s 
 
 
PS 3523 
 .E37 J3 
 1909 
 Copy 1 
 
 I 
 
n^^ '^ "JANE E Y R E." 
 ^V- \\ A Play in Four AcbS<, 
 An adap-ai-ipn of Charlotte Brcnce's celebrated novel» 
 
 ^^^'---^rri'J -^ aHARACTERS. 
 
 Jane Eyre,—-.— -' —— -An orphan- 
 
 j:£rs« Reecl," -^- — i-^Her Aunt by marriage^ 
 
 Gsorriana,- ■■ — -Mrs« Reed's daughter. 
 
 Adele,"^ — — • • -i...,— ..A yoimg French girlo 
 
 Bessie,-- «-".— — -A maia.. (Double v/ith Adele) 
 
 The Maniac,—— — • • —- — 
 
 Lord Rochester,- -"A cyniCo 
 
 Ernest Rivers,— "-'•' -' —A young physiciana 
 
 Revt Brocklehurst,-'-^ ^— A hypnotical clergymana 
 
 John Reed,--"— --=--— --e.«-o^ libertine, 
 
 Marshall,— ——-— ---—--.«. Butler for dieReeds« 
 
 C&p-^, Theodore Greyj-^—- —..---► A young soldi er. (Double mi-h 
 
 Marshall) 
 Richard Mason,-— .From the West Indies. 
 
 James,--.™ — -. ^ ^A servant „ 
 
 SyNCPSlS. 
 
 Act 1„ 
 
 Gateshead Hall. The home of the Reedso 
 
 Act II„ 
 
 Thornfield Reception Hallo Lord Rochester's Manor House, 
 
 Act lllo 
 
 The same. 
 
 Act iVa 
 
 Scene I, Chspel in Thornfield, 
 Scene2, Park and Tov^er of Thornf ield* 
 
 ■Act Va 
 
 A cottage on the Rochester estate. 
 
 ^Ojul 2 tgesl 
 
 |^>iVo. If' 36' 
 ^ft 2^ J909 
 
 COPYRIGHT 1909 
 
 - BY ALEX. BYEP' 
 
a^p 
 
 ;ene:> 
 
 ACT 
 
 Gatesheaa Ha U the home of the Reeds. A reception room. 
 Sc^ne is a Avell airnishea interior wi ch four ope ran gs. Set as:. 
 
 Interior Backing. 
 
 2 ^!- 
 
 J' 1 
 
 -^-'1 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 ^ 
 
 \ 
 
 n 
 
 (1) Arch8i»» 12) Platform. (3) Steps leading to p laif or^, 
 (•i) Fireplace. ■ (5) Couch. (6) Table and chairs. 17) Arm 
 chair/ (8) Screen. (9) Doors. 
 
 The arch R.U„£* is curtained, also arch L,U^£^ Seeps and 
 platform abou ■- two feet high run off R,U.E, Arch L^U.E^s supposed 
 to open into breakfast room. Door in L« boxing obliqued open, 
 used for general entrancese Door R, has practical lock and keyo 
 A fireplace aowi L, Fire burring, coal scuctle, 'congs, shovel, 
 pokeretc. Lo-w English fire screen. Couch aown Re Large table C, 
 'vi^-h chairs surrounding i «., nev/spapers, bottles, glasses, playing 
 cards, etc., on table. Arm chair befo re fire, with f cot stool. 
 Book shelves et back, oil paLnving orpororait of middle aged 
 gen-. leman ab9ve book case, 
 
 Al. rlsej- Music,. "The Jolly Roast Beef of Cld England^" 
 Bessie a trim English parlormaid is busy pu voing the apartment 
 i n order. She pi cks up the playing cards #11 ch are scattered 
 aroiind t he f loo r by cable, restores chairs which have been upse^. 
 
 CO nornfil position, Marshall a typical butler of the &mirk 
 i-ype, middle aged, dress suit, socks and pumps, enoers while 
 Bess ie is engaged ac above, 
 
 Marshall 
 I Say Bessie, did you know as how young Masier John came 'ome 
 lawst ni ght. 
 
 Bessie 
 Cawn't I see it, 'aven*c I he^fes? Look at. this letter and rub- 
 bi sh. 
 
 Mar shall 
 Yes, he came from London "squiffy", v/i ch an 'orse trainer. They 
 sat at chat table aid drank and arank, like two boiled owlsa I 
 i ad to pull Master John out fron under the table and carry 'im 
 io b ede Bess ie 
 
 ^Vha'i. 5id you do with che 'orse trainer? I always 'ad gfancy for 
 *orse trainers. 
 

Bessie 
 
 Marshall 
 ( ^Sneers) Oh, you 'ad, 'ad you? Well, I look him by the am 
 and Showed 'im xhe way v;o che "pub<." I'm taking this soda and 
 branay now to Master John, but oh 'es seedy thLsmorring, ^The 
 mi sus 'ao seno for Dr. Rivers ..o take a look at im« She s 
 real cuu up ^out iii, 
 
 Bess ie 
 ¥eIL if 1 was 'er, if 'e 'cut" hup any more I'd cut too« 
 I'd cue off 'is allomnce as io is= She only cuts on t te ser- 
 vants, 
 
 Marsl^ll 
 You ought to have 'eard what Master John said vhm I r.old 'im 
 Jane Eyre was back 'ere^ 
 
 ^at did 'e say? 
 
 Marshall 
 "What, that little 'ell cat?" That's what 'e called ^er^ an 
 *ell cat. "Say Marshall, 'ow does she ISok, as hugly as hever?" 
 And 1 sez, sez I, 1 sez, no Master John, she's vastly improved, 
 in. fact corny taste she might be called 'andsomSj and 'e saySj 
 sez ^e, 'e sez, I'll take a squint at 'er to-morrowg ^d if she 
 suits me I'll put her in my cdlectiono Then 'e laughedo The 
 'orse trainer 'e laighed, and Because they was so f^iliar 1 for- 
 got thav I 'was a digmfiea butler and I laughed^ In fact we 
 hall of us laaghe^ aid then they took another drink » 
 
 Bessie 
 I 'eard Sie was serA to the Charityx schoolo They 'ated one 
 another, 
 
 Marshall 
 Thqr did. Cne day *e 'it *er with an 'ammera She carries the 
 scar now, but she got at *im and whipped 'im good. 'E was f cur« 
 «een ',hen and she was Only tei^ that's ei^t years agOo 
 
 Bessie 
 ^'relL, I dcn't think that a man a has any right to beat a woman 
 u nless she loves *im. 
 
 John 
 ( CutBide)(Cff R. dcor) i^rshall^ Marshall. 
 
