The morning after Catherine Linton and Hareton Earnshaw begin reconciling, Hareton remains at home because he cannot do his usual work. Catherine slips into the garden and persuades Hareton to clear space among Joseph's cherished currant and gooseberry bushes so they can plant flowers brought from the Grange. Nelly Dean fears Heathcliff and Joseph will react violently to the damage.

At breakfast, Catherine ignores Nelly's warning to keep her friendship discreet. Catherine sits near Hareton, teases him with primroses, and nearly makes him laugh. Heathcliff, already absorbed in dark thoughts, notices Catherine's defiant look and lashes out because her eyes disturb him; Hareton quietly tries to take responsibility.

Joseph then enters in outrage over the uprooted shrubs and accuses Catherine of bewitching Hareton away from his old loyalties. Catherine admits the plan was hers, then boldly accuses Heathcliff of taking both her property and Hareton's. When Catherine says she will tell Hareton about Heathcliff's crimes, Heathcliff threatens her, but Hareton both tries to protect Catherine and refuses to hear Heathcliff abused.

Heathcliff seizes Catherine by the hair, but suddenly stops after looking closely at her face. Instead of striking her, Heathcliff orders Nelly to keep Catherine away and warns that Hareton will be made an outcast if he listens to Catherine against him. During Heathcliff's absence later, Hareton tells Catherine that he will not tolerate attacks on Heathcliff, and Catherine understands that Hareton's attachment to Heathcliff is too deeply rooted to be broken by accusation; she repents of trying to turn Hareton against him.

After the disagreement, Catherine and Hareton resume their lessons, and Nelly watches their friendship and Hareton's awakening intelligence with comfort. Heathcliff returns unexpectedly and sees the two young people together in the firelight, both bearing a striking resemblance to Catherine Earnshaw. The sight agitates Heathcliff, but instead of punishing them, he sends them away and keeps Nelly behind.

Heathcliff then confesses that his long revenge has lost its pleasure and purpose. Although he has the power to ruin the descendants of his enemies, he no longer has the will to act. He says Hareton and Catherine are painful reminders of Catherine Earnshaw, whose image haunts every part of the world for him; he feels a strange change approaching, has little interest in eating or living, and is consumed by one overwhelming desire he believes will soon be fulfilled.