11 Wuthering Heights - Abridged By Stephanie Poppins

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is a gothic novel that follows the antihero, Heathcliff, as he gets revenge on the people who kept him away from his love, Cathy Earnshaw. After over a decade, he finally succeeds in his revenge and gains Thrushcross Grange, the family home of Cathy's husband.

In this episode, Heathcliff shows his true colors.

Transcript

Hello.

Welcome to Sleep Stories with Steph,

Your go-to romantic podcast that guarantees you a calm and entertaining transition into a great night's sleep.

Come with me as we immerse ourselves in a romantic journey to a time long since forgotten.

Emily Bronte was born in Yorkshire in 1818 and along with her brother and sisters Anne and Charlotte wrote from childhood onwards.

Wuthering Heights is the story she is best remembered for.

But before we begin let's take a moment to focus on where we are now.

Take a deep breath in through your nose and let it out with a long sigh.

That's it.

Now close your eyes and feel yourself sink deeper into the support beneath you.

It is time to relax and fully let go.

There is nothing you need to be doing now and nowhere you need to go.

Happy listening.

Chapter 11 Sometimes while meditating on these things in solitude,

Continued Nellie,

I got up in a sudden terror and put on my bonnet to go and see how all was at the farm.

I persuaded my conscience it was a duty to warn Heathcliff how people talked regarding his ways and then I've recollected his confirmed bad habits and hopeless of benefiting him have flinched from re-entering the dismal house doubting if I could bear to be taken at my word.

One time I passed the old gate going out of my way on a journey to Gimmerton.

It was about the period my narratives reached,

A bright frosty afternoon,

The ground bare and the road hard and dry.

I came to a stone where the highway branches off onto the moor at your left hand side,

A rough sand pillar with the letters WH cut on its north side,

On the east G and on the southwest TG.

It serves as a guidepost to the Grange,

The Heights and the village.

The sun shone yellow on its grey head reminding me of summer and I can't say why but all at once a gush of child sensations flowed into my heart.

Hindley and I held it a favourite spot 20 years before.

I gazed long at the weather-worn block and stooping down perceived a hole near the bottom still full of snail shells and pebbles which we were fond of storing there with more perishable things.

Then fresh as a reality it appeared I beheld my early playmate seated on the withered turf,

His dark square head bent forward,

His little hand scooping up the earth with a piece of slate.

Poor Hindley!

I exclaimed involuntarily.

I started,

My bodily eye was cheated into a momentary belief,

The child lifted its face and stared into mine.

The nearer I got to the house the more agitated I grew and on catching sight of the apparition again I trembled in every limb.

It had outstripped me and it stood looking through the gate.

Further reflection suggested this must be Hayton,

My Hayton,

Not all too greatly since I left him 10 months since.

God bless thee darling!

I cried forgetting instantaneously my foolish fears.

Hayton!

It's Nellie!

It's Nellie thy nurse!

Then he retreated out of arm's length and picked up a large flint.

I've come to see thy father Hayton,

I added,

Guessing from the action he hadn't recognized me at all.

He raised his missile to hurl it and I commenced a soothing speech but I couldn't stay his hand.

The stone struck my bonnet and then ensued from the stammering lips of the little fellow a string of curses which whether he comprehended them or not were delivered with practiced emphasis and distorted his baby features into a shocking expression of malignity.

You may be certain this grieved more than anger me.

Fit to cry I took an orange from my pocket then he hesitated and snatched it from my hold as if he fancied I only intended to tempt and disappoint him.

I showed another keeping it out of his reach.

Who has taught you those fine words my Ben?

I inquired.

The curate?

Damn the curate and the give me that!

He replied.

Tell us where you got your lessons and you shall have it,

Said I.

Who's your master?

Devil Daddy was his answer.

And what do you learn from Daddy?

I continued.

He jumped at the fruit and I raised it higher.

What does he teach you?

I asked.

Now said he but to keep out of his gate Daddy can't bide me because I swear at him.

And the devil teaches you to swear at Daddy?

I observed.

Aye?

Nay?

He drawled.

Who teaches you then?

