Jane Eyre by John Brougham

Cast of the Characters

As Performed at Laura Keene Is Varieties, New York

Fairfax Rochester Mr George Jordan
Lord Theodore Ingram " Dickerson
Colonel Dent " H. Hall
Mr Brock/ehurst " Bass
John Downey " T. B. Johnston
Mr Wood " Reeve
Jane Eyre Miss Laura Keene
The Dowager Lady Ingram " Wells
Lady Blanche Ingram " Kate Reynolds
Lady Mary Ingram " Close
Miss Temple " Walters
Mrs Gryce Mrs Scott
Miss Scatcherd " Lesdernier
Grace Pool " Carpenter
Mrs Colonel Dent Miss Macdonough
Mrs Eshton " Johnson
The Maniac Wife Mrs besdcmier
Characters in the Charade

The Bride Miss K. Reynolds
Bridesmaids Misses Brown and Smith
Rebecca at the Well Mrs J. R. Scott
Jacob Mr W. Dempster
Prisoner " Haywood
Prisoner's Wife Miss Haywood

Costume
Rochester lSt dress, riding coat, high boots, broad h[at. 2nd,] gipsy

disguise; 3m, long grey coat, loose vest.

Ingram Elegant evening dress.
Col. Dent Evening dress, quaint.
Brocklehurst Black dress.
John Downey ls‘, plain livery; 2nd, country boy’s dress.
Wood Dress of clergyman.
Jane Eyre ls‘, very plain dark charity school dress; 2nd, black silk;

3'“, wedding dress; 4"‘, plain travelling dress.

74 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

Dowager Lady Ingram Elegant evening dress.
Lady Blanche and Mary Ditto.

Miss Temple

Miss Gryce } Same as Jane Eyre’s ls‘ dress.

Miss Scatcherd

Grace Pool ls‘, very grotesque chambermaid’s dress; 2nd, counn'y girl’s

dress.

Stage Directions: Exits And Entrances
L. means First Entrance, Left. R. First Entrance, Right. S.E.L. Second Entrance, Lefi.
S.E.R. Second Entrance Right. U.E.L. Upper Entrance, Left. U.E.R. Upper Entrance,
Right. C. Centre. LC. Left of Centre. R.C. Right of Centre. T.E.L. Third Entrance,

Lefi. T.E.R. Third Entrance, Right. C. D. Centre Door. D. R. Door Right. D.L. Door
Lefi. U.D.L. Upper Door; Left. U.D.R. Upper Door; Right.

The Reader is supposed to be on the Stage, facing the Audience.
[Editors Note: despite this careful explanation, the stage directions in the text
differ from this (e.g., ‘LI-IZE’ which presumably means ‘lefl hand second entrance’

and should be ‘SEL’ according to the directions above. I have therefore altered the
directions to conform to the explanation above]

Act I
Scene I

A very plain chamber in Lowood Academy — Window practicable, but barred prison-
like

Miss thce and Miss Temple discovered

Enter Miss Scatcherd, S.E.L.

 

Miss S: Here’s a fine to do! who do you think is coming here directly?

Miss T: I cannot say, Miss Scatcherd.

Miss S: The veritable Mr Brocklehurst himself. The generous endower of this
most ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ‘ for “- ~ "‘= ‘ " “intellect and suppression
of liberty.

Miss T: For shame, Miss Scatcherd; you must not speak so.

Miss S: I’ll say what I think, in spite of any body. Heaven knows I’m sick

enough of this dungeon.
Miss : So indeed am I. But I must fulfill my destiny.

John Brougham Is Jane Eyre ( I 849) 75

Mss S: Pshaw! a fig for destiny. I'm resolved when Mr Brocklehurst does come,
to give him a piece of my mind. I’ll say to him —

Enter Brock/ehurst S.E.L.

Broclc What will you say, my dear Miss Scatcherd?

Miss S: I hope you find yourself quite well to day, sir.

Brock: Remarkably well, l thank you Miss Temple, your most obedient. I
congratulate you all, ladies, upon the general appearance of your
interesting pupils. But — pray be seated — I regret, and believe me, it
gives me, as a man and a Christian, inexpressible pain to be obliged to
reprove — I regret, I say, to find that the rules of the establishment have
been, I would almost say, criminally neglected.

Miss T: I am sure, sir, not of our own —

Brock: Ah — suffer me. How is it, Madame — I address you as superintendent
and controller of this place — how is it that the woollen stockings are
not better attended to?

Miss T: Indeed, sir, I —

Brock: Ah — pardon me. I find also, in settling accounts with the housekeeper,
that a lunch, consisting of bread and cheese, has twice been served
to the girls within the last fortnight. By whose authority was this
shameful innovation? May I be permitted to request an answer, direct
and unequivocal?

Miss T: I must be responsible for the circumstance, sir; the breakfast was ill
prepared, and —

Brock: Allow me. You are aware that my plan in bringing up these girls is, not
to accustom them to habits of luxury -

Miss G: There’s no doubt about that —

Brock: Miss Gryce, if you please — but on the contrary, by spare diet and
wholesome exercise, to render them hardy, patient, and self-denying,
and encourage them to evince fortitude, under temporary privation.

Miss G: Starvation!

Brock: Privation, Miss Gryce. That woman’s deafness is very inconvenient. Oh!
madam, when you put bread and cheese, instead of thin water-gruel, into
those children's bodies, you little think how you starve their immortal
souls.

Miss G: You are right, sir, the poor things are starved nearly.

Broclc Silence! and now, Madame, I come to the most awful dereliction of
all. I observed as I passed through the school that one girl, if not more,
had her hair decked in the absurd vanity of curls, absolute cork-screw
curls.

Mss T: It is Julia Severn, sir. Her hair curls naturally.

Broclc Naturally! madame! don’t attempt to hide your negligence under such

a paltry plea. What have we to do with nature?

76

Miss G:

Brock:

Miss T:

Brock:

Miss G:

Brock:

Jane Eyre an Stage, 1848-1898

Nothing.

Miss Temple, that girl’s hair must be cut off. l will not have a curl or a
top-knot in the school. I want those charges to become the children of
grace, not the offshoots of vanity. Where is Jane Eyre?

She has retired to her room, sir; her health is failing under the close
confinement.

Impossible! close confinement here? Why, she must be out of her
senses.

Nearly.

l don’t believe a word of it; it’s nothing but laziness. If she does not
attend to her duties to-morrow, she must seek elsewhere for a situation,
and they are not to be picked up so easily; and now, ladies, l will take
my leave, trusting that the reproof which conscientious feelings alone
urge me to make will sink deep within your hearts, and ultimately spring
up into the sweet-smelling flower of repentance and amendment. Good
day. (Exit Brocklehursl, S. E .L.)

Enter Jane Eyre, L.

Jane:

Ah, aunt, aunt! you do not, you cannot know the bitter slavery to which
your hate has doomed me; eight long years of joyless, hopeless, pitiless
imprisonment — life dragged along in one unvarying level, in the very
springtime of my youth — with heart and brain astir, and yearning for the
love of kindred, full of bright thoughts and glorious impulses, the world
and all its chances, changes, forever closed against rne — it is terrible.
Oh for freedom! freedom! my heart bounds like an imprisoned bird
against its wiry barrier, at the mere thought — freedom — blessed fi'eedom;
those only, who lose thee, know thy worth. (Throws open window.) Oh,
I have prayed for liberty until my loud cry seemed scattered on the
passing wind. l cannot rest — l cannot think — my tortured brain, in wild
confusion, whirls. Heaven send me a change, no matter what — a break
to this heart-cankering monotony — a change, or I shall go mad.

Enter Miss Gryce

Perhaps you may have one sooner than you anticipate.

How! speak! is there such a hope?

Brocklehurst has been here, and l took advantage of my slight deafness
to give him a few stings.

Poor girl, his heart is clad in steel, no mortal can reach it; but you hinted
at a change; what do you mean!

ln the first place, he says you are not sick, that it’s nothing but
laziness.

The hypocrite! the false-tongued hypocrite! Go on.

Miss G:
Jane:
Miss G:
Jane:

Miss G:
Jane:

Miss G:

John Brougham s Jane Eyre (1849) 77

And that unless you attend to your duties, you’ll have to go.

Where?

Anywhere — out into the road; he'd do it.

He would — I know he would. What shall I do? Oh, pity me, for I need
pity much. Homeless, friendless, and an orphan; what is to become of
me?

Why don’t you try and get something to do?

l-lave I not done so? Have l not, in the faint hope of, at least, changing
my servitude, advertised for the situation of a governess? I have served
here for eight years, and I would fain serve elsewhere; l know it would
but be an exchange of prisons, but even that variety would be a boon. A
new place in a new house, with new faces — it does not sound as sweet
as liberty, excitement, enjoyment; but alas! they are all equally hollow
and flattering, and to me it is a mere waste of words to utter them.
Don’t grieve so terribly; who know what this letter may contain?

Jane (starting up): For me! Gryce. (F iercely.)