 Marshall 
 'Eere si rj 
 
 John 
 Hurry with tthat brandy and soda, you damned sniaL, my head is 
 splittings 
 
 Marshall 
 Yes sir, k yes sirj (Shanbles oiT R, door exit) (Bessie has 
 gathered up eapty bo files and glasses, cigar stunps on tray., aboui 
 "£0 exit L, door in boxing, runs into Brosklehurst who enters) 
 
 Br 00 klehur st 
 • Ahem ahemi (Pompously clearing his throat) Young woman, look 
 
 uv , look out where you are going. 
 
 Bessie 
 Ch hexcuse me, sir« 
 
 Broc kleh\irst 
 
 1 will excuse you just this once, but dox't let it ever occur 
 again. 
 
 Bess ie 
 ( Dropping a courtesy) 1 shai't sir. 
 
/ p 
 
 ** " * Brocklehurst 
 
 rmat' (Looking at Bessie's hair) Do my eyes dece ive me. V/hy, 
 
 your^ha^r i s curled. {Holds up hi s hands and groans m horror).. 
 
 a^ vaS.y. mcKea vanity „ Thi s i s no. mor^ i^ xcatxon of the 
 
 y^^ts of the flesh. A maid servant ^.o. th her hair curled. 
 
 Bess ie 
 
 '" Timidly) It. curRs naturally, sir^ 
 
 , j-mxa-iy; Brocklehurst 
 
 ^ Traps, iencly) I have nothing to do mth nature, V/here nature 
 is" extravagance, vain gloriousness and temptation from the paths 
 fi. righteousness, nature should be cij-tailedo You are m dangl- 
 er, girl, in danger. 
 
 Bessie 
 
 I ' op es no c , sir a 
 
 Brocklehurst, 
 
 Ch, bui you are, 1 shall speak to your Mi stress Mrs. Reed- In 
 
 your inferioura and servile position in life, beware the hissing 
 
 V!h± ^er of .he serpent in your ear*. 
 
 Bessie 
 (Gecrgianna enter R„RaU„E,) (Bess le trying to edge offj I will 
 
 sir J 1 mil, 
 
 Brocklehurst 
 Remember -what this honied venom did to Eve, then think how Mam 
 suffered. If Eve had not listened to che serpent j, there would 
 have b een no need of milliners or dresaoaakerSj no f lorbelowsj no 
 frills, no hsi.raresserSo Girl if you hope for grace^, straighten 
 oui. your hair, wear it plainly « modestlye 
 
 Bessie 
 But if 1 cannot make it straight,, sir, 
 
 Brocklehurst 
 Then cuv i c off, Becter be bald headed than a brand fit for the 
 btirringo Go] (Bessie exits) Good morringa Ahi (Turning and 
 seeing Georgiana)' My dear Miss Georgiana^ If 1 may make so 
 bold as to say, you are looking po si tively charming. That rose 
 in your hair i s so beconing to your si:yle of beauty ~ your - 
 
 Georgiana 
 Now Brociiy - Brocky - doi *t be a bore « 1 heard everything you 
 are trying to say tome a score of times at the ball last night, o 
 
 Brocklehurst 
 Ah, the Garrison Ball,, My wife and daughter were ^here^ 
 
 Georg iana 
 I believe so. I literally dancedmy slippers off my feet» Then 
 Captain Grey asked me oo sit ouc, and he said the loveliest 
 lilings tome in the c on servat ory p and then Lord Punkhead doweled 
 by, 
 
 Brockhurst 
 Lord Punkhead" yes - (enr^tuxBd) I do s o love aLord,, and what 
 did Loi-d Punkhead say? 
 
 Georg iana 
 He never says much, excepting (mimic in g) "Really" aid "what a 
 bawhJ Bu o he looked ■» and «> 
 
 iBrcc klehurst 
 Ho w di d h e lo^ok , 
 
 Ge org iana 
 He lo^oked like a calf -siio had chanced upon a quar^ of champagne 
 and f ini ^ed i c. 
 
Brocklehurst 
 
 Ch \ihaiu a simile for a British peer, 
 
 Ge org iana 
 Yes, he olid cry to tell a little sc cr y, a little French SLory, 
 rather risque^ but he dried up before he reached the point so 
 I Ja f inislsd it. for him". (rather risque in quality, you might 
 
 say equivocal) 
 
 Br ocklehi;r St 
 (Smiling and point in g hi s finger at h er paternally) Ch fie 
 
 Miss Georgianas fie. 
 
 Ge org iana 
 
 ( Not. heeaing interruption) I ttelL i t v er y -■^/el 1 . 1 heard it 
 •first frca your elder daughter, {Br coklehu rst c cu ^s ) V/hen I 
 TCt thrai^ Lorn Puhkhea d laughed "Ha, hav;, say you're a deuced 
 ripping girl„ Haw, hav/, '' (Marshall re-enters, (iic ks and dodges 
 a book'^-which is hurled after him, the boot hits Brocklehurst in 
 cYe b ac ko He turns and picks it up) 
 
 Brocklehurst 
 ( To l^ilarshall) ^''hta is the moiring of this? 
 
 Marshall 
 That's 'is booko Look hout 5, look hout , sir, 'e may throw the 
 t her one, (Closes the door) 
 
 Brocklehurst 
 He, whOo 
 
 Marshall 
 Young i&ster John, siro (Takes boot) 
 
 TSiho . Ge org iana 
 
 (To Brocklehurst, flocks up inquiringly) Yes, my prodigal brother 
 tired of Londcn, and the husks thereof have returnad^v 
 
 Brocklehurst 
 Ah„ che dear boy« WeHj boys will be boys. We must be charit« 
 able toward Hi e errors and escapades of the youth belonging to 
 our good old substantial families^ So Young Mr* John is 
 back sgainj. and your esteemed mother will kill the fatted calf 
 for ham eh^ 
 
 Georg iana 
 Patted calf, W^ell, v,he best John can expect from her chis time 
 is cold veal and very little of that*. (Mrso Reed enters L^ 
 Rivers folloving) 
 
 Mrs o Reed 
 Giod mJjrning Mr. Br osklehurst^ You're ear][y, 
 
 BrocklSiurst 
 I was eager my dear madame^ to obey your honored note.^ (to 
 Rivers stiffly) Your servant, docv^or/ (Rivers bows to him 
 coldly^ 
 
 Rivers 
 ( To Georgiana) Mi is Georgiaia, (Georg iana bows to him and 
 Smile 3„ ) 
 
 Mrs« Reed 
 I s your yoiing giaster awake MarshaJ-lo 
 
 Marshall 
 Ch yes ma'am, he's awake, ma'am. (Mrs* Reed goes over zo door R., 
 l<no cks) 
 
 John 
 (Cui^siae R) Who the devil's therei If i -,'s youMarshJall, open 
 Che door, I want t hi t you with the other boote. 
 
 Mrs o Reed 
 Iw is I your mot her J John.^ 
 
Ifl. 
 
