Грозовой перевал

           Howillyoudolook!"

           Catherinesurveyedhimwithgriefandastonishment:shechangedtheejaculationofjoyonherlips,tooneofalarm;andthecongratulationontheirlong-postponedmeeting,toananxiousenquiry,whetherhewereworsethanusual?

           "No—better—better!"hepanted,trembling,andretainingherhandasifheneededitssupport,whilehislargeblueeyeswanderedtimidlyoverher;thehollownessroundthemtransformingtohaggardwildnessthelanguidexpressiontheyoncepossessed.

           "Buthaveyoubeenworse,"persistedhiscousin;"worsethanwhenIsawyoulast;youarethinner,and-"

           "I’mtired,"heinterruptedhurriedly."Itistoohotforwalking,letusresthere.And,inthemorning,Ioftenfeelsick—papasaysIgrowsofast."

           Badlysatisfied,Cathysatdown,andhereclinedbesideher.

           "Thisissomethinglikeyourparadise,"saidshe,makinganeffortatcheerfulness."Yourecollectthetwodaysweagreedtospendintheplaceandwayeachthoughtpleasantest?Thisissurelyyours,onlythereareclouds:butthentheyaresosoftandmellow:itisnicerthansunshine.Nextweek,ifyoucan,we’llridedowntotheGrangePark,andtrymine."

           Lintondidnotappeartorememberwhatshetalkedof;andhehadevidentlygreatdifficultyinsustaininganykindofconversation.Hislackofinterestinthesubjectsshestarted,andhisequalincapacitytocontributetoherentertainment,weresoobviousthatshecouldnotconcealherdisappointment.Anindefinitealterationhadcomeoverhiswholepersonandmanner.