might be kept carefully apart from that 'naughty swearing boy.'

Under these circumstances I remained solitary. I smelt the rich
scent of the heating spices; and admired the shining kitchen
utensils, the polished clock, decked in holly, the silver mugs
ranged on a tray ready to be filled with mulled ale for supper; and
above all, the speckless purity of my particular care - the scoured
and well-swept floor. I gave due inward applause to every object,
and then I remembered how old Earnshaw used to come in when all was
tidied, and call me a cant lass, and slip a shilling into my hand
as a Christmas-box; and from that I went on to think of his
fondness for Heathcliff, and his dread lest he should suffer
neglect after death had removed him: and that naturally led me to
consider the poor lad's situation now, and from singing I changed
my mind to crying. It struck me soon, however, there would be more
sense in endeavouring to repair some of his wrongs than shedding
tears over them: I got up and walked into the court to seek him.
He was not far; I found him smoothing the glossy coat of the new
pony in the stable, and feeding the other beasts, according to
custom.

'Make haste, Heathcliff!' I said, 'the kitchen is so comfortable;
and Joseph is up-stairs: make haste, and let me dress you smart
before Miss Cathy comes out, and then you can sit together, with
the whole hearth to yourselves, and have a long chatter till
bedtime.'

He proceeded with his task, and never turned his head towards me.

'Come - are you coming?' I continued. 'There's a little cake for