• Hey Webmasters! New Photo Album Service Launched - Check it out!

Navigation of key scenes
[The Party Arrives] [Rochester stops Jane] [The Gypsy] [Mason is attacked] [Jane asks for leave] [Mrs. Reed]

(Mr. Rochester is shown galloping away on his horse)

JANE (voiceover)
Mr. Rochester had already departed. And I did not know it.

(In Mr. Rochester's bedroom where there is a cleaning down going on)

MRS. FAIRFAX
It was a mercy he was not burnt where he lay.

LEAH
It's a wonder that master waked nobody.

(Mrs. Fairfax, Leah, and another servant leave. Time elapse. Jane enters the bedroom where Grace Poole is doing some sewing.)

JANE (voiceover)
There she sat. Her commonplace features betraying no mark of a woman who attempted murder.

GRACE POOLE
Morning, miss.

JANE
Good morning. Grace.

JANE (voiceover)
I will put her to the test I thought. Such absolute impenetrability was past comprehension.
(aloud)
What has happened here?

GRACE POOLE
Master was reading in bed last night. He fell asleep with the candle lit and the curtains got on fire.

LEAH
But luckily he awoke just in time.

GRACE POOLE
.and contrived to quench the flames with a jug of water.

JANE
Strange. Did he wake no one? Did no one hear the disturbance?

GRACE POOLE
The servants sleep too far off miss. Mrs. Fairfax's room. and yours are the nearest. Did you not hear anything? I should say you were a light sleeper miss.

JANE
Yes, I did, but at first I thought it was his dog, Pilot. But Pilot cannot laugh.

GRACE POOLE
It's hardly likely Master would have laughed when in such danger, miss. You must have been dreaming.

JANE
I was not!

GRACE POOLE
You did not think to open your door and look into the gallery?

JANE (voiceover)
She was cross-questioning me. I realized if she discovered I knew her guilt, she could well play off some of her malignancy upon my person.
(aloud)
Oh on the contrary, I bolted my door.

GRACE POOLE
You do not always do that?

JANE
Hitherto I have not, I was not aware of any danger to be dreaded. But in future I shall.

GRACE POOLE
A wise precaution miss. This neighborhood is as quiet as any I have known, and I have never heard of the Hall being attacked by robbers, though there are hundreds of pounds of plate here as is well known. But I have always thought it best to err on the safe side and a door is soon fastened.

JANE (voiceover)
Her self-possession struck me dumb. Such hypocrisy verged on the miraculous or the lunatic.

(Mrs. Fairfax enters)

MRS. FAIRFAX
Ah, Grace. Good morning Miss Jane. Grace, the servant's dinner is ready. Are you coming down?

GRACE POOLE
No thank you ma'am. If cook will put my pint of porter and a bit of pudding on a tray, I'll take it upstairs.

MRS. FAIRFAX
Leah?
(Leah and Grace exit)
You look flushed Miss Jane. Are you feverish?

JANE
Oh no! I'm perfectly well.

MRS. FAIRFAX
Grace Poole told you of the fire.

JANE
Oh yes, indeed she did.

MRS. FAIRFAX
I thank Providence Mr. Rochester awoke in time. (walks to the window) Hmm. The mist has cleared. He'll have a favourable day for his journey.

JANE
Journey? Is Mr. Rochester gone anywhere? I did not know he was out.

MRS. FAIRFAX
He set out the moment he had breakfasted. He is gone to Mr. Eshton's place- the Leas. Ten miles beyond Millcote. Quite a party is assembled there I believe. Lord Ingram, Sir George Lynn.

JANE
But do you expect him back tonight?

MRS. FAIRFAX
No, nor tomorrow night either. Oh, Mr. Rochester is a general favourite in society. The ladies are very fond of him. Though you would not think that his appearance was calculated to recommend him particularly in their eyes.

JANE
There are ladies at the Leas?. of course.

MRS. FAIRFAX
Well, they'll be, um, Mrs. Eshton and her three daughters. The Honourable Blanche and Mary Ingram. Blanche is the belle of every ball in the county.

JANE
She is greatly admired.
MRS. FAIRFAX
Oh indeed. She's so tall, so graceful. Raven hair with eyes as brilliant as her jewels. And so accomplished. She plays and sings superbly.

JANE
And Miss Ingram is not yet married? (Mrs. Fairfax gives Jane a puzzled look) Oh no, no of course she could not be.

MRS. FAIRFAX
Are you sure you're not feverish, Miss Jane?

JANE
No. I wonder no wealthy gentleman has taken a fancy to her. Mr. Rochester for instance. He is rich is he not?

MRS. FAIRFAX
Oh yes. But there is a considerable difference in age. Mr. Rochester is nearly forty, Miss Ingram but twenty-five.
(Adele enters)
ADELE

(All three leave and head down the stairway. Jane is lagging behind)

JANE (voiceover)
Already I pronounced judgment upon myself. A greater fool than Jane Eyre had never breathed the breath of life. To have imagined a favourite of his.

