第2章

Heathcliffstoodneartheentrance，inhisshirtandtrousers:

withacandledrippingoverhisfingers，andhisfaceaswhiteasthewallbehindhim。Thefirstcreakoftheoakstartledhimlikeanelectricshock!

thelightleapedfromhisholdtoadistanceofsomefeet，andhisagitationwassoextreme，thathecouldhardlypickitup。

`Itisonlyyourguest，sir，"Icalledout，desiroustosparehimthehumiliationofexposinghiscowardicefurther。`Ihadthemisfortunetoscreaminmysleep，owingtoafrightfulnightmare。I"msorryIdisturbedyou。

`OhGodconfoundyou，MrLockwood!Iwishyouwereatthe——`commencedmyhost，settingthecandleonachair，becausehefounditimpossibletoholditsteady。`Andwhoshowedyouupintothisroom？"hecontinued，crushinghisnailsintohispalms，andgrindinghisteethtosubduethemaxillaryconvulsions。`Whowasit？I"veagoodmindtoturnthemoutofthehousethismoment!"

`Itwasyourservant，Zillah，"Ireplied，flingingmyselfontothefloor，andrapidlyresumingmygarments。`Ishouldnotcareifyoudid，MrHeathcliff；sherichlydeservesit。Isupposethatshewantedtogetanotherproofthattheplacewashaunted，atmyexpense。Well，itis——swarmingwithghostsandgoblins!Youhavereasoninshuttingitup，Iassureyou。

Noonewillthankyouforadozeinsuchaden!"

`Whatdoyoumean？"askedHeathcliff，`andwhatareyoudoing？

Liedownandfinishoutthenight，sinceyouarehere；but，forheaven"ssake!don"trepeatthathorridnoise；nothingcouldexcuseit，unlessyouwerehavingyourthroatcut!"

`Ifthelittlefiendhadgotinatthewindow，sheprobablywouldhavestrangledme!"Ireturned。`I"mnotgoingtoendurethepersecutionsofyourhospitableancestorsagain。WasnottheReverendJabesBranderhamakintoyouonthemother"sside？Andthatminx，CatherineLinton，orEarnshaw，orhowevershewascalled——shemusthavebeenachangeling——wickedlittlesoul!Shetoldmeshehadbeenwalkingtheearththesetwentyyears:ajustpunishmentforhermortaltransgressions，I"venodoubt!"

Scarcelywerethesewordsuttered，whenIrecollectedtheassociationofHeathcliff"swithCatherine"snameinthebook，——whichhadcompletelyslippedfrommymemory，tillthusawakened。Iblushedatmyinconsideration；

but，withoutshowingfurtherconsciousnessoftheoffence，Ihastenedtoadd——`Thetruthis，sir，Ipassedthefirstpartofthenightin"——HereIstoppedafresh——Iwasabouttosayperusingthoseoldvolumes"，thenitwouldhaverevealedmyknowledgeoftheirwritten，aswellastheirprinted，contents:so，correctingmyself，Iwenton，`inspellingoverthenamescratchedonthatwindow-ledge。Amonotonousoccupation，calculatedtosetmeasleep，likecounting，or——"

`Whatcanyoumeanbytalkinginthiswaytome？"

thunderedHeathcliffwithsavagevehemence。`How——howdareyou，undermyroof？——God!he"smadtospeakso!"Andhestruckhisforeheadwithrage。

Ididnotknowwhethertoresentthislanguageorpursuemyexplanation；

butheseemedsopowerfullyaffectedthatItookpityandproceededwithmydreams；affirmingIhadneverheardtheappellationof`CatherineLinton"

before，butreadingitoftenoverproducedanimpressionwhichpersonifieditselfwhenIhadnolongermyimaginationundercontrol。Heathcliffgraduallyfellbackintotheshelterofthebed，asIspoke；finallysittingdownalmostconcealedbehindit。Iguessed，however，byhisirregularandinterceptedbreathing，thathestruggledtovanquishanexcessofviolentemotion。

NotlikingtoshowhimthatIhadheardtheconflict，Icontinuedmytoiletterathernoisily，lookingatmywatch，andsoliloquizedonthelengthofthenight:`Notthreeo"clockyet!Icouldhavetakenoathithadbeensix。Timestagnateshere:wemustsurelyhaveretiredtorestateight!"

`Alwaysatnineinwinter，andalwaysriseatfour，"saidmyhost，suppressingagroan:and，asIfancied，bythemotionofhisshadow"sarm，dashingatearfromhiseyes。`MrLockwood，"headded，`youmaygointomyroom:you"llonlybeintheway，comingdownstairssoearly；andyourchildishoutcryhassentsleeptothedevilforme。"

`Andforme，too，"Ireplied。`I"llwalkintheyardtilldaylight，andthenI"llbeoff；andyouneednotdreadarepetitionofmyintrusion。

I"mnowquitecuredofseekingpleasureinsociety，beitcountryortown。

Asensiblemanoughttofindsufficientcompanyinhimself。"

`Delightfulcompany!"mutteredHeathcliff。`Takethecandle，andgowhereyouplease。Ishalljoinyoudirectly。Keepoutoftheyard，though，thedogsareunchained；andthehouse——Junomountssentinelthere，and——nay，youcanonlyrambleaboutthestepsandpassages。But，awaywithyou!I"llcomeintwominutes!"

Iobeyed，sofarastoquitthechamber；when，ignorantwherethenarrowlobbiesled，Istoodstill，andwaswitness，involuntarily，toapieceofsuperstitiononthepartofmylandlord，whichbelied，oddly，hisapparentsense。Hegotontothebed，andwrenchedopenthelattice，bursting，ashepulledatit，intoanuncontrollablepassionoftears。

`Comein!comein!"hesobbed。`Cathy，docome。Ohdo——oncemore!

Oh!myheart"sdarling!hearmethistime，Catherine，atlast!"

Thespectreshowedaspectre"sordinarycaprice:itgavenosignofbeing；

butthesnowandwindwhirledwildlythrough，evenreachingmystation，andblowingoutthelight。

Therewassuchanguishinthegustofgriefthataccompaniedthisraving，thatmycompassionmademeoverlookitsfolly，andIdrewoff，halfangrytohavelistenedatall，andvexedathavingrelatedmyridiculousnightmare，sinceitproducedthatagony；thoughwhy，wasbeyondmycomprehension。Idescendedcautiouslytothelowerregions，andlandedinthebackkitchen，whereagleamoffire，rakedcompactlytogether，enabledmetorekindlemycandle。Nothingwasstirringexceptabridled，greycat，whichcreptfromtheashes，andsalutedmewithaquerulousmew。

Twobenches，shapedinsectionsofacircle，nearlyenclosedthehearth；ononeoftheseIstretchedmyself，andGrimalkinmountedtheother。

Wewerebothofusnodding，ereanyoneinvadedourretreat，andthenitwasJoseph，shufflingdownawoodenladderthatvanishedintheroof，throughatrap:theascenttohisgarret，Isuppose。HecastasinisterlookatthelittleflamewhichIhadenticedtoplaybetweentheribs，sweptthecatfromitselevation，andbestowinghimselfinthevacancy，commencedtheoperationofstuffingathree-inchpipewithtobacco。Mypresenceinhissanctumwasevidentlyesteemedapieceofimpudencetooshamefulforremark:hesilentlyappliedthetubetohislips，foldedhisarms，andpuffedaway。Ilethimenjoytheluxuryunannoyed；andaftersuckingouthislastwreath，andheavingaprofoundsigh，hegotup，anddepartedassolemnlyashecame。

Amoreelasticfootstepenterednext；andnowIopenedmymouthfora`goodmorning"，butcloseditagain，thesalutationunachieved；forHaretonEarnshawwasperforminghisorisonssottovoce，inaseriesofcursesdirectedagainsteveryobjecthetouched，whileherummagedacornerforaspadeorshoveltodigthroughthedrifts。Heglancedoverthebackofthebench，dilatinghisnostrils，andthoughtaslittleofexchangingcivilitieswithmeaswithmycompanionthecat。Iguessed，byhispreparations，thategresswasallowed，and，leavingmyhardcouch，madeamovementtofollowhim。Henoticedthis，andthrustataninnerdoorwiththeendofhisspade，intimatingbyaninarticulatesoundthattherewastheplacewhereImustgo，ifIchangedmylocality；

Itopenedintothehouse，wherethefemaleswerealreadyastir，Zillahurgingflakesofflameupthechimneywithacolossalbellows；andMrsHeathcliff，kneelingonthehearth，readingabookbytheaidoftheblaze。Sheheldherhandinterposedbetweenthefurnaceheatandhereyes，andseemedabsorbedinheroccupation；desistingfromitonlytochidetheservantforcoveringherwithsparks，ortopushawayadog，nowandthen，thatsnoozleditsnoseover-forwardlyintoherface。IwassurprisedtoseeHeathclifftherealso。Hestoodbythefire，hisbacktowardsme，justfinishingastormyscenetopoorZillah；whoeverandanoninterruptedherlabourtopluckupthecornerofherapron，andheaveanindignantgroan。

`Andyou，youworthless"——hebrokeoutasIentered，turningtohisdaughter-in-law，andemployinganepithetasharmlessasduck，orsheep，butgenerallyrepresentedbyadash。`Thereyouare，atyouridletricksagain!Therestofthemdoearntheirbread——youliveonmycharity!Putyourtrashaway，andfindsomethingtodo。Youshallpaymefortheplagueofhavingyoueternallyinmysight——doyouhear，damnablejade？"

`I"llputmytrashaway，becauseyoucanmakeme，ifIrefuse，"

answeredtheyounglady，closingherbook，andthrowingitonachair。

`ButI"llnotdoanything，thoughyoushouldswearyourtongueout，exceptwhatIplease!"

Heathcliffliftedhishand，andthespeakersprangtoasaferdistance，obviouslyacquaintedwithitsweight。Havingnodesiretobeentertainedbyacat-and-dogcombat；Isteppedforwardbriskly，asifeagertopartakethewarmthofthehearth，andinnocentofanyknowledgeoftheinterrupteddispute。Eachhadenoughdecorumtosuspendfurtherhostilities:

Heathcliffplacedhisfist，outoftemptation，inhispockets；MrsHeathcliffcurledherlip，andwalkedtoaseatfaroff，whereshekeptherwordbyplayingthepartofastatueduringtheremainderofmystay。Thatwasnotlong。Ideclinedjoiningtheirbreakfast，and，atthefirstgleamofdawn，tookanopportunityofescapingintothefreeair，nowclear，andstill，andcoldasimpalpableice。

Mylandlordhallooedformetostop，ereIreachedthebottomofthegarden，andofferedtoaccompanymeacrossthemoor。Itwaswellhedid，forthewholehill-backwasonebillowy，whiteocean；theswellsandfallsnotindicatingcorrespondingrisesanddepressionsintheground:

manypits，atleast，werefilledtoalevel；andentirerangesofmounds，therefuseofthequarries，blottedfromthechartwhichmyyesterday"swalkleftpicturedinmymind。Ihadremarkedononesideoftheroad，atintervalsofsixorsevenyards，alineofuprightstones，continuedthroughthewholelengthofthebarren:thesewereerected，anddaubedwithlimeonpurposetoserveasguidesinthedark；andalsowhenafall，likethepresent，confoundedthedeepswampsoneitherhandwiththefirmerpath:but，exceptingadirtydotpointinguphereandthere，alltracesoftheirexistencehadvanished:andmycompanionfounditnecessarytowarnmefrequentlytosteertotherightorleft，whenIimaginedIwasfollowing，correctly，thewindingsoftheroad。Weexchangedlittleconversation，andhehaltedattheentranceofThrushcrossPark，saying，Icouldmakenoerrorthere。Ouradieuxwerelimitedtoahastybow，andthenIpushedforward，trustingtomyownresources；fortheporter"slodgeisuntenantedasyet。ThedistancefromthegatetotheGrangeistwomiles:IbelieveImanagedtomakeitfour；whatwithlosingmyselfamongthetrees，andsinkinguptotheneckinsnow:apredicamentwhichonlythosewhohaveexperienceditcanappreciate。Atanyrate，whateverweremywanderings，theclockchimedtwelveasIenteredthehouse；andthatgaveexactlyanhourforeverymileoftheusualwayfromWutheringHeights。

Myhumanfixtureandhersatellitesrushedtowelcomeme；exclaiming，tumultuously，theyhadcompletelygivenmeup；everybodyconjecturedthatIperishedlastnight；andtheywerewonderinghowtheymustsetaboutthesearchformyremains。Ibidthembequiet，nowthattheysawmereturned，and，benumbedtomyveryheart，Idraggedupstairs；whence，afterputtingondryclothes，andpacingtoandfrothirtyorfortyminutes，torestoretheanimalheat，Iamadjournedtomystudy，feebleasakitten:almosttoomuchsotoenjoythecheerfulfireandsmokingcoffeewhichtheservanthaspreparedformyrefreshment。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]WutheringHeights[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter4Whatvainweather-cocksweare!I，whohaddeterminedtoholdmyselfindependentofallsocialintercourse，andthankedmystarsthat，atlength，Ihadlightedonaspotwhereitwasnexttoimpracticable——I，weakwretch，aftermaintainingtillduskastrugglewithlowspiritsandsolitude，wasfinallycompelledtostrikemycolours；and，underpretenceofgaininginformationconcerningthenecessitiesofmyestablishment，IdesiredMrsDean，whenshebroughtinsupper，tositdownwhileIateit；hopingsincerelyshewouldprovearegulargossip，andeitherrousemetoanimationorlullmetosleepbyhertalk。

`Youhavelivedhereaconsiderabletime，"Icommenced；`didyounotsaysixteenyears？"

`Eighteen，sir:Icame，whenthemistresswasmarried，towaitonher；aftershedied，themasterretainedmeforhishousekeeper。"

`Indeed。"

Thereensuedapause。Shewasnotagossip，Ifeared；unlessaboutherownaffairs，andthosecouldhardlyinterestme。However，havingstudiedforaninterval，withafistoneitherknee，andacloudofmeditationoverherruddycountenance，sheejaculated:

`Ah，timesaregreatlychangedsincethen!"

