with all her voice, brought up those worthy people, who had already been surveying the Major from the casement of the ornamental kitchen, and were astonished to find their daughter in the little passage in the embrace of a great tall man in a blue frock-coat and white duck trousers.

brought up those worthy people, who were astonished to find their daughter in the little passage in the embrace of a great tall man in a blue frock-coat.


"I'm an old friend," he said--not without blushing though.


"Don't you remember me, Mrs. Clapp, and those good cakes you used to make for tea?


I'm George's godfather, and just come back from India."

I'm George's godfather, just come back from India."


A great shaking of hands ensued--Mrs. Clapp was greatly affected and delighted; she called upon heaven to interpose a vast many times in that passage.


The landlord and landlady of the house led the worthy Major into the Sedleys' room (whereof he remembered every single article of furniture, from the old brass ornamented piano, once a natty little instrument, Stothard maker, to the screens and the alabaster miniature tombstone, in the midst of which ticked Mr. Sedley's gold watch), and there, as he sat down in the lodger's vacant arm-chair, the father, the mother, and the daughter, with a thousand ejaculatory breaks in the narrative, informed Major Dobbin of what we know already, but of particulars in Amelia's history of which he was not aware--namely of Mrs. Sedley's death, of George's reconcilement with his grandfather Osborne, of the way in which the widow took on at leaving him, and of other particulars of her life.

The landlord and landlady led the worthy Major into the Sedleys' room (whereof he remembered every single article of furniture), and there, as he sat down, they informed Major Dobbin of events in Amelia's history of which he was not aware - namely Mrs. Sedley's death, George's reconcilement with his grandfather Osborne, the widow's sorrow at leaving him, and other details.


Twice or thrice he was going to ask about the marriage question, but his heart failed him.

He was going to ask about the marriage question, but his heart failed him.


He did not care to lay it bare to these people.


Finally, he was informed that Mrs. O. was gone to walk with her pa in Kensington Gardens, whither she always went with the old gentleman (who was very weak and peevish now, and led her a sad life, though she behaved to him like an angel, to be sure), of a fine afternoon, after dinner.

Finally, he was informed that Mrs. O. was gone to walk in Kensington Gardens with her pa, who was very weak and peevish now, and led her a sad life, though she behaved to him like an angel.


"I'm very much pressed for time," the Major said, "and have business to-night of importance.


Suppose Miss Polly would come with me and show me the way?"

Suppose Miss Polly would show me the way?"


Miss Polly was charmed and astonished at this proposal.


She had often been with Mr. Sedley when Mrs. O. was gone--was gone Russell Square way--and knew the bench where he liked to sit.


She bounced away to her apartment and appeared presently in her best bonnet and her mamma's yellow shawl and large pebble brooch, of which she assumed the loan in order to make herself a worthy companion for the Major.

She bounced away to her apartment and appeared presently in her best bonnet and her mamma's yellow shawl to make herself a worthy companion for the Major.


That officer, then, in his blue frock-coat and buckskin gloves, gave the young lady his arm, and they walked away very gaily.

He gave the young lady his arm, and they walked away very gaily.


He was glad to have a friend at hand for the scene which he dreaded somehow.


He asked a thousand more questions from his companion about Amelia: his kind heart grieved to think that she should have had to part with her son.

He asked a thousand more questions about Amelia


Was Mr. Sedley pretty comfortable now in a worldly point of view?


Polly answered all these questions of Major Sugarplums to the very best of her power.

, and Polly answered Major Sugarplums to the very best of her power.


And in the midst of their walk an incident occurred which, though very simple in its nature, was productive of the greatest delight to Major Dobbin.

In the midst of their walk an incident occurred which, though very simple, gave the Major great delight.


A pale young man with feeble whiskers and a stiff white neckcloth came walking down the lane, en sandwich--having a lady, that is, on each arm.

A pale young man with feeble whiskers came walking down the lane with a lady on each arm.


One was a tall and commanding middle-aged female, with features and a complexion similar to those of the clergyman of the Church of England by whose side she marched, and the other a stunted little woman with a dark face, ornamented by a fine new bonnet and white ribbons, and in a smart pelisse, with a rich gold watch in the midst of her person.

One was a tall and commanding middle-aged female, and the other a stunted little woman with a dark face.


The gentleman, pinioned as he was by these two ladies, carried further a parasol, shawl, and basket, so that his arms were entirely engaged, and of course he was unable to touch his hat in acknowledgement of the curtsey with which Miss Mary Clapp greeted him.

The gentleman carried a parasol, shawl, and basket, so that his arms were entirely engaged, and he was unable to touch his hat when Miss Polly Clapp greeted him.


He merely bowed his head in reply to her salutation, which the two ladies returned with a patronizing air, and at the same time looking severely at the individual in the blue coat and bamboo cane who accompanied Miss Polly.

He merely bowed his head, while the two ladies looked severe.


asked the Major, amused by the group, and after he had made way for the three to pass up the lane.


"That is our curate, the Reverend Mr. Binny (a twitch from Major Dobbin), and his sister Miss B. Lord bless us, how she did use to worret us at Sunday-school; and the other lady, the little one with a cast in her eye and the handsome watch, is Mrs. Binny--Miss Grits that was; her pa was a grocer, and kept the Little Original Gold Tea Pot in Kensington Gravel Pits.

"That is our curate, the Reverend Mr. Binny" (a twitch from Major Dobbin) "and his sister Miss B; and the other lady, the little one with a cast in her eye, is Mrs. Binny - Miss Grits that was; her pa was a grocer, and


They were married last month, and are just come back from Margate.


She's five thousand pound to her fortune; but her and Miss B., who made the match, have quarrelled already."

but her and Miss B. have quarrelled already."


If the Major had twitched before, he started now, and slapped the bamboo on the ground with an emphasis which made Miss Clapp cry, "Law," and laugh too.


He stood for a moment, silent, with open mouth, looking after the retreating young couple, while Miss Mary told their history; but he did not hear beyond the announcement of the reverend gentleman's marriage; his head was swimming with felicity.

stood silent while Miss Polly told this history; but his head was swimming with happiness.


After this rencontre he began to walk double quick towards the place of his destination--and yet they were too soon (for he was in a great tremor at the idea of a meeting for which he had been longing any time these ten years)--through the Brompton lanes, and entering at the little old portal in Kensington Garden wall.

He began to walk double quick towards his destination - yet he was in a great tremor as they entered the old portal in Kensington Garden wall.


"There they are," said Miss Polly, and she felt him again start back on her arm.


She was a confidante at once of the whole business.


She knew the story as well as if she had read it in one of her favourite novel-books--Fatherless Fanny, or the Scottish Chiefs.


"Suppose you were to run on and tell her," the Major said.

"Suppose you run on and tell her," the Major said.


Polly ran forward, her yellow shawl streaming in the breeze.


Old Sedley was seated on a bench, his handkerchief placed over his knees, prattling away, according to his wont, with some old story about old times to which Amelia had listened and awarded a patient smile many a time before.

Old Sedley was seated on a bench, prattling away as usual, while Amelia listened with a patient smile


She could of late think of her own affairs, and smile or make other marks of recognition of her father's stories, scarcely hearing a word of the old man's tales.


As Mary came bouncing along, and Amelia caught sight of her, she started up from her bench.

As Polly came bouncing along, Amelia started up.


Her first thought was that something had happened to Georgy, but the sight of the messenger's eager and happy face dissipated that fear in the timorous mother's bosom.

Her first thought was that something had happened to Georgy, but the sight of the messenger's eager face dissipated that fear.


"Look there," answered Miss Clapp, turning round and pointing; in which direction Amelia looking, saw Dobbin's lean figure and long shadow stalking across the grass.

"Look there," answered Miss Clapp, pointing; and Amelia saw Dobbin's lean figure and long shadow stalking across the grass.


Amelia started in her turn, blushed up, and, of course, began to cry.


At all this simple little creature's fetes, the grandes eaux were accustomed to play.


He looked at her--oh, how fondly--as she came running towards him, her hands before her, ready to give them to him.

He looked at her - oh, how fondly - as she came running towards him, her hands held out to him.


She was a little pale, a little stouter in figure.

She was a little pale, a little stouter.


Her eyes were the same, the kind trustful eyes.

Her eyes were the same kind trustful eyes.


There were scarce three lines of silver in her soft brown hair.


She gave him both her hands as she looked up flushing and smiling through her tears into his honest homely face.


He took the two little hands between his two and held them there.


Why did he not take her in his arms and swear that he would never leave her?


She must have yielded: she could not but have obeyed him.


"I--I've another arrival to announce," he said after a pause.

"I - I've another arrival to announce," he said after a pause.


Amelia said, making a movement back--why didn't he speak?

Amelia said, making a movement back. Why didn't he declare himself?


"No," he said, letting her hands go: "Who has told you those lies?


I mean, your brother Jos came in the same ship with me, and is come home to make you all happy."

I mean your brother Jos, who is come home with me to make you all happy."


Mr. Sedley started up, shaking a great deal and gathering up his thoughts.


Then he stepped forward and made an old-fashioned bow to the Major, whom he called Mr. Dobbin, and hoped his worthy father, Sir William, was quite well.

Mr. Sedley stepped forward and made an old-fashioned bow to the Major, and hoped his worthy father, Sir William, was quite well.


He proposed to call upon Sir William, who had done him the honour of a visit a short time ago.

He proposed to call upon Sir William, who had visited him a short time ago.


Sir William had not called upon the old gentleman for eight years--it was that visit he was thinking of returning.

Sir William had not called upon the old gentleman for eight years.


"He is very much shaken," Emmy whispered as Dobbin went up and cordially shook hands with the old man.

"He is very much shaken," Emmy whispered as Dobbin shook hands with the old man.


Although he had such particular business in London that evening, the Major consented to forego it upon Mr. Sedley's invitation to him to come home and partake of tea.

Although he had such particular business in London that evening, the Major took up Mr. Sedley's invitation to come home for tea.


Amelia put her arm under that of her young friend with the yellow shawl and headed the party on their return homewards, so that Mr. Sedley fell to Dobbin's share.

Amelia put her arm under Polly's on their return home, so that Mr. Sedley fell to Dobbin's share.


The old man walked very slowly and told a number of ancient histories about himself and his poor Bessy, his former prosperity, and his bankruptcy.

The old man walked very slowly and told a number of ancient histories about himself and his former prosperity.


His thoughts, as is usual with failing old men, were quite in former times.


The present, with the exception of the one catastrophe which he felt, he knew little about.