 J ohn 
 
 { Cut: s lae ) ^IJh at cL o y o "u. want ? 
 
 Mr So Re e d 
 I senr. for Dr. Rivers,, My poor boy. I warn; co see if he can't 
 uiake'vou feelbeiaer. See him, wcn'T. yoi,.? 
 
 J ohn 
 Tro-u him ^n Trot the sav/ bones in ana tell Mash all r. o bring 
 u.e f-anemorB brandy, and some ice, if he can get any in "chis bar» 
 barous hole of a pi ace „ (Mrs., Reed signs r. o Marsnalx -mo nods 
 vnderstanflingly and exits int o b reakxasT; room; 
 
 Mrs , Reed 
 (Calls after Marshall) And Marsha].!, serve b reak fast in ha3.f an 
 hour^ You m s^ go m, Doctor. ^Rivers exits R) 
 
 Ge rg iana 
 1 chink I'll go and see T,\h at i s in the mail bag^ 
 
 Mrs .-. Reed 
 ( To Brccklehurst) You knov/ -why 1 sent for you? 
 
 Brccklehurst 
 
 I su sp ec t ed « 
 
 Mrs 6 Reed 
 
 I t was about Jane Eyre.. 
 
 Br OG kl ^u rst 
 
 So -C suBpssedc 
 
 Mrsc Reed 
 You know iihe trcuble 1 haci. with her u^en a child before I placed 
 her in your charge at Lowod School = In x.hDse days dne was such a 
 burden to be left on my hands j and so much annoyance as she 
 caused, me with her incoinpreheasible aispositionj her sadden 
 starts of tenders her continuous unn-atural -vetchings of one^s 
 movements'., I hated her as I would a li tt le fiend^ and now she's 
 back again, here in py house to torture me with her presence*^ 
 \7hy didn't stie Ole at your charity school Tshen the typhoid fever 
 broke out there and destroyed so many of the pupils? No, she 
 did not die« She will live to call back memories of the past« 
 
 Brock-lehiirst 
 Calm yourself my dear madamo. 
 
 I\irSo Reed 
 She seems like her mother's ghost cOme b ao k on earths I can see 
 her now with elfish eyes gazing at k me., She wasmy husband's 
 a n3.y sister.^ and 7,;hen the news same of her death, he broke down 
 and cried like a fool. He insisted on serri.ing for thebaby^ Jane„ 
 a s ickly.- v/hinyc, pining tiung., ao.dhepitied it, nursed it and 
 petted i t„ as if it had been his own.,. She st cod in the v/ay of my 
 m children "chen., me stands in their way now,, 
 
 BrockJ-8hu rst 
 "^b-y how can tha;fc b e^, my dear madame.. 
 
 Mrs, Resd 
 ( Passionately) Ch,,, you woiild understand early ex^aigh if you knew 
 the facts. My husband^ an hour before he died bound me by oath 
 to keep the creature, 1 would as soon have been charged v/ith a 
 pauper brat cue. of the T?,orl-: house ,, Yes,, I hated Jane %Qre wh m 
 Che was a child as a coupound of d^iplicity ai), d virulent tempsr,:v 
 (Jane enters R^U.^E,, she carries portfolio a?.d s.ketching part s) 
 ^ou have curea. her of her temper m. your charity orphan schoole 
 
 Bra; klehurst 
 ¥e certainly show r.he oi-phan g i.rl that proper humility should be 
 practical. 
 
Mrs. Reed 
 But now that she is grown to wonaihood mth her meek quakerish 
 ways and calm searching eyes which seemx to read my very soul, .. 
 
 hat-.e Jane Ey&re more„ 
 
 Jane 
 { Coming dowi) I know that, Aunt Reed, and 1 ^11 soon relieve 
 you of an sight of me* I hope this tJjne forever^ 
 
 Mr So R & Brcoklehurst 
 
 Liscening, ehe 
 
 J fine 
 By chaice and not intent. My presence un,der this roof is nou of 
 my ov/n seeking- I ^was forced to give up my position, as teacher 
 at Lowood schoolo I could not remain longer^ 
 
 Mrso Reed 
 
 Tjhy - why <» 
 
 Jane 
 Ask him « {Pointing to Brcoklehurst) Perhps he will ans^.ver but 1 
 don't thinJ<: he will.. 
 
 Mrs c Reed 
 Do you ftmovf out insinuations against the clraracter of this 
 
 worthy man™ 
 
 Jane 
 If the vime over cones forme to speak I will not insinuate « I 
 paint him in his true odors* (To Mr, BrockLehurst) You did me 
 the service I understand, of advising my Aunt t o burn up my poor 
 lic'ule store of books „ 
 
 Br ockle hurst 
 I did, (Virtuously) It is immoral for a g irl of your agej that 
 s J an orphan girl and a dependent on the GlrB.rix.y of your escim"= 
 able Auntj t o possess the works of Sh^espeare, By ron^ Goldsmith, 
 Thaokery^ etCoj besides it is a waste of time> It is your des^ 
 tiny to tccLl an.d earn your bread by the sweat of your brow, and 
 not indijlge in Vanity, idle (3ay dreams^ and such golden rules as 
 paintirjg, drawing, music and the like = 
 
 J ana 
 I mil not argue the ethics of the case Mr.. Bro3klehurst you will 
 soon pt£;s out of my life., 1 do no t deplore the eight years of 
 my girJhood spent in the semi charity institution over vhich yoti 
 presideo The physical discanforts of cdd an d hunger are now but 
 memorieSg the petty tyrannies, the cant, the hypocricy, are 
 warning beacons of sins we should avoido The beautiful nature of 
 my cMld friendj Helen Burns , and the example of Miss Temple, the 
 noble womar^ your lata head teacher, both helped to mould my 
 character's Donst fear Aunt Reed, 1 an no longer a misunderstood 
 and cortured little savagej, I'm realJ.y a disciplined and Subdued 
 beings 
 
 Mrso Reed 
 X hope so'., 
 
 Jane 
 I knov/ soo My old phase of life is abou g closing;, annthar v-Tsi_-a 
 Is opening to me, a new servitude^ and it is welcomej so welcomeo 
 I thank you Mrs, Reed for the shelter you have given me this week, 
 and Uncle Reed in Heaven t/ho loved me ^«e H appro/es of what you 
 have dotie* I am grateful"., 
 
 Ivlrs, Reed 
 Is thi s some of your sarcasm - because 1 had you eat with the 
 servaitSj, and because you have drudged at si sewing for the house- 
 hold while here? 
 
