Maximum-assistance view: every word above everyday vocabulary is explained at every appearance; each name is introduced at its first appearance in the chapter.

CHAPTER II

Yesterday afternoon set in misty (veiled in mist) and cold. I had half a mind to spend it by my study fire, instead of wading (a pressed soft mass) through heath (open sandy scrubland) and mud (wet soft earth) to Wuthering Heights (the Earnshaws' farmhouse on the moor). On coming up from dinner, however, (N.B.—I dine (to eat dinner) between twelve (twelve) and one o’clock (the time-keeping machine); the housekeeper (the woman who runs a household), a matronly (like a mature married woman) lady, taken as a fixture (a person or thing fixed in place) along with the house, could not, or would not, comprehend (to understand) my request that I might be served at five)—on mounting (to climb on; a riding horse) the stairs (a step of a flight) with this lazy (unwilling to work) intention (what one means to do), and stepping into the room, I saw a servant-girl (a maidservant) on her knees (the leg's middle joint) surrounded (to close in on every side) by brushes (brushes: cleaning brushes) and coal-scuttles (buckets for coal), and raising an infernal (hellish; devilish) dust (fine dry earth) as she extinguished (put out) the flames (the fire's tongue) with heaps (a piled mass) of cinders (a glowing coal). This spectacle (a grand sight; glasses for the eyes) drove me back immediately; I took my hat, and, after a four-miles (of four miles)’ walk, arrived at Heathcliff (the dark foundling brought home to the Heights, who grows into its fierce master)’s garden-gate (the gate of a garden) just in time to escape the first feathery (covered in feathers; light as feathers) flakes (a thin light piece) of a snow shower.

On that bleak (bare and cold) hill top the earth was hard with a black frost (frozen dew), and the air made me shiver (to tremble with cold or fear) through every limb (an arm or leg; a branch). Being unable to remove the chain, I jumped over, and, running up the flagged (paved with flat stones) causeway (a paved path) bordered with straggling (to trail behind in disorder) gooseberry-bushes (bushes bearing gooseberries), knocked (to strike with the knuckles) vainly (in vain) for admittance (leave to enter), till my knuckles (a finger joint) tingled (to sting with small sharp feeling) and the dogs howled (to cry long like a wolf).

“Wretched (miserable) inmates (one living inside an institution)!” I ejaculated (to burst out suddenly in words), mentally (in the mind), “you deserve perpetual (never ending) isolation (being set apart) from your species for your churlish (rude and sour-tempered) inhospitality (unwelcoming coldness). At least, I would not keep my doors barred in the day-time (the hours of daylight). I don’t care—I will get in!” So resolved (to decide firmly), I grasped (to seize; to understand) the latch (a door's simple fastening) and shook (to move quickly to and fro) it vehemently (with hot force). Vinegar-faced (sour-faced) Joseph projected his head from a round window of the barn (a farm storehouse).

“What are ye for?” he shouted (a loud cry). “T’ maister (Yorkshire for master)’s down i’ t’ fowld (Yorkshire for fold, the sheep pen). Go round by th’ end o’ t’ laith (a barn — a northern word), if ye went to spake (Yorkshire for speak) to him.”

“Is there nobody inside to open the door?” I hallooed (to shout to call attention), responsively (in answer).

“There’s nobbut (Yorkshire for nothing but; only) t’ missis (the wife); and shoo (Yorkshire for she)’ll not oppen (Yorkshire for open) ’t an ye mak (Yorkshire for make)’ yer (your — as the Irish gardener says it) flaysome (Yorkshire for frightful) dins (a loud continued noise) till neeght (Yorkshire for night).”

“Why? Cannot you tell her whom I am, eh, Joseph?”

“Nor-ne me! I’ll hae (Yorkshire for have) no hend (Yorkshire for hand) wi’t,” muttered (to speak low in the throat) the head, vanishing (to disappear).

