WutheringHeights[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter12WhileMissLintonmopedabouttheparkandgarden，alwayssilent，andalmostalwaysintears；andherbrothershuthimselfupamongbooksthatheneveropened——wearying，Iguessed，withacontinualvagueexpectationthatCatherine，repentingherconduct，wouldcomeofherownaccordtoaskpardon，andseekareconciliation——andshefastedpertinaciously，undertheidea，probably，thatateverymeal，Edgarwasreadytochokeforherabsence，andpridealoneheldhimfromrunningtocasthimselfatherfeet:Iwentaboutmyhouseholdduties，convincedthattheGrangehadbutonesensiblesoulinitswalls，andthatlodgedinmybody。IwastednocondolencesonMiss，noranyexpostulationsonmymistress；nordidIpaymuchattentiontothesighsofmymaster，whoyearnedtohearhislady'sname，sincehemightnothearhervoice。Ideterminedtheyshouldcomeaboutastheypleasedforme；andthoughitwasatiresomelyslowprocess，Ibegantorejoiceatlengthinafaintdawnofitsprogress:asIthoughtatfirst。
　　MrsLinton，onthethirdday，unbarredherdoor，andhavingfinishedthewaterinherpitcheranddecanter，desiredarenewedsupply，andabasinofgruel，forshebelievedshewasdying。ThatIsetdownasaspeechmeantforEdgar'sears；Ibelievednosuchthing，soIkeptittomyselfandbroughthersometeaanddrytoast。Sheateanddrankeagerly；andsankbackonherpillowagainclenchingherhandsandgroaning。`Oh，I
　　willdie，'sheexclaimed，`sincenoonecaresanythingaboutme。IwishIhadnottakenthat。'ThenagoodwhileafterIheardhermurmur，`No，I'llnotdie——he'dbeglad——hedoesnotlovemeatall——hewouldnevermissme!'
　　`Didyouwantanything，ma'am？'Iinquired，stillpreservingmyexternalcomposure，inspiteofherghastlycountenance，andstrangeexaggeratedmanner。
　　`Whatisthatapatheticbeingdoing？'shedemanded，pushingherthickentangledlocksfromherwastedface。`Hashefallenintoalethargy，orishedead？'
　　`Neither，'repliedI；`ifyoumeanMrLinton。He'stolerablywell，Ithink，thoughhisstudiesoccupyhimrathermorethantheyought:heiscontinuallyamonghisbooks，sincehehasnoothersociety。'
　　Ishouldnothavespokenso，ifIhadknownhertruecondition，butIcouldnotgetridofthenotionthatsheactedapartofherdisorder。
　　`Amonghisbooks!'shecried，confounded。`AndIdying!Ionthebrinkofthegrave!MyGod!doesheknowhowI'maltered？'continuedshe，staringatherreflectioninamirrorhangingagainsttheoppositewall。
　　`IsthatCatherineLinton!Heimaginesmeinapet——inplay，perhaps。Cannotyouinformhimthatitisfrightfulearnest？Nelly，ifitbenottoolate，assoonasIlearnhowhefeels，I'llchoosebetweenthesetwo；eithertostarveatonce——thatwouldbenopunishmentunlesshehadaheart——ortorecover，andleavethecountry。Areyouspeakingthetruthabouthimnow？Takecare。Isheactuallysoutterlyindifferentformylife？'
　　`Why，ma'am，'Ianswered，`themasterhasnoideaofyourbeingderanged；andofcoursehedoesnotfearthatyouwillletyourselfdieofhunger。'
　　`Youthinknot？CannotyoutellhimIwill？'shereturned。`Persuadehim!speakofyourownmind:sayyouarecertainIwill!'
　　`No，youforget，MrsLinton，'Isuggested，`thatyouhaveeatensomefoodwitharelishthisevening，andtomorrowyouwillperceiveitsgoodeffects。'
　　`IfIwereonlysureitwouldkillhim，'sheinterrupted，`I'dkillmyselfdirectly!Thesethreeawfulnights，I'veneverclosedmylids——andoh，I'vebeentormented!I'vebeenhaunted，Nelly!ButIbegintofancyyoudon'tlikeme。Howstrange!Ithought，thougheverybodyhatedanddespisedeachother，theycouldnotavoidlovingme。Andtheyhaveallturnedtoenemiesinafewhours:theyhave，I'mpositive；thepeoplehere。
　　Howdrearytomeetdeath，surroundedbytheircoldfaces!Isabellaterrifiedandrepelled，afraidtoentertheroom，itwouldbesodreadfultowatchCatherinego。AndEdgarstandingsolemnlybytoseeitover；thenofferingprayersofthankstoGodforrestoringpeacetohishouse，andgoingbacktohisbooks!Whatinthenameofallthatfeelshashetodowithbooks，whenIamdying？'
　　ShecouldnotbearthenotionwhichIhadputintoherheadofMrLinton'sphilosophicalresignation。Tossingabout，sheincreasedherfeverishbewildermenttomadness，andtorethepillowwithherteeth；thenraisingherselfupallburning，desiredthatIwouldopenthewindow。Wewereinthemiddleofwinter，thewindblewstrongfromthenorth-east，andIobjected。Boththeexpressionsflittingoverherface，andthechangesofhermoods，begantoalarmmeterribly；andbroughttomyrecollectionherformerillness，andthedoctor'sinjunctionthatsheshouldnotbecrossed。Aminutepreviouslyshewasviolent；now，supportedononearm，andnotnoticingmyrefusaltoobeyher，sheseemedtofindchildishdiversioninpullingthefeathersfromtherentsshehadjustmade，andrangingthemonthesheetaccordingtotheirdifferentspecies:hermindhadstrayedtootherassociations。
　　`That'saturkey's，'shemurmuredtoherself；`andthisisawildduck's；andthisisapigeon's。Ah，theyputpigeons'feathersinthepillows——nowonderIcouldn'tdie!LetmetakecaretothrowitonthefloorwhenI
　　liedown。Andhereisamoor-cock's；andthis——Ishouldknowitamongathousand——it'salapwing's。Bonnybird；wheelingoverourheadsinthemiddleofthemoor。Itwantedtogettoitsnest，forthecloudshadtouchedtheswells，anditfeltraincoming。Thisfeatherwaspickedupfromtheheath，thebirdwasnotshot:wesawitsnestinthewinter，fulloflittleskeletons。Heathcliffsetatrapoverit，andtheoldonesdarenotcome。
　　Imadehimpromisehe'dnevershootalapwingafterthat，andhedidn't。
　　Yes，herearemore!Didheshootmylapwings，Nelly？Aretheyred，anyofthem!Letmelook。'
　　`Giveoverwiththatbaby-work!'Iinterrupted，draggingthepillowaway，andturningtheholestowardsthemattress，forshewasremovingitscontentsbyhandfuls。`Liedownandshutyoureyes:you'rewandering。
　　There'samess!Thedownisflyingaboutlikesnow。'
　　Iwenthereandtherecollectingit。
　　`Iseeinyou，Nelly，'shecontinueddreamily，`anagedwoman:
　　youhavegreyhairandbentshoulders。ThisbedisthefairycaveunderPenistonCrag，andyouaregatheringelf-boltstohurtourheifers；pretending，whileIamnear，thattheyareonlylocksofwool。That'swhatyou'llcometofiftyyearshence:Iknowyouarenotsonow。I'mnotwandering:you'remistaken，orelseIshouldbelieveyoureallywerethatwitheredhag，andIshouldthinkIwasunderPenistonCrag；andI'mconsciousit'snight，andtherearetwocandlesonthetablemakingtheblackpressshinelikejet。'
　　`Theblackpress？whereisthat？'Iasked。`Youaretalkinginyoursleep!'