MRS. FAIRFAX
I should not be surprised if Mr. Rochester went straight from the Leas to London. And from there to the Continent. He has often quitted Thornfield quite as abruptly and not shown his face again here for a year.

ADELE
Je faim moi

JANE (voiceover)
Had a more fantastic idiot than I surfeited herself on sweet lies? Or swallow poison as if it were nectar. To have derived pleasure from the occasional, equivocal tokens of preference shown by a gentleman to a dependent, a governess. To have imagined love, where there was mere carelessness. To let it kindle.(Jane retreats to a room. Time elapse. Jane is now finishing two portraits in her bedroom) I made a vow, and in a fortnight, I had accomplished a wholesome discipline to which I forced my feelings to submit. The sentence I pronounced upon myself for my blind, puppy-ish imaginings towards Mr. Rochester was to paint two portraits. One of (aloud and while signing the portrait) A Governess, Disconnected, Poor, and Plain. (voiceover) And the other? This other I shall call `Blanche, An Accomplished Lady of Rank.

(a shot of Mr. Rochester and his guests riding up to Thornfield. Then Adele excitedly enters Jane's bedroom)

ADELE
Mademoiselle! Mademoiselle! They are come! M. de Rochester and all the ladies!

JANE
Adele, how many times have I told you to knock?

JANE
Oh, very well. We'll go and see them coming from the gallery. (Jane takes Adele's hand and leads her out)

(Mr. Rochester and his guests enter the front hall where Mrs. Fairfax is standing)

BLANCHE
Oh, it is just as I remember it. Clearly you do not believe in change Signior Eduardo.

ROCHESTER
Neither of the hearts affections nor of places Donna Bianca.

ADELE
I must go down.

JANE
No, Adele.

ADELE
I cannot stay.

ROCHESTER
Mrs. Fairfax, Miss. Eshton, the Honourable Miss. Blanche Ingram.

MRS. FAIRFAX
It's an honour to see you again Miss Ingram, Miss Eshton.

ROCHESTER
My housekeeper will show you to your rooms.

MRS. INGRAM
Come along girls.

(The party proceeds upstairs and Jane flees before them. Now nighttime. Mrs. Fairfax finds Jane sewing in the schoolroom)

MRS. FAIRFAX
Oh, there you are Miss Jane. Oh, what a to-do! The house hasn't seen such company for years. Oh, I'm fashed as they say. sighs Still now that they are all gone down, I can rest a little. You are requested in the drawing room after dinner. And Adele.

JANE
I? Oh, I need not go, surely.

MRS. FAIRFAX
Well, I did observe to Mr. Rochester that you are unused to company.

JANE
Yes, indeed, I am.

MRS. FAIRFAX
And that I did not think you would like appearing before so gay a party. But he replied in his quick way, you know, "Nonsense! If she objects tell her it is my particular wish and if she resists, say that I will come and fetch her."

JANE
Shall you be there?

MRS. FAIRFAX
Oh no, I pleaded off and he agreed.

JANE
But I have to go.

MRS. FAIRFAX
He was determined you should. If you wish to avoid making a formal entrance, which is quite the most disagreeable part of the business, you must slip into the drawing room when they are all at dinner and choose your seat in any nook you like.

(Later that evening, after dinner. Adele runs excitedly back to Jane from listening at the door)

(The ladies enter)

AMY ESHTON
No, Louisa I never liked him one jot.

LOUISA ESHTON
You did.

AMY ESHTON
No I did not like him, he's a coarse fellow!

LOUISA ESHTON
She did, did she not Mama?

MRS. ESHTON
Who, dear?

LOUISA ESHTON
Why John Reed of Gateshead, did you not hear Mama? Papa said that we.

MRS. ESHTON
Oh my dear, I stopped listening to your father years ago.

MRS. LYNN
.There was no restraining hand on the.

MRS. INGRAM
I knew it. A rustic bachelor's drawing room.

BLANCHE
It seems Mrs. Dent, that you have not sufficiently studied the science of botany.

MRS. DENT
Not at all, I simply like flowers. Especially wild ones.

BLANCHE
Laughs

MRS. LYNN
Et toi ma petite! Que jolie

BLANCHE
But Mrs. Dent, how can one like what one is too ignorant to name?

MARY INGRAM
Oh Blanche, you're confusing Mrs. Dent! Laughs
BLANCHE
But how can one? I must hear!

MRS. DENT
Well I. I cannot tell.

MRS. INGRAM
One would know if one preferred a lily to a dandelion.

AMY ESHTON
Isn't she a love of a child?

MRS. LYNN
Quite a little puppet. And such a pretty dress.