Miss G:
Jane:

Miss G:
Jane:

Miss G:
Jane:

What! don't look at me so awfully.
You are one who would see the fire laid to the stake before you would
produce the wretch’s pardon.
I was afraid it might contain bad news.
There is no bad news for me, the slightest change becomes an incident;
a drop of water in the endless desert of my existence is as a mighty river.
(Reads) Oh kind, benignant Providence, my prayers are heard at last!
Listen. (Reads) ‘If I .E. is in a condition to give satisfactory reference
as to character and capacity’ — (that they must not, dare not refuse me,)
‘a situation can be offered to her where there is but one pupil, a little
girl, under ten years of age, and where the salary —’ Oh, I care not for
that. ‘Apply to Mrs Fairfax, Thornfield.’
Thornfield, why it’s not more than two hours’ walk from here.
My heart is full, and forces from my eyes the unaccustomed tears. Years
~ long years of suffering misery are forgotten in this one moment of
delight. Now my aspiring thought will have fit element to work within;
high hopes and wild imaginings are crowding through my brain. I feel
as though l were revelling in dream land, and as with a lightning fiash,
the rocky barrier is rent that kept me from communion with my kind.
Oh, world! 0h! bright and glorious world! thy doors are opened to me
at last. (Exit, R.)
Scene 2

Drawing Room elegantly filmished in Mr Rochester s house

The Dowager Lady Ingram, Lady Blanche Ingram, Lady Mary Ingram, Mrs Deni,
Lord Ingram, Col Dent, and Frederick Lynn, discovered

78

Lord Ing:

Col Dent:

Lord Ing:

Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

What an extraordinary creature that Rochester is! What can possibly
detain him so long away? If it were any other person I should certainly
feel annoyed at the host’s absence.

For my part, cher mama, I think it's all the better, he is such a half-savage,
whole-riddle of a fellow, one never can feel at home with him.

Yes, and so long as he leaves such glorious wine to be drunk, noble
horses to be ridden, and splendid game to pop at, what the deuce is it
to us.

He certainly is a most eccentric animal.

Laay Blanche: I love eccentricity.

Lord Ing:

Dow:
Lord Ing:

Col Dent:
Lord Ing:
C01 Dent:
Lord Ing:
Blanche:

Lord Ing:
C01 Dent:

Lord Ing:

Dow:
Lord Ing:
Dow:

Lord Ing:
Dow:

Especially when said eccentricity is mated with enormous riches, and
both look sideways towards you; if I were in your place I should love
it prodigiously.

Now, Ingram, don’t be so impertinent; poor Blanche is absolutely
blushing.

What Arcadian simplicity! For Heaven’s sake, Blanche, let me see it;
natural color upon a fashionable cheek — preposterous!

Decidedly out of place.

Vulgar in the extreme!

Absurd!

And utterly dairymaidish.

Brother, you have no heart.

Haven’t I, by Jove! ask Dent.

Don’t ask me; I never saw any indication of the article, except you held
it in your hand when you were playing e'carte.

And, by Jupiter, it’s the only way you’ll ever see mine, unless associated
with diamonds. By-the-bye your heart, sister, has the benefit of such
brilliant companionship.

Ingram, I command you to be silent on that subject; the establishment
of a daughter is not so frivolous a matter as you may imagine.

I know, amiable maternity, and hearts have nothing whatever to do with
ll.

Nothing in the world!

But goes to the purchaser like the fixtures in leasing a house.
Precisely. I wonder if it was Rochester who came in that carriage a short
time since. Dent, oblige me by touching the bell. (Dent rings.) Blanche,
my love, brighten your eyes with a little of this boquet. (Gives small
phial.) If it should be Rochester, don’t let him find us moping.

Enter John, L.

John:

That’s a bright lot, the old tabby and the young kittens; the characters
of all their female acquaintance are just like so many mice to them.
Oh! what delight it is to seize hold of them one by one, and purr, and
scratch, and worry.

Dow:
John:
Dow:
Lord Ing:
C01. Dent:
Lord Ing:
Blanche:
Dow:

Blanche:

Lord Ing:

Col Dent:

John Brougham s Jane Eyre (1849) 79

John!

Yes, my lady (aside) Mouser.

Was that Mr Rochester who arrived just now?

No, my lady. Now I’ll tease her a bit; she won’t like to ask me who it
is. I know she'll have to though.

Not Mr Rochester?

No; my lady.

More friends, I presume.

No, my lady.

I certainly heard a carriage stop.

Yes! my lady.

I thought I couldn’t be mistaken.

No, my lady.

A stranger?

Yes, my lady.

Indeed — a gentleman?

No, my lady.

A lady?

No, my lady.

Neither a gentleman or a lady? l-low stupid you are; who can it be?
Only the new Govemess, my lady.

Govemess! pshaw! how very provoking.

Frightful waste of sympathy, eh, Dent?

Excruciating my Lord.

All about some poor devil of a teacher. Do you recollect, Blanche, how
we used to quiz your round of governesses?

Oh, yes, Theodore, what fun we used to have with them. Mary was
always too sleepy to join in our plots.

Now my darling pets, don’t mention governesses; the very word make
me nervous.

And do you remember, Theodore, how we helped you to persecute your
tutor?

Yes, the poor, pale-faced wretch, he was positively ignorant of the
commonest rudiments of education — didn’t know a terrier from a bull-
dog, and never saw a badger in the whole course of his life.

The Hottentot.

Lord Ing ( To Blanche): l say, Blanche, wouldn’t it be a prime lark to have up this new

Blanche:

Lord Ing:

governess and see what she’s like.

Famous, Theodore. I do love to see them blush and tremble when
they first find themselves in an aristocratic element. Ma won’t like it,
though.

That don’t signify, we shall have better fiin. John?

My Lord.

Bring some liqueur, and trot out the new governess.

8° Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

John: Yes, my lord. (Exit, L.)
Lord Ing: I say Dent, I’ve just been laying the train for a grand explosion of
fun.

C0! Dent: What, sacking the cellar?

Lord Ing: No. I’m going to introduce a lamb amongst those old Dowager
Lionesses. My dear, so you have a prejudice against governesses?

Dow: Don’t mention the horrid name or I shall certainly faint.

Enter John, L.

John: The new Govemess. (Dowager screams.)
Lard Ing: Bravo, John; consider yourself a sovereign richer for that.

Enter Jane, L. Recoils timidly at first but rapidly collects herself

Lord Ing: Dent, you ruffian, is not that a master stroke of comedy? See the poor
timid fawn. How she shrinks from those high-blooded gruflins.

Jane (advancing firmly): I am either constrained to apologize for the ignorance of a
servant, or I am obliged to suffer for his malice. It was not of my own
will that I intruded here, for I was not aware there was so distinguished
an assembly.

Lord Ing: Dem good, by Jupiter. Eh, Dent?

Col Dent: Admirable!

Jane: You will excuse me if l retire.

Lord Ing: Oh, dem it, no; ’twould be ending the comedy in the first scene. Don’t
tear yourself away.

Jane: Am I to understand that I was sent for?

Lord Ing: Yes, certainly. l did myself that honor.

Jane: Indeed! that makes an essential difference. It allows me at least the

condition of equality. John, will you oblige me with a seat? (John places
seat.) Request Mrs Fairfax, the housekeeper, to send for me here, if my
services are required. (John laughs, aside, but very respectful to her.)

John: Yes, my lady — l mean Madam. Bravo! jolly good by jingo!

Lord Ing: Delicious! John, you brigand, you’ll ruin me. l owe you another
sovereign.

John: Yes, and that’s all l’m likely to get of it. (Exit, L.)

Dow (aside to guests): Did you ever see more consummate boldness? And I declare,
there’s that foolish Mary going to speak to her.

Lord Ing: She’s a magnificent creature, Dent, by Jove! Let’s have a close look at
her. (Dent and Ingram walk round Jane with quizzing glasses.)

Lord Ing: Bears close inspection too, by Jove.

Col Dent: Yes, as close as you can get - those eyes are dangerous, too near.

Jane (to Mary, who has been trying to make her feel at home): The thanks, deep and
sincere, of a lonely heart are yours, my dear young lady; one touch

Lora’ Dent:

C01 Dent:
Dow:
Blanche:
Lord Ing:
Col Dent:
Lord Ing:

Col Dent:
Lora’ Ing:
C01 Dent:
Lord Ing:

Jane:
Lora’ Ing:

Jane:
Lord Ing:
Col Dent:
Jane:

Lord Ing:

Jane:

Lord Ing:

Jane:

Lora’ Ing:
Col Dent:
Lord Ing:
Jane:

John Brougham 1v Jane Eyre (1 84 9) 81

of sympathy can obliterate volumes of looked and spoken insolence;
but fear not for me. The mind that’s conscious of its own superiority
stands on too high an eminence to be reached by the petty shafis of
pride and ignorance.

Does she mean anything — eh, Dent?

Hang me if I know. I wish I had some of Rochester ‘s burgundy.

Does the creature intend to stay here, I wonder.

She has confidence enough, l do believe.

Demme if she hasn’t put a wet blanket on the party — eh, Dent?

A regular soaker.

The Dowagers are shut up famously — confound me if I don’t feel
somehow demmed awkward myself. Dent, stir up the people, or this
dem governess will think she has cowed us all.