　　`It'sagainstthewall，asitalwaysis，'shereplied。`Itdoesappearodd——Iseeafaceinit!'
　　`There'snopressintheroom，andneverwas，'saidI，resumingmyseat，andloopingupthecurtainthatImightwatchher。
　　`Don'tyouseethatface？'sheinquired，gazingearnestlyatthemirror。
　　AndsaywhatIcould，Iwasincapableofmakinghercomprehendittobeherown；soIroseandcovereditwithashawl。
　　`It'sbehindtherestill!'shepursuedanxiously。`Anditstirred。
　　Whoisit？Ihopeitwillnotcomeoutwhenyouaregone!Oh!Nelly，theroomishaunted!I'mafraidofbeingalone!'
　　Itookherhandinmine，andbidherbecomposed:forasuccessionofshuddersconvulsedherframe，andshewouldkeepstraininghergazetowardstheglass。
　　`There'snobodyhere!'Iinsisted。`Itwasyourself，MrsLinton:youknewitawhilesince。'
　　`Myself!'shegasped，`andtheclockisstrikingtwelve!It'strue，then!that'sdreadful!'
　　Herfingersclutchedtheclothes，andgatheredthemoverhereyes。
　　Iattemptedtostealtothedoorwithanintentionofcallingherhusband；
　　butIwassummonedbackbyapiercingshriek——theshawlhaddroppedfromtheframe。
　　`Why，whatisthematter？'criedI。`Whoiscowardnow？
　　Wakeup!Thatistheglass——themirror，MrsLinton；andyouseeyourselfinit，andthereamItoo，byyourside。'
　　Tremblingandbewildered，sheheldmefast，butthehorrorgraduallypassedfromhercountenance；itspalenessgaveplacetoaglowofshame。
　　`Oh，dear!IthoughtIwasathome，'shesighed。`IthoughtI
　　waslyinginmychamberatWutheringHeights。BecauseI'mweak，mybraingotconfused，andIscreamedunconsciously。Dontsayanything；butstaywithme。Idreadsleeping:mydreamsappalme。'
　　`Asoundsleepwoulddoyougood，ma'am，'Ianswered；`andIhopethissufferingwillpreventyourtryingstarvingagain。'
　　`Oh，ifIwerebutinmyownbedintheoldhouse!'shewentonbitterly，wringingherhands，`Andthatwindsoundinginthefirsbythelattice。Doletmefeelit——itcomesstraightdownthemoor——doletmehaveonebreath!'
　　Topacifyher，Iheldthecasementajarafewseconds。Acoldblastrushedthrough；Iclosedit，andreturnedtomypost。Shelaystillnow，herfacebathedintears。Exhaustionofbodyhadentirelysubduedherspirit:ourfieryCatherinewasnobetterthanawailingchild。
　　`HowlongisitsinceIshutmyselfinhere？'sheasked，suddenlyreviving。
　　`ItwasMondayevening，'Ireplied，`andthisisThursdaynight，orratherFridaymorning，atpresent。
　　`What!ofthesameweek？'sheexclaimed。`Onlythatbrieftime？'
　　`Longenoughtoliveonnothingbutcoldwaterandill-temper，observedI。
　　`Well，itseemsawearynumberofhours，'shemuttereddoubtfully:
　　`itmustbemore。Irememberbeingintheparlouraftertheyhadquarrelled，andEdgarbeingcruellyprovoking，andmerunningintothisroomdesperate。
　　AssoonaseverIhadbarredthedoor，utterblacknessoverwhelmedme，andIfellonthefloor。Icouldn'texplaintoEdgarhowcertainIfeltofhavingafit，orgoingragingmad，ifhepersistedinteasingme!I
　　hadnocommandoftongue，orbrain，andhedidnotguessmyagony，perhaps:
　　itbarelyleftmesensetotrytoescapefromhimandhisvoice。BeforeIrecoveredsufficientlytoseeandhear，itbegantobedawn，and，Nelly，I'lltellyouwhatIthought，andwhathaskeptrecurringandrecurringtillIfearedformyreason。IthoughtasIlaythere，withmyheadagainstthattableleg，andmyeyesdimlydiscerningthegreysquareofthewindow，thatIwasenclosedintheoak-panelledbedathome；andmyheartachedwithsomegreatgriefwhich，justwaking，Icouldnotrecollect。Ipondered，andworriedmyselftodiscoverwhatitcouldbe，and，moststrangely，thewholelastsevenyearsofmylifegrewablank!Ididnotrecallthattheyhadbeenatall。Iwasachild；myfatherwasjustburied，andmymiseryarosefromtheseparationthatHindleyhadorderedbetweenmeandHeathcliff。
　　Iwaslaidalone，forthefirsttime；and，rousingfromadismaldozeafteranightofweeping，Iliftedmyhandtopushthepanelsaside:itstruckthetabletop!Isweptitalongthecarpet，andthenmemoryburstin:mylateanguishwasswallowedinaparoxysmofdespair。IcannotsaywhyI
　　feltsowildlywretched:itmusthavebeentemporaryderangement，forthereisscarcelycause。But，supposingattwelveyearsoldIhadbeenwrenchedfromtheHeights，andeveryearlyassociation，andmyallinall，asHeathcliffwasatthattime，andbeenconvertedatastrokeintoMrsLinton，theladyofThrushcrossGrange，andthewifeofastranger:anexile，andoutcast，thenceforth，fromwhathadbeenmyworld。YoumayfancyaglimpseoftheabysswhereIgrovelled!Shakeyourheadasyouwill，Nelly，youhavehelpedtounsettleme!YoushouldhavespokentoEdgar，indeedyoushould，andcompelledhimtoleavemequiet!Oh，I'mburning!IwishI
　　wereoutofdoors!IwishIwereagirlagain，halfsavageandhardy，andfree；andlaughingatinjuries，notmaddeningunderthem!WhyamIsochanged？
