Wuthering Heights — CHAPTER XIV

Nelly reads Isabella’s letter and informs Edgar Linton. Edgar refuses to write or visit, declaring a permanent break with Heathcliff’s household, though he sends formal goodwill. Nelly, troubled, goes to Wuthering Heights to soften the message.

At the Heights, the house is neglected and Isabella appears wan and slovenly. Heathcliff, outwardly composed, questions Nelly about Catherine’s illness. Nelly urges him to keep away, warning Catherine’s health cannot bear another encounter, but Heathcliff insists his feelings and claims Catherine has not forgotten him.

When Isabella defends Edgar, Heathcliff mocks her and details his contempt and calculated cruelty, boasting he never loved her and recounting brutal acts, including hanging her dog. Isabella, terrified yet defiant, calls him a fiend and says she has tried and failed to leave. Heathcliff asserts legal control and sends her upstairs.

Alone with Nelly, Heathcliff vows to see Catherine, threatening to haunt the Grange and use force if obstructed. Nelly refuses, citing Catherine’s fragile nerves and Edgar’s rights, but Heathcliff threatens to detain her and argues Catherine is isolated and miserable.

After repeated refusals, Nelly yields: she agrees to deliver a letter to Catherine and to notify Heathcliff of Edgar’s next absence so he can visit unobserved. She leaves, uneasy about betraying her master but hoping to prevent worse violence and perhaps help Catherine.

Back in the frame, Dr. Kenneth arrives to see Lockwood. Lockwood, reflecting on Nelly’s tale, cautions himself against being charmed by young Catherine Heathcliff, fearing she may resemble her mother.