`Yes，"Iremarked，`you"veseenagoodmanyalterations，Isuppose？"

`Ihave:andtroublestoo，"shesaid。

`Oh，I"llturnthetalkonmylandlord"sfamily!"Ithoughttomyself。`Agoodsubjecttostart——andthatprettygirl-widow，Ishouldliketoknowherhistory:whethershebeanativeofthecountry，or，asismoreprobable，anexoticthatthesurlyindigenaewillnotrecognizeforkin。"WiththisintentionIaskedMrsDeanwhyHeathcliffletThrushcrossGrange，andpreferredlivinginasituationandresidencesomuchinferior。

`Ishenotrichenoughtokeeptheestateingoodorder？"Iinquired。

`Rich，sir!"shereturned。`Hehas，nobodyknowswhatmoney，andeveryyearitincreases。Yes，yes，he"srichenoughtoliveinafinerhousethanthis:buthe"sverynear——close-handed；and，ifhehadmeanttoflittoThrushcrossGrange，assoonasheheardofagoodtenanthecouldnothavebornetomissthechanceofgettingafewhundredsmore。

Itisstrangepeopleshouldbesogreedy，whentheyarealoneintheworld!"

`Hehadason，itseems？"

`Yes，hehadone——heisdead。"

`And，thatyounglady，MrsHeathcliff，ishiswidow？"

`Yes。

`Wheredidshecomefromoriginally？"

`Why，sir，sheismylatemaster"sdaughter:CatherineLintonwashermaidenname。Inursedher，poorthing!IdidwishMrHeathcliffwouldremovehere，andthenwemighthavebeentogetheragain。"

`What!CatherineLinton？"Iexclaimed，astonished。Butaminute"sreflectionconvincedmeitwasnotmyghostlyCatherine。

`Then，"Icontinued，`mypredecessor"snamewasLinton？"

`Itwas。

`AndwhoisthatEarnshaw，HaretonEarnshaw，wholiveswithMrHeathcliff？aretheyrelations？"

`No；heisthelateMrsLinton"snephew。"

`Theyounglady"scousin，then？"

`Yes；andherhusbandwashercousinalso:oneonthemother"s，theotheronthefather"sside:HeathcliffmarriedMrLinton"ssister。"

`IseethehouseatWutheringHeightshas"Earnshaw"carvedoverthefrontdoor。Aretheyanoldfamily？"

`Veryold，sir；andHaretonisthelastofthem，asourMissCathyisofus——ImeanoftheLintons。HaveyoubeentoWutheringHeights？I

begpardonforasking；butIshouldliketohearhowsheis!"

`MrsHeathcliff？Shelookedverywell，andveryhandsome；yet，Ithink，notveryhappy。"

`Ohdear，Idon"twonder!Andhowdidyoulikethemaster？"`A

roughfellow，rather，MrsDean。Isnotthathischaracter？"

`Roughasasawedge，andhardaswhinstone!Thelessyoumeddlewithhimthebetter。"

`Hemusthavehadsomeupsanddownsinlifetomakehimsuchachurl。Doyouknowanythingofhishistory？"

`It"sacuckoo"s，sir——Iknowallaboutit:exceptwherehewasborn，andwhowerehisparents，andhowhegothismoney，atfirst。AndHaretonhasbeencastoutlikeanunfledgeddunnock!Theunfortunateladistheonlyoneinallthisparishthatdoesnotguesshowhehasbeencheated。"

`Well，MrsDean，itwillbeacharitabledeedtotellmesomethingofmyneighbours:IfeelIshallnotrest，ifIgotobed；sobegoodenoughtositandchatanhour。"

`Oh，certainly，sir!I"lljustfetchalittlesewing，andthenI"llsitaslongasyouplease。Butyou"vecaughtcold:Isawyoushivering，andyoumusthavesomegrueltodriveitout。"

Theworthywomanbustledoff，andIcrouchednearerthefire；

myheadfelthot，andtherestofmechill:moreover，Iwasexcited，almosttoapitchoffoolishness，throughmynervesandbrain。

Thiscausedmetofeel，notuncomfortable，butratherfearful(asI

amstill)ofseriouseffectsfromtheincidentsoftodayandyesterday。

Shereturnedpresently，bringingasmokingbasinandabasketofwork；

and，havingplacedtheformeronthehob，drewinherseat，evidentlypleasedtofindmesocompanionable。

BeforeIcametolivehere，shecommenced——waitingnofurtherinvitationtoherstory——IwasalmostalwaysatWutheringHeights；becausemymotherhadnursedMrHindleyEarnshaw，thatwasHareton"sfather，andIgotusedtoplayingwiththechildren:Iranerrandstoo，andhelpedtomakehay，andhungaboutthefarmreadyforanythingthatanybodywouldsetmeto。Onefinesummermorning——itwasthebeginningofharvest，I

remember——MrEarnshaw，theoldmaster，camedownstairs，dressedforajourney；

andafterhehadtoldJosephwhatwastobedoneduringtheday，heturnedtoHindley，andCathy，andme——forIsateatingmyporridgewiththem——andhesaid，speakingtohisson，`Nowmybonnyman，I"mgoingtoLiverpooltoday，whatshallIbringyou？Youmaychoosewhatyoulike:onlyletitbelittle，forIshallwalkthereandback:sixtymileseachway，thatisalongspell!"Hindleynamedafiddle，andthenheaskedMissCathy；

shewashardlysixyearsold，butshecouldrideanyhorseinthestable，andshechoseawhip。Hedidnotforgetme；forhehadakindheart，thoughhewasratherseveresometimes。Hepromisedtobringmeapocketfulofapplesandpears，andthenhekissedhischildrengoodbyeandsetoff。

Itseemedalongwhiletousall——thethreedaysofhisabsence——andoftendidlittleCathyaskwhenhewouldbehome。MrsEarnshawexpectedhimbysuppertimeonthethirdevening，andsheputthemealoffhourafterhour；therewerenosignsofhiscoming，however，andatlastthechildrengottiredofrunningdowntothegatetolook。Thenitgrewdark；

shewouldhavehadthemtobed，buttheybeggedsadlytobeallowedtostayup；and，justabouteleveno"clock，thedoorlatchwasraisedquietlyandinsteppedthemaster。Hethrewhimselfintoachair，laughingandgroaning，andbidthemallstandoff，forhewasnearlykilled——hewouldnothavesuchanotherwalkforthethreekingdoms。

`Andattheendofit，tobeflightedtodeath!"hesaid，openinghisgreatcoat，whichheheldbundledupinhisarms。`Seehere，wife!I

wasneversobeatenwithanythinginmylife:butyoumuste"entakeitasagiftofGod；thoughit"sasdarkalmostasifitcamefromthedevil。"

Wecrowdedround，andoverMissCathy"shead，Ihadapeepatadirty，ragged，black-hairedchild；bigenoughbothtowalkandtalk:

indeed，itsfacelookedolderthanCatherine"s；yet，whenitwassetonitsfeet，itonlystaredround，andrepeatedoverandoveragainsomegibberish，thatnobodycouldunderstand。Iwasfrightened，andMrsEarnshawwasreadytoflingitoutofdoors:shedidflyup，askinghowhecouldfashiontobringthatgipsybratintothehouse，whentheyhadtheirownbairnstofeedandfendfor？Whathemeanttodowithit，andwhetherheweremad？

Themastertriedtoexplainthematter；buthewasreallyhalfdeadwithfatigue，andallthatIcouldmakeout，amongstherscolding，wasataleofhisseeingitstarving，andhouseless，andasgoodasdumb，inthestreetsofLiverpool；wherehepickeditupandinquiredforitsowner。Notasoulknewtowhomitbelonged，hesaid；andhismoneyandtimebeingbothlimited，hethoughtitbettertotakeithomewithhimatonce，thanrunintovainexpensesthere:becausehewasdeterminedhewouldnotleaveitashefoundit。Well，theconclusionwasthatmymistressgrumbledherselfcalm；andMrEarnshawtoldmetowashit，andgiveitcleanthings，andletitsleepwiththechildren。

HindleyandCathycontentedthemselveswithlookingandlisteningtillpeacewasrestored:then，bothbegansearchingtheirfather"spocketsforthepresentshehadpromisedthem。Theformerwasaboyoffourteen，butwhenhedrewoutwhathadbeenafiddlecrushedtomorselsinthegreatcoat，heblubberedaloud；andCathy，whenshelearnedthemasterhadlostherwhipinattendingonthestranger，showedherhumourbygrinningandspittingatthestupidlittlething；earningforherpainsasoundblowfromherfathertoteachhercleanermanners。Theyentirelyrefusedtohaveitinbedwiththem，orevenintheirroom；andIhadnomoresense，soIputitonthelandingofthestairs，hopingitmightbegoneonthemorrow。

Bychance，orelseattractedbyhearinghisvoice，itcrepttoMrEarnshaw"sdoor，andtherehefounditonquittinghischamber。Inquiriesweremadeastohowitgotthere；Iwasobligedtoconfess，andinrecompenseformycowardiceandinhumanitywassentoutofthehouse。

ThiswasHeathcliff"sfirstintroductiontothefamily。Oncomingbackafewdaysafterwards(forIdidnotconsidermybanishmentperpetual)

Ifoundtheyhadchristenedhim`Heathcliff":itwasthenameofasonwhodiedinchildhood，andithasservedhimeversince，bothforChristianandsurname。MissCathyandhewerenowverythick；butHindleyhatedhim!

andtosaythetruthIdidthesame；andweplaguedandwentonwithhimshamefully:forIwasn"treasonableenoughtofeelmyinjustice，andthemistressneverputinawordonhisbehalfwhenshesawhimwronged。

Heseemedasullen，patientchild；hardened，perhaps，toill-treatment:

hewouldstandHindley"sblowswithoutwinkingorsheddingatear，andmypinchesmovedhimonlytodrawinabreathandopenhiseyes，asifhehadhurthimselfbyaccidentandnobodywastoblame。ThisendurancemadeoldEarnshawfurious，whenhediscoveredhissonpersecutingthepoor，fatherlesschild，ashecalledhim。HetooktoHeathcliffstrangely，believingallhesaid(forthatmatter，hesaidpreciouslittle，andgenerallythetruth)，andpettinghimupfaraboveCathy，whowastoomischievousandwaywardforafavourite。

So，fromtheverybeginning，hebredbadfeelinginthehouse；

andatMrsEarnshaw"sdeath，whichhappenedinlessthantwoyearsafter，theyoungmasterhadlearnedtoregardhisfatherasanoppressorratherthanafriend，andHeathcliffasausurperofhisparent"saffectionsandhisprivileges；andhegrewbitterwithbroodingovertheseinjuries。I

sympathizedawhile；butwhenthechildrenfellillofthemeasles，andIhadtotendthem，andtakeonmethecaresofawomanatonce，Ichangedmyideas。Heathcliffwasdangerouslysick:andwhilehelayattheworsthewouldhavemeconstantlybyhispillow:IsupposehefeltIdidagooddealforhim，andhehadn"twittoguessthatIwascompelledtodoit。