　　whydoesmybloodrushintoahelloftumultatafewwords？I'msureI
　　shouldbemyselfwereIonceamongtheheatheronthosehills。Openthewindowagainwide:fastenitopen!Quick，whydon'tyoumove？'
　　`BecauseIwon'tgiveyouyourdeathofcold，'Ianswered。
　　`Youwon'tgivemeachanceoflife，youmean，'shesaidsullenly。
　　`However，I'mnothelpless，yet:I'llopenitmyself。'
　　AndslidingfromthebedbeforeIcouldhinderher，shecrossedtheroom，walkingveryuncertainly，threwitback，andbentout，carelessofthefrostyairthatcutabouthershouldersaskeenasaknife。Ientreated，andfinallyattemptedtoforcehertoretire。ButIsoonfoundherdeliriousstrengthmuchsurpassedmineshewasdelirious，Ibecameconvincedbyhersubsequentactionsandravings。Therewasnomoon，andeverythingbeneathlayinmistydarkness:notalightgleamedfromanyhouse，farornear——allhadbeenextinguishedlongago；andthoseatWutheringHeightswerenevervisible——stillsheassertedshecaughttheirshining。
　　`Look!'shecriedeagerly，`that'smyroomwiththecandleinit，andthetreesswayingbeforeit:andtheothercandleisinJoseph'sgarret。Josephsitsuplate，doesn'the？He'swaitingtillIcomehomethathemaylockthegate。Well，he'llwaitawhileyet。It'saroughjourney，andasadhearttotravelit；andwemustpassbyGimmertonKirk，togothatjourney!We'vebraveditsghostsoftentogether，anddaredeachothertostandamongthegravesandaskthemtocome。But，Heathcliff，ifIdareyounow，willyouventure？Ifyoudo，I'llkeepyou。I'llnotlietherebymyself:theymayburymetwelvefeetdeep，andthrowthechurchdownoverme，butIwon'tresttillyouarewithme。Ineverwill!'
　　Shepaused，andresumedwithastrangesmile。`He'sconsidering——he'dratherI'dcometohim!Findaway，then!notthroughthatkirkyard。Youareslow!Becontent，youalwaysfollowedme!'
　　Perceivingitvaintoargueagainstherinsanity，IwasplanninghowIcouldreachsomethingtowrapabouther，withoutquittingmyholdofherselfforIcouldnottrustheralonebythegapinglattice，when，tomyconsternation，Iheardtherattleofthedoorhandle，andMrLintonentered。Hehadonlythencomefromthelibrary；and，inpassingthroughthelobby，hadnoticedourtalkingandbeenattractedbycuriosity，orfear，toexaminewhatitsignified，atthatlatehour。
　　`Oh，sir!'Icried，checkingtheexclamationrisentohislipsatthesightwhichmethim，andthebleakatmosphereofthechamber。`Mypoormistressisill，andshequitemastersme:Icannotmanageheratall；pray，comeandpersuadehertogotobed。Forgetyouranger，forshe'shardtoguideanywaybutherown。'
　　`Catherineill？'hesaid，hasteningtous。`Shutthewindow，Ellen!
　　Catherine!why——
　　Hewassilent。ThehaggardnessofMrsLinton'sappearancesmotehimspeechless，andhecouldonlyglancefromhertomeinhorrifiedastonishment。
　　`She'sbeenfrettinghere，'Icontinued，`andeatingscarcelyanything，andnevercomplaining；shewouldadmitnoneofustillthisevening，andsowecouldn'tinformyouofherstateaswewerenotawareofitourselves；
　　butitisnothing。'
　　IfeltIutteredmyexplanationsawkwardly；themasterfrowned。
　　`Itisnothing，isit，EllenDean？'hesaidsternly。`Youshallaccountmoreclearlyforkeepingmeignorantofthis!'Andhetookhiswifeinhisarms，andlookedatherwithanguish。
　　Atfirstshegavehimnoglanceofrecognition；hewasinvisibletoherabstractedgaze。Thedeliriumwasnotfixed，however；havingweanedhereyesfromcontemplatingtheouterdarkness，bydegreesshecentredherattentiononhim，anddiscoveredwhoitwasthatheldher。
　　`Ah!youarecome，areyou，EdgarLinton？'shesaid，withangryanimation。`Youareoneofthosethingsthatareeverfoundwhenleastwanted，andwhenyouarewanted，never!Isupposeweshallhaveplentyoflamentationsnow——Iseeweshall——buttheycan'tkeepmefrommynarrowhomeoutyonder:myresting-place，whereI'mboundbeforespringisover!
　　Thereitis:notamongtheLintons，mind，underthechapelroof，butintheopenair，withaheadstone；andyoumaypleaseyourself，whetheryougotothemorcometome!'
　　`Catherine，whathaveyoudone？'commencedthemaster。`AmInothingtoyouanymore？DoyoulovethatwretchHeath——'
　　`Hush!'criedMrsLinton。`Hush，thismoment!YoumentionthatnameandIendthematterinstantly，byaspringfromthewindow!Whatyoutouchatpresentyoumayhave；butmysoulwillbeonthathilltopbeforeyoulayhandsonmeagain。Idon'twantyou，Edgar:I'mpastwantingyou。Returntoyourbooks。I'mgladyoupossessaconsolation，forallyouhadinmeisgone。'
　　`Hermindwanders，sir，'Iinterposed。`Shehasbeentalkingnonsensethewholeevening；butletherhavequiet，andproperattendance，andshe'llrally。Hereafter，wemustbecautioushowwevexher。'
　　`Idesirenofurtheradvicefromyou，'answeredMrLinton。`Youknowyourmistress'snature，andyouencouragedmetoharassher。Andnottogivemeonehintofhowshehasbeenthesethreedays!Itwasheartless!
