Page 357 - WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Wuthering Heights

pretended to pity me so, when I kept hoping, and was
always disappointed about Linton’s coming back!’
She gave a faithful account of her excursion and its
consequences; and my master, though he cast more than

one reproachful look at me, said nothing till she had
concluded. Then he drew her to him, and asked if she
knew why he had concealed Linton’s near neighbourhood
from her? Could she think it was to deny her a pleasure
that she might harmlessly enjoy?
’It was because you disliked Mr. Heathcliff,’ she
answered.
’Then you believe I care more for my own feelings
than yours, Cathy?’ he said. ‘No, it was not because I
disliked Mr. Heathcliff, but because Mr. Heathcliff dislikes
me; and is a most diabolical man, delighting to wrong and
ruin those he hates, if they give him the slightest
opportunity. I knew that you could not keep up an
acquaintance with your cousin without being brought into
contact with him; and I knew he would detest you on my
account; so for your own good, and nothing else, I took
precautions that you should not see Linton again. I meant
to explain this some time as you grew older, and I’m sorry
I delayed it.’

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