Jane 
 T y.^r^ reasea being a pauper for three years MrA Brocklehurst, 
 .,n" I ea?'.ea my !iv .'g at, a sraall ..ipend a. .r.der teacher .n 
 vSSr CchDon, What money my Aunt has experdsd on me , should... 
 T^ Tll'ie refuna.e.d to the last farthing. 1 ^'sce ivea a le..er 
 -chL. morning ofTerlngme a position of govornass in Milccfcte xn 
 this same Shire » Br. Rivers helped me to p roou.lre i to I leave 
 to=.aayo 
 
 \nztt>v.% your Aimt's permission, your Mnf,, vho is your legal 
 
 guard i an o 
 
 Mrs» Reed 
 Let her depart, I ^ell b a g .l£id - glado Come, let us go in to 
 br e air fast Mr o E r o cklshuTS t o ( Ex it in t o L « U „ E . ) 
 
 Bro ckl elTix rst 
 {Watches ha- off) (Steals over to Jane) Don't rep es.t any tales 
 abou-c me. T)on't for if you d o^ I'll ^ I'3J. ™ 
 
 Jane 
 
 (.Ga3mly) v-ou.'ll vhat? 
 
 Bro ck Is hurst 
 I ai denDunce them as falsehoods. (Seeing Ri\^.rs who r&^ent&rB :^. 
 and all liars mil have their po rt ion in the lafce burning with 
 fire and b rimstonsa 
 
 Jane 
 What an awful fortune you are laying up for yourself^ (Broclcle- 
 hijirst speechless wi uh in dignat ion;, exits LaU<.E-) 
 
 Rivers 
 How rep ell ait is ihla man, his hypocricy disgusts ms -= 
 
 Jane 
 And his assumption of piety is so transplant and so •=;;hallow, a 
 child might see through him « A strar^e compound of ignorance., 
 pomposity and fawning ominingo If he were not so loat.hesome, 
 he mi ghx b e 1 aughable'o 
 
 Ri'vers 
 It. .i. smenofhis cla«S -who are the worst erji ernes a true religion 
 can encounuero ThehaJf forned soul groping for the truth seeing 
 a grewsome spect re like Brccklehurst in i-c's path will turn 
 aside and drift into in fidelity o He hates bo th you and me? „ J ana.. 
 X alwayy feel lilse kicking hlm.s, 
 
 Jane 
 It is not violenoe tlrafc best overcomes hate, no r ve rgeaiice that, 
 Biost certainly heals inju iy« 
 
 Rivers 
 M^ you say that Jane^ but 1 can see a latent gleam in your eyes 
 ■Ti9l:iich belies your entire tru2?t in what you sayo 
 
 Jane 
 Perh^s I an still wetchedly ctefect ive^ I fear 1 m -^ 
 
 Rivers 
 Nb^ 3.i tt le woman, you are as g cod as gQ3.d., Bu c te H. me.-, you 
 r^lly haire the place as go-yerness at Thornfield* 
 
 ■ ' Jane 
 
 Yes, my dear friencl,. through your kind rec ODme^iOat ion I am going 
 there this morning. Be li eve me, I am gratefulc 
 
 Rivers 
 Don't speak of itj Jane, 
 
 Jany 
 Oh but I must. 
 
Rivers 
 Do you remember #ien ^ first met Jane? 
 
 Jane 
 ji it were yesteraay. When the ^raale of fog breft pestilence with 
 .te" quickening spring breathed typhus ^'^'^S^^^l^fJ^tltl?^"" 
 
 11 at 
 
 you 
 orvB tiineo i^eauii wao ci xiVH^^*'- "-- _ - - -- 
 
 toiling and battling to flr ive out t;he flreaded sc curge. and one 
 day 1 spoke to you half fearing a rebuff- You looked so grave, 
 haggard, ^a ch strenuous days and toiling nights, but you smiled, 
 aids aids "^at is it little woman." 
 
 Rivers 
 Yes Jane, you have always been "little wtoan" vith me. (Pause, 
 Jane Silent) ^^ell, you said "please sir, Mr„ Doctor, I want vo 
 help you« I want to be of. some u se." Then I said m my base pro.= 
 f 6 s s i ona 1 ma nne r^ s On et. hi n g li k e B r oo kleteu, rsEt »> ■ 
 
 Jane 
 HorrorSp no ching like hi gin You said simply j, "Little woman, go 
 and pi By in -^hs woods like a gypsy fr ac, morning till night, 
 then yov. won't get ths fsver«" 
 
 Rive rs 
 And th ^ you said "Please '^irs, I wan'C uo ,i~.ui-se Helen Bums, she's 
 been awful gODd t o m e« She hasn't the fever ,, sir,, but consimp" 
 jr,iCi-u YoLi h&'^e so mi;ch ^o do with saving T.he OT:hers sir, te-ll 
 Eie what Zo do and let me burse her^. " And I consented-, Jane you 
 were a faithful little nurse to the end<- I'll never forget how 
 Hi 3s Temple and I fcund you the dawn of one morning, lying in a 
 li'i^tle crib by the sick girl's bea. ^ your face against- Helen 
 Burn's' Sioulder, your arms around her neck^ you were asleep, and 
 Helen was ■= dead.. (Pauye) (Marsha:^,^! enters L^ carrying a de^ 
 carjger and bowl of ice, goes R,)(Ri-v«rs stops him) Wait a mOmen" 
 dwn't take that in there,, Yozm young mas'cer is my pacient now,-. 
 Take Ghi s away., (Pointing to (^canter) Bring a bottle of plain 
 coda in steady You ro. ay leave ohs iceo 
 
 Marshall 
 Yes sir^ (Leaves bow 1 on table) (Exits with decanoer) 
 
 Rivers 
 Be is dr-unk nowg no need of making matters vvorse, 
 
 Jane • 
 I hope to gs away befi) re he sees me„ 
 
 Rivers 
 You can't get overyour childhood repug ranee ^ 
 
 Jane 
 Sincerely g, 1 can't ^ thatSs ftij 1 am hastening to get to Thorn" 
 fieldc John Reed has always been an ogre to my fancy,: 
 
 Ri "vers 
 I hope you v/cn't think the same thing of Lord Rochester, Jane, 
 
 Jane 
 Lord Rochester I 
 
 Rivers 
 Your new Master did not know -who you were going to W0«yk for, 
 
 Jane 
 A Mi ss Fairfax, 
 
 Rivers 
 She is the house-ieeper, a worthy wonan, and your pupil is a 
 young French girl nearly as old as you rse If „ She's a charming 
 child " you will like her„ 
 
Jane 
 ^ma\- sor-c of a man is Lo m Rochester, 
 
 Rivers 
 An enigma co che to rid, general3:y,, a few aamirers, a ho sv of 
 enemies, sane friends, no intimates,, a scholar, a cynic, bu-. 1 
 believe always a gentleman. 1 an anxious to learn how you will 
 get a long oogethero 
 
 Jane 
 He will probably be unconscious of ray very existence. 
 
 Rivers 
 Have you ordered a fly to take you to the station? 
 
 Jane 
 (And ou ^.side) Yes, my box is corded and 1 aa ready to go no Y>r. 
 