Why don’t you go and talk to her?

I would if I knew what to say.

Don’t be a fool; nonplussed by a governess!

Demmit, that’ll never do — (stalks across dandified) — aw — Miss: aw
— I haven’t the honor of your name.

Jane Eyre — you are? —

Theodore, commonly called Lord Ingram — and so you are — aw — Jane
Eyre. Yes, delighted — do you know, Jane, that you’re devilish pretty?
My Lord!

Upon my life you are — eh, Dent?

Undoubtedly.

Sir, your sisters, I believe, are in the room — were any one to address
either of them as you have now addressed me, what would be the
result?

Positively I don ‘t know, I can’t imagine; it’s a very difl'erent thing — they
are —

Made of different clay: their hearts are more sensitive, their feelings
more refined, perhaps. Reverse the picture, my Lord, and you will be
nearer to the truth. In the school of poverty is oflener found that intuitive
delicacy which fears to wound — inured to suffering themselves, they
know and feel for that in others.

A regular sermon, by Jupiter; quite Addisonian. Did you get that out
of the Spectator?

My Lord, ignorant assumption, much as it may be involuntary, is
simply pitiable; but insolence, where you know it cannot be averted,
is cowardly!

Dent, damme, did you hear that?

Distinctly!

And must l swallow it? Oh, I wish you were a man.

Pray calm yourself, my Lord. I shall retire, not out of dread of your
contumely, but from very pity of your infirmities: and it may be, that the

82

Lord Ing:
Col Dent:

Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

poor, lowly-nurtured drudge, whom you sent for to bring you unworthy
amusement, will have given you a wholesome, though unwelcome
lesson. (Exit Jane, L.)
Snubbed, by Jove!

Prodigiously.

Tableaux of astonishment

End of Act I

Act II

Scene 1

Apartment in Mr Rochester 1s House

Enter Grace Poole, with a piece of cake and a pint of porter; followed by John, R.

John:

Come now, Mrs Grace, I’ll tell you what it is. I ain’t agoing to stand
your capers. I never was in a family yet that I wasn’t made acquainted
with the secrets thereof; here have I been three livelong weeks, and I
don’t know nothing yet; it’s disgraceful.

Very!

There’s a mysterious mystery hanging about the place somewhere and
I’m blessed if I don’t find it out.

Do!

I will, you may take your davy. Won’t you tell me?

No!

Then I must depend upon my natural genius to find it out. — There was
a jolly rumpus last night; who is it laughs in that awful manner every
now and then?

Me.

You! pooh! don’t tell me.

I won't.

There’s something a going on in this house, that isn’t right, and a fellow
servant as won’t confide in a fellow servant, don't deserve to belong
to our honorable profession. How can we stand up for our masters or
missises unless we knows their little imperfections; it keeps them in
order, and makes wages a deal more reg’lar. I know a thing or two. You
don ’t know what I am.

I do! 1

What am I, now let’s know?

A fool.

John Brougham Is Jane Eyre (1849) 83

John: Am I! then there’s a pair of us; but never mind. I won't be beholden to
you. The master will be home soon, and while there’s key-holes in the
world, and ears ain’t scarce, there ain't a master in the world can keep
a secret from a servant as is determined to find it out; that you may take
your oath of. Don’t keep on a munching of that cake as if you really
thought you were hurting it, and it did you good to bite so savagely.
The new Govemess will be here to-day, then your nose will be out of
joint, thank fortune.

Grace: Will it?

John: Won't it?

Grace: No!

John: Then you’re pretty certain of your situation whatever may come into
the house?

Grace: Yes!

John: Now then, I know there’s a something.

Grace: Indeed!

Joh: Yes! and if I don’t come at it I’m a Dutchman.

Grace: Don’t try.

John: None of your gammon. You want to frighten me. Why do you always

eat in your own room? or walking about like a hungry ghost, and
not amongst us as you ought to? But I know a way to penetrate the

mystery.

Grac: How?

John: This way. (Opens door, scream heard)

Grace: Stop!

John (frightened): I saw it! oh lord! it’s true! I heard so.

Grace: What?

John: That the house was haunted. Grace, what was that fearful looking
thing.

Grace: Nothing!

John: Didn’t you hear a scream?

Grace: No!

John: I’ll take my oath I saw something.

Grace: Fool!

John: You're not a going in?

Grace: Yes!

John: Don’t! don’t!

Grace: Go! (Exit through door in flat, L.)

John: I will: my eyes could not have deceived me, and my ears too. Here's

a beautifully awful mystery, a ghost in the house; there’s something
delightfully frightful, in having one’s feelings harrowed up and agitated
all ways at once. l’ve a great mind to peep, just to see if I was right.
Pooh! don’t be a coward, heart. I declare l’m goose-fleshing all over;
my hair is getting wirey, and my knees wretchedly rheumatic. Pooh!

84 Jane Eyre an Stage. 1848-1898

here goes. (Approaches door; a wild laugh heard; he bolts precipitately,
falls on his knees.)
Grace enters with dress, touches him on the shoulder

John: Oh! don’t; have pity, good ghost. I’ll never be curious again. I won’t,
I won't.

Grace: Don’t!

John: Is it you! oh good gracious what a coward I am. Oh! there’s a good

soul, tell me what I saw in the room.

Grace (holding up dress): Look!

John: Nothing but a white dress. Hurrah! Pleasant as it is to be mysteriously
terrified, it’s much more agreeable to be not. Oh! I could, I really could,
very nearly, be induced to embrace you. Indeed my own feelings have
undergone such a complete upsetting, that I do believe I could almost

kiss you.

Grace: Fool!

John: You’re right, of the long eardest description, but I’m cured. I’ll never
dive into secret mysteries again. (Exit Grace, R. through door)

Scene 2
Garden; bright Moonlight
Enter Jane, L. Despondingly, leans against balcony

Jane: Shame, shame upon their cruelty; the pride that blazed within me is
quenched in the flood of my great disappointment. Is this the pleasant
change which l had pictured? This is the hard sterile rock my distant
hope had tinted over with the softest moonlight. Better, a thousand
times better, my solitary cell once more, than be gibed and mocked at
by the vulgar-wealthy; to have the badge of servitude engraved upon
my very heart, and know that tyrant circumstance has placed me in a
world all prison, where every human being is a watchful jailor, and
where you must endure the unceasing lash of insolence, the certain
punishment of that statuteless but unforgiven crime, poverty. But why
should I weep; it is my destiny — my stark and joyless destiny, and I
must school myself, if not to be content therewith, at least t0 endure
without a murmur. (Noise outside)

Roch (supposed to have fallen from his horse): How, Mesrour, what's to do now?
you’ve hurt me, you ungrateful beast.

Jane: It is a traveller, who has fallen from his horse.

Roch (outside): Hallo! you hedge phantom, since you have frightened my horse away,
the least you can do will be to help me up.

Jane: With pleasure, sir. (Exit, R.)

John Brougham Is Jane Eyre (1849) 85

Roch (outside): Pleasure, indeed; it ain’t much pleasure to break a limb, is it?

Jane:

Lean on me, sir; you are not injured, I hope?

Enter Jane and Rochester; U.D. R.

Roch:
Jane:
Roch:
Jane:

Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:

Roch:

Jane:

Roch:
Jane:
Roch:
Jane:
Roch:
Jane:

Roch:

Jane:

Roch

Jane:
Roch:
Jane:
Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Not injured! what a fool you must be; to be tumbled upon a hard rocky
road doesn’t necessarily give a man the most pleasurable sensations.
I am sorry, sir, indeed I am.

Poohl, don't talk nonsense; why should you be sorry?

If it was through my being here that your horse was startled, sir, I must
feel sorrow for your accident.

I’d advise you not to waste any sympathy on my account, it will be a
bad investment of valueless capital.

I may at least inquire if you are seriously hurt.

I don’t recognize your right! Who are you? and what brings you here
at this time of the night? Go away home, if you have any.

I cannot think of leaving you, sir, until I see that you can assist
yourself‘.

Can’t you, indeed; you are rather a peremptory apparition, — where do
you come from? Have you descended from a moonbeam, or are you
a discontented l-Iamadryad, escaped from your oakey prison? Are you
quite sure that you haven’t bewitch’d my horse?

I live at yonder house, sir; shall I run and obtain some assistance? for I
know that you are suffering much pain, notwithstanding your apparent
carelessness.

Hold your tongue; you live there, do you?

Yes, sir.

Whose house is it?

Mr Rochester’s.

Indeed! do you know him?

N0; I have never seen him; and if he resembles the majority of his
visitors, I have no wish.

You are not a servant, of course; I see you are not. Forgive me. You'll
find me rough, but not rude; though what is it to you whether l am or
not? May I inquire who you are?

The governess, sir.

Ah! the governess! where do you come from?

From Lowood school.

That charitable concern over the way; how long were you there?
Eight years.

Eight years! you must be tenacious of life; l thought half the time in such
a place would have done up any constitution. Who are your parents?
I have none.

