Chapter 17 Summary

During one stormy evening Nelly is rocking baby Catherine, whom her father calls Cathy, while Edgar sleeps upstairs. Isabella enters the house, soaking wet. She gives her account to her former housekeeper on the recent events at Wuthering Heights that have caused her to leave in the middle of a storm.

The night before Heathcliff found himself locked out of the house by Hindley. Hindley confessed to Isabella that he planned to kill Heathcliff that night and all she had to do was remain silent. Although Heathcliff had broken Isabella's heart, she could not stand by and watch a man be killed, even if it was him. She warned Heathcliff of Hindley's intentions. Heathcliff gained entry into the house and the two engaged in a physical fight. Hindley was wounded but not mortally.

The next day Heathcliff was once again mourning the death...