Mr. Lockwood, a new tenant at Thrushcross Grange, uncovers the turbulent history of his neighbors, the Earnshaws and Lintons, through the housekeeper Nelly Dean. Her tale recounts the orphan Heathcliff’s degradation and his fierce bond with Catherine Earnshaw, a connection severed by her marriage to Edgar Linton. Heathcliff returns years later to exact a brutal revenge on the families, corrupting the next generation and claiming the estates. Only after his death does the cycle of violence break, allowing the young Catherine and Hareton to heal the wounds of the past.
Catherine, moved by his intense anguish, stooped to raise him, promising to stay if he would be calm. Linton gasped that his father had threatened him and that he dared not tell. Catherine replied with scornful compassion that she was no coward, but her magnanimity provoked fresh tears from Linton, who kissed her hands but still could not speak out. Nelly was cogitating the mystery when she heard a rustle and saw Mr. Heathcliff descending the Heights almost upon them. Heathcliff ignored the young people and hailed Nelly with an assumed hearty tone, asking after the Grange. He then lowered his voice to confirm the rumor that Edgar Linton was on his death-bed, wondering if they exaggerated his illness. Nelly replied that her master was indeed dying, a blessing for him though sad for them. Heathcliff asked how long he would last, and Nelly admitted she did not know.
Heathcliff looked at the two young people, noting that Linton seemed determined to beat him in death, and thanking the uncle to be quick. He mocked Linton for snivelling and ordered him to get up. Linton sank into a paroxysm of helpless fear at his father’s glance, his strength failing him. Heathcliff advanced and lifted him, swearing with curbed ferocity that he was getting angry and demanding the boy command his spirit. Linton panted that he would, begging to be left alone. Heathcliff offered his own hand instead, ordering Linton to stand on his feet. He remarked to Catherine that she would imagine he was the devil himself to excite such horror, and asked her to walk home with him as the boy shuddered at his touch. Catherine whispered to Linton that she could not go to Wuthering Heights as her father had forbidden it, asking why he was so afraid. Linton answered he could never re-enter that house without her.
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