 stood on tiptoe, and whispered a sentence in
Heathcliff's ear.
    He laughed; Hareton darkened; I perceived he was very sensitive to suspected
slights, and had obviously a dim notion of his inferiority. But his master or
guardian chased the frown by exclaiming -
    »You'll be the favourite among us, Hareton! She says you are a - What was
it? Well, something very flattering - Here! you go with her round the farm. And
behave like a gentleman, mind! Don't use any bad words; and don't stare, when
the young lady is not looking at you, and be ready to hide your face when she
is; and, when you speak, say your words slowly, and keep your hands out of your
pockets. Be off, and entertain her as nicely as you can.«
    He watched the couple walking past the window. Earnshaw had his countenance
completely averted from his companion. He seemed studying the familiar landscape
with a stranger's, and an artist's interest.
    Catherine took a sly look at him, expressing small admiration. She then
turned her attention to seeking out objects of amusement for herself, and
tripped merrily on, lilting a tune to supply the lack of conversation.
    »I have tied his tongue,« observed Heathcliff. »He'll not venture a single
syllable, all the time! Nelly, you recollect me at his age - nay, some years
younger - Did I ever look so stupid, so gaumless, as Joseph calls it?«
    »Worse,« I replied, »because more sullen with it.«
    »I've a pleasure in him!« he continued reflecting aloud. »He has satisfied
my expectations - If he were a born fool I should not enjoy it half so much -
But he's no fool; and I can sympathize with all his feelings, having felt them
myself - I know what he suffers now, for instance, exactly - it is merely a
beginning of what he shall suffer, though. And he'll never be able to emerge
from his bathos of coarseness, and ignorance. I've got him faster than his
scoundrel of a father secured me, and lower; for he takes a pride in his
brutishness. I've taught him to scorn everything, extra-animal, as silly and
weak - Don't you think Hindley would be proud of his son, if he could see him?
almost as proud as I am of mine - But there's this difference, one is gold put
