>>528752315
Because the meaning changes as shown here >>528750667
His killing of a person of another syndicate to ingratiate himself with the Dead Rabbits, was probably his first act of importance outside of Wuthering Heights, an independent act as well
While Heathcliff has seen the harshness of the backstreets as an infant and under the Dead Rabbits, he did live a pretty cushy life between those periods in his life
Well, somewhat. Hindley did abuse him but it was still likely a lot better than living in the backstreets