But you had, l suppose; do you remember them? You think me
impertinent, I perceive; never mind, it doesn’t signify. Who were
you waiting for here? did you know I was returning? but how could

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

you? ~ there, I think I can walk now. Lend me your arm. Have you an
umbrella? No matter, I can hobble along pretty well.

You are suffering, sir — I know you are.

Well, what’s that to you; confound it, can’t you let me suffer quietly;
don’t for pity’s sake fall into the common error of worldly friends, who
think that condoling with you on your misfortunes, ameliorates them
- the fools, when forgetfulness would be mercy, their tongues are never
quiet; but where’s your curiosity — are you not dying to know who I
am?

I have no such unwarrantable desire, sir.

Ah, that's a famous sting for me; but I may as well tell you at once; that
then is my home, ah! (expression of disgust) the casket of my treasure
— look at those brilliant easements, those ivy-covered battlements, those
old ancestral trees, that smoothly shaven lawn, that richly variegated
garden, is it not an earthly paradise?

It is indeed, externally a —

What do you mean, do you know? Externally — why not internally; ah,
your eye is placid — pshaw! it is a large pest-house, there is a memento
written in the air in lurid characters, which — but is it not an enviable
retreat?

Most enviable.

Aye — even to the arch fiend himself, so full of delicious memories, that
I cannot but dally with my happiness, even within its very sight — but
come, the threshold must be passed.

John (outside, L.): He‘s here — l see him.

Enter servants with torches, then Lord Ingram fitrred, Col Dent. &c. &c. U.D. L.

Lord Ing:

Roch:
Lord Ing:
Roch:
Lord Ing:
Roch:

C01. Dent:

Lord Ing:

Music
Curtain

Rochester, my dear boy, you gave us a deuce of a fright, made me feel
remarkably queer. Your horse rushed into the stable, all in a foam,
without you.

That will do; you see it is accounted for.

But my sister Blanche, you know the tender interest she takes in you.
Is she here?

No, she’s fainting most grammatically in the drawing-room.

Silence, puppy — (to servants) home! come, my Samaritan. (Rochester
and Jane towards entrance to house — servants range at each side with
torches)

How do you feel, Ingram?

Snubbed again, by Jove! The dem Rhinoceros!

John Brougham 's Jane Eyre (I849) 87
Act Ill

Scene 1
Temporary Stage with curtains in drawing room — preparation for the Charade
John fastening curtains, &c. Robert assists

Rob: What be these crincums for, John?

John: Bless your unsophisticated ignorance, these are the games that shuts
up theatres; this is for domestic play acting — what with charades, as
they call them, tableauxes, and fancy performances, in drawing rooms,
the bread is fairly taken out of the poor people's mouths as makes it a
purfession. I once had some hambition to be a player myself, but since
the quality has taken it up, I've altered my mind.

Rob: I say, John, when do you think the wedding will take place; I likes
weddings — housekeepers don't limit a chap's ale.

John: Whose wedding?

Rob: Why, Mr Rochester’s, with that there highflyer, Miss Ingram.

John: Permit me, sir, as your superior in office, to give you a word of advice.

Never you inquire about nothing, nor never you wonder at nothing.
Specially in this enchanted castle.

Rob: Well I won't; but you'll tell us what these charades is.

John: The servants can come to the door and see them, then you'll be likely
to know.

Rob: You're very kin[d.]

John: I tell you what it is, I can’t get no satisfaction from anybody, and I'm
resolved not to give no satisfaction to nobody; see if that there curtain
will work.

Curtain drawn discovers Grace Pool with her cake and pint of beer

John: Hillo, what brought you there? look, Bob. that's what the gentry calls
a tabloo.

Rob: Why, that's half-witted Grace, with her everlasting pint of beer.

John: What are you doing there, Grace?

Grace: Eating.

Rob: Here Grace. She knows everything if she'd only let it out. (Grace comes
down) Is there going to be a wedding in the house?

Grace: No!

Rob: When will there?

Grace: Never. (Noise of company)

John: l-Iillo, here they come. Bob, down with the curtain! Grace, bundle

out.

88 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

Grace: N0!

John: But don’t you hear the company’s coming from the drawing room?
(Sits down.)

Grace: Yes.

John: Come, you must be off.

Grace: Shan’t.

John: Here they are. Well I don’t care, you old fool. Won’t there be a
rumpus.

Grace: Brute!

Enter Dowager, Lady Ingram. and all the guests. All stare with astonishment at
Grace

Lord Ing: By Jove, what a character! it’s Rochester dressed up; no it isn’t.

Grace: Beer? (Oflering pint)

Dow: It must be one of the visitors in a fancy dress. Whoever you are, disclose
yourself.

Grace: Cake? (Oflering cake)

Lord Ing: Capital, by Jupiter.
Grace oflers her beer all around, then stalks across, mysteriously. and exit

Col Dent: Who the deuce can it be?

Lord Ing: I have it! you remember on the occasion of our last visit here, we heard
sundry mysterious noises, at strange times, putting one’s nerves in an
inelegant state of agitation. This must be the cause, depend upon it. It’s
a lunatic servant that Rochester don’t like to get rid of.

Dow: Dear me, suppose she had hurt somebody? Ah, here comes that odious
governess; six months hasn’t made her a whit more humble. I wonder
Rochester keeps her here.

Lord Ing: Because he’s a dem’d original, and does nothing like anybody else:
with his countless mine of money, it’s astonishing how barbarous he
is. I’m sure when we were in town last season, l used all my endeavors
to transmute his rugged iron into smooth, fashionable gold, but all my
efforts were of no avail. One might as well try to civilize a polar bear
or teach an alligator the polka.

Enter Rochester

Lord Ing: Ah, my dear Rochester, the sound of your praise has scarcely done
echoing through the apartment. We are all dying with anxiety to see
what Charade is about to be presented.

Roch: Where is Miss Eyre? John, tell Miss Eyre to come here.

John Brougham is Jane Eyre (1849) 89

Lora’ Ing: Demmit, Rochester, have a little feeling for the Dowager. You know
how she dislikes the atmosphere of a domestic.

Roch: The instructress of my child, my lord, ranks amongst the foremost
of my friends; my acquaintances surely need not blush to be in such
society.

Enter Jane

Jane: You sent for me, sir!

Roch: I did, Miss Eyre. Sit down; I presume you care as little as myself for

those frivolous pastimes, and yet they may amuse you. (Aside) I cannot
struggle against the heart spell she has thrown around me. Spite of the
dark chasm of the future, my soul is hurried onward with the very speed
of destiny. Could she but love me sulficient to brave all — this day shall
prove it.

Enter John with letter which he gives to Rochester

Roch: Excuse me, friends; what’s this? (Reads) ‘Depart at once; a matter of
grave importance.’ You hear, friends, how abruptly I am summoned;
but let not my absence check your enjoyment; I shall return as quickly
as I can. (Exit Rochester)

Lord Ing: Ah, Miss Eyre. Pray, how do you find yourself‘? don‘t be under any
apprehension! I have forgotten what passed between us during my last
visn.

Jane: Indeed! my lord l congratulate you upon the complaisance of your
memory. I wish I had so obliging a recollection.

Lord Ing: Why, have you not forgotten it?

Jane: No, my lord, nor ever shall!
Lord Ing: What an unforgiving creature!
Jane: Pardon me, it is forgiven long since; that is my share of the transaction.

To teach me to forget it, must be yours.
Lord Ing: Ah! yes. You’re too dem’d metaphysical for me! (Small bell)
Col Dent: The signal to prepare for the Charade.

Servants appear at stage doors; crowding their heads amongst them, Grace, John,
Bob, &c.

Col Dent: Who are to be the representatives?

Lord Ing: Mr Rochester.

Col Dent: And your lovely sister, of course!

Lord Ing: I suppose so. If he’s going to marry her, I wish he’d make haste about
it. I want to cut in for a slice of his ready —

Col Dent: Silence! Here comes the first syllable.

90

Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

Curtain rises to music, and discovers Lady Blanche dressed as bride, two bridesmaids
attending; Tableau : Music

Lord Ing:

Col Dent:
Lord Ing:
Dow:

All:

C01 Dent:

Superb, by Jove! Blanche is rehearsing for the Mrs Rochester role,
evidently.

But what is the syllable intended?

Don't ask me. l never fatigue my brain with thinking.

It must be — Bride

Certainly!

Now for the second syllable.

Tableau of Rebecca at the well. after Victor Adam: Music

Lord Ing:
Col Dent:
Dow:

A ll:

Col Dent:

We all know what it is, — fountain!

No; Bride, fountain, spells no word that I know of.
I know it, — it must be WELL!

So it is. (They applaud)

Now for the Tableau of the whole word.

Curtain: Tableau of the Momentous question

Col Dent:

Enter John
John:

Dow:
John:

Blanche:

Lord Ing:

John:

C ol. Dent:
Lord Ing:
Dow:

Capital, by Jove, — ‘Bride-well’ ain't it, Miss Eyre?
Pardon me, sir, but I was not attending to the exhibition.
Perhaps you object to such fi'ivolous amusement?

My objections, my lord, carry but little weight.

Modest creature!