However，Iwillsaythis，hewasthequietestchildthatevernursewatchedover。Thedifferencebetweenhimandtheothersforcedmetobelesspartial。

Cathyandherbrotherharassedmeterribly:hewasasuncomplainingasalamb；thoughhardness，notgentleness，madehimgivelittletrouble。

Hegotthrough，andthedoctoraffirmeditwasinagreatmeasureowingtome，andpraisedmeformycare。Iwasvainofhiscommendations，andsoftenedtowardsthebeingbywhosemeansIearnedthem，andthusHindleylosthislastally:stillIcouldn"tdoteonHeathcliff，andIwonderedoftenwhatmymastersawtoadmiresomuchinthesullenboy，whonever，tomyrecollection，repaidhisindulgencebyanysignofgratitude。Hewasnotinsolenttohisbenefactor，hewassimplyinsensible；thoughknowingperfectlytheholdhehadonhisheart，andconscioushehadonlytospeakandallthehousewouldbeobligedtobendtohiswishes。Asaninstance，IrememberMrEarnshawonceboughtacoupleofcoltsattheparishfair，andgavetheladseachone。Heathclifftookthehandsomest，butitsoonfelllame，andwhenhediscoveredit，hesaidtoHindley——

`Youmustexchangehorseswithme:Idon"tlikemine；andifyouwon"tIshalltellyourfatherofthethreethrashingsyou"vegivenmethisweek，andshowhimmyarm，whichisblacktotheshoulder。"Hindleyputouthistongueandcuffedhimovertheears。`You"dbetterdoitatonce，"hepersisted，escapingtotheporch(theywereinthestable):`youwillhaveto；andifIspeakoftheseblows，you"llgetthemagainwithinterest。"`Off，dog!"criedHindley，threateninghimwithanironweightusedforweighingpotatoesandhay。`Throwit，"hereplied，standingstill，`andthenI"lltellhowyouboastedthatyouwouldturnmeoutofdoorsassoonashedied，andseewhetherhewillnotturnyououtdirectly。"

Hindleythrewit，hittinghimonthebreast，anddownhefell，butstaggeredupimmediately，breathlessandwhite；and，hadnotIpreventedit，hewouldhavegonejustsotothemaster，andgotfullrevengebylettinghisconditionpleadforhim，intimatingwhohadcausedit。`Takemycolt，gipsy，then!"

saidyoungEarnshaw。`AndIpraythathemaybreakyourneck:takehim，andbedamned，youbeggarlyinterloper!andwheedlemyfatheroutofallhehas:onlyafterwardsshowhimwhatyouare，impofSatan——Andtakethat，Ihopehe"llkickoutyourbrains!"

Heathcliffhadgonetoloosethebeast，andshiftittohisownstall；hewaspassingbehindit，whenHindleyfinishedhisspeechbyknockinghimunderitsfeet，andwithoutstoppingtoexaminewhetherhishopeswerefulfilled，ranawayasfastashecould。Iwassurprisedtowitnesshowcoollythechildgatheredhimselfup，andwentonwithhisintention；exchangingsaddlesandall，andthensittingdownonabundleofhaytoovercomethequalmwhichtheviolentblowoccasioned，beforeheenteredthehouse。I

persuadedhimeasilytoletmelaytheblameofhisbruisesonthehorse:

hemindedlittlewhattalewastoldsincehehadwhathewanted。Hecomplainedsoseldom，indeed，ofsuchstirsasthese，thatIreallythoughthimnotvindictive:Iwasdeceivedcompletely，asyouwillhear。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]WutheringHeights[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter5Inthecourseoftime，MrEarnshawbegantofail。Hehadbeenactiveandhealthy，yethisstrengthlefthimsuddenly；andwhenhewasconfinedtothechimneycomerhegrewgrievouslyirritable。Anothingvexedhim；andsuspectedslightsofhisauthoritynearlythrewhimintofits。Thiswasespeciallytoberemarkedifanyoneattemptedtoimposeupon，ordomineerover，hisfavourite:hewaspainfullyjealouslestawordshouldbespokenamisstohim；seemingtohavegotintohisheadthenotionthat，becausehelikedHeathcliff，allhated，andlongedtodohimanillturn。Itwasadisadvantagetothelad；forthekinderamongusdidnotwishtofretthemaster，sowehumouredhispartiality；andthathumouringwasrichnourishmenttothechild"sprideandblacktempers。Stillitbecameinamannernecessary；twice，orthrice，Hindley"smanifestationofscorn，whilehisfatherwasnear，rousedtheoldmantoafury:heseizedhissticktostrikehim，andshookwithragethathecouldnotdoit。

Atlast，ourcurate(wehadacuratethenwhomadethelivinganswerbyteachingthelittleLintonsandEarnshaws，andfarminghisbitoflandhimself)，headvisedthattheyoungmanshouldbesenttocollege；

andMrEarnshawagreed，thoughwithaheavyspirit，forhesaid——`Hindleywasnought，andwouldneverthriveaswherehewandered。"

Ihopedheartilyweshouldhavepeacenow。Ithurtmetothinkthemastershouldbemadeuncomfortablebyhisowngooddeed。Ifanciedthediscontentofageanddiseasearosefromhisfamilydisagreements:

ashewouldhaveitthatitdid:really，youknow，sir，itwasinhissinkingframe。Wemighthavegotontolerably，notwithstanding，butfortwopeople，MissCathyandJoseph，theservant:yousawhim，Idaresay，upyonder。

Hewas，andisyetmostlikely，thewearisomestself-righteousPhariseethateverransackedaBibletorakethepromisestohimselfandflingthecursesonhisneighbours。Byhisknackofsermonizingandpiousdiscoursing，hecontrivedtomakeagreatimpressiononMrEarnshaw；andthemorefeeblethemasterbecame，themoreinfluencehegained。Hewasrelentlessinworryinghimabouthissoul"sconcerns，andaboutrulinghischildrenrigidly。HeencouragedhimtoregardHindleyasareprobate；and，nightafternight，heregularlygrumbledoutalongstringoftalesagainstHeathcliffandCatherine:alwaysmindingtoflatterEarnshaw"sweaknessbyheapingtheheaviestblameonthelast。

Certainly，shehadwayswithhersuchasIneversawachildtakeupbefore；andsheputallofuspastourpatiencefiftytimesandoftenerinaday:fromthehourshecamedownstairstillthehourshewenttobed，wehadnotaminute"ssecuritythatshewouldn"tbeinmischief。Herspiritswerealwaysathigh-watermark，hertonguealwaysgoing——singing，laughing，andplaguingeverybodywhowouldnotdothesame。Awild，wickedslipshewas——butshehadthebonniesteye，thesweetestsmile，andlightestfootintheparish；and，afterall，Ibelieveshemeantnoharm；forwhenonceshemadeyoucryingoodearnest，itseldomhappenedthatshewouldnotkeepyoucompany，andobligeyoutobequietthatyoumightcomforther。

ShewasmuchtoofondofHeathcliff。Thegreatestpunishmentwecouldinventforherwastokeepherseparatefromhim:yetshegotchidedmorethananyofusonhisaccount。Inplay，shelikedexceedinglytoactthelittlemistress；usingherhandsfreely，andcommandinghercompanions:shedidsotome，butIwouldnotbearshoppingandordering；andsoIletherknow。

Now，MrEarnshawdidnotunderstandjokesfromhischildren:hehadalwaysbeenstrictandgravewiththem；andCatherine，onherpart，hadnoideawhyherfathershouldbecrosserandlesspatientinhisailingcondition，thanhewasinhisprime。Hispeevishreproofswakenedinheranaughtydelighttoprovokehim:shewasneversohappyaswhenwewereallscoldingheratonce，andshedefyinguswithherbold，saucylook，andherreadywordsturningJoseph"sreligiouscursesintoridicule，baitingme，anddoingjustwhatherfatherhatedmost——showinghowherpretendedinsolence，whichhethoughtreal，hadmorepoweroverHeathcliffthanhiskindness:howtheboywoulddoherbiddinginanything，andhisonlywhenitsuitedhisowninclination。Afterbehavingasbadlyaspossibleallday，shesometimescamefondlingtomakeitupatnight。`Nay，Cathy，"

theoldmanwouldsay，`Icannotlovethee；thou"rtworsethanthybrother。

Go，saythyprayers，child，andaskGod"spardon。IdoubtthymotherandImustruethatweeverrearedthee!"Thatmadehercry，atfirst:andthenbeingrepulsedcontinuallyhardenedher，andshelaughedifItoldhertosayshewassorryforherfaults，andbegtobeforgiven。

Butthehourcame，atlast，thatendedMrEarnshaw"stroublesonearth。HediedquietlyinhischaironeOctoberevening，seatedbythefireside。Ahighwindblusteredroundthehouse，androaredinthechimney:

itsoundedwildandstormy，yetitwasnotcold，andwewerealltogether——I，alittleremovedfromthehearth，busyatmyknitting，andJosephreadinghisBiblenearthetable(fortheservantsgenerallysatinthehousethen，aftertheirworkwasdone)。MissCathyhadbeensick，andthatmadeherstill；sheleantagainstherfather"sknee，andHeathcliffwaslyingonthefloorwithhisheadinherlap。Irememberthemaster，beforehefellintoadoze，strokingherbonnyhairitpleasedhimrarelytoseehergentle——andsaying——`Whycanstthounotalwaysbeagoodlass，Cathy？"Andsheturnedherfaceuptohis，andlaughed，andanswered，`Whycannotyoualwaysbeagoodman，father？"Butassoonasshesawhimvexedagain，shekissedhishand，andsaidshewouldsinghimtosleep。Shebegansingingverylow，tillhisfingersdroppedfromhers，andhisheadsankonhisbreast。

ThenItoldhertohush，andnotstir，forfearsheshouldwakehim。Weallkeptasmuteasmiceafullhalf-hour，andshouldhavedonelonger，onlyJoseph，havingfinishedhischapter，gotupandsaidthathemustrousethemasterforprayersandbed。Hesteppedforward，andcalledhimbyname，andtouchedhisshoulder；buthewouldnotmove，sohetookthecandleandlookedathim。Ithoughttherewassomethingwrongashesetdownthelight；andseizingthechildreneachbyanarm，whisperedthemto`frameupstairs，andmakelittledin——theymightprayalonethatevening——hehadsummuttodo"。

`Ishallbidfathergoodnightfirst，"saidCatherine，puttingherarmsroundhisneck，beforewecouldhinderher。Thepoorthingdiscoveredherlossdirectly——shescreamedout——`Oh，he"sdead，Heathcliff!he"sdead!"