ADELE
Merci beaucoup, Madame. Curtseys

JANE (voiceover)
I confess, I regarded Blanche Ingram with special interest. First to see whether she resembled at all the imagined miniature I painted of her. In many points she did. And secondly, it will out, to discover if she was such as I should fancy likely to suit Mr. Rochester's taste. I could not tell. But to me, she appeared remarkably self-conscious.

BLANCHE
Where are the gentlemen? I cannot stand female company, so insipid. Mr. Rochester said they would be out in a moment.

(The gentlemen make their appearance. Mr. Rochester and two other gentlemen bring up the rear)

YOUNG ESHTON
What a splendid piece of horseflesh. You refuse to wager Ingram?

TEDDY INGRAM
Well at such odds, who would not? Oh Miss Eshton, I dare swear your colour has risen. Has Miss Louisa been training you?

AMY ESHTON
Oh a little she likes.

TEDDY INGRAM
Well give thanks you have not fallen prey to my sister Blanche. She's a cruel tease.

COLONEL DENT
An ill-considered reform, sir, which I fear the Tories will live to repent. What say you Rochester?

ROCHESTER
I detest politics. The calculated clashings of opposed party interests. Rutting stags battling for the doubtful favours of a docile public.

BLANCHE
Signior Eduardo?

ROCHESTER
Donna Bianca!

BLANCHE
I thought you detested children?

ROCHESTER
Usually yes.

BLANCHE
But how did you come to take upon such a little doll as that? Where did you pick her up?

ROCHESTER
She was left on my hands.

BLANCHE
You should have sent her to school.

ROCHESTER
I could not afford to Donna Bianca.

BLANCHE
Really? No, you tease! I suppose you have a governess for her. Yes I saw a person just now. Is she gone? No, she's still there. Have you thought it quite as expensive?

ROCHESTER
I've not considered the subject

BLANCHE
No, you men never do! Oh you should hear Mama on the subject of governesses. Mary and I have had a dozen, half of them detestable and the rest ridiculous. All incubi, were they not Mama?

MRS. INGRAM
Did you speak, my own?

BLANCHE
Of governesses, Mama.

MRS. INGRAM
Oh don't dearest, I've suffered a martyrdom from their incompetency and caprice.

MRS. DENT
We do have Miss Adele's governess here with us, you know.

MRS. INGRAM
Tant pis. Let her hear what she will, it may do her some good. I am a judge of physiognomy, and in her I see all the faults of her class.

ROCHESTER
And what are they, Madame?

MRS. INGRAM
Oh, ask Blanche, she's as good a judge as I am.

BLANCHE
Oh, I have only one word to say of the whole tribe. They are a nuisance, lachrymose, low-spirited creatures.

ROCHESTER
I see.

BLANCHE
Signoir Eduardo? I move the introduction of a new topic.

ROCHESTER
And I second it Donna Bianca.

BLANCHE
Laughs Are you in good voice tonight?

ROCHESTER
If you command it.

(Blanche seats herself at the piano)

BLANCHE
Here then is a Corsair song. (plays) Know that I dote on Corsairs. (plays) Banditti! (plays) Any man with the devil in him. (plays) Oh young men of today! They are such puny things. They are not fit to stir a step beyond Papa's park gates. Nor go so far without Mama's permission. (Young Eshton laughs and Teddy Ingram storms off) Creatures so absorbed with care of their own pretty looks. As if a man had anything to do with beauty. As if loveliness were not the special perogative of women. I grant an ugly woman is a blot on the face of creation. But as to the gentleman, let them possess only strength to hunt, shoot, and fight. laughs The rest is not worth a fillip. (plays) Do you know it Signior Eduardo?

ROCHESTER
How could I not, since it was you who taught me it?

BLANCHE
Then sing, con spirito! (plays)

ROCHESTER
My boat's by the tower, my barque's in the bay
And both must be gone ere the dawn of the day.
The moon's in her shroud but to guide thee afar
On the deck of the Daring's a love-lighted star.

Then wake, lady wake, I am waiting for thee,
And this night or never, my bride thou shalt be.
Then wake, lady wake, I am waiting for thee,
And this night or never, my bride thou shalt be.

(Jane has left and amidst applause for Mr. Rochester's performance, he goes after her)

ROCHESTER
Jane! Why did you not come and speak to me?

JANE
You seemed engaged sir. I did not wish to disturb you.

ROCHESTER
What have you been doing during my absence?

JANE
Nothing in particular. Been teaching Adele as usual.

ROCHESTER
And getting a good deal paler then you were, as I saw at first sight. Did you take cold that night you half drowned me?

JANE
Not in the least.

ROCHESTER
Return to the drawing room, you're deserting too early.

JANE
I am tired sir.

ROCHESTER
And depressed.

JANE
I am not!

ROCHESTER
But I affirm you are. So much depressed, that a few more words would bring tears. Indeed they are there, shining. If I had time, I would know what this means. Tonight I excuse you, but not tomorrow, nor the next night. Now go and send Sophie for Adele. Goodnight.

