'You are leagued with the rest, Ellen!' she replied. 'I'll not
listen to your slanders. What malevolence you must have to wish to
convince me that there is no happiness in the world!'
Whether she would have got over this fancy if left to herself, or
persevered in nursing it perpetually, I cannot say: she had little
time to reflect. The day after, there was a justice-meeting at the
next town; my master was obliged to attend; and Mr. Heathcliff,
aware of his absence, called rather earlier than usual. Catherine
and Isabella were sitting in the library, on hostile terms, but
silent: the latter alarmed at her recent indiscretion, and the
disclosure she had made of her secret feelings in a transient fit
of passion; the former, on mature consideration, really offended
with her companion; and, if she laughed again at her pertness,
inclined to make it no laughing matter to her. She did laugh as
she saw Heathcliff pass the window. I was sweeping the hearth, and
I noticed a mischievous smile on her lips. Isabella, absorbed in
her meditations, or a book, remained till the door opened; and it
was too late to attempt an escape, which she would gladly have done
had it been practicable.
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