Andtheybothsetupaheart-breakingcry。

Ijoinedmywailtotheirs，loudandbitter；butJosephaskedwhatwecouldbethinkingoftoroarinthatwayoverasaintinheaven。

HetoldmetoputonmycloakandruntoGimmertonforthedoctorandtheparson。Icouldnotguesstheusethateitherwouldbeof，then。However，Iwent，throughwindandrain，andbroughtone，thedoctor，backwithme；

theothersaidhewouldcomeinthemorning。leavingJosephtoexplainmatters，Irantothechildren"sroom:theirdoorwasajar，Isawtheyhadneverlaiddown，thoughitwaspastmidnight；buttheywerecalmer，anddidnotneedmetoconsolethem。ThelittlesoulswerecomfortingeachotherwithbetterthoughtsthanIcouldhavehiton:noparsonintheworldeverpicturedheavensobeautifullyastheydid，intheirinnocenttalk:

and，whileIsobbedandlistened，Icouldnothelpwishingwewerealltheresafetogether。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]WutheringHeights[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter6MrHindleycamehometothefuneral；and——athingthatamazedus，andsettheneighboursgossipingrightandleft——hebroughtawifewithhim。Whatshewas，andwhereshewasborn，heneverinformedus:probablyshehadneithermoneynornametorecommendher，orhewouldscarcelyhavekepttheunionfromhisfather。

Shewasnotonethatwouldhavedisturbedthehousemuchonherownaccount。Everyobjectshesaw，themomentshecrossedthethreshold，appearedtodelighther；andeverycircumstancethattookplaceabouther:

exceptthepreparingfortheburial，andthepresenceofthemourners。

Ithoughtshewashalfsilly，fromherbehaviourwhilethatwenton:sheranintoherchamber，andmademecomewithher，thoughIshouldhavebeendressingthechildren；andthereshesatshiveringandclaspingherhands，andaskingrepeatedly:`Aretheygoneyet？"Thenshebegandescribingwithhystericalemotiontheeffectitproducedonhertoseeblack；andstarted，andtrembled，and，atlast，fella-weeping-andwhenIaskedwhatwasthematter？answered，shedidn"tknow；butshefeltsoafraidofdying!Iimaginedheraslittlelikelytodieasmyself。Shewasratherthin，butyoung，andfresh-complexioned，andhereyessparkledasbrightasdiamonds。I

didremark，tobesure，thatmountingthestairsmadeherbreatheveryquick:thattheleastsuddennoisesetherallinaquiver，andthatshecoughedtroublesomelysometimes:butIknewnothingofwhatthesesymptomsportended，andhadnoimpulsetosympathizewithher。Wedon"tingeneraltaketoforeignershere，MrLockwood，unlesstheytaketousfirst。

YoungEarnshawwasalteredconsiderablyinthethreeyearsofhisabsence。Hehadgrownsparer，andlosthiscolour，andspokeanddressedquitedifferently；and，ontheverydayofhisreturn，hetoldJosephandmewemustthenceforthquarterourselvesinthebackkitchen，andleavethehouseforhim。Indeed，hewouldhavecarpetedandpaperedasmallspareroomforaparlour；buthiswifeexpressedsuchpleasureatthewhitefloorandhugeglowingfireplace，atthepewterdishesanddelfcase，anddogkennel，andthewidespacetherewastomoveaboutinwheretheyusuallysat，thathethoughtitunnecessarytohercomfort，andsodroppedtheintention。

Sheexpressedpleasure，too，atfindingasisteramonghernewacquaintance；andsheprattledtoCatherine，andkissedher，andranaboutwithher，andgaveherquantitiesofpresents，atthebeginning。Heraffectiontiredverysoon，however，andwhenshegrewpeevish，Hindleybecametyrannical。

Afewwordsfromher，evincingadisliketoHeathcliff，wereenoughtorouseinhimallhisoldhatredoftheboy。Hedrovehimfromtheircompanytotheservants，deprivedhimoftheinstructionsofthecurate，andinsistedthatheshouldlabouroutofdoorsinstead；compellinghimtodosoashardasanyotherladonthefarm。

Heathcliffborehisdegradationprettywellatfirst，becauseCathytaughthimwhatshelearnt，andworkedorplayedwithhiminthefields。Theybothpromisedfairtogrowupasrudeassavages；theyoungmasterbeingentirelynegligenthowtheybehaved，andwhattheydid，sotheykeptclearofhim。HewouldnotevenhaveseenaftertheirgoingtochurchonSundays，onlyJosephandthecuratereprimandedhiscarelessnesswhentheyabsentedthemselves；andthatremindedhimtoorderHeathcliffaflogging，andCatherineafastfromdinnerorsupper。Butitwasoneoftheirchiefamusementstorunawaytothemoorsinthemorningandremainthereallday，andtheafterpunishmentgrewamerethingtolaughat。

ThecuratemightsetasmanychaptersashepleasedforCatherinetogetbyheart，andJosephmightthrashHeathclifftillhisarmached；theyforgoteverythingtheminutetheyweretogetheragain:atleasttheminutetheyhadcontrivedsomenaughtyplanofrevenge；andmanyatimeI"vecriedtomyselftowatchthemgrowingmorerecklessdaily，andInotdaringtospeakasyllable，forfearoflosingthesmallpowerIstillretainedovertheunfriendedcreatures。OneSundayevening，itchancedthattheywerebanishedfromthesitting-room，formakinganoise，oralightoffenceofthekind；andwhenIwenttocallthemtosupper，Icoulddiscoverthemnowhere。Wesearchedthehouse，aboveandbelow，andtheyardandstables；

theywereinvisible:andatlast，Hindleyinapassiontoldustoboltthedoors，andsworenobodyshouldlettheminthatnight。Thehouseholdwenttobed；andI"tooanxioustoliedown，openedmylatticeandputmyheadouttohearken，thoughitrained:determinedtoadmittheminspiteoftheprohibition，shouldtheyreturn。Inawhile，Idistinguishedstepscominguptheroad，andthelightofalanternglimmeredthroughthegate。

IthrewashawlovermyheadandrantopreventthemfromwakingMrEarnshawbyknocking。TherewasHeathcliff，byhimself:itgavemeastarttoseehimalone。

`WhereisMissCatherine？"Icriedhurriedly。`Noaccident，I

hope？"

`AtThrushcrossGrange，"heanswered；`andIwouldhavebeentheretoo，buttheyhadnotthemannerstoaskmetostay。`Well，youwillcatchit!"Isaid:`you"llneverbecontenttillyou"resentaboutyourbusiness。

WhatintheworldledyouwanderingtoThrushcrossGrange？"

`Letmegetoffmywetclothes，andI"lltellyouallaboutit，Nelly，"hereplied。Ibidhimbewareofrousingthemaster，andwhileheundressedandIwaitedtoputoutthecandle，hecontinued——`CathyandIescapedfromthewash-housetohavearambleatliberty，andgettingaglimpseoftheGrangelights，wethoughtwewouldjustgoandseewhethertheLintonspassedtheirSundayeveningsstandingshiveringincorners，whiletheirfatherandmothersateatinganddrinking，andsingingandlaughing；andburningtheireyesoutbeforethefire。Doyouthinktheydo？Orreadingsermons，andbeingcatechizedbytheirmanservant，andsettolearnacolumnofScripturenames，iftheydon"tanswerproperly？"

`Probablynot，"Iresponded。`Theyaregoodchildren，nodoubt，anddon"tdeservethetreatmentyoureceive，foryourbadconduct。"

`Don"tyoucant，Nelly，"hesaid:`nonsense!WeranfromthetopoftheHeightstothepark，withoutstopping——Catherinecompletelybeatenintherace，becauseshewasbarefoot。You"llhavetoseekforhershoesinthebogtomorrow。Wecreptthroughabrokenhedge，gropedourwayupthepath，andplantedourselvesonaflowerplotunderthedrawing-roomwindow。Thelightcamefromthence；theyhadnotputuptheshutters，andthecurtainswereonlyhalfclosed。Bothofuswereabletolookinbystandingonthebasement，andclingingtotheledge，andwesaw——ah!itwasbeautiful——asplendidplacecarpetedwithcrimson，andcrimson-coveredchairsandtables，andapurewhiteceilingborderedbygold，ashowerofglassdropshanginginsilverchainsfromthecentre，andshimmeringwithlittlesofttapers。OldMrandMrsLintonwerenotthere；Edgarandhissisterhaditentirelytothemselves。Shouldn"ttheyhavebeenhappy？

Weshouldhavethoughtourselvesinheaven!Andnow，guesswhatyourgoodchildrenweredoing？Isabella——Ibelievesheiseleven，ayearyoungerthanCathy——layscreamingatthefartherendoftheroom，shriekingasifwitcheswererunningred-hotneedlesintoher。Edgarstoodonthehearthweepingsilently，andinthemiddleofthetablesatalittledog，shakingitspawandyelping；which，fromtheirmutualaccusations，weunderstoodtheyhadnearlypulledintwobetweenthem。Theidiots!Thatwastheirpleasure!toquarrelwhoshouldholdaheapofwarmhair，andeachbegintocrybecauseboth，afterstrugglingtogetit，refusedtotakeit。Welaughedoutrightatthepettedthings；wediddespisethem!WhenwouldyoucatchmewishingtohavewhatCatherinewanted？orfindusbyourselves，seekingentertainmentinyelling，andsobbing，androllingontheground，dividedbythewholeroom？I"dnotexchange，forathousandlives，myconditionhere，forEdgarLinton"satThrushcrossGrange——notifImighthavetheprivilegeofflinging——Josephoffthehighestgable，andpaintingthehouse-frontwithHindley"sblood!"

`Hush，hush!"Iinterrupted。`Stillyouhavenottoldme，Heathcliff，howCatherineisleftbehind？"

`Itoldyouwelaughed，"heanswered。`TheLintonsheardus，andwithoneaccord，theyshotlikearrowstothedoor；therewassilence，andthenacry，"Oh，mamma，mamma!Oh，papa!Oh，mamma，comehere。Oh，papa，oh!"Theyreallydidhowloutsomethinginthatway。Wemadefrightfulnoisestoterrifythemstillmore，andthenwedroppedofftheledge，becausesomebodywasdrawingthebars，andwefeltwehadbetterflee。IhadCathybythehand，andwasurgingheron，whenallatonceshefelldown。"Run，Heathcliff，run!"shewhispered。"Theyhaveletthebulldogloose，andheholdsme!"Thedevilhadseizedherankle，Nelly:Iheardhisabominablesnorting。Shedidnotyellout——no!shewouldhavescornedtodoit，ifshehadbeenspittedonthehornsofamadcow。Idid，though!IvociferatedcursesenoughtoannihilateanyfiendinChristendom；andIgotastoreandthrustitbetweenhisjaws，andtriedwithallmymighttocramitdownhisthroat。Abeastofaservantcameupwithalantern，atlast，shouting——"Keepfast，Skulker，keepfast!"Hechangedhisnote，however——whenhesawSkulker"sgame。Thedogwasthrottledoff；hishuge，purpletonguehanginghalfafootoutofhismouth，andhispendentlipsstreamingwithbloodyslaver。ThemantookCathyup:shewassick:notfromfear，I"mcertain，butfrompain。Hecarriedherin；Ifollowed，grumblingexecrationsandvengeance。"Whatprey，Robert？"hallooedLintonfromtheentrance。

"Skulkerhascaughtalittlegirl，sir，"hereplied；"andthere"saladhere"，headded，makingaclutchatme，"wholooksanout-and-outer!Verylike，therobberswereforputtingthemthroughthewindowtoopenthedoorstothegangafterallwereasleep，thattheymightmurderusattheirease。Holdyourtongue，youfoul-mouthedthief，you!youshallgotothegallowsforthis。MrLinton，sir，don"tlaybyyourgun。""No，no，Robert，"

saidtheoldfool。"Therascalsknewthatyesterdaywasmyrentday:theythoughttohavemecleverly。Comein；I"llfurnishthemareception。There，John，fastenthechain。GiveSkulkersomewater，Jenny。Tobeardamagistrateinhisstronghold，andontheSabbath，too!Wherewilltheirinsolencestop？Oh，mydearMary，lookhere!Don"tbeafraid，itisbutaboy——yetthevillainscowlssoplainlyinhisface；woulditnotbeakindnesstothecountrytohanghimatonce，beforeheshowshisnatureinactsaswellasfeatures？"Hepulledmeunderthechandelier，andMrsLintonplacedherspectaclesonhernoseandraisedherhandsinhorror。Thecowardlychildrencreptneareralso，Isabellalisping——"Frightfulthing!Puthiminthecellar，papa。He"sexactlylikethesonofthefortune-tellerthatstolemytamepheasant。Isn"the，Edgar？"

`Whiletheyexaminedme，Cathycameround；sheheardthelastspeech，andlaughed。EdgarLinton，afteraninquisitivestare，collectedsufficientwittorecognizeher。Theyseeusatchurch，youknow，thoughweseldommeetthemelsewhere。"That"sMissEarnshaw!"hewhisperedtohismother，"andlookhowSkulkerhasbittenher——howherfootbleeds!"

"MissEarnshaw？Nonsense!"criedthedame；"MissEarnshawscouringthecountrywithagipsy!Andyet，mydear，thechildisinmourning——surelyitis——andshemaybelamedforlife!"