The snow began to drive thickly (densely). I seized (to grab; take hold) the handle to essay (an attempt) another trial; when a young man without coat (an outer garment), and shouldering a pitchfork (the long fork for hay), appeared in the yard behind. He hailed (frozen rain; to call out to) me to follow him, and, after marching through a wash-house (the room where washing is done), and a paved (surfaced with stone) area containing a coal-shed (a shed for coal), pump (the water-raising machine), and pigeon-cot (a pigeon house), we at length arrived in the huge, warm, cheerful (full of cheer) apartment where I was formerly (in earlier times) received. It glowed (a soft warm light) delightfully (pleasingly) in the radiance (shining light) of an immense (vastly great) fire, compounded (to mix together; made of parts) of coal (the black burning rock), peat (turf of rotted moss, cut and burned as fuel), and wood; and near the table, laid for a plentiful (in plenty) evening meal (a sitting of food), I was pleased (made glad) to observe (to watch; to remark) the “missis (the wife),” an individual whose existence I had never previously suspected. I bowed (to bend in respect; a ribbon knot) and waited, thinking she would bid (to command; to offer) me take a seat. She looked at me, leaning (to tilt against; thin) back in her chair, and remained motionless (without motion) and mute (silent; unable to speak).

“Rough (not smooth; rude) weather!” I remarked (to say; to notice). “I’m afraid, Mrs. Heathcliff, the door must bear the consequence (what follows) of your servants (one who serves)’ leisure (free time) attendance (being present to serve): I had hard work to make them hear me.”

She never opened her mouth. I stared—she stared also: at any rate, she kept her eyes on me in a cool, regardless (paying no heed) manner, exceedingly (extremely) embarrassing (causing awkward shame) and disagreeable (unpleasant).

“Sit down,” said the young man, gruffly (roughly; in a harsh voice). “He’ll be in soon.”

I obeyed (to do as ordered); and hemmed (the sewn edge of cloth), and called the villain (an evil-doer) Juno (Juno, a dog at the Heights), who deigned (to lower oneself to grant), at this second interview, to move the extreme tip of her tail (the rear end), in token (a sign; a keepsake) of owning my acquaintance (a person one knows slightly).

“A beautiful animal!” I commenced (to begin) again. “Do you intend (to have in mind) parting with the little ones, madam (my lady)?”

“They are not mine,” said the amiable (friendly and pleasant) hostess (the lady of the house receiving guests), more repellingly (forbiddingly) than Heathcliff himself could have replied.

“Ah, your favourites are among these?” I continued, turning to an obscure (dim and little known) cushion (a soft pillow for sitting) full of something like cats.

“A strange choice of favourites!” she observed (to watch; to remark) scornfully (with scorn).

Unluckily (by ill luck), it was a heap (a piled mass) of dead rabbits (the burrowing long-eared animal). I hemmed (the sewn edge of cloth) once more, and drew closer to the hearth (the floor of the fireplace; the fireside), repeating (to say or do again) my comment on the wildness (a wild look) of the evening.

“You should not have come out,” she said, rising and reaching from the chimney-piece (the frame round a fireplace) two of the painted canisters (cannon shot of scattering balls).

Her position before was sheltered (a protecting cover) from the light; now, I had a distinct (clearly separate) view of her whole figure and countenance (the face; composure). She was slender (gracefully thin), and apparently scarcely (hardly) past girlhood (the years of being a girl): an admirable (worthy of admiration) form, and the most exquisite (perfectly fine and delicate) little face that I have ever had the pleasure of beholding (to see; look upon); small features, very fair; flaxen (pale yellow) ringlets (a curl of hair), or rather golden, hanging loose (not tight; free) on her delicate (finely tender) neck; and eyes, had they been agreeable (pleasant) in expression, that would have been irresistible (impossible to resist): fortunately (by good fortune) for my susceptible (easily affected) heart, the only sentiment (a tender feeling) they evinced (to show; give sign of) hovered (to hang in the air) between scorn (proud contempt) and a kind of desperation (reckless hopelessness), singularly (strangely; unusually) unnatural (against nature) to be detected (to find out) there. The canisters (cannon shot of scattering balls) were almost out of her reach; I made a motion to aid her; she turned upon me as a miser (one who keeps all his money and spends nothing) might turn if any one attempted to assist (to help) him in counting his gold.

“I don’t want your help,” she snapped (to break with a crack); “I can get them for myself.”

“I beg (to ask humbly) your pardon (forgiveness)!” I hastened (to hurry) to reply.

“Were you asked to tea?” she demanded, tying an apron (a cloth worn to protect the front) over her neat (trimly ordered) black frock (a girl's or woman's dress), and standing with a spoonful (as much as a spoon holds) of the leaf (the green blade of a plant) poised (balanced calm bearing) over the pot (a deep vessel).

“I shall be glad to have a cup,” I answered.

