Chapter 19
Aletter,edgedinblack,announcedthedayofmymaster’sreturn.Isabellawasdead;andhewrotetobidmegetmourningforhisdaughter,andarrangearoom,andotheraccommodations,forhisyouthfulnephew.Catherineranwildwithjoyattheideaofwelcomingherfatherback;andindulgedmostsanguineanticipationsoftheinnumerableexcellencesofher"real"cousin.Theeveningoftheirexpectedarrivalcame.Sinceearlymorning,shehadbeenbusyorderingherownsmallaffairs;andnow,attiredinhernewblackfrock—poorthing!heraunt’sdeathimpressedherwithnodefinitesorrow—sheobligedme,byconstantworrying,towalkwithherdownthroughthegroundstomeetthem.
"LintonisjustsixmonthsyoungerthanIam,"shechattered,aswestrolledleisurelyovertheswellsandhollowsofmossyturf,undershadowofthetrees."Howdelightfulitwillbetohavehimforaplay-fellow!AuntIsabellasentpapaabeautifullockofhishair;itwaslighterthanmine—moreflaxen,andquiteasfine.Ihaveitcarefullypreservedinalittleglassbox:andI’veoftenthoughtwhatpleasureitwouldbetoseeitsowner.Oh!Iamhappy—andpapa,dear,dearpapa!Come,Ellen,letusrun!come,run."
Sheran,andreturnedandranagainmanytimesbeforemysoberfootstepsreachedthegate,andthensheseatedherselfonthegrassybankbesidethepath,andtriedtowaitpatiently;butthatwasimpossible:shecouldn’tbestillaminute.
"Howlongtheyare!"sheexclaimed.