Jane Eyre by W.G. Wills
Alct I]
Room in Thomfield. He[arth with fire] burning.
Mrs [Fairfax and] Adéle discovered

Mrs Fairfax: Now you’re a useful little girl — attend to your work and don’t look

about.

Adéle: But I want to see what hour it is, Madam. I cannot see if I do not turn
my head.

Mrs Fairfax: It's a quarter to six, my pet.

Adéle: My new governess ought to be come down, n’est pas?

Mrs Fairfax: Are you very anxious?

Adéle: That is if she is gentile and charming.

Mrs Fairfax: Mind the ball — you’ll drop it I believe. Miss Eyre is very charming.

Adéle: Can she talk French?

Mrs Fairfax: Remember that you are to talk English to her and till the company
go away and you must keep with her entirely - there’s Miss Blanche
Ingram complains of you and says you are very troublesome.

Adéle: But her sister, Miss Mary, she says I am very pretty. Ravissante.
Mrs Fairfax: Better be good than pretty.
Adéle: Oh l am tired of {th}dis. When does Mr Rochester return?

Mrs Fairfax: He might be back tonight — he might be back tomorrow.

Adéle: [I] do wish he come, and bring me my new dress.

Mrs Fairfax: Oh, that’s what you’re thinking of.

Adéle: — Magnificent white dress and pink sash; and bows and I will come down
afler dinner like von leetle angle. (Listens) Ah, here is Miss Eyre.

Mrs Fairfax (rising): Now, Adele, be very polite — your best manners, pet.

Adéle (murmuring): My new govemante.

Enter Jane Eyre, Mrs Fairfax advancing with outstreched hands

Mrs Fairfax: How do you do, Miss Eyre! l hope you like your room — you’ve had a
cold journey — come to the fire. We shall have tea directly. Mr Rochester
is away. I am a relation of his and keep house for him — we expect him
home every day.

Jane: This is my new pupil.

Adéle: Bon pour Mademoiselle.

Mrs Fairfax: This is your new pupil, Adele Dupres.
Jane: Not Rochester?

Mrs Fairfax: No. This is a little French girl — a ward of Mr Rochester’s whom he
brought over from Paris — where he lived for many years.

W.G. Wills Is Jane Eyre, 1882 389

Servant brings in lea

Mrs Fairfax:

Now, Adele, go and make friends with Miss Eyre. (To Jane): She talks
English very well.

Mrs Fairfax goes to tea table.

Jane:

Adele:

Jane:
Ade'le:
Mrs Fairfax:

A déle:
Mrs Fairfax:

Adele:

Jane:

Adele:

Jane:

Adele:

Mrs Fairfax:
A déle:

Jane:

Adele:
Jane:

A déle:
Jane:

Adele:

Mrs Fairfax:
Jane:

Adele:

Jane:

Adele:

Jane:

Adéle:

We must be great friends, Adele. (Kisses Adéle on the forehead and
sitting, draws her close to her) Are you very fond of your lessons,
Adele?

Ah Mademoiselle, I detest them - I do love the dance, the dress, the
picture books. Oh, I am triste here.

It’s a big house. I suppose we could play hide and seek here.

Non — non — non; there is a ghost in this house.

Oh, nonsense — silly stories of the servants. You can have your tea on
this little table — don’t stir. (Brings table over)

Oh, but it is true — it is true — why den do we bolt our bedroom doors
every night?

There have been some robberies in the house, Miss Eyre, two years
ago - and it is a good rule to bolt one’s door.

We are talking, Madame, Miss Eyre and I, pray do not interrupt.

Oh fie, you mustn’t talk in that way.

Can you tell stories?

Oh, yes.

Do tell one!

Don’t tease Miss Eyre. She’s tired.

Hush — hush — hush. (To Jane): Commence.

Well. I'll tell you an adventure that happened to me this very evening
about two miles away from the gate.

Tres bien.

Well, as I was I was coming along the road — taking great care not to
slip, you know, the road is covered with ice, and it was growing dark
— dark — dark - when what do you think I heard?

What?

I heard behind me a great trot, trot, trot, and a Bow wow of a big
dog.

Oh — a Bow wow ofa big dog!

Was that this evening, Miss Eyre?

About half an hour before I arrived, Ma’am.

Avance!

Well. I looked round, my dear, and I saw a great black horse.

One great black horse.

And on it was a great dark man.

One great dark man.

390

Mrs Fairfax:
Jane:

Adele:

Jane:

Adele:
Mrs Fairfax:
Jane:

Mrs Fairfax:
Jane:
Mrs Fairfax:
Jane:

A déle:
Mrs Fairfax:

Jarte Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

You say there was a dog with him, Miss Eyre?

Yes, there was a large Newfoundland, that followed the gentleman.
Eh bien.

Well, just as he was passing me — clatter — clatter — upon the ice, and I
was standing by a gate to get out of his way, the horse gave a great slip
on the ice, and down it fell, and the poor man with it — bang!

But that is shocking.

Was he much hurt?

I really thought he must have been killed at first, but he got up and
disentangled himself without assistance — I think he had only a slight
sprain, Ma’am.

Was he coming this way?

Well, I helped him to his horse, but I think he stopped at a surgeon’s in
the village.

A large dark man, you say - dear me, it must be Mr Rochester — I must
make enquiries immediately.

Mr Rochester!

Had he a box, with a pretty white dress in it; ribbons and bows?

To be sure his luggage was sent on to day but I hardly thought he’d
come till tomorrow.

Rochester (heard without): Are the ladies in?
Servant (heard without): No, Sir.

Mrs Fairfax: Why, that’s his voice in the Hall!

Enter Rochester

Mrs Fairfax: Mr Rochester, I've been so alarmed about you: are you much hurt?

Adéle: Have you brought my cadeau — my present?

Rochester: Ah! this is my heroine of the high road — the pixie who put a spell upon
my horse and took his legs from under him! I'm sorry I could not give
you an earlier welcome.

\lane/z I hope, Mr Rochester, that you’ve quite recovered your hurt.

Mrs Fairfax: Why Edmund, you limp a little!

Rochester". This young lady was my crutch — my prop — if she would lend me her arm
now — I might reach my easy chair and we might make acquaintance.

Jane: With pleasure, Sir.

Rochester (to Mrs Fairfax): This is the way we went along, Mrs Fairfax — quite like

Mrs Fairfax:

Rochester:
A de'le:

old friends till I reached my horse. (Takes a few steps with Jane aflecting
to be lame then with a laugh walks t0 his chair) Thank you, Miss Eyre.
I won’t play the imposter longer. Any letters?

One; I put it on the Library chimney piece and for the moment it is
mislaid — a foreign post mark.

A foreign post mark? Won’t you be seated? (Jane sits.)

Monsieur.

Rochester:
A déle:

Rochester:
Jane:

Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:

Adéle:

Mrs Fairfax:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:

Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
[Jane:]
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:

Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:

W. G. Wills ‘s Jane Eyre. I882 391

I know what you want, my little French lady — well, I didn't forget
you.

Merci beaucoup! Has Monsieur brought a present for Mademoiselle
Eyre?

Did you expect a present, Miss Eyre? Are you fond of presents?

l hardly know, Sir — I’ve little experience of them — they are generally
thought pleasant things.

Generally thought: what’s your opinion?

It so much depends upon the giver.

This little woman doesn't think so — a present is welcome from any
hand — if you ran up to your room, Adéle, you would find what you
love best.

My new robe! (She skips to the door Hesitates as she opens it.) No I
have fear — the Ghost! Mrs Fairfax, come with me.

You little goose. (Exeunt)
I think your name is?

Eyre.

And your other name?

Jane.

Well, Miss Jane Eyre. You’ve been very good to me tonight — you’ve
shown courage, coolness and good nature.

Now you’ve given me my present, Mr Rochester.

You've been resident in my house about an hour.

Yes, Sir.

And you came from —

Lowood School in Yorkshire.

Ah. A charitable concern. l-Iow long were you there?

About eight years.

You must be tenacious of life. Who are your parents?

I have none.

Nor ever had, I suppose! You were a sort of wraith or water witch — you
spread that damned ice on the road — because I broke through one of
your rings — well if you disown your parents you must have some sort
of kinsfolk — uncles and aunts.

No — none that I ever saw.

And your home?

I have none.

Where do your brothers and sisters live?

I have no brothers or sisters.

Who recommended you to come here?

I advertised and Mrs Fairfax answered my advertisement.

Have you ever lived in a town?

No, Sir.

Have you seen much society?

392 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

Jane: I once was at Boulogne.

Rochester: Mr Prior is, I think the Clergyman of your parish — he is young — I
suppose your ladies of the school worshipped him.

Jane: Not at all, but he and his mother were very kind friends of mine. If they
had known I was going away they would have prevented me.

Rochester: A village tyrant — eh?

Jane: A tyranny of fondness, Sir.

Rochester: So you stole a march upon the Reverend Mr Prior - that explains all
— I met the reverend gentleman today hot foot — in pursuit — and having
had a letter from Mrs Fairfax mentioning your name - I asked him up
to the house.

Jane: Oh, Mr Rochester, I am sorry you did that.

Rochester: Well, well, you must meet him now and let the stray lamb take care of
the shepherd’s crook — I suppose I am the wolf‘?

Jane: Now, Sir, you know all about me — is my examination ended?

Rochester: I think I know less than when I began. (He takes fiom his pocket bundles
of letters.) New it's your turn — it‘s only fair, before I read my letters
— that you should question me. I-lave you anything to ask me, Miss

Eyre?
Jane: Why do you treat that dear little girl so coldly, Mr Rochester?
Rochester: Because she is nothing to me - because she is the memento of an
unhappy time.
Jane: But you have accepted her as your ward — are you just?
Rochester: Well then, I am unjust — go on.
Jane: I have no more questions, Sir.

Rochester: What little interest you have in me. (Rochester looks over letters)
Re-enter Mrs Fairfax & Mrs Poole

Mrs Fairfax: I think the Master seems busy, Mrs Poole — I’ll choose my time to speak
to him.

Mrs Poole: Well Ma’am it’s only this — here are all the company coming back and
the laughter and noise comes up to us and drives her savage — she’s as
sly as a cat too.

Mrs Fairfax: She’s quiet now.

Mrs Poole: Cause the house is quiet — but it’s frightful when the company are
here.

Rochester (rising): What are you talking of? (He advances.)

Mrs Fairfax: Oh, nothing, Mr Rochester.

Rochester: Damn it, I heard you. Pardon me, Mrs Fairfax. Mrs Poole, I pay you
liberally — are you satisfied?

Mrs Poole: Oh quite, Mr Rochester, but —

Rochester: For God’s sake then, let me alone. Keep the memory of it from me.
Hush there’s a stranger here — you must not leave your charge for a
moment.

W.G. Willsls Jane Eyre, I882 393

Mrs Fairfax: The foreign letter is found, Edmund — here it is (gives letter).

