Wuthering Heights — CHAPTER XII

Nelly describes a tense household: Isabella weeps, Edgar isolates himself, and Catherine fasts in self-imposed confinement. On the third day Catherine unlocks her door, alternately declaring she will die and accusing Edgar of indifference. Her agitation escalates into delirium, as she fixates on feathers, mirrors, and memories of Wuthering Heights.

Catherine demands the window be opened to feel the moor wind, raves about returning to the Heights, and imagines speaking with Heathcliff. Edgar, drawn by the commotion, is shocked by her haggard state. Catherine rejects him bitterly and threatens to leap if Heathcliff is named, while Nelly urges calm. Edgar blames Nelly for keeping him ignorant; Catherine turns on Nelly as traitor.

Nelly leaves to fetch medical help and discovers Isabella’s dog, Fanny, nearly strangled on a garden hook; she frees it and hurries to Mr. Kenneth. Kenneth examines Catherine and warns that quiet is essential to prevent permanent madness, though he offers Edgar cautious hope.

By morning, servants whisper, and Isabella remains conspicuously absent. A maid brings news: Heathcliff and Isabella were seen after midnight at a smithy, paying generously and riding away together. Nelly confirms Isabella’s empty room. Edgar, stricken, refuses pursuit, declaring Isabella has chosen her path and is his sister only in name, while he devotes himself to watching over the sleeping, perilously ill Catherine.