“Were you asked?” she repeated (to say or do again).

“No,” I said, half smiling. “You are the proper person to ask me.”

She flung (to throw with force) the tea back, spoon (the bowl-ended table tool) and all, and resumed (to take up again) her chair in a pet (a favorite kept animal; to stroke fondly); her forehead (the brow) corrugated (corrugated: ridged), and her red under-lip (the lower lip) pushed out, like a child’s ready to cry.

Meanwhile (in the time between), the young man had slung (a throwing strap; a support band) on to his person a decidedly (without doubt) shabby (worn and poor-looking) upper garment (a piece of clothing), and, erecting (to raise up; upright) himself before the blaze (a bright strong fire), looked down on me from the corner of his eyes, for all the world as if there were some mortal (mortal: human — the old sense here) feud (a long bitter quarrel) unavenged (unavenged: not avenged) between us. I began to doubt whether he were a servant (one who serves) or not: his dress and speech were both rude (ill-mannered), entirely devoid (empty of) of the superiority (standing above others) observable (able to be seen) in Mr. and Mrs. Heathcliff; his thick (of great depth through; dense) brown curls (a coiled lock of hair) were rough (not smooth; rude) and uncultivated (wild; untended), his whiskers (hair on the cheeks) encroached (encroaching: creeping onto) bearishly (roughly, like a bear) over his cheeks (the side of the face), and his hands were embrowned (embrowned: made brown) like those of a common labourer (one who does heavy work with the hands): still his bearing (the way one carries oneself) was free, almost haughty (coldly proud), and he showed none of a domestic’s assiduity (steady, careful effort) in attending on the lady of the house. In the absence (being away) of clear proofs of his condition (condition: social rank — the old sense here), I deemed (to judge; consider) it best to abstain (to hold back from) from noticing his curious (eager to know; strange) conduct; and, five minutes afterwards (later), the entrance (the way in) of Heathcliff relieved (to ease; to take another's place on duty) me, in some measure, from my uncomfortable (without comfort) state (state: ceremony; pomp — the old sense here).

“You see, sir, I am come, according to promise!” I exclaimed (to cry out), assuming the cheerful (full of cheer); “and I fear I shall be weather-bound (kept in by weather) for half an hour, if you can afford me shelter (a protecting cover) during that space.”

“Half an hour?” he said, shaking (to move quickly to and fro) the white flakes (a thin light piece) from his clothes; “I wonder you should select (to choose) the thick (of great depth through; dense) of a snow-storm (a storm of snow) to ramble (a walk for pleasure) about in. Do you know that you run a risk of being lost in the marshes (soft wet ground)? People familiar with these moors (open wild land; to tie up a ship) often miss their road on such evenings; and I can tell you there is no chance of a change at present.”

“Perhaps I can get a guide among your lads (a boy), and he might stay at the Grange (Thrushcross Grange, the Lintons' house) till morning—could you spare (to hold back from harming; extra) me one?”

“No, I could not.”

“Oh, indeed! Well, then, I must trust to my own sagacity (shrewd wisdom).”

“Umph!”

“Are you going to mak (Yorkshire for make)’ the tea?” demanded he of the shabby (worn and poor-looking) coat (an outer garment), shifting his ferocious (fiercely savage) gaze (a long steady look) from me to the young lady.

“Is he to have any?” she asked, appealing to Heathcliff.

“Get it ready, will you?” was the answer, uttered (complete; to speak) so savagely (with fierce cruelty) that I started. The tone (a sound's quality; a manner) in which the words were said revealed a genuine (real; true) bad nature. I no longer felt inclined (leaning toward) to call Heathcliff a capital fellow. When the preparations (making ready) were finished, he invited me with—“Now, sir, bring forward your chair.” And we all, including the rustic (of the country; a country person) youth, drew round the table: an austere (stern and severe) silence (stillness; to make quiet) prevailing (to win through; be widespread) while we discussed our meal (a sitting of food).

I thought, if I had caused the cloud (a sky mass of vapor; to darken with sadness), it was my duty to make an effort to dispel (driven away) it. They could not every day sit so grim (hard and stern) and taciturn (silent by nature); and it was impossible, however ill-tempered (bad-tempered) they might be, that the universal (of all) scowl (to frown darkly) they wore was their every-day (of ordinary days) countenance (the face; composure).

