"I shall not meddle in the matter," I retorted again, "Come in, and get shot, if you please! I've done my duty."
With that I shut the window, and returned to my place by the fire; having too small a stock of hypocrisy at my command to pretend any anxiety for the danger that menaced him.
Earnshaw swore passionately at me; affirming that I loved the villain yet: and calling me all sorts of names for the base spirit I evinced. And I, in my secret heart, (and conscience never reproached me) thought what a blessing it would be for him, should Heathcliff put him out of misery: and what a blessing for me, should he send Heathcliff to his right abode! As I sat nursing these reflections, the casement behind me, was banged on to the floor by a blow from the latter individual; and his black countenance looked blightingly through. The stanchions stood too close to suffer his shoulders to follow; and I smiled, exulting in my fancied security. His hair and
