Page 332 - WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Wuthering Heights

The boy was fully occupied with his own cogitations
for the remainder of the ride, till we halted before the
farmhouse garden- gate. I watched to catch his impressions
in his countenance. He surveyed the carved front and

low-browed lattices, the straggling gooseberry-bushes and
crooked firs, with solemn intentness, and then shook his
head: his private feelings entirely disapproved of the
exterior of his new abode. But he had sense to postpone
complaining: there might be compensation within. Before
he dismounted, I went and opened the door. It was half-
past six; the family had just finished breakfast: the servant
was clearing and wiping down the table. Joseph stood by
his master’s chair telling some tale concerning a lame
horse; and Hareton was preparing for the hayfield.
’Hallo, Nelly!’ said Mr. Heathcliff, when he saw me. ‘I
feared I should have to come down and fetch my property
myself. You’ve brought it, have you? Let us see what we
can make of it.’
He got up and strode to the door: Hareton and Joseph
followed in gaping curiosity. Poor Linton ran a frightened
eye over the faces of the three.
’Sure-ly,’ said Joseph after a grave inspection, ‘he’s
swopped wi’ ye, Maister, an’ yon’s his lass!’

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