CHAPTER IV.
What vain weathercocks we are! I, who had determined to hold myself independent of all social intercourse, and thanked my stars that, at length, I had lighted on a spot where it was next to impracticable--I, weak wretch, after maintaining till dusk a struggle with low spirits and solitude, was finally compelled to strike my colours; and under pretence of gaining information concerning the necessities of my establishment, I desired Mrs.Dean, when she brought in supper, to sit down while I ate it; hoping sincerely she would prove a regular gossip, and either rouse me to animation or lull me to sleep by her talk.
'You have lived here a considerable time,' I commenced; 'did you not say sixteen years ?' 'Eighteen, sir: I came when the mistress was married, to wait on her; after she died, the master retained me for his housekeeper.' 'Indeed.' There ensued a pause.

She was not a gossip, I feared; unless about her own affairs, and those could hardly interest me.

However, having studied for an interval, with a fist on either knee, and a cloud of meditation over her ruddy countenance, she ejaculated--'Ah, times are greatly changed since then!' 'Yes,' I remarked, 'you've seen a good many alterations, I suppose ?' 'I have: and troubles too,' she said.
'Oh, I'll turn the talk on my landlord's family!' I thought to myself.

'A good subject to start! And that pretty girl-widow, I should like to know her history: whether she be a native of the country, or, as is more probable, an exotic that the surly _indigenae_ will not recognise for kin.' With this intention I asked Mrs.Dean why Heathcliff let Thrushcross Grange, and preferred living in a situation and residence so much inferior.

'Is he not rich enough to keep the estate in good order ?' I inquired.
'Rich, sir!' she returned.