Heathcliff wanted to leave, but Catherine insisted that he stay, since she was dying and would never see him again. He told Nelly he would wait outside for news of Catherine's welfare, and left. The passionate scene between Catherine and Heathcliff in this chapter is probably the emotional climax of the novel, though it only marks the middle of the book. It is as though they were members of a different species from other humans, who belonged together. Catherine tore Heathcliff's hair, and he left bruises on her arm.
Love appears to be a form of madness.