"'Mr. Hareton wishes you would read to us, ma'am,' I said, immediately. 'He'd take it very kind—he'd be much obliged.'
"She frowned; and, looking up, answered,
"'Mr. Hareton, and the whole set of you will be good enough to understand that I reject any pretence at kindness you have the hypocricy to offer! I despise you, and will have nothing to say to any of you! When I would have given my life for one kind word, even to see one of your faces, you all kept off. But I won't complain to you! I'm driven down here by the cold, not either to amuse you, or enjoy your society.'
"'What could I ha' done?' began Earnshaw. 'How was I to blame?'
"'Oh! you are an exception,' answered Mrs. Heathcliff. 'I never missed such a concern as you.'
"'But, I offered more than once, and asked,' he said, kindling up at her pertness, 'I asked Mr. Heathcliff to let me wake for you—'