His eyes were fixed upon the figure in front of him--the dear little figure always present to his imagination and in his prayers, and visiting his dreams wakeful or slumbering.

His eyes were fixed upon the figure in front of him - the dear little figure always present in his thoughts and dreams.


Amelia was very happy, smiling, and active all that evening, performing her duties as hostess of the little entertainment with the utmost grace and propriety, as Dobbin thought.

Amelia was very happy, smiling and active all that evening, performing her duties as hostess with the utmost grace, Dobbin thought.


His eyes followed her about as they sat in the twilight.


How many a time had he longed for that moment and thought of her far away under hot winds and in weary marches, gentle and happy, kindly ministering to the wants of old age, and decorating poverty with sweet submission--as he saw her now.

How many a time had he longed for that moment, and thought of her far away under hot winds and in weary marches, gentle and happy as he saw her now.


I do not say that his taste was the highest, or that it is the duty of great intellects to be content with a bread-and-butter paradise, such as sufficed our simple old friend; but his desires were of this sort, whether for good or bad, and, with Amelia to help him, he was as ready to drink as many cups of tea as Doctor Johnson.

With Amelia to help him, he was ready to drink as many cups of tea as Doctor Johnson, and


Amelia seeing this propensity, laughingly encouraged it and looked exceedingly roguish as she administered to him cup after cup.

Amelia laughingly poured him cup after cup.


It is true she did not know that the Major had had no dinner and that the cloth was laid for him at the Slaughters', and a plate laid thereon to mark that the table was retained, in that very box in which the Major and George had sat many a time carousing, when she was a child just come home from Miss Pinkerton's school.

She did not know that the Major had had no dinner and that the table was laid for him at the Slaughters'.


The first thing Mrs. Osborne showed the Major was Georgy's miniature, for which she ran upstairs on her arrival at home.

The first thing Mrs. Osborne had showed the Major was Georgy's miniature.


It was not half handsome enough of course for the boy, but wasn't it noble of him to think of bringing it to his mother?

It was not half handsome enough, of course, but wasn't it noble of Georgy to think of it for her?


Whilst her papa was awake she did not talk much about Georgy.


To hear about Mr. Osborne and Russell Square was not agreeable to the old man, who very likely was unconscious that he had been living for some months past mainly on the bounty of his richer rival, and lost his temper if allusion was made to the other.

, for old Sedley did not like to hear about Mr. Osborne and Russell Square. He did now know that for some months he had been living on his rival's bounty, and lost his temper if Osborne was mentioned.


Dobbin told him all, and a little more perhaps than all, that had happened on board the Ramchunder, and exaggerated Jos's benevolent dispositions towards his father and resolution to make him comfortable in his old days.

Dobbin told them all that had happened on board the ship, and exaggerated Jos's benevolent wishes for his father.


The truth is that during the voyage the Major had impressed this duty most strongly upon his fellow-passenger and extorted promises from him that he would take charge of his sister and her child.


He soothed Jos's irritation with regard to the bills which the old gentleman had drawn upon him, gave a laughing account of his own sufferings on the same score and of the famous consignment of wine with which the old man had favoured him, and brought Mr. Jos, who was by no means an ill-natured person when well-pleased and moderately flattered, to a very good state of feeling regarding his relatives in Europe.

, soothing Jos's irritation about the bills which the old gentleman had drawn upon him, and bringing Mr. Jos to a good state of feeling about his relatives.


And in fine I am ashamed to say that the Major stretched the truth so far as to tell old Mr. Sedley that it was mainly a desire to see his parent which brought Jos once more to Europe.

The Major stretched the truth so far as to tell old Mr. Sedley that it was mainly a desire to see his father which brought Jos home.


At his accustomed hour Mr. Sedley began to doze in his chair, and then it was Amelia's opportunity to commence her conversation, which she did with great eagerness--it related exclusively to Georgy.

When Mr. Sedley began to doze in his chair, it was Amelia's opportunity to talk, which she did with great eagerness - all about Georgy.


She did not talk at all about her own sufferings at breaking from him, for indeed, this worthy woman, though she was half-killed by the separation from the child, yet thought it was very wicked in her to repine at losing him; but everything concerning him, his virtues, talents, and prospects, she poured out.

She did not talk at all about her own sufferings; but everything concerning him, his virtues, talents, and prospects, she poured out.


She described his angelic beauty; narrated a hundred instances of his generosity and greatness of mind whilst living with her; how a Royal Duchess had stopped and admired him in Kensington Gardens; how splendidly he was cared for now, and how he had a groom and a pony; what quickness and cleverness he had, and what a prodigiously well-read and delightful person the Reverend Lawrence Veal was, George's master.

She described his angelic beauty; a hundred instances of his generosity; how a Royal Duchess had stopped and admired him in Kensington Gardens; how splendidly he was cared for now, with a groom and a pony; how clever he was, and what a well-read teacher he had in the Reverend Veal.


You who are so learned yourself, and have read so much, and are so clever and accomplished--don't shake your head and say no--HE always used to say you were--you will be charmed with Mr. Veal's parties.

You who are so learned yourself - don't shake your head - he always used to say you were - you will be charmed with Mr. Veal's parties.


He says there is no place in the bar or the senate that Georgy may not aspire to.

He says there is no place that Georgy may not aspire to.


Look here," and she went to the piano-drawer and drew out a theme of Georgy's composition.

Look here," and she went to the piano-drawer and took out a composition by Georgy


This great effort of genius, which is still in the possession of George's mother, is as follows:


On Selfishness--Of all the vices which degrade the human character, Selfishness is the most odious and contemptible.

On Selfishness - Of all the vices which degrade the human character, Selfishness is the most odious and contemptible.


An undue love of Self leads to the most monstrous crimes and occasions the greatest misfortunes both in States and Families.


As a selfish man will impoverish his family and often bring them to ruin, so a selfish king brings ruin on his people and often plunges them into war.


Example: The selfishness of Achilles, as remarked by the poet Homer, occasioned a thousand woes to the Greeks--muri Achaiois alge etheke--(Hom. Il. A. 2).

Example: The selfishness of Achilles, as remarked by the poet Homer, occasioned a thousand woes to the Greeks - - (Hom. Il. A. 2).


The selfishness of the late Napoleon Bonaparte occasioned innumerable wars in Europe and caused him to perish, himself, in a miserable island--that of Saint Helena in the Atlantic Ocean.

The selfishness of the late Napoleon Bonaparte occasioned wars in Europe and caused him to perish himself, in the miserable island of Saint Helena in the Atlantic Ocean.


We see by these examples that we are not to consult our own interest and ambition, but that we are to consider the interests of others as well as our own.


George S. Osborne Athene House, 24 April, 1827


"Think of him writing such a hand, and quoting Greek too, at his age," the delighted mother said.

"Think of him writing such a hand, and quoting Greek, at his age," the delighted mother said.


"Oh, William," she added, holding out her hand to the Major, "what a treasure Heaven has given me in that boy!


He is the comfort of my life--and he is the image of--of him that's gone!"

He is the comfort of my life - and the image of - of him that's gone!"


"Ought I to be angry with her for being faithful to him?"


"Ought I to be jealous of my friend in the grave, or hurt that such a heart as Amelia's can love only once and for ever?

"Ought I to be jealous of my friend in the grave, or feel hurt that Amelia's heart can love only once and forever?


Oh, George, George, how little you knew the prize you had, though."

Oh, George, how little you knew the prize you had."


This sentiment passed rapidly through William's mind as he was holding Amelia's hand, whilst the handkerchief was veiling her eyes.


"Dear friend," she said, pressing the hand which held hers, "how good, how kind you always have been to me!

"Dear friend," she said, pressing his hand, "how good you have always been to me!


You will go and see Georgy tomorrow, won't you?"


He did not like to own that he had not as yet been to his parents' and his dear sister Anne--a remissness for which I am sure every well-regulated person will blame the Major.

He had not yet been to visit his parents and his sisters.


And presently he took his leave, leaving his address behind him for Jos, against the latter's arrival.


And so the first day was over, and he had seen her.

; and so the first day was over, and he had seen her.


When he got back to the Slaughters', the roast fowl was of course cold, in which condition he ate it for supper.


And knowing what early hours his family kept, and that it would be needless to disturb their slumbers at so late an hour, it is on record, that Major Dobbin treated himself to half-price at the Haymarket Theatre that evening, where let us hope he enjoyed himself.


The heir of Crawley arrived at home, in due time, after this catastrophe, and henceforth may be said to have reigned in Queen's Crawley.


For though the old Baronet survived many months, he never recovered the use of his intellect or his speech completely, and the government of the estate devolved upon his elder son.

Though the old Baronet survived many months, he never completely recovered the use of his intellect or his speech. The estate was governed by his elder son.


Sir Pitt was always buying and mortgaging; he had twenty men of business, and quarrels with each; quarrels with all his tenants, and lawsuits with them; lawsuits with the lawyers; lawsuits with the Mining and Dock Companies in which he was proprietor; and with every person with whom he had business.

Old Sir Pitt was always buying and mortgaging; he had twenty men of business, and quarrels with each. He had lawsuits with all his tenants, his lawyers, the Mining and Dock Companies in which he had a share, and with every person with whom he had business.


To unravel these difficulties and to set the estate clear was a task worthy of the orderly and persevering diplomatist of Pumpernickel, and he set himself to work with prodigious assiduity.

To unravel these difficulties was a task worthy of the orderly Pitt, and he set to work.


His whole family, of course, was transported to Queen's Crawley, whither Lady Southdown, of course, came too; and she set about converting the parish under the Rector's nose, and brought down her irregular clergy to the dismay of the angry Mrs Bute.

His whole family moved to Queen's Crawley, and Lady Southdown came too, bringing her irregular clergy, to the dismay of the angry Mrs. Bute.


Sir Pitt had concluded no bargain for the sale of the living of Queen's Crawley; when it should drop, her Ladyship proposed to take the patronage into her own hands and present a young protege to the Rectory, on which subject the diplomatic Pitt said nothing.


Mrs. Bute's intentions with regard to Miss Betsy Horrocks were not carried into effect, and she paid no visit to Southampton Gaol.

Mrs. Bute's threats to Miss Betsy Horrocks were not carried out.


She and her father left the Hall when the latter took possession of the Crawley Arms in the village, of which he had got a lease from Sir Pitt.

Betsy's father took over the Crawley Arms in the village, of which he had got a lease from Sir Pitt.


The ex-butler had obtained a small freehold there likewise, which gave him a vote for the borough.

He had obtained a small freehold there likewise, which gave him a vote for the borough.


The Rector had another of these votes, and these and four others formed the representative body which returned the two members for Queen's Crawley.