　　Monthsofsicknesscouldnotcausesuchachange!'
　　Ibegantodefendmyself，thinkingittoobadtobeblamedforanother'swickedwaywardness。`IknewMrsLinton'snaturetobeheadstronganddomineering，'criedI；`butIdidn'tknowthatyouwishedtofosterherfiercetemper!Ididn'tknowthat，tohumourher，IshouldwinkatMrHeathcliff。Iperformedthedutyofafaithfulservantintellingyou，andIhavegotafaithfulservant'swages!Well，itwillteachmetobecarefulnexttime。Nexttimeyoumaygatherintelligenceforyourself!'
　　`Thenexttimeyoubringataletome，youshallquitmyservice，EllenDean，'hereplied。
　　`You'dratherhearnothingaboutit，Isuppose，then，MrLinton？'
　　saidI。`Heathcliffhasyourpermissiontocomeacourtingtomiss，andtodropinateveryopportunityyourabsenceoffers，onpurposetopoisonthemistressagainstyou？'
　　ConfusedasCatherinewas，herwitswerealertatapplyingourconversation。
　　`Ah!Nellyhasplayedtraitor，'sheexclaimedpassionately。`Nellyismyhiddenenemy。Youwitch!Soyoudoseekelf-boltstohurtus!Letmego，I'llmakeherrue!I'llmakeherhowlarecantation!'
　　Amaniac'sfurykindledunderherbrows；shestruggleddesperatelytodisengageherselffromLinton'sarms。Ifeltnoinclinationtotarrytheevent；and，resolvingtoseekmedicalaidonmyownresponsibility，Iquittedthechamber。
　　Inpassingthegardentoreachtheroad，ataplacewhereabridlehookisdrivenintothewall，Isawsomethingwhitemovedirregularly，evidentlybyanotheragentthanthewind。Notwithstandingmyhurry，Istayedtoexamineit，lesteverafterIshouldhavetheconvictionimpressedonmyimaginationthatitwasacreatureoftheotherworld。Mysurpriseandperplexityweregreattodiscover，bytouchmorethanvision，MissIsabella'sspringer，Fanny，suspendedbyahandkerchief，andnearlyatitslastgasp。
　　Iquicklyreleasedtheanimal，andlifteditintothegarden。Ihadseenitfollowitsmistressupstairswhenshewenttobed；andwonderedmuchhowitcouldhavegotoutthere，andwhatmischievouspersonhadtreateditso。Whileuntyingtheknotroundthehook，itseemedtomethatIrepeatedlycaughtthebeatofhorses'feetgallopingatsomedistance；butthereweresuchanumberofthingstooccupymyreflectionsthatIhardlygavethecircumstanceathought:thoughitwasastrangesound，inthatplace，attwoo'clockinthemorning。
　　MrKennethwasfortunatelyjustissuingfromhishousetoseeapatientinthevillageasIcameupthestreet；andmyaccountofCatherineLinton'smaladyinducedhimtoaccompanymebackimmediately。Hewasaplainroughman；andhemadenoscrupletospeakhisdoubtsofhersurvivingthissecondattack；unlesssheweremoresubmissivetohisdirectionsthanshehadshownherselfbefore。
　　`NellyDean，'saidhe，`Ican'thelpfancyingthere'sanextracauseforthis。WhathastherebeentodoattheGrange？We'veoddreportsuphere。Astout，heartylasslikeCatherine，doesnotfallillforatrifle；
　　andthatsortofpeopleshouldnoteither。It'shardworkbringingthemthroughfevers，andsuchthings。Howdiditbegin？'
　　`Themasterwillinformyou，'Ianswered；`butyouareacquaintedwiththeEarnshaws'violentdispositions，andMrsLintoncapsthemall。
　　Imaysaythis:itcommencedinaquarrel。Shewasstruckduringatempestofpassionwithakindoffit。That'sheraccount，atleast；forsheflewoffintheheightofit，andlockedherselfup。Afterwards，sherefusedtoeat，andnowshealternatelyravesandremainsinahalf-dream；knowingthoseabouther，byhavinghermindfilledwithallsortsofstrangeideasandillusions。'
　　`MrLintonwillbesorry？'observedKenneth，interrogatively。
　　`Sorry？he'llbreakhisheartshouldanythinghappen!'Ireplied。
　　`Don'talarmhimmorethannecessary。
　　`Well，Itoldhimtobeware，'saidmycompanion；`andhemustbidetheconsequencesofneglectingmywarning!Hasn'thebeenthickwithMrHeathcliff，lately？'
　　`HeathclifffrequentlyvisitsattheGrange，'answeredI，`thoughmoreonthestrengthofthemistresshavingknownhimwhenaboy，thanbecausethemasterlikeshiscompany。Atpresent，he'sdischargedfromthetroubleofcalling；owingtosomepresumptuousaspirationsafterMissLintonwhichhemanifested。Ihardlythinkhe'llbetakeninagain。'
　　`AnddoesMissLintonturnacoldshoulderonhim？'wasthedoctor'snextquestion。
　　`I'mnotinherconfidence，'returnedI，reluctanttocontinuethesubject。
　　`No，she'saslyone，'heremarked，shakinghishead。`Shekeepsherowncounsel!Butshe'sareallittlefool。Ihaveitfromgoodauthority，that，lastnightandaprettynightitwas!sheandHeathcliffwerewalkingintheplantationatthebackofyourhouse，abovetwohours；andhepressedhernottogoinagain，butjustmounthishorseandawaywithhim!Myinformantsaidshecouldonlyputhimoffbypledgingherwordofhonourtobepreparedontheirfirstmeetingafterthat:whenitwastobe，hedidn'thear；butyouurgeMrLintontolooksharp!'
