows. He roamed to and fro, meantime, in a state approaching distraction, his heavy sighs succeeding each other so thick as to leave no space for common breathing between. When day breaks I'll send for green. He said, I wish to make some legal inquiries of him while I can bestow a thought on those matters, and while I can act calmly. I have not written my will yet, and how to leave my property I cannot determine. I wish I could annihilate it from the face of the earth. I would not talk so, Mr. Heathcliff, I interposed. Let your will be a while. You'll be spared to repent of your many injustices yet. I never expected that your nerves would be disordered. They are at present marvellously so, however, and almost entirely through your own faults. The way you've passed these three last days might knock up a titan. Do take some food and some repose. You need only look at yourself in a glass to see how you require both. Your cheeks are hollow, and your eyes bloodshot, like a person starving with hunger and going blind with loss of sleep. It is not my fault that I cannot eat or rest. He replied, I assure you it is through no settled designs. I'll do both as soon as I possibly can. But you might as well bid a man struggling in the water rest within arm's length of the shore. I must reach it first, and then I'll rest. Well, never mind, Mr. Green. As to repenting of my injustices, I've done no injustice and I repent of nothing. I'm too happy, and yet I'm not happy enough. My soul's bliss kills my body, but does not satisfy itself. Happy, Master! I cried. Strange happiness! If you would hear me without being angry, I might offer some advice that would make you happier. What is that? He asked. Give it. You are aware, Mr. Heathcliff, I said, that from the time you were thirteen years old you have lived a selfish, un-christian life and probably hardly had a Bible in your hands during all that period. You must have forgotten the contents of the book and you may not have space to search it now. Could it be hurtful to send for someone, some minister of any denomination, it does not matter which, to explain it and show you how very far you have aired from its precepts and how unfit you will be for its heaven unless a change takes place before you die? I'm rather obliged than angry, Nellie. He said. For you remind me of the manner in which I desire to be buried. It is to be carried to the churchyard in the evening. You and Herotin may, if you please, accompany me and mind particularly to notice that the sexton obeys my directions concerning the two coffins. No minister need come, nor need anything be said over me. I tell you I have nearly attained my heaven and that of others is altogether unvalued and uncoveted by me. And supposing you persevered in your obstinate fast and died by that means and they refused to bury you in the precincts of the Kirk, I said, shocked at his godless indifference, how would you like it? They won't do that, he replied. If they did you must have me removed secretly and if you neglect it you shall prove practically that the dead are not annihilated. As soon as he heard the other members of the family stirring he retired to his den and I breathed freer. But in the afternoon while Joseph and Herotin were at their work he came into the kitchen again and, with a wild look, bid me come and sit in the house. He wanted somebody with him. I declined telling him plainly that his strange talk and manner frightened me and I had neither the nerve nor the will to be his companion alone. I believe you think me a fiend. He said with his dismal laugh something too horrible to live under a decent roof. Then turning to Catherine who was there and who drew behind me at his approach he added half sneeringly. Will you come, Chuck? I'll not hurt you. No, to you I've made myself worse than the devil. Well, there is one who won't shrink from my company. By God, she's relentless. Oh, damn it! It's unutterably too much for flesh and blood to bear. Even mine. He solicited the society of no one more. At dusk he went into his chamber. Through the whole night and far into the morning we heard him groaning and murmuring to himself. Herotin was anxious to enter but I bid him fetch Mr. Kenneth and he should go in and see him. When he came and I requested admittance and tried to open the door I found it locked and Heathcliff bid our speed damned. He was better and would be left alone, so the doctor went away. The following evening was very wet indeed it poured down till day dawn and as I took my morning walk round the house I observed the master's window swinging open and the rain driving straight in. He cannot be in bed I thought though showers would wrench him through he must either be up or out but I'll make no more ado I'll go boldly and look. Having succeeded in obtaining entrance with another key I ran to unclose the panels for the chamber was vacant quickly pushing them aside I peeped in. Mr. Heathcliff was there laid on his back his eyes met mine so keen and fierce I started and then he seemed to smile. I could not think him dead but his face and throat were washed with rain the bedclothes dripped and he was perfectly still the ladders flapping to and fro had grazed one hand that rested on the sill no blood trickled from the broken