Edgar's marriage proposal. She confesses to Nelly that she loves Heathcliff deeply but cannot marry him because of his low social status. Nelly warns against associating with Heathcliff. Heathcliff overhears part of the conversation and, misunderstanding Catherine's feelings, flees the household. Distraught, Catherine falls ill.

Mr and Mrs Linton, the parents of Edgar and Isabella, both die of fever. By Mr Linton's will, Thrushcross Grange is entailed to be inherited by Edgar's male heirs or otherwise by