(Rochester leaves Jane. Time elapse to another day and Jane is gazing out the window on Blanche taking leave of Mr. Rochester who is going out on business)

JANE (voiceover)
Despite all intentions, all the dictates of common sense, I had learned to love Mr. Rochester. That he would marry Blanche Ingram was certain however. Though why was less so. For family, perhaps political reasons. But he had not given her his love. That I knew. Knowledge has no power to lessen pain.

(Now to Blanche, Mrs. Ingram and Mrs. Lynn in the drawing room. Jane and Adele are sitting quietly in a window seat)

BLANCHE
We should have taken our excursion Mama.

MRS. INGRAM
To view a few wretched gypsies? In the rain, my lily flower?

BLANCHE
Well anything rather than this tedium.

MRS. INGRAM
Why don't you play billiards with the others dearest?

BLANCHE
Billiards? Mama!

(A "mysterious gentleman" has arrived and is shown being received into the hall. The servant announces him to Mrs. Ingram)

SAM
A Mr. Mason has arrived, ma'am.

MRS. INGRAM
Well if he's a gentleman, show him in.

MR. MASON
Ahem. It, um, appears I have come at an inopportune time, Madam, when my friend, Mr. Rochester, is away on business.

MRS. INGRAM
He returns tonight.

MR. MASON
I trust I may presume to install myself here until he returns?

MRS. INGRAM
I'm sure you may.

MR. MASON
I come from a very long journey. From Spanish Town in Jamaica.

(bell rings. Blanche also enters the drawing room)

MRS. INGRAM
My daughter, Miss Ingram.

(Mason makes as if to politely kiss Blanche's hand, but she gives him a warning glance and he stops)

MRS. INGRAM
Excuse me sir, we must dress for dinner. Come, my dear.

(Mrs. Ingram, Mrs. Lynn, and Miss Ingram exit. Jane and Adele follow with Jane giving a shy acknowledgement to Mr. Mason. Now it is evening and the party is in the drawing room)

SAM
But I cannot persuade her to go away my lady.

MRS. INGRAM
A gypsy woman? Dismiss her!

BLANCHE
Mama!

MRS. INGRAM
At once! These low imposters should really.

BLANCHE
Mama, I insist. I wish too.

MRS. INGRAM
My angel, I cannot countenance any such inconsistent proceedings.

BLANCHE
Oh you can and you will. I have a curiosity to hear my fortune told. I shall go first.

SAM
Oh she looks such a rough one, ma'am, a real tinkler. Black as a crock.

BLANCHE
Go blockhead!

MR. ESHTON
Miss Ingram, I think perhaps I ought to look in upon her before any of the ladies go.

BLANCHE
But the footman said she would see no gentleman, and of the ladies only the young and single.

MR. ESHTON
Even so.

BLANCHE
Even so I am determined to hear my fortune told. Had we gone out this afternoon, I would have anyway.

MRS. INGRAM
Blanche, my darling, recollect, I beg of you.

BLANCHE
I do, I recollect all you can suggest. (kisses her mother on the cheek) But I will have my way!

MRS. INGRAM
Oh dearest..

AMY ESHTON
Oh will you go, Mary?

MARY INGRAM
For my part, I'd never stay a venture!
(Blanche goes to the Gypsy. Fades to Jane in the drawing room)

JANE (voiceover)
Something of a masquerade I suspected, from the moment this gypsy woman's presence was announced.

MR. ESHTON
And did Rochester like the West Indies?

MR. MASON
Oh no, scarcely at all. The burning heats and the rainy seasons disagreed with his constitution.

MR. ESHTON
But this was some years back you say.

MR. MASON
Yes, he had only just come of age, yes, he should be, uh.

(Blanche returns from the Gypsy)

MARY INGRAM
Well what did she say? Is she a real gypsy?

BLANCHE
Please, don't press upon me. I have seen a vagabond. She has practiced her trade in hackneyed fashion. My whim is gratified. And now I suggest that Mr. Eshton and Colonel Dent put her out.

LOUISA ESHTON
Oh, but we have not seen her yet!

(Mary Ingram, Amy and Louisa Eshtom all go to visit the Gypsy. They come in giggling, but abruptly stop when they see the Gypsy.)

GYPSY
Approach, childer.

AMY ESHTON
Come on Mary! (grabs her hand)

MARY INGRAM
Come on Louisa! (grabs her hand)

(Time elapse to the party chattering in the drawing room. The three girls enter)

LOUISA ESHTON
Mama! She told us such things!

AMY ESHTON
She knows all about us!

MARY INGRAM
To say nothing of the ornaments we put in our boudoirs!

BLANCHE
Oh, I am sure she is not quite right.

JANE
(Sam takes Jane's teacup) Thank you, Sam

SAM
If you please, Miss, the gypsy declares there is another single lady who has not been to her yet and I thought it must be you. What shall I tell her?

