Heathcliff was actually telling the truth when he said he wouldn’t be home. Hareton was gone as well when Ellen and Cathy arrived.

Ellen found Linton to be incredibly selfish and spoiled. Unreasonably he blamed his worsening health on Cathy. He also reported to Cathy what he had heard from his father about their parents’ relationship with one another.

Having her dear father insulted, Cathy grew indignant and walked out of the house, only to hear Linton’s wailing a minute after and return in. She treated him any way he asked her to and spoiled him even more.

Ellen advised Cathy not to bother to come again, but she went there secretly every evening nevertheless.