Wuthering Heights

some question which she had no mind to answer. There was another rapid glance at the house, and supposing himself unseen, the scoundrel had the impudence to embrace her.
    »Judas! Traitor!« I ejaculated, »you are a hypocrite, too, are you? a deliberate deceiver.«
    »Who is, Nelly?« said Catherine's voice at my elbow – I had been over-intent on watching the pair outside to mark her entrance.
    »Your worthless friend!« I answered, warmly, »the sneaking rascal yonder – Ah, he has caught a glimpse of us – he is coming in! I wonder will he have the art to find a plausible excuse, for making love to Miss, when he told you he hated her?«
    Mrs. Linton saw Isabella tear herself free, and run into the garden; and a minute after, Heathcliff opened the door.
    I couldn't withhold giving some loose to my indignation; but Catherine angrily insisted on silence, and threatened to order me out of the kitchen, if I dared be so presumptuous as to put in my insolent tongue.
    »To hear you, people might think
you
were the mistress!« she cried. »You want setting down in your right place! Heathcliff, what are you about, raising this stir? I said you must let Isabella alone! – I beg you will, unless you are tired of being received here, and wish Linton to draw the bolts against you!«
    »God forbid that he should try!« answered the black villain – I detested him just then. »God keep him meek and patient! Every day I grow madder after sending him to heaven!«
    »Hush!« said Catherine shutting the inner door! »Don't vex me. Why have you disregarded my request? Did she come across you on purpose?«
    »What is it to you?« he growled, »I have a right to kiss her, if she chooses, and you have no right to object – I'm not
your
husband,
you
needn't be jealous of me!«
    »I'm not jealous of you;« replied the mistress, »I'm jealous for you. Clear your face, you shan't scowl at me! If you like Isabella, you shall marry her. But, do you like her, tell the truth, Heathcliff? There, you won't answer. I'm certain you don't!«
    »And would Mr. Linton approve of his sister marrying that man?« I inquired.
    »Mr. Linton should approve,« returned my lady decisively.
    »He might spare himself the trouble,« said Heathcliff, »I could do as well without his approbation – And, as to you, Catherine, I have a mind to speak a few words, now, while we are at it – I want you to be aware that I
know
you have treated me infernally – infernally! Do you hear? And, if you flatter yourself that I don't perceive it you are a fool – and if you think I can be consoled by sweet words you are an idiot – and if you fancy I'll suffer unrevenged, I'll convince you of the contrary, in a very little while! Meantime, thank you for telling me your sister-in-law's secret – I swear I'll make the most of it, and stand you aside!«
    »What new phase of his character is this?« exclaimed Mrs. Linton, in amazement. »I've treated you infernally – and you'll take your revenge! How will you take it, ungrateful brute? How have I treated you infernally?«
    »I seek no revenge on you,« replied Heathcliff, less vehemently. »That's not the plan – The tyrant grinds down his slaves and they don't turn against him, they crush those beneath them – You are welcome to torture me to death for your amusement, only, allow me to amuse myself a little in the same style – And refrain from insult, as much as you are able. Having levelled my palace, don't erect a hovel and complacently admire your own charity in giving me that for a home. If I imagined you really wished me to marry Isabella, I'd cut my throat!«
    »Oh, the evil is that I am
not
jealous, is it?« cried Catherine. »Well, I won't repeat my offer of a wife – It is as bad as offering Satan a lost soul – Your bliss lies, like his, in inflicting misery – You prove it – Edgar is restored from the ill-temper he gave way to at your coming; I begin to be secure and tranquil; and, you, restless to know us at peace, appear resolved on exciting a quarrel – quarrel with Edgar if you please, Heathcliff, and deceive his sister; you'll hit on exactly the most efficient method of revenging yourself on me.«
    The conversation ceased – Mrs. Linton sat down by the fire, flushed and gloomy. The spirit which served her was growing intractable: she could neither lay nor control it. He stood on the hearth, with folded arms brooding on his evil thoughts; and in this position I left them, to seek the master