Wuthering Heights - Chapter 4
Catherine_and_the_Lintons
When Catherine was about fifteen years old, she and Heathcliff went to spy on the Linton family, who lived at Thrushcross Grange, a beautiful house nearby. The Lintons were wealthy, educated people, very different from the rough Earnshaws.
As Catherine and Heathcliff watched through the window, they saw a brother and sister fighting playfully with a dog. Catherine laughed so loudly that the dog attacked them. Heathcliff fought bravely, but he was outnumbered.
The Lintons brought the children inside to help them. Edgar Linton, a handsome, gentle boy, was immediately attracted to Catherine. He thought she was beautiful and interesting. His sister Isabella was also kind, but she was frightened of the dark, wild-looking Heathcliff.
Catherine stayed at Thrushcross Grange for five weeks to recover from the dog bites. During this time, she became more like a lady. She learned to dress and behave as the Lintons did. When she returned to Wuthering Heights, she was no longer the wild, dirty girl she had been.
Hindley was proud of his sister. He was pleased that she had learned to behave like a gentlewoman. But he was cruel to Heathcliff, mocking his dirty clothes and his wild appearance.
Heathcliff was hurt by Catherine's change. He felt she no longer loved him as she had before. He promised himself that he would become a gentleman, so that he could be worthy of her love.
Edgar Linton began to visit Wuthering Heights often. He was in love with Catherine, and Catherine enjoyed his gentle manners and his refined conversation. Heathcliff watched jealously, knowing that he could not compete with the wealthy, educated Edgar.
The gulf between Heathcliff and Catherine grew wider. She was becoming a lady, and he was still a servant. Their love, once so strong and wild, began to fade under the pressure of society and circumstance.