 Rivers 
 I '11 go and see if che conveyance is waiting while you mlee your- 
 self adieuxo (Exit Lo door on side) 
 
 Jane 
 C ught 1 no 1. b.e gratefti 1' Heaven has be no me these clianges. My 
 long years of suffering are all forgotten now in chLs one glad 
 moment of sn t ic ip at ion c The rocky barriers whi ch hemmed me in 
 are rent, and the ivorld, the bright the glorious woria., it's 
 doors are opened to me at last. It seems as if 1 were entering a 
 dreams a beautiful dream« (To back, looks at picture) Uncle, 
 dear Uncle Reed, my mOt her, my brother, may your blessings from 
 Heaven fall on the orphan whom you so cherished and guide her 
 /.hrough the great unknown into which she is drift irig« (V^ipes 
 her eyes) 
 
 Georg iana 
 (Re-ea^-ers) (Picks up Jane's bonnet which she has left on chair, 
 examines it contemptibly with a side glance at Jane9a crosses 
 stage c o RoUa) 
 
 Jane 
 S am going away this morning Georgianas and p rctoisly may never see 
 you again'. 
 
 _ . Ge org iana 
 
 No „ ( 1 nd iff 6 . o n- ]y , y awnin g) 
 
 Jane 
 I thought I wculd like to say good-bye., (Holding ouu her hand) 
 
 Georgiana 
 ( Ignoring her proffered hand) AJJ. right. (Plipp an -.ly and 
 turns away) 
 
 John 
 MarshaJJi (Encer Ro door) Marshall you damaed old sneak, what 
 have you done with my other boot« (John is canpletely dressed in 
 riding cosfum^ .lacking the one boot^Hat on^ riding crop and all. 
 He i s red faced and slightly drunk) Hello Georgie» (Limps to 
 her) v;i"iere's my booto Come kiss your brcLher. 
 
 Georgiana 
 Not lo You reek of the stable. Keep away from me, (Pushes him 
 off ) 
 
 John 
 Well, -vhere 's that damned Marshall. He didn'o b ring me the 
 brandy and he's got my Other boot,, Damn him* 
 
 Gsorg iana 
 Keep your oath for your chosen circle of racint touts, stable- 
 men and swell mobsmen<. 
 
John 
 
 My fri-eoas are just as good as yours, sticl my language is just as 
 re^tnea- I krcw a3.1 abouc your set v/ivh your cigarettes m pub 
 lie and cocktails in tea cups, your dwager cats, your spmstef 
 cabbies, and your debutante purries. You all belong to the whole 
 aamn cat family. stab 1 es , ehi ^at do you say to that* 
 
 Georgiana 
 Say. I say you'd better go to bed and sleep it off, or better 
 stiil- here's your boot - (picks i t up and throv/s it at hxs head) 
 go mounc your horse and ride to the dev al, and rid mother and 
 
 lae of a nuisanceo 
 
 John 
 Thanks, oh thanks, dear sister, I'll ride out to the "pub" and 
 see a friend of mine frcm Londono (Pulling on boot, sits on 
 
 couch) 
 
 Ge OiTg lana 
 I hope you'll break your neck before you get tlfcreo (Exit 'R>VI,,E, 
 
 (Marshall enters) 
 
 John 
 Oh here you are* Where's that brandy? (Goes to table C« rapping 
 ^on i c with riding 3Bte crop) 
 
 Marshal 
 Please si r^ Dr", Rivers said as how you were to 'ave this hin^ 
 stead o (Places soda bottle on table) 
 
 John 
 (Grabbing the bou'cle and aiming * blow at Marshal who dsdges 
 him) ■ V^^aL the clevil hs ^t\ Rivers got t o do T-vith what I eat or 
 drirtko (Sees Jane who has retired down L^) Hello, whB,t's that? 
 
 Marshall 
 ■Why, she's her, sir^ 
 
 John 
 Ch,, She's her, is she? And who may her be? 
 
 Marshall 
 Jane Eyre^ sir'<, 
 
 John. 
 Jaae E^re? What ^ the imp that -went to the charity school? Say 
 (coarse Ty) Turn aromdhere and let's see how you size up? (Jane 
 7,urns and looks him square ]y in the eye) Vi/hy you haven't turned 
 •crat such a b ed looking ii lly after alio Do you know who I am? 
 
 Jane 
 I mo"p 
 
 John 
 Then T. don't have to be introduced, do 1? 
 
 Jane 
 
 John 
 ( To Marshall) Say Marshall, get out^ you're m the way o (Mar«p' 
 §ha3.1 grins, ©cits LcU.E J (To Jane who is about to fo1J.ow) St. op 
 where are you going? 
 
 Jane 
 To bid your mo ther good-bye, 
 
 John 
 Are you goijig away? Where? 
 
 Jane 
 To a place a fewmiles ftway from hereo 
 
 John 
 To do Tf^iat? 
 
am. 
 
 
 ^3jg?5S^- 
 
-12-P „ 
 
 Jane 
 
 To Tiforko 
 
 John. 
 To work? I know lots of girls no heU.&r looking vhan you ^^ho 
 
 acn 't ha/e to work,. 
 
 Jane 
 They are for^-unate perhapSo 
 
 John 
 No'J (Leering) The world :? calls -chem iinf orfcinate, ha, ha, ha- 
 i 'aiighs coarse;Ly) Say^ cone over here and sit beside me, 
 
 Jane 
 
 No„ 
 
 John 
 
 Bu c 1 wan'L t o talk t o you<, 
 
 J ane 
 
 I h are n't tineo 
 
 John 
 Then make -tine, Ch no I am no "c going to let you gO uncil I've 
 had my say„ {Hvns after her , grabs her arm, brings her down the 
 stage«) 
 
 Jane 
 John Reed^ lee go of my anno (Shakes him off) 
 
 John. 
 
 ao„ ^.'hat a high spi rited, nettlesome little filly it is, jusi. 
 my s?. ylsc Say,., aren't you afraid of me? 
 
 Jane 
 (Looks at him) Not the least litt.le bit., (Pause) 
 
 John 
 
 1 want to cQne to an, understanding m. r-h you,. Mocher's brought me 
 down here to leaM. a sim.ple li fe^ and it's going to be awful dull. 
 Now I >«/ant. sQjD. ebody to Snuse me.. The farmer girls around here 
 don't appeal to my city taste at all« You see; how you and 1 
 can b e p rett J- goo d fr ienfls.-; Chj don't 3.ook so innocent 5 you know 
 
 what I meanj, and ■^len. 1 can get some more money OLit of the 
 Moter, you and I can go up to Londai., 'P/tiat do yoLi say? 
 
