Birth and Death — Wuthering Heights

On a June morning while Nelly works in the hayfield, a servant runs to say Frances has borne a son, Hareton, the last of the ancient Earnshaw stock, and that Dr. Kenneth says the mistress has been in a consumption for months and will not live till winter. Frances is out of her head for joy over the baby and laughs at death. Hindley curses the doctor and insists she will be well. One night, leaning on his shoulder, she coughs once, her face changes, and she is dead.

Hindley does not mourn in prayer. He curses, defies, and drinks; only Joseph and Nelly remain. His cruelty to Heathcliff helps turn the boy savage; the house becomes infernal. Years compress: Catherine at fifteen is haughty and adored by Edgar Linton, who visits despite Hindley's reputation. She keeps a double character, polite at the Grange and rough at home. Heathcliff has lost education and polish, and marks an almanac with crosses for evenings with the Lintons and dots for evenings with him.

One rainy afternoon Heathcliff finds Catherine dressed for Edgar. They quarrel over her divided time; Edgar arrives and the contrast between the two young men is cruelly clear. After Catherine slaps Nelly and pinches her, Edgar tries to rescue Hareton; Catherine strikes Edgar's ear. He almost leaves; Nelly urges him to go. Instead he returns, and they confess themselves lovers. Hindley comes home rabid drunk; Nelly hides Hareton and removes the shot from the master's gun.