　　Thisnewsfilledmewithfreshfears；IoutstrippedKenneth，andranmostofthewayback。Thelittledogwasyelpinginthegardenyet。
　　Isparedaminutetoopenthegateforit，butinsteadofgoingtothehousedoor，itcoursedupanddownsnuffingthegrass，andwouldhaveescapedtotheroad，hadInotseizedandconveyeditinwithme。OnascendingtoIsabella'sroom，mysuspicionswereconfirmed:itwasempty。HadIbeenafewhourssooner，MrsLinton'sillnessmighthavearrestedherrashstep。
　　Butwhatcouldbedonenow？Therewasabarepossibilityofovertakingthemifpursuedinstantly。Icouldnotpursuethem，however；andIdarenotrousethefamily，andfilltheplacewithconfusion；stilllessunfoldthebusinesstomymaster，absorbedashewasinhispresentcalamity，andhavingnohearttospareforasecondgrief!Isawnothingforitbuttoholdmytongue，andsuffermatterstotaketheircourse；andKennethbeingarrived，Iwentwithabadlycomposedcountenancetoannouncehim。
　　Catherinelayinatroubledsleep:herhusbandhadsucceededinsoothingtheaccessoffrenzy:henowhungoverherpillow，watchingeveryshade，andeverychangeofherpainfullyexpressivefeatures。
　　Thedoctor，onexaminingthecaseforhimself，spokehopefullytohimofitshavingafavourabletermination，ifwecouldonlypreservearoundherperfectandconstanttranquillity。Tome，hesignifiedthethreateningdangerwasnotsomuchdeath，aspermanentalienationofintellect。
　　Ididnotclosemyeyesthatnight，nordidMrLinton:indeed，weneverwenttobed；andtheservantswerealluplongbeforetheusualhour，movingthroughthehousewithstealthytread，andexchangingwhispersastheyencounteredeachotherintheirvocations。Everyonewasactive，butMissIsabella；andtheybegantoremarkhowsoundsheslept:herbrother，too，askedifshehadrisen，andseemedimpatientforherpresence，andhurtthatsheshowedsolittleanxietyforhersister-in-law。Itrembledlestheshouldsendmetocallher；butIwassparedthepainofbeingthefirstproclaimantofherflight。Oneofthemaids，athoughtlessgirl，whohadbeenonanearlyerrandtoGimmerton，camepantingupstairs，openmouthed，anddashedintothechamber，crying:
　　`Oh，dear，dear!Whatmunwehavenext？Master，master，ouryounglady——
　　`Holdyournoise!'criedIhastily，enragedatherclamorousmanner。
　　`Speaklower，Mary——Whatisthematter？'saidMrLinton。`Whatailsyouryounglady？'
　　`She'sgone，she'sgone!Yon'Heathcliff'srunoffwi'her!'gaspedthegirl。
　　`Thatisnottrue!'exclaimedLinton，risinginagitation。`Itcannotbe:howhastheideaenteredyourhead？EllenDean，goandseekher。Itisincredible:itcannotbe。'
　　Ashespokehetooktheservanttothedoor，andthenrepeatedhisdemandtoknowherreasonsforsuchanassertion。
　　`Why，Imetontheroadaladthatfetchesmilkhere，'shestammered，`andheaskedwhetherweweren'tintroubleattheGrange。Ithoughthemeantformissis'ssickness，soIanswered，yes。Thensayshe，"They'ssomebodygoneafter`em，Iguess？"Istared。HesawIknewnoughtaboutit，andhetoldhowagentlemanandladyhadstoppedtohaveahorse'sshoefastenedatablacksmith'sshop，twomilesoutofGimmerton，notverylongaftermidnight!andhowtheblacksmith'slasshadgotuptospywhotheywere:sheknewthembothdirectly。Andshenoticedtheman——Heathcliffitwas，shefeltcertain:nobodycouldmistakehim，besides——putasovereigninherfather'shandforpayment。Theladyhadacloakaboutherface；
　　buthavingdesiredasupofwater，whileshedrank，itfellback，andshesawherveryplain。Heathcliffheldbothbridlesastheyrodeon，andtheysettheirfacesfromthevillage，andwentasfastastheroughroadswouldletthem。Thelasssaidnothingtoherfather，butshetolditalloverGimmertonthismorning。'
　　Iranandpeeped，forform'ssake，intoIsabella'sroom；confirming，whenIreturned，theservant'sstatement。MrLintonhadresumedhisseatbythebed；onmyre-entrance，heraisedhiseyes，readthemeaningofmyblankaspect，anddroppedthemwithoutgivinganorder，orutteringaword。
　　`Arewetotryanymeasuresforovertakingandbringingherback？'
　　Iinquired。`Howshouldwedo？'
　　`Shewentofherownaccord，'answeredthemaster；`shehadarighttogoifshepleased。Troublemenomoreabouther。Hereaftersheisonlymysisterinname:notbecauseIdisownher，butbecauseshehasdisownedme。'
　　Andthatwasallhesaidonthesubject:hedidnotmakeasingleinquiryfurther，ormentionherinanyway，exceptdirectingmetosendwhatpropertyshehadinthehousetoherfreshhome，whereveritwas，whenIknewit。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]WutheringHeights[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter13Fortwomonthsthefugitivesremainedabsent；inthosetwomonths，MrsLintonencounteredandconqueredtheworstshockofwhatwasdenominatedabrainfever。NomothercouldhavenursedanonlychildmoredevotedlythanEdgartendedher。Dayandnighthewaswatching，andpatientlyenduringalltheannoyancesthatirritablenervesandashakenreasoncouldinflict；