The Rector had another of these votes, and these and four others formed the electorate which returned the two Members of Parliament for Queen's Crawley.


There was a show of courtesy kept up between the Rectory and the Hall ladies, between the younger ones at least, for Mrs. Bute and Lady Southdown never could meet without battles, and gradually ceased seeing each other.

There was a show of courtesy kept up between the Rectory and the Hall ladies; between the younger ones at least, for Mrs. Bute and Lady Southdown could never meet without battles.


Her Ladyship kept her room when the ladies from the Rectory visited their cousins at the Hall.

Lady Southdown kept to her room when the ladies from the Rectory visited.


Perhaps Mr. Pitt was not very much displeased at these occasional absences of his mamma-in-law.

Perhaps Mr. Pitt was not displeased at these occasional absences of his mamma-in-law.


He believed the Binkie family to be the greatest and wisest and most interesting in the world, and her Ladyship and his aunt had long held ascendency over him; but sometimes he felt that she commanded him too much.


To be considered young was complimentary, doubtless, but at six-and-forty to be treated as a boy was sometimes mortifying.

to be treated as a boy at forty-six was mortifying.


Lady Jane yielded up everything, however, to her mother.

Lady Jane yielded up everything to her mother.


She was only fond of her children in private, and it was lucky for her that Lady Southdown's multifarious business, her conferences with ministers, and her correspondence with all the missionaries of Africa, Asia, and Australasia, &c., occupied the venerable Countess a great deal, so that she had but little time to devote to her granddaughter, the little Matilda, and her grandson, Master Pitt Crawley.

It was lucky for her that Lady Southdown's meetings with ministers and correspondence with missionaries so occupied her that she had little time to devote to her grandchildren.


The latter was a feeble child, and it was only by prodigious quantities of calomel that Lady Southdown was able to keep him in life at all.


As for Sir Pitt he retired into those very apartments where Lady Crawley had been previously extinguished, and here was tended by Miss Hester, the girl upon her promotion, with constant care and assiduity.

As for old Sir Pitt, he retired into those same rooms where Lady Crawley had lived, and was tended by Miss Hester with constant care.


What love, what fidelity, what constancy is there equal to that of a nurse with good wages?

What love, what fidelity is there equal to that of a nurse with good wages?


They smooth pillows; and make arrowroot; they get up at nights; they bear complaints and querulousness; they see the sun shining out of doors and don't want to go abroad; they sleep on arm-chairs and eat their meals in solitude; they pass long long evenings doing nothing, watching the embers, and the patient's drink simmering in the jug; they read the weekly paper the whole week through; and Law's Serious Call or the Whole Duty of Man suffices them for literature for the year--and we quarrel with them because, when their relations come to see them once a week, a little gin is smuggled in in their linen basket.

They get up at nights; they bear complaints; they see the sun shining and don't want to go out; they sleep on armchairs and eat their meals in solitude; they pass long long evenings doing nothing.


Ladies, what man's love is there that would stand a year's nursing of the object of his affection?


Whereas a nurse will stand by you for ten pounds a quarter, and we think her too highly paid.


At least Mr. Crawley grumbled a good deal about paying half as much to Miss Hester for her constant attendance upon the Baronet his father.


Of sunshiny days this old gentleman was taken out in a chair on the terrace--the very chair which Miss Crawley had had at Brighton, and which had been transported thence with a number of Lady Southdown's effects to Queen's Crawley.

On sunshiny days this old gentleman was taken out in a chair on the terrace.


Lady Jane always walked by the old man, and was an evident favourite with him.

Lady Jane always walked by the old man, and was a favourite with him.


He used to nod many times to her and smile when she came in, and utter inarticulate deprecatory moans when she was going away.

He used to smile when she came in, and utter inarticulate moans when she was going away.


When the door shut upon her he would cry and sob--whereupon Hester's face and manner, which was always exceedingly bland and gentle while her lady was present, would change at once, and she would make faces at him and clench her fist and scream out "Hold your tongue, you stoopid old fool," and twirl away his chair from the fire which he loved to look at--at which he would cry more.

When the door shut upon her he would cry and sob - whereupon Hester's face and manner, which was always exceedingly bland while her lady was present, would change at once, and she would clench her fist and scream, "Hold your tongue, you stoopid old fool," and twirl away his chair from the fire which he loved to look at - at which he would cry more.


For this was all that was left after more than seventy years of cunning, and struggling, and drinking, and scheming, and sin and selfishness--a whimpering old idiot put in and out of bed and cleaned and fed like a baby.

For this was all that was left after years of cunning, drinking, scheming and selfishness - a whimpering old idiot put in and out of bed and cleaned and fed like a baby.


At last a day came when the nurse's occupation was over.

At last a day came when the nurse's task was over.


Early one morning, as Pitt Crawley was at his steward's and bailiff's books in the study, a knock came to the door, and Hester presented herself, dropping a curtsey, and said,

Early one morning, when Pitt Crawley was in the study, a knock came to the door, and Hester presented herself, curtseyed, and said,


"If you please, Sir Pitt, Sir Pitt died this morning, Sir Pitt.


I was a-making of his toast, Sir Pitt, for his gruel, Sir Pitt, which he took every morning regular at six, Sir Pitt, and--I thought I heard a moan-like, Sir Pitt--and--and--and--" She dropped another curtsey.

I was a-making of his toast for his gruel, and - and I thought I heard a moan like, Sir Pitt - and - and-" She dropped another curtsey.


What was it that made Pitt's pale face flush quite red?

What was it that made Pitt's pale face flush?


Was it because he was Sir Pitt at last, with a seat in Parliament, and perhaps future honours in prospect?

Was it because he was Sir Pitt at last, with a seat in Parliament?


"I'll clear the estate now with the ready money," he thought and rapidly calculated its incumbrances and the improvements which he would make.

"I'll clear the estate now," he thought, rapidly calculating the improvements which he would make.


He would not use his aunt's money previously lest Sir Pitt should recover and his outlay be in vain.


All the blinds were pulled down at the Hall and Rectory: the church bell was tolled, and the chancel hung in black; and Bute Crawley didn't go to a coursing meeting, but went and dined quietly at Fuddleston, where they talked about his deceased brother and young Sir Pitt over their port.

All the blinds were pulled down at the Hall and Rectory: the church bell was tolled.


Miss Betsy, who was by this time married to a saddler at Mudbury, cried a good deal.


The family surgeon rode over and paid his respectful compliments, and inquiries for the health of their ladyships.


The death was talked about at Mudbury and at the Crawley Arms, the landlord whereof had become reconciled with the Rector of late, who was occasionally known to step into the parlour and taste Mr. Horrocks' mild beer.


"Shall I write to your brother--or will you?"

"Shall I write to your brother - or will you?"


asked Lady Jane of her husband, Sir Pitt.


"I will write, of course," Sir Pitt said, "and invite him to the funeral: it will be but becoming."

"I will write," he said, "and invite him to the funeral."


"And--and--Mrs. Rawdon," said Lady Jane timidly.

"And - and Mrs. Rawdon," said Lady Jane timidly.


said Lady Southdown, "how can you think of such a thing?"


"Mrs. Rawdon must of course be asked," said Sir Pitt, resolutely.

"Mrs. Rawdon must of course be asked," said Sir Pitt resolutely.


"Your Ladyship will be pleased to recollect that I am the head of this family," Sir Pitt replied.


"If you please, Lady Jane, you will write a letter to Mrs. Rawdon Crawley, requesting her presence upon this melancholy occasion."

"Lady Jane, please write to Mrs. Rawdon Crawley, requesting her presence upon this melancholy occasion."


"Jane, I forbid you to put pen to paper!"


"I believe I am the head of this family," Sir Pitt repeated; "and however much I may regret any circumstance which may lead to your Ladyship quitting this house, must, if you please, continue to govern it as I see fit."

"I believe I am the head of this family," Sir Pitt repeated; "and however much I may regret any circumstance which may lead to your Ladyship quitting this house, I must govern it as I see fit."


Lady Southdown rose up as magnificent as Mrs. Siddons in Lady Macbeth and ordered that horses might be put to her carriage.

Lady Southdown rose magnificently and ordered that horses might be put to her carriage.


If her son and daughter turned her out of their house, she would hide her sorrows somewhere in loneliness and pray for their conversion to better thoughts.


"We don't turn you out of our house, Mamma," said the timid Lady Jane imploringly.


"You invite such company to it as no Christian lady should meet, and I will have my horses to-morrow morning."

"You invite such company to it as no Christian lady should meet, and I will have my horses tomorrow morning."


"Have the goodness to write, Jane, under my dictation," said Sir Pitt, rising and throwing himself into an attitude of command, like the portrait of a Gentleman in the Exhibition, "and begin.

"Please write this, Jane," said Sir Pitt, rising in an attitude of command.


'Queen's Crawley, September 14, 1822.--My dear brother--'"

'Queen's Crawley, September 14. My dear brother-'"


Hearing these decisive and terrible words, Lady Macbeth, who had been waiting for a sign of weakness or vacillation on the part of her son-in-law, rose and, with a scared look, left the library.

Hearing these decisive words, Lady Southdown, who had been waiting for a sign of weakness from her son-in-law, rose and, with a scared look, left the library.


Lady Jane looked up to her husband as if she would fain follow and soothe her mamma, but Pitt forbade his wife to move.

Lady Jane looked as if she would follow, but Pitt forbade his wife to move.


"She has let her house at Brighton and has spent her last half-year's dividends.


A Countess living at an inn is a ruined woman.


I have been waiting long for an opportunity--to take this--this decisive step, my love; for, as you must perceive, it is impossible that there should be two chiefs in a family: and now, if you please, we will resume the dictation.

I have been waiting long for an opportunity to take this decisive step, my love; and now, if you please, we will resume the dictation.


'My dear brother, the melancholy intelligence which it is my duty to convey to my family must have been long anticipated by,'" &c.

'My dear brother, the melancholy news which it is my duty to convey must have been long anticipated,' etc."


In a word, Pitt having come to his kingdom, and having by good luck, or desert rather, as he considered, assumed almost all the fortune which his other relatives had expected, was determined to treat his family kindly and respectably and make a house of Queen's Crawley once more.

Pitt, having come to his kingdom and his fortune, was determined to treat his family kindly and respectably and make a house of Queen's Crawley once more.


It pleased him to think that he should be its chief.


He proposed to use the vast influence that his commanding talents and position must speedily acquire for him in the county to get his brother placed and his cousins decently provided for, and perhaps had a little sting of repentance as he thought that he was the proprietor of all that they had hoped for.

