CHAPTER I 1801 .
-- have just returned from a visit to -- .
This is certainly !
In , do not believe that could have fixed on a situation so completely removed from the stir of society .
: and and are .
!
little imagined how warmed towards when beheld black eyes withdraw so suspiciously under their brows , as rode up , and when fingers sheltered themselves , with a jealous resolution , still further in waistcoat , as announced name .
' ? '
said .
A nod was the answer .
' , , .
do the honour of calling as soon as possible after arrival , to express the hope that have not inconvenienced by perseverance in soliciting the occupation of : heard yesterday had had some thoughts -- ' ' is own , , ' interrupted , wincing . '
should not allow to inconvenience , if could hinder it -- walk in ! '
The ' walk in ' was uttered with closed teeth , and expressed the sentiment , ' Go to the Deuce : ' even the gate over which leant manifested no sympathising movement to the words ; and think that circumstance determined to accept the invitation : felt interested in .
When saw horse 's breast fairly pushing the barrier , did put out hand to unchain it , and then sullenly preceded up the causeway , calling , as entered the court , -- ' , take 's horse ; and bring up some wine . '
' Here have the whole establishment of , suppose , ' was the reflection suggested by this compound order .
' No wonder the grass grows up between the flags , and cattle are the only hedge-cutters . '
was : very old , perhaps , though hale and sinewy .
' help ! '
soliloquised in an undertone of peevish displeasure , while relieving of horse : looking , meantime , in face so sourly that charitably conjectured must have need of divine aid to digest dinner , and pious ejaculation had no reference to unexpected advent .
is the name of .
' Wuthering ' being a significant provincial adjective , descriptive of the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather .
Pure , bracing ventilation must have up there at all times , indeed : one may guess the power of the north wind blowing over the edge , by the excessive slant of a few stunted firs at ; and by a range of gaunt thorns all stretching their limbs one way , as if craving alms of the sun .
Happily , had foresight to build strong : the narrow windows are deeply set in the wall , and defended with large jutting stones .
Before passing the threshold , paused to admire a quantity of grotesque carving lavished over , and especially about the principal door ; above which , among a wilderness of crumbling griffins and shameless little boys , detected the date ' 1500 , ' and the name ' . '
would have made a few comments , and requested a short history of from ; but attitude at the door appeared to demand speedy entrance , or complete departure , and had no desire to aggravate impatience previous to inspecting .
One stop brought into , without or : call it here pre-eminently .
It includes and , generally ; but believe at is forced to retreat altogether into : at least distinguished a chatter of tongues , and a clatter of culinary utensils , deep within ; and observed no signs of roasting , boiling , or baking , about the huge fireplace ; nor any glitter of copper saucepans and tin cullenders on the walls .
One end , indeed , reflected splendidly both light and heat from ranks of immense pewter dishes , interspersed with silver jugs and tankards , towering row after row , on a vast oak dresser , to the very roof .
The latter had never been under-drawn : its entire anatomy lay bare to an inquiring eye , except where a frame of wood laden with oatcakes and clusters of legs of beef , mutton , and ham , concealed it .
Above the chimney were sundry villainous old guns , and a couple of horse-pistols : and , by way of ornament , three gaudily-painted canisters disposed along its ledge .
The floor was of smooth , white stone ; the chairs , high-backed , primitive structures , painted green : one or two heavy black ones lurking in the shade .
In an arch under the dresser reposed a huge , liver-coloured bitch pointer , surrounded by a swarm of squealing puppies ; and other dogs haunted other recesses .
and furniture would have been nothing extraordinary as belonging to .
seated in arm-chair , mug of ale frothing on the round table before , is to be seen in any circuit of five or six miles among these hills , if go at the right time after dinner .
But forms a singular contrast to and style of living .
is a in aspect , in dress and manners : that is , as much as : rather slovenly , perhaps , yet not looking amiss with negligence , because has an erect and handsome figure ; and rather morose .
Possibly , might suspect of a degree of under-bred pride ; have a sympathetic chord within that tells it is nothing of the sort : know , by instinct , reserve springs from an aversion to showy displays of feeling -- to manifestations of mutual kindliness .
'll love and hate equally under cover , and esteem it a species of impertinence to be loved or hated again .
No , 'm running on too fast : bestow own attributes over-liberally on .
may have entirely dissimilar reasons for keeping hand out of the way when meets a would-be acquaintance , to those which actuate .
Let hope constitution is almost peculiar : used to say should never have ; and only last summer proved perfectly unworthy of one .
While enjoying a month of fine weather at , was thrown into the company of : , as long as took no notice of .
' never told love ' vocally ; still , if looks have language , might have guessed was over head and ears : understood at last , and looked a return -- the sweetest of all imaginable looks .
And what did do ?
confess it with shame -- shrunk icily into , like a snail ; at every glance retired colder and farther ; till finally was led to doubt own senses , and , overwhelmed with confusion at supposed mistake , persuaded to decamp .
By this curious turn of disposition have gained the reputation of deliberate heartlessness ; how undeserved , alone can appreciate .
took a seat at the end of the hearthstone opposite that towards which advanced , and filled up an interval of silence by attempting to caress the canine mother , who had left her nursery , and was sneaking wolfishly to the back of legs , her lip curled up , and her white teeth watering for a snatch .
caress provoked a long , guttural gnarl .
' 'd better let the dog alone , ' growled in unison , checking fiercer demonstrations with a punch of foot .
' She 's not accustomed to be spoiled -- not kept for a pet . '
Then , striding to a side door , shouted again , ' ! '
mumbled indistinctly in , but gave no intimation of ascending ; so dived down to , leaving _ vis-a-vis _ the ruffianly bitch and a pair of grim shaggy sheep-dogs , who shared with her a jealous guardianship over all movements .
Not anxious to come in contact with their fangs , sat still ; but , imagining they would scarcely understand tacit insults , unfortunately indulged in winking and making faces at the trio , and some turn of physiognomy so irritated madam , that she suddenly broke into a fury and leapt on knees .
flung her back , and hastened to interpose the table between .
This proceeding aroused the whole hive : half-a-dozen four-footed fiends , of various sizes and ages , issued from to .
felt heels and coat-laps peculiar subjects of assault ; and parrying off the larger combatants as effectually as could with the poker , was constrained to demand , aloud , assistance from some of in re-establishing peace .
and climbed the cellar steps with vexatious phlegm : do n't think moved one second faster than usual , though the hearth was an absolute tempest of worrying and yelping .
Happily , made more despatch : , rushed into the midst of flourishing a frying-pan : and used that weapon , and tongue , to such purpose , that the storm subsided magically , and only remained , heaving like a sea after a high wind , when entered on .
' What is the matter ? '
asked , eyeing in a manner that could ill endure , after this inhospitable treatment .
' What , indeed ! '
muttered .
' The herd of possessed swine could have had no worse spirits in them than those animals of yours , .
might as well leave with a brood of tigers ! '
' They wo n't meddle with , ' remarked , putting the bottle before , and restoring the displaced table .
' The dogs do right to be vigilant .
Take a glass of wine ? '