If you please, my lady, there’s an old gipsy has ensconced himself by
the library fire, and nothing can induce him to go.

The wretched person; what does he want?

He wants to tell the gentry their fortunes, and swears he won’t leave
till he does.

Oh! ma! do let us see him, it is so deliciously romantic.

What is he like?

As old as Methuselah, and as ugly as a scare-crow, my lord.

Then let’s see him, it would be a thousand pities to lose such a chance
of making fun of the old sorcerer.

He says whoever wants him must go to him.

An independent wizard; suppose 1 lead the way.

No; let Blanche, propitiate the fellow.

I cannot possibly countenance any such inconsistent proceeding!

John Brougham I: Jane Eyre (I849) 91

Blanche: Indeed, ma, but you can and will; I have a curiosity to have my fortune
told; John, lead the way.

Dow: Oh, my best —- oh, my dearest, consider —

Blanche: Ma, don't be foolish! (Exit with John)

Dow: Oh, my beloved darling; if any thing should happen to her, I should
never forgive myself. Theodore, why don’t you rush to the protection
of your precious sister.

Lora’ Ing: Don’t alarm yourself, perturbated maternity; Blanche can take a good
care of her precious self.

Dow: Oh, you have no sympathy for a mother's feelings.

Lord Ing: No! never had; don’t think l ever shall.

Dow: A horrible presentiment of evil oppresses me! I do believe if she don't
come instantly l shall be positively obliged to faint.

Lord Ing: Don’t throw away a scene, indiscreet woman; there are no strangers
present.

Lady Mary: Ma, l’m frightened.

Dow: So am I, my timid dove.

Lady Mary: This silence is inexpressively awful.

Dow: Perfectly appalling.

Lord Ing: Absolutely excruciating — ha! ha! Dent for gracious sake, look at the
interesting old hen and her one little chick. Here she comes; calm your
fluttering hearts.

Enter Blanche

Dow (rushes to her): She's safe; my own is safe.

L. Mary:
Lord Ing:
Col Dent:
Dow:
Blanche:

Dow:

Well, love, what did he say?

What did he do?

How did he look?

How do you feel, precious?

Now, good people, don’t press on me; restrain your curiosity. I have
seen a gipsy imposter, who endeavored to practise the usual cheating
of his kind; and I treated the knavery as it deserved, with contempt.
But tell me, love, did he say any thing about — you know what
— Rochester, you know?

Jane expresses anxiety

Blanche:

Dow:
Lord Ing:
Jane:

It’s perfectly laughable — he told me this marriage should never take
place.

How absurd. (All go up laughing.)

Very likely.

Ha! why does that sentence thrill through my frame, sharp and stunning
as a shock of electricity; what is it to me — oh, weak, weak, foolish

92 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

heart, strive not against thy betters; down to thy station, down!

(Exit, R.)
Scene 2
Enter John, L., meeting Jane Eyre
John: Please, Miss, the gipsy won’t go without seeing you.
Jane: You mistake, John, it must be one of the visitors he wishes to see.
John: N0, Miss, he must be something not right, for he described you
wonderful. What shall I tell him?
Jane: That I will go by all means. I-le may be in want of something; it’s only

those who have felt privation themselves who ever think that there is
such a thing in the world as want.

John: If you like, Miss, l’ll wait in the hall, and if he frightens you, call out
and I’ll see if the ditch water agrees with his gipsy stomach.
Jane: No, John, return to the kitchen; I am not in the least afraid.
(Exit Jane, L.)
John: Oh, Lordl, the mysteriousness gets thicker than ever. Not content with

having a ghost in the house, we must have a gipsy now. I wish the
fellow would tell me my fortune. No I don’t; for I’d rather not know it,
if it's at all shy; and in the natural course of events I don’t see any other
chance for poor me. l only wish I was married and settled out of this
nest of hobgoblins. That there Grace would make a good sort of wife
for a chap, she’s so chary with her syllables, and that’s a good point.
I wonder where she is? It's nice and dark and romantic; just the time
to whisper soft nonsenses. l’ve a great mind to find her. I will too. I'll
just take a glass of strong beer, and open my heart to her like a house
a-fire.

Grace appears at Door in E with plate, &c.

Grace: That inquisitive fool here. I'll soon get rid of him. (Re-enters door. A
groan heard.)
John: Good gracious, what ‘s that? l’ll swear I heard a groan in that room (goes

towards door). Pshaw! the keyhole’s stuffed up (a crash of crockery
and loud laugh.) The ghost! the ghost! oh, lord!
(Exit hastily, R.)

Enter Grace

Grace: It's well for us he’s such a coward. Now to relieve his terror: John,
what’s the matter? (Exit, R.)

John Brougham It Jane Eyre (1849) 93

Scene 3

The Library: Stage partially dark — wood fire blazing on hearth

Rochester as Gipsy, and Jane Eyre discovered — the red light fiom the fire falls on

his face

Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:
Roch:
Jane:
Roch:

I-Iere we shall be more quiet; for I have a good deal to say to you, and
hate listeners — you see that I know the house well; aye, and all who are
in it. Ah! you doubt me. I knew that, you see — but to the proof. Come,
you want your fortune told!

I don't care about it, you may please yourself; but you are right in your
conjecture — I have no faith.

My conjecture, silly mortal — my knowledge. I heard it in your step just
now.

Did you — you have a quick ear.

I have, and a quick eye and a quick brain.

You need them all in your trade.

Especially when I have customers like you to deal with. Why don’t you
tremble?

I’m not cold.

Why don’t you turn pale?

I’m not sick.

Why don’t you consult my art?

Pm not silly.

Lies, lies, all — you are cold, you are sick, and you are silly.

Prove it.

In few words. You are cold, because you are alone; no contact strikes
from you the fire that you possess. You are sick, because the lowliness
of your position keeps from you the companionship of your equals in
soul and intellect. You are silly, because suffer as you may, yet even to
those who could and would sympathise with you, you disdain to reveal
the heart-agony that wears away your life.

You might say this to any one, placed in my circumstances.

Find me another placed as you are; happiness is near you — within
your very reach, and yet your obstinate but noble pride keeps you from
putting forth your hand to grasp it.

l don't understand enigmas.

If you wish me to speak more plainly, let me see your hand.

I know it’s folly, all, but there — (Holds hand)

You don’t! there’s a doubt in your look. You are not quite certain that it
is folly; pshaw! I can make nothing of the hand, ‘tis too fine; besides,
destiny is not written there; no, ’tis in the eyes, the forehead, mouth,
the expression of the face: let me look in your eyes.

94

Jane:

Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:

Roch:
Jane:

Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:

Roch:
Jane:

Roch:

Jane E ym on Stage, 1848-1898

Now you are coming to reality; I shall begin to have some faith in you
presently.

Urn! good, very good. I wonder what thoughts are busy in your heart,
forI can only read them now — I can! What thoughts, I say, pass within
you, while you sit in yonder room, with all the fine people passing
before you like shadows in a magic lantern?

I feel tired oflen, sleepy sometimes, but seldom sad.

Then you have some secret hope that pleases you with whispers of the
future?

None!

None? no! not when you hear as you must do, tales of love and courtship,
does not your heart yearn for a fitting mate? For instance, when Lady
Blanche, and he, you know who I mean, when they converse in soft,
silvery whispering together, their fervid looks and low murmuring
syllables uttering the bliss of each, then —

Then! ah! spare me; then I dare not think.

You have looked forward, have you not, and seen them married, and
beheld his bride happy?

No, I have not seen that; your witch's skill is at fault sometimes.
What in Heaven’s name have you seen, then?

No matter. I came here to inquire, not to confess. I did not come to hear
Mr Rochester’s fortune, but to listen to my own, and you have told me
nothing of it.

Because your fortune is yet doubtful. I can read upon your features,
each passion of your heart, distinct as on a printed page. — That eye
shining like dew, so soft and full of feeling, and yet in the cup of bliss,
when offered, if there should be one dreg of shame, or one flavor of
remorse, how firm its determined glance; it would foster, not blight, it
would earn gratitude, not wring tears of blood. Ah! what tenderness,
but what inflexibility! Leave me; I rave in exquisite delirium; so far I
have governed myself thoroughly; leave me, Jane. —The play is played
out.

That voice — do l wake or dream!

Don’t you know me, Jane — there, then, off ye lendings! How do I play
the Gipsy?

It was no Gipsy part you played with me.

Whose then, my own?

I don’t know, sir; some unaccountable one. In short you have been
talking nonsense to make me do the same. l have your permission to
retire, sir?

Not yet: I want to ask your advice. Now, Jane, call your fancy to your
aid; suppose instead of the bright incarnation of woman-hood, which
you are, you had been a wild boy, indulged from childhood upward;
imagine yourself in a remote foreign land, conceive that you commit a

Jane:

Roch:

Roch:
Jane:

John Brougham Ir Jane Eyre (l 849) 95

capital error, no matter what, but one whose consequences must follow
you through life, and taint all your existence; mind I don’t say a crime,
my word is error. Well, heart-weary and soul-withered, you come home
afler years of voluntary banishment, you make a new acquaintance, you
find in this stranger much of the bright and good qualities which you
have sought for all your life, and but just encountered; such society
brings higher wishes, purer feelings, and you desire to recommence
your life, and pass the remnant of your days in a manner more worthy
of a human being; to attain this end, are you justified in overleaping an
obstacle of custom?

Sir, if any one you know has erred and suffered, let him look higher
than his equals for strength to amend, and solace to heal!

But the instrument! the instrument! I tell you without parable, that 1
have been a worldly, dissipated, restless man. Oh! dare I to hope that I
have found a comforting spirit? Jane, if the finger of scorn were pointed
at me, what would you do?

If it were deserved, my tears would attest my sorrow; if not, I would
dash the mocker to the earth, if strength of indignation could effect
it.

Bold, brave girl. You know my strange temperament, and won’t wonder
if I make sudden resolutions. You must go.

Go, sir?

Yes, go. What business have you here; you know I am about to be
married.

Soon, sir?

Very soon.

Well, sir, I shall be ready when the order to march comes.

It is come now, Miss Eyre — you must get a new situation.

The blow is greater, severer than I expected.

But your pride will master it.

It will - it does; it — oh, this is torture —

No it don’t. You are sorry to leave Thornfield.

I grieve to leave it. I love Thornfield. I love it, because I have lived in
it a full and delightful life. I have not been trampled on - I have not
been buried with inferior minds, and excluded from every glimpse of
communion with what is bright and high, and energetic. I have talked
face to face with what l reverenced, but I see the necessity for departure,
and it is like looking on the necessity of death.

Where do you see the necessity?

Ibu have placed it before me. Do you think I can stay to become nothing
to you? Do you suppose l am a mere machine, without one spark of
sense or feeling, and can bear to have my drop of living water dashed
from my cup? Do you think, because I am lowly and obscure, that I have
neither soul nor heart? You think wrongly if you do; and if heaven had

96

Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:
Roch:
Jane:
Roch:
Jane:
Roch:

Jane:

Roch:
Jane:
Roch:
Jane:
Roch:

End of Act III

Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

gifled me with wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave
me, as it is for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now, through
the medium of custom; or even of mortal flesh; it is my spirit which
addresses you, just as if both had passed through the grave, and we
stood within the precincts of eternity equal, as we are.

As we are, and ever shall remain. I offer you my hand, my heart, and
a share of all my possessions. Jane, decide my destiny!

You play a farce at which I merely laugh.

Unbelieving skeptic, you shall be convinced; the irresistible waves of
destiny hurry me along; you strange — you almost unearthly thing — l
love you as my own flesh, and I must have you for my own. Will you
be mine? — at once, within the hour — say yes, and quickly.

Mr Rochester!

Yes.

Let me look in your face.

Why?

Because I want to read your countenance!

There you will find it scarcely more legible than a crumpled page.
Read on — only make haste, for I suffer. Jane, you torture me with that
searching but yet generous look; you torture me.

How can I do that, if your offer be real; my only feelings must be
gratitude and devotion.

Gratitude! Jane, accept rne quickly.

Are you in earnest? do you sincerely wish me to become your wife?

I swear it.

Then I am yours.

Come, come to me — my happiness is complete. Away! I will not give
you time to change your mind. Prepare yourself at once — in my oratory
we shall be wedded. Haste, haste, my own, own bride! (Exit Jane)
God pardon me; and man meddle not with me; she is mine. and I will
hold her in the teeth of fate; it will atone — it will atone. Have I not
found her friendless! and will I not guard and cherish, and solace her?
ls there not love in my heart, and constancy in my resolves! I know
heaven sanctions what I do: for the world’s judgment I wash my hands
thereof — for man’s opinion, I defy it. Hold! what am I about to do?
Down, down thought! — sleep conscience; for in spite of all the powers
of earth and hell combined, she must be mine. And then! for remorse
and wretchedness. Well, let them come — heaven pardon and pity me
— my heart and brain are burning!

John Brougham 3‘ Jane Eyre (I849) 97
Act IV

Scene 1

The Drawing-room at Rochester Is. Dowager; Lady Blanche, Mary, Lord Ingram, C01
Dent, discovered

Dow: Come here, Blanche, my love; remember the importance of the crisis
which is evidently approaching: and don’t shake your hair too much
out of curl.

John: A note for you, my lady. (Exit)

Dow: It is from Rochester, and marked private. The long expected declaration,
no doubt. Blanche, calm your agitation, dear, while we see what he
proposes in the way of dowry.

Lord Ing: Something enormous, I trust, to gild the fellow’s atrocious vulgarity!

Dow (reads): Good Heavens!

Col Dent: No bad news, I hope.

Lora’ Ing: Surely nothing could have occurred to break off the match.

Blanche: Nothing, oh, nothing!

Col Dent: But death!

Lord Ing: Or Bankruptcy. (Dow sinks into a chair)

Blanche: You seriously alarm me, ma, has any accident occurred?

Dow: Accident! a frightful and unexpected one.

Lord Ing: What can it possibly be?

Col Dent: Is he sick?

Lord Ing: Hurt?

Lady Blanche: Dead?

Dow: Worse.

All: What? what?

Dow: He’s poor!

Lord Ing: Inconceivable calamity!

Dow: Here, Ingram, read this, and wonder at the fellow’s presumption; my

own one. (To Blanche) l know in this, the most trying scene of your
existence, you will comfort yourself as befits an Ingram — take my
flacon, darling, and be heroic. Go on, Theodore.

Lord Ing (reads): ‘l am ready to fulfill my contract, but honor, and a sincere desire for
the happiness of her whom l love more than existence, prompt me to
the avowal that the reputation of my wealth is far, very far, more than
its reality; frankly, I am a poor man.’ Disgusting wretch!

Col Dent: Terrible reprobate!

Dow: lmpudent monster!

Lady Blanche: Ugly creature!

Lord Ing: What’s this, why, this is simply laughable. (Reads) ‘However, if love for
myself and not for my possessions, animates your beautifiil daughter,

98 Jane Eyre on Stage. I 848-1898

I shall await her coming in the Oratory; and my Chaplain shall join us
in the silken fetters of wedlock.’ (All laugh)

Lord Ing: Well, upon my soul: that is about the coolest piece of efi'rontery ever
attempted within the annals of Jeremy Diddlerism!

Dow: Don’t weep for such an imposter, my precious —

Laojv Blanche: It’s not for him, ma; l don’t care a pin for the creature itself; but this
lovely house, those delicious grounds, ma, where I had absolutely
planned all my alterations.

Lord Ing: And I had selected my suit of bachelor rooms, and actually named my
favorite hunters; why, the fellow’s a huge swindler.

Mary: I’m sorry you’ve lost such a nice fortune, Blanche, dear.

Dow: Don’t be envious, child; come, darling, dry your sweet eyes, control
your dear little feelings, your poor heart must sufi'er from this dreadful
shock, I know, but it might have been worse; suppose this blow had come
afier the ceremony. We must leave, of course, as soon as possible.

Lord Ing: I vote we all go in a body to the fellow’s oratory first, and take an
afiectionate leave; now I insist, mother; hang it, ain’t I the head of the
house; come Dent, take Blanche; now, Dowager, dignity; prepare to
frown the creature into oblivion. (G0 up, closed in.)

Scene 2
A passage or corridor; dark. Enter John frightened, L.

John: Oh! lord. I’ve seen it again; there can 't be no sort of mistake this time,
a wild looking ghost-like thing, with heavy hair, rushed by me at the
end of the corridor. Ugh! what’s that, — my heart beats like the fastest
sort of a clock. There’s something mysterious in the house, l knew there
was in spite of Grace’s denial. Ugh! I can’t look round often enough
to be sure there’s nobody behind me; glaring with glassy eyes; there
it is again, oh! lord! coming right through at me; mercy! mercy! your
ghostship.

Grace rushes on L. and shakes him, she is frightened, but with a different
expression

Grace: Up, fool!

John: Is it you! phew! it’s like a reprieve on the very gallows.

Grace: What have you seen?

John: A ghost! the ghost!

Grace: Nonsense; what way did she, I mean did it go?

John: Whatever it was, she or it, flew right up the grand staircase like a pufi'

of tobacco smoke. Mercy on us, Grace, what can it be?
Grace: Away, and be silent.

John:
Grace:
John:
Grace:

John Brougham Is Jane Eyre (I849) 99

Wasn’t it a ghost, then, tell me that?

Yes; and a mischievous one; see, it’s coming back, run!

Oh, lord! (Bolts ofiQ -

Mischiefl mischief! where will it end? (Exit, R.)

Scene 3

The Oratory. Octagonal recess with large stained windows, practicable, beyond which
a portion of the house may be seen, consisting of turrets, to show @fect of fine at the
end of Act; low railing at opening of recess. Organ music.

Rochester discovered

Roch (impatiently): Why comes she not? my bounding soul would fain outstrip both

time and thought and reach the consummation of my hope ‘ere stem
reflection, reason’s officer, should cry, beware! Why will they leave
me thus alone with conscience nicely scrupulous —Away! away! I will
not think; in that direction madness lies; what, ho! (Noise without) Ah!
here at last; be calm, my soul. (Again noise) ’Tis Ingram’s voice; yes,
as I live ’tis he and his proud sister. Have I wrongfully judged her, and
my touchstone proven her to be right ringing metal? if so, I’m trebly
cursed. They're here.

