Wuthering Heights - Chapter 13
Cathy_and_Hareton
After Linton's death, Cathy spent most of her time alone in her room. She was too proud to speak to Hareton, who tried to be kind to her. She saw him as an ignorant servant, beneath her in education and manners.
But Hareton was persistent. He continued to bring her books and to try to talk to her. One day, he found her crying and offered her a handkerchief. Cathy was touched by his kindness and began to speak to him.
As they talked, Cathy learned more about Hareton's life. She discovered that Heathcliff had forbidden him to go to school and had treated him cruelly his whole life. She felt sorry for him and began to see him in a new light.
Hareton was ashamed of his ignorance, but he was eager to learn. Cathy offered to teach him to read, and he was grateful. They began to spend time together, with Cathy teaching Hareton and Hareton helping Cathy with her chores.
Heathcliff was furious when he saw this. He did not want Cathy and Hareton to become friends. He had used Hareton to hurt Hindley, and he did not want the boy to find happiness.
He forbade them from seeing each other and locked Cathy in her room. But they found ways to meet secretly, continuing their lessons and their friendship.
Cathy's presence began to change Hareton. He became more confident and proud of himself. He worked hard to learn to read and write, and he showed great improvement. Cathy was proud of his progress and began to admire his determination.
Meanwhile, Heathcliff became more and more obsessed with Catherine's ghost. He spent his nights wandering on the moors, searching for her spirit. He became thin and pale, like a ghost himself, and his behavior grew increasingly strange.
Mrs. Dean worried about everyone. She saw the evil in Heathcliff's heart, but she also saw the goodness in Hareton and Cathy. She hoped that their friendship would grow into something more, something that would end the cycle of hatred and revenge that had destroyed so many lives.