 J ane 
 'This,, John Reed» I hated you v/nai you 7/ere a boy. I despise you. 
 K.ow that you are ca3-lsd a man.= The smiling,; cowardly bulLly ha-s 
 grow5i into the sjeJi'ish besothsa libertine,, a disgrace to r.he 
 K.aixi.e which your good father bore »^* a living reproach to your in^- 
 dulgenx mo cherj> a libel on '-he naae of man-, 
 
 Joi-jxi 
 ■'I^liy, Tsrou mi serable li ttle p axp er ^ do you dare -=-■ 
 
 Jane 
 Yes J I dare'o You can't frighten m. e now., John Reed^ as you did 
 when you were a great husking lad arjd I a 3.i ttle child 5 That 
 time is past;, I am a pauper as far as xhe world's goods go., 
 hut i av^ rich in l^onest purpose and purity '-Jf hearty, '.'h.i'ch yoLi h 
 have never known and wi3..1 ne\rer know, 
 
 Joh.a 
 y. Ve me"b your kind b efo re , and I Ve broken j-hem in^ Do you 
 want me to make you the talk of the household before you leave, 
 and scorn o f th e whole village? 
 
 J an e 
 I def y you.;, 
 
 ri Johji 
 ¥e *11 see, (Seizes her. trying t kiss hs") 
 
■ Jane 
 
 Let me ^o you arv^:~lzen bea?.t. (They struggle over by the table, 
 She breaks a^ay. she grabs i^P h-u,iir,ins crop v.h.i. ch li es on the 
 cable strikes him o ^;er the head with i r, , beating him into in^ 
 
 senkbilit y. saying) Y-xx b east » you beast . Uoh^ falls 
 down H)(Cmtxes' enter, Mrs c Reecl an d B r oc Id eha rst irom L.U..,E., 
 IZarshaLl &c3aa behind dcor with Bessie, Ri^^ers fr oi. left side, 
 Gfcorgiana aoTOi iV an R^U.E.) (Mumurs of astonishment; 
 
 Mrs .-. Reed 
 Whd* has happened! ^'Jhat does this mean? (Crosses down t o C. to 
 
 John) 
 
 Jane 
 
 Mrs. Reed, it means that your son has in sul ced me. He proposed, 
 u nder his mother's roof that 1, che orphan dependent^ should be- 
 cQne his mi stress , and 1 have puni shed him as he deserved. 
 
 Mrs , Reed 
 She has murdered my poor boy^ send for ,,he Policed 
 
 Rivers 
 Take my advice and do nothing of r.he kin a, unless you wibh to see 
 your son in jail, Jane Eyre is not altogether frisid].ess here, 
 for I 'ii stand by her to the ende Come Jane, ;he driver awaits 
 io take you' to your new home,, (Gathers up portfolio and Jane's 
 gloves, etc a) 
 
 Mrs, Reed 
 Jaxie Eyre, you shall suffer yet for all the worry you have 
 caused me. (Music plain cive) 
 
 Jane 
 Its. Reed, ^-^hatever tr cable I've cause ^d, I repent^ and in your 
 last, hour ishen che bi aer tears of repentance flow fi-om your 
 eyes for Uie cruelties you have practiced on che orphan girl^ 
 yiheti the dead sea fruit you have so carefully garnered^ turns 
 «o ashes, my prayers shall join with yours to Heaven's high seat. 
 that God will grant your unhappy soul forgiveness-, (Music 
 swells) (St arts for door L^) (Picture) 
 
 C U R T^ A I N; 
 If 11 It ti It It ti 
 
A C T II, 
 
 Seen e: •- 
 
 One year later o Recept- ion Hall St, Tho rnf ield To\v8r, 
 
 1 
 
 «2 
 
 3 4 4_ 
 
 •4: '— i 
 
 \ 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 6'lZ3 7r~!-lC /8> 
 
 a 
 
 \/ 
 
 (1) Palace drcp for backings (2) Platform in front of saraes 
 about four feet hi ght> (3) Steps dom fr cm. sauie, C. (4) Pal- 
 ace arches in front of platform with masking pieces. (5) Arch .in 
 L. DoorRo (6) Sofa Ro of C^ (8) Arm cteir, Ctt Quanc 
 { 7) Earge table and chairs C. (9) Meda3.1ion, (IC) Candol- 
 abra m th candles lighted on table C„ 
 
 No-ce:"" Arch Lc ourtainea.-^ All the bric-.^-'a^-brac and 
 decorative pieces obtainable to richly furnish the scene,. 
 At rise:- Enter Jane and Rivers fron L^. arch) 
 
 Rivers 
 Thr-'n your life no-'.Vs, J'anSj is a happy one? 
 
 Jane 
 Yes J oheh^piest I have kno-wnj since ear Jfer childlioodg since my 
 Uncle dieda Adele^ my chargSj, has made reasonable p regress, I 
 have oceans of time to indulge in my own weird fancies and. fadSj, 
 and although the restlessness of my nature makes m.e cvr iouSf. soicifc-.'^ 
 timeSj, to behold the wonders of i;he world of whshh I am xgnorant ^ 
 still, %^ I then seek refvge in ro.y books. Lord Rochester's 
 library is well stockedj and 1 am ccn/cent again,? 
 
 Rivers 
 And Lord Rochester, 
 
 Jane 
 He cones and goes „ 1 was five months here bef ere I ever saw him.„ 
 and then our meeting was a most pecTJliar one,-; 
 
 Rivers 
 How was that? 
 
 Jane 
 We met in Hay Lane. He claims that the sight of my figure clad 
 in gray aid seated on the stile, frightened his horse and gave 
 him a bad fall. Since then he calls me hi- "Little Elf" - in- 
 sists I an a witch, etc. 
 
Ri vers 
 
 He is a peculiar mai as I told yoiio 
 
 Jane 
 Very dDruptj yet kinci. " sardcnic yet axhibi tring at -cimess, a 
 general courtesy vhich wins one to adJii rat ion= He sends for me 
 nearly every evening ■when he is homeo 
 
 Ri^«=jrs 
 Have you heard he i s 3.1 teely t o b e ro.arr led soon? 
 