Rochester (takes letter looking at envelope): From Jamaica. Mrs Poole, will you wait
a moment (opens letter)?

Mrs Fairfax (going to Jane): Here is a song Mr Rochester brought. Will you look
over it — l think it pretty (gives song).

Jane: Thank you ma’am. (Mrs Fairfax resumes her knitting.)

Rochester (to himself): Coming back from Jamaica - coming here? (Aloud): this must
be stopped. This letter is from Mr Mason.

Mrs Poole: My patient’s brother, Sir

Rochester (to Mrs Poole): He wants to come over to see her.

Mrs Poole: It would be a bad sight, Sir.

Rochester: Mrs Poole, take this letter — you are the proper person to satisfy the
inquiries and tell him from me I forbid his coming here.

Mrs Poole: I’ll do so, Sir.

Rochester: I‘m afraid you’re careless — here's this child talking about a ghost.

Mrs Poole: Me Sir? I’m mute as the grave.

Rochester: Well, well, be temperate — be discreet — good evening.

(Exit Mrs Poole)

Rochester returns to his chair, and as if thinking, leans his head on his hand — Jane
stares at Mr Rochester. He looks up under his eyes.

Rochester: Well?

Jane: Well, sir!

Rochester: Why, you’ve been staring at me.
Jane: I beg your pardon, Sir.
Rochester: Do you think me ugly?

Jane: Yes, Sir, l mean -

Rochester: Never mind the afierthought — you are blunt to the master of the house
— what do you mean by it?

Jane: Sir, I have only made a blunder and l beg your pardon. I should have
said that tastes differ — that beauty is of little consequence —

Rochester: Oh, is it?

Mrs Fairfax: Miss Eyre, you mustn’t mind Mr Rochester — he’s only in jest.

Rochester (rising): Forgive me, Miss Eyre — you are come to a strange house amongst
strangers — whom you will not find very companionable — so l thought
we might get at home with one another at once. You will never feel
yourself as an inferior with me. I’m quite sure you’ll receive my orders
without being hurt by a tone of command — I’m rather a Turk. (Jane
smiles.) What are you smiling at?

Jane: l was thinking, Sir, that very few masters would trouble themselves
to enquire whether or not their paid subordinates were hurt by their
orders.

394 Jane Eyre on Stage. 1848-1898

Rochester: Paid subordinates. What, you are a paid subordinate are you? Ah, I’d
forgotten the salary.

Mrs Fairfax: Here they are, come back from their drive, Edmund.

Rochester (rises): Oh, you‘ll wait here, Miss Eyre. I must introduce you.

(Exit Mrs Fairfax & Rochester)

Jane: Shall I like them? Will he like me — I cannot tell yet. He is so different
from all I ever met yet — a little rough but kind — he wishes to make me
at home — that touched me - shall I like all this strange proud company
and will they like me? This dreadful shy feeling will choke me — where’s
my presence of mind? Ah, here they come.

Enter Lady Ingram & her two daughters, Blanche & Mary. They advance to Jane
smiling.

Lady Ingram: Allow me to introduce myself — Lady Ingram — my two daughters.

Jane (bowing): I’m Miss Eyre.

Blanche: We are so sorry you did not arrive in time to join our drive to the
monastery, Miss Eyre.

Lady Ingram: Mr Rochester told us - we should find a young fi'iend of his just
arrived.

Jane: I’m just arrived, my Lady, but I’m afraid I can hardly claim to be a
friend of Mr Rochester. l’m the new Govemess.

Lady Ingram: Dear me. l beg your pardon. How very stupid.

Blanche: One of Mr Rochester’s jests.

Jane: I’m very sorry you've been misled.

Lady Ingram: 0h, no consequence.

Mary (holding our her hand): l’m very happy to know you, Miss Eyre.

Jane (a little aflected): Thank y0u for your kindness, Miss Ingram.

Jane retires to the roll of music & turns it over.
Enter the two Miss Beechers and Lord Desmond
Desmond: I absolutely deny the charge.

Miss A Beecher: You did — you said both our noses were red — oh, Blanche, he’s been
so impertinent.

Enter Rochester

Blanche: I hope you were very desolate without us, Mr Rochester.

Rochester: Without you, of course — my only relief was fulfilling your many
commissions.

Desmond: Filled up you time pretty well, ah?
Laay Ingram: She missed you so much.

W.G. Wills Is Jane Eyre, 1882 395

Blanche: Oh! Nonsense, Mama.

Desmond: She's been so cross and unmanageable.

Blanche: Will you hush. I'm thinking only of business, Mr Rochester.
Rochester: Madam.

Blanche: Have you got the lace?

Rochester: l’ve got the lace.

Blanche: Have you sent the box of new library books?

Rochester: The box has arrived.

Blanche: No dear naughty novels?
Rochester: All highly proper.
Blanche: What, no runaway matches? No divorces? No terrible French heroines?

What not one nice naughty book?
Lady Ingram: You silly girl.
Rochester: Perhaps one.
Blanche: Charming.
Lady Ingram: l should pounce upon it, I can assure you.
Desmond: A bad child’s guide, Rochester, eh?
Blanche: And the new song.
Rochester: I think Miss Eyre is looking over it.
Jane: Oh, I have done with it. (Brings it over to Blanche) It seems a pretty

song.
Blanche (coldly): Oh, thank you.
Rochester: And now, how are you going to reward me for my faithful service?
Blanche: By singing it at once for you.
Rochester: That will more than repay me.

[Blanche] goes to piano
Enter Adele in her new frock

Adéle: Bon jour Monsieur, et Mesdames.

Blanche: Oh, what a little puppet.

Mary: What a pretty dress.

Rochester". A little imp, just popped up from a trap and shockingly at home.

Jane (coming forward): Adele, dear Miss Ingram is just going to sing such a pretty
song. Sit over here beside me. A very pretty dress — now be very still.

Blanche (touching the chords): Good gracious, my fingers are so stiff with the cold I
can’t play accompaniment. What’s to be done? (Rubs her fingers)

Lady Ingram: Surely Miss Eyre is able to play?

Blanche (coldly): Will you be good enough to accompany me, Miss Eyre? It’s quite
simple.

Jane: I play very badly, Miss Ingram, or Pd be very happy.

Lady Ingram (aside): Dear me! What an unqualified governess.

Desmond: Let her treat us to the scales.

396 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

Lady Ingram: You really must have a competent teacher.

Mary (kindly): Miss Eyre, will you let me take your place? I’m sure my sister
should be very much obliged.

Blanche (tossing her head): Not at all.

Rochester: I am, Miss Eyre.

Blanche sings the following song set t0 simple taking music. Mary accompanies.
The Birth of Love

The dew-[b]ent flowers were sleeping fast
In the pearly light of morn —
When the sofl winds whispered it is past
And the infant Love was born.
And the birds sent up a song of praise
Far its charm was all around
And they circled in a giddy maze
As they made the hills resound.
And they circled in a giddy maze
As they made the hills resound.

And the wild beast in his tangled lair

Now felt the touch of its wand

And every youth and maiden fair

Rejoiced in the sacred bond.

E’en the big trees nodded in their joy

To the fleeting clouds above

As they mutely said this new born boy

Was the infant God of Love.
As they mutely said this new born boy
Was the infant God of Love.

Applause of company at end of song

Rochester: Thank you, Miss Ingram, and now I challenge you to a game of billiards
to circulate your blood.

Blanche: Done — how many points will you give me?

Rochester: As many as you please.

Blanche: And what will you bet me?

Rochester: What you please.

Lady Ingram: I really must witness this game. Come, we‘ll all go in.

Desmond: I think I’ll follow (looking a! Jane).

Rochester (jocularly aside to him): No you don’t, l’m not going to let you flirt with
my governess. Come along.

W. G. Wills Is Jane Eyre, I 882 397

Desmond (aside to Rochester): You reserve that for yourself, eh?
Lady Ingram: Come along — I’ll back Blanche.
(Exeunt all but Blanche who returns from the door)

Blanche: Pardon me, Miss Eyre. Will you allow me to ask you a question — I
don't mean to be rude.

Jane: Ah, certainly, Miss Ingram, but till I know what you’re going to ask —

Blanche: I simply wanted to know what Mr Rochester meant by speaking of you
as his friend.

Jane: Certainly not much, Miss Ingram. No doubt he meant kindly.

Blanche: Not to talk of a governess — it was not perhaps the thing to my mother
and myself.

Jane: If Mr Rochester offers me his friendship I will respectfully accept it.

Blanche: Pray let me give you a word of advice. Mr Rochester may sometimes

forget himself with his social inferiors, but I mean kindly when l warn
you you should not forget your place with him.

Jane: My place is beside my pupil.

Lady Ingram (calling): Blanche, Blanche, Mr Rochester is waiting.

Blanche (fi'igidly bowing): You’ll pardon me. (Exit)
Adele: Ma Foi, is she not beautiful!

Jane: She is beautiful.

Adele: And magnifique — sa robe —

Jane: Magnificent, dear.

Adele: Oh, the beautiful flowers — I will put one in my dress.

Jane (to herself): Let me keep a brave heart. Let me keep the tears back. What a kind
word and look he gave me.

Enter servant

Servant: Mr Prior wants to see you, Miss; shall I show him up?

Jane: Show him up (aside): Since it must be. (Exit Servant)
Adele: Shall I go, Miss Eyre?

Jane: No, no, stay.

Adele: How do I look?

Enter Mr Prior

Jane (advancing with outstretched hand): Forgive me for leaving the school. What
— you won’t shake hands? Indeed, I grew too miserable.

Prior: It’s a grand place this, Miss Eyre. You need not explain — your village
home was poor — but your duties lay there.

Jane: Won’! you sit down, Mr Prior? No? One can find duties everywhere. I
have found mind here.

Prior: You are among grand people here. Your social superiors. They will

scorn and insult you.

398 Jane Eyre on Stage. 1848-1898

Jane: I’ve felt it already. I‘ll bear it.

Prior: I’ve heard some of them sneer at you as I passed the hall.

Jane: I can bear that — the pain of this conversation I cannot bear, feeling
what I owe you. It is useless - indeed it is useless.

Prior: We stood to you, Jane, when you had not a friend in the world. You had

two faithful hearts to rely upon — my mother’s and mine. Come back
to us, dear Jane.

Jane: I cannot — tell me of the village, the School, of your dear mother, but
don’t press this subject.

Prior: Confess it was a heartless thing to leave the place without a farewell.

Jane: I meant it as a kindness — to spare pain to us both. I'll remember you

and pray for you — all the same, if you'd allow me to be only a friend,
I should not have lefi my post, though the hardship and poverty were
wearing me out. But you would press. You would.

Prior: Say persecute at once.

Jane: You would wring my heart with imploring me daily, hourly, for what
I could never give — my love —

Prior: You may have had a distasteful pastor, Miss Eyre —

Jane: No, no.