"Whatculpablecarelessnessinherbrother!"exclaimedMrLinton，turningfrommetoCatherine。"I"veunderstoodfromShielders"(thatwasthecurate，sir)"thatheletshergrowupinabsoluteheathenism。Butwhoisthis？Wheredidshepickupthiscompanion？Oho!Ideclareheisthatstrangeacquisitionmylateneighbourmade，inhisjourneytoLiverpool——alittleLascar，oranAmericanorSpanishcastaway。"

"Awickedboy，atallevents，"remarkedtheoldlady，"andquiteunfitforadecenthouse!Didyounoticehislanguage，Linton？I"mshockedthatmychildrenshouldhaveheardit。"

`Irecommencedcursing——don"tbeangry，Nelly——andsoRobertwasorderedtotakemeoff。IrefusedtogowithoutCathy；hedraggedmeintothegarden，pushedthelanternintomyhand，assuredmethatMrEarnshawshouldbeinformedofmybehaviour，and，biddingmemarchdirectly，securedthedooragain。Thecurtainswerestillloopedupatonecomer，andIresumedmystationasspy；because，ifCatherinehadwishedtoreturn，Iintendedshatteringtheirgreatglasspanestoamillionoffragments，unlesstheyletherout。Shesatonthesofaquietly。MrsLintontookoffthegreycloakofthedairymaidwhichwehadborrowedforourexcursion，shakingherheadandexpostulatingwithher，Isuppose:shewasayounglady，andtheymadeadistinctionbetweenhertreatmentandmine。Thenthewoman-servantbroughtabasinofwarmwater，andwashedherfeet；andMrLintonmixedatumblerofnegus，andIsabellaemptiedaplatefulofcakesintoherlap，andEdgarstoodgapingatadistance。Afterwards，theydriedandcombedherbeautifulhair，andgaveherapairofenormousslippers，andwheeledhertothefire；andIlefther，asmerryasshecouldbe，dividingherfoodbetweenthelittledogandSkulker，whosenoseshepinchedasheate；

andkindlingasparkofspiritinthevacantblueeyesoftheLintons——adimreflectionfromherownenchantingface。Isawtheywerefullofstupidadmiration；sheissoimmeasurablysuperiortothem——toeverybodyonearth，isshenot，Nelly？"

`Therewillmorecomeofthisbusinessthanyoureckonon，"I

answered，coveringhimupandextinguishingthelight。`Youareincurable，Heathcliff；andMrHindleywillhavetoproceedtoextremities，seeifhewon"t。"MywordscametruerthanIdesired。ThelucklessadventuremadeEarnshawfurious。AndthenMrLinton，tomendmatters，paidusavisithimselfonthemorrow；andreadtheyoungmastersuchalectureontheroadheguidedhisfamily，thathewasstirredtolookabouthim，inearnest。

Heathcliffreceivednoflogging，buthewastoldthatthefirstwordhespoketoMissCatherineshouldensureadismissal；andMrsEarnshawundertooktokeephersister-in-lawinduerestraintwhenshereturnedhome；employingart，notforce:withforceshewouldhavefounditimpossible。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]WutheringHeights[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter7CathystayedatThrushcrossGrangefiveweeks:tillChristmas。Bythattimeheranklewasthoroughlycured，andhermannersmuchimproved。Themistressvisitedheroftenintheinterval，andcommencedherplanofreformbytryingtoraiseherself-respectwithfineclothesandflattery，whichshetookreadily；sothat，insteadofawild，hatlesslittlesavagejumpingintothehouse，andrushingtosqueezeusallbreathless，therealightedfromahandsomeblackponyaverydignifiedperson，withbrownringletsfallingfromthecoverofafeatheredbeaver，andalongclothhabit，whichshewasobligedtoholdupwithbothhandsthatshemightsailin。Hindleyliftedherfromherhorse，exclaimingdelightedly，`Why，Cathy，youarequiteabeauty!Ishouldscarcelyhaveknownyou:youlooklikealadynow。IsabellaLintonisnottobecomparedwithher，isshe，Frances？"

`Isabellahasnothernaturaladvantages，"repliedhiswife:`butshemustmindandnotgrowwildagainhere。Ellen，helpMiss###第3章

Catherineoffwithherthings——stay，dear，youwilldisarrangeyourcurls——letmeuntieyourhat。"

Iremovedthehabit，andthereshoneforth，beneathagrandplaidsilkfrock，whitetrousers，andburnishedshoes；and，whilehereyessparkledjoyfullywhenthedogscameboundinguptowelcomeher，shedarehardlytouchthemlesttheyshouldfawnuponhersplendidgarments。Shekissedmegently:IwasallflourmakingtheChristmascake，anditwouldnothavedonetogivemeahug；and，then，shelookedroundforHeathcliff。

MrandMrsEarnshawwatchedanxiouslytheirmeeting；thinkingitwouldenablethemtojudge，insomemeasure，whatgroundstheyhadforhopingtosucceedinseparatingthetwofriends。

Heathcliffwashardtodiscover，atfirst。Ifhewerecareless，anduncaredfor，beforeCatherine"sabsence，hehadbeententimesmoreso，since。NobodybutIevendidhimthekindnesstocallhimadirtyboy，andbidhimwashhimself，onceaweek；andchildrenofhisageseldomhaveanaturalpleasureinsoapandwater。Therefore，nottomentionhisclothes，whichhadseenthreemonths"serviceinmireanddust，andhisthickuncombedhair，thesurfaceofhisfaceandhandswasdismallybeclouded。Hemightwellskulkbehindthesettle，onbeholdingsuchabright，gracefuldamselenterthehouse，insteadofarough-headedcounterpartofhimself，asheexpected。`IsHeathcliffnothere？"shedemanded，pullingoffhergloves，anddisplayingfingerswonderfullywhitenedwithdoingnothingandstayingindoors。

`Heathcliff，youmaycomeforward，"criedMrHindley，enjoyinghisdiscomfiture，andgratifiedtoseewhataforbiddingyoungblackguardhewouldbecompelledtopresenthimself。`YoumaycomeandwishMissCatherinewelcome，liketheotherservants。"

Cathy，catchingaglimpseofherfriendinhisconcealment，flewtoembracehim；shebestowedsevenoreightkissesonhischeekwithinthesecond，andthenstopped，anddrawingback，burstintoalaugh，exclaiming，`Why，howveryblackandcrossyoulook!andhow——howfunnyandgrim!Butthat"sbecauseI"musedtoEdgarandIsabellaLinton。Well，Heathcliff，haveyouforgottenme？"

Shehadsomereasontoputthequestion，forshameandpridethrewdoublegloomoverhiscountenance，andkepthimimmovable。

`Shakehands，Heathcliff，"saidMrEarnshaw，condescendingly；

`onceinaway，thatispermitted。"

`Ishallnot，"repliedtheboy，findinghistongueatlast；`I

shallnotstandtobelaughedat。Ishallnotbearit!"

Andhewouldhavebrokenfromthecircle，butMissCathyseizedhimagain。

`Ididnotmeantolaughatyou，"shesaid；`Icouldnothindermyself:Heathcliff，shakehandsatleast!Whatareyousulkyfor？Itwasonlythatyoulookedodd。Ifyouwashyourfaceandbrushyourhair，itwillbeallright:butyouaresodirty!"

Shegazedconcernedlyattheduskyfingerssheheldinherown，andalsoatherdress；whichshefearedhadgainednoembellishmentfromitscontactwithhis。

`Youneedn"thavetouchedme!"heanswered，followinghereyeandsnatchingawayhishand。`IshallbeasdirtyasIplease:andIliketobedirty，andIwillbedirty。"

Withthathedashedheadforemostoutoftheroom，amidthemerrimentofthemasterandmistress，andtotheseriousdisturbanceofCatherine；

whocouldnotcomprehendhowherremarksshouldhaveproducedsuchanexhibitionofbadtemper。

Afterplayinglady"s-maidtothenewcomer，andputtingmycakesintheoven，andmakingthehouseandkitchencheerfulwithgreatfires，befittingChristmaseve，Ipreparedtositdownandamusemyselfbysingingcarols，allalone；regardlessofJoseph"saffirmationsthatheconsideredthemerrytunesIchoseasnextdoortosongs。Hehadretiredtoprivateprayerinhischamber，andMrandMrsEarnshawwereengagingMissy"sattentionbysundrygaytriflesboughtforhertopresenttothelittleLintons，asanacknowledgmentoftheirkindness。TheyhadinvitedthemtospendthemorrowatWutheringHeights，andtheinvitationhadbeenaccepted，ononecondition:MrsLintonbeggedthatherdarlingsmustbekeptcarefullyapartfromthat`naughtyswearingboy"。

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

`Makehaste，Heathcliff!"Isaid，`thekitchenissocomfortable；

andJosephisupstairs:makehaste，andletmedressyousmartbeforeMissCathycomesout，andthenyoucansittogether，withthewholehearthtoyourselves，andhavealongchattertillbedtime。"

Heproceededwithhistaskandneverturnedhisheadtowardsme。

`Come——areyoucoming？"Icontinued。`There"salittlecakeforeachofyou，nearlyenough；andyou"llneedhalfanhour"sdonning。"

Iwaitedfiveminutes，butgettingnoanswer，lefthim。Catherinesuppedwithherbrotherandsister-in-law:JosephandIjoinedinanunsociablemeal，seasonedwithreproofsononesideandsaucinessontheother。Hiscakeandcheeseremainedonthetableallnightforthefairies。Hemanagedtocontinueworktillnineo"clock，andthenmarcheddumbanddourtohischamber。Cathysatuplate，havingaworldofthingstoorderforthereceptionofhernewfriends:shecameintothekitchenoncetospeaktoheroldone；buthewasgone，andsheonlystayedtoaskwhatwasthematterwithhim，andthenwentback。Inthemorningheroseearly；andasitwasaholidaycarriedhisillhumourontothemoors；notreappearingtillthefamilyweredepartedforchurch。Fastingandreflectionseemedtohavebroughthimtoabetterspirit。Hehungaboutmeforawhile，andhavingscreweduphiscourage，exclaimedabruptly:

`Nelly，makemedecent，I"mgoingtobegood。"

`Hightime，Heathcliff，"Isaid；`youhavegrievedCatherine:

she"ssorrysheevercamehome，Idaresay!Itlooksasifyouenviedher，becausesheismorethoughtofthanyou。"

ThenotionofenvyingCatherinewasincomprehensibletohim，butthenotionofgrievingherheunderstoodclearlyenough。

`Didshesayshewasgrieved？"heinquired，lookingveryserious。

`ShecriedwhenItoldheryouwereoffagainthismorning。"

`Well，Icriedlastnight，"hereturned，`andIhadmorereasontocrythanshe。"

`Yes:youhadthereasonofgoingtobedwithaproudheartandanemptystomach，"saidI。`Proudpeoplebreedsadsorrowsforthemselves。

But，ifyoubeashamedofyourtouchiness，youmustaskpardon，mind，whenshecomesin。Youmustgoupandoffertokissher，andsay——youknowbestwhattosay；onlydoitheartily，andnotasifyouthoughtherconvertedintoastrangerbyhergranddress。Andnow，thoughIhavedinnertogetready，I"llstealtimetoarrangeyousothatEdgarLintonshalllookquiteadollbesideyou:andthathedoes。Youareyounger，andyet，I"llbebound，youaretallerandtwiceasbroadacrosstheshoulders:youcouldknockhimdowninatwinkling？don"tyoufeelthatyoucould？"

Heathcliff"sfacebrightenedamoment；thenitwasovercastafresh，andhesighed。

`But，Nelly，ifIknockedhimdowntwentytimes，thatwouldn"tmakehimlesshandsomeormemoreso。IwishIhadlighthairandafairskin，andwasdressedandbehavedaswell，andhadachanceofbeingasrichashewillbe!"

`Andcriedformammaateveryturn，"Iadded，`andtrembledifacountryladheavedhisfistagainstyou，andsatathomealldayforashowerofrain。Oh，Heathcliff，youareshowingapoorspirit!Cometotheglass，andI"llletyouseewhatyoushouldwish。Doyoumarkthosetwolinesbetweenyoureyes；andthosethickbrows，thatinsteadofrisingarched，sinkinthemiddle；andthatcoupleofblackfiends，sodeeplyburied，whoneveropentheirwindowsboldly，butlurkglintingunderthem，likedevil"sspies？Wishandlearntosmoothawaythesurlywrinkles，toraiseyourlidsfrankly，andchangethefiendstoconfident，innocentangels，suspectinganddoubtingnothing，andalwaysseeingfriendswheretheyarenotsureoffoes。Don"tgettheexpressionofaviciouscurthatappearstoknowthekicksitgetsareitsdesert，andyethatesalltheworldaswellasthekicker，forwhatitsuffers。"

`Inotherwords，ImustwishforEdgarLinton"sgreatblueeyesandevenforehead，"hereplied。`Ido——andthatwon"thelpmetothem。"

`Agoodheartwillhelpyoutoabonnyface，mylad，"Icontinued，`ifyouwerearegularblack；andabadonewillturnthebonniestintosomethingworsethanugly。Andnowthatwe"vedonewashing，andcombing，andsulking——tellmewhetheryoudon"tthinkyourselfratherhandsome？

I"lltellyou，Ido。You"refitforaprinceindisguise。WhoknowsbutyourfatherwasEmperorofChina，andyourmotheranIndianqueen，eachofthemabletobuyup，withoneweek"sincome，WutheringHeightsandThrushcrossGrangetogether？AndyouwerekidnappedbywickedsailorsandbroughttoEngland。WereIinyourplace，Iwouldframehighnotionsofmybirth；

andthethoughtsofwhatIwasshouldgivemecourageanddignitytosupporttheoppressionsofalittlefarmer!"

