I, like a fool, didn't recollect that, till I heard her laughing and exclaiming--'Ellen! you'll have to fetch the key, or else I must run round to the porter's lodge.

I can't scale the ramparts on this side!' 'Stay where you are,' I answered; 'I have my bundle of keys in my pocket: perhaps I may manage to open it; if not, I'll go.' Catherine amused herself with dancing to and fro before the door, while I tried all the large keys in succession.

I had applied the last, and found that none would do; so, repeating my desire that she would remain there, I was about to hurry home as fast as I could, when an approaching sound arrested me.

It was the trot of a horse; Cathy's dance stopped also.
'Who is that ?' I whispered.
'Ellen, I wish you could open the door,' whispered back my companion, anxiously.
'Ho, Miss Linton!' cried a deep voice (the rider's), 'I'm glad to meet you.

Don't be in haste to enter, for I have an explanation to ask and obtain.' 'I sha'n't speak to you, Mr.Heathcliff,' answered Catherine.