he is smitten with Edgar, and her relationship with Heathcliff grows more complicated. Frances gives birth to a baby boy named Hareton and then dies; Hindley descends into the depths of alcoholism, and behaves even more cruelly and abusively toward Heathcliff. Eventually, Catherine's desire for social advancement prompts her to become engaged to Edgar Linton, despite her overpowering love for Heathcliff; Heathcliff runs away from Wuthering Heights, and does not return for three years, until shortly after Catherine and Edgar's marriage.When Heathcliff returns, he immediately sets about seeking revenge on all who have wronged him. Now possessed of a vast and mysterious wealth, he easily wins possession of Wuthering Heights by loaning the drunken Hindley money to feed his gambling addiction; when Hindley dies, Heathcliff inherits the manor. He also places himself in line to inherit Thrushcross Grange by marrying Isabella Linton, whom he treats very cruelly. Catherine becomes ill, gives birth to a daughter, and dies; Heathcliff curses her spirit to remain on Earth and haunt him--anything, as long as she does not leave him alone. Shortly thereafter, Isabella flees to London and gives birth to Heathcliff's son, named Linton after her maiden name.Thirteen years pass, which Nelly Dean spends as Catherine's daughter's nursemaid at Thrushcross Grange. Young Catherine is beautiful and headstrong like her mother, but her temperament is modified by her father's more gentle influence. Young Catherine grows up at the Grange with no knowledge of Wuthering Heights, but one day, wandering through the moors, she discovers the manor, meets Hareton, and plays with him. Shortly thereafter, Isabella dies, and Linton comes to live with Heathcliff. Heathcliff treats his sickly, whining son even more cruelly than he treated his wife.Three years later, Catherine meets Heathcliff on the moors, and makes a visit to Wuthering Heights to meet Linton. She and Linton b...
