Ricki, at this point, joined the conversation. "Now let me make sure I've got this straight. Heathcliff was Cathy's first love, but then, POOF, he just disappeared for two years, out of the picture. So Cathy, thinking he's gone forever, married Edgar. But then Heathcliff came back--and that's when things got really weird. When Heathcliff found out Cathy had married Edgar, he got back at both of them by marrying Isabella, Edgar's sister. Is that about right?"

"I shan't deny it!" Heathcliff cried.

The audience hissed at Heathcliff.

Ricki then continued. "The person I want to hear from is Isabella. You've been sitting there so quietly on the end. What do you think about all of this?"

"Please, I don't want to be here. . . . "

"Yet you agreed to come on our show," Ricki said.

"He compelled me!" Isabella pointed at Heathcliff, then, an instant later, began to sob.

Her tears elicited Heathcliff's laughter. "Do you see, all of you, the wretchedness to which I am wed?"

"Forgive me for asking this, Isabella," Ricki said, "but if you know how Heathcliff feels, why do you stay with him? Why don't you just move out?"

"Yes, Isabella," said Cathy, snidely, "why don't you JUST?"

"He would not permit it," Isabella wept. "He is not a man but a fiend--"

"What do you mean he won't permit it?" Ricki asked. "Has he threatened you?"

"His threats are his kindnesses," she replied.

"Has he physically abused you?"

"What of it?" Heathcliff snarled. "I have no pity!"