Prior: l-Iere you have a master who is a notorious profligate.

Jane: Stop there, Mr Prior — l scarcely know Mr Rochester, but I have only
experienced kindness, consideration and sympathy.

Prior: Yes the leopard has a pretty skin,
The snake; a playfiil rattle.

Jane: I utterly refuse to hear my master maligned.

Prior: Tell me one thing, Jane — in the village or elsewhere, have l a rival?

Mr Rochester enters, cane in hand

Jane: No.

Rochester (coming forward): I hope I’m not interrupting the meeting of two friends.
I only want to ask you, Mr Prior, to give me the pleasure of dining and
staying for the night.

Prior (srifliy): Thank you, Sir, but l have my duties at home. I’ve been impressing
upon Miss Eyre — your governess - that my mother’s home is open to
her. We are much attached to her and I have begged of her to return.

Rochester: Well, Miss Eyre, will you return with this gentleman or stay with me?
or rather with Adele?

Jane: l will stay, Sir.

Rochester: I am glad of it.

Adele: And me I am glad (runs r0 her and puts her arm round Jane Ir waist)

W.G. Willss Jane Eyre. 1882 399
Act II

Library in Thornfield House
Rochester discovered

Rochester: Let rne see, t’was two months since I received that letter from Mason.
Two months before, he must have written it — no, nearer three — for
the voyage and the vessel from Jamaica was in Southampton last
Wednesday. What a frightful thing if Mason should come.

Enter Servant

Servant: Did you ring. Sir?

Rochester: That fellow from Southampton is below?

Servant: That Gipsy man you bought the horse from, Sir? He’s below in the
kitchen, waiting.

Rochester: Show him up. (Exit Servant)

Rochester: Oh the fetters we forge for ourselves — the cannon balls we fasten on our
own ankles, till they work to the bone — the idea of meeting that man, a
weak amiable gentleman, shakes my nerves to my centre — l have stood
at the bar of my own conscience and l’ve asked the question — Have
l a right to be happy as other men? to shake ofi‘ a terrible incubus and
be happy as others? and l have said yes — a hundred times yes — I am
acquitted -— but if this Mason comes, ruin, and desolation.

Enter Nat Lee

Rochester: Oh! Nat, you come from Southampton. Well?

Nat; Well, your honour. I was on the quay for four hours till she come in.

Rochester: The vessel from Jamaica. Well?

Nat: I stood at the gangway and kept my eye on the passengers as they coom
ashore.

Rochester: Did you ask the steward the names of the passengers?

Nat: Arterwards. Your honour. l did.

Rochester: Well, did he tell you the name of Mason?

Nat‘ No, your honour.

Rochester (aside): Thank God! (Aloud): Well, you say you watched the passengers.
What sort of a man did l tell you to look out for?

Nat: Why, a small gentleman with large dark eyes, a look of colour about
him, and black hair rather long and curly.

Rochester: Well, man, did you see anyone like that?

Nat: No, your honour.

400 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848—1898

Rochester (aside): Safe. (Aloud): Now go down stairs, Nat, to my study — you know
where it is. l’ve not done with you yet.

Nat (turning at door): Would your honour let me make a few shillings by telling the
ladies’ fortunes before I go?

Rochester: We’ll talk of that presently. (Exit Nat Lee)

Rochester: The weight is lified ofi' my heart. Now I can mix in life and smile and
plan like all the world around me. There’s Blanche’s laugh — I’ll put
that young lady's heart in the crucible and test it for alloy.

Enter Blanche, Lady Ingram, Lord Desmond, followed by Mary & Miss Beechers

Blanche: Oh, here he is — you surely are not going away, Edmund, again?

Lady Ingram: lt’s really too bad.

Desmond: Why, Rochester, you’re not going out in all this rain?

Miss Beecher: You’ll be positively drowned.

Mary: Washed away.

Rochester (laughing): There's only one here to whom I owe amends — that's to you,
Blanche. I am obliged to ride over to Mr Bushey, the Magistrate, on
business and I shall be absent three whole hours, isn’t it heartless?

Blanche: I’ll pardon you, but l’ll never pardon the Magistrate.

Rochester: I’m not going yet, no sentiment till the fatal moment. I'm coming
back. (Exit Rochester)

Blanche (yawning): What on earth’s to be done?

Lady Ingram: My love, Mrs Fairfax assures me there are some pretty costumes in the
house and we’ll have a capital charade, in the drawing room.

Blanche: Well then, Mamma, we might possibly survive till five o'clock — but
what ’s to be done afier?

Desmond: Egad! l’ve thought of a word!

All: Tell us — do tell us.
Desmond: Why, Sorrel.
Mary: What does it mean?

Desmond: Why, don’t you know — its a plant and the colour of a horse.

Miss Beecher: Capital!

Lady Ingram: Well, my Lord, let us hear — ‘sor’. How would you represent that?

Desmond: l[t] don't mean anything.

Mary: And ‘rel’.

Desmond: Don’t mean anything either. Confound it, I must try again.

Mary (aside): The dear stupid thing.

Blanche: My dear Mamma, this is the third day of the deluge. l am tired of
everyone, and everything, do tell me what to do.

Desmond: Billiards!

Blanche: Sick of them.

Mary: Where’s your French novel?

Blanche: Lefi the heroine dead and the hero a lunatic.

W. G. Wills s Jane Eyre, I882 401

Lady Ingram (slyly): I know the matter with you, my darling.
Miss Beecher: Her dear Mr Rochester is going away.
Blanche: I’ll grow tired of him bye and bye.

Laabr Ingram: Much too soon to begin, love.

Blanche: Oh. I suppose I must wait for the honeymoon?

Mary: Nonsense, Blanche, he’s never out of your thoughts.

Blanche: Mary, don’t be silly.

Mary: Take comfort, poor lamb, her grim ugly blue-beard won’t be so long
away — he’ll come back to it again.

Blanche: How can you be so absurd?

Desmond: If you’d accepted. Me. Miss Ingram. -

Blanche: Your absence might have been a relief, my Lord. Mamma. l’ve got a

capital notion.

Lady Ingram: And what’s that, my dear?

Blanche: A delightful, mischevious, splendid idea for a wet day.

Miss Beecher: Do tell us, what — what?

Blanche: You know that proper demure creature Miss Eyre?

Lady Ingram: Oh, the governess?

Blanche: The Govemess. Let us get her down, and draw her out — let us bait her.
l’m sure we shall have some fun.

Desmond: Drawing the badger, eh?

Mary: Oh, for shame, Blanche!
Lady Ingram: l don’t think it quite, a ladylike employment, my love.
Blanche: On the contrary, we’ll all be so condescending, and charming. We’ll

pretend we’ve had an argument and make her the arbiter, don’t you
see? l’m quite sure she knows — nothing of history.

Laay Ingram: And I don’t think she knows French — a most incompetent person — but,
my sweet love, I can’t approve.

Blanche: Do you want your sweet love to lie dead at your feet, Mamma? I must
be amused — (Rings bell).

Desmond: I’ll examine her in the Globes.

Mary: What do You know of them?

Desmond: All the more competent because I know nothing. l’ll lay you a pair of
gloves, Blanche, the Lady takes the change out of us all, and l hope
she may, six against one isn’t fair.

Blanche: Done.

Enter Servant

Blanche: Where is Miss Eyre?

Servant: In the conservatory, Miss.

Blanche: Would you tell her that Lady Ingram —
Lady Ingram (aside): My love, I cannot —

402 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

Blanche: — that Lady Ingram would be much obliged if she would be so good as
to come to the library. (Exit Servant)

Mary: I know if Mr Rochester comes in, he’ll stop your baiting.

Blanche: On what plea? Cruelty to animals?

Lady Ingram: Do be careful, Blanche love.
Enter Jane

Blanche: Oh, Miss Eyre, thank you — we’ve had an argument.

Desmond: Flying at one another.

Blanche: And we’ve all agreed to appeal to you as the learned person in the
house.

Jane: But I’m not learned, Miss Ingram.

Blanche: Oh! That’s modesty.

Lady Ingram: I think I understood you to say Miss Eyre, you were clever at embroidery.
Would you be so good as to finish that flower?

Jane: With great pleasure. (Sits at embroidery)

Blanche: The question in dispute is this. What is the date of the ‘Diet of
Worms’?

Desmond: We all know that worms are the diet of fish, but it ain’t that, Miss
Eyre.

Blanche: Can you tell us?

Jane: Do you really wish to know?

Blanche: Of course, we are dying.

Jane: It was in the year (gives date).

Miss Beecher: Wonderful. Amazing.
Desmond: Egad (turning Globe): Miss Eyre, you can’t think how stupid I am. I
spend an hour every morning twirling this globe here looking for Great

Britain.

Blanche: Of course you are a good French scholar?

Jane: I can talk French.

Desmond: Hams-cat-ska. Deuced hard to get one’s tongue round Hams-skat-
ska.

Lady Ingram: You’ve been abroad?

Jane: I was at school in Boulogne.

Lady Ingram: Oh, English-French.
Desmond: Grim Tartary.

Blanche: Donner un plat de sa metier! What’s that, Miss Eyre?
Jane (promptly): Bad French — son métier.
Blanche: l said, ‘son metier’.

Laafv Ingram: How can you be so presumptuous? My daughter has had the most
expensive masters — impossible!
Blanche (put out): I beg your pardon, Miss Eyre. I am quite correct.

Desmond:

Jane:
Desmond:

Jane:
Desmond:

W. G. Wills s Jane Eyre, 1882 403

Cochin China. Miss Eyre, could you tell me where to find Great
Britain?

Oh, if you look to the North West of France, my Lord.

Ah. Thanks, but where are all its little islands? Here are some little dots
to the West, like a small eruption. I should know ‘em.

Probably the Scilly Isles.

I’ve had enough of the Globes for the present.

Adele bounds in, clapping her hands

A dele:

De beautiful dresses are found — de drawing room is ready — de
Charadesll De Charadesl!

Miss Beecher: Oh do come. Delightful.
Lady Ingram: Now love, be happy.

Blanche:
Desmond:

Jane:

Desmond:
Jane:
Desmond:

Jane:
Desmond:

Jane:
Desmond:
Jane:

Desmond:
Jane:
Desmond:

Jane:
Desmond:

Jane:

Come, I’ll lead the forlom hope. (Exit all but Lord Desmond)
I don’t pay compliments. I’m not clever enough, but I like clever women.
I say, you’re a deuced clever one.

What, because I knew where to find Great Britain? Why, you found
Crim Tartary, my Lord.

Eh. And caught a Tartar — eh. Gad! I have you there.

You have.

l say! Let’s get up a conspiracy — you play up to my lead in the drawing
room. What’s this? — you say — I found Crim Tartary, and then I say the
other thing you know. Deuced good.

