Wuthering Heights — CHAPTER XXX

Nelly reports trying to visit Catherine at Wuthering Heights but being barred by Joseph. She later meets Zillah on the moor, who describes Catherine’s arrival: Catherine shut herself in Linton’s room and begged for a doctor, but Heathcliff refused all aid and ordered her to nurse Linton alone.

As Linton worsened, Catherine repeatedly sought help, which Zillah withheld for fear of Heathcliff. One night Catherine warned Zillah that Linton was dying; Heathcliff examined him, asked Catherine how she felt, and received her bitter reply. Linton died, Joseph removed the body, and Catherine was left alone.

Heathcliff later showed Catherine Linton’s will, leaving all his and her moveables to Heathcliff, obtained during Catherine’s absence at Edgar’s death. Though Linton could not legally transfer the land, Heathcliff held the estates through his and Catherine’s rights. Catherine, friendless and destitute, remained upstairs for a fortnight, refusing overtures.

When the cold drove Catherine downstairs one Sunday, Zillah stayed home to supervise, and Hareton tried to be agreeable. Catherine ignored civility, sought books, and accepted Hareton’s help without thanks. Fascinated, Hareton gently touched her hair; Catherine recoiled in disgust and threatened to withdraw.

At Hareton’s whispered request, Zillah asked Catherine to read aloud. Catherine angrily rejected all pretended kindness, accusing them of abandoning her when she most needed help. Offended, Hareton resumed his Sunday pursuits; Catherine increasingly kept to herself, answering any approach with scorn. Zillah, stung by earlier slights, became equally stiff.

Nelly considers quitting service to house Catherine elsewhere but admits Heathcliff would never allow it. The frame shifts to Lockwood, who, recovering in early January, resolves to ride to Wuthering Heights, inform Heathcliff he will spend six months in London, and suggest finding a new tenant after October.