Wuthering Heights — CHAPTER XXIV

As Nelly recovers and resumes evenings with Catherine, Catherine grows restless and repeatedly cuts their time short. One night Nelly discovers Catherine secretly returning with her pony, having slipped out through a window. Confronted, Catherine confesses she has visited Linton at Wuthering Heights almost nightly since Nelly fell ill, using groom Michael’s help.

Catherine recounts early cheerful visits overseen by Zillah, contrasted by disputes over temperaments and games. On a later visit, Catherine mocks Hareton’s halting reading, wounding his pride. When she next finds Linton ill, Hareton bursts in, violently ejects them, and Linton flies into a hysterical rage that ends in coughing blood, terrifying Catherine.

After days of anxiety, Catherine returns to find Linton recovering but resentful, falsely blaming her for the turmoil. She leaves in anger, then returns again; Linton confesses deep insecurity and dependence on her kindness, and they are reconciled. Subsequent meetings oscillate between brief happiness and Linton’s selfishness and suffering. Heathcliff largely keeps away, though Catherine overhears him berating Linton and rebukes him.

Catherine pleads with Nelly to keep her secret to spare pain for both herself and Linton. Nelly instead tells Edgar that night, omitting detailed conversations and Hareton’s part. Edgar, distressed, ends Catherine’s visits and promises to invite Linton to the Grange, unknowingly removing Heathcliff’s venue for influence while risking new tensions.