Heathcliff.

I asked him if he liked Mr Heathcliff.

Aye?

He answered again.

Desiring to have his reasons for liking him I could only gather the sentences he pays Dad back what he gives to me and he curses Daddy for cursing me and he says I will do as I will.

And the curate doesn't teach you to read and write then?

I pursued.

No?

I was told the curate should have his teeth dashed down his throat if he stepped over the threshold.

Heathcliff promised it.

I put the orange in his hand and made him tell his father that a woman called Nellie Dean was waiting to speak with him by the garden gate.

Then little Hairton went up the walk and entered the house but instead of Hindley Heathcliff appeared on the doorstones.

I turned directly and ran down the road as hard as ever I could race making no halt till I gained the guidepost and feeling as scared as if I'd raised a goblin.

This is not much connected with Mrs Isabella's affair except it urged me to resolve further on mounting vigilant guard on Heathcliff.

The next time Heathcliff came my young lady chanced to be feeding some pigeons in the corn.

She'd never spoken a word to her sister-in-law for three days but she likewise dropped her fretful complaining and we found it a great comfort.

Heathcliff had not the habit of bestowing a single unnecessary civility on Miss Linton that I knew of but now as soon as he beheld her his first precaution was to take a sweeping survey of the house front.

I was standing by the kitchen window but I drew out of sight then he stepped across the pavement to her and said something.

She seemed embarrassed and desirous of getting away.

She seemed embarrassed and desirous of getting away but to prevent it he lay his hand on Isabella's arm.

She averted her face.

He apparently put some question which she had no mind to answer then there was another rapid glance at the house supposing himself unseen he had the impudence to embrace her.

Judas!

Traitor!

I ejaculated.

You're a hypocrite too.

A deliberate deceiver.

Who is Nellie?

Said Kathy's voice at my elbow.

She hadn't seen anything.

Your worthless friend I answered warmly.

The sneaking rascal yonder.

I wonder if he'll have the heart to find a plausible excuse for making love to Miss Isabella when he told you he hated her.

Kathy saw Isabella tear herself free and run into the garden and a minute after Heathcliff opened the door.

I couldn't withhold giving some loose to my indignation but Katherine angrily insisted on silence and threatened to order me out of the kitchen if I dared to be so presumptuous as to put in my insolent tongue.

To hear you people might think you were the mistress.

She cried.

You won't set him down in your right place Nellie.

Heathcliff what are you about raising this stir?

I said you must let Isabella alone.

I beg you will unless you're tired of being received here and wish Linton to draw the bolts against you.

God forbid that he should try answered the black villain.

I detested him just then.

God keep him meek and patient.

Every day I grow madder after sending him to heaven.

Harsh said Katherine shut in the inner door.

Don't vex me Heathcliff.

Why have you disregarded my request?

Did she come across you on purpose?

What's it to you?

He growled.

I have a right to kiss her as she chooses and you have no right to object.

I'm not your husband so you needn't be jealous of me.

I'm not jealous of you replied Katherine.

I'm jealous for you.

Clear your face you shan't scowl at me.

If you like Isabella you shall marry her but do you like her?

Tell the truth Heathcliff.

There you won't answer.

I'm certain you don't.

And would Mr Linton approve of his sister marrying that man?

I inquired.

Mr Linton should approve turned Katherine decisively.

He might spare himself the trouble said Heathcliff.

I could do as well without his approbation and as to you Katherine I've a mind to speak a few words now while we're at it.

I want you to be aware I know you've treated me infernally.

Do you hear?

And if you flatter yourself I don't perceive it you're a fool and if you think I can be consoled by sweet words you are an idiot and if you fancy I'll suffer unrevenged I'll convince you of the contrary in a very little while.

Meantime thank you for telling me your sister-in-law's secret.

I swear I'll make the most of it and stand you aside.

What new phase of character is this exclaimed Katherine in amazement.

I've treated you infernally and you'll take your revenge?

How will you take it ungrateful brute?

How have I treated you infernally?

I seek no revenge on you replied Heathcliff less vehemently.

That's not the plan.