“It is strange,” I began, in the interval (a space between) of swallowing (to take down the throat; the swift bird) one cup of tea and receiving another—“it is strange how custom (settled usage) can mould (soil; earth) our tastes and ideas: many could not imagine the existence of happiness (the state of joy) in a life of such complete exile (being driven from one's country) from the world as you spend, Mr. Heathcliff; yet, I’ll venture (a risky undertaking) to say, that, surrounded (to close in on every side) by your family, and with your amiable (friendly and pleasant) lady as the presiding (to sit at the head) genius (surpassing inborn power) over your home and heart—”

“My amiable (friendly and pleasant) lady!” he interrupted (to break in upon), with an almost diabolical (devilish) sneer (a scornful curl of the lip) on his face. “Where is she—my amiable (friendly and pleasant) lady?”

“Mrs. Heathcliff, your wife, I mean.”

“Well, yes—oh, you would intimate (closely familiar) that her spirit has taken the post of ministering angel (a heavenly messenger), and guards the fortunes (wealth; luck) of Wuthering Heights, even when her body is gone. Is that it?”

Perceiving myself in a blunder (to stumble into mistakes), I attempted to correct it. I might have seen there was too great a disparity (a wide unlikeness) between the ages of the parties to make it likely that they were man and wife. One was about forty: a period of mental vigour (strength and force) at which men seldom (rarely) cherish (to hold dear) the delusion (a false belief) of being married for love by girls: that dream is reserved for the solace (comfort) of our declining (to refuse; to sink) years. The other did not look seventeen (seventeen).

Then it flashed (a sudden burst of light) upon me—“The clown (a jester; a fool) at my elbow (the arm's joint), who is drinking his tea out of a basin (a wide shallow bowl) and eating his bread with unwashed (not washed) hands, may be her husband: Heathcliff junior (younger), of course. Here is the consequence (what follows) of being buried (to lay in the earth) alive: she has thrown herself away upon that boor (a rough clownish man) from sheer (utter; straight down) ignorance (want of knowledge) that better individuals existed! A sad pity (sorrow for another's pain)—I must beware (be on guard) how I cause her to regret (sorrow over what is done) her choice.” The last reflection (a thrown-back image; thought) may seem conceited (too proud of oneself); it was not. My neighbour (one living near) struck me as bordering on repulsive (disgusting); I knew, through experience, that I was tolerably (fairly; reasonably) attractive.

“Mrs. Heathcliff is my daughter-in-law (a son's wife),” said Heathcliff, corroborating (to confirm as true) my surmise (a guess). He turned, as he spoke, a peculiar (peculiar: its own; particular — the old sense here) look in her direction: a look of hatred (deep hate); unless he has a most perverse (wilfully contrary) set of facial (of the face) muscles (the body's moving flesh) that will not, like those of other people, interpret (to explain the meaning) the language of his soul.

“Ah, certainly—I see now: you are the favoured (a kind act; to prefer) possessor (the owner) of the beneficent (doing good) fairy (a tiny magical being of folk tales),” I remarked (to say; to notice), turning to my neighbour (one living near).

This was worse than before: the youth grew crimson (deep red), and clenched (to close tight) his fist (the closed hand), with every appearance of a meditated (planned) assault (a violent attack). But he seemed to recollect (to call back to mind) himself presently (soon; now), and smothered (choked; buried) the storm in a brutal (cruel as a beast) curse (an evil calling-down; to swear), muttered (to speak low in the throat) on my behalf (in another's name): which, however, I took care not to notice.

“Unhappy (not happy) in your conjectures (a guess), sir,” observed (to watch; to remark) my host; “we neither of us have the privilege (a special right) of owning your good fairy (a tiny magical being of folk tales); her mate is dead. I said she was my daughter-in-law (a son's wife): therefore, she must have married my son.”

“And this young man is—”

“Not my son, assuredly (certainly).”

Heathcliff smiled again, as if it were rather too bold (daring) a jest (a joke) to attribute (a quality belonging to) the paternity (fatherhood) of that bear to him.

“My name is Hareton Earnshaw (Hindley's son, brought up rough at the Heights),” growled (a low angry rumble) the other; “and I’d counsel (counsel: the lawyer who speaks in court — the old sense here) you to respect it!”

“I’ve shown no disrespect (want of respect),” was my reply, laughing internally (within) at the dignity (noble worth) with which he announced himself.