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

Iurgedmycompaniontohastennowandshowhisamiablehumour，andhewillinglyobeyed；butillluckwouldhaveitthat，asheopenedthedoorleadingfromthekitchenononeside，Hindleyopeneditontheother。Theymet，andthemaster，irritatedatseeinghimcleanandcheerful；

or，perhaps，eagertokeephispromisetoMrsLinton，shovedhimbackwithasuddenthrust，andangrilybadeJoseph`keepthefellowoutoftheroom——sendhimintothegarrettilldinnerisover。He"llbecramminghisfingersinthetartsandstealingthefruit，ifleftalonewiththemaminute。"

`Nay，sir，"Icouldnotavoidanswering，`he"lltouchnothing，nothe:andIsupposehemusthavehisshareofthedaintiesaswellaswe。"

`Heshallhavehisshareofmyhand，ifIcatchhimdownstairsagaintilldark，"criedHindley。`Begone，youvagabond!What!youareattemptingthecoxcomb，areyou？WaittillIgetholdofthoseelegantlocks——seeifIwon"tpullthemabitlonger。"

`Theyarelongenough，already，"observedMasterLinton，peepingfromthedoorway；`Iwondertheydon"tmakehisheadache。It"slikeacolt"smaneoverhiseyes!"

Heventuredhisremarkwithoutanyintentiontoinsult；butHeathcliff"sviolentnaturewasnotpreparedtoenduretheappearanceofimpertinencefromonewhomheseemedtohate，eventhen，asarival。Heseizedatureenofhotapplesauce(thefirstthingthatcameunderhisgripe)anddasheditfullagainstthespeaker"sfaceandneck；whoinstantlycommencedalamentthatbroughtIsabellaandCatherinehurryingtotheplace。MrEarnshawsnatcheduptheculpritdirectlyandconveyedhimtohischamber；where，doubtless，headministeredaroughremedytocoolthefitofpassion，forhereappearedredandbreathless。Igotthedish-clothandratherspitefullyscrubbedEdgar"snoseandmouth，affirmingitservedhimrightformeddling。

Hissisterbeganweepingtogohome，andCathystoodbyconfounded，blushingforall。

`Youshouldnothavespokentohim!"sheexpostulatedwithMasterLinton。`Hewasinabadtemper，andnowyou"vespoiltyourvisit；andhe"llbeflogged:Ihatehimtobeflogged!Ican"teatmydinner。Whydidyouspeaktohim，Edgar？"

`Ididn"t，"sobbedtheyouth，escapingfrommyhands，andfinishingtheremainderofthepurificationwithhiscambricpockethandkerchief。

`IpromisedmammathatIwouldn"tsayonewordtohim，andIdidn"t。"

`Well，don"tcry，"repliedCatherine，contemptuously，`you"renotkilled。Don"tmakemoremischief；mybrotheriscoming:bequiet!Giveover，Isabella!Hasanybodyhurtyou？"

`There，there，children——toyourseats!"criedHindley，bustlingin。`Thatbruteofaladhaswarmedmenicely。Nexttime，MasterEdgar，takethelawintoyourownfists——itwillgiveyouanappetite!"

Thelittlepartyrecovereditsequanimityatsightofthefragrantfeast。Theywerehungryaftertheirride，andeasilyconsoled，sincenorealharmhadbefallenthem。MrEarnshawcarvedbountifulplatefuls，andthemistressmadethemmerrywithlivelytalk。Iwaitedbehindherchair，andwaspainedtobeholdCatherine，withdryeyesandanindifferentair，commencecuttingupthewingofagoosebeforeher。`Anunfeelingchild，"

Ithoughttomyself；`howlightlyshedismissesheroldplaymate"stroubles。

Icouldnothaveimaginedhertobesoselfish。"Sheliftedamouthfultoherlips；thenshesetitdownagain:hercheeksflushed，andthetearsgushedoverthem。Sheslippedherforktothefloor，andhastilydivedundertheclothtoconcealheremotion。Ididnotcalherunfeelinglong；

forIperceivedshewasinpurgatorythroughouttheday，andwearyingtofindanopportunityofgettingbyherself，orpayingavisittoHeathcliff，whohadbeenlockedupbthemaster:asIdiscovered，onendeavouringtointroducetohimprivatemessofvictuals。

Intheeveningwehadadance。Cathybeggedthathemightbliberatedthen，asIsabellaLintonhadnopartner；herentreatieswerevain，andIwasappointedtosupplythedeficiency。Wegotridofallgloomintheexcitementoftheexercise，andourpleasurewasincreasedbythearrivaloftheGimmertonband，musteringfifteenstrong:atrumpet，atrombone，clarionets，bassoonFrenchhorns，andabassviol，besidessingers。Theygotheroundsofalltherespectablehouses，andreceivecontributionseveryChristmas，andweesteemeditafirst-ratetreattohearthem。Aftertheusualcarolshadbeensung，wesetthemtosongsandglees。MrsEarnshawlovedthemusic，andsotheygaveusplenty。

Catherinelovedittoo；butshesaiditsoundedsweetestatthetopofthesteps，andshewentupinthedark；Ifollowed。Theyshutthehousedoorbelow，nevernotingourabsence，itwassofullpeople。Shemadenostayatthestair"shead，butmountedfarther，tothegarretwhereHeathcliffwasconfined，andcalledhim。Istubbornlydeclinedansweringforawhile；shepersevered，andfinallypersuadedhimtoholdcommunionwithherthroughtheboards。Iletthepoorthingsconverseunmolested，tillIsupposedthesongsweregoingtocease，andthesingerstogetsomerefreshment；then，Iclambereduptheladdertowarnher。Insteadoffindingheroutside，Iheardhervoicewithin。Thelittlemonkeyhadcreptbytheskylightofonegarret，alongtheroof，intotheskylightoftheother，anditwaswiththeutmostdifficultyIcouldcoaxheroutagain。WhenshedidcomeHeathcliffcamewithher，andsheinsistedthatIshouldtakehimintothekitchen，asmyfellow-servanthadgonetoaneighbour"stoberemovedfromthesoundofour`devil"spsalmody"，asitpleasedhimtocallit。ItoldthemIintendedbynomeanstoencouragetheirtricks；

butastheprisonerhadneverbrokenhisfastsinceyesterday"sdinner，IwouldwinkathischeatingMrHindleythatonce。Hewentdown；Isethimastoolbythefire，andofferedhimaquantityofgoodthings；buthewassickandcouldeatlittle，andmyattemptstoentertainhimwerethrownaway。Heleanthistwoelbowsonhisknees，andhischinonhishands，andremainedwraptindumbmeditation。Onmyinquiringthesubjectofhisthoughts，heansweredgravely:

`I"mtryingtosettlehowIshallpayHindleyback。Idon"tcarehowlongIwait，ifIcanonlydoitatlast。IhopehewillnotdiebeforeIdo!"

`Forshame，Heathcliff!"saidI。`ItisforGodtopunishwickedpeople；weshouldlearntoforgive。"

`No，Godwon"thavethesatisfactionthatIshall，"hereturned。

`IonlywishIknewthebestway!Letmealone，andI"llplanitout:whileI"mthinkingofthatIdon"tfeelpain。"

But，MrLockwood，Iforgetthesetalescannotdivertyou。I"mannoyedhowIshoulddreamofchatteringonatsucharate；andyourgruelcold，andyounoddingforbed!IcouldhavetoldHeathcliffshistory，allthatyouneedhear，inhalfadozenwords。

Thusinterruptingherself，thehousekeeperrose，aridproceededtolayasidehersewing；butIfeltincapableofmovingfromthehearth，andIwasveryfarfromnodding。`Sitstill，MrsDean，"Icried，`dositstill，anotherhalf-hour!You"vedonejustrighttotellthestoryleisurely。

ThatisthemethodIlike；andyoumustfinishitinthesamestyle。I

aminterestedineverycharacteryouhavementioned，moreorless。"

`Theclockisonthestrokeofeleven，sir。"

`Nomatter——I"mnotaccustomedtogotobedinthelonghours。

Oneortwoisearlyenoughforapersonwholiestillten。"

`Youshouldn"tlietillten。There"stheveryprimeofthemorninggonelongbeforethattime。Apersonwhohasnotdoneonehalfhisday"sworkbyteno"clock，runsachanceofleavingtheotherhalfundone。"

`Nevertheless，MrsDean，resumeyourchair；becausetomorrowIintendlengtheningthenighttillafternoon。Iprognosticateformyselfanobstinatecold，atleast。"

`Ihopenot，sir。Well，youmustallowmetoleapoversomethreeyears；duringthatspaceMrsEarnshaw——"

`No，no，I"llallownothingofthesort!Areyouacquaintedwiththemoodofmindinwhich，ifyouwereseatedalone，andthecatlickingitskittenontherugbeforeyou，youwouldwatchtheoperationsointentlythatpuss"sneglectofoneearwouldputyouseriouslyoutoftemper？"

`Aterriblylazymood，Ishouldsay。"

`Onthecontrary，atiresomelyactiveone。Itismine，atpresent；

and，therefore，continueminutely。Iperceivethatpeopleintheseregionsacquireoverpeopleintownsthevaluethatthespiderinadungeondoesoveraspiderinacottage，totheirvariousoccupants；andyetthedeepenedattractionisnotentirelyowingtothesituationofthelooker-on。Theydolivemoreinearnest，moreinthemselves，andlessinsurfacechange，andfrivolousexternalthings。Icouldfancyaloveforlifeherealmostpossible；andIwasafixedunbelieverinanyloveofayear"sstanding。

Onestateresemblessettingahungrymandowntoasingledish，onwhichhemayconcentratehisentireappetiteanddoitjustice；theother，introducinghimtoatablelaidoutbyFrenchcooks:hecanperhapsextractasmuchenjoymentfromthewhole；buteachpartisamereatominhisregardandremembrance。"

`Oh!herewearethesameasanywhereelse，whenyougettoknowus，"observedMrsDean，somewhatpuzzledatmyspeech。

`Excuseme，"Iresponded；`you，mygoodfriend，areastrikingevidenceagainstthatassertion。Exceptingafewprovincialismsofslightconsequence，youhavenomarksofthemannerswhichIamhabituatedtoconsideraspeculiartoyourclass。Iamsureyouhavethoughtagreatdealmorethanthegeneralityofservantsthink。Youhavebeencompelledtocultivateyourreflectivefacultiesforwantofoccasionsforfritteringyourlifeawayinsillytrifles。"

MrsDeanlaughed。

`Icertainlyesteemmyselfasteady，reasonablekindofbody，"

shesaid；`notexactlyfromlivingamongthehillsandseeingonesetoffaces，andoneseriesofactions，fromyear"sendtoyear"send；butI

haveundergonesharpdiscipline，whichhastaughtmewisdom；andthen，Ihavereadmorethanyouwouldfancy，MrLockwood。YoucouldnotopenabookinthislibrarythatIhavenotlookedinto，andgotsomethingoutofalso:unlessitbethatrangeofGreekandLatinandthatofFrench；

andthoseIknowonefromanother:itisasmuchasyoucanexpectofapoorman"sdaughter。However，ifIamtofollowmystoryintruegossip"sfashion，Ihadbettergoon；andinsteadofleapingthreeyears，Iwillbecontenttopasstothenextsummer——thesummerof1778，thatis，nearlytwenty-threeyearsago。"

[NextChapter][TableofContents]WutheringHeights[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter8OnthemorningofafineJuneday，myfirstbonnylittlenursling，andthelastoftheancientEarnshawstock，wasborn。Wewerebusywiththehayinafarawayfield，whenthegirlthatusuallybroughtourbreakfasts，camerunninganhourtoosoon，acrossthemeadowandupthelane，callingmeassheran。

`Oh，suchagrandbairn!"shepantedout。`Thefinestladthateverbreathed!Butthedoctorsaysmissismustgo:hesaysshe"sbeeninaconsumptionthesemanymonths。IheardhimtellMrHindley:andnowshehasnothingtokeepher，andshe"llbedeadbeforewinter。Youmustcomehomedirectly。You"retonurseit，Nelly:tofeeditwithsugarandmilk，andtakecareofitdayandnight。IwishIwereyou，becauseitwillbeallyourswhenthereisnomissis!"

