Wuthering Heights — CHAPTER X

Confined by illness, Lockwood asks Nelly to continue her history. Nelly recalls a serene half-year at Thrushcross Grange after Catherine’s marriage to Edgar, their happiness maintained by Edgar’s deference and Catherine’s moderated temper.

One September evening, Heathcliff reappears at the Grange, tall, self-possessed, and outwardly refined. Catherine greets Heathcliff with rapture, which provokes Edgar’s jealousy. Over tea, Heathcliff reveals he will lodge at Wuthering Heights at Hindley’s invitation. That night, Catherine exults to Nelly and resolves to reconcile with Edgar, which she manages the next day.

Heathcliff cautiously resumes visiting the Grange, while Catherine tempers her visible delight. Edgar’s unease subsides until Isabella develops a passionate attachment to Heathcliff. Catherine rebukes Isabella, depicting Heathcliff as fierce, pitiless, and avaricious, warning he would marry for fortune and crush her.

Nelly reports Joseph’s account of Heathcliff’s nights of cards and drink with Hindley and Hindley’s ruinous debts, deepening Nelly’s distrust. The next day, with Edgar away, Catherine forces a confrontation: she teases Isabella before Heathcliff, who shows contempt, then pointedly asks about Isabella’s inheritance. Though Catherine dismisses the topic, Nelly observes Heathcliff brooding.

Nelly resolves to watch him, fearing his presence oppresses both houses. She sees Heathcliff’s interest in Isabella’s position and dreads the quiet designs he may be laying against Edgar and Hindley alike.