第四章

Chapter 4

What vain weather-cocks we are! I, who had determined to hold myself independent of all social intercourse, and thanked my stars that, at length, I had lighted on a spot where it was next to impracticable--I, weak wretch, after maintaining till dusk a struggle with low spirits and solitude, was finally compelled to strike my colours;

And, under pretence of gaining information concerning the necessities of my establishment, I desired Mrs Dean, when she brought in supper, to sit down while I ate it; hoping sincerely she would prove a regular gossip, and either rouse me to animation or lull me to sleep by her talk. " You have lived here a considerable time, " I commenced; " did you not say sixteen years? "

" Eighteen, sir: I came, when the mistress was married, to wait on her; after she died, the master retained me for his housekeeper."

" Indeed."

There ensued a pause. She was not a gossip, I feared; unless about her own affairs, and those could hardly interest me. However, having studied for an interval, with a fist on either knee, and a cloud of meditation over her ruddy countenance, she ejaculated:

" Ah, times are greatly changed since then! "

" Yes, " I remarked, " you've seen a good many alterations, I suppose? "

" I have: and troubles too, " she said.

" Oh, I'll turn the talk on my landlord's family! " I thought to myself. " A good subject to start--and that pretty girl-widow, I should like to know her history: whether she be a native of the country, or, as is more probable, an exotic that the surly indigenae will not recognize for kin." With this intention I asked Mrs Dean why Heathcliff let Thrushcross Grange, and preferred living in a situation and residence so much inferior. " Is he not rich enough to keep the estate in good order? " I inquired.