his infamous conversation to my brother or Catherine—whatever he may pretend, he wishes to provoke Edgar to desperation—he says he has married me on purpose to obtain power over him; and he shan't obtain it—I'll die first! I just hope, I pray that he may forget his diabolical prudence, and kill me! The single pleasure I can imagine is, is to die, or to see him dead!"
"There—that will do for the present!" said Heathcliff. "If you are called upon in a court of law, you'll remember her language, Nelly! And take a good look at that countenance—she's near the point which would suit me. No, you're not fit to be your own guardian, Isabella now; and I, being your legal protector, must retain you in my custody, however distasteful the obligation may be—Go up stairs; I have something to say to Ellen Dean, in private. That's not the way—up-stairs, I tell you! Why this is the road up-stairs, child!"