He proposed to use his influence to get his brother placed and his cousins decently provided for.


In the course of three or four days' reign his bearing was changed and his plans quite fixed: he determined to rule justly and honestly, to depose Lady Southdown, and to be on the friendliest possible terms with all the relations of his blood.

In the course of three or four days' reign his bearing was changed and his plans quite fixed: he determined to rule justly and honestly, to depose Lady Southdown, and to be on the friendliest possible terms with all his relations.


So he dictated a letter to his brother Rawdon--a solemn and elaborate letter, containing the profoundest observations, couched in the longest words, and filling with wonder the simple little secretary, who wrote under her husband's order.

So he dictated a letter to his brother Rawdon - a solemn and elaborate letter, containing the profoundest observations, and filling his simple little secretary with wonder.


"What an orator this will be," thought she, "when he enters the House of Commons" (on which point, and on the tyranny of Lady Southdown, Pitt had sometimes dropped hints to his wife in bed); "how wise and good, and what a genius my husband is!

"What an orator he will be," thought she, "when he enters the House of Commons. How wise and good, and what a genius my husband is!"


I fancied him a little cold; but how good, and what a genius!"


The fact is, Pitt Crawley had got every word of the letter by heart and had studied it, with diplomatic secrecy, deeply and perfectly, long before he thought fit to communicate it to his astonished wife.

The fact is, Pitt Crawley had composed the letter long before he dictated it to his astonished wife.


This letter, with a huge black border and seal, was accordingly despatched by Sir Pitt Crawley to his brother the Colonel, in London.

This letter, with a black border and seal, was sent to Colonel Rawdon Crawley.


Rawdon Crawley was but half-pleased at the receipt of it.

He was only half-pleased at receiving it.


"What's the use of going down to that stupid place?"


"I can't stand being alone with Pitt after dinner, and horses there and back will cost us twenty pound."


He carried the letter, as he did all difficulties, to Becky, upstairs in her bedroom--with her chocolate, which he always made and took to her of a morning.

He carried the letter, as he did all difficulties, to Becky, in her bedroom - with her chocolate, which he always made for her of a morning.


He put the tray with the breakfast and the letter on the dressing-table, before which Becky sat combing her yellow hair.


She took up the black-edged missive, and having read it, she jumped up from the chair, crying "Hurray!"

She took up the black-edged missive, and having read it, jumped up, crying "Hurray!"


said Rawdon, wondering at the little figure capering about in a streaming flannel dressing-gown, with tawny locks dishevelled.

said Rawdon, wondering at the little figure capering about in a streaming flannel dressing-gown.


"You'll never be of age, you silly old man," Becky replied.


"Run out now to Madam Brunoy's, for I must have some mourning: and get a crape on your hat, and a black waistcoat--I don't think you've got one; order it to be brought home to-morrow, so that we may be able to start on Thursday."

"Run out now and get some black crape on your hat, and a black waistcoat - order it for tomorrow, so that we may be able to start on Thursday."


I mean that Lady Jane shall present me at Court next year.

I mean Lady Jane to present me at Court next year.


I mean that your brother shall give you a seat in Parliament, you stupid old creature.

I mean your brother to give you a seat in Parliament, you stupid old creature.


I mean that Lord Steyne shall have your vote and his, my dear, old silly man; and that you shall be an Irish Secretary, or a West Indian Governor: or a Treasurer, or a Consul, or some such thing."

I mean Lord Steyne to have your vote, my dear old silly man; and you shall be an Irish Secretary, or a West Indian Governor, or some such thing."


"Posting will cost a dooce of a lot of money," grumbled Rawdon.

"Going by post-chaise will cost a dooce of a lot of money," grumbled the Colonel.


"We might take Southdown's carriage, which ought to be present at the funeral, as he is a relation of the family: but, no--I intend that we shall go by the coach.


He's too big to travel bodkin between you and me.


Let him stay here in the nursery, and Briggs can make him a black frock.

Let him stay here in the nursery, with Briggs.


And you had best tell Sparks, your man, that old Sir Pitt is dead and that you will come in for something considerable when the affairs are arranged.

And you had best tell Sparks that old Sir Pitt is dead and that you will come in for some money.


He'll tell this to Raggles, who has been pressing for money, and it will console poor Raggles."

He'll tell Raggles, who has been pressing for rent."


And so Becky began sipping her chocolate.


When the faithful Lord Steyne arrived in the evening, he found Becky and her companion, who was no other than our friend Briggs, busy cutting, ripping, snipping, and tearing all sorts of black stuffs available for the melancholy occasion.

When Lord Steyne arrived in the evening, he found Becky and her companion, who was no other than our friend Briggs, busy cutting, ripping and snipping all sorts of black stuff for the melancholy occasion.


"Miss Briggs and I are plunged in grief and despondency for the death of our Papa," Rebecca said.


"Sir Pitt Crawley is dead, my lord," Rebecca said.


We have been tearing our hair all the morning, and now we are tearing up our old clothes."

"We have been tearing our hair with grief all the morning, and now we are tearing up our old clothes."


"Oh, Rebecca, how can you--" was all that Briggs could say as she turned up her eyes.


"Oh, Rebecca, how can you--" echoed my Lord.


He might have been a Peer if he had played his cards better.


Mr. Pitt had very nearly made him; but he ratted always at the wrong time.


my Lord said. "What an old Silenus he was!"


"I might have been Silenus's widow," said Rebecca.


"Don't you remember, Miss Briggs, how you peeped in at the door and saw old Sir Pitt on his knees to me?"


Miss Briggs, our old friend, blushed very much at this reminiscence, and was glad when Lord Steyne ordered her to go downstairs and make him a cup of tea.

Miss Briggs blushed very much, and was glad when Lord Steyne ordered her to go downstairs and make him a cup of tea.


Briggs was the house-dog whom Rebecca had provided as guardian of her innocence and reputation.

Briggs was the house-dog whom Rebecca had wanted as guardian of her reputation.


Miss Crawley had left her a little annuity.

Miss Crawley had left Briggs a little annuity.


She would have been content to remain in the Crawley family with Lady Jane, who was good to her and to everybody; but Lady Southdown dismissed poor Briggs as quickly as decency permitted; and Mr. Pitt (who thought himself much injured by the uncalled-for generosity of his deceased relative towards a lady who had only been Miss Crawley's faithful retainer a score of years) made no objection to that exercise of the dowager's authority.

She would have been content to remain with Lady Jane, who was good to her; but Lady Southdown dismissed her.


Bowls and Firkin likewise received their legacies and their dismissals, and married and set up a lodging-house, according to the custom of their kind.

Bowls and Firkin likewise received their legacies and their dismissals, and married and set up a lodging-house.


Briggs tried to live with her relations in the country, but found that attempt was vain after the better society to which she had been accustomed.


Briggs's friends, small tradesmen, in a country town, quarrelled over Miss Briggs's forty pounds a year as eagerly and more openly than Miss Crawley's kinsfolk had for that lady's inheritance.

her family quarrelled over her forty pounds a year as eagerly as Miss Crawley's kinsfolk had over that lady's inheritance.


Briggs's brother, a radical hatter and grocer, called his sister a purse-proud aristocrat, because she would not advance a part of her capital to stock his shop; and she would have done so most likely, but that their sister, a dissenting shoemaker's lady, at variance with the hatter and grocer, who went to another chapel, showed how their brother was on the verge of bankruptcy, and took possession of Briggs for a while.

Briggs's brother called her purse-proud, because she would not advance her money to stock his shop; while her sister told her that their brother was on the verge of bankruptcy, and


The dissenting shoemaker wanted Miss Briggs to send his son to college and make a gentleman of him.

wanted Miss Briggs to send her own son to college.


Between them the two families got a great portion of her private savings out of her, and finally she fled to London followed by the anathemas of both, and determined to seek for servitude again as infinitely less onerous than liberty.

Between them the two families got a great portion of her private savings, and finally she fled to London, determined to seek for servitude again as infinitely less burdensome than liberty.


And advertising in the papers that a "Gentlewoman of agreeable manners, and accustomed to the best society, was anxious to," &c., she took up her residence with Mr. Bowls in Half Moon Street, and waited the result of the advertisement.

And advertising in the papers that a "Gentlewoman of agreeable manners, and accustomed to the best society, was anxious to," etc., she took up her residence in Mr. Bowls's lodging-house, and awaited the result.


So it was that she fell in with Rebecca.


Mrs. Rawdon's dashing little carriage and ponies was whirling down the street one day, just as Miss Briggs, fatigued, had reached Mr. Bowls's door, after a weary walk to the Times Office in the City to insert her advertisement for the sixth time.

Rebecca's dashing little carriage was whirling down the street one day, just as Miss Briggs reached Mr. Bowls's door after a weary walk to the Times Office to insert her advertisement for the sixth time.


Rebecca was driving, and at once recognized the gentlewoman with agreeable manners, and being a perfectly good-humoured woman, as we have seen, and having a regard for Briggs, she pulled up the ponies at the doorsteps, gave the reins to the groom, and jumping out, had hold of both Briggs's hands, before she of the agreeable manners had recovered from the shock of seeing an old friend.

Rebecca at once recognized Briggs. She pulled up the ponies, and jumping out, took hold of both Briggs's hands.


Briggs cried, and Becky laughed a great deal and kissed the gentlewoman as soon as they got into the passage; and thence into Mrs. Bowls's front parlour, with the red moreen curtains, and the round looking-glass, with the chained eagle above, gazing upon the back of the ticket in the window which announced "Apartments to Let."

Briggs cried, and Becky laughed and kissed her; and they went into Mrs. Bowls's front parlour,


Briggs told all her history amidst those perfectly uncalled-for sobs and ejaculations of wonder with which women of her soft nature salute an old acquaintance, or regard a rencontre in the street; for though people meet other people every day, yet some there are who insist upon discovering miracles; and women, even though they have disliked each other, begin to cry when they meet, deploring and remembering the time when they last quarrelled.


So, in a word, Briggs told all her history, and Becky gave a narrative of her own life, with her usual artlessness and candour.

, with sniffles, and Becky gave a narrative of her own life, with her usual candour. Becky instantly decided that this was just such a companion as would suit her, and she invited Briggs to dinner with her that very evening, when she should see Becky's dear little darling Rawdon.


Mrs. Bowls, late Firkin, came and listened grimly in the passage to the hysterical sniffling and giggling which went on in the front parlour.

Mrs. Bowls, late Firkin, came and listened grimly in the passage.


Becky had never been a favourite of hers.


