Wuthering Heights

envy, began to cry: so I got up and left him.«
    »What use is it praising Heathcliff to him?« I answered. »As lads they had an aversion to each other, and Heathcliff would hate just as much to hear him praised – it's human nature. Let Mr. Linton alone about him, unless you would like an open quarrel between them.«
    »But does it not show great weakness?« pursued she. »I'm not envious – I never feel hurt at the brightness of Isabella's yellow hair, and the whiteness of her skin; at her dainty elegance, and the fondness all the family exhibit for her. Even you Nelly, if we have a dispute sometimes, you back Isabella, at once; and I yield like a foolish mother – I call her a darling, and flatter her into a good temper. It pleases her brother to see us cordial, and that pleases me. But, they are very much alike: they are spoiled children, and fancy the world was made for their accommodation; and, though I humour both, I think a smart chastisement might improve them, all the same.«
    »You're mistaken, Mrs. Linton,« said I, »They humour you – I know what there would be to do if they did not! You can well afford to indulge their passing whims, as long as their business is to anticipate all your desires – You may, however, fall out, at last, over something of equal consequence to both sides; and, then those you term weak are very capable of being as obstinate as you.«
    »And then we shall fight to the death, shan't we, Nelly?« she returned laughing, »No! I tell you, I have such faith in Linton's love that I believe I might kill him, and he wouldn't wish to retaliate.«
    I advised her to value him the more for his affection.
    »I do,« she answered; »but, he needn't resort to whining for trifles. It is childish; and, instead of melting into tears, because I said that Heathcliff was now worthy of any one's regard, and it would honour the first gentleman in the country to be his friend; he ought to have said it for me, and been delighted from sympathy – He must get accustomed to him, and he may as well like him – considering how Heathcliff has reason to object to him, I'm sure he behaved excellently!«
    »What do you think of his going to Wuthering Heights?« I inquired. »He is reformed in every respect, apparently – quite a Christian – offering the right hand of fellowship to his enemies all round!«
    »He explained it,« she replied. »I wondered as much as you – He said he called to gather information concerning me, from you, supposing you resided there still; and Joseph told Hindley, who came out, and fell to questioning him of what he had been doing, and how he had been living: and finally, desired him to walk in – There were some persons sitting at cards – Heathcliff joined them; my brother lost some money to him; and, finding him plentifully supplied, he requested that he would come again in the evening, to which he consented. Hindley is too reckless to select his acquaintance prudently; he doesn't trouble himself to reflect on the causes he might have for mistrusting one whom he has basely injured – But, Heathcliff affirms his principal reason for resuming a connection with his ancient persecutor is a wish to instal himself in quarters at walking distance from the Grange, and an attachment to the house where we lived together, and, likewise a hope that I shall have more opportunities of seeing him there than I could have if he settled in Gimmerton. He means to offer liberal payment for permission to lodge at the Heights; and doubtless my brother's covetousness will prompt him to accept the terms; he was always greedy, though what he grasps with one hand, he flings away with the other.«
    »It's a nice place for a young man to fix his dwelling in!« said I. »Have you no fear of the consequences, Mrs. Linton?«
    »None for my friend,« she replied, »his strong head will keep him from danger – a little for Hindley; but, he can't be made morally worse than he is; and I stand between him and bodily harm – The event of this evening has reconciled me to God, and humanity! I had risen in angry rebellion against providence – Oh, I've endured very, very bitter misery. Nelly! If that creature knew how bitter, he'd be ashamed to cloud its removal with idle petulance – It was kindness for him which induced me to bear it alone: had I expressed the agony I frequently felt, he would have been taught to long for its alleviation as ardently as I – However, it's over, and I'll take no