`Butissheveryill？"Iasked，flingingdownmyrake，andtyingmybonnet。

`Iguesssheis；yetshelooksbravely，"repliedthegirl，`andshetalksasifshethoughtoflivingtoseeitgrowaman。She"soutofherheadforjoy，it"ssuchabeauty!IfIwereher，I"mcertainIshouldnotdie:Ishouldgetbetteratthebaresightofit，inspiteofKenneth。

Iwasfairlymadathim。DameArcherbroughtthecherubdowntomaster，inthehouse，andhisfacejustbegantolightup，thentheoldcroakerstepsforward，andsayshe:``Earnshaw，it"sablessingyourwifehasbeensparedtoleaveyouthisson。Whenshecame，Ifeltconvincedweshouldn"tkeepherlong；andnow，Imusttellyou，thewinterwillprobablyfinishher。Don"ttakeon，andfretaboutittoomuch!itcan"tbehelped。Andbesides，youshouldhaveknownbetterthantochoosesucharushofalass!"

`Andwhatdidthemasteranswer？"Iinquired。

`Ithinkheswore:butIdidn"tmindhim，Iwasstrainingtoseethebairn，"andshebeganagaintodescribeitrapturously。I，aszealousasherself，hurriedeagerlyhometoadmire，onmypart；thoughIwasverysadforHindley"ssake。Hehadroominhisheartonlyfortwoidols——hiswifeandhimself:hedotedonboth，andadoredone，andIcouldn"tconceivehowhewouldbeartheloss。

WhenwegottoWutheringHeights，therehestoodatthefrontdoor；and，asIpassedin，Iasked，`Howwasthebaby？"

`Nearlyreadytorunabout，Nell!"hereplied，puttingonacheerfulsmile。

`Andthemistress？"Iventuredtoinquire；`thedoctorsaysshe"s——"

`Damnthedoctor!"heinterrupted，reddening。`Francesisquiteright；she"llbeperfectlywellbythistimenextweek。Areyougoingupstairs？

willyoutellherthatI"llcome，ifshe"llpromisenottotalk。Ileftherbecauseshewouldnotholdhertongue；andshemust——tellherMrKennethsaysshemustbequiet。"

IdeliveredthismessagetoMrsEarnshaw；sheseemedinflightyspirits，andrepliedmerrily:

`Ihardlyspokeaword，Ellen，andtherehehasgoneouttwice，crying。Well，sayIpromiseIwon"tspeak:butthatdoesnotbindmenottolaughathim!"

Poorsoul!Tillwithinaweekofherdeaththatgayheartneverfailedher，andherhusbandpersisteddoggedly，nay，furiously，inaffirmingherhealthimprovedeveryday。WhenKennethwarnedhimthathismedicineswereuselessatthatstageofthemalady，andheneedn"tputhimtofurtherexpensebyattendingher，heretorted:

`Iknowyouneednot——she"swell——shedoesnotwantanymoreattendancefromyou!Sheneverwasinaconsumption。Itwasafever；anditisgone:

herpulseisasslowasminenow，andhercheekascool。"

Hetoldhiswifethesamestory，andsheseemedtobelievehim；

butonenight，whileleaningonhisshoulder，intheactofsayingshethoughtsheshouldbeabletogetuptomorrow，afitofcoughingtookher——averyslightone——heraisedherinhisarms；sheputhertwohandsabouthisneck，herfacechanged，andshewasdead。

Asthegirlhadanticipated，thechildHaretonfellwhollyintomyhands。MrEarnshaw，providedhesawhimhealthyandneverheardhimcry，wascontented，asfarasregardedhim。Forhimself，hegrewdesperate:

hissorrowwasofthatkindthatwillnotlament。Heneitherweptnorprayed:

hecursedanddefied:execratedGodandman，andgavehimselfuptorecklessdissipation。Theservantscouldnotbearhistyrannicalandevilconductlong:JosephandIweretheonlytwothatwouldstay。Ihadnotthehearttoleavemycharge；andbesides，youknowIhadbeenhisfoster-sister，andexcusedhisbehaviourmorereadilythanastrangerwould。Josephremainedtohectorovertenantsandlabourers；andbecauseitwashisvocationtobewherehehadplentyofwickednesstoreprove。

Themaster"sbadwaysandbadcompanionsformedaprettyexampleforCatherineandHeathcliff。Histreatmentofthelatterwasenoughtomakeafiendofasaint。And，truly，itappearedasiftheladwerepossessedofsomethingdiabolicalatthatperiod。HedelightedtowitnessHindleydegradinghimselfpastredemption；andbecamedailymorenotableforsavagesullennessandferocity。Icouldnothalftellwhataninfernalhousewehad。Thecuratedroppedcalling，andnobodydecentcamenearus，atlast；unlessEdgarLinton"svisitstoMissCathymightbeanexception。

Atfifteenshewasthequeenofthecountryside；shehadnopeer；andshedidturnoutahaughty，headstrongcreature!IownIdidnotlikeher，afterherinfancywaspast；andIvexedherfrequentlybytryingtobringdownherarrogance:shenevertookanaversiontome，though。Shehadawondrousconstancytooldattachments:evenHeathcliffkepthisholdonheraffectionsunalterably；andyoungLinton，withallhissuperiority，founditdifficulttomakeanequallydeepimpression。Hewasmylatemaster:

thatishisportraitoverthefireplace。Itusedtohangononeside，andhiswife"sontheother；buthershasbeenremoved，orelseyoumightseesomethingofwhatshewas。Canyoumakethatout？

MrsDeanraisedthecandle，andIdiscernedasoft-featuredface，exceedinglyresemblingtheyoungladyattheHeights，butmorepensiveandamiableinexpression。Itformedasweetpicture。Thelonglighthaircurledslightlyonthetemples；theeyeswerelargeandserious；thefigurealmosttoograceful。IdidnotmarvelhowCatherineEarnshawcouldforgetherfirstfriendforsuchanindividual。Imarvelledmuchhowhe，withamindtocorrespondwithhisperson，couldfancymyideaofCatherineEarnshaw。

`Averyagreeableportrait，"Iobservedtothehousekeeper。`Isitlike？"

`Yes，"sheanswered；`buthelookedbetterwhenhewasanimated；

thatishiseverydaycountenance:hewantedspiritingeneral。"

CatherinehadkeptupheracquaintancewiththeLintonssinceherfiveweeks"residenceamongthem；andasshehadnotemptationtoshowherroughsideintheircompany，andhadthesensetobeashamedofbeingrudewheresheexperiencedsuchInvariablecourtesy，sheimposedunwittinglyontheoldladyandgentleman，byheringeniouscordiality；gainedtheadmirationofIsabella，andtheheartandsoulofherbrother:acquisitionsthatflatteredherfromthefirst，forshewasfullofambition，andledhertoadoptadoublecharacterwithoutexactlyintendingtodeceiveanyone。

IntheplacewheresheheardHeathclifftermedavulgaryoungruffian"，and`worsethanabrute"，shetookcarenottoactlikehim；butathomeshehadsmallinclinationtopractisepolitenessthatwouldonlybelaughedat，andrestrainanunrulynaturewhenitwouldbringherneithercreditnorpraise。MrEdgarseldommusteredcouragetovisitWutheringHeightsopenly。HehadaterrorofEarnshaw"sreputation，andshrunkfromencounteringhim；andyethewasalwaysreceivedwithourbestattemptsatcivility:

themasterhimselfavoidedoffendinghim，knowingwhyhecame；andifhecouldnotbegracious，keptoutoftheway。IratherthinkhisappearancetherewasdistastefultoCatherine:shewasnotartful，neverplayedthecoquette，andhadevidentlyanobjectiontohertwofriendsmeetingatall；forwhenHeathcliffexpressedcontemptofLintoninhispresence，shecouldnothalfcoincide，asshedidinhisabsence；andwhenLintonevinceddisgustandantipathytoHeathcliff，shedarednottreathissentimentswithindifference，asifdepreciationofherplaymatewereofscarcelyanyconsequencetoher。I"vehadmanyalaughatherperplexitiesanduntoldtroubles，whichshevainlystrovetohidefrommymockery。Thatsoundsill-natured:butshewassoproud，itbecamereallyimpossibletopityherdistresses，tillsheshouldbechastenedintomorehumility。Shedidbringherself，finally，toconfess，andconfideinme:therewasnotasoulelsethatshemightfashionintoanadviser。

MrHindleyhadgonefromhomeoneafternoon，andHeathcliffpresumedtogivehimselfaholidayonthestrengthofit。Hehadreachedtheageofsixteenthen，Ithink，andwithouthavingbadfeatures，orbeingdeficientinintellect，hecontrivedtoconveyanimpressionofinwardandoutwardrepulsivenessthathispresentaspectretainsnotracesof。Inthefirstplace，hehadbythattimelostthebenefitofhisearlyeducation:continualhardwork，begunsoonandconcludedlate，hadextinguishedanycuriosityheoncepossessedinpursuitofknowledge，andanyloveforbooksorlearning。

Hischildhood"ssenseofsuperiority，instilledintohimbythefavoursofoldMrEarnshaw，wasfadedaway。HestruggledlongtokeepupanequalitywithCatherineinherstudies，andyieldedwithpoignantthoughsilentregret:butheyieldedcompletely；andtherewasnoprevailingonhimtotakeastepinthewayofmovingupward，whenhefoundhemust，necessarily，sinkbeneathhisformerlevel。Thenpersonalappearancesympathizedwithmentaldeterioration:heacquiredaslouchinggait，andignoblelook；hisnaturallyreserveddispositionwasexaggeratedintoanalmostidioticexcessofunsociablemoroseness；andhetookagrimpleasure，apparently，inexcitingtheaversionratherthantheesteemofhisfewacquaintance。

Catherineandhewereconstantcompanionsstillathisseasonsofrespitefromlabour；buthehadceasedtoexpresshisfondnessforherinwords，andrecoiledwithangrysuspicionfromhergirlishcaresses，asifconscioustherecouldbenogratificationinlavishingsuchmarksofaffectiononhim。Onthebefore-namedoccasionhecameintothehousetoannouncehisintentionofdoingnothing，whileIwasassistingMissCathytoarrangeherdress:shehadnotreckonedonhistakingitintohisheadtobeidle；andimaginingshewouldhavethewholeplacetoherself，shemanaged，bysomemeans，toinformMrEdgarofherbrother"sabsence，andwasthenpreparingtoreceivehim。

`Cathy，areyoubusy，thisafternoon？"askedHeathcliff。`Areyougoinganywhere？"

`No，itisraining，"sheanswered。

`Whyhaveyouthatsilkfrockon，then？"hesaid。`Nobodycominghere，Ihope？"

`NotthatIknowof，"stammeredMiss:`butyoushouldbeinthefieldnow，Heathcliff。Itisanhourpastdinnertime:Ithoughtyouweregone。"

`Hindleydoesnotoftenfreeusfromhisaccursedpresence，"observedtheboy。`I"llnotworkanymoretoday:I"llstaywithyou。"

`Oh，butJosephwilltell，"shesuggested；`you"dbettergo!"