skin and when I put my fingers to it I could doubt no more he was dead and stark I hasped the window I combed his black long hair from his forehead I tried to close his eyes to extinguish if possible that frightful life-like gaze of exaltation before anyone else beheld it they would not shut they seemed to sneer at my attempts and his parted lips and sharp white teeth sneered too taken with another fit of cowardice I cried out for Joseph Joseph shuffled up and made a noise but resolutely refused to meddle with him the devil's hurried off his soul he cried and he may have his carcass into the bargain for ought I care eh, what a wicked earn he looks yearning at death and the old sinner grinned in mockery I thought he intended to cut a caper round the bed but suddenly composing himself he fell on his knees and raised his hands and returned thanks that the lawful master and the ancient stock were restored to their rights I felt stunned by the awful event and my memory unavoidably recurred to former times with a sort of oppressive sadness but poor Heraton, the most wronged was the only one who really suffered much he sat by the corpse all night weeping in bitter earnest he pressed its hand and kissed the sarcastic savage face that everyone else shrank from contemplating and bemoaned him with that strong grief which springs naturally from a generous heart though it be tough as tempered steel Mr. Kenneth was perplexed to pronounce of what disorder the master died I concealed the fact of his having swallowed nothing for four days fearing it might lead to trouble and then I am persuaded he did not abstain on purpose it was the consequence of his strange illness not the cause we buried him to the scandal of the whole neighbourhood as he wished Ernshaw and I, the sexton and six men to carry the coffin comprehended the whole attendance the six men departed when they had let it down into the grave we stayed to see it covered Heraton with a streaming face dug green sods and laid them over the brown mould himself at present it is as smooth and verdant as its companion mounds and I hope its tenant sleeps as soundly but the country forks if you ask them would swear on the Bible that he walks there are those who speak to having met him near the church and on the moor and even within this house idle tales you'll say and so say I yet that old man by the kitchen fire at firms he has seen two on him looking out of his chamber window on every rainy night since his death and an old thing happened to me about a month ago I was going to the Grange one evening a dark evening threatening thunder and just at the turn of the heights I encountered a little boy with a sheep and two lambs before him he was crying terribly and I suppose the lambs were skittish and would not be guided it's the matter my little man I asked there's Heathcliff in a woman yonder and at nab he blubbered and I dare not pass him I saw nothing but neither the sheep nor he would go on so I bid him take the road lower down he probably raised the phantoms from thinking as he traversed the moors alone on the nonsense he had heard his parents and companions repeat yet still I don't like being out in the dark now I don't like being left by myself in this grim house I cannot help it I shall be glad when they leave it and shift to the Grange they are going to the Grange then I said yes answered Mrs. Dean as soon as they are married and that will be on New Year's Day and who will live here then? why, Joseph will take care of the house and perhaps a lad to keep him company they will live in the kitchen and the rest will be shot up the ghosts has choose to inhabit it, I observed no Mr. Lockwood said Nelly, shaking her head I believe the dead are at peace but it is not right to speak of them with levity at that moment the garden gate swung to the ramblers were returning they are afraid of nothing, I grumbled watching their approach through the window together they would brave Satan and all his legions as they stepped onto the doorstones and halted to take a last look at the moon correctly at each other by her light I felt irresistibly impelled to escape them again and pressing a remembrance into the hand of Mrs. Dean and disregarding her expostulations at my rudeness I vanished through the kitchen as they opened the house door and so should have confirmed Joseph in his opinion of his fellow servant's gay indiscretions had he not fortunately recognised me for a respectable character by the sweet ring of a sovereign at his feet my walk home was lengthened by a diversion in the direction of the Kirk and beneath its walls I perceived decay had made progress even in seven months many a window showed black gaps deprived of glass and slates jotted off here and there beyond the right line of the roof to be gradually worked off in coming autumn storms I sought and soon discovered the three headstones on the slope next to the moor the middle one grey and half buried in the heath Edgar Linton's only harmonised by the turf and moss creeping up its foot heath lifts still bare I lingered round them under that benign sky watched the moths fluttering among the heath and hair-bells listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass and wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth