Jane Eyre

"My name is Jane Eyre...

"I was born in 1820, a harsh time of change in England.

"Money and position seemed all that mattered.

"Charity was a cold and disagreeable word.

"Religion too often wore a mask of bigotry and cruelty.

"There was no proper place for the poor or the unfortunate.

"I had no father or mother, brother or sister.

"As a child I lived with my aunt, Mrs Reed of Gateshead Hall.

"I do not remember that she ever spoke one kind word to me."

Careful, Bessie. She bites!

Come on out, Jane Eyre.

Mrs Reed wants to see you in the drawing room.

-Go on, knock!

-Don't bully the child.

-Knock!

Come in.

This, Mr Brocklehurst, is the child in question.

She's the daughter of my late husband's sister,

by an unfortunate union we prefer to forget.

For some years she's lived here.

The recipient, I see, of every care

which one could lavish upon her.

Come here, little girl.

What is your name?

Jane Eyre, sir.

Well, Jane Eyre, and are you a good child?

The less said, the better.

-Indeed?

-Today she struck her cousin brutally, without provocation.

-That isn't true!

-Jane.

-He hit me first!

-Silence!

-John, dear, did you strike her first?

-No, Mama.

You did! You knocked me down and made my head bleed.

-I did not!

-You did!

-Silence!

-You did!

I won't hear your odious lies.

You see how passionate and wicked she is?

I do, indeed. Come here, child.

You and I must have some talk.

No sight so sad as that of a wicked child.

Where do the wicked go when dead?

They go to Hell.

-What is hell?

-A pit full of fire.

Should you like to burn forever?

-no, sir!

-What must you do?

Keep good health, and not die.

But children younger than you die daily.

Only last week we buried a child of five.

A good, little child, whose soul is in heaven.

And your soul?

-I don't see why it shouldn't go too!

-YOU don't see!

But others see clearly, do they not, Mrs Reed?

-You have heard of Lowood?

-No, sir.

It is a school for unfortunate orphans.

My estate is nearby.

As Chairman of the Board, I supervise.

Would you like to go there, little girl?

You mean, and not live HERE any more?

I don't know what Aunt would say.

It was your kind benefactress who suggested it.

-Do you wish to go?

-Yes, sir!

A wise choice, wiser than you know.

Pray God to take away your heart of stone, and make you meek, humble,

and penitent. Rest assured, Mrs Reed,

we shall collaborate with the Almighty.

-Bessie?

-Yes, Jane?

-I never dreamt I'd get away till I was grown up.

Won't you be sorry to leave poor old Bessie?

What does Bessie care? Always scolding and punishing.

All the same, I am rather sorry to be leaving you.

Rather sorry?

Is that all?

I suppose you'd rather not kiss me?

I'll kiss you, and welcome, Bessie!

You're such a strange, solitary thing.

Here's a keepsake, Jane.

-It'll help you remember me.

-Hurry up!

Be a good girl, and I hope you'll be happy.

Thank you, Bessie. Goodbye!

Goodbye, Jane.

Goodbye, Mrs Reed! I hate you and I hate everything about you!

I'll never see you when I grow up, or call you Aunt!

If anyone asks me how you treated me,

I'll say you were bad, hard-hearted and mean!

The sight of you makes me sick!

At school I shall have lessons in drawing, French, history, and music.

I'll have hundreds of girls to play with!

What's this school's name?

-It's called Lowood.

-Lowood?

Lowood.

DOORBELL RINGS

Here you are.

She's been asleep for hours.

Right away, Bill! CARRIAGE WHIP CRACKS

CLATTER OF WHEELS

"I was to awaken in the morning to find my dreams of Lowood shattered.

"In their place was to stand a school that was more like a prison,

"dominated by the cold, implacable cruelty of Mr Brocklehurst."

SHE HEARS THE CARRIAGE WHEELS

HANDBELL RINGS

HANDBELL RINGS

HANDBELL RINGS

Pupils...!

Observe this child.

She is yet young, she possesses the ordinary form of girlhood.

No deformity points to her marked character.

Who would believe...

that the evil one had already found in her a servant and an agent?

Yet such, I grieve to tell you, is the case.

Therefore you must be on your guard against her.

Shun her example.

Avoid her company. Exclude her from your sports.

Shut her out from your converse.

Teachers!

You must watch her.

Weigh well her words and scrutinise her actions.

Punish her body to save her soul.

For it is my duty to warn you, and my tongue falters as I tell it...

that this girl, this child,

the native of a Christian land, no better than a heathen

that prays to Bramah or kneels before Juggernaut.

This girl is a liar!

Let her remain there, and let no-one speak to her for the rest of the day.

I brought you this, from supper.

Didn't you hear what he said?

He said you mustn't have anything to do with me.

Go on. take it.

I'm not bad.

I promise I'm not.

But I hate him, I hate him!

-It's wrong to hate people.

-I can't help it!

I thought school would be a place where people would love me.

I want people to love me...and believe in me, and be kind to me.

I'd let my arm be broken if it'd make anyone love me.

Or let a horse kick me, or be tossed by a bull.

Don't say such things.

But I would. I would!

Eat your bread, Jane.

O merciful Providence, who of Thy generous plenty

doth give us the abundant fruits of the field,

grant us that though we are properly grateful for this our earthly food,

yet our hearts may be more lastingly fixed upon Thy heavenly manor. Amen.

Helen, where does that road go?

-I told you before, to Bradford.

-But after that?

Derby...Nottingham, then London!

London to Dover, and across to France.

Then over the mountains and down to Italy, and Florence, Rome, Madrid...

Madrid isn't in Italy, Jane.

But that road goes there. We'll drive along it, when we're grown up,

in a coach. I'll have hair like yours, and have read all the books in the world,

and I'll play the piano and talk French, almost as well as you do.

-Dreaming again, Jane?

-Doctor Rivers!

I know who'll be late for inspection(!)

Not this time, I'll beat you there.

A-Ah.

A-Ah.

-A-Ah.

-COUGHING

A-Ah.

That cough doesn't seem any better, Helen.

We'll have to take care of it.

Ah.

Ah.

Thank you.

You keep your schoolroom uncommonly cold, Mr Brocklehurst.

A matter of principle, Dr Rivers.

Our aim is not to pamper the body, but to strengthen the soul.

A bad cough is little aid to salvation.

But I'm not a theologian.

Good day, sir.

GIGGLES

-If I may venture an opinion...

-If I want it, madam, I shall call for it.

Johnson, you poke your chin most unpleasantly. Draw it in.

Edwards, I insist on your holding your head up.

I will not have you stand before me in that attitude.

Miss Scatcherd!

Fetch me the scissors immediately!

What may I ask is the meaning of this?

Why, in defiance of every precept and principle,

is this person's hair a mass of curls?

-Her hair curls naturally, sir.

-We are not here to conform to nature!

I want them to be children of grace.

Please, sir, don't do that! You can cut mine, but...

Silence!

So this is Lowood's prevailing spirit?

Vanity and insurrection!

It shall be rooted out.

-Dr Rivers!

-I've brought this oil for Helen.

-It's to rub on her chest.

-Helen?

Her lung concerns me. I spoke to Mr Brock...

Heavens! What are they doing out in the rain?

-It was Mr Brocklehurst's order.

-Bring them in at once!

-What shall I say to Mr Brocklehurst?

-Refer him to me!

With your leave, Dr Rivers, I shall offer up one more prayer.

Almighty God, look down upon this miserable sinner,

and grant that the sense of her weakness

may give strength to her faith and seriousness to her repentance.

Amen.

The ways of Providence are inscrutable...

-Did Providence send her out in the rain?

-Doctor!

And Providence that ordered her to her death?!

Yes, to her death, Mr Brocklehurst!

Helen?

Helen?

Oh, I'm so glad.

I heard Dr Rivers say...

I was afraid.

I'm not afraid, Jane.

Helen...!

Helen!

You must be cold.

Lie down and cover yourself up.

Don't cry, Jane.

I don't want you to cry.

-Are you warm, now?

-Yes.

Goodnight, Jane.

Goodnight, Helen.

I-I do wish they...

..hadn't cut your hair.

Helen.

Are you awake?

It's morning.

Helen!

JANE SCREAMS

Jane!

-Come, Jane.

-No, I want to stay here!

I want to be with Helen.

Helen isn't here. Helen's with God.

Jane, remember what you say in your prayers every day?

"Thy will be done".

Do you think you're doing God's will by giving way to despair?

God wants children to be brave and strong.

Won't you do what God wants?

-I'll try.

-That's right.

The harder you try, the more God will help you.

And now, let me take you back.

No, I can't go back to school! I'll never go back. I'll run away.

Jane! You know what duty is?

Duty is what you have to do, even when you don't want to do it.

I don't want to visit a patient in the snow, but it's my duty.

-What is your duty?

-I don't know!

Yes, you do! In your heart you know perfectly well.

It is to prepare to do God's work.

Isn't that true?

And who can do God's work?

An ignorant woman, or an educated one?

Yes, you know the answer to that.

Where can you get an education?

Where?

-At school.

-Precisely.

You know you must go back, though you hate the thought.

Isn't that true?

-WHISPERS:

-I suppose it is true.

Good, Jane!

Very good!

True, gentlemen, we had some difficulties in the beginning...

A very stiff-necked and evil child.

But Eyre's been here ten years.

It's been granted me to put her on the path of salvation.

-I suppose we ought to see her.

-I intended so.

Let Eyre be brought in.

I needn't remind you of the advantages

of appointing one of our old pupils as teacher.

An outsider would have to be paid twice as much.

DOOR OPENS

Eyre, this is a solemn moment.

Little did I imagine that the unregenerate child I received

would grow in ten short years to become a teacher.

Yes, a teacher.

That is the honour the trustees, at my recommendation, have bestowed upon you.

Your wage is 20 guineas per annum.

Only 10 is withheld for lodging, spiritual instruction and laundry.

You duties will begin in the new term.

I need detain you no longer, gentlemen.

Good day, gentlemen.

Here is the post, sir.

That is all, Eyre.

I cannot accept your offer, sir.

-And why not, pray?

-I do not wish to stay here at Lowood.

This is unheard of!

The ingratitude!

What have I to be grateful for?

-Ten years of harshness and...

-Silence!

Stiff-necked as ever. I see that I have been sadly deceived in you.

And where, may I ask, do you intend to go?

Out into the world, sir.

Out into the world.

Do you know how the world treats young paupers without friends?

I intend to find a position as a governess.

How, may I ask?

-I've advertised in a newspaper.

-Oh!

-You've been overwhelmed for your services.

-No, sir.

And you never will be, you have no talents,

a dark disposition and an insignificant appearance!

It is folly to dream of such a position.

Eyre, you heard me!

I can overlook your ungracious outburst, but I warn you,

if you persist in folly, this haven will never again be open to you.

I am leaving Lowood, sir.

Here you are, miss. Right-oh.

Not all young women can face the world alone.

You know what right is. You'll stick to it through thick and thin.

-£40 is my limit.

-No, guineas.

Excuse me, is there anyone here for a Mrs Fairfax of Thornfield Hall?

Take a seat in there. I'll enquire.

-Who's the young lady?

-Couldn't say, sir.

Give her my compliments, and ask her to join me in a glass of Madeira.

The gentlemen offers his compliments.

Asks if you'd care to take a glass of something with him?

Oh, no, thank you, I-I never take wine.

Is your name Eyre?

Yes, I'm Miss Eyre. Are you from Thornfield?

-You're not the new governess?

-Yes, I am.

-Is this all your luggage?

-Yes.

I'll tell Mrs Fairfax you're here.

Thank you.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

How do you do, my dear?

I'm afraid you've had a tedious journey. I'm Mrs Fairfax.

Why, your hand is like ice!

Come, I'll take you straight to your room.

We've a nice, cosy fire for you,

and Leah's taken the chill off the sheet, with the warming-pan.

I'm so glad you've come.

Living here with company but the servants,

it's hardly cheerful.

Only the butcher and postman have come since the hard weather set in.

Shall I see Miss Fairfax tonight?

Miss Fairfax? Oh, you mean Miss Adele.

-Isn't she your daughter?

-Gracious, no, she's French. I've no family.

None at all. That's Mr Edward's room.

He's abroad, but I always keep it ready.

His visits are always so unexpected and sudden,

a wanderer on the face of the earth.

That's what Mr Edward is, I'm afraid.

-Who is Mr Edward?

-Why, the owner of Thornfield!

I thought this was your house.

Bless your soul, child, I'm only the housekeeper.

Thornfield belongs to Mr Edward Rochester.

Little Adele is his ward.

Here is your room.

It's quite small, but I thought you'd like it better

-than one of the large front chambers.

-It's beautiful.

Yet he comes so seldom to this house?

It is strange.

You'll find that in many ways Mr Edward is a strange man.

Goodnight, my dear.

Goodnight.

A MUSIC-BOX TINKLES

Bonjour, Mademoiselle.

Mama had a dress like that,

only she danced beautifully. I can dance, too.

-Do you wish to see?

-This very moment?

Now you speak like Monsieur Rochester.

For him it is never the right moment.

Mais jamais.

Your name is Adele?

Do you know what I was thinking, Adele?

Never in my life have I been awakened so happily.

-You liked that, Mademoiselle?

-Very much, Adele.

A great many gentlemen and ladies came to see Mama.

I used dance, or sing to them.

I liked it.

-Where was that?

-In Paris, where we lived.

But when Mama went to the Holy Virgin, Mr Rochester came

and took me in a great ship with a chimney that smoked,

and I was sick.

Five, six and three...?

Do you like Monsieur Rochester?

-I've not met him.

-This is his chair.

He sits and stares into the fire,

and frowns like this.

JANE LAUGHS

Is he as bad as that?

Twice as bad! I cannot make how bad he is!

But I'm sure he's very kind.

Sometimes he brings me beautiful presents.

But when he's angry, that's terrible!

May the Holy Virgin give me grace, and God bless Monsieur Rochester.

and make him polite to Mademoiselle,

so she will stay with me for ever and ever. Amen.

HORSES' HOOVES

JANE SCREAMS

DOG BARKS

-What can I do?

-Stand aside.

I'm sorry I frightened your horse.

Apologies won't mend my ankle. Pilot!

What are you waiting for?

I can't leave until I see you're fit to ride.

You've a will of your own! Where are you from?

From Mr Rochester's house, below.

You know Mr Rochester.

No, I've never seen him.

You're not a servant at the hall.

I'm the new governess.

Oh.

You're the new governess.

Now, just hand me my whip.

Thank you. Now kindly get out of the way.

DOG GROWLS

Quick, dear, off with your things,

-he's been asking to see the new governess.

-Who?

Why, Mr Rochester.

Rode in without any warning, and in a vile humour.

He seems he had an accident.

But he won't let me send for he doctor.

Oh, goodness, your bonnet.

Here is Miss Eyre, sir.

Well, Miss Eyre, have you no tongue?

I was waiting until spoken to.

Very proper. Next time, you see a man on a horse, don't run into the road until he's passed.

I assure you, it was not deliberate.

It was nonetheless painful.

Sit down, Miss Eyre.

Where do you come from?

-From Lowood Institution, sir.

-Lowood, what's that?

A charity school. I was there ten years.

Ten years, you must be tenacious of life!

No wonder you've the look of another world.

I marvelled where you got that face.

When you came on me in the mist, I found myself thinking of fairy tales!

I'd a mind to demand if you'd bewitched my horse.

I'm not sure yet.

-Who are your parents?

-I have none, sir.

-Your home?

-I have no home, sir.

Who recommended you?

I advertised. Mrs Fairfax answered.

Huh. And you came post-haste, in time to throw me off my horse!

Hmm.

What did you learn at Lowood?

-Do you play the piano?

-A little.

Of course...the established answer.

Go in the drawing room...!

I mean, if you please.

Excuse my tone of command. I am used to saying

"Do this", and it is done. I cannot alter my habits

for one new inmate. Take a candle, leave the door open,

and play a tune.

JANE PLAYS

Enough!

You play "a little", I see, like any other English schoolgirl.

Perhaps rather better than some...

Not well.

Goodnight, Miss Eyre.

Goodnight.

"What sort of man was this master of Thornfield -

"so proud, sardonic and harsh?

"Instinctively I felt that his malignant mood

"had its source in some cruel cross of fate.

"I was to learn that this was indeed true,

" and that beneath the harsh mask he assumed

"lay a tortured soul, fine, gentle and kindly."

KNOCKS FROM OUTSIDE

DOOR CREAKS

Grace, I've told you time and again,

I could hear you all through the house. Too much noise.

I've spoken to you before.

Did I disturb you, my dear.

I'm so sorry. I had to speak to Grace Poole. She does the sewing.

Not unobjectionable, but she works.

How did you get on with Mr Rochester, dear?

Is he always so changeful and abrupt?

He has peculiarities of temper, but allowances should be made.

Why for him more than others?

Because it's his nature.

-And because he has painful thoughts.

-What about?

Family troubles.

I think that's why he so seldom comes to Thornfield.

It has unpleasant associations for him.

Goodnight, my dear.

Goodnight, Mrs Fairfax.

Monsieur Rochester is very difficult,

but he brings me most beautiful presents.

Look!

You see?

They suit me perfectly.

A ballet dress, just like Mama used to wear.

Isn't it beautiful, Mademoiselle?

Beautiful, Adele.

I shall wear it when I dance, always.

-Miss Eyre.

-Regardez, Monsieur...

Est-ce que c'est comme ca qu'on se tient?!

Miss Eyre?

I'm not fond of the prattle of children.

As you see, I'm a crusty, old bachelor,

and I have no pleasant associations connected with their lisp.

In this house, the only alternative is the prattle of the simple-minded

old lady, which is nearly as bad.

Today I'm disposed to be gregarious

and I believe you could amuse me.

You puzzled me greatly that first evening in the library, Miss Eyre.

I'd almost forgotten you.

But now I'm resolved to be at ease, to do only what pleases me.

It would please me now to draw you out.

Sit down, Miss Eyre.

No, not further back.

Just here, where I placed it.

Forward a little! Still too far back.

I can't see you without disturbing my position, which I've no mind to.

You examine me, Miss Eyre.

Do you find me handsome?

-No, sir.

-Indeed!

I beg your pardon, I was too plain.

-My answer was a mistake.

-You shall be answerable for it. Explain.

Does forehead not please you?

What does it tell you? Am I a fool?

Far from it.

Is it the head of a kindly man?

Hardly that, sir.

Very well, then.

I am not a kindly man,

though I did once have a sort of... tenderness of heart.

-Do you doubt it?

-No, sir.

-Since then, fortune's knocked me about,

till I'm as tough as an India-rubber ball.

With perhaps one small, sensitive point in the middle of the lump.

-Does that leave hope for me?

-Hope of what?

My re-transformation from India-rubber back to flesh.

You look very puzzled, young lady,

and a puzzled air becomes you.

Besides, it keeps those searching eyes of yours away from my face.

You are silent, Miss Eyre.

Stubborn?

No, annoyed...

and quite rightly so. I put my request in an absurd way.

I do not wish to treat you as an inferior.

But I've experience of many men of many nations,

while you've been with one set of people in one house.

Don't I have a right to be a little abrupt?

Do as you please, sir.

You pay me £30 a year for receiving your orders.

£30?

I'd forgotten that.

On that mercenary ground may I not hector a little?

Not on that ground,

but since you did forget, and enquired of my feelings as an equal.

Good!

You will let me dispense with conventional forms without thinking me insolent?

I never mistake informality for insolence.

One I rather like,

the other, no free born person submits to, even for a salary.

Humbug! Most free born people would submit to anything for a salary. Where are you going?

-It's time for Adele's lesson.

-No, young lady,

it's not for Adele you're going, but because you're afraid of me.

You wish to escape me.

In my presence you hesitate to smile gaily or speak too freely.

Admit you're afraid!

I am bewildered, sir, but I am certainly not afraid.

DOOR OPENS

Don't I look beautiful, Monsieur?

This is how Mama used to do it, is it not?

Precisely.

It's how she charmed my English gold from my britches pocket.

Then I shall dance for you?

You will not. You'll go straight upstairs to the nursery.

-But Monsieur!

-At once.

Miss Eyre!

I have not finished talking to you.

Why do you look at me like that?

I was thinking whatever your misfortune,

you've no right to revenge yourself on a child.

You're quite right.

I was thinking only of myself, of my own feelings.

The fact is, nature meant me to be on the whole a good man,

one of the better kind.

But circumstance decreed otherwise.

I was as green as you, once.

Grass green.

Now my spring has gone, leaving me what?

This little artificial French flower.

You may go, Miss Eyre.

Miss Eyre.

I hope you'll be happy here at Thornfield.

I hope so, sir. I think so.

I'm glad.

WOMAN'S MANIC LAUGH

RUNNING FOOTSTEPS

Who's there?!

CLATTER

Mr Rochester!

That's done it.

I think someone tried to kill you, I heard footsteps along the gallery.

Shall I call Mrs Fairfax?

What the deuce for?

Let her sleep. Sit down. I'll leave you here.

Be still as a mouse.

FOOTSTEPS

When you came out of your room...

..did you see anything?

Only a candlestick on the floor, but I heard a door shut.

Anything else?

-Yes, a kind of laugh.

-A kind of laugh.

Have you heard it before?

There's a strange woman here, Grace Poole...

Just so.

Grace Poole. You've guessed it.

We'll see what's to be done.

Meanwhile, say nothing about this to anyone.

Adele! We forgot the child!

I had an awful fear...

-You see what she has?

-Poor little Adele.

Trying to console herself for my unkindness to her.

The child has dancing in her blood,

and coquetry in the very marrow of her bones.

THE MUSIC BOX PLAYS

I once had the misfortune to be in love with this.

and to be jealous of that.

Love is a strange thing, Miss Eyre.

You can know a person is worthless, without heart, mind or scruple,

yet suffer to the point of torture when she betrays you.

At least I had the pleasure of putting a pistol bullet through my rival's lungs.

And the little doll?

We tell Adele she died. The truth isn't quite so touching.

I gave her money and turned her out,

so she decamped with an Italian painter,

leaving me with what she said was my daughter.

May I light you to your room?

Well, Miss Eyre... now you know what your pupil is,

the offspring of a French dancing girl.

I suppose you'll be telling me to look for a new governess.

Adele's had so little love.

I shall try to make up for it.

Are you always drawn to the loveless and unfriended?

When it's deserved.

Would you say that my life deserved saving?

I should be distressed if harm came to you, sir.

But you did save my life tonight.

I should like to thank you. Please shake hands.

I knew you'd do me good in some way, some time.

-Goodnight, Jane.

-Goodnight, sir.

DOG BARKS

DOG BARKS

Miss Eyre, isn't it terrible? We might all have been burnt in our beds.

Where did Mr Rochester go?

He said something about a house party at Millcot.

Goodness knows how long he'll be away.

Maybe a day, a year or a month.

-Mrs Fairfax?

-Yes, my dear?

Did Mr Rochester tell you how the fire started?

Of course. He was reading in bed and fell asleep with the candle lit

and the curtains took fire.

Why do you ask?

I wondered if the fire had anything to do with his leaving.

How could it possibly? He said he was restless.

He said the house, with only us here, was unbearably oppressive for him.

FAINT SCRAPING NOISES

LOUD SCREAM

What art thou doin' here?

No-one is allowed up 'ere, understand?

No-one. Get thee down.

DOOR CREAKS

"Had the mystery in the tower driven him madly away,

"just as we seemed so close together?

"Winter turned to spring and no news came,

"but I found a measure of escape in the happiness of Adele."

Look, Mademoiselle!

The moment the carriages stop, stand by the front door for the cloaks.

I'm so glad you're back. Mr Rochester is so difficult.

-Leah! You're to take the ladies to their rooms.

-Yes, ma'am.

He didn't even tell me how many guests he's bringing!

Just to get the best bedrooms ready and more servants.

They're coming, ma'am!

One, two, three...

Oh, dear, 15 at least. Far more than I prepared for.

Who's that riding with Mr Rochester?

That's Blanche Ingram, my dear.

Haven't you heard about her and Mr Rochester?

She's quite an old flame of his.

It wouldn't surprise me if it came to an engagement, one of these days.

Such a beautiful girl, isn't she?

Where's Miss Ingram's bath?

Coming as quickly as we can!

-Adele, why aren't you in the nursery?

-Oh, let me look.

No, dear, you're in the way.

Didn't I say Blanche set her cap at him?

Well, he is very romantic and enormously rich!

Mr Rochester wishes you to bring Adele to the drawing room after dinner.

Please, send Adele by herself.

He only asks me out of politeness.

That's what I thought so. I told him you weren't used to company.

"Nonsense", he said, "If she objects, I'll fetch her myself"

Of course you must wear your very best, my dear.

I-I think the black.

MUSIC AND CHATTER

..I got two more birds with my spare gun.

Well, perhaps we better leave the gentlemen to their port.

They're coming, Mademoiselle!

-Bonsoir, Madame.

-Bonsoir. What's your name?

-Adele.

-Blanche, stop teasing Mr Rochester.

Come along, my angel!

WOMAN SINGS IN ITALIAN

A splendid match, Sir George.

Six or seven thousand a year at least!

What a striking couple.

It's very fortunate, isn't it?

Fine shoulders, eh, Ned?

..Come un' angelo, mio tesoro.

Monsieur, may I sing?

I think we've had enough music.

-I thought you weren't found of children.

-No. Run along, dear.

Where did you pick her up.

I did not pick her up, she was left on my hands.

I suppose you have a governess, I saw a person just now. Is she gone?

There she is, hiding in the corner.

You should hear Mama on governesses.

Don't speak to me of governesses.

The martyrdom I've endured!

The clever ones are detestable.

The others are grotesque!

-How do you do?

-Very well, sir.

Why did you not come and speak to me in the drawing room?

I did not wish to disturb you.

-What have you been doing while I've been away?

-Teaching Adele.

Yes, and getting a good deal paler than you were.

-What's the matter?

-Nothing.

Take cold, the night of the fire?

No, sir.

Go back to the drawing room.

You are leaving too early.

I'm a little tired, sir.

Yes, a little depressed...

-What about?

-I'm not depressed, sir.

But I tell you, you are.

So much depressed, that a few words more,

and there'll be tears in your eyes.

They're there now, shining, swimming...

RAP AT DOOR

What the devil's that?!

I wish to see Mr Rochester.

What name, sir?

Mr Mason, of Spanish Town, Jamaica.

Very good, sir.

Mason... Of Spanish Town.

I wish I were on a quiet island with only you,

and trouble and danger a hideous recollection, far away.

Can I help you, sir?

If help is needed I'll seek it at your hands, I promise.

Jane, if all the people in that room spat on me,

what would you do?

I'd turn them out of the room, if I could.

If I were to go to them...

and they only looked coldly at me,

and dropped off, and left me...

one by one, what then?

Would you go with them?

I would stay with you, sir.

To comfort me?

Yes, sir.

To comfort you...as well as I could.

Edward.

I shall not be so hypocritical as to say you are welcome.

Follow me, Mason.

SCREAMS AND WAILS

What's happened?

The noise came from down there.

Where the devil's Edward? Here he is.

Edward!

You haven't been hurt, have you?

Put that pistol away, Colonel, it's no use for nightmares.

-Nightmares?

-Just a maid with a bad dream.

The moral of that is don't eat toasted cheese for supper(!)

Ladies, to your rooms. Lady Ingram, if you'd set the example...?

I declare, I'm disappointed. I hoped Uncle Percy might shoot a robber.

Blanche(!)

Goodnight, Edward.

Sweet dreams, my...courageous Blanche.

-WHISPERS:

-Jane, are you awake?

-Yes, sir.

Come out, then. Quietly.

Come this way, and make no noise.

You don't turn sick at the sight of blood, do you?

-I've never been tried.

-Give me your hand.

It won't do to risk a fainting fit.

Warm and steady.

Jane, what you see may shock and frighten...

..and confuse you.

I beg you not to seek an explanation.

Don't try to understand.

Whatever the appearance, you must trust me.

Jane, I'm going to leave you in this room with this gentleman,

while I fetch a surgeon.

You will sponge the blood as I do.

If he comes to, do not speak to him on any account. Do you understand?

Whatever happens, do not move from here.

Whatever happens, do not open the door. Either door.

DOOR RATTLES

A WOMAN SOBS

FOOTSTEPS

Doctor, be alert. Half an hour to dress the wound and get him out.

-Edward, I'm done for.

-Nonsense.

She sank her teeth into me like a tigress.

-She said she'd...

-Be silent, Mason.

LOUD SCREAM

-Jane.

-Yes, sir.

Go and get some things on.

Go down the back stairs, unbolt the side passage door.

A carriage is waiting.

See if the driver's ready.

We shall be down in a moment.

Mason! I told you not to come up here!

-I thought I could do some good.

-You thought?! You thought!

Come, Doctor, hurry. We must have him off.

I've tried so long to avoid exposure.

I shall make very certain it doesn't come now.

Take care of him, Doctor.

Don't let him leave your house until he's quite well.

-Edward.

-Well?!

-Let her be taken care of, treated as tenderly as may be.

I do my best and have done and will do it.

Jane.

Come here a few minutes, where there's some freshness.

The house is a dungeon, a sepulchre.

Here, everything is fresh and real

..and pure.

You've passed a strange night, Jane.

You look pale.

Mr Rochester, will Grace Poole live here still?

Yes...

-Grace Poole will stay.

-After last night?

Don't ask for explanations.

Believe me, there are good reasons.

You're my little friend, aren't you?

I like to serve you, sir, in everything that's right.

But if I asked you to do wrong, what then?

My little friend would turn to me, quiet and pale, and say,

"Oh, no, sir. It's impossible."

Am I right?

Jane...

I want you to use your fancy.

Suppose yourself a boy, thoughtless, impetuous, indulged from childhood.

Imagine yourself in a remote land.

Conceive that you there commit a capital error

cutting you off from all possible human joys.

In despair you vainly seek contentment in empty pleasure.

Then...suddenly

fate offers you the chance of regeneration...

..and true happiness.

Are you justified in overleaping the obstacles of mere custom?

Tell me, Jane. Are you justified?

How can I answer?

Every conscience must come to its own decision.

But if it can't come to a decision?

If you're afraid that you may bring shame to what you most cherish,

destroy what you most desire to protect?

Oh, Jane. Don't you curse me for plaguing you like this?

-Curse you? No, sir.

-Give me your assurance on that.

Cold fingers.

They were warmer last night. Jane...

Will you watch with me again?

Whenever I can be useful.

For instance, the night before I'm married.

Will you sit with me then?

Are you going to be married, sir?

Some time. Why not?

VOICES

I suppose you think no-one will have me, well, you're wrong.

You don't know these ladies of fashion.

They may not admire my person, but they dote on my purse.

-Blanche?

-Good morning, Edward.

I should scold you for running off(!)

A correct host entertains his guests.

My dear Blanche, when will you learn?

I never was correct, nor ever shall be.

Very pretty, partner!

-Thank you.

-Edward, I'm glad you've decided to come to London tomorrow.

-HAVE I? I didn't know.

-Very appropriate!

-What now?

-Put the red ball in the top pocket.

Edward, does that person want you?

I'm sorry, sir, I did not know you were occupied.

Miss Eyre.

I'm sure the ladies will excuse me?

Governesses!

I'm sorry, but I understood you were leaving tomorrow,

-and I wished to ask for a reference.

-Reference!

What the deuce do you want a reference for?

-To get a new post, sir.

-Hm?!

-I...

-You as good as told me you were going to be married.

-Ye-es.

-What then?

-In which case Adele ought to go to school.

To get her out of my bride's way, who otherwise might walk over her?

There's some sense in it.

Adele must go to school.

And you must go to the devil, is that it?!

I hope not, unless it's the devil who answers my advertisement.

You've advertised?!

Not yet, but I shall.

You'll do nothing of the kind.

When the time comes to get a new situation,

I'll get one for you, do you hear?!

Very well. Goodbye, Mr Rochester.

Goodbye, Miss Eyre.

Jane.

Is that all?

It seems stingy, to my notion.

Dry and unfriendly.

Can't you do more than "goodbye"?

Well, I'll...

I'll shake hands, sir.

Oh, you'll shake hands.

Goodbye, Jane.

It is a beautiful place, your Thornfield.

It's a dungeon that serves its purpose(!)

-Dungeon? Why, it's a paradise!

-Hm.

But living here, one would need a house in London.

Unquestionably(!)

And an apartment in Paris. A Mediterranean villa, too.

How delightful!

But Thornfield would always be there as a retreat from the world,

a green haven of peace, and...

-and love.

-Love?

A fellow only needs distraction, a houseful of beautiful women,

to keep him brooding on his woes.

Peering too closely into the mysteries of his heart.

That is if he has a heart.

I sometimes wonder, Edward, if you really do have one.

If I've made you believe I have, I assure you, it was unintentional.

-I never...

-Never more than at this moment except for when I'm eating my dinner.

Really, Edward, you can be coarse at times!

-Can I ever be anything else(!)

-Can you?

Would I have come here if you couldn't?

A nice point!

Would you, or not? Let's consider.

-First, Mr Rochester is coarse, ugly as sin...

-Edward!

Now, Blanche! I repeat, ugly as sin.

Secondly, flirts, but is careful not to talk of love and marriage,

but, thirdly, Lady Ingram is rather impoverished, whereas

the revolting Mr Rochester has £8,000 a year.

What attitude is Miss Blanche to take?

I surmise she'd ignore the coarseness

-until Mr R is hooked.

-How dare you!

-Now(!)

-I've never been so insulted!

-Indeed, I pay you the compliment of being honest.

Mr Rochester, you are a boor and a cur!

I thought you'd gone.

I changed my mind, or rather, the Ingrams changed theirs.

Why are you crying?!

I was thinking about having to leave Thornfield.

You've become attached to that foolish little Adele, haven't you?

To that simple, old Fairfax. You'd be sorry to part with them.

-Yes, sir.

-It's always the way.

As soon as you settle, you must move.

-I'm ready, when the order comes.

-It's come now.

Then i-it's settled?

All settled, even about your future situation.

-You found a place for me?

-Ye-es, Jane,

I have, in the...west of Ireland. You'll like it there.

There's some warm-hearted people there.

It's a long way off, sir.

From what, Jane?

From England and...

..from Thornfield.

Well?

And from you, sir.

Yes, Jane, it's a long way.

When you get there, I shall probably never see you again.

We've been good friends, Jane, haven't we?

-Yes, sir.

-Even good friends may be forced to part.

Let's make the most of what time is left us.

Let us sit here in peace.

Even though we shall be destined never to sit here again.

Some times I have a queer feeling with regard to you, Jane.

Specially when you're near me, as now.

It's as if I had a string somewhere under my left rib,

tightly and inextricably knotted to a similar string

in the corresponding corner of your little frame.

If we must be parted,

that cord of communion would be snapped.

And...

I have the nervous notion I should take to bleeding inwardly.

As for you, you'd forget me.

That I never will, sir. You know it.

I see the necessity of going, but it's like the necessity of death.

Where do you see that necessity?

In your bride.

What bride? I have no bride.

But you will have!

Yes, I will.

I will.

Do you think I could stay to become nothing to you?

You think because I'm poor and obscure and plain,

that I'm soulless and heartless?

I've as much soul as you, and fully as much heart.

If God had gifted me with wealth and beauty,

I should have made it as hard for you to leave me

as it is now, for me to leave you.

-I've spoken my heart, now let me go.

-Jane.

Jane, this strange...

..this almost unearthly thing.

You that I love as my own flesh...

-Don't mock me.

-It's not Blanche, it's you I want.

Answer me, Jane, quickly.

Say, "Edward I'll marry you." Say it.

I can't read your face.

Say, "Edward, I'll marry you."

Edward, I'll marry you.

God pardon me!

"All my doubts and all the grim shadows that hung over Thornfield

"seemed to vanish - shattered like the riven chestnut-tree.

"I loved and I was loved.

"Every sunlit hour I looked forward to love's fulfilment."

-Jane!

-What are you doing?!

-Teaching Adele, as usual.

-As usual?!

A new heaven and earth, and you go on teaching Adele, as usual!

-Why is it wrong?

-Because I'm marrying Mademoiselle

and take Mademoiselle to the moon and find a cave in one of the white

valleys and Mademoiselle will live with us there forever. You approve?

There's no-one I'd rather you marry, not even Mrs Fairfax!

-Some of that and a length of the scarlet.

-But I...

And a length of the scarlet! Some of the gold silk.

Here you are m'lady, half a guinea each way.

-Tell your fortune?

-Go away, Mother.

Read the pretty lady's future?

The pretty lady's going to marry me and we shall make it ourselves!

I require and charge ye both,

as ye shall answer at the dreadful day of judgment,

when all secrets shall be disclosed,

that if you know of any impediment why ye may not lawfully be joined in

matrimony, ye do now confess it.

For be ye assured, if any persons are joined together,

otherwise than as the word of God doth allow,

then are they not joined by God

nor is their matrimony lawful.

Edward Rochester, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife?

One moment, please.

I declare the existence of an impediment.

Proceed with the ceremony!

You cannot proceed.

Mr Rochester has a wife now living.

-Who are you?

-My name is Briggs. I am an attorney.

Mr Mason!

On 20th October 1824, Edward Rochester of Thornfield Hall

was married to Bertha Mason, at St Mary's Church in Jamaica.

The record is in the register of that church.

It's true, I swear. She's living at Thornfield. I've seen her

there myself. I'm her brother.

Parson, close your book. There'll be no wedding today.

Instead, I invite you all to my house

to meet Grace Poole's patient.

My wife.

Turn right about, every one of you!

Away with your congratulations.

They're 15 years too late.

SHE SNARLS

That, gentlemen, is my wife.

Mad, and the offspring of a mad family,

to whom the church and law bind me forever, without hope of divorce.

This is what I wish to have.

This young girl

who stands so grave and quiet at the mouth of hell.

Look at the difference

and then judge me.

Jane.

Jane...

I did not even know her.

I was married at 19, in Spanish Town,

to a bride already courted for me.

But I married her,

gross, grovelling, mole-eyed blockhead that I was.

Jane! Hear me.

I suffered all the agonies of a man bound to a wife

at once intemperate and unchaste.

I watched her excesses drive her at last into madness.

Then I brought her back to England, to Thornfield.

Jane, I did everything that God and humanity demanded.

Then I fled from this place to find a woman I could love,

a contrast to the fury I left here.

What did I find? A French dancer, a Viennese milliner,

a contessa with a taste for jewels.

Back to England. I rode again in sight of Thornfield.

Someone was walking there in the moonlight.

A strange little elfin-like creature, it frightened my horse,

and then gravely offered me help.

I was to be aided, and by that hand!

And aided I was.

Then later that evening...

Do you remember, Jane?

-Say you remember.

-I remember.

You came into that room...

How shy you were!

And yet how readily and roundly you answered my questions.

And then you smiled at me.

That moment, I knew I'd found you.

Jane, can you not forgive me?

I do forgive you.

And you still love me?

I do love you, with all my heart.

I can say it now, since it's for the last time.

Do you mean to go one way, and let me go another?

Stay with me, Jane.

-We'd hurt nobody.

-We'd be hurting ourselves.

Would it be so wicked to love me?

Would it?

I could crush you between my hands.

But your spirit would still be free.

Jane.

-You are going?

-I am going, sir.

You will not be my comforter, my rescuer?

My deep love?

My frantic prayer?

Are they nothing to you?

God bless you, my dear master.

-God keep you from harm and wrong.

-Jane...

Jane.

Jane!

"Going nowhere, I had nowhere to go.

"Without references I could not find employment.

"I knew hunger and unsheltered nights.

"At last old memories, rather than my will

"drew me back to Gateshead Hall -

"to Bessie who had once been kind to me."

-Bessie.

-Yes, I'm Bessie.

If you're looking for work, we haven't got none for no-one nowadays.

You look poorly, lass. If you're cold you may sit by the fire.

Sit down, lass.

Where did you get that brooch?

You gave it to me, Bessie.

Jane!

Jane Eyre!

A grown young lady and you were such a tiny thing,

no higher than a broomstick. Oh, Miss Jane.

BELL RINGS

-That's your poor aunt.

-Don't tell Aunt Reed or Cousin John I'm here.

Master John isn't here any more.

As soon as he was of age he was off to London. Gambling, it was.

Thousands and thousands of pounds the mistress paid for him.

She had to shut up most the house and turn off the other servants

but still he kept plaguing her for money.

Then, last summer, he killed himself, Miss Jane.

They found him hanging and the cards still on the table.

When they told the mistress she had a kind of stroke,

wandering like in her mind.

BELL RINGS

-Is that you, Bessie?

-Yes, ma'am.

Who are you?

Go away.

I'm Jane, Aunt Reed.

Jane Eyre.

Jane...Eyre.

Nobody can know the trouble I've had with that child.

Little pauper brat.

Should have been in...

..workhouse.

Jane...

Jane Eyre.

Oh! Oh, don't leave me, Jane.

Please don't leave me.

I won't leave you.

Oh... Oh.

No, sir, Mistress can't see nobody. She's been ill for months.

I wanted to make some enquiries about a niece of hers, Miss Eyre.

Would you wait inside?

Thank you.

Gentleman to see you, Miss Jane.

I don't want to see him, I don't want to see anyone.

Don't be foolish. You can't live all alone!

I'll see to the mistress. Run along now, he's waiting.

Jane!

-How did you know I was here?

-I didn't.

I was trying to find you.

I received an enquiry about you the other day.

You didn't stay in that place you went to very long, did you?

Didn't you like it?

What happened?

I had to leave.

Forgive me, it's no business of mine.

But I must ask about this letter.

It comes from a lawyer in Millcot.

He writes to me as the person whose name you gave as a reference

when you went to Thornfield

A client of his wants to know your whereabouts.

Do you know who's enquiring for you?

Jane, if you don't want me to talk about this any more, I won't.

Thank you, Dr Rivers.

It's for you to say.

Would you rather I didn't answer it at all?

35 bob. Any advance on 35? £2 is bid.

Going at £2. Going, going... Take it away, Bill.

Jane.

Jane.

Jane!

"It seemed the cry of a soul in pain, an appeal so wild and urgent

"that I knew I must go and go quickly.

"Only when I knew what had happened to him -

"Only when I had looked once more upon that tortured face -

"could I make my decision."

It was she who did it, Miss Eyre.

She struck down Grace Poole as she slept

and then she set fire to Thornfield.

It was her laugh in the gallery that woke me.

I ran to the nursery, wrapped Adele in a shawl and carried her down.

As we came out into the courtyard I heard her laugh again.

I looked up and there she was on the roof,

laughing and waving her arms above the battlements.

Mr Edward saw her as he came out.

He did not say anything but went back into the house

to try to save her.

All this side of the house was blazing.

There was smoke everywhere.

Then it cleared and suddenly we saw Mr Edward behind her on the battlements.

She saw him too.

He came towards her to help her down.

She stood very still for a moment

and just as he seemed to reach her

she gave a dreadful scream and ran from him to the edge.

The next moment she lay smashed on the pavement before us.

She was dead, Miss Eyre.

Mr Edward?

The great staircase fell in as he was coming down.

DOG BARKS

-Mrs Fairfax.

-Yes, sir.

Why are you in this part of the house?

-Adele is waiting for her supper.

-Yes, sir.

Here, Pilot!

Who's there?

Who are you?!

I've come back, sir.

Edward, Edward.

Your fingers.

Those small, soft fingers.

Hair.

A little flower-soft face.

And a heart too, Edward.

Jane!

All you can feel now is mere pity.

I don't want your pity!

Edward!

You can't spend your life with the mere wreckage of a man.

You're young and fresh, you'll get married.

Don't send me away.

Please don't send me away!

You think I want to let you go?

"As the months went past he came to see the light once more

"as well as to feel its warmth.

"To see first the glory of the sun

"and then the mild splendour of the moon and at last the evening star.

"And then one day, when our first-born was put into his arms

"he could see the boy had inherited his own eyes as they once were -

"large, brilliant and black."