Грозовой перевал / Wuthering Heights

To-day, Edgar Linton has asked me to marry him, and I’ve given him an answer. Now, before I tell you whether it was a consent or denial, you tell me which it ought to have been.’

�Really, Miss Catherine, how can I know?’ I replied. �To be sure, considering the exhibition you performed in his presence this afternoon, I might say it would be wise to refuse him: since he asked you after that, he must either be hopelessly stupid or a venturesome fool.’

�If you talk so, I won’t tell you any more,’ she returned, peevishly rising to her feet.

�I accepted him, Nelly. Be quick, and say whether I was wrong!’

�You accepted him! Then what good is it discussing the matter? You have pledged your word, and cannot retract.’

�But say whether I should have done so, do!’ she exclaimed in an irritated tone; chafing her hands together, and frowning.

�There are many things to be considered before that question can be answered properly,’ I said, sententiously.

�First and foremost, do you love Mr. Edgar?’

�Who can help it? Of course I do,’ she answered.

Then I put her through the following catechism: for a girl of twenty-two it was not injudicious.

�Why do you love him, Miss Cathy?’

�Nonsense, I do, that’s sufficient.’

�By no means; you must say why?’

�Well, because he is handsome, and pleasant to be with.’

�Bad!’ was my commentary.

�And because he is young and cheerful.

’

�Bad, still.’

�And because he loves me.’

�Indifferent, coming there.’

�And he will be rich, and I shall like to be the greatest woman of the neighbourhood, and I shall be proud of having such a husband.’

�Worst of all. And now, say how you love him?’

�As everybody loves. You’re silly, Nelly.’

�Not at all. Answer.’

�I love the ground under his feet, and the air over his head, and everything he touches, and every word he says.

I love all his looks, and all his actions, and him entirely and altogether. There now!’

�And why?’

�Nay; you are making a jest of it: it is exceedingly ill-natured! It’s no jest to me!’ said the young lady, scowling, and turning her face to the fire.

�I’m very far from jesting, Miss Catherine,’ I replied. �You love Mr. Edgar because he is handsome, and young, and cheerful, and rich, and loves you.