Since the establishment of the married couple in London they had frequented their former friends of the house of Raggles, and did not like the latter's account of the Colonel's menage.

She did not like Raggles's account of the Colonel's household.


"I wouldn't trust him, Ragg, my boy," Bowls remarked; and his wife, when Mrs. Rawdon issued from the parlour, only saluted the lady with a very sour curtsey; and her fingers were like so many sausages, cold and lifeless, when she held them out in deference to Mrs. Rawdon, who persisted in shaking hands with the retired lady's maid.

"I wouldn't trust him, Ragg, my boy," Mr. Bowls remarked; and his wife, when Mrs. Rawdon left the parlour, saluted the lady with a very sour curtsey.


She whirled away into Piccadilly, nodding with the sweetest of smiles towards Miss Briggs, who hung nodding at the window close under the advertisement-card, and at the next moment was in the park with a half-dozen of dandies cantering after her carriage.

With the sweetest of smiles towards Miss Briggs, Rebecca whirled away into Piccadilly, and next moment was in the park with half a dozen dandies cantering after her carriage.


When she found how her friend was situated, and how having a snug legacy from Miss Crawley, salary was no object to our gentlewoman, Becky instantly formed some benevolent little domestic plans concerning her.


This was just such a companion as would suit her establishment, and she invited Briggs to come to dinner with her that very evening, when she should see Becky's dear little darling Rawdon.


Mrs. Bowls cautioned her lodger against venturing into the lion's den, "wherein you will rue it, Miss B., mark my words, and as sure as my name is Bowls."

Mrs. Bowls cautioned Miss Briggs: "You will rue it, Miss B., mark my words."


And Briggs promised to be very cautious.


The upshot of which caution was that she went to live with Mrs. Rawdon the next week, and had lent Rawdon Crawley six hundred pounds upon annuity before six months were over.

The upshot was that she went to live with Mrs. Rawdon the next week, and had lent Rawdon Crawley six hundred pounds upon annuity before six months were over.


Yesterday afternoon set in misty and cold.


I had half a mind to spend it by my study fire, instead of wading through heath and mud to Wuthering Heights.


On coming up from dinner, however, (N.B.-I dine between twelve and one o'clock; the housekeeper, a matronly lady, taken as a fixture along with the house, could not, or would not, comprehend my request that I might be served at five)-on mounting the stairs with this lazy intention, and stepping into the room, I saw a servant-girl on her knees surrounded by brushes and coal-scuttles, and raising an infernal dust as she extinguished the flames with heaps of cinders.

After dinner, however - (I dine between twelve and one o'clock, since the housekeeper cannot comprehend my request to be served at five) - I stepped into my study to see a servant-girl on her knees surrounded by brushes and coal-scuttles, and raising an infernal dust.


This spectacle drove me back immediately; I took my hat, and, after a four-miles' walk, arrived at Heathcliff's garden-gate just in time to escape the first feathery flakes of a snow shower.

So I took my hat, and, after a four-miles' walk, arrived at Heathcliff's garden-gate just in time to escape the first feathery flakes of a snow-shower.


On that bleak hill top the earth was hard with a black frost, and the air made me shiver through every limb.

On that bleak hill-top the earth was hard with a black frost, and the air made me shiver through every limb.


Being unable to remove the chain, I jumped over, and, running up the flagged causeway bordered with straggling gooseberry-bushes, knocked vainly for admittance, till my knuckles tingled and the dogs howled.

I jumped over the gate, and, running up the flag-stoned path, knocked vainly for admittance, till my knuckles tingled and the dogs howled.


I ejaculated, mentally, "you deserve perpetual isolation from your species for your churlish inhospitality.


At least, I would not keep my doors barred in the day-time.

thought; 'I would not keep my doors barred in the day-time.


So resolved, I grasped the latch and shook it vehemently.


Vinegar-faced Joseph projected his head from a round window of the barn.

Vinegar-faced Joseph put his head out from a round window of the barn.


Go round by th' end o' t' laith, if ye went to spake to him."

Go round by t' barn, if ye want to speak to him.'


"Is there nobody inside to open the door?"

'Is there nobody inside to open the door?'


"There's nobbut t' missis; and shoo'll not oppen 't an ye mak' yer flaysome dins till neeght."

'There's nobbut t' missis; and she'll not open it for ye.'


Cannot you tell her whom I am, eh, Joseph?"


I'll hae no hend wi't," muttered the head, vanishing.

I'll have no hand in it,' muttered the head, vanishing.


I seized the handle to essay another trial; when a young man without coat, and shouldering a pitchfork, appeared in the yard behind.

I seized the handle to try again; when a young man shouldering a pitchfork appeared in the yard.


He hailed me to follow him, and, after marching through a wash-house, and a paved area containing a coal-shed, pump, and pigeon-cot, we at length arrived in the huge, warm, cheerful apartment where I was formerly received.

He called me to follow him, and, after marching through a wash-house, and a paved area containing a coal-shed and pump, we at length arrived in the huge, warm, cheerful room where I was formerly received.


It glowed delightfully in the radiance of an immense fire, compounded of coal, peat, and wood; and near the table, laid for a plentiful evening meal, I was pleased to observe the "missis," an individual whose existence I had never previously suspected.

It glowed delightfully in the radiance of an immense fire. Near the table, laid for a plentiful evening meal, I was pleased to observe the 'missis,' a person whose existence I had not suspected.


I bowed and waited, thinking she would bid me take a seat.


She looked at me, leaning back in her chair, and remained motionless and mute.

She looked at me, leaning back in her chair, and said nothing.


"I'm afraid, Mrs. Heathcliff, the door must bear the consequence of your servants' leisure attendance: I had hard work to make them hear me."

'I'm afraid, Mrs. Heathcliff, I had hard work to make your servants hear me.'


I stared-she stared also: at any rate, she kept her eyes on me in a cool, regardless manner, exceedingly embarrassing and disagreeable.

I stared - she stared also, in a cool manner, exceedingly embarrassing and disagreeable.


"Sit down," said the young man, gruffly.

'Sit down,' said the young man, gruffly.


I obeyed; and hemmed, and called the villain Juno, who deigned, at this second interview, to move the extreme tip of her tail, in token of owning my acquaintance.

I obeyed; and called the villainous dog, Juno, who deigned, at this second meeting, to move the extreme tip of her tail in acknowledgment.


"Do you intend parting with the little ones, madam?"

'Do you intend parting with the pups, madam?'


"They are not mine," said the amiable hostess, more repellingly than Heathcliff himself could have replied.

'They are not mine,' said the amiable hostess repellingly.


I continued, turning to an obscure cushion full of something like cats.

I continued, turning to a cushion full of something like cats.


Unluckily, it was a heap of dead rabbits.


I hemmed once more, and drew closer to the hearth, repeating my comment on the wildness of the evening.

I coughed, and drew closer to the hearth, repeating my comment on the wildness of the evening.


"You should not have come out," she said, rising and reaching from the chimney-piece two of the painted canisters.

'You should not have come out,' she said, rising to take a canister from the chimney-piece.


Her position before was sheltered from the light; now, I had a distinct view of her whole figure and countenance.

Now I had a clear view of her face and figure.


She was slender, and apparently scarcely past girlhood: an admirable form, and the most exquisite little face that I have ever had the pleasure of beholding; small features, very fair; flaxen ringlets, or rather golden, hanging loose on her delicate neck; and eyes, had they been agreeable in expression, that would have been irresistible: fortunately for my susceptible heart, the only sentiment they evinced hovered between scorn and a kind of desperation, singularly unnatural to be detected there.

She was slender, and scarcely past girlhood: with an admirable form, and the most exquisite little face that I have seen; small features, very fair; golden ringlets hanging loose on her delicate neck; and eyes which would have been irresistible if their expression had been more agreeable. Fortunately for my susceptible heart, the only emotions they showed were scorn and a kind of desperation.


The canisters were almost out of her reach; I made a motion to aid her; she turned upon me as a miser might turn if any one attempted to assist him in counting his gold.

The canister was almost out of her reach; I rose to aid her, and she turned on me.


"I don't want your help," she snapped; "I can get them for myself."


she demanded, tying an apron over her neat black frock, and standing with a spoonful of the leaf poised over the pot.

she demanded, tying an apron over her neat black frock, and standing with a spoon poised over the pot.


"I shall be glad to have a cup," I answered.

'I shall be glad to have a cup,' I answered.


She flung the tea back, spoon and all, and resumed her chair in a pet; her forehead corrugated, and her red under-lip pushed out, like a child's ready to cry.

She flung the tea back, spoon and all, and sat down again petulantly; her forehead corrugated, and her red under-lip pushed out, like a child's ready to cry.


Meanwhile, the young man had slung on to his person a decidedly shabby upper garment, and, erecting himself before the blaze, looked down on me from the corner of his eyes, for all the world as if there were some mortal feud unavenged between us.

Meanwhile, the young man had slung on a shabby coat, and looked at me sidelong as if there were some mortal feud between us.


I began to doubt whether he were a servant or not: his dress and speech were both rude, entirely devoid of the superiority observable in Mr. and Mrs. Heathcliff; his thick brown curls were rough and uncultivated, his whiskers encroached bearishly over his cheeks, and his hands were embrowned like those of a common labourer: still his bearing was free, almost haughty, and he showed none of a domestic's assiduity in attending on the lady of the house.

I could not be sure whether he were a servant or not: his dress and speech were both rough, entirely unlike Mr. and Mrs. Heathcliff's; his thick brown curls were uncombed, his cheeks unshaven, and his hands tanned like a common labourer's. Still his attitude was almost haughty, and he showed none of a servant's haste to attend on Mrs Heathcliff.


In the absence of clear proofs of his condition, I deemed it best to abstain from noticing his curious conduct; and, five minutes afterwards, the entrance of Heathcliff relieved me, in some measure, from my uncomfortable state.

I thought it best to ignore his curious conduct; and, five minutes afterwards, the entrance of Heathcliff relieved me.


"You see, sir, I am come, according to promise!"

'You see, sir, I have come, as I promised!'


I exclaimed, assuming the cheerful; "and I fear I shall be weather-bound for half an hour, if you can afford me shelter during that space."

I exclaimed with pretended cheerfulness. 'I fear I shall be weather-bound for half an hour, if you can give me shelter for that time.'


he said, shaking the white flakes from his clothes; "I wonder you should select the thick of a snow-storm to ramble about in.

he said, shaking the white flakes from his clothes; 'I wonder you should choose a snow-storm to ramble about in.


Do you know that you run a risk of being lost in the marshes?


People familiar with these moors often miss their road on such evenings; and I can tell you there is no chance of a change at present."

