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.
Cathy ran to Nelly instead of Linton, kneeling and weeping with her burning cheek on Nelly’s lap. Linton shrunk into the corner of the settle, quiet as a mouse. Heathcliff, perceiving their confusion, rose and made tea himself, handing Nelly a cup and telling her to wash away her spleen. He declared he was going out to seek their horses. Once he was gone, they tried the kitchen door and windows, finding themselves regularly imprisoned. Nelly turned on Linton, demanding he tell them what his father was after or she would box his ears. Catherine added that it was for his sake she came, and it would be wickedly ungrgrateful if he refused. Linton asked for tea, demanding Nelly go away as he did not like her standing over him. He complained Catherine’s tears were falling into his cup. Catherine pushed another cup to him and wiped her face. Nelly felt disgusted at the wretch’s composure, guessing his terror had subsided once he had successfully decoyed them there.
Linton sipped the tea and revealed that his father wanted them to be married immediately. He explained that Edgar would not consent now, and Heathcliff feared Linton would die if they waited. He stated that they were to be married in the morning, and Catherine must stay all night, after which she could return home and take him with her. Nelly exclaimed that the man was mad, asking if he imagined a healthy young lady would tie herself to a perishing monkey like him. She threatened to shake him for his contemptible treachery. She gave him a slight shaking, which brought on a cough, and Linton resumed moaning. Catherine rebuked Nelly but declared she would not stay all night. She said she would burn the door down to get out. Linton was up in alarm again, clasping her and sobbing, begging her to have him and save him, not to leave him. He insisted she must obey his father. Catherine replied she must obey her own father and relieve him from cruel suspense, declaring she loved her papa better than Linton.
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