He fixed his eye on me longer than I cared to return the stare (to look fixedly), for fear I might be tempted (to try to lead into wrong) either to box his ears (the organ of hearing) or render (to give; to make) my hilarity (loud laughing fun) audible (loud enough to hear). I began to feel unmistakably (beyond mistaking) out of place in that pleasant (pleasing) family circle. The dismal (gloomy and cheerless) spiritual (of the spirit) atmosphere (the surrounding air or mood) overcame (got the better of), and more than neutralised (neutralised: cancelled out), the glowing (shining with warm light) physical comforts (ease; consolation) round me; and I resolved (to decide firmly) to be cautious (careful of danger) how I ventured (a risky undertaking) under those rafters (a roof beam) a third time.

The business of eating being concluded (to end; to decide), and no one uttering (complete; to speak) a word of sociable (fond of company) conversation, I approached a window to examine (to inspect closely) the weather. A sorrowful (full of sorrow) sight I saw: dark night coming down prematurely (too early), and sky and hills mingled (to mix among) in one bitter (sharp and harsh to taste or heart) whirl (to spin fast) of wind and suffocating (to choke for air) snow.

“I don’t think it possible for me to get home now without a guide,” I could not help exclaiming (to cry out). “The roads will be buried (to lay in the earth) already; and, if they were bare (uncovered), I could scarcely (hardly) distinguish (to tell apart) a foot in advance.”

“Hareton (Hareton Earnshaw, Hindley's son, brought up rough), drive those dozen (twelve) sheep (the wool-bearing flock animal) into the barn (a farm storehouse) porch (a covered entrance). They’ll be covered if left in the fold (to bend over on itself) all night: and put a plank (a long flat board) before them,” said Heathcliff.

“How must I do?” I continued, with rising irritation (annoyance).

There was no reply to my question; and on looking round I saw only Joseph bringing in a pail (a bucket) of porridge (boiled grain food) for the dogs, and Mrs. Heathcliff leaning (to tilt against; thin) over the fire, diverting (to turn aside; amuse) herself with burning a bundle (things tied together) of matches which had fallen from the chimney-piece (the frame round a fireplace) as she restored (to bring back) the tea-canister (a box for tea) to its place. The former, when he had deposited (a layer laid down; to put down) his burden (a load), took a critical survey of the room, and in cracked (a sharp break or noise) tones (a sound's quality; a manner) grated (with thanks; thankfully) out—“Aw wonder how yah (Yorkshire for you) can faishion (Yorkshire for fashion; bring oneself) to stand thear (Yorkshire for there) i’ idleness (doing nothing) un war, when all on ’ems goan (Yorkshire for going) out! Bud (a leaf or flower not yet open) yah (Yorkshire for you)’re a nowt (Yorkshire for nothing; a nobody), and it’s no use (use: habit; custom — the old sense here) talking—yah (Yorkshire for you)’ll niver (Yorkshire for never) mend (to repair) o’yer (your — as the Irish gardener says it) ill ways, but goa (Yorkshire for go) raight (Yorkshire for right) to t’ divil (Yorkshire for devil), like yer (your — as the Irish gardener says it) mother afore (before — dialect) ye!”

I imagined, for a moment, that this piece of eloquence (moving power of speech) was addressed to me; and, sufficiently (enough) enraged (enraged: made furious), stepped towards the aged rascal (a dishonest rogue) with an intention (what one means to do) of kicking him out of the door. Mrs. Heathcliff, however, checked me by her answer.

“You scandalous (shameful) old hypocrite (one who pretends virtue)!” she replied. “Are you not afraid of being carried away bodily (in body), whenever you mention the devil (the evil one)’s name? I warn (to tell of danger) you to refrain (to hold back from) from provoking (to stir to anger) me, or I’ll ask your abduction (carrying a person off by force) as a special favour (a kind act; to prefer)! Stop! look here, Joseph,” she continued, taking a long, dark book from a shelf (a flat holding board); “I’ll show you how far I’ve progressed in the Black Art: I shall soon be competent (fit for the work) to make a clear house of it. The red cow (the milk-giving beast) didn (did — didn't: did not)’t die by chance; and your rheumatism (aching stiffness of the joints) can hardly be reckoned (to count; to judge) among providential (sent by providence) visitations (a visit from a spirit)!”

“Oh, wicked (evil), wicked (evil)!” gasped (a sudden catching breath) the elder (the chosen head of a village; an older person); “may the Lord deliver us from evil!”