Even people familiar with these moors often miss their road on such evenings; and there is no chance of a change at present.'


"Perhaps I can get a guide among your lads, and he might stay at the Grange till morning-could you spare me one?"

'Perhaps one of your lads can guide me - could you spare one?'


Well, then, I must trust to my own sagacity."

Well, then, I must trust to my own judgement.'


demanded he of the shabby coat, shifting his ferocious gaze from me to the young lady.


was the answer, uttered so savagely that I started.

he answered, so savagely that I was startled.


The tone in which the words were said revealed a genuine bad nature.


I no longer felt inclined to call Heathcliff a capital fellow.


When the preparations were finished, he invited me with-"Now, sir, bring forward your chair."

'Now, sir, bring forward your chair,' he said.


And we all, including the rustic youth, drew round the table: an austere silence prevailing while we discussed our meal.

We all drew round the table and began our meal in silence.


I thought, if I had caused the cloud, it was my duty to make an effort to dispel it.

I thought, if I had caused the cloud, it was my duty to dispel it.


They could not every day sit so grim and taciturn; and it was impossible, however ill-tempered they might be, that the universal scowl they wore was their every-day countenance.

They could not every day sit so grim and taciturn and scowling.


"It is strange," I began, in the interval of swallowing one cup of tea and receiving another-"it is strange how custom can mould our tastes and ideas: many could not imagine the existence of happiness in a life of such complete exile from the world as you spend, Mr. Heathcliff; yet, I'll venture to say, that, surrounded by your family, and with your amiable lady as the presiding genius over your home and heart-"

'It is strange,' I began, 'how custom can mould our tastes: many could not imagine any happiness in a life of such complete exile from the world as this, Mr. Heathcliff; yet, I'll venture to say, that, surrounded by your family, and with your amiable lady presiding over your home and heart-"


he interrupted, with an almost diabolical sneer on his face.


"Well, yes-oh, you would intimate that her spirit has taken the post of ministering angel, and guards the fortunes of Wuthering Heights, even when her body is gone.

'Oh, you mean that her spirit guards Wuthering Heights, even though she is dead.


Perceiving myself in a blunder, I attempted to correct it.

Perceiving my blunder, I tried to correct it.


I might have seen there was too great a disparity between the ages of the parties to make it likely that they were man and wife.

I might have seen there was too great a difference in their ages to make it likely that they were man and wife.


One was about forty: a period of mental vigour at which men seldom cherish the delusion of being married for love by girls: that dream is reserved for the solace of our declining years.


Then it flashed upon me-"The clown at my elbow, who is drinking his tea out of a basin and eating his bread with unwashed hands, may be her husband: Heathcliff junior, of course.

Then it flashed upon me - 'The clown at my elbow, who is drinking his tea out of a basin, may be her husband: Heathcliff junior, of course.


Here is the consequence of being buried alive: she has thrown herself away upon that boor from sheer ignorance that better individuals existed!

Here is the consequence of being buried alive: she has thrown herself away upon that boor from sheer ignorance that better people existed!


A sad pity-I must beware how I cause her to regret her choice."

A sad pity-I must beware how I cause her to regret her choice.'


The last reflection may seem conceited; it was not.


My neighbour struck me as bordering on repulsive; I knew, through experience, that I was tolerably attractive.

My neighbour struck me as repulsive; I knew that I was tolerably attractive.


"Mrs. Heathcliff is my daughter-in-law," said Heathcliff, corroborating my surmise.

'Mrs. Heathcliff is my daughter-in-law,' said Heathcliff, corroborating my guess.


He turned, as he spoke, a peculiar look in her direction: a look of hatred; unless he has a most perverse set of facial muscles that will not, like those of other people, interpret the language of his soul.

As he spoke, he gave her a most peculiar look of hatred.


"Ah, certainly-I see now: you are the favoured possessor of the beneficent fairy," I remarked, turning to my neighbour.

'Ah, I see now: you are the favoured possessor of the good fairy,' I remarked, turning to my neighbour.


This was worse than before: the youth grew crimson, and clenched his fist, with every appearance of a meditated assault.


But he seemed to recollect himself presently, and smothered the storm in a brutal curse, muttered on my behalf: which, however, I took care not to notice.

as if to strike me, before smothering the storm in a brutal curse.


"Unhappy in your conjectures, sir," observed my host; "we neither of us have the privilege of owning your good fairy; her mate is dead.

'An unhappy guess, sir,' said my host; 'we neither of us own your good fairy; her mate is dead.


I said she was my daughter-in-law: therefore, she must have married my son."

I said she was my daughter-in-law: therefore, she must have married my son.'


Heathcliff smiled again, as if it were rather too bold a jest to attribute the paternity of that bear to him.


"My name is Hareton Earnshaw," growled the other; "and I'd counsel you to respect it!"

'My name is Hareton Earnshaw,' growled the other; 'and I'd counsel you to respect it!'


"I've shown no disrespect," was my reply, laughing internally at the dignity with which he announced himself.

'I've shown no disrespect,' I replied, laughing internally at his dignity.


He fixed his eye on me longer than I cared to return the stare, for fear I might be tempted either to box his ears or render my hilarity audible.

He fixed his eye on me until I feared I might be tempted either to box his ears or to laugh aloud.


I began to feel unmistakably out of place in that pleasant family circle.

I began to feel out of place in that pleasant family circle.


The dismal spiritual atmosphere overcame, and more than neutralised, the glowing physical comforts round me; and I resolved to be cautious how I ventured under those rafters a third time.

The dismal atmosphere overcame the glowing comfort of the fire; and I resolved to be cautious about visiting a third time.


The business of eating being concluded, and no one uttering a word of sociable conversation, I approached a window to examine the weather.

The meal eaten, without a word of conversation, I approached a window to examine the weather.


A sorrowful sight I saw: dark night coming down prematurely, and sky and hills mingled in one bitter whirl of wind and suffocating snow.

A sorrowful sight I saw: dark night coming down, and sky and hills mingled in one bitter whirl of wind and suffocating snow.


"I don't think it possible for me to get home now without a guide," I could not help exclaiming.

'I don't think it's possible for me to get home now without a guide,' I exclaimed.


"The roads will be buried already; and, if they were bare, I could scarcely distinguish a foot in advance."


"Hareton, drive those dozen sheep into the barn porch.

'Hareton, drive those sheep into the barn porch.


They'll be covered if left in the fold all night: and put a plank before them," said Heathcliff.

They'll be covered if left in the fold all night,' said Heathcliff.


There was no reply to my question; and on looking round I saw only Joseph bringing in a pail of porridge for the dogs, and Mrs. Heathcliff leaning over the fire, diverting herself with burning a bundle of matches which had fallen from the chimney-piece as she restored the tea-canister to its place.

There was no reply; and on looking round I saw only Joseph bringing in a pail of porridge for the dogs, and Mrs. Heathcliff leaning over the fire, diverting herself with burning matches.


The former, when he had deposited his burden, took a critical survey of the room, and in cracked tones grated out-"Aw wonder how yah can faishion to stand thear i' idleness un war, when all on 'ems goan out!

Joseph, in cracked tones, grated out, 'I wonder how yah can stand there i' idleness, when all them's gone out!


Bud yah're a nowt, and it's no use talking-yah'll niver mend o'yer ill ways, but goa raight to t' divil, like yer mother afore ye!"

But yah're a nowt, and it's no use talking - yah'll never mend yer ill ways, but go right to t' devil, like yer mother afore ye!'


I imagined, for a moment, that this piece of eloquence was addressed to me; and, sufficiently enraged, stepped towards the aged rascal with an intention of kicking him out of the door.

I imagined, for a moment, that this speech was addressed to me; and, enraged, stepped towards the aged rascal intending to kick him out of the door.


Mrs. Heathcliff, however, checked me by her answer.


"Are you not afraid of being carried away bodily, whenever you mention the devil's name?


I warn you to refrain from provoking me, or I'll ask your abduction as a special favour!

'Don't provoke me, or I'll ask the devil to carry you away!


look here, Joseph," she continued, taking a long, dark book from a shelf; "I'll show you how far I've progressed in the Black Art: I shall soon be competent to make a clear house of it.

Look here, Joseph,' she continued, taking a long, dark book from a shelf; 'I'll show you how far I've progressed in the Black Art.


The red cow didn't die by chance; and your rheumatism can hardly be reckoned among providential visitations!"

The red cow didn't die by chance; and your rheumatism isn't caused by bad luck either!'


gasped the elder; "may the Lord deliver us from evil!"

gasped the old man; 'may the Lord deliver us from evil!'


you are a castaway-be off, or I'll hurt you seriously!


I'll have you all modelled in wax and clay!


and the first who passes the limits I fix shall-I'll not say what he shall be done to-but, you'll see!

and I shall - I'll not say what - but, you'll see!


The little witch put a mock malignity into her beautiful eyes, and Joseph, trembling with sincere horror, hurried out, praying, and ejaculating "wicked" as he went.

The little witch put a mock malignity into her beautiful eyes, and Joseph, trembling with horror, hurried out, praying, and crying 'wicked' as he went.


I thought her conduct must be prompted by a species of dreary fun; and, now that we were alone, I endeavoured to interest her in my distress.

I thought she must be prompted by a sort of dreary fun; and, now that we were alone, I tried to interest her in my distress.


"Mrs. Heathcliff," I said earnestly, "you must excuse me for troubling you.


I presume, because, with that face, I'm sure you cannot help being good-hearted.

'with that face, I'm sure you cannot help being good-hearted.


Do point out some landmarks by which I may know my way home: I have no more idea how to get there than you would have how to get to London!"

Do point out some landmarks by which I may know my way home!'


"Take the road you came," she answered, ensconcing herself in a chair, with a candle, and the long book open before her.

'Take the road you came,' she answered, sitting in a chair, with a candle, and the book open before her.


"It is brief advice, but as sound as I can give."


"Then, if you hear of me being discovered dead in a bog or a pit full of snow, your conscience won't whisper that it is partly your fault?"

'Then, if you hear of me being found dead in a pit full of snow, you won't feel that it is your fault?'


They wouldn't let me go to the end of the garden wall."

They wouldn't let me go to the end of the garden.'


I should be sorry to ask you to cross the threshold, for my convenience, on such a night," I cried.


"I want you to tell me my way, not to _show_ it: or else to persuade Mr. Heathcliff to give me a guide."

'I want you to tell me my way, not to show it,' I cried; 'or else to persuade Mr. Heathcliff to give me a guide.'


There is himself, Earnshaw, Zillah, Joseph and I.

