You are slow! Be content, you always followed me!' Perceiving it vain to argue against her insanity, I was planning how I could reach something to wrap about her, without quitting my hold of herself (for I could not trust her alone by the gaping lattice), when, to my consternation, I heard the rattle of the door-handle, and Mr.Linton entered.

He had only then come from the library; and, in passing through the lobby, had noticed our talking and been attracted by curiosity, or fear, to examine what it signified, at that late hour.
'Oh, sir!' I cried, checking the exclamation risen to his lips at the sight which met him, and the bleak atmosphere of the chamber.

'My poor mistress is ill, and she quite masters me: I cannot manage her at all; pray, come and persuade her to go to bed.

Forget your anger, for she's hard to guide any way but her own.' 'Catherine ill ?' he said, hastening to us.

'Shut the window, Ellen! Catherine! why--' He was silent.