You can’t open a bottle of Champagne twice, My Lord, it gets flat.
Ah, you have me there. I say, how in Heaven ’s name do [you] pass the
day? I can’t pass the day for the life of me. A fellow can’t smoke two
dozen cigars in the day, and Rochester’s so deuced bad at billiards — it’s
no fun. How do you pass the day?

Well, I read and work, and I teach and I think.

Think, l’d like to try. How do you begin?

Well, my thoughts are like a circle, my lord, no beginning and no
end.

Egad! my thoughts are like a circle too, that means a nought, you know
(laughs). By Jove, I’ve done it again. We might lead up to that in the
drawing room you know.

We might.

I’d rather like to pass the day with you.

We should bore one another to death, my Lord.

I’d like the death. Now you couldn’t suggest to a fellow, Miss Eyre,
some amusement on a wet day? Not books you know, I hate books,
some little sporting, interesting, amusement, you know, that would last
till the dressing bell.

Killing flies.

404

Desmond:

Jane:

Desmond:

Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

That’s like telling a fellow to hunt in July. There ain’t any flies in January.
Capital game we might have else, you and I. l’ve won a lot of money
on it in India — you put a lump of sugar there, and I put a lump of sugar
here, and we see who attracts the most flies in six hours - capital game
— we might play for love you kn0w.

My Lord, look around you, your mother, and your sisters, and the Miss
Beeche[r]s are all gone.

Egad, l thought I was gone too. We’ll play that game in the summer,
Miss Eyre. Deuced clever. Egad. (Exit)

Jane sits in wind0w.

Jane:

Now if I saw Mr Prior’s horse coming up the road in the distance, I
think I would run upstairs, pack up my things and return with him. He
was right — he was right — what is this misery which dogs me, upstairs
and downstairs — which gives the venom to my humiliation — poor fool,
are you in love? I must weed out this nonsense from my heart. (Distant
merriment heard) Yes. Yes. Your mirth would be louder and longer if
you knew the contemptible weakness of this heart — and yet — and yet
she is not worthy of him: he cannot care for her.

Enter Blanche & Rochester; not seeing Jane

Blanche:
Rochester:
Blanche:

Rochester:
Blanche:

But I tell you I can be jealous.

Impossible.

Frightfully jealous — l could be jealous of a canary — I could be jealous
of your horse, if you fondled it too much.

I say — quite impossible that you could be jealous.

I am even jealous of the attention you pay to that \prim/ demure creature
— the governess — oh, l have watched you.

Jane pulls down blind & rises.

Blanche (aside to Rochester): Send her away.

Rochester:

Blanche:
Rochester:
Blanche:
Rochester:

Blanche:

Miss Eyre, don’t disturb yourself. We’ve no secrets. My horse is being
saddled in the yard, and I have some directions to give you before I

go.
l think you are very unkind.

Why, my girl?

Going away in this way. What takes you from home?

l’ve no objection to tell you, and to tell Miss Eyre — it may concem
you both. My neighbour and I have speculated very heavily, and this
morning I received disastrous news.

Good gracious. Mr Rochester, what will be the consequence of this?

W. G. Wills Is Jane Eyre, 1882 405

Rochester: Oh don’t be alarmed. By no means ruin. My friends —

Jane: I'm so glad of that.

Blanche: Oh, then, it won’t affect you at all?

Rochester: No more than this — I shall be obliged to sell my horses, give up my
town house, probably be waited on by a maid in a mop cap, and send
my liveried servants to the right about.

Blanche: Have you informed my mother of this, Mr Rochester?
Rochester: My dearest Blanche. I thought you were the one to break it to her.
Jane: You may be happier so, sir, and those around you too.

Rochester: I have ofien pictured to myself, if I became a poor man, what a peaceful
happy home I might create around me. No stately dinners — no chattering
parties — but a ministering loving wife, such as you, Blanche, in your
quiet alpaca gown, sharing with me my privations and turning by her
sympathy — our common cares into joy.

Blanche (aside): That wouldn't suit me.

Jane (aside): How sweet that would be.

Blanche: I think Mamma must be wondering where I am.
Rochester: Let us go and find her. (Exit Blanche & Rochester)
Jane: Ah, that humble home with him: how coldly she listened to what brought

my heart to my lips - I cannot live here — if she were worthy of him
- well - I should, no doubt, have two tigers tearing my heart, love and
jealousy, and they would soon make an end of me, but to see daily her
unworthiness, and his devotion — I cannot bear it. I must go — oh what
a fool I am! I’ll set it down (takes out diary) I’ll write on this page
— Jane Eyre — brought up on charity — a poor country school mistress
— without family — without beauty — vain — presumptuous — jealous.
Now on the other side — Blanche Ingram — birth — beauty — position
- accomplishments and the winner of my dear Master's love.

Enter Rochester; quietly. Jane sees him, and closes diary.

Rochester: Why are you taking notes — you are a spy upon the house! Come let us

have a look?
Jane: No — no — it couldn’t interest you.
Rochester: Oh. You have secrets?
Jane: One can have private thoughts without having secrets.

Rochester: Hallo. Look round. Mr Prior’s at the window. (Jane turns quickly.
Rochester gently takes diary & pretends to read): ‘Dreamt of Mr Prior
last night’.

Jane (trying to seize it): Give it back. You must give it back. (He gives it back.)

Rochester: Little friend, you’ve noticed my tender ‘penchant’ for Miss Ingram?

Jane: Yes Sir.

Rochester: She’s a rare one, is she not, Jane?

Jane: Yes. Sir.

406 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

Rochester: She's an armful — a strapper — a real strapper — big, blonde, and
buxom.

Jane: Mr Rochester, I got a letter, yesterday, from Mr Prior telling me his
kind mother was ill. Here is the letter.

Rochester: Well I don’t want it.

Jane: But I want your leave to go for a week.
Rochester: When do you wish to g0?
Jane: Early tomorrow morning. Sir.

Rochester: Well. You must have some money — I’ve given you no salary yet. How
much have you in the world, Jane?

Jane (taking out purse): Five shillings. Sir.

Rochester (taking purse, pours money on his hand, chuckles over it, takes out his
pocket book): Here.

Jane: Fifty Pounds! I thought you were poor. Sir.
Rochester: Oh did you?

Jane: You only owe me six pounds — I’ve no change.
Rochester: I don’t want change — take your wages.

Jane: Not more than my due.

Rochester: Ah, right, I forgot that you might stay away three months, if you had
fifty pounds. Here are three sovereigns — that’s plenty.

Jane: Yes, Sir. But now you owe me three.
Rochester: Come back for it, then. I am your banker for forty-seven pounds.
Jane: Mr Rochester. I may as well mention another matter of business to you,

while I have the opportunity.
Rochester: Matter of business — I am curious to hear it.

Jane: You have informed me, sir you are going shortly to be married.
Rochester: Yes, what then?
Jane: In that case Adele ought to go to school.

Rochester: To get her out of my bride’s way — I see — not a doubt of it. Adele, as
you say, 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 (with a comic stare): Of course, and you will ask Mr Prior to get you a
place?
Jane: No, Sir, I shall advertise.

Rochester: You shall walk up the Pyramids of Egypt — at your peril you advertise.
I wish I offered you only a sovereign instead of three — give me back
two, Jane. I have use for them.

Jane: And so have I, Sir. I couldn't spare the money on any account.
Rochester: Little niggard. Give me one sovereign, Jane.

Jane: Not one shilling, Sir — not one penny.

Rochester: Just let me look at the money.

Jane: No, Sir — you’re not to be trusted.

Rochester: Jane!

Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:

Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:

Jane:
[Rochester]:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:

Enter Adele.
Adele:
Jane:

Adele:
Jane:

Adele:

W. G. Wills Is Jane Eyre, 1882 407
Sir.
Promise me one thing.
I'll promise you anything that I think I am likely to perform.
Not to advertise — trust to me — l’ll find you a situation.
I shall be glad to do so, Sir — if you will promise that Adele and I shall
be safe out of the house before your bride enters it.
Very well. I pledge my word on it. You go to morrow then?
Yes. Sir. Early.
Then you and I must bid good bye for a while.
I suppose so, Sir.
And how do people perform that ceremony? of parting, Jane? Teach
me. I'm not quite up to it.
They say farewell.
Then say it.
Farewell, Mr Rochester, for the present.
What must I say‘?
Why the same.
Farewell, Miss Eyre, for the present. Is that all?
Yes.
It seems stingy. I’d like something else. One might shake hands. There
is something, Jane, which makes this farewell diflicult for each of us.
We have been good friends — I grieve to leave Thornfield. I’ve not been
trampled on — I’ve not been petrified and I’ve had a kind master.
Something more than that. Jane, I’ve a queer feeling with regard to this
friendship as if there was a string somewhere under my lefl ribs, that was
joined to your heart, and if we parted overlong, I’ve a nervous notion I
should take to bleeding inwardly — as for you — you would forget me.
That. I never should, sir — you know — such a friend as you, Sir, can
never be forgotten.
Well, well, we’ve said Farewell. (Exit)
If he knew how hard it is to answer him gaily when my heart is full.
Well done, Jane. You’ve got through it without a sob.

Oh Mademoiselle, that mechant Blanche. Do you know what she said
to me?

What did she say?

She said that I did not belong to Monsieur Rochester or anyone.
Never mind, Adele. I love you all the better for that. As a child I was
just like you — we love one another all the better — shall l tell you a
ghost story?

Oh, oui.

408 Jane Eyre on Stage, I 848-1 898

Jane: It's very very short — there was once a great, great, lord and a poor
slave girl, and this great Lord sometimes smiled upon the girl, and the
foolish girl used to watch for that smile, and long for it — she’d say in
the morning to herself, ‘I wonder will he smile on me to day’, and at
night, ‘he looked on me today, but did not smile.

Adele: Was she a Govemess?

Jane: Hush. They’re all coming in.

Mrs Fairfax appears at door.

Jane: And there‘s good Mrs Fairfax beckoning for you. Good night.

Mrs Fairfax: Come, Adele, (Exit with Adele.)

Enter Lady Ingram, Desmond, Mary, Blanche & Miss Beecher:

Blanche: Why can’t you have the gipsy in here?

Mary: Oh do have him up in this beautiful moonlight.

Miss Beecher: It will be so sentimental.

Lady Ingram: My dear. You’re not going to have a great dirty Gipsy up in the
library?

Blanche: Well, we’re not going down in the kitchen to him, that‘s certain, and I
positively must have my fortune told.

Desmond: Let him come up. He’s a funny old dog — have him up.

Enter Servant.

Servant: He’s coming up in spite of me, my Lord — he says the master gave him
leave to tell the young ladies’ fortunes.

Desmond: And here he comes. (Exit Servant.)

Lady Ingram: I-low vastly absurd.
Enter Rochester disguised as a Gipsy.

Rochester: Good even to you gentle folk - good e’en to you and fair fortunes to
you all.

Blanche: That depends upon you — be sure to give me a good one.

Rochester: Eh, my bonny leddy - I've a good will to do so — but that rests with the
stars - show me your little palm.

Blanche: Must I cross it with silver?

Rochester: Ah, sure a bit o‘ siller — I’ll sit me here (looks at her hand). Come
round a bit, my Leddy, and let the moonlight on it. Ah, dear heart, bags
o' gold and siller and my lord for a bridegroom ~ the black crow that
followed you is a puir fowl not worth the plucking — gold peacocks,
and pheasants are your sort.

Blanche:
Rochester:

Mary:
Rochester:

Mary:

Rochester:
Desmond:
Rochester:
Desmond:
Rochester:

W. G. Willss Jane Eyre, I882 409

What nonsense — that’s enough for me.

Coom forrad, coom forrad — young and bonny ones, stretching your
pretty necks in the darkness. (All advance except Jane.)

What's my fortune, Sir?

Ah, you ken it well yourself — slybody — there’s the cousin. He with
the yellow hair and rides the white horse with the hounds.

Gracious. How do you know that?

Ah. I knows it all — who’ll speer her fortune next?

What will be my fortune at the next Derby, my man?

You back the foal ‘Fiddler’.

What then?

Why, you’ll lose!

Desmond (aside): Damn it. I've backed him heavily.
Lady Ingram: I don’t think this is quite right.

Desmond:

Seems to know all about us.

Blanche (to Mary): How do you feel?

Rochester:
Mary:

Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:

Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

There’s anither leddy here — she cant hide fra’ me.

Oh, Miss Eyre, you must come and have your fortune told. (Leads Jane
forward.)

Well, you want to know your fortune?

I don’t care about it — you may please yourself. l don’t believe in it.
Why, its like your impudence to say so — I heard it in your step.

Did you? You’ve a quick ear.

Ah, and a quick eye, and a quick brain.

You need them all in your trade.

Well I do specially when I get a customer like you. Why don't you
tremble?

I’m not cold.

Why don’t you tum pale?

I’m not sick.

Why don’t you consult me, saucy?

I’m not silly.

Blanche (aside): What nerve that creature has.

Mary:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Blanche:

Hush. (Rochester lights pipe & smokes.)

You are cold - you are sick and you are silly.

Prove it.

Let me look in your face — stand in the light there. Ye are cold because
ye are alone. Ye are sick, because ye see happiness afore yer, at your
lips and yer cannot taste it. Ye are silly ‘cause ye will not stretch to it.
I can’t guess riddles — what do you mean?

I’ll read your life for yer. Here you are aloane wi’ all the foine folk
around you — like figures in a glass, but there’s one o ‘em that ye watch,
wi’ yer doleful ee’n night and morn.

What can he mean?

410 Jane Eyre on Stage. 1848-1898

Rochester: Ye sit in yer winder to watch him. I ken yer habits I ken yer ways.

Jane: You’ve learnt them from the servants.

Rochester: Where’s squire Rochester?

Jane: From home.

Rochester: Well, but he’ll come back.

Blanche: Come out of this, for mercy’s sake — lets light all the candles. Do give

me your arm, Lord Desmond, I’m fi'ightened.
Lady Ingram: Give her a good lecture, my lord, upon her superstition
Desmond (aside): I'll not back ‘Fiddler’. (Aloud): My dear Miss Ingram, trust me,

I’ll save you from the bogies. (Exit)
Mary: Won’t you come, Miss Eyre.
Jane: I’m not afraid. I’ll wait. (All exit but Rochester & Jane.)

Rochester: Ah, go along with all of you. I hae to talk to you. Ye saw, dearee, how
she leaned on the lord’s arm. I'd warn Squire Rochester to look out. If
the silly lord come back to her now — the puir squire is counted out.

Jane: But I did not come to hear Mr Rochester’s fortune. I came to hear my
own.

Rochester: Kneel there on the bit stool. I’ll read your fortune in your face. Why
ye might pick the fruit fra the branch by the stretching of your hand. I
saw good fortune herself, put that you wished for on the shelf for you.
You’ve only to take it down. You fancy Mr Rochester!

Jane (quickly): If this is all you’re to tell me, Good night!

Rochester. Ah, you silly dafi — wi’ half an ee’ ye could see that Squire Rochester
fancies you. That heart is galled wi’ this chain that hawds him to the
tall bowld faced lass. His thoughts are wi'ye now, fu’ of’ love as he
jogs along the dark road fu’ i’ love. Ha ye no love for him?

Jane (agitated): Who has told you this? D0 you see into people’s hearts and secrets?
Old man? Yes, I love him — I thought no one knew it — if you know my
heart, do you know his? You’re mad to say he cares for me. I’ll listen
to you no longer.

Rochester: Ah, your voice trembles, your step totters. (Throws ofl disguise.) Well,
Jane, don’t you know me?

Jane: Mr Rochester.
Rochester: No other come back.
Jane: What have I said? I've been in a dream. Oh, Sir, t’was scarcely fair -l

hardly thought I should meet you again, in travesty.

Rochester: You shall meet rne, Jane. to night, without any disguise. I have found the
situation for you. You are to undertake the education of Mrs Dionysus
O’Gall’s five daughters of Bittemut Lodge. Connaught. Ireland.

Jane (moved): I thought that Adele and I — it is a long way ofi‘, Sir.

Rochester: No matter — a girl of your sense will not object to the voyage or the
distance.

Jane: The distance and the sea — a barrier —

Rochester: From what, Jane?

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

W.G. Mlls Is Jane Eyre, I882 41]

From England — from Thomfield — and —

Well? fi'om me —

From you, sir (agitated). A long way, a long way.

To be sure, and when you get to Bittemut Lodge, Connaught, Ireland
— and you must go to morrow, never to return -

I wish I‘d never come to Thomfield. I wish I’d never been born.
Because you are sorry to leave it?

I have known you, Mr Rochester — your kindness. Your company
— is what I have reverenced — is what I have delighted in — and the
tongue will speak out at last. It strikes me with terror and anguish to
feel I absolutely must be torn from you for ever. I see the necessity of
departure and it is like looking on the necessity of death.

Rochester (suddenly): Where do you see the necessity?

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Where? You, Sir have placed it before me in the shape of Miss Ingram
— your bride.

My bride! What bride! I have no bride.

But you will have.

Yes, I will! I will.

Then I must go. You’ve said it yourself.

No - you must stay — I swear it.

I tell you I must go. Do you think I can stay to be nothing to you? Do
you think I am a machine without feelings and can bear to have my
morsel of bread snatched from my lips and my drop of living water
dashed from my cup? Do you think because I’m poor, obscure, plain,
that I am soul-less and heartless? You think wrong. I’ve as much soul
as you and full as much heart. If God had gified me with some beauty
and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as
it is now for me to leave you. It is my heart and soul now that addresses
yours. Not the servant addressing her master - but equal.

As we are.

And yet not so, for you are as good as a married man — and wed to
one inferior to you. One you cannot love — I would scorn such a union
— therefore I am better than you — let me go.

Where Jane — to Ireland?

I have spoken my mind and can go anywhere now.

You shall act for yourself. I am no longer engaged to Miss Ingram.

No longer? (Aside): But what is this to me?

You remember how I confessed to heavy losses before that paragon of
fidelity? I-ler mother acted promptly — I found this letter on my table
— very polite — deprecating anything sudden or unpleasant, she had
long suspected the state of things — and regretted that the suit of Lord
Desmond should have been repulsed — so and so — and Jane, I am
free.

You play a farce, which I merely laugh at.

412

Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:
Jane:

Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

Do you doubt me, Jane?
Wholly!

You’ve no faith in me?
Not a whit.

Rochester @assionately): Am I then a liar in your eyes? Am I so little of the gentleman

Jane:
Rochester".
Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:
Rochester:
ane:
Rochester:
Jane:
Rochester:

Jane:

that I could insult you by such an offer in jest — I love you dearer than
life — you poor obscure, dependent — I entreat you to accept me as a
husband.

What, me? Mr Rochester, let me look in your face.

Why?

l want to read it. It’s all the world to me to believe you are true, and your
offer real. My only feelings to you must be gratitude and devotion.
Gratitudell Jane — accept me quickly. Say Edmund — give me my name
— Edmund, I will marry you?

Do you truly love me? Do you sincerely wish me to be your wife?

I do. You do not want an oath?

Then Sir. I will marry you.

Edmund!

Dear Edmund.

Come to me — come to me entirely now — make my happiness — I will
make yours.

Leave me alone now, dear — I want to think — I haven’t yet conceived
my happiness.

Rochester (kisses her. Aside): God pardon me, and man meddle not with me! I have

Jane:

her, and will hold her. (Aloud): Are you happy, Jane?
All too happy.

Rochester (aside): Then it will atone — it will atone. God will pardon me.

Jane:

(Exit)
He’s mine — Jane Eyre’s own love is like a king’s crown placed on a
beggar’s head — there never was a wilder, grander, fairy gifi in a tale
— nothing but death can snatch away this joy - and afier all my life
of labour and sorrows, God is too just to cut short my blossom’d life.
Now come slight and insult on me, would be a sort of luxury - whilst
I whispered he is mine — he is mine. Keep down, swelling heart, or joy
may kill you — no mortal ever lived happier than I — no happiness was
ever' so cloudless — none can stand between him, and me (Maniac laugh
heard distant) — Oh, what's that? God protect me, it was like a devil’s
laugh. (Laugh repeated almost at door) Edmund — Edmund — save me
— I — I can’t escape. What is it? what is it?

Door opens & Madwoman appears, sees Jane, approaches with horrible menaces;
with a cry Jane dmps anfloor; Maniac is about to strangle her when Rochester enters
quickly, advances — Maniac gibbers, & points from Jane to Rochester, & to herself
She retreats through door:

W.G. WiIIsIs Jane Eyre, 1882 413

Rochester: Grace. Grace Poole — Here! (Closes secret door) Jane. Dearest one,
you are safe. (He supports her head on his knee & the company heard
without calling): — Open, what’s the matter. What’s the matter?

End of Act II

Act III
Library, about 4 o ‘clock, sunshine dying out and showing again across the books
Mrs Fairfax discovered arranging some books
Mrs Fairfax: Dear me, I don’t like the task at all of giving this dear young lady a hint
— and she has really been too ill, but I wi[sh] l could get her to leave
the house and go home while Edmund’s away in London.

Enter Jane

Mrs Fairfax: Well dear, you’re up!

Jane: I have been ill.
Mrs Fairfax: You have had a great shock, dear Miss Eyre.
Jane: I remember it dimly. I want to know all about it. Can you tell me‘? Can

you explain?
Mrs Fairfax: Sit down, dear. Sit Down.

Jane. What day is this, Mrs Fairfax?
Mrs Fairfax: Just a fortnight since that distressing evening, my dear.
Jane: The Ingrams are gone.