　　and，thoughKennethremarkedthatwhathesavedfromthegravewouldonlyrecompensehiscarebyformingthesourceofconstantfutureanxiety——infact，thathishealthandstrengthwerebeingsacrificedtopreserveamereruinofhumanity——heknewnolimitsingratitudeandjoywhenCatherine'slifewasdeclaredoutofdanger；andhourafterhourhewouldsitbesideher，tracingthegradualreturntobodilyhealth，andflatteringhistoosanguinehopeswiththeillusionthathermindwouldsettlebacktoitsrightbalancealso，andshewouldsoonbeentirelyherformerself。
　　ThefirsttimesheleftherchamberwasatthecommencementofthefollowingMarch。MrLintonhadputonherpillow，inthemorning，ahandfulofgoldencrocuses；hereye，longstrangertoanygleamofpleasure，caughttheminwaking，andshonedelightedasshegatheredthemeagerlytogether。
　　`ThesearetheearliestflowersattheHeights，'sheexclaimed。
　　`Theyremindmeofsoftthawwinds，andwarmsunshine，andnearlymeltedsnow。Edgar，istherenotasouthwind，andisnotthesnowalmostgone？'
　　`Thesnowisquitegonedownhere，darling，'repliedherhusband；
　　`andIonlyseetwowhitespotsonthewholerangeofmoors:theskyisblue，andthelarksaresinging，andthebecksandbrooksareallbrimfull。Catherine，lastspringatthistime，Iwaslongingtohaveyouunderthisroof，now，Iwishyouwereamileortwoupthosehills:theairblowssosweetly，Ifeelthatitwouldcureyou。
　　`Ishallneverbetherebutoncemore，'saidtheinvalid；`andthenyou'llleaveme，andIshallremainforever。Nextspringyou'lllongagaintohavemeunderthisroof，andyou'lllookbackandthinkyouwerehappytoday。
　　Lintonlavishedonherthekindestcaresses，andtriedtocheerherbythefondestwords；but，vaguelyregardingtheflowers，sheletthetearscollectonherlashesandstreamdownhercheeksunheeding。Weknewshewasreallybetter，and，therefore，decidedthatlongconfinementtoasingleplaceproducedmuchofthisdespondency，anditmightbepartiallyremovedbyachangeofscene。Themastertoldmetolightafireinthemany-weeks-desertedparlour，andtosetaneasychairinthesunshinebythewindow；andthenhebroughtherdown，andshesatalongwhileenjoyingthegenialheat，and，asweexpected，revivedbytheobjectsroundher:
　　which，thoughfamiliar，werefreefromthedrearyassociationsinvestingherhatedsickchamber。Byevening，sheseemedgreatlyexhausted；yetnoargumentscouldpersuadehertoreturntothatapartment，andIhadtoarrangetheparloursofaforherbed，tillanotherroomcouldbeprepared。
　　Toobviatethefatigueofmountinganddescendingthestairs，wefittedupthis，whereyoulieatpresent:onthesamefloorwiththeparlour；
　　andshewassoonstrongenoughtomovefromonetotheother，leaningonEdgar'sarm。Ah，Ithoughtmyselfshemightrecover，sowaitedonasshewas。Andtherewasdoublecausetodesireit，foronherexistencedependedthatofanother:wecherishedthehopethatinalittlewhile，MrLinton'sheartwouldbegladdened，andhislandssecuredfromastranger'sgripe，bythebirthofanheir。
　　IshouldmentionthatIsabellasenttoherbrother，somesixweeksfromherdeparture，ashortnote，announcinghermarriagewithHeathcliff。
　　Itappeareddryandcold；butatthebottomwasdottedinwithpencilanobscureapology，andanentreatyforkindremembranceandreconciliation，ifherproceedinghadoffendedhim:assertingthatshecouldnothelpitthen，andbeingdone，shehadnownopowertorepealit。Lintondidnotreplytothis，Ibelieve；and，inafortnightmore，IgotalongletterwhichIconsideredodd，comingfromthepenofabridejustoutofthehoneymoon。I'llreadit:forIkeepityet。Anyrelicofthedeadisprecious，iftheywerevaluedliving。
　　DEARELLEN，itbegins:——
　　IcamelastnighttoWutheringHeights，andheard，forthefirsttime，thatCatherinehasbeen，andisyet，veryill。Imustnotwritetoher，Isuppose，andmybrotheriseithertooangryortoodistressedtoanswerwhatIsenthim。Still，Imustwritetosomebody，andtheonlychoiceleftmeisyou。
　　InformEdgarthatI'dgivetheworldtoseehisfaceagain——thatmyheartreturnedtoThrushcrossGrangeintwenty-fourhoursafterIleftit，andisthereatthismoment，fullofwarmfeelingsforhim，andCatherine!Ican'tfollowit，though——thosewordsareunderlinedtheyneednotexpectme，andtheymaydrawwhatconclusionstheyplease；takingcare，however，tolaynothingatthedoorofmyweakwillordeficientaffection。
　　Theremainderoftheletterisforyourselfalone。Iwanttoaskyoutwoquestions:thefirstis——Howdidyoucontrivetopreservethecommonsympathiesofhumannaturewhenyouresidedhere？Icannotrecognizeanysentimentwhichthosearoundsharewithme。
　　Thesecondquestion，Ihavegreatinterestin；itisthis——IsMrHeathcliffaman？Ifso，ishemad？Andifnot，isheadevil？Ishan'ttellmyreasonsformakingthisinquiry；but，Ibeseechyoutoexplain，ifyoucan，whatIhavemarried:thatis，whenyoucalltoseeme；andyoumustcall，Ellen，verysoon。Don'twrite，butcome，andbringmesomethingfromEdgar。
　　Now，youshallhearhowIhavebeenreceivedinmynewhome，asIamledtoimaginetheHeightswillbe。ItistoamusemyselfthatIdwellonsuchsubjectsasthelackofexternalcomforts:theyneveroccupymythoughts，exceptatthemomentwhenImissthem。Ishouldlaughanddanceforjoy，ifIfoundtheirabsencewasthetotalofmymiseries，andtherestwasanunnaturaldream!