Enter Dowager, Ingram, Blanche, Dent, and Lady Mary, R.

Roch:

Lord Ing:

Roch:

Lord Ing:

Suspense were more than agony, I must be resolved at once. How shall
l welcome thee, lady; as my disinterested love, bride of my heart and
not of my wealth? You are silent! be thanked for it, ye immortal powers.
Speak, Blanche.

Hold, sir; ’tis time this insolent mockery should have a termination; can
you smile, deceiver, and behold the victim of your wicked perfidy?
Perfidy! to whom, then, was your daughter betrothed, to me, or to my
money-chest?

Pshaw! what romantic nonsense is this; speak to him, Ingram, l can
have no patience with the poor imposter.

’Pon my life it’s a little awkward, lady mother; but as l’m the head of
the house, I suppose I must.

Let me look at you, Blanche. By heaven, her features are as calm
as marble. What are promises and protestations, gentle looks and
whispered sentences — all hollowness, pretence, and lies.

Come, come, Rochester, this is a most unimaginative age; that sort of talk
reads tolerably well in novels, but sounds ‘ ' r ' ‘ in real
life. Your paper heroes are privileged individuals, but flesh and blood
people don’t fee] inclined to listen to such improbable mouthing.

 

100 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

Roch: Miserable idiot!

Lord Ing (to Dent): Did you hear that?

Col Dent: Distinctly.

Lord Ing: What ought I to do?

Col Dent: Nothing!

Roch: I have no time to waste — be explicit. Do you wish this match to be
broken ofi‘?

Lord Ing: Most undoubtedly. Do you suppose that I would suffer my sister to be
sacrificed to a man —

Roch: Whose heart outweighs his wealth. l thought so, and am not disappointed;
still I must have confirmation from the Lady Blanche, herself. Speak,
lady; would you have me release you from your promise?

Blanche: Mr Rochester, I -

Dow: She would —

Roch: Hush! let her speak, I’ll hear none other.
Blanche: I like you very much —

Dow: As a friend.

Roch: Silence! Proceed, Lady Blanche.
Blanche: My mother answers for me, sir.

Dow: Afiectionate creature!

Roch: Am I released?

Motions Dowager to silence — a pause — he watches Blanche, as she quietly
exclaims

Blanche: Yes! (Rochester walks about quietly triumphant)

Dow: Unconditionally; but we shall always be most happy to receive your
visits in a friendly way, Mr Rochester. Shall we not, Ingram!

Lord Ing: To be sure, and l shall visit him in the shooting season. (Aside) Don’t be
disconsolate; there’s a good fellow, we’re all devilish sorry, you know.
Keep up your spirits.

Roch: I mean to do so: My kind considerate friends, now listen to me all of
ye. I-Iad there been one touch of heart — one spark of noble feeling in
that woman’s nature — I should deeply regret the stratagem which l
have used. (All start)

Lord Ing: Stratagem! I’m afraid we’re sold!

Roch: But as it is, her unworthiness has, like a dull foil, made lighter still the
starlike radiance of her, for whose beloved sake, I fling aside the gauds
of title and of name. Come forth, sole mistress of this heart and home.
(Leads forward Jane Eyre — all start)

Dow:

Blanche: } The governess!

Lord Ing: Lady mother, you are checkmated.

All the servants cluster round — the chaplain enters the enclosure

John Brougham Is Jane Eyre (I849) 10]

Dow: Marry the governess? revolting!

Roch: Yes, the governess! one pure instant of whose companionship were
worth a whole eternity with such as ye. Come, be witnesses of the
fulfilment of my soul’s uttermost desire. Look up, sweet love — look
up — a few moments nerve. (Leads her towards enclosure — large bell,
hastily rung — noise without) What interruption’s this?

Grace (heard outside): She has escaped!

Roch: Horror! what do I hear; must my cup of joy be dashed from me, even
in the moment of my greatest bliss? Never. Proceed with the ceremony.
(Noise increases - bell louder)

Enter John
John: The house is in flames.

Confusion — the oratory window is thrust open with terrible crash, and the maniac
wife appears in the opening, a torch in her hand

Roch: My wife!
Jane: His wife! (Faints — portion of the house beyond seen in flames)
Curtain

Act V
Scene 1
Plain chamber
Jane discovered
Jane: Twelve months have passed since that fearful day. Oh, too faithful

memory, why didst thou call up the loathsome picture in its terrible
reality. I see it now before my eyes, as vividly as when stricken by
the bolt of destiny, even at the very theshold of my joy; now almost a
bride, and in an instant alone — alone; the Christmas frost had come at
midsummer, and the smiling way of life that seemed to blu[sh so] full
of flowers, became in a moment pathless with untrodden snow, and yet
it was not for myself this bitterness of anguish — it was for him — that
I dare not deem him worthy; that the pure and bright ideal that I had
thought was found in him, should be so blurred and blackened. I have
worshipped a false image, and I must tear it from the altar I myself
have raised. Alas! alas! ‘tis not a vapor sunshine can disperse — 'tis

102 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848—I898

not a sand-traced efiigy storms can wash away; it is a name engraved
upon a tablet, which must last as long as the marble upon which it is
inscribed. Oh! for some friendly hand to point my proper road. I fear
myself there is a sweet, strange, dreamy spell pervades this solemn
eventime my failing sense cannot resist. I’m powerless beneath its
influence. Oh, if in dreams, good angels ere suggest the better course,
may such welcome visitors be mine.

Sleeps — Music. The scene becomes luminous, and Rochester is seen stretching his
hand towards her — he exclaims - ‘Jane! Jane! where art thou? ’- vision vanishes
— Jane starts up.

Jane: I am here, Rochester, my still beloved: this is no deception of the mind
— no witchcrafi: I heard him distinctly — the music of his words yet rings
in my ears. Again he speaks — he calls me, in tones of sufiering. He may
be dying, and I not near to look at my last of love and life. Rochester,
wait for me - I come, l come. (Exit)

Scene 2

Interior of a Cottage

Enter John, R.

John: Well, I never did see any one take on for any body in such an outrageous
way as my poor master does for that there governess. One would
naterally suppose that the whole race of soft sexes was abolished from
the face of the inhabitable globe, which every body knows and we in

perticular, they are not.

Enter Mrs John [Downey], Late Grace, L.

Mrs D: Now, turnip skull, what are you wasting your time there for?

John: None of your vegetable allusions if you please, or else l might insinuate
something respecting Carrots, Mrs Downey.

Mrs D: Alluding to my hair, I presume, Mr D.

John: Precisely, Mrs D.

Mrs D: Before we were married you used to call it auburn.

John: That’s the poetical for red, you know; only an allowable ante-nuptial
fiction, as my old master, the lawyer, used to say.

Mrs D: I’ll fiction your thick head with the broom-handle if you don’t mind.

John: Ah, you let the devil’s hoof peep out now. I suppose we’ll have the

horns soon. You were a different sort of an individual when you went

Mrs D:
John:
Mrs D:
John:
Mrs D:

John Brougham Is Jane Eyre ( I 849) 103

sneaking about Thornfield with your bit of bread and cheese, awaiting
on that she-devil as was shut up there; you couldn't say boo to a goose
then.

I’ve often had a chance since.

Mrs D., respect the head of your family.

There’s nothing in it.

Honor the provider of your wittles. Oh why did I ever marry?

That’s a question that always comes too late, and moreover is never
asked except by a good-for-nothing husband; see, who is that lady
beckoning to you. Stupid, go and see what she wants — while l get
master’s dinner on the do. (Exit into house)

Enter Jane slightly concealing her face, L.

Jane:
John:
Jane:
John:

Jane:
John:
Jane:

John:
Jane:

ls this Femdean farm?

It is, marm.

Your name is John Downey.

I never had no other as I knows on, marm. (Aside) Exceptin’ now and
then, turnip skull and such like.

They told me at the inn that you could give me the information that I
require. You know Thornfield Hall?

Yes, marm; 1 lived there once; I was the late Mr Rochester’s own
man.

The late — I —

Dear me, marm, anything the matter?

A spasm — ’twll soon be over. Have I then lived and hoped for this‘?
With one simple word to be forever crushed, destroyed.

When did Mr Rochester die?

l don’t mean the present gentleman.

Present? he is alive then.

Oh, yes, marm, he’s alive!

Thank Heaven! l can bear anything now! the light of hope and joy
rekindled! Does he live at Thornfield Hall now?

No marm; no one is living there. You must be a stranger here or you
would have known that the Hall was burnt down last harvest time.
Burnt? the Hall?

Yes marm. The fire broke out at dead of night. It was a terrible sight. It
nearly caught fire once before, at a strange time — there was a wedding
about to take place.

But the last fire; how did it originate?

The same way. A raving lunatic, that turned out to be Mr Rochester’s
wife, afier having made several attempts, succeeded at last.

And was he! Mr Rochester in the house?

