CHAPTER XXV

marryhim,hewouldnotbebeyondhercontrol:unlessshewereextremelyandfoolishlyindulgent.However,master,you’llhaveplentyoftimetogetacquaintedwithhimandseewhetherhewouldsuither:itwantsfouryearsandmoretohisbeingofage.’” Edgarsighedand,walkingtothewindow,lookedouttowardsGimmertonKirk.Itwasamistyafternoon,buttheFebruarysunshonedimly,andwecouldjustdistinguishthetwofir-treesintheyard,andthesparely-scatteredgravestones. “I’veprayedoften,”hehalfsoliloquised,“fortheapproachofwhatiscomingandnowIbegintoshrink,andfearit.IthoughtthememoryofthehourIcamedownthatglenabridegroomwouldbelesssweetthantheanticipationthatIwassoon,inafewmonths,or,possibly,weeks,tobecarriedup,andlaidinitslonelyhollow!Ellen,I’vebeenveryhappywithmylittleCathy:throughwinternightsandsummerdaysshewasalivinghopeatmyside.ButI’vebeenashappymusingbymyselfamongthosestones,underthatoldchurch:lying,throughthelongJuneevenings,onthegreenmoundofhermother’sgrave,andwishing—yearningforthetimewhenImightliebeneathit.WhatcanIdoforCathy?HowmustIquither?I’dnotcareonemomentforLintonbeingHeathcliff’ssonnorforhistakingherfromme,ifhecouldconsoleherformyloss.I’dnotcarethatHeathcliffgainedhisends,andtriumphedinrobbingmeofmylastblessing!ButshouldLintonbeunworthy—onlyafeebletooltohisfather—Icannotabandonhertohim!And,hardthoughitbetocrushherbu