 Jane 
 (Pauses) VeSo Male p rattles in hsr way and tells me if I 
 will listea, 7iiat gossip fiie hears frca her French attendent 
 Sophie, vho in turn devours a3.1 the gossip of the Servani-'s hallo 
 
 Rj.vers 
 You might be surprised to learn that i.he lady he will, marry is 
 your ccusin Georgiana^. She and her mo-cher Mrs„ Reed are among 
 the guests who o cm e here t o='day. I tell you this to put you on 
 your guard e 
 
 Jane 
 I shall not; have to meet theiiu. (Musing) Georgiaiai He marry 
 Geo.rgisiaV 
 
 3Ssx Mele 
 (En'cers L/; Ah, Made noise He. dis lent aire - read' Read:- 
 "Mr* Gadeanj pour Madamoi selle Jeannette«" Ee% is xjd. your room.- 
 Alleza AllezI Ah^ Monsieur Ri vi ere I 
 
 Jane 
 A present forme., (Takes no xe ,. reads) "And farthermore , 1 warn; 
 M ss EyrSs Her Elf ship to b e p resentable*- I have sent her r.he 
 new dress by bearer'o Sig.-xed Rochester^ ^ Be presentable! 1 
 shall not be p resent ^ and hi s gift shall be wasted* 
 
 Adele 
 Ah, Madamoi selle.;, Monsieur Edward de Fairfax Rochester will be 
 "angubre" eef you do not cbar^e your toilette^ 
 
 Jane 
 You born Par. isienne you think too much of v,Qilette, Go into zhe 
 conservatory and take some of the roses and c oaplete yoiir own, 
 and take the doctor with youo 
 
 Mele 
 ui, ouio Come dcctaire* {Riinning off RoU^.E^) 
 
 Rivers 
 Cne moment, Jane^ you spoke this evenins of chis myooerious voni?.n 
 Grace Pooleo 
 
 Jane 
 Yes 5 1 canno'c make her ou c« She seems to possess scene scs't of 
 power arcund the J'lOUFSholda There is a strange laugh that comes 
 from her room at times. She coiies and g (Bs as she 3,ikeB, snubs 
 Che other servants, and- 
 
 Rivers 
 Pay no attention to her Jane, She is samply a "favored" ser™ 
 vants I cannot say more^ as- 
 
 Adele 
 ( Galls off) Doci-airBe 
 
 Jane 
 Go to her « (Exit Rivers) (Solus) 'So the Keeds are cOEiing into 
 my life again ,, I thought I had lost i;hem forever, 
 
 Ro Chester 
 (Enters L) \10iat the devili Nobody to be faixid., (Sees Jane) Ah, 
 good evening Mi ^ SyrBo 
 
 Jans 
 Good evening, my Lord « 
 
Rochester 
 Are you about to ni:a av/ay f r on me again? 
 
 Jane 
 I t aia.n'':i occur tome that 1 was running av/ay., my Lo ra« 
 
 Rochester 
 Very we 31 then, renHino I wanted to say n ccaexYing to you« I 
 tove almost forgotten you of 3.ate. (Suaaenly) %y haven't you 
 put On your new dress? 
 
 Jane 
 Because I cannot forget my posioion= I am. sarsibl. e of your 
 Idndness 5 but without imposing on i c j, I caild find means to make 
 
 myse If p resentableo 
 
 Rochester 
 
 Ah, 'Chen you read my no te to Ade le? 
 
 Jane 
 Yes, iii.y Lordo at her request o 
 
 Roc iBSter 
 You aie annoyed because I an not pleased with your plain attire? 
 
 Jane 
 
 NOp no"G at alJ.a 
 
 Rochester 
 (Muff 3.y) Don't contradi ct me<. You are - you know you are„ la 
 r.his old g3.0Qny place the eye finds relief by looking on bright 
 li. -vely colors, but yoUj you are too proud and independent to 
 accepz p re se nts , 
 
 Jane 
 l£y ho rd, 1 r^ " 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Oh,, 1 understand your character » Little c Givers at ion as 1 have 
 had Ydth you^ with all your meetoiess and simplicity, you have 
 your own ideas of things o You dislike my mainer . you think me 
 too dictatorialj too abri^pt:, X suppose I a^io (Jane smiles) 
 Ihat is the meaning of that smile? 
 
 Jane 
 I -was thinkings my Lo rd, that very few masters would care 
 wiether or not they pleased their paid subordinates-^ 
 
 Ro chaster 
 Paid subordln^es? Ch yeSn, I had forgotten che salary, HumphI 
 Well, on thsSi mercenary graand,, will you consent in the future 
 to dispense with a great many conventional forms and phrases 
 TK.dthout thinking me insolent? 
 
 Jane 
 I am sure s sir^ I could never mistake infoimality for insolence- 
 the one I rather like, the other -= nothing free-bom would sub=^ 
 mi t tOy even for a salaryc 
 
 Rochester 
 HvaibVLgi Most things free born wiJLl c en sent to any ching for a 
 salary. If you are different from o uhers ., it is no fault of yours 
 Nature cast you in a diffe-rent mou3. d, but to .retiirn - you are, 
 Adele's governess « What relation do you think exists between 
 her a nd m e? 
 
 Jane 
 I think whateg-er the relation is, it doesn't concern me ^ 
 
 Ro Chester 
 It does concern you. You have a right t o know v/hose child you 
 are educating. You think Adele i s my clild= She is not„ She is 
 
an unfortuna-ce orpi^an, but I find it my amy t o p rovide lor her 
 
 care aid e ducat ion - 
 
 Jane 
 Your i<:inia.iif3Ss t o one who is not. yo7.ir child jjh.ouldbo ex'co]J.ea« 
 
 Rochester 
 Bah.'- No matter about that now„ Aae3e "9?as not. born ou- of wed- 
 lock^ No matter vhat the v/orld think s, her mo-^her was a French 
 C pera dancer, towards vhom 1 once cherished a "grande Passion„" 
 Her husband and she had separated years before^ Celine Vareus 
 -jras a fickle little butterf Jly an.d ran away f r cm me when she 
 termed "Anglais horrible" as she had from m,ost others in her 
 variegated career, but the last "Ami precieuy" avenged a3.1 the 
 others « He ran away from CeJine leaving her destitute, to die 
 in poverty anddespairo She bequeathed Ade le to m,e three years 
 ago, Adele was helpless and alone? tha.t's alio Why^ you are ery« 
 i ng« yes you are^ don't deny i &« 
 
 O'an.e 
 I don't deny i to Poor orphaied Adele'j, I toOj my Lord, am fath- 
 erless;, motherless and alon e-j I have learned to love her al=- 
 ready, and your cQifiofence to me regard in g hsr ccndition makes 
 a new bond b etwee n uso 
 
 Rochester 
 You are a nobla girl. Miss -Eyre., an.d 1 want you t o p romi se me to 
 remain here until 1 send you awayo 
 
 Jane 
 
 Mo St wil]j.ng3y<. 
 