Mrs Fairfax: They are gone home, and, only fancy, dear, there ‘s likely to be a match
between Lord [blank] and the beautiful Miss Blanche.

Jane: Where‘s Mr Rochester?

Mrs Fairfax: He is [in] London. He ascertained from the doctor that you were only
suffering from a nervous shock.

Jane: And he’ll be back?

Mrs Fairfax: We expected him yesterday. We don't know what keeps him in
London!

Jane (smiling): l think I can guess. Pardon my questions, Mrs Fairfax — and my
pupil?

Mrs Fairfax: Adele is gone to a relations of Mr Rochester’s where she will remain,
but you will have no difiiculty, dear Miss Eyre, in finding a place.

Jane: Thank you, I’ve found a happy, beautifiil place already.
Mrs Fairfax: 0h! Indeed!
Jane: I'll be glad to leave this house.

Mrs Fairfax: You keep looking at that secret door, dear, there's no cause for alarm.
(Jane draws chair to Mrs Fairfax)

414

Jane:

Mrs Fairfax:

Jane Eyre on Stage. 1848-1898

Perhaps not, but I would implore you to give me an explanation — it’s
something dreadful.
Well, dear —

Jane (with hushed voice): Who is this fearful woman upstairs!

Mrs Fairfax:

Jane:
Mrs Fairfax:
Jane:
Mrs Fairfax:

I always understood, my dear, that she was a half-sister of Mr Rochester.
I believe a Creole by birth. He has acted very generously towards
the poor creature. She has been cruelly treated, I understand in an
asylum.

How was it the company in the house knew nothing of her?
Naturally Mr Rochester would be very sensitive.

How is it that she could be loose about the house!

It has very rarely happened. Once I heard she tried to set fire to Mr
R0chester’s bed -curtains, when he was asleep — but I mustn’t alarm
you.

Door opens, Jane starts. Enter Grace Poole.

Grace:

Mrs Fairfax:
Grace:
Jane:

Grace:

Mrs Fairfax:
Grace:
Jane:

Grace:

Jane:

Mrs Fairfax:
Jane:

Mrs Fairfax:
Jane:

Grace:

Jane (rises):

Mrs Fairfax:

How is the young lady?
A little nervous yet.
If I were the young lady. I wouldn’t sleep another night in this house.
But why!
Oh! Many reasons, Miss. Some of them might offend you if I told.
The coach passes at six o'clock, Miss. She up there — is dangerous and
cunning. I wouldn’t stop If I was you.
How can you frighten her!
But I would like to frighten her if it would make her catch that coach.
If she wants the fare, we could make it up for her.
If your patient be so dangerous Why do you leave her!
I’ve an assistant, and she’s quiet now. Her ear’s so quick, bless you
— that any loud talking or singing comes up to her when I can scarcely
hear a sound.
I am going tomorrow, Mrs Poole. I don't think between this and then
there’ll be either singing or loud talking. I've a good friend to take care
of me — when I go.
I think he's waiting for you now, dear.
What! Mr Rochester!
No dear, Mr Prior.
Oh! is he come! I’ll see him.
She’s got Mr Rochester on her lips.

(Exits with a keen 100k at Jane)
I'll go down to him.

Why should you, dear! I’m going down and I’ll send him up. No - no
— don’t be frightened, that door is fast nailed up. I’ll send Mr Prior to
you. (Exit)

WG. Wills 3 Jane Eyre, 1882 415

Jane: There’s something chilly about everyone. I wish he were back - my
happiness has taken flight, and that dream of the little child three nights
always the same — dabbling its hand in the grasses. It always brought
me ill-luck — I wish he were back.

Enter Mr Prior — she shakes hand with him

Jane: You don’t forget rne, dear Mr Prior — two long journeys to see me. ls
your mother well?

Prior: I don’t think she was ever well, Jane, since you lefi us.

Jane: Oh, then you shouldn’t have lefi her.

Prior: She bade me come.

Jane: Won‘t you sit down, Mr Prior? How happy I could fancy you would

be in this library all day. Do sit here — see you can tum this little book-
stand on its swivel — open some deep book — light your candles — and
there you are - happy.

Prior: You seem happy, Jane!

Jane: I am happy. I only want one thing.

Prior: And that — l

Jane: Some confidential fi'iend to tell my happiness to.

Prior: You look pale.

Jane: I‘ve had a nervous attack, Mr Prior. What do you think has happened
to me since I saw you?

Prior: l’m very anxious, Jane, to know.

Jane: Spoken like a ghostly monitor - but there is nothing sepulchral in
my news — fancy the wildest grandest dream [of] a poor governess.
Fulfilled.

Prior: You mean that — !

Jane: Come, come, dear old friend. You know you always thought of me but
as a friend and sister — I shall always be so.

Prior: But this news —

Jane: Tomorrow at this hour — I shall be Mr Rochester’s wife.

Prior (half aside): Thank God, l am come in time!

Jane: You will be present —

Prior: It is time, Jane, to tell you what has brought me here. It has got about
that Mr Rochester has been paying you attentions.

Jane: Well!

Prior: But it’s not well, Jane — don’t think I am speaking under jealousy.

Jane: l am sure you are not. But you are speaking of what you know
nothing.

Prior: Jane, there are ugly rumours about concerning Mr Rochester.

Jane: Vile calumnies — I love him the more!

Prior: They've come to me from such a trustworthy source that I must see Mr
Rochester.

Jane: Why not! But it is a pity to worry him and he mayn’t be home for

hours.

416 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

Prior: l must see him — Heaven forbid I should wrong any man unheard — but
I must see him — I’ll wait in the hall like one of his lackeys for any
length of time.

Jane: Oh dear, Mr Prior, you get so excited and fall into that dear sermon-

tone. You’ll stay with me here, won't you! And I’ll tell you all.
Enter Servant

Servant: Lady Ingram and the Miss Ingrams Miss.

Jane: Tell them that Mr Rochester’s from home.

Servant: But they want to see you, Miss.

Jane (aside): Their sneers and their scoffs will be pleasure to me now. (Aloud): Ask
them to walk in. (Exit Servant)

Prior: Jane, if you find him false — without truth — and without honour —

Jane: I know what you’d say — would I come back to the school! I will!

Prior: And trust me, I will never press my suit again. If this happens so, we’ll
work together as friends! (Takes hand)

Jane: As friends!

Prior: I wait below.

Enter Servant

Servant: Lady Ingram and the Miss Ingrams.

Prior passes them, bows, they bow slightly in return. Exit Prior & Servant.
Enter Lady Ingram, Blanche & Mary

Lady Ingram: Good morning, Miss Eyre.

Blanche: Good morning, Miss Eyre. (Jane bows.)
Mary (shaking hands): You’ve been unwell — I hope you’ve got over your fright.

Jane: Thank you, I’m much better (all seated).

Laaj/ Ingram: I understand that your pupil has gone to school.

Jane: A fortnight ago she went to some friends of Mr Rochester’s.

Lady Ingram: Oh!

Blanche: I presume, Miss Eyre, you are no longer her governess.

Jane: No, Miss Ingram. (To Laay Ingram): Mr Rochester is from home, Lady
Ingram.

Blanche: We haven’t come to visit Mr Rochester.

Lady Ingram: We were aware Mr Rochester was from home — we have come here
from a kindly motive to you, Miss Eyre.

Blanche: In point of fact, to give you a warning.

Lady Ingram: When your pupil has lefi your care and the pretext for your presence
here has ceased — how can you think of remaining here another clay, in
such a house, Miss Eyre.

Jane:
Lady Ingram:

Blanche:
Mary:
Jane (aside):

Lady Ingram:
Mary:

Jane:

Mary:

Jane:
Blanche:

Jane:
Blanche:

Jane:
Blanche:
Jane:

Blanche:

Lady Ingram:
Blanche:

Jane:

Lady Ingram:
Jane:

Blanche:

W.G. erlsls Jane Eyre, 1882 417

Mrs Fairfax is here.

Mrs Fairfax is an elderly lady and a relation. Pardon me — if you wish to
retain your respectability it is peremptory you should leave this house at
once. Till you can secure a new place, Miss Eyre, - ah — I have noticed
you are proficient at your needle and as my daughter’s wedding with
Lord [blank] is coming on, we could give you employment — in — a
— making up the dresses.

Not on the same terms as you’ve had here, of course. We should be
very sorry to see you in want.

Oh! Blanche.

What a luxury there is in their insults now. (Smiling): Thank you, my
lady and Miss Ingram — you are very kind — I should be too busy and
am in no want.

Oh!

My mother does not mean to offend you.

I am not the least offended.

You may always look upon me as a friend, Miss Eyre.

Except Mr Rochester, I have found no other friend here.

You mentioned Mr Rochester. Since my mother and sister shrink from
letting you [know] what that gentleman is I feel it my duty to let you
know. Mr Rochester is a man who has been living under false colours
before the world.

Miss Ingram!

A dishonourable, despicable, unprincipled man whose life has been
one system of hypocrisy.

What are you saying, Miss Ingram — can your anger with Mr Rochester

My anger! I thoroughly despise him — only contempt.

How can you descend to such idle slander?

Facts are not idle slander. He is no gentleman — a hypocrite — almost a
felon.

Gently, gently, Blanche!

And if you don’t know this, all the world knows it. (Mockingly): All
the world knows it.

Miss Ingram. Mr Rochester is not here to answer you — you traduce him
behind his back. When you call him hypocrite or a felon, I think you
are raving — but — ‘Not a gentleman‘! There never was a gentleman in
the largest sense — if he is not one!!

Don‘t be angry, Miss Eyre.

I am angry. It ill becomes your daughter to call him no gentleman, whom
she has loved for his money and lefi when she heard he was poor.
Miss Eyre. How dare you!

418 Jane Eyre on Stage, I848—I898

Jane: Not a gentleman! When others wounded a poor dependent he knew how
to heal the wound — he has no vulgar arrogance which n0w tramples on
the humble. l-Ie is incapable of the petty insults of patronage — which
hurts to the quick — his manly kindness — his thoughtful goodness — his
delicacy for another’s feelings and his staunch friendship, don’t seem
known to you — they are to me, and your words are empty spite and
evil slander. I am glad my indignation has found a tongue to tell you
so to your face!

Blanche: Don’t go yet Miss Eyre — let your extraordinary passion cool down.
I don’t know the relation at present existing between you and Mr
Rochester — but if you wish to retain a shred of respectability —

Jane: Tell me at once. What you mean!

Mary: Pray do not be shocked, Miss Eyre, at some startling news.

Jane (to Mary): What is it, what is it, I will not believe anything against Mr
Rochester.

Blanche: A cold fact, Miss Eyre, will be enough for you without comment. You

are aware of the relation to which Mr Rochester stood to me — ‘Mr
Rochester has a wife alive.’ (Jane sinks back on chain)

Jane: I don’t believe it. Impossible.