“No, reprobate (reprobated: condemned)! you are a castaway (one cast off and lost)—be off, or I’ll hurt you seriously! I’ll have you all modelled in wax (the candle substance; to grow) and clay (the moldable earth)! and the first who passes the limits I fix shall—I’ll not say what he shall be done to—but, you’ll see! Go, I’m looking at you!”

The little witch (a woman of dark magic) put a mock (to make cruel fun of) malignity (bitter, harmful hatred) into her beautiful eyes, and Joseph, trembling (to shake finely) with sincere (true of heart) horror (shaking fear and disgust), hurried (to move with haste) out, praying (to speak to God), and ejaculating (to burst out suddenly in words) “wicked (evil)” as he went. I thought her conduct must be prompted (quick to act; to move to action) by a species of dreary (gloomy and dull) fun; and, now that we were alone, I endeavoured (to try hard) to interest (interest: the spectacle that draws a crowd — the old sense here) her in my distress (suffering trouble).

“Mrs. Heathcliff,” I said earnestly (with deep seriousness), “you must excuse me for troubling you. I presume (to take for granted), because, with that face, I’m sure you cannot help being good-hearted (kind). Do point out some landmarks (landmarks: features that mark the way) by which I may know my way home: I have no more idea how to get there than you would have how to get to London!”

“Take the road you came,” she answered, ensconcing (ensconced: settled in comfortably) herself in a chair, with a candle (a wax light), and the long book open before her. “It is brief advice, but as sound as I can give.”

“Then, if you hear of me being discovered dead in a bog (soft wet swampy ground) or a pit (a dug hole) full of snow, your conscience (the inner voice of right) won’t whisper (a soft hushed voice) that it is partly (in part) your fault?”

“How so? I cannot escort (a guarding company) you. They wouldn (would — wouldn't: would not)’t let me go to the end of the garden wall.”

“You! I should be sorry to ask you to cross the threshold (the door's sill), for my convenience (ease and fitness), on such a night,” I cried. “I want you to tell me my way, not to show it: or else to persuade (to win over by words) Mr. Heathcliff to give me a guide.”

“Who? There is himself, Earnshaw (the Earnshaws, the old family of Wuthering Heights), Zillah (Zillah, the housekeeper at the Heights in later years), Joseph and I. Which would you have?”

“Are there no boys at the farm?”

“No; those are all.”

“Then, it follows that I am compelled (to force) to stay.”

“That you may settle (to fix in place; to bring to rest) with your host. I have nothing to do with it.”

“I hope it will be a lesson (a taught portion) to you to make no more rash (recklessly hasty) journeys on these hills,” cried Heathcliff’s stern (severe; a ship's rear) voice from the kitchen entrance (the way in). “As to staying here, I don’t keep accommodations (lodging) for visitors (one who visits): you must share a bed with Hareton or Joseph, if you do.”

“I can sleep on a chair in this room,” I replied.

“No, no! A stranger (one unknown) is a stranger (one unknown), be he rich or poor: it will not suit me to permit (to allow) any one the range of the place while I am off guard!” said the unmannerly (rude) wretch (a miserable creature).

With this insult (an offense to honor) my patience (quiet endurance) was at an end. I uttered (complete; to speak) an expression of disgust (sick, strong dislike), and pushed past him into the yard, running against Earnshaw in my haste (hurry). It was so dark that I could not see the means of exit (the way out); and, as I wandered (to roam without aim) round, I heard another specimen (a sample; example) of their civil behaviour (the way one acts) amongst (among) each other. At first the young man appeared about to befriend (to act as a friend to) me.

“I’ll go with him as far as the park,” he said.

“You’ll go with him to hell!” exclaimed (to cry out) his master, or whatever relation (a connection; a relative) he bore. “And who is to look after the horses, eh?”

“A man’s life is of more consequence (what follows) than one evening’s neglect (to leave uncared for) of the horses: somebody must go,” murmured (to speak in a low soft flow) Mrs. Heathcliff, more kindly (kind; gently) than I expected.

“Not at your command!” retorted (to answer back sharply) Hareton. “If you set store on him, you’d better be quiet.”

“Then I hope his ghost (a spirit of the dead) will haunt (to visit as a ghost) you; and I hope Mr. Heathcliff will never get another tenant (one who rents a house or land) till the Grange is a ruin (destruction; broken remains),” she answered, sharply (keenly).