　　ThesunsetbehindtheGrange，asweturnedontothemoors；bythat，Ijudgedittobesixo'clock；andmycompanionhaltedhalfanhour，toinspectthepark，andthegardens，and，probably，theplaceitself，aswellashecould；soitwasdarkwhenwedismountedinthepavedyardofthefarmhouse，andyouroldfellow-servant，Joseph，issuedouttoreceiveusbythelightofadipcandle。Hediditwithacourtesythatredoundedtohiscredit。Hisfirstactwastoelevatehistorchtoalevelwithmyface，squintmalignantly，projecthisunderlip，andturnaway。Thenhetookthetwohorses，andledthemintothestables；reappearingforthepurposeoflockingtheoutergate，asifwelivedinanancientcastle。
　　Heathcliffstayedtospeaktohim，andIenteredthekitchen——adingy，untidyhole；Idaresayyouwouldnotknowit，itissochangedsinceitwasinyourcharge。Bythefirestoodaruffianlychild，stronginlimbanddirtyingarb，withalookofCatherineinhiseyesandabouthismouth。
　　`ThisisEdgar'slegalnephew，'Ireflected——`mineinamanner；
　　Imustshakehands，and——yes——Imustkisshim。Itisrighttoestablishagoodunderstandingatthebeginning。'
　　Iapproached，and，attemptingtotakehischubbyfist，said:`Howdoyoudo，mydear？'HerepliedinajargonIdidnotcomprehend。`ShallyouandIbefriends，Hareton？'wasmynextessayatconversation。
　　Anoath，andathreattosetThrottleronmeifIdidnot`frameoff'，rewardedmyperseverance。
　　`Hey，Throttler，lad!'whisperedthelittlewretch，rousingahalf-bredbulldogfromitslairinacorner。Now，wilttuhbeganging？'
　　heaskedauthoritatively。
　　Loveformylifeurgedacompliance；Isteppedoverthethresholdtowaittilltheothersshouldenter。MrHeathcliffwasnowherevisible；
　　andJoseph，whomIfollowedtothestables，andrequestedtoaccompanymein，afterstaringandmutteringtohimself，screweduphisnose，andreplied:
　　`Mim!mim!mim!DidiverChristianbodyhearaughtlikeit？MinchingUn'munching!HowcanAwtellwhetyesay？'
　　`Isay，Iwishyoutocomewithmeintothehouse!'Icried，thinkinghimdeaf，yethighlydisgustedathisrudeness。
　　`Nornuhme!Igettensummatelsetodo，'heanswered，andcontinuedhiswork；movinghislanternjawsmeanwhile，andsurveyingmydressandcountenancetheformeragreatdealtoofine，butthelatter，I'msure，assadashecoulddesirewithsovereigncontempt。
　　Iwalkedroundtheyard，andthroughawicket，toanotherdoor，atwhichItookthelibertyofknocking，inhopessomemorecivilservantmightshowhimself。Afterashortsuspense，itwasopenedbyatall，gauntman，withoutneckerchief，andotherwiseextremelyslovenly；hisfeatureswerelostinmassesofshaggyhairthathungonhisshoulders；andhiseyes，too，werelikeaghostlyCatherine'swithalltheirbeautyannihilated。
　　`What'syourbusinesshere？'hedemandedgrimly。`Whoareyou？'
　　`MynamewasIsabellaLinton，'Ireplied。`You'veseenmebefore，sir。I'mlatelymarriedtoMrHeathcliff，andhehasbroughtmehere——Isupposebyyourpermission。'
　　`Ishecomeback，then？'askedthehermit，glaringlikeahungrywolf。
　　`Yes——wecamejustnow，'Isaid；`butheleftmebythekitchendoor；andwhenIwouldhavegonein，yourlittleboyplayedsentinelovertheplace，andfrightenedmeoffbythehelpofabulldog。'
　　`It'swellthehellishvillainhaskepthisword!'growledmyfuturehost，searchingthedarknessbeyondmeinexpectationofdiscoveringHeathcliff；andthenheindulgedinasoliloquyofexecrations，andthreatsofwhathewouldhavedonehadthe`fiend'deceivedhim。
　　Irepentedhavingtriedthissecondentrance，andwasalmostinclinedtoslipawaybeforehefinishedcursing，butereIcouldexecutethatintention，heorderedmein，andshutandrefastenedthedoor。Therewasagreatfire，andthatwasallthelightinthehugeapartment，whosefloorhadgrownauniformgrey；andtheoncebrilliantpewterdishes，whichusedtoattractmygazewhenIwasagirl，partookofasimilarobscurity，createdbytarnishanddust。IinquiredwhetherImightcallthemaid，andbeconductedtoabedroom？MrEarnshawvouchsafednoanswer。Hewalkedupanddown，withhishandsinhispockets，apparentlyquiteforgettingmypresence；andhisabstractionwasevidentlysodeep，andhiswholeaspectsomisanthropical，thatIshrankfromdisturbinghimagain。
　　You'llnotbesurprised，Ellen，atmyfeelingparticularlycheerless，seatedinworsethansolitudeonthatinhospitablehearth，andrememberingthatfourmilesdistantlaymydelightfulhome，containingtheonlypeopleIlovedonearth；andtheremightaswellbetheAtlantictopartus，insteadofthosefourmiles:Icouldnotoverpassthem!Iquestionedwithmyself——wheremustIturnforcomfort？and——mindyoudon'ttellEdgar，orCatherine——aboveeverysorrowbeside，thisrosepre-eminent:despairatfindingnobodywhocouldorwouldbemyallyagainstHeathcliff!IhadsoughtshelteratWutheringHeights，almostgladly，becauseIwassecuredbythatarrangementfromlivingalonewithhim；butheknewthepeoplewewerecomingamongst，andhedidnotfeartheirintermeddling。
　　Isatandthoughtadolefultime:theclockstruckeight，andnine，andstillmycompanionpacedtoandfro，hisheadbentonhisbreast，andperfectlysilent，unlessagroanorabitterejaculationforceditselfoutatintervals。Ilistenedtodetectawoman'svoiceinthehouse，andfilledtheinterimwithwildregretsanddismalanticipations，which，atlast，spokeaudiblyinirrepressiblesighingandweeping。IwasnotawarehowopenlyIgrieved，tillEarnshawhaltedopposite，inhismeasuredwalk，andgavemeastareofnewly-awakenedsurprise。Takingadvantageofhisrecoveredattention，Iexclaimed:
　　`I'mtiredwithmyjourney，andIwanttogotobed!Whereisthemaidservant？Directmetoher，asshewon'tcometome!'
　　`Wehavenone，'heanswered；`youmustwaitonyourself!'
　　`WheremustIsleep，then？'Isobbed:Iwasbeyondregardingself-respect，weigheddownbyfatigueandwretchedness。
　　`JosephwillshowyouHeathcliff'schamber，'saidhe；`openthatdoor——he'sinthere。'
　　Iwasgoingtoobey，buthesuddenlyarrestedme，andaddedinthestrangesttone:
　　`Besogoodastoturnyourlock，anddrawyourbolt——don'tomitit!'