Blanche: A wife alive — in this house.

Jane: Oh, this is monstrous — you startle me — now I see your mistake.
Mary: Indeed, it is true, Miss Eyre.

Jane: Don’t you say it is true, don’t you say it — with that kind beautiful face

of yours (aside) or perhaps I should believe it and drop dead.

Lady Ingram: Dear me, what causes this agitation?

Jane: Lady Ingram — I see your mistake — I can explain it — I’ve learnt from
Mrs Fairfax’s own lips — there is a poor patient — a half sister —

Lady Ingram: Mrs Fairfax has been deceived among the rest.

Jane (stern/y): You have made a monstrous charge. What’s your evidence?

Blanche: Give me that letter, Mama.
Mary: I respect your loyalty to your friend.
Blanche: This patient, as you call it, has a brother - the news reached him of my

engagement and he considerately wrote to me to tell me of the state of
the case. Should you like to read it?

Lady Ingram: The first few lines will explain all. (Jane snatches letter and staggers
toward window.) Most suspicious agitation.

Blanche: Why should we concern ourselves any farther about her, Mama?

Mary: Poor thing! Poor thing!

Jane (returning): What is this letter? Who is this Mr Mason! I‘d sooner believe a word
from Mr Rochester’s lips than the cry of a whole slanderous world. I
don’t believe — (tears letter in two) some lying enemy.

Blanche: It was a pity you tore it. I was about to ask you to keep it, you seem
so interested in Mr Rochester. (Rising): We'll leave the interesting
investigation to you — the letter refers you to one ‘Grace Poole’. Let’s
hope her evidence will be satisfactory.

W.G. Wills Is Jane Eyre, 1882 419

Jane: Grace Poole? (She mechanically takes up letter)
Lady Ingram: Good Morning, Miss Eyre.
Blanche: We do not renew our offer, Miss Eyre.

Mary (approaching her & taking her hand): Write to me, Miss Eyre, and remember,
I am your friend. (Jane has seen nothing and heard nothing. Her hand
drops dead beside her from Miss Ingram 's, the other hand holds letter;
her eyes are as if tranced.) (A ll Exit except Jane.)

Jane (afier a pause): What have they told me, something dreadful is ringing in my
ears, a letter, yes — here’s a letter (looks at letter). It couldn’t be. Grace
Poole! (starts from her lethargy into sudden activity) I must see her. I
must know the truth — I must wring it from her.

Grace Poole looks in.

Grace: Hush. This loud talking Miss, is very bad for my patient. I am obliged
— (Jane darts to her side.)

Jane: Grace Poole, you must answer rne. I must know the truth — I’ve a right
to it now, a sacred right, and you must — you shall tell me.

Grace: Tell me your right, Miss, and I may tell you the truth.

Jane: My right. He has asked me to be his wife. I love him beyond all created

things — tell me — only tell me that patient is his sister — and I’ll love you
too. Woman, why are you silent! You’ve something horrible to tell.

Grace: Well, Miss, you don’t seem fit to hear it. So you’re to be his wife! Eh!
Ah, Miss, I told you to quit the house.

Jane: Say no more (she seems about to fall).

Grace: I’ve said enough. (Aside): The bullet has gone to her poor heart. (Aloud):
Sit there, dear, and I’ll bring you some water. (Exit)

Jane seated, silent with the letter in her hand
Enter Rochester. He stands for a second to look at her.

Jane (to herself): He’s come.

Rochester (aside): How pale she looks — she ’s not heard me come in. (Aloud): Jane. (To
himself): Thinking of to morrow, Jane, our wedding day? (He stops to
kiss her; taking her hand.) What, not a word? You turn your cheek from
my lips and draw your hand fi'orn mine. What’s the matter, my girl?

Jane: Nothing, Sir, that you can cure.

Rochester: Now I look at you, you are pale. Listen to me. Every mile of my long
journey I’ve been thinking of this coming moment, when we should
meet — rouse yourself. I have cheer for you — I had your measure for
a certain dress - it’s come, white as a sunbeam — I have in my pocket
here that magic scrap of legal paper — called a marriage licence — throw
off this nervous depression, dear- are you angry with me because I ’m

420 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

a day later than I promised? Today was cloudy — tomorrow will be
sunny and lucky is the bride, the sun shines on. (Aside): She is still
under the shock. (Aloud): I have something here to make you smile
— let me try on this band of gold!

Jane: It is a mockery, Sir, and you know it.

Rochester (taken aback): Jane, who has been talking to you? Who has been setting
you against me! I am the victim of many cruel rumours — you will not
believe them.

Jane: I have been listening to others and questioning others. I wish only to
question and listen to you. Who is that terrible woman upstairs?

Rochester: I knew it. My girl, you are under a sort of spell of terror.

Jane: Terror at what! If what I have heard be true, I don‘t care what becomes
of me — I could wish I’d been killed that night. Despair, Sir, has no
fear.

Rochester (after a pause): What have they told you, Jane!

Jane (handing the letter): That! (Rochester snatches the letter glances over
contents.)

Rochester: The hound! (Tears letter.) Jane, dismiss this letter from your mind.
There, the infamous thing is in scraps.

Jane: Is that Woman Your Wife?

Rochester: Listen to me, listen to me with that patient, wistful look — I know and
love you so well.

Jane: Is that Woman Your Wife?

Rochester: But you don’t listen — Oh, Jane — what a change in my life your coming
here has made in me — it has been a gentle charm, the daily delight in
being kind to you. The sweetness of hearing my name pronounced by
your lips. Let no one blame me, my girl, that I loved you — when your
very smile was a festival to me. Let none dare blame me!

Jane: Is that Woman Your Wife?

Rochester: Have I ever told you what a wretched life has been mine, till I met you?
Some time I will tell you, and your pity for me will kill your blame.

Jane (rising): Oh! Sir, you will not answer me, you turn me off when I am asking you
a question of life and death.

Rochester: Sit down. l must be heard. The same act, Jane, that’s condemned by man,
may be pardoned in God’s sight — who knows the heart, has watched
all that’s been resisted, and fathomed the depth of misery — you ask me
have l a wife? Body and soul of me rise in writhing against the avowal.
Yes. One who never loved me. One who basely deceived me again and
again — brainless — intemperate and unchaste, one whose excesses ended
in madness. You’ve seen her, a wild beast, loathsome and murderous.
Do you call that wild beast — a Wife?

Enter Mr Prior with a knackO

Rochester: We are private here!

Prior: I see my fears were groundless — Jane, the haven was always open to
you. I will bring you back to it.

W.G. Willss Jane Eyre, 1882 421

Jane: Mr Prior, before we g0 — look at that gentleman — when you see a face
again that looks manly, honest, strong, mistrust it. Let us leave this
wretched house.

Rochester: Jane, speak to me. I do not ask your pardon, l no longer excuse myself
— I’ve told you what I am — call me by the name I deserve, but for God's
sake, speak to me.

Jane (t0 Prior): l told you that he had asked me to be his wife — he has deceived me
to the last. He has let others tell me the dreadful news — that he has a
wife.

Prior: Mr Rochester, it is not my duty to give your conduct its true name, l
leave that to your conscience. 1 have now stepped in between you and
your designs. l take the position beside her, as a Clergyman and her
only fi'iend.

Rochester: Jane. l can only see you, only hear you. The only excuse I make was
my great love for you. Why didn’t l tell you this before — because I
trembled to lose you — my silence was my great love for you. I thought
we should go abroad, that you would be my wife before God, in your
own conscience and in a happy strange country. We might have broken
a mere human law, but who would be banned? l should be saved from
this horrible doom, and you would have been happy. lt was still my great
love. Won't you look at me and speak to me?

Prior: You compel me, Sir, to speak more strongly and tell you —

Jane: Be silent, Mr Prior, my grief is my own and I’ll tell him what he has
done for me. (To Rochester): You ask me to speak to you, Sir — what
have l to say! but that l have been a poor truthful vain fool, and you
have purposed to destroy me, without pity or warning. What have I
to say, but that you spread your net well, and I could detect [no] false
ring in all your kindness. Oh! Sir, in whom am l to believe, when the
one l could have worshipped has proved an enemy? (Rochester sits
with pale face in hands, affected.) You have done me a bitter wrong,
that will follow me through life. Henceforth l’ll distrust everything I
love, I’ll think everything happy must be hollow. The misery you have
made for me, l must bear — and — and — when I remember — and — (She
is overcome, as she hears him sob heavily, she runs to him and kneels
at his feet.) My own kind, beloved master, l forgive you heartily and

freely.
Prior: Jane, be firm.
Jane: Though we must part, I’ll never forget you — don't let my words grieve

you, God bless you a hundred times and may he give you peace - my
happiness shall be to pray for you night and day. (Rochester sobs.)
Don’t. Don’t. Tum your face to me. (She turns his face gently towards
her.)

Prior: This is weakness, Jane. Come or I must leave you.

Jane: Leave us, my kind Friend, a moment. l’ll follow.

422 Jane Eyre on Stage, I 848—l 898

Prior: I’ll await you below. (Exit)

Jane: My dear Master, we've got to say Farewell.

Rochester: What shall I do, Jane! Where shall l tum for a companion, for some
life? Think of my misery — you will leave me reckless and drifi[ing.]

Jane (kissing his hand): Farewell, and God comfort us both.

Rochester: You are going, Jane. (Jane goes to door)

Jane (standing): I am going Sir.

Rochester: You are leaving me.

Jane: Yes!
Rochester: Oh Jane, my love, my hope, my life, come back!
Jane: Farewell, for both, dear Sir, l must go.

Rochester (starting up): By God, I cannot part with you, and I won’t. Duty and
honour shrive] up before my love for you! Cling to me, Jane! For you
cannot escape me, put your arms round my neck and say you are mine
till death part us. (A shriek and laughter heard. They slowly part as
under a spell.)

Jane (in an awestruck voice): Farewell! Master! (Approaches door: Rochester stands
dazed.)

End of Act Ill

Act IV
Porch t0 a Lodge. Steps to a door. Apple tree in Bloom. - Evening.
Enter Mrs Fairfax. & Servant carrying a table

Mrs Fairfax: Lay it here, James. The sunshine will soon be round here. Now carry
round the easy chair — it’s in the back garden.

Enter Grace Poole with handkerchiefs just washed. She hangs them on bushes.

Mrs Fairfax: No one calls, Miss Poole, to ask after the poor master. A month afler
that dreadful event and no cards, no letters.

Grace: As you brew, Mrs Fairfax, so will you bake. Sow the storm and there
comes the whirlwind.

Mrs Fairfax: A fine old family mansion burnt to the ground and all the property

destroyed.

Grace: Pity, ma’am, that some ugly scandal weren't burnt too with the
PTOPeITY-

Enter Jane

Jane: Mrs Fairfax.