JANE
Oh, I will go by all means.

SAM
If you like Miss, I'll wait in the hall. If she frightens you just call and I'll come in.

JANE
Oh no, Sam, I'm not in the least afraid.
(voiceover)
Now was I. But I was a good deal interested.

(Jane is now kneeling by the fireplace in front of the Gypsy)

JANE
Do not keep me long. The fire scorches me.

GYPSY
The eye is favourable, it is soft and full of feeling. As to the mouth, it would like to laugh more. Indeed it ought to. While the forehead declares "Reason sits firm and holds the reins. She will not let her feelings burst away and hurry her to wild chasms."

JANE
You do not speak like a gypsy, mother.

GYPSY
You have no faith. Your impudence said so. Your fortune is yet doubtful, chance has meted you a measure of some happiness, it depends on yourself to stretch out your hand and take it up. You smile at my jargon.

JANE
And at your voice, sir.

GYPSY
What?

JANE
And the ring on your hand, also.

ROCHESTER
You witch! Off ye lendings. Ah, the string's in a knot. Help me, Jane.

JANE
Break it sir.

ROCHESTER
Well, did you like my charade? Was it well carried out?

JANE
Well, you managed very well with the other ladies.

ROCHESTER
But not with you.

JANE
No. You did not act the character of a gypsy with me.

ROCHESTER
Did I not? Who's then? My own?

JANE
Oh no, some unaccountable one.

ROCHESTER
Hmmm. And the others, what did they say about me?

JANE
That you knew everything about them, which of course you do.

ROCHESTER
laughs And Miss Ingram? What did she say?

JANE
Oh sir, it is past eleven o'clock. I must go.

ROCHESTER
No, stay. I am not here, remember. So we are free.

JANE
Oh, but Miss Ingram is expecting your return from business this evening.

ROCHESTER
(takes Jane's hand) What if she does?

JANE
Mr. Rochester, are you aware that a stranger has arrived since you left this morning?

ROCHESTER
What stranger? I was expecting no one. Is he gone?

JANE
No, he said he has known you for many years and would install himself here til you return.

ROCHESTER
The devil he did. Did he give his name?

JANE
As Mason, sir.

ROCHESTER
Mason?

JANE
He comes from the West Indies, from Jamaica I think.

ROCHESTER
Mason.

JANE
Are you ill sir?

ROCHESTER
Oh Jane. Jane.

JANE
Lean on me sir.

ROCHESTER
As I did before? Mason. Where is he now?

JANE
In the drawing room, sir.

ROCHESTER
And the others, what are they doing?

JANE
Laughing and talking.

ROCHESTER
They don't look grave or mysterious as if they heard something strange.

JANE
No, they are full of jest and gaiety.

ROCHESTER
Jane, if all my guests came in a body and spat on me, what would you do?

JANE
I would turn them out of the room if I could sir.

ROCHESTER
And if I went to them and they looked at me coldly, whispered and sneered behind my back and one by one dropped off and left me, what then? Would you go with them?

JANE
I should have had more pleasure in staying with you.

ROCHESTER
To comfort me?

JANE
As well as I could.

ROCHESTER
And if they laid you under a ban for adhering to me?

JANE
I should care nothing for that.

ROCHESTER
You'd dare censure for my sake?

JANE
As I would for any friend. As you would too, I'm sure sir.

ROCHESTER
Go back now. Step quietly up to Mason, whisper that I am returned and wish to see him here. Then leave us.

JANE
Yes, sir.
(Jane leads Mr. Mason to the library)
ROCHESTER
Well, Dick?

MR. MASON
You prefer to be alone then?

(Jane closes the door and goes upstairs. Later that night. Jane is sleeping but wakes up because the curtains are not drawn)

JANE (voiceover)
I had forgotten to draw my curtain, which I usually did. The consequence was that when the moon, which was full and bright, came in her course to that space in the sky opposite my casement, her glorious gaze roused me in the dead of night. Her disc was sliver white. Crystal clear. It was beautiful. But too solemn. (screams and cries are heard) My pulse stopped. My heart stood still. My stretched arm was paralyzed. The cry was not renewed. But what being could have delivered such an utterance?

(Cut to the party gathering confusedly in the hallway)

MR. ESHTON
I will reach Rochester.

MRS. LYNN
I think it came from that direction over there.

BLANCHE
Oh Mama!

MRS. LYNN
Never mind dear, Mr. Rochester will tell us what it was, I suspect it was nothing at all.

MR. ESHTON
Where the devil is Rochester? I cannot find him in his room.

MRS. DENT
Where can he be?

ROCHESTER
Here! Be composed all of you.

BLANCHE
What awful event has taken place? Speak, let us know what has happened.

ROCHESTER
All's right. All's right.

MRS. LYNN
But that cry?