The tyrant grinds down his slaves and they don't turn against him.

They crush those beneath him.

You're welcome to torch me to death for your amusement Kathy only allow me to amuse myself a little in the same style and refrain from insult as much as you're able.

Having leveled my palace don't erect a hovel and complacently admire your own charity and giving me that for a home.

If I imagined you really wish me to marry Isabel I'd cut my throat.

Oh the evil is that I'm not jealous is it?

Cried Katherine.

Well I won't repeat my offer of a wife it's as bad as offering Satan a lost soul.

Your bliss lies like his in inflicting misery.

You prove it.

Edgar is restored from the old temporary gave way to actual coming.

I begin to be secure and tranquil and you restless to know us at peace appear resolved on exciting a quarrel.

Quarrel with Edgar if you please Heathcliff and deceive his sister.

You'll hit on exactly the most efficient method of revenging yourself on me.

The conversation ceased.

Mrs Linton sat down by the fire flushed and gloomy.

The spirit which served her was growing intractable.

She could neither lay nor control it.

Heathcliff stood on the half with folded arms brooding on his evil thoughts and in this position I left them to seek the master who was wondering what kept Katherine below so long.

Ellen said he when I entered have you seen your mistress?

She's in the kitchen sir I answered.

She's sadly put out by Mr Heathcliff's behavior and indeed I don't think it's time to arrange his visits on another footing.

There's harm in being too soft and now it's come to this and I related the scene in the court as near as I dared the whole subsequent dispute.

I fancied it could not be very prejudicial to Mrs Linton unless she made it so afterwards by assuming the defensive for her guest.

Edgar Linton had difficulty in hearing me to the close.

His first words revealed he did not clear his wife of the blame.

This is insufferable he exclaimed.

It is disgraceful that she should own him for a friend and force his company on me.

Call me two men out of the hall Ellen.

Katherine shall linger no longer to argue with a low ruffian.

I have humoured her enough.

He descended and bidding the servants wait in the passage he went followed by me to the kitchen.

Its occupants had recommended their angry discussion.

Mrs Linton at least was scolding with renewed vigor.

Heathcliff had moved to the window and hung his head somewhat cowed by her violent rating apparently.

He saw the master first and made a hasty motion that she should be silent which he obeyed abruptly on discovering the reason of his intimation.

How is this said Linton addressing her.

What notion of propriety must you have to remain here after the language which has been held to you by that blaggard.

I suppose it's because his ordinary talk you think nothing of it.

You are habituated to his baseness Kathy and perhaps imagine I can get used to it too.

Have you been listening at the door Edgar she said in a tone particularly calculated to provoke her husband.

Heathcliff meanwhile raised his eyes at the former speech and gave a sneering laugh on the latter on purpose it seemed to draw Edgar Linton's attention to him.

He succeeded but Edgar did not mean to entertain him with any high flights of passion.

I have been so far forbearing with you sir he said quietly.

Not that I was ignorant of your miserable degraded character but I felt you were only partly responsible for that and Catherine wishing to keep up your acquaintance I acquiesced foolishly.

Your presence is a moral poison that would contaminate the most virtuous for that cause and to prevent worse consequences.

I shall deny you hereafter admission into this house and give notice now that I require your instant departure.

Three minutes delay will render it involuntary and ignominious.

Heathcliff measured the height and breadth of the speaker with an eye full of delusion.

Cathy this lamb of yours threatens like a bull he said.

It is in danger of splitting its skull against my knuckles by god.

Mr Linton I'm mortally sorry you're not worth knocking down.

My master glanced towards the passage and signed me to fetch the men.

He had no intention of hazard in a personal encounter.

I obeyed the hint but Mrs Linton suspecting something followed.

When I attempted to call them she pulled me back slammed the door too and locked it.

Fair means she said in answer to her husband's look of angry surprise.

If you have not the courage to attack him make an apology or allow yourself to be beaten.

It will correct you a feeling more valid than you possess.

I'll swallow the key before I shall let you get in.

I'm delightfully rewarded for my kindness to each.