There is him, Earnshaw, Zillah, Joseph and I.


"Then, it follows that I am compelled to stay."


'That you may settle with your host,' she said.


"I hope it will be a lesson to you to make no more rash journeys on these hills," cried Heathcliff's stern voice from the kitchen entrance.

'I hope it will be a lesson to you to make no more rash journeys on these hills,' cried Heathcliff's stern voice from the entrance.


"As to staying here, I don't keep accommodations for visitors: you must share a bed with Hareton or Joseph, if you do."

'As to staying here, I don't keep rooms for visitors: you must share a bed with Hareton or Joseph.'


"I can sleep on a chair in this room," I replied.

'I can sleep on a chair in this room,' I replied.


A stranger is a stranger, be he rich or poor: it will not suit me to permit any one the range of the place while I am off guard!"

I will not permit any one the run of the place while I am asleep!'


With this insult my patience was at an end.

With this insult, my patience was at an end.


I uttered an expression of disgust, and pushed past him into the yard, running against Earnshaw in my haste.

In disgust, I pushed past him into the yard, running into Earnshaw in my haste.


It was so dark that I could not see the means of exit; and, as I wandered round, I heard another specimen of their civil behaviour amongst each other.

It was so dark that I could not see the gate.


At first the young man appeared about to befriend me.


"I'll go with him as far as the park," he said.

'I'll go with him to the park,' he said.


exclaimed his master, or whatever relation he bore.


"And who is to look after the horses, eh?"

'And who is to look after the horses, eh?'


"A man's life is of more consequence than one evening's neglect of the horses: somebody must go," murmured Mrs. Heathcliff, more kindly than I expected.

'A man's life matters more than one evening's neglect of the horses: somebody must go,' murmured Mrs. Heathcliff, more kindly than I expected.


"If you set store on him, you'd better be quiet."


"Then I hope his ghost will haunt you; and I hope Mr. Heathcliff will never get another tenant till the Grange is a ruin," she answered, sharply.

'Then I hope his ghost will haunt you; and I hope Mr. Heathcliff will never get another tenant till the Grange is a ruin,' she answered sharply.


"Hearken, hearken, shoo's cursing on 'em!"


muttered Joseph, towards whom I had been steering.


He sat within earshot, milking the cows by the light of a lantern, which I seized unceremoniously, and, calling out that I would send it back on the morrow, rushed to the nearest postern.

He sat within earshot, milking the cows by the light of a lantern, which I seized. Calling out that I would send it back on the morrow, I rushed to the gate.


"Maister, maister, he's staling t' lanthern!"

'Master, master, he's stealing t' lanthern!'


shouted the ancient, pursuing my retreat.


On opening the little door, two hairy monsters flew at my throat, bearing me down, and extinguishing the light; while a mingled guffaw from Heathcliff and Hareton put the copestone on my rage and humiliation.

Two hairy monsters flew at my throat, bearing me down, and extinguishing the light; while a mingled guffaw from Heathcliff and Hareton put the lid on my rage and humiliation.


Fortunately, the beasts seemed more bent on stretching their paws, and yawning, and flourishing their tails, than devouring me alive; but they would suffer no resurrection, and I was forced to lie till their malignant masters pleased to deliver me: then, hatless and trembling with wrath, I ordered the miscreants to let me out-on their peril to keep me one minute longer-with several incoherent threats of retaliation that, in their indefinite depth of virulency, smacked of King Lear.

Fortunately, the beasts seemed more bent on yawning than devouring me alive; but they would not let me up, and I was forced to lie till their masters freed me. Then, hatless and trembling with anger, I ordered the rascals to let me out - on their peril to keep me one minute longer - with incoherent threats.


The vehemence of my agitation brought on a copious bleeding at the nose, and still Heathcliff laughed, and still I scolded.

My agitation brought on a copious nosebleed, and still Heathcliff laughed, and still I scolded.


I don't know what would have concluded the scene, had there not been one person at hand rather more rational than myself, and more benevolent than my entertainer.

I don't know how it would have ended, had not


This was Zillah, the stout housewife; who at length issued forth to inquire into the nature of the uproar.

Zillah, the housekeeper, come out to see what was happening.


She thought that some of them had been laying violent hands on me; and, not daring to attack her master, she turned her vocal artillery against the younger scoundrel.

She thought that they had been laying violent hands on me; and not daring to attack her master, she turned on the younger scoundrel.


"Well, Mr. Earnshaw," she cried, "I wonder what you'll have agait next?


'Are we going to murder folk on our very door-stones?


I see this house will never do for me-look at t' poor lad, he's fair choking!


Come in, and I'll cure that: there now, hold ye still."

Come in, and I'll cure that: now hold still.'


With these words she suddenly splashed a pint of icy water down my neck, and pulled me into the kitchen.

With these words she splashed a pint of icy water down my neck, and pulled me into the kitchen.


Mr. Heathcliff followed, his accidental merriment expiring quickly in his habitual moroseness.

Mr. Heathcliff followed, lapsing into his habitual moroseness.


I was sick exceedingly, and dizzy, and faint; and thus compelled perforce to accept lodgings under his roof.

I was sick and faint; and was thus compelled to accept lodgings under his roof.


He told Zillah to give me a glass of brandy, and then passed on to the inner room; while she condoled with me on my sorry predicament, and having obeyed his orders, whereby I was somewhat revived, ushered me to bed.

He told Zillah to give me a glass of brandy, and then passed on to the inner room; while she ushered me to bed.


While leading the way upstairs, she recommended that I should hide the candle, and not make a noise; for her master had an odd notion about the chamber she would put me in, and never let anybody lodge there willingly.

While leading the way upstairs, she asked me to hide the candle, and not make a noise; for her master had an odd notion about the chamber she would put me in, and never let anybody stay there.


She did not know, she answered: she had only lived there a year or two; and they had so many queer goings on, she could not begin to be curious.

She did not know, she answered: she had only lived there a year or two; and they had many queer goings on.


Too stupefied to be curious myself, I fastened my door and glanced round for the bed.

I fastened my bedroom door and glanced around.


The whole furniture consisted of a chair, a clothes-press, and a large oak case, with squares cut out near the top resembling coach windows.

The furniture consisted of a chair, a clothes-press, and a large oak case, with squares cut out resembling coach windows.


Having approached this structure, I looked inside, and perceived it to be a singular sort of old-fashioned couch, very conveniently designed to obviate the necessity for every member of the family having a room to himself.

Approaching this, I looked inside, and found it to be a strange sort of old-fashioned couch, designed to make a little, private closet.


In fact, it formed a little closet, and the ledge of a window, which it enclosed, served as a table.

It enclosed a window-ledge, which served as a table.


I slid back the panelled sides, got in with my light, pulled them together again, and felt secure against the vigilance of Heathcliff, and every one else.

I slid back the panelled sides, got in with my light, pulled them together again, and felt secure against Heathcliff and everyone else.


The ledge, where I placed my candle, had a few mildewed books piled up in one corner; and it was covered with writing scratched on the paint.

I placed my candle on the window-ledge. It had a few mildewed books piled up in one corner; and it was covered with writing scratched on the paint.


This writing, however, was nothing but a name repeated in all kinds of characters, large and small-_Catherine Earnshaw_, here and there varied to _Catherine Heathcliff_, and then again to _Catherine Linton_.

This writing, however, was nothing but a name repeated in all kinds of lettering, large and small: Catherine Earnshaw, here and there varied to Catherine Heathcliff, and then again to Catherine Linton.


In vapid listlessness I leant my head against the window, and continued spelling over Catherine Earnshaw-Heathcliff-Linton, till my eyes closed; but they had not rested five minutes when a glare of white letters started from the dark, as vivid as spectres-the air swarmed with Catherines; and rousing myself to dispel the obtrusive name, I discovered my candle-wick reclining on one of the antique volumes, and perfuming the place with an odour of roasted calf-skin.

Listlessly I leant my head against the window, and read Catherine Earnshaw - Heathcliff - Linton, till my eyes closed; but then a glare of white letters started from the dark, as vivid as spectres - the air swarmed with Catherines. I discovered my candle-wick was lying on one of the old books, and perfuming the place with an odour of burnt leather.


I snuffed it off, and, very ill at ease under the influence of cold and lingering nausea, sat up and spread open the injured tome on my knee.

I snuffed out the candle and, still feeling cold and sick, sat up and spread open the book on my knee.


It was a Testament, in lean type, and smelling dreadfully musty: a fly-leaf bore the inscription-"Catherine Earnshaw, her book," and a date some quarter of a century back.

It was a Testament, smelling dreadfully musty: a fly-leaf bore the inscription: 'Catherine Earnshaw, her book,' and a date some quarter of a century back.


I shut it, and took up another and another, till I had examined all.

I shut it, and took up another and another, till I had examined all Catherine's library.


Catherine's library was select, and its state of dilapidation proved it to have been well used, though not altogether for a legitimate purpose: scarcely one chapter had escaped a pen-and-ink commentary-at least the appearance of one-covering every morsel of blank that the printer had left.

The books had been well used, though not for their proper purpose: she had scribbled over every morsel of blank paper in them.


Some were detached sentences; other parts took the form of a regular diary, scrawled in an unformed, childish hand.

There was a regular diary, scrawled in an unformed, childish hand.


At the top of an extra page (quite a treasure, probably, when first lighted on) I was greatly amused to behold an excellent caricature of my friend Joseph,-rudely, yet powerfully sketched.

At the top of one page I was greatly amused to behold an excellent caricature of Joseph, rudely, yet powerfully sketched.


An immediate interest kindled within me for the unknown Catherine, and I began forthwith to decipher her faded hieroglyphics.

I felt an immediate interest in the unknown Catherine, and began to decipher her faded writing.


"An awful Sunday," commenced the paragraph beneath.


Hindley is a detestable substitute-his conduct to Heathcliff is atrocious-H. and I are going to rebel-we took our initiatory step this evening.

Hindley is detestable. His conduct to Heathcliff is atrocious - H. and I are going to rebel. We took our first step this evening.


"All day had been flooding with rain; we could not go to church, so Joseph must needs get up a congregation in the garret; and, while Hindley and his wife basked downstairs before a comfortable fire-doing anything but reading their Bibles, I'll answer for it-Heathcliff, myself, and the unhappy ploughboy were commanded to take our prayer-books, and mount: we were ranged in a row, on a sack of corn, groaning and shivering, and hoping that Joseph would shiver too, so that he might give us a short homily for his own sake.