ROCHESTER
A mere rehearsal of "Much Ado About Nothing".

(babble as all the ladies speak at once)

ROCHESTER
Ladies keep off or I shall wax dangerous! Um, a servant has had a nightmare, that is all. She's a nervous, excitable person. She construed her dream into an apparition and has taken a fit with fright. Now I must see you all back to your rooms. For until the house is settled she cannot be properly looked after. Gentleman have the goodness to set the ladies the example. (Blanche latches on to Mr. Rochester's arm) Miss Ingram, I'm sure you'll not fail in evincing superiority to idle terrors. Goodnight.

MRS. LYNN
Come on girls, you'd better go back to bed.

JANE (voiceover)
A servant's dream was merely and invention Mr. Rochester had framed to pacify his guests. I waited for I knew not what. For it seemed to me that some event must follow that strange cry.

(knocking on the door)

ROCHESTER
Jane?
(Jane opens the door)
Up and dressed?

JANE
I thought I might be wanted sir.

ROCHESTER
Yes, come this way. No wait. Have you a sponge?

JANE
Yes sir.

ROCHESTER
And salts? Volatile salts.

JANE
Yes.

ROCHESTER
Fetch them. (Jane and Rochester go out into the hallway) You don't turn sick at the sight of blood?

JANE
I think I shall not. I've never been tried yet.

ROCHESTER
Give me your hand. (takes her hand) Hm, warm and steady. Good. Come.

(They enter a third story room, where Mason is lying on a bed in a stupor and grunts and noises are heard.)

ROCHESTER
Wait. (Mr. Rochester goes into another room that is hidden by a curtain and the noises stop. He locks the door. He then goes up to Mason and tries to look at the wound.)

MR. MASON
Agghhh!! (struggles while Rochester calmly holds his wrists) ...oh, Rochester. (groans as Rochester pulls back the torn shirt.) Is there any immediate danger?

ROCHESTER
It's a mere scratch. Bear up man.

(Mason looks at the wound and faints. Rochester snaps his fingers and Jane comes up with the basin of water. Rochester sponges away the blood)

ROCHESTER
Salts. (holds them under Mason's nose. Mason coughs and wakes) I'm going to fetch the surgeon myself Dick. You'll be removed from here before morning. Jane?

JANE
Sir?

ROCHESTER
I must leave you alone with this gentleman, for an hour- maybe two. Sponge the blood as it returns, if he faints use your salts. And don't speak to him. Dick, it will be on peril of your life if you attempt to speak. Open your mouth, say one word and I shall not answer for the consequences. (opens the door) Remember, no conversation. (leaves)
(Mason groans and Jane shushes comfortingly as she sponges away the blood)

JANE (voiceover)
What crime was this that lived incarnate in this sequestered mansion? That could neither be expelled nor subdued by its owner. What creature was it, that masked in an ordinary woman's face and shape, uttered the voice now of a mocking demon, then of a carrion seeking bird of prey? And hardly separated from me but by a single door. And this quiet stranger, so commonplace, how was he involved in the web of horror?

(An hour or two later. Carter is just starting to examine Mason)

CARTER
Not only cut by a knife, but teeth marks.

MR. MASON
She. she bit me. She worried me like. like a tigress.

ROCHESTER
You should have grappled with her at once. Jane, fetch his cloak. Hurry, Carter, hurry! I must have him away from here before the house stirs.

MR. MASON
She seemed so. so quiet at first.

ROCHESTER
I warned you it was folly to attempt the interview tonight and alone.

MR. MASON
She sucked the blood. She said she'd drain my heart.

ROCHESTER
Courage man! Never mind her gibberish. Carter?

CARTER
Ready.

(Rochester and Carter have each taken an arm of Mason's and is leading him out to the carriage. Jane follows)

ROCHESTER
I shall ride over in a day or two to see how he gets on.

CARTER
Right.

MR. MASON
Rochester, let her be taken care of, even if she.

ROCHESTER
I do my best, I have done and I will do! Away with you! Would to God there was an end of all this. Jane?

JANE
Sir?

ROCHESTER
Come with me.
(Holds his hand out for Jane's and both run into the garden)
Will you have a flower?

JANE
Thank you sir.

ROCHESTER
Were you frightened when I left you alone with Mason?

JANE
Very. I feared lest some. someone come from the inner room.

ROCHESTER
But I had locked the door. I should have been a careless shepherd if I had left a lamb. my pet lamb, so near a wolf's den unguarded.

JANE
Will Grace Poole continue to live here sir?

ROCHESTER
Yes.

JANE
And the danger you feared last night from Mr. Mason, is that now gone?

ROCHESTER
Not til he's out of England. To live, for me, is to stand upon a crater crust Jane.

JANE
But Mr. Mason seems a man easily lead. He would not defy you surely.