“Hearken (to listen; heed), hearken (to listen; heed), shoo (Yorkshire for she)’s cursing (swearing) on ’em!” muttered (to speak low in the throat) Joseph, towards whom I had been steering (to guide the course).

He sat within earshot (within earshot: near enough to hear), milking the cows (the milk-giving beast) by the light of a lantern (a cased light), which I seized (to grab; take hold) unceremoniously (without ceremony), and, calling out that I would send it back on the morrow (the next day), rushed (to move with violent haste) to the nearest postern (a small back gate).

“Maister (Yorkshire for master), maister (Yorkshire for master), he’s staling (Yorkshire for stealing) t’ lanthern (lantern, in Yorkshire speech)!” shouted (a loud cry) the ancient, pursuing (to chase after) my retreat (a falling back). “Hey, Gnasher (Gnasher, a dog at the Heights)! Hey, dog! Hey Wolf, holld (Yorkshire for hold) him, holld (Yorkshire for hold) him!”

On opening the little door, two hairy (covered with hair) monsters (a dreadful unnatural creature) flew at my throat (the neck's passage), bearing (the way one carries oneself) me down, and extinguishing (put out) the light; while a mingled (to mix among) guffaw (a loud burst of laughter) from Heathcliff and Hareton put the copestone (the finishing stone) on my rage (violent anger) and humiliation (crushing shame). Fortunately (by good fortune), the beasts (an animal) seemed more bent (curved; determined on) on stretching (to draw out) their paws (an animal's foot), and yawning (gaping with tiredness), and flourishing (to thrive; to wave grandly) their tails (the rear end), than devouring (devouring: eating up fast and greedy) me alive; but they would suffer (to bear pain) no resurrection (rising from the dead), and I was forced to lie till their malignant (fiercely harmful) masters pleased (made glad) to deliver me: then, hatless (without a hat) and trembling (to shake finely) with wrath (fierce anger), I ordered the miscreants (a wicked person; a villain) to let me out—on their peril (danger) to keep me one minute longer—with several incoherent (hanging together without sense) threats of retaliation (paying back) that, in their indefinite (without fixed limits) depth of virulency (bitter violence), smacked (to strike with the open hand; a loud kiss) of King Lear.

The vehemence (passionate force) of my agitation (troubled excitement) brought on a copious (plentiful) bleeding (losing blood) at the nose, and still Heathcliff laughed, and still I scolded (to find fault angrily). I don’t know what would have concluded (to end; to decide) the scene, had there not been one person at hand rather more rational (guided by reason) than myself, and more benevolent (kindly and generous) than my entertainer (a host). This was Zillah, the stout (fat and solid; brave) housewife (the wife who keeps the house); who at length issued forth (forward; out) to inquire (to ask) into the nature of the uproar (a loud confused noise). She thought that some of them had been laying violent (of raging force) hands on me; and, not daring (to have the courage) to attack her master, she turned her vocal (of the voice) artillery (the cannon arm of the army) against the younger scoundrel (a shameless villain).

“Well, Mr. Earnshaw,” she cried, “I wonder what you’ll have agait (Yorkshire for going on; afoot) next? Are we going to murder folk (people) on our very door-stones (the stone steps at a door)? I see this house will never do for me—look at t’ poor lad (a boy), he’s fair choking (held-in coughing)! Wisht (Yorkshire for hush), wisht (Yorkshire for hush); you mun (Yorkshire for must)’n’t go on so. Come in, and I’ll cure (to heal) that: there now, hold ye still.”

With these words she suddenly splashed (to dash liquid about) a pint (a measure of drink) of icy (cold as ice) water down my neck, and pulled me into the kitchen. Mr. Heathcliff followed, his accidental (happening by chance) merriment (merry fun) expiring (to breathe one's last; run out) quickly in his habitual (usual by habit) moroseness (gloomy sourness).

I was sick exceedingly (extremely), and dizzy (with a spinning head), and faint (weak and dim; to fall senseless); and thus compelled (to force) perforce (of necessity) to accept lodgings (a place to stay) under his roof. He told Zillah to give me a glass of brandy (strong distilled wine), and then passed on to the inner room; while she condoled (condoled: expressed sympathy) with me on my sorry predicament (a difficult position), and having obeyed (to do as ordered) his orders, whereby (by which) I was somewhat revived (to bring back to life), ushered (to lead in) me to bed.