　　`Well!'Isaid。`Butwhy，MrEarnshaw？'IdidnotrelishthenotionofdeliberatelyfasteningmyselfinwithHeathcliff。
　　`Lookhere!'hereplied，pullingfromhiswaistcoatacuriouslyconstructedpistol，havingadouble-edgedspringknifeattachedtothebarrel。`That'sagreattemptertoadesperateman，isitnot？Icannotresistgoingupwiththiseverynight，andtryinghisdoor。IfonceIfinditopenhe'sdonefor!Idoitinvariably，eventhoughtheminutebeforeIhavebeenrecallingahundredreasonsthatshouldmakemerefrain:itissomedevilthaturgesmetothwartmyownschemesbykillinghim。Youfightagainstthatdevilforloveaslongasyoumay；whenthetimescomes，notalltheangelsinheavenshallsavehim!'
　　Isurveyedtheweaponinquisitively。Ahideousnotionstruckme:
　　howpowerfulIshouldbepossessingsuchaninstrument!Itookitfromhishand，andtouchedtheblade。Helookedastonishedattheexpressionmyfaceassumedduringabriefsecond:itwasnothorror，itwascovetousness。
　　Hesnatchedthepistolback，jealously；shuttheknife，andreturnedittoitsconcealment。
　　`Idon'tcareifyoutellhim，'saidhe。`Puthimonhisguard，andwatchforhim。Youknowthetermsweareon，Isee:hisdangerdoesnotshockyou。'
　　`WhathasHeathcliffdonetoyou？'Iasked。`Inwhathashewrongedyou，towarrantthisappallinghatred？Wouldn'titbewisertobidhimquitthehouse？'
　　`No!'thunderedEarnshaw，`shouldheoffertoleaveme，he'sadeadman:persuadehimtoattemptit，andyouareamurderess!AmItoloseall，withoutachanceofretrieval？IsHaretontobeabeggar？
　　Oh，damnation!Iwillhaveitback；andI'llhavehisgoldtoo；andthenhisblood；andhellshallhavehissoul!Itwillbetentimesblackerwiththatguestthaneveritwasbefore!'
　　You'veacquaintedme，Ellen，withyouroldmaster'shabits。Heisclearlyonthevergeofmadness:hewassolastnightatleast。Ishudderedtobenearhim，andthoughtontheservant'sill-bredmorosenessascomparativelyagreeable。Henowrecommencedhismoodywalk，andIraisedthelatch，andescapedintothekitchen。Josephwasbendingoverthefire，peeringintoalargepanthatswungaboveit；andawoodenbowlofoatmealstoodonthesettlecloseby。Thecontentsofthepanbegantoboil，andheturnedtoplungehishandintothebowl；Iconjecturedthatthispreparationwasprobablyforoursupper，and，beinghungry，Iresolveditshouldbeeatable；
　　so，cryingoutsharply，`I'llmaketheporridge!'Iremovedthevesseloutofhisreach，andproceededtotakeoffmyhatandridinghabit。
　　`MrEarnshaw'，Icontinued，`directsmetowaitonmyself:Iwill。I'mnotgoingtoacttheladyamongyou，forfearIshouldstarve。'
　　`GooidLord!'hemuttered，sittingdown，andstrokinghisribbedstockingsfromthekneetotheankle。`Ifthey'stuhbefreshortherings——justwhenAwgettinusedtuhtwomaisters，ifAwmunhevamistressseto'ermyheead，it'sloiketimetuhbeflitting。Awniverdidthinktuhsayt'dayutAwmudlaveth'owldplace——butAwdahtit'snighathend!'
　　Thislamentationdrewnonoticefromme:Iwentbrisklytowork，sighingtorememberaperiodwhenitwouldhavebeenallmerryfun；butcompelledspeedilytodriveofftheremembrance。Itrackedmetorecallpasthappiness，andthegreaterperiltherewasofconjuringupitsapparition，thequickerthethibleranround，andthefasterthehandfulsofmealfellintothewater。Josephbeheldmystyleofcookerywithgrowingindignation。
　　`Thear!'heejaculated，`Hareton，thahwillutsupthyporridgetuhneight；they'llbenowtbudlumpsasbigasmawnave。Thear，agean!
　　Aw'dflinginbowlunall，ifAwweryah!There，palet'guilpoff，un'
　　thenyah'llhaedonewi't。Bang，bang。It'samarcyt'bothomisn'tdeavedaht!'
　　Itwasratheraroughmess，Iown，whenpouredintothebasins；fourhadbeenprovided，andagallonpitcherofnewmilkwasbroughtfromthedairy，whichHaretonseizedandcommenceddrinkingandspillingfromtheexpansivelip。Iexpostulated，anddesiredthatheshouldhavehisinamug；affirmingthatIcouldnottastetheliquidtreatedsodirtily。
　　Theoldcynicchosetobevastlyoffendedatthisnicety；assuringme，repeatedly，that`thebarnwaseverybitasgood'asI，`andeverybitaswollsome'，andwonderinghowIcouldfashiontobesoconceited。Meanwhile，theinfantruffiancontinuedsucking；andgloweredatmedefyingly，asheslaveredintothejug。
　　`Ishallhavemysupperinanotherroom，'Isaid。`Haveyounoplaceyoucallaparlour？'
　　`Parlour!'heechoedsneeringly，`parlour!Nay，we'venoaparlours。Ifyahdunnutloikewercompany，there'smaister's；
　　un'ifyahdunnutloikemaister，there'sus。
　　`ThenIshallgoupstairs!'Ianswered；`showmeachamber。'I
　　putmybasinonatray，andwentmyselftofetchsomemoremilk。Withgreatgrumblings，thefellowrose，andprecededmeinmyascent:wemountedtothegarrets；heopeningadoor，nowandthen，tolookintotheapartmentswepassed。
　　`Here'sarahm，'hesaid，atlast，flingingbackacrankyboardonhinges。`It'sweeleneughtuhateafewporridgein。They'sapacko'
　　corni't'corner，thear，meeterlyclane；ifyah'refeareduhmuckyingyergrandsilkcloes，spreadyerhankerchiro't'topon't。'
　　The`rahm'wasakindoflumber-holesmellingstrongofmaltandgrain；varioussacksofwhicharticleswerepiledaround，leavingawide，barespaceinthemiddle。
　　`Why，man!'Iexclaimed，facinghimangrily，`thisisnotaplacetosleepin。Iwishtoseemybedroom。
　　`Bed-rume!'herepeated，inatoneofmockery。`Yah'sseeallt'bed-rumesthearis——yon'smine。'