Mrs Fairfax (startled): Here is Miss Eyre.

WG. Willsfs Jane Eyre, I882 423

Jane: What has happened?

Mrs Fairfax: l-Iave you heard no news?

Jane: I know nothing except this — that my dea[r] Master is alive and in some
dreadful trouble.

Grace: I thought, Miss Eyre, you would take my advice and quit this place.

Mrs Fairfax: I had your letter, dear, and you said in \it/ that your purpose was quite
unshaken — never under any circumstances to return again.

Jane: Mrs Fairfax, he has called me — he is in some dreadful extremity — what
has happened?
Grace: Called you, Miss Jane! I know to my certain knowledge your late master

— couldn’t have called you.

Jane (agitated): My late master — he is not, not dead?

Mrs Fairfax: No, Miss Eyre, but he cannot have called you — how long have you
been here?

Jane: I have come this moment — I have been travelling all night, and all
day — you may call it a dream, Mrs Fairfax, but far away in the Village
School ‘- when the children had gone, and l was quite alone — his voice
came to me as plainly as l hear yours, and it solemnly bade me come
— for God's sake what has happened?

Mrs Fairfax: lfyou’d been at home now, dear, you’d have had a letter from me giving
you an account of the dreadful trouble we've had here. We have all had
a marvellous escape, but the old house is in ruins, and all the property

destroyed.

Jane: Where is he?

Grace: My dear young lady — you cannot see him — it’s a pity you’ve come all
this way.

Mrs Fairfax: He has held to his promise, dear. He has never written to you or attempted
to follow you. You should not have come.

Jane: God would not have allowed that heart-broken call to come to me if
it were not right ~ where is he? I must just speak to him — just answer
his call and I will go.

Grace (with a sign to Mrs Fairfax): He has gone to London, Miss.

Jane: Good heavens! l’ve no money, and I’m worn out.

Grace: Why, you can sleep at the Inn, Miss — it’s the second time I’ve given
you good advice. The first time his wife was alive, but there’s as much
danger to your good name now as then. (Exit)

.1

ane: Mrs Fairfax, I may have been deceived, but before I return do tell me

everything — all that you’ve told me in your letter — I’m so tired. I’ll sit
down. His wife is dead?

Mrs Fairfax: It’s nearly two months, Miss Eyre, since you left Thomfield.

Jane: Well?

Mrs Fairfax: Mr Rochester had severe losses, and he lived almost entirely alone in
his study — no doubt in dreadful depression, afier that exposure.

Jane: My poor master.

424

Mrs Fairfax:

Jane:

Mrs Fairfax:

Jane:

Mrs Fairfax:

Jane:

Mrs Fairfax:

Jane:

Mrs Fairfax:

Jane:

Mrs Fairfax:

Jane:

Mrs Fairfax:

Jane (sadly):

Mrs Fairfax:

Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

But now indeed is a time when everybody should forgive him and pity
him.
You would tell me he is mined?
Listen, dear — it’s just eight days ago since I was wakened, at the dead
of night, by Mr Rochester’s voice — warning me to get up — that the
house was on fire — I dressed myself instantly and when I got into the
corridor it was filled with smoke — I could hardly breathe. I-le hurried
me along till we were at the top of the grand staircase and then, my
dear, we heard that awful laugh upstairs, that so startled you.
His wife!
He stopped and bade me go down and escape - ‘I must save her’, he
cried — the upper staircase seemed all afiame, but he seemed to me to
rush through it and dissapear.
I could have sworn he’d do it.
Yes, it was a noble attempt, for she was a terrible burden, dear. I was
forced to run down and escape into the air — and there were the two
women servants — all that remained — standing on the grass terrified
— we all thought Mr Rochester was lost — as we looked up we saw a
dreadful sight — the Madwoman was standing on the roof alone, with
the glare of the fire on her, and with an awful cry she seemed to leap
and disappear — Mrs Poole then came out, very much overcome with the
smoke — and told us that her patient, who was very fierce and cunning,
had found an opportunity of setting fire to one of the rooms and the dry
beams caught like tinder —
But Mr Rochester?
I am sorry to say he was very badly injured. He staggered through the
smoke and sparks to us, and seemed not to find his way.
Not blind —
Well, we have great hopes the sight is not entirely gone.
And that’s what has taken him to London. Thank you, dear Mrs Fairfax.
Farewell.
I know your motive for coming was kind and good, dear, but you’ve
laid too much weight on a dream.
It was no dream. It was no dream.

(Exit lingeringly leaving bag behind)

I pity her from my heart, but nothing would come of it, if they
came together — he a poor afflicted gentleman, and she a village
schoolmistress. (Exit through little gate)

Slow melancholy music

Enter Rochester from porch

W. G. Wills s Jane Eyre, I882 425

Rochester: It was about sunset yesterday — I heard her voice — Jane’s voice — I
think the sun is shining and there is a spring breeze. (He grapes his
way down steps with stick.) They set my chair somewhere about here.
(Sits) I heard Jane’s voice yesterday when I was in my despair, as if it
came from fifiy miles away, and I called out in an agony — Jane — Jane
and I heard her voice — Master, I’m coming! She hasn't come.

Enter Mrs Fairfax

Mrs Fairfax: Well, Sir. You've found your way out?

Rochester: Is the last post in?

Mrs Fairfax: Yes, Sir.

Rochester: No letter?

Mrs Fairfax: Some business letters about the sale, Sir. It’s very heartless of the
neighbours, Sir, making no enquiries.

Rochester: Two high crimes against society, madam. Poverty and scandal. The first
is unpardonable! (Aside): No letter — no letter.

Mrs Fairfax: Mr Rochester, I was going to tell you this morning — my eldest daughter
has written to me, to offer me a home. l should be very sorry —

Rochester: Quite right — quite right — leave the sinking ship. I’m not so poor, Mrs
Fairfax, but that I shall continue your salary always.

Mrs Fairfax: I thank you with all my heart! — Of course you know —.

Rochester: There — there — have you heard anything about Miss Eyre?

Mrs Fairfax: I believe, Sir, she’s to be man-ied to Mr Prior.

Rochester (aside): Married ~ I did not think there was a pang lefi for me. (Aloud):
Why not, Mrs Fairfax. Who can blame her? Least of all, l.

Mrs Fairfax (aside): In tears. (Aloud): Can I do anything for you?

Rochester: Would you kindly bring me a glass of water?

Mrs Fairfax: You are not in pain?

Rochester: Pain — no. (Exit Mrs F. into house)

Rochester: The light of my eyes has gone indeed — Jane has lefi me.

Jane enters

Jane (comes down till behind porch — takes up bag): As I leave this place I feel
something like a lengthening chain drawing me back — I must go — just
— just a last look! (Sees Rochester.) My master. They've been deceiving

me. But I felt he was near — ruined — blind — alone.

Enter Mrs Fairfax
Mrs Fairfax: If trouble comes of this do not blame me. (Retires)

Jane brings water & touches Rochester on the arm.

Rochester: Thank you — give it to me. So you tell me she is to be married? I loved
her, Mrs Fairfax ~ I could never make you understand how I loved her

426

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

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Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

ane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

one:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane:

Rochester:

Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

- I must tell yon, Mrs Fairfax, a strange thing that happened to me last
evening — a strange thing - l had an impatient fit on me and I thought
I couldn’t bear my trouble any longer, and in the folly of great trouble
— I stretched out my hands, and I cried out — Jane — Jane. Come to me

My beloved master, and I am come!

That voice! am I dreaming! Who is this? Who is this?

Will you have a little? —

Who is it — what is it — who speaks?

The dog at the gate knew me, Sir — and Mrs Fairfax knew me —l came
just now.

Great God — what delusion has come over me? What sweet madness
has seized me? Who are you —

I’m Jane Eyre.

Where is the speaker? Is it only a voice? Oh, l cannot see, give me your
hand or my heart will stop, and my brain burst. (Jane takes his hand in
both hers.) ‘Tis her hand! Is it Jane?

Don’t you know my voice — God bless you, Sir — l’m glad to be so near
you again.

Jane Eyre!

My dear Master, l am Jane Eyre — you called me and I am come.
My living dearest — this is certainly her soft hair — this her cheek — but
I cannot be so blest after all my misery — it is a dream — such dreams
as I have had when I have clasped her once more to my heart, as I do
now, and kissed her as thus — and felt that she loved me and trusted that
she would not leave me.

Which I never will, Sir, from this day.

Never will! says the vision — but I always woke and found it an empty
mockery, and l was desolate, and abandoned - my life dark — lonely
— hopeless — my soul athirst and forbidden to drink — my heart famished
and never to be fed — gentle soft dream nestling in my arms now — you
will fly too as your sisters have all fled before you — but kiss me before
you go — embrace me, Jane.

There sir, and there!

But you must leave me again?

Mrs Fairfax has told me everything, and I will not leave you unless you
drive me away.

Yes — you understand one thing — by staying with me — I understand
another — you pity me. I want more than that — you came to be my
[nur]se?

Yes, Sir.

But you must marry some day.

l don’t care about being married. Sir.

You should care. If I were what I once was I would try to make you
care — but a sightless block —

Jane:

Rochester:
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Jane:
Rochester".

Curtain

W.G. Willsls Jane Eyre, I882 427

It’s [time], Sir, somebody tried to humanize you, you are grown into
a sort of shaggy lion — you’ve a look of Nebuchadnezzar in the fields
about you. Your lunch shall not be grass or nettles.

I thought you’d be revolted, Jane at my poor blind mask.
There's the danger of loving you too well for it.

Am l hideous, Jane?

Very Sir. You always were, you know.

Humph! I don’t know what you’ve been, but the wickedness isn’t taken
out of you.

I have been with good people — far better than you.

Who the deuce have you been with?

Can you see where the sun sets, sir?

I see a dim light.

Can you see my hand pass between you and the sun‘?

I see it.

Then you are not blind, Sir.

So you are going to be married?

Not that I know, Sir.

What about this Mr Prior?

He’s a good man, Sir, and a handsome man.

Damn him. Did you love him, Jane?

Of course — he was the Clergyman of the Parish.

He wanted you to many him.

He asked me to many him more than once.

Don’t you think you’d better take your hand of? my shoulder.
I like it there - you’d better push it off.

Ha. Jane. l don’t want a nurse — I wanted a wife.

Do you Sir?

Yes — is it news to you?

Of course. You said nothing about it before.

Is it unwelcome news?

That depends on circumstances — on your choice.

Which you shall make for me, Jane.

Choose Sir, then — her who loves you best.

I will choose her I love best. Jane — will you many me?

Yes, Sir.

A poor blind man — whom you must lead about by the hand?
Yes. Sir.

A crippled man twenty years older than you whom you’ll have to wait
on?

Yes, Sir.

In faith. Jane?

In good faith. Sir.

Oh, my love — God bless you and reward you! (Embrace)