ROCHESTER
No, not knowingly hurt me. But unintentionally he might. One careless word, Jane, could deprive me if not of life yet forever of happiness.

JANE
But tell him so sir.

ROCHESTER
laughs If I could do that simpleton where would the danger be? (takes Jane's hand) You look puzzled. (lets go of Jane's hand) I will puzzle you further. You. you're my friend are you not?

JANE
I like to serve you, sir, and obey you in all that is right.

ROCHESTER
Humph! Yes, in all that is right, yes. You're implacable Jane. Properly so. But suppose, you're no longer a girl, well reared and disciplined. But a wild boy as I was, indulged from childhood upwards. Imagine yourself in a remote, foreign land, conceive that you commit there a capital error. Mind I do not say crime, my word is error. The results of which dog you all your life. Suppose, twenty world weary years after you discover a stranger whose goodness and true qualities revive you. Regenerate you.

JANE
What then sir?

ROCHESTER
Yes, what then? Is the wandering and sinful but repentant man justified in overleaping an obstacle of custom, a mere conventional impediment in order to attach to him this gracious gentle stranger, who can work his reformation?

JANE
I think not sir. Salvation should never depend on a fellow creature, but on God.

ROCHESTER
But God ordains the instrument. And I believe I have found the instrument of my cure in. in Miss Ingram. Don't you think if I married her, she'd regenerate me with a vengeance? She's a rare one, is she not Jane? You say nothing.

JANE.
Yes, sir.

ROCHESTER
Hmmm. A deliberate silence I see. Bless me there's Ingram and them up already. Go in by the shrubbery, through the wicket. Mason got the start of you all this morning. He was gone before sunrise.

(Later that day- presumably- with Jane coming downstairs to see a `stranger' who has come to see her.)

JANE
Yes?

ROBERT
I daresay you hardly remember me Miss. Name is Leaven. I'm the coachman with Mrs. Reed at Gateshead Hall.

JANE
Why Robert, I remember you well. How are you?

ROBERT
I live there still

JANE
I remember you used to give me rides sometimes on Miss Georgiana's pony. Oh and how is Bessie? You are married to Bessie?

ROBERT
Yes, she is very hearty, thank you.

JANE
And Mrs. Reed. I hope no one is dead.

ROBERT
Mr. John died, yesterday was a week, in London.

JANE
And how does his mother bear it?

ROBERT
Well that's why I've come Miss. Terrible news gave her a stroke. She was three days without speaking, but last Tuesday she asked for you Miss.

JANE
For me?

ROBERT
Kept calling your name. Mr. John's death was a suicide you see, ruined his health and the estate. Mrs. Reed had been ill for some time before he. with the worry of it. She insists you come, Miss. "Bring Jane Eyre, I must speak with her." Keeps saying it.

(Now in another room with Mr. Rochester)

ROCHESTER
Go? Where to go?

JANE
Gateshead Hall in Derbyshire, sir.

ROCHESTER
Why?

JANE
To see a sick lady who has sent for me. Her name is Reed.

ROCHESTER
Reed of Gateshead? There was a magistrate called.

JANE
It is his widow sir. Mr. Reed was my uncle, my mother's brother.

ROCHESTER
The deuce he was! You always said you had no relations.

JANE
None that would own me. Mr. Reed died and his wife cast me off.

ROCHESTER
Why?

JANE
Oh because I was poor and burdensome. She disliked me.

ROCHESTER
Than leave her where she is. It's nonsense Jane to go to such a person who cast you off.

JANE
But that was long ago, sir, and she is dying they think. Her son, John Reed committed suicide a week ago.

ROCHESTER
Ah John Reed yes, Ingram was saying only yesterday one of the veriest rascals in town.

JANE
Sir, I could not be easy to neglect what may be one of Mrs. Reed's last wishes.

ROCHESTER
How long will you stay? Promise me not more than a week.

JANE
Oh I'd better not pass my word sir. I may be obliged to break it.

ROCHESTER
You'll come back? You'll not be induced under any pretext to take up residence with her?

JANE
No, sir.

ROCHESTER
I should think not. Who goes with you? You cannot travel so far alone.

JANE
Mrs. Reed has sent her coachmen.

ROCHESTER
Is he to be trusted?

JANE
He has been with the family ten years sir.

ROCHESTER
Well, when do you want to go?

JANE
Early tomorrow.

ROCHESTER
You'll need money. I've given you no salary yet. How much have you in the world, Jane?

JANE
Five shillings, sir.

(Takes the purse from Jane and starts chuckling over it. Blanche enters with a billiards cue)

BLANCHE
Ah, there you are Signior Eduardo. I insist you play!

ROCHESTER
Uno momento, Donna Bianca.

BLANCHE
Surely you can deal with that person later, Mr. Rochester.