After constant indulgence of one's weak nature and the other's bad one I earn for thanks two samples of blind ingratitude stupid to absurdity.

Edgar I was defending you and yours and I wish Heathcliff may frog you sick for daring to think an evil thought of me.

It did not need the medium of a flogging to produce that effect on the master.

He tried to wrest the key from Catherine's grasp and for safety she flung it into the hottest part of the fire whereupon Mr Edgar was taken with a nervous trembling and his countenance grew deathly pale.

For his life he could not avert that excess of emotion mingled anguish and humility overcame him completely.

He leant on the back of a chair and covered his face.

Oh heavens in old days this would win you a knighthood exclaimed Cathy.

We are vanquished.

Heathcliff would as soon as lift a finger at you as the king would march his army against a colony of mice.

Cheer up you shan't be hurt your type is not a lamb it's a sucking leopard.

I wish you the joy of a milk-blooded coward Cathy said Heathcliff.

I compliment you on your taste and that is the slathering shivering thing you prefer to me.

I would not strike him with my fist but I'd kick him with my foot and experience considerable satisfaction.

Is he weeping or is he going to faint for fear?

He gave the chair on which Linton rested a push.

He better have kept his distance for Edgar quickly sprang erect and struck him full on the throat a blow that would have leveled a slighter man.

He took his breath for a minute and while he choked Mr Linton walked out the back door into the yard and from thence to the front entrance.

There you've done with coming here cried Catherine.

Get away now he'll return with a brace of pistols and half a dozen assistants.

If he did overhear us of course he'd never forgive you.

You've played me an ill turn Heathcliff but go make haste I'd rather see Edgar at bay than you.

Do you suppose I'm going with that blow burning in my gullet?

Heathcliff thundered.

By hell no I'll crush his ribs in like a rotten hazelnut before I cross the threshold.

If I don't floor him now I shall murder him at some time.

So as you value his existence let me get at him.

He's not coming I said framing a bit of a lie.

There's the coachman and the two gardeners will surely not wait to be thrust into the road by them.

Each has a bludgeon and master will very likely be watching from the parlour windows to see they fulfil his orders.

The gardeners and the coachman were there but Linton was with them.

They'd already entered the court.

Heathcliff on second thoughts resolved to avoid his struggle against three underlings.

He seized the poker smashed the lock from the inner door and made his escape as they tramped in.

Mrs Linton who was not very much excited bid me accompany her upstairs.

She didn't know my sharing contributed to the disturbance and I was anxious to keep her in ignorance.

I'm nearly distracted Nellie she exclaimed throwing herself on the bed.

A thousand smiths hammers are beating in my head.

Tell Isabella to shun me.

This uproar is owing to her and should she or anyone else aggravate my anger at present I shall get wild.

And Nellie say to Edgar if you see him again tonight I'm in danger of being seriously ill and I wish it may prove true.

He startled and distressed me shockingly and I want to frighten him.

Besides he might come and bring a string of abuse or complainings.

I'm certain I should recriminate and god knows where we shall end.

Will you do so my good Nellie?

You're aware I'm in no way blameable in this matter aren't you?

What possessed him to turn this now?

Heathcliff's talk was outrageous after you left us but I could soon have diverted him from Isabella and the rest meant nothing.

Now all is dashed wrong by the fool's craving to hear evil of self that haunts some people like a demon.

Had Edgar never gathered our conversation he would never have been the worst for it.

When he opened up to me in an unreasonable tone of displeasure after I scolded Heathcliff till I was hoarse I did not care hardly what they did to each other especially as I felt that however the scene closed we should all be driven asunder for nobody knows how long.

Well if I cannot keep Heathcliff from my friend if Edgar will be mean and jealous I'll try to break their hearts by breaking my own.

Reviews

5 🌟 Hello Stephanie, I'll need to listen again bc I don't remember anything following my deep relaxing breath out! 😆 However, all your stories are amazing, so... that's forgiven right🙏?😘 Cheers Léna🤗🪷🐈‍⬛🐆

Wow, some vicious fighting… the verbal repartee even more than three physical… grisly but amazing writing, and reading!❤️🙏🏽