`JosephisloadinglimeonthefarthersideofPennistowCrag；

itwilltakehimtilldark，andhe"llneverknow。"

Sosaying，heloungedtothefire，andsatdown。Catherinereflectedaninstant，withknittedbrows——shefounditneedfultosmooththewayforanintrusion。`IsabellaandEdgarLintontalkedofcallingthisafternoon，"

shesaid，attheconclusionofaminute"ssilence。`Asitrains，Ihardlyexpectthem；buttheymaycome，andiftheydo，youruntheriskofbeingscoldedfornogood。"

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

`Thattheywhat？"criedCatherine，gazingathimwithatroubledcountenance。`Oh，Nelly!"sheaddedpetulantly，jerkingherheadawayfrommyhands，`you"vecombedmyhairquiteoutofcurl!That"senough；letmealone。Whatareyouonthepointofcomplainingabout，Heathcliff？"

`Nothing——onlylookatthealmanaconthatwall；"hepointedtoaframedsheethangingnearthewindow，andcontinued——`ThecrossesarefortheeveningsyouhavespentwiththeLintons，thedotsforthosespentwithme。Doyousee？I"vemarkedeveryday。"

`Yes——veryfoolish:asifItooknotice!"repliedCatherineinapeevishtone。`Andwhereisthesenseofthat？"

`ToshowthatIdotakenotice，"saidHeathcliff。

`AndshouldIalwaysbesittingwithyou？"shedemanded，growingmoreirritated。`WhatgooddoIget？Whatdoyoutalkabout？Youmightbedumb，orababy，foranythingyousaytoamuseme，orforanythingyoudo，either!"

`YounevertoldmebeforethatItalkedtoolittle，orthatyoudislikedmycompany，Cathy!"exclaimedHeathcliff，inmuchagitation。

`It"snocompanyatall，whenpeopleknownothingandsaynothing，"

shemuttered。

Hercompanionroseup，buthehadn"ttimetoexpresshisfeelingsfurther，forahorse"sfeetwereheardontheflags，andhavingknockedgently，youngLintonentered，hisfacebrilliantwithdelightattheunexpectedsummonshehadreceived。DoubtlessCatherinemarkedthedifferencebetweenherfriends，asonecameinandtheotherwentout。Thecontrastresembledwhatyouseeinexchangingableak，hilly，coalcountryforabeautifulfertilevalley；andhisvoiceandgreetingwereasoppositeashisaspect。

Hehadasweet，lowmannerofspeaking，andpronouncedhiswordsasyoudo:that"slessgruffthanwetalkhere，andsofter。

`I"mnotcometoosoon，amI？"hesaid，castingalookatme:

Ihadbeguntowipetheplate，andtidysomedrawersatthefarendinthedresser。

`No，"answeredCatherine。`Whatareyoudoingthere，Nelly？"

`Mywork，miss，"Ireplied。(MrHindleyhadgivenmedirectionstomakeathirdparryinanyprivatevisitsLintonchosetopay。)

Shesteppedbehindmeandwhisperedcrossly，`Takeyourselfandyourdustersoff；whencompanyareinthehouse，servantsdon"tcommencescouringandcleaningintheroomwheretheyare!"

`It"sagoodopportunity，nowthatthemasterisaway，"Iansweredaloud:`hehatesmetobefidgetingoverthesethingsinhispresence。

I"msureMrEdgarwillexcuseme。"

`Ihateyoutobefidgetinginmypresence，"exclaimedtheyoungladyimperiously，notallowingherguesttimetospeak:shehadfailedtorecoverherequanimitysincethelittledisputewithHeathcliff。

`I"msorryforit，MissCatherine，"wasmyresponse；andIproceededassiduouslywithmyoccupation。

She，supposingEdgarcouldnotseeher，snatchedtheclothfrommyhand，andpinchedme，withaprolongedwrench，veryspitefullyonthearm。I"vesaidIdidnotloveher，andratherrelishedmortifyinghervanitynowandthen:besides，shehurtmeextremely；soIstartedupfrommyknees，andscreamedout，`Oh，miss，that"sanastytrick!Youhavenorighttonipme，andI"mnotgoingtobearit。"

`Ididn"ttouchyou，youlyingcreature!"criedshe，herfingerstinglingtorepeattheact，andherearsredwithrage。Sheneverhadpowertoconcealherpassion，italwayssetherwholecomplexioninablaze。

`What"sthat，then？"Iretorted，showingadecidedpurplewitnesstorefuteher。

Shestampedherfoot，waveredamoment，andthenirresistiblyimpelledbythenaughtyspiritwithinher，slappedmeonthecheekastingingblowthatfilledbotheyeswithwater。

`Catherine，love!Catherine!"interposedLinton，greatlyshockedatthedoublefaultoffalsehoodandviolencewhichhisidolhadcommitted。

`Leavetheroom，Ellen!"sherepeated，tremblingallover。

LittleHareton，whofollowedmeeverywhere，andwassittingnearmeonthefloor，atseeingmytearscommencedcryinghimself，andsobbedoutcomplaintsagainst`wickedauntCathy"，whichdrewherfuryontohisunluckyhead:sheseizedhisshoulders，andshookhimtillthepoorchildwaxedlivid，andEdgarthoughtlesslylaidholdofherhandstodeliverhim。Inaninstantonewaswrungfree，andtheastonishedyoungmanfeltitappliedoverhisownearinawaythatcouldnotbemistakenforjest。

Hedrewbackinconsternation。IliftedHaretoninmyarms，andwalkedofftothekitchenwithhim，leavingthedoorofcommunicationopen，forIwascurioustowatchhowtheywouldsettletheirdisagreement。Theinsultedvisitormovedtothespotwherehehadlaidhishat，paleandwithaquiveringlip。

`That"sright!"Isaidtomyself。`Takewarningandbegone!It"sakindnesstoletyouhaveaglimpseofhergenuinedisposition。"

`Whereareyougoing？"demandedCatherine，advancingtothedoor。

Heswervedaside，andattemptedtopass。

`Youmustnotgo!"sheexclaimedenergetically。

`Imustandshall!"herepliedinasubduedvoice。

`No，"shepersisted，graspingthehandle；`notyet，EdgarLinton:

sitdown；youshallnotleavemeinthattemper。Ishouldbemiserableallnight，andIwon"tbemiserableforyou!"

`CanIstayafteryouhavestruckme？"askedLinton。Catherinewasmute。

`You"vemademeafraidandashamedofyou，"hecontinued；`I"llnotcomehereagain!"

Hereyesbegantoglisten，andherlidstotwinkle。`Andyoutoldadeliberateuntruth!"hesaid。

`Ididn"t!"shecried，recoveringherspeech；`Ididnothingdeliberately。

Well，go，ifyouplease——getaway!AndnowI"llcry——I"llcrymyselfsick!"

Shedroppeddownonherkneesbyachair，andsettoweepinginseriousearnest。Edgarperseveredinhisresolutionasfarasthecourt；

therehelingered。Iresolvedtoencouragehim。

`Missisdreadfullywayward，sir，"Icalledout。`Asbadasanymarredchild:you"dbetterberidinghome，orelseshewillbesickonlytogrieveus。"

Thesoftthinglookedaskancethroughthewindow:hepossessedthepowertodepart，asmuchasacatpossessesthepowertoleaveamousehalfkilled，orabirdhalfeaten。Ah，Ithought，therewillbenosavinghim:he"sdoomed，andfliestohisfate!Andsoitwas:heturnedabruptly，hastenedintothehouseagain，shutthedoorbehindhim；andwhenIwentinawhileaftertoinformthemthatEarnshawhadcomehomerabiddrunk，readytopullthewholeplaceaboutourears(hisordinaryframeofmindinthatcondition)，Isawthequarrelhadmerelyeffectedacloserintimacyhadbrokentheoutworksofyouthfultimidity，andenabledthemtoforsakethedisguiseoffriendship，andconfessthemselveslovers。

IntelligenceofMrHindley"sarrivaldroveLintonspeedilytohishorse，andCatherinetoherchamber。IwenttohidelittleHareton，andtotaketheshotoutofthemaster"sfowling-piece，whichhewasfondofplayingwithinhisinsaneexcitement，tothehazardofthelivesofanywhoprovoked，orevenattractedhisnoticetoomuch；andIhadhitupontheplanofremovingit，thathemightdolessmischiefifhedidgothelengthoffiringthegun。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]WutheringHeights[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter9Heentered，vociferatingoathsdreadfultohear；andcaughtmeintheactofstowinghissonawayinthekitchencupboard。Haretonwasimpressedwithawholesometerrorofencounteringeitherhiswildbeast"sfondnessorhismadman"srage；forinoneheranachanceofbeingsqueezedandkissedtodeath，andintheotherofbeingflungintothefire，ordashedagainstthewall；andthepoorthingremainedperfectlyquietwhereverIchosetoputhim。

`There，I"vefounditoutatlast!"criedHindley，pullingmebackbytheskinofmyneck，likeadog。`Byheavenandhell，you"veswornbetweenyoutomurderthatchild!Iknowhowitis，now，thatheisalwaysoutofmyway。But，withthehelpofSatan，Ishallmakeyouswallowthecarving-knife，Nelly!Youneedn"tlaugh；forI"vejustcrammedKenneth，headdownmost，intheBlackhorsemarsh；andtwoisthesameasone——andIwanttokillsomeofyou:IshallhavenoresttillIdo!"

`ButIdon"tlikethecarving-knife，MrHindley，"Ianswered:

`ithasbeencuttingredherrings。I"dratherbeshot，ifyouplease。"

`You"dratherbedamned!"hesaid；`andsoyoushall。NolawinEnglandcanhinderamanfromkeepinghishousedecent，andmine"sabominable!

openyourmouth。"

Heheldtheknifeinhishand，andpusheditspointbetweenmyteeth:but，formypart，Iwasnevermuchafraidofhisvagaries。Ispatout，andaffirmedittasteddetestably——Iwouldnottakeitonanyaccount。

`Oh!"saidhe，releasingme，`IseethathideouslittlevillainisnotHareton:Ibegyourpardon，Nell。Ifitbe，hedeservesflayingalivefornotrunningtowelcomeme，andforscreamingasifIwereagoblin。

Unnaturalcub，comehither!I"llteachtheetoimposeonagood-hearted，deludedfather。Now，don"tyouthinktheladwouldbehandsomercropped？

Itmakesadogfiercer，andIlovesomethingfierce——getmeascissors——somethingfierceandtrim!Besides，it"sinfernalaffectation——devilishconceititis，tocherishourears——we"reassesenoughwithoutthem。Hush，child，hush!Wellthen，itismydarling!wisht，drythyeyes——there"sajoy；

kissme。What!itwon"t？Kissme，Hareton!Damnthee，kissme!ByGod，asif1wouldrearsuchamonster!AssureasI"mliving，I"llbreakthebrat"sneck。"

PoorHaretonwassquallingandkickinginhisfather"sarmswithallhismight，andredoubledhisyellswhenhecarriedhimupstairsandliftedhimoverthebanister。Icriedoutthathewouldfrightenthechildintofits，andrantorescuehim。AsIreachedthem，Hindleyleantforwardontherailstolistentoanoisebelow；almostforgettingwhathehadinhishands。`Whoisthat？"heasked，hearingsomeoneapproachingthestair"sfoot。Ileantforwardalso，forthepurposeofsigningtoHeathcliff，whosestepIrecognized，nottocomefarther；and，attheinstantwhenmyeyequittedHareton，hegaveasuddenspring，deliveredhimselffromthecarelessgraspthatheldhim，andfell。

Therewasscarcelytimetoexperienceathrillofhorrorbeforewesawthatthelittlewretchwassafe。Heathcliffarrivedunderneathjustatthecriticalmoment；byanaturalimpulse，hearrestedhisdescent，andsettinghimonhisfeet，lookeduptodiscovertheauthoroftheaccident。

Amiserwhohaspartedwithaluckylotteryticketforfiveshillings，andfindsnextdayhehaslostinthebargainfivethousandpounds，couldnotshowablankercountenancethanhedidonbeholdingthefigureofMrEarnshawabove。Itexpressed，plainerthanwordscoulddo，theintenseanguishathavingmadehimselftheinstrumentofthwartinghisownrevenge。

Haditbeendark，Idaresay，hewouldhavetriedtoremedythemistakebysmashingHareton"sskullonthesteps；butwewitnessedhissalvation；

andIwaspresentlybelowwithmypreciouschargepressedtomyheart。

Hindleydescendedmoreleisurely，soberedandabashed。

`Itisyourfault，Ellen，"hesaid；`youshouldhavekepthimoutofsight:youshouldhavetakenhimfromme!Isheinjuredanywhere？"

`Injured!"Icriedangrily；`ifhe"snotkilled，he"llbeanidiot!

Oh!Iwonderhismotherdoesnotrisefromhergravetoseehowyouusehim。You"reworsethanaheathen——treatingyourownfleshandbloodinthatmanner!"

Heattemptedtotouchthechild，who，onfindinghimselfwithme，sobbedoffhisterrordirectly。Atthefirstfingerhisfatherlaidonhim，however，heshriekedagainlouderthanbefore，andstruggledasifhewouldgointoconvulsions。