Near the end of Chapter Two of Emily Bronte's
Wuthering Heights, Mr. Lockwood has entreats the master of the
miserable house to provide him with a guide to show him the way back since the weather
is so inclement that he cannot find it on his own. However, he is met with rudeness and
he is told that there is no one to be his guide. Then, Mr. Lockwood insists that he has
not intended for Mrs. Heathcliff to actually show him the way; he merely needs someone
to direct him. When she refuses, Lockwood states that he simply must stay the night.
But, Heathcliff says there are no beds and, if he stays, he must share a bed with
Hareton or Joseph. So, Lockwood offers to sleep on a chair, but Heathcliff rudely
declares that he will not allow someone in the house to be
unsupervised.
Finally, in disgust at having been so
insulted, Mr. Lockwood rushes outside and bumps into Hareton Earnshaw who engages in
more "civil behavior" with Heathcliff. Hareton says that he will accompany Lockwood as
far as the park; Heathcliff refuses him, saying he must attend to the horses. Then,
Lockwood narrates,
“Then I hope his ghost will haunt you; and I hope
Mr. Heathcliff will never get another tenant till the Grange is a ruin,” she answered,
sharply.
These words uttered
by Mrs. Heathcliff indicate that she has some concern for the welfare of Mr. Lockwood.
For, she implies that if Hareton or Heathcliff will not assist Lockwood, the tenant will
die. Apparently, she does not want the man's death upon her
conscience.
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