CHAPTER XXVI

lancinguptothefrowningnababoveus.“Youaresurenobodyspoke?” “Quitesure,”repliedhiscousin.“OnlyEllenandIweredisputingconcerningyourhealth.Areyoutrulystronger,Linton,thanwhenweseparatedinwinter?Ifyoube,I’mcertainonethingisnotstronger—yourregardforme:speak,—areyou?” ThetearsgushedfromLinton’seyesasheanswered,“Yes,yes,Iam!”And,stillunderthespelloftheimaginaryvoice,hisgazewanderedupanddowntodetectitsowner. Cathyrose.“Forto-daywemustpart,”shesaid.“AndIwon’tconcealthatIhavebeensadlydisappointedwithourmeetingthoughI’llmentionittonobodybutyou:notthatIstandinaweofMr.Heathcliff.” “Hush,”murmuredLinton“forGod’ssake,hush!He’scoming.”AndheclungtoCatherine’sarm,strivingtodetainherbutatthatannouncementshehastilydisengagedherself,andwhistledtoMinny,whoobeyedherlikeadog. “I’llbeherenextThursday,”shecried,springingtothesaddle.“Good-bye.Quick,Ellen!” Andsowelefthim,scarcelyconsciousofourdeparture,soabsorbedwasheinanticipatinghisfather’sapproach. Beforewereachedhome,Catherine’sdispleasuresoftenedintoaperplexedsensationofpityandregret,largelyblendedwithvague,uneasydoubtsaboutLinton’sactualcircumstances,physicalandsocial:inwhichIpartook,thoughIcounselledhernottosaymuchforasecondjourneywouldmakeusbetterjudges.Mymasterrequestedanaccountofourongoings.Hisnephew’sofferingofthankswasdulydelivered,MissCathygentlytouchingontherest:Ialsothrewlittlelightonhisinquiries,forIhardlyknewwhattohideandwhattoreveal.