ROCHESTER
I am engaged Miss Ingram. I shall come to you when I'm at liberty.
JANE (voiceover)
His manner seemed scarcely that of a loving, prospective bridegroom.
(Blanche storms off in a huff. Mr. Rochester chuckles again)
ROCHESTER Here, take your wages.
JANE But that is fifty pounds sir! You owe me but fifteen. I have no change.
ROCHESTER I don't want any change, you know that.

JANE I will not take it.

ROCHESTER
Obstinate.

JANE
Yes.

ROCHESTER
Right. I'd better not give you all at once you may stay away three months. There is 10 is that not enough?

JANE
Plenty. Oh but now you owe me five.

ROCHESTER
Come back for it then, I will be your banker.

JANE
Sir, there is another matter of business.

ROCHESTER
There is? What?

JANE
You have as good as informed that you are shortly to be married.

ROCHESTER
Yes.

JANE
In that case, I think Adele ought to go to school.

ROCHESTER
To keep her out of my bride's way? Yes, there's sense in the suggestion. Yes, Adele must go to school. And you of course must march straight to. the devil?

JANE
I hope not sir, but I must seek another situation. somewhere.

ROCHESTER
Of course.

JANE
Perhaps I shall advertise.

ROCHESTER
You shall walk up the pyramids of Egypt! At your peril you advertise! I wish I'd only given you a sovereign. Give me back nine pounds, Jane, I've a use for it.

JANE
And so have I sir.

ROCHESTER
Hmmm, you little niggard! Just let me look the money again.

JANE
No, you are not to be trusted.

ROCHESTER
Hmmm. Jane. Promise me not to advertise and I will seek a situation for you. Is that a bargain?

JANE
Yes, sir. If you in your turn will promise that Adele and I shall be safe our of this house before your bride enters it.

ROCHESTER
Very well. Will you come by after dinner tonight?

JANE
Oh no sir, I must prepare for the journey.

ROCHESTER
Then we must say goodbye now. For a little while.

JANE
Yes, I suppose so.

ROCHSETER
And how do people perform that ceremony? Teach me, I'm not quite up to it.

JANE
They say farewell or any other form they prefer.

ROCHESTER
Then say it.

JANE
Farewell Mr. Rochester, for the present.

ROCHESTER
And what must I say?

JANE
The same.

ROCHESTER
Farewell Miss Eyre, for the present. Is that all?

JANE
Yes.

ROCHESTER
It seems stingy to my notions, and dry and unfriendly. If one shook hands. no that would not content me either. Farewell Jane.

JANE
You're back is to the door sir.

ROCHESTER
So it is. (opens the door for Jane and lets her pass)

(Jane is with Mrs. Reed who is on her sickbed)

MRS. REED
Jane Eyre? Jane Eyre? Are you Jane Eyre?

JANE
I am.

MRS. REED
Oh, fiend of a child. Deceitful. I was glad to get her out of the house. What did they do with her at Lowood? Fever broke out there. Many pupils died. She did not die, oh no, I wish she had, I wish she had.

JANE
Strange wish Aunt Reed.

MRS. REED
Aunt? Who calls me Aunt?

JANE
I do, Jane Eyre. You sent for me.

MRS. REED
Sent? Why did I "sent"? She's dead, I said she was dead. Those eyes, your forehead- you're like Jane Eyre. I wanted to see her. (moans as she tries to stir in the bed) I cannot move a limb. I wronged Jane Eyre. Are you she? You're like her.

JANE
Yes Aunt, I am.

MRS. REED
An unnatural child. Go to my dressing case. There's a letter. Bring it. Bring it to me.

JANE
(reads) "Madam. Will you have the goodness to send me the address of my niece, Jane Eyre. It is my intention to write shortly and desire her to come to Madeira. Providence has blessed my labours to secure a competency and as I am unmarried and childless, I wish to adopt Jane Eyre during my life and bequeath her at my death, whatever I have to leave. I am Madame, most sincerely yours, John Eyre. Madeira."
Why did I not hear of this? It is dated three years back!

MRS. REED
I disliked you too fixedly- the fury you turned on me when you declared you abhorred me the worst of anyone in the world.

JANE
But I was a child.

MRS. REED
So that I wrote that you were dead. Dead of the fever at Lowood School. Now act as you please. Expose my falsehood if you will. You were born, I think to be my torment.

JANE
Many a time as a child I would have been happy to love you. Now I long to be reconciled, kiss me Aunt Reed.

MRS. REED
No! I hate Jane Eyre! Fiend of a child. You should be dead! And then my falsehood would come true.

JANE (voiceover)
Poor suffering woman. It was too late for her to change her habitual frame of mind. Living she hated me. And she died hating me.
(Time elapse with Jane sitting at the bed and Mrs. Reed has passed on)
A strange and solemn object was that corpse to me. Her brow and lineaments wore yet the impress of her inexorable soul. I gazed on it with gloom and pain. A somber tearless dismay at the fearfulness of death in such a form. And to think how desperately I longed for love from her.