John:

Jane:
John:
Jane:

John:
Jane:

John:

Jane:

Jane Eyre on Stage, I 848-4 898

Oh, yes marm, and never lefi it until everybody else was safe. Then he
tried to get his mad wife out of the place, but she fied to the roof, where
she yelled and gave a spring and in the next moment she lay upon the
pavement.

Great Heaven! Dead?

Yes, marm, as dead as the very stones she lay on.

One question more. My laboring heart throbs painfully at each pulsation.
I scarcely dare to ask him from fear. While there’s delay there still is
hope, and yet, suspense is anguish. What of the master of the Hall — is
he in the country?

Yes, marm. He can’t get out of it well, now. I-Ie’s a fixture.

There is an awful meaning in your words.

He’s blind, marrn, stone blind.

Thank heaven! I had feared a worse calamity; the loss of reason — but
where? do you know where he now is?

He ain’t far off, marrn; he’s in the garden yonder.

So near. I was not prepared for this, John. Do you not know me?
Dear heart — why it’s the governess. Oh, but this will be a nappy meeting
for us all.

Let us retire from observation.

You forget, Miss, he can’t see a mite.

Oh, terrible afiliction — and I to be so long estranged from him, when
words of solace were so needed. My very soul yearns to bring him
comfort; it is not now a crime — it is a duty.

You’ll see him, Miss, won’t you?

See him, John! his very shadow in the sun shall not be nearer or more
constant than I, while life remains.

This is indeed a joyful return. I shouldn’t wonder but it will even smooth
Mrs D’s wrinkles. I’m married, Miss; don’t you recollect Grace Pool,
she’s what folks call a good woman in the main: I wish she was in it,
just to try the experiment.

Quick! let me see her; I must consult with her the means of introducing
myself to Rochester. (Exit John) Be firm, be firm, my heart — no
shrinking now; this is thy duty; perform it well, even though neglect
and coldness be the recompense.

Re-enter John, with water

John:
Jane:

He has just called for a glass of water.

His kind fate points out a means for me to see him without danger of
too sudden a recognition. Give me the water, John; I’ll take it to him.
Now, courage, courage. (Exit, R.)

John Brougham is Jane Eyre (I849) 105

Scene 3

Exterior 0f F arm House — Rochester discovered — his arms stretched out — he is blind
- his hair streaming in the breeze. — The picture as before in the vision.

Roch:

Enter Jane, L.

Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:

Jane! Jane! ah, if you but knew that sky and mountain, field and flower,
are shut out from me for ever, you would not desert the proud, strong
man in the day of his affliction. In the wickedness of my heart I spurned
all control, and would have done thee wrong, angel of brightness and
purity; but I am punished, sorely punished. In vain for me the day dawns
and breaks, the sun rises and the seasons change. All is to me a blank;
my existence shrouded in unending night. Twelve months — twelve long,
leaden, fearful months have passed since that bright earthly vision fled
from me — even as the pure and good will ever flee from the assassin of
the soul; yet how often has the cruel delusion seized me that she was in
my very presence, though unseen, just as I feel this fire’s genial glow,
but cannot see the flame which causes it.

with tray, tumbler of water on it

Even now my mocking sense would almost persuade me that I heard
her breathe; out upon this heart-consuming deception — it almost drives
me to despair. (Sits)

Ah, what a sight — what a sight! (very quietly)

There is some one near me. Grace, have you brought the water. (Jane
hands it to him — he drinks) Thanks. N0 news, I suppose; silent — ah, I
knew it! I knew it. Thus for ever must I stretch the chord of expectation
and of life until they snap together. Hush! did you not hear something
- a small quiet murrnuring sound like hers, so like Jane’s. I heard it but
a short time since; it said, ‘Rochester, I come! I come!’ as distinctly as
ever sound reached my ear. Ah! malicious spirits that sport with human
hearts, this is the cruelest pastime. I hear nothing. Oh! for one week’s
eyesight. I would find her or a grave. (Jane sighs) Who is that? that
wasn’t you, Grace? ls there any one with you? answer me. ls that you,
Grace

Grace is in the kitchen, sir.

Roch (starts up in violent agitation): I know that voice, if the cheating demon is not

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:

practising on my sense once more. Who is this? What is it? Speak
again, whoever your are.

Will you have a little more water, sir?

Again — great heaven! this is distraction. Why don’t you tell me whether
you are a living thing or another of those tantalizing fiends that worry
me to the verge of madness. Who or what are you?

I come to wait on you.

106

Roch:
Jane:

Roch:

Jane Eyre 0n Stage, 1848-1898

Delusion, nothing but delusion. What sweet madness has seized me?
No delusion, sir, no madness; your mind is too strong for delusion, your
health too sound for frenzy.

And where is this speaker? is it only a voice? Oh! I cannot see, but I
must touch you or my heart will stop and my brain burst.

Jane approaches him — he takes her hand

Roch:

Jane:
Roch:
Jane:
Roch:

Jane:
Roch:

Jane:

Roch:

Jane:

Roch:

Her very fingers, her small slight fingers; if so, there must be more.
(Touches, and finally clasps her in his arms) Is it Jane? What is it? it
has her shape and feature.

Yes, Rochester, and her voice and heart. Jane is here — here with you.
In truth and in flesh! my living Jane!

You hold me in your arms. I am not vacant like the air.

But if I let you go will you not fade away, vanish as all the rest have
done?

Never! never! from this day.

Never, says the vision; but don’t you know, unearthly thing, that bright
as are these delicious moments, they must have an end. I know that in
a moment this hand, which I foolishly deem real, will elude my grasp,
and that voice which sounded to my enraptured sense like heavenly
music, will die away upon the echoes and be heard no more. Gentle,
soft dream, you will fly me like those who came before, many, oh, many
a time.

Is it a dream to grasp your kind hand with the warm truthfulness of love;
to tell you that I am here — l, Jane, your own Jane; to avow that love
and glory in that avowal; to say that my life, hitherto dark and hopeless,
is once more bathed in the brilliancy of an enduring joy; that my heart
which famished for your presence, is sated fi'om the very fulness of its
banquet.

It is you, Jane — my living, breathing, loving, constant Jane. Come near
me, and let me fancy that I see you with these rayless orbs. I cannot! I
cannot! but I feel your presence like a shower of sunlight on my heart;
and you’ve come back to me again, and will you stay with me‘?
Unless you object! I will be your neighbor, your nurse, your housekeeper,
your companion; to read to you, to walk with you, to sit with you,
to be eyes and hands to you, — that is, if you wish it, not otherwise.
(Disengaging herself a little)

No, no Jane. You must not go. I have touched you, heard you, felt
the comfort of your presence, the sweetness of your consolation, and
I cannot give up these joys; my very soul demands you, Jane. There
are other thoughts within my brain which I dare not utter. What right
has such a ruin as l to bid a budding woodbine cover its decay with
freshness?

Jane:
Roch:
Jane:
Roch:
Jane:
Roch:

Jane:

Jane:

Roch:
Enter John
Roch:

John:
Roch:

John:

Roch:

John:
Roch:

John Brougham Is Jane Eyre (1849) 107

You are not a ruin, sir. Friends, troops of friends will cluster around
you.

Friend! I want a nearer tie, Jane, my Jane; do you not comprehend me?
you do, and I may speak the wish of my soul. Jane, will you be my
wife?

I will.

What! wife to the poor blind man whom you will have to lead by the
hand?

Yes!

Truly, Jane?

Most truly, sir!

Oh, my darling! Heaven will bless and reward you for the sacrifice.
Sacrifice? if ever I did a good deed in my life, if ever I thought a good
thought, if ever I prayed a sincere and blameless prayer, if ever I wished
a sacred wish, I am rewarded now. To be your wife is to be as happy as
I can be on earth. (Shout outside)

What is that? John?

What means that shout?

Have you forgotten, sir, that this is your birth-day?

Truly, I had, John. But now I accept the omen as a good one, for my
life is again renewed through the heaven-gift of thy pure and true love,
my earth-angel.

Your tenants who love and respect you, sir, have brought their poor
but honest gifls; it would make them and all of us so happy sir, if you
would accept them.

Let them approach. My wife, John, that is to be shortly, will accept
them for me.

Hurrah! there will be another shout for that. Come friends!

I cannot see their merriment, my love; but what will the sum of all their
joy be, compared with mine?

Enter Peasants; Jane and Rochester advance

John:

Roch:

Jane:

Don’t spare your lungs. A cheer for our kind master and his intended
bride. (Hurrah all. Present bouquets to Jane.)

My good fellows — l — speak to them for me, Jane, the fullness of my
joy chokes my very utterance.

l am myself too happy for many words. My friends, he whose ambition
is to be the kind landlord, and the good adviser, cannot, alas! behold
your kindly glances, but he thanks you for your generous sympathy, as
I do from my heart.

108 Jane Eyre on Stage, 1848-1898

Jane leads Rochester to seal, a device is fixed by the peasants having printed thereon
in flowers ‘The Farmer Is Friend. ‘Garlands depend from the center, which are held
up by Peasants, forming a canopy for Jane and Rochester: Music

Curtain