'All day had been flooding with rain; we could not go to church, so Joseph had a prayer-meeting in the garret. While Hindley and his wife basked downstairs before a comfortable fire - doing anything but reading their Bibles - Heathcliff, myself, and the ploughboy had to take our prayer-books, and sit groaning and shivering, and hoping that Joseph would shiver too, so that he might give us a short sermon.


The service lasted precisely three hours; and yet my brother had the face to exclaim, when he saw us descending, 'What, done already?'

The service lasted three hours; and yet my brother had the cheek to exclaim, when he saw us descending, "What, done already?"


On Sunday evenings we used to be permitted to play, if we did not make much noise; now a mere titter is sufficient to send us into corners.

He will no longer let us play on Sunday evenings; now the smallest laugh gets us sent into the corner.


"'You forget you have a master here,' says the tyrant.

'"You forget you have a master here," says the tyrant.


'I'll demolish the first who puts me out of temper!


I insist on perfect sobriety and silence.


Frances darling, pull his hair as you go by: I heard him snap his fingers.'

Frances darling, pull his hair as you go by: I heard him snap his fingers."


Frances pulled his hair heartily, and then went and seated herself on her husband's knee, and there they were, like two babies, kissing and talking nonsense by the hour-foolish palaver that we should be ashamed of.

Frances pulled his hair heartily, and then went and sat on her husband's knee, and there they were, like two babies, kissing and talking nonsense by the hour - foolish chatter that we should be ashamed of.


We made ourselves as snug as our means allowed in the arch of the dresser.

We made ourselves as snug as we could under the dresser.


I had just fastened our pinafores together, and hung them up for a curtain, when in comes Joseph, on an errand from the stables.


He tears down my handiwork, boxes my ears, and croaks:

tears it down, boxes my ears, and croaks:


"'T' maister nobbut just buried, and Sabbath not o'ered, und t' sound o' t' gospel still i' yer lugs, and ye darr be laiking!

'"T' master only just buried, and Sabbath not over, and t' sound o' t' gospel still in yer ears, and ye dare be larking!


there's good books eneugh if ye'll read 'em: sit ye down, and think o' yer sowls!'


"Saying this, he compelled us so to square our positions that we might receive from the far-off fire a dull ray to show us the text of the lumber he thrust upon us.


I took my dingy volume by the scroop, and hurled it into the dog-kennel, vowing I hated a good book.

I hurled my dingy volume into the dog-kennel, vowing I hated a good book.


Heathcliff kicked his to the same place.


Miss Cathy's riven th' back off "Th' Helmet o' Salvation," un' Heathcliff's pawsed his fit into t' first part o' "T' Brooad Way to Destruction!"

"Miss Cathy's torn th' back off 'Th' Helmet o' Salvation,' and Heathcliff's ripped 'T' Broad Way to Destruction!'


It's fair flaysome that ye let 'em go on this gait.

It's fearsome that ye let 'em go on this way!"


th' owd man wad ha' laced 'em properly-but he's goan!'


"Hindley hurried up from his paradise on the hearth, and seizing one of us by the collar, and the other by the arm, hurled both into the back-kitchen; where, Joseph asseverated, 'owd Nick' would fetch us as sure as we were living: and, so comforted, we each sought a separate nook to await his advent.

'Hindley hurried up, and hurled us both into the back-kitchen.


I reached this book, and a pot of ink from a shelf, and pushed the house-door ajar to give me light, and I have got the time on with writing for twenty minutes; but my companion is impatient, and proposes that we should appropriate the dairywoman's cloak, and have a scamper on the moors, under its shelter.

I took this book and a pot of ink from a shelf, and pushed the house-door open to give me light, and I have been writing for twenty minutes; but Heathcliff is impatient, and proposes that we should take the dairywoman's cloak, and have a scamper on the moors under its shelter.


A pleasant suggestion-and then, if the surly old man come in, he may believe his prophecy verified-we cannot be damper, or colder, in the rain than we are here."

A pleasant suggestion - we cannot be damper, or colder, out in the rain than we are here.'


I suppose Catherine fulfilled her project, for the next sentence took up another subject: she waxed lachrymose.

I suppose Catherine fulfilled her plan, for the next sentence was tearful.


"How little did I dream that Hindley would ever make me cry so!"

'How little did I dream that Hindley would ever make me cry so!'


"My head aches, till I cannot keep it on the pillow; and still I can't give over.

'My head aches, till I cannot keep it on the pillow.


Hindley calls him a vagabond, and won't let him sit with us, nor eat with us any more; and, he says, he and I must not play together, and threatens to turn him out of the house if we break his orders.

Hindley calls him a vagabond, and won't let him sit with us, nor eat with us any more. He says, he and I must not play together, and threatens to turn him out of the house.


He has been blaming our father (how dared he?)


for treating H. too liberally; and swears he will reduce him to his right place-"

for treating Heathcliff too kindly; and swears he will reduce him to his right place-'


I began to nod drowsily over the dim page: my eye wandered from manuscript to print.

I began to nod drowsily over the dim page.


I saw a red ornamented title-"Seventy Times Seven, and the First of the Seventy-First.

My eye wandered to the print, and I saw a red ornamented title: 'Seventy Times Seven, and the First of the Seventy-First.


A Pious Discourse delivered by the Reverend Jabez Branderham, in the Chapel of Gimmerden Sough."

A Pious Discourse delivered by the Reverend Jabez Branderham.'


And while I was, half-consciously, worrying my brain to guess what Jabez Branderham would make of his subject, I sank back in bed, and fell asleep.

While I was wondering what Jabez Branderham would make of his subject, I fell asleep.


Alas, for the effects of bad tea and bad temper!


What else could it be that made me pass such a terrible night?

What else could have made me pass such a terrible night?


I don't remember another that I can at all compare with it since I was capable of suffering.


I began to dream, almost before I ceased to be sensible of my locality.


I thought it was morning; and I had set out on my way home, with Joseph for a guide.


The snow lay yards deep in our road; and, as we floundered on, my companion wearied me with constant reproaches that I had not brought a pilgrim's staff: telling me that I could never get into the house without one, and boastfully flourishing a heavy-headed cudgel, which I understood to be so denominated.

The snow was deep; and, as we floundered on, my companion reproached me because I had not brought a pilgrim's staff: telling me that I could never get into the house without one, and boastfully flourishing his own heavy cudgel.


For a moment I considered it absurd that I should need such a weapon to gain admittance into my own residence.


I was not going there: we were journeying to hear the famous Jabez Branderham preach, from the text-"Seventy Times Seven;" and either Joseph, the preacher, or I had committed the "First of the Seventy-First," and were to be publicly exposed and excommunicated.

I was not going home: we were journeying to hear the famous Jabez Branderham preach on seventy times seven sins; and either Joseph or I had committed the 'First of the Seventy-First,' and were to be publicly exposed.


I have passed it really in my walks, twice or thrice; it lies in a hollow, between two hills: an elevated hollow, near a swamp, whose peaty moisture is said to answer all the purposes of embalming on the few corpses deposited there.

I have passed it really in my walks a few times; it lies in a hollow, between two hills: a deserted and half-ruined building.


The roof has been kept whole hitherto; but as the clergyman's stipend is only twenty pounds per annum, and a house with two rooms, threatening speedily to determine into one, no clergyman will undertake the duties of pastor: especially as it is currently reported that his flock would rather let him starve than increase the living by one penny from their own pockets.


However, in my dream, Jabez had a full and attentive congregation; and he preached-good God!

However, in my dream, Jabez had a full congregation; and he preached - good God!


what a sermon; divided into _four hundred and ninety_ parts, each fully equal to an ordinary address from the pulpit, and each discussing a separate sin!

what a sermon; divided into four hundred and ninety parts, each discussing a separate sin.


Where he searched for them, I cannot tell.


He had his private manner of interpreting the phrase, and it seemed necessary the brother should sin different sins on every occasion.


They were of the most curious character: odd transgressions that I never imagined previously.


How I writhed, and yawned, and nodded, and revived!


How I pinched and pricked myself, and rubbed my eyes, and stood up, and sat down again, and nudged Joseph to inform me if he would _ever_ have done.

How I pinched myself, and rubbed my eyes,


I was condemned to hear all out: finally, he reached the "_First of the Seventy-First_."

until finally, he reached the 'First of the Seventy-First.'


At that crisis, a sudden inspiration descended on me; I was moved to rise and denounce Jabez Branderham as the sinner of the sin that no Christian need pardon.

Sudden inspiration came to me; I rose to denounce Jabez Branderham.


"Sir," I exclaimed, "sitting here within these four walls, at one stretch, I have endured and forgiven the four hundred and ninety heads of your discourse.

'Sir,' I exclaimed, 'I have endured the four hundred and ninety heads of your discourse.


Seventy times seven times have I plucked up my hat and been about to depart-Seventy times seven times have you preposterously forced me to resume my seat.


The four hundred and ninety-first is too much.


Drag him down, and crush him to atoms, that the place which knows him may know him no more!"


"_Thou art the Man!_" cried Jabez, after a solemn pause, leaning over his cushion.


"Seventy times seven times didst thou gapingly contort thy visage-seventy times seven did I take counsel with my soul-Lo, this is human weakness: this also may be absolved!

'Seventy times seven times didst thou gape and yawn.


Brethren, execute upon him the judgment written.


With that concluding word, the whole assembly, exalting their pilgrim's staves, rushed round me in a body; and I, having no weapon to raise in self-defence, commenced grappling with Joseph, my nearest and most ferocious assailant, for his.

With that, the whole meeting, lifting their pilgrim's staves, rushed round me; and I, having no weapon, began to grapple with Joseph for his.


In the confluence of the multitude, several clubs crossed; blows, aimed at me, fell on other sconces.


Presently the whole chapel resounded with rappings and counter rappings: every man's hand was against his neighbour; and Branderham, unwilling to remain idle, poured forth his zeal in a shower of loud taps on the boards of the pulpit, which responded so smartly that, at last, to my unspeakable relief, they woke me.

Soon the whole chapel resounded with blows: every man attacked his neighbour; and Branderham tapped so loudly on the pulpit that, to my unspeakable relief, the sounds woke me.


And what was it that had suggested the tremendous tumult?

And what had suggested the tremendous tumult?


What had played Jabez's part in the row?


Merely the branch of a fir-tree that touched my lattice as the blast wailed by, and rattled its dry cones against the panes!

Merely the branch of a fir-tree that touched my window as the blast wailed by, and rattled its dry cones against the panes!


I listened doubtingly an instant; detected the disturber, then turned and dozed, and dreamt again: if possible, still more disagreeably than before.

I listened, then turned and dozed, and dreamt again: if possible, still more disagreeably than before.