 Rochester 
 And now as a further proof of your love for Adele^, and as a 
 favor, a particular and este-imed favor tome,, oblige me by putt- 
 ing on the new dress* (Cracking of whips heard and hoofs and noise 
 Of carri^e) Quick, my gijests are coaingc Si.and not to ques- 
 tion, "buc settle your fine joints Against Thursday next„ 6tc« to. 
 go to your rcom and do as 1 say or I will cirag you on a hurdle 
 Chi there" 
 
 Jane 
 I mil look like an ape in a harlequin's j<atete 
 
 Roche St sr 
 You Yvlll look like nothing of the kind. My taste is excellent 
 in ladies' gown So You will gratify Ade3e and please me, {Putt» 
 ing J ane o fi" R) 
 
 Jane 
 You say that like Jupiter omai potent, (Exits R^ 
 
 Ro ch6Bte r 
 (Solus ) I find in this little e]..f, this stranger 5 the good and 
 bright qualities I have saight for ten years, and never before 
 en coin teredo Her society revives, regenerates one^ (¥oice 
 utside L) (Georgiaia, MrSo Reea, Thecdores all laughing and 
 talking) But I aaa forgetting my du!:ies as ho st o (Ml enter) 
 Ladies, you are outspeeding my expectations^ You are heartily 
 welccsne, in eliding my brave Captain of -whom 1 mus^:^ confess a 
 fair amount of jealousy. But a cloud hovers over ^he brow of the 
 fair Amazon^ (Takes Georgiana's hand) I hop e t doesn't threaten 
 me', 
 
 GeO'rgiana 
 Never thee, chou re-incarnst ion of all that was fierce in the 
 middle ages. You should have lived uhen.. 
 

Theodore 
 Do you msan his LorcLsMp is out; of date? 
 
 Ge org iana 
 I mean, I ?m sick of th9 young men of" r^heprasenic aayo 
 
 Theodo re 
 Thariksi A^/fully^ 
 
 Ge rg iairiia 
 Give ms a man. with blood in his vein.s^ Tmour the Tartar for 
 exanpleo 
 
 He -was a lama ugjy brute j, so I've always understood. 
 
 Ge org iana 
 ^fhat of that? Be-^ty is 'uhe special prerogative of v/oman« 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Cf whi.chM.iss Gaorgia.Da far exceeds her fair portion^ (Georgiana 
 smil es ) 
 
 Theodore 
 An d ch en T imo^ir h ad f ort y« si x wi ve z -.• 
 
 Roc he St or 
 
 Don't let, LIS go i.ato th6 ge-j'Sfcl eman 's dCtD,estic infelicities,, 
 
 Theodore 
 Yes J his -wlriDle life was spent in --.Taro Forty-^six mves.^ No 
 peace at home or Hbroado 
 
 Theodore 
 (Enter Doou or Rivars and Aaale) Ah^ we cone,, Doa.cri ThivS is 
 an un ex; pec; ted pleasur'So (t- o others) You all know che dcc'tor? 
 
 Theodore 
 Ah yes, we all kno"?.'- the doctor,, We ^re all hispmierts. Miss 
 Georgi aia h ere ^ he treats for her heart = 
 
 Cmti es 
 Her heart? 
 
 Ge org iana 
 My heart? 
 
 Rochester 
 Wh at is th e m at t er w. x,h h er he art '? 
 
 Theodore 
 It i s petr ifyingo 
 
 Ge org iana 
 Monster.! (Sighs and looks at Rochester) 
 
 TheodoT'e 
 ^Looking at Mrs =, Reed Vvho is glaring at him) Mrs, Reed here^ he 
 treats for » 
 
 Mrs« Reed 
 Well. T,'*iat does he treat me for? Go on^ out wic h i -c 
 
 Theodore 
 i Calmly surveying her thraigh monocD.e) Yourli-uer, 
 
 Mrs „ Reed 
 ( Angri].y) Monkey.-! 
 
 Theodore 
 No, your li ver o 
 
 Georgiaria 
 Gapcain.^ then among us all yoiirs i. s x-he only hopeless case* 
 
 Theodore 
 Howdoyoum&e that out? 
 
 Geo rg i ana 
 The doctor is treating you for your brain* (CnDxi.es laugh) 
 
Th 80 do IB 
 I'll premise tobegcodj but your loraship has fcrgouen- (Look= 
 
 ing at Adele) 
 
 Ro cti.es%eT 
 Truei This young lady is ray wardj Maasimci ib He Mele, (A dele 
 courtesies t'o all) (Turns suddex-ily) 
 
 Aifiel s 
 I ret^arn a thDusand lihigi^iks for your genercsitiyo Does my gown not 
 become me? (To Rochester) , Monsieir, jevcus renBrcil Mille 
 fois de votro bouiBo Eel; ce que ras robe va tien? 
 
 Ro chftJ5ter 
 Cu.io Cuio Ma Petite i 
 
 Mrsr. Reed 
 {Aside) His child by one of his Fre nch mi stresses no doiibL- 
 
 Ge tg iana 
 I don't know but I'.U f md outn (Rochester playfully kisses 
 
 Adele, an dp asses her over to Theodore ^'bo appears anxious to 
 mee-o her) (Georg imna di'awshim away fron:i them) (Risers cones at 
 back behindj joins MrSe Reed wh) is seated in arni chfer LJ 
 
 Geo rg lanna 
 (To Roch^ter) Where did you pi ck h er up'? 
 
 Rochester 
 I didn't pick her upo She was left on my haadSo 
 
 Ge o::rg iana 
 You should have sent her to schoolo 
 
 Rochester 
 I can't af f orS it,, Soho o]. s are so dear, besides, I am having 
 Iter educated ha"e«. 
 
 Gs org iana 
 C'h then she has a governess! • ■ 
 
 Rochester 
 £ deed she has «, AgovernetiS, and as the li rule French doll is 
 quite a young lady noWj, a comp anions 
 
 Geo^g ifina 
 I never caj.ld abide governesses^ Half of 'diem are detestable, 
 the other half ridiculous^ 
 
 Rochester 
 This One i s neithSTo 
 
 mGoorgiana 
 Ch, a paragons She must be a j e-^/eJ-o 
 
 Rochester 
 Yes "of purest say serenes o 
 
 ' Georgiana 
 I Shoul d lik e t exanin e h erg 
 
 Rocl"ftster 
 You shall have that p leasure^ she will be here presencjy* 
 
 Georgiana 
 Real ly'' ( Sn eer ing Oy) 
 
 Rochester 
 Really and trolly, but. let me warn you in advance;, When, you 'ix- 
 amine, don't fo%et 'that Si e herself carries a poiiBrfii}, m,ag'-- 
 nifyLng oc g-Tass^ She h has used it on me» She may on you^ ( 
 (They ccncinue conversation in dumb show) 
 
 Theodore 
 (To A dele) And 'then you do speak English? 
 
 AdelG 
 Ch Cuii Cui o I spik ze Ang3ais,, nor. so good as v-frif I was here 
 
 bom, what you call ±z , "naT^eef?" ml speak ze' ^gl-ais only as 
 
what you say, big bi. ba..er ^^^J^^^^l^- ^^^^""^ ^^ Francais, 
 
 That was a facer, V/e IL then, we oxxghc u o ge'u on iivelL ii<gex;her. 
 You teach mebeoter French ana I Ml try t o polish Off your Englisl- 
 
 Aae 3,e 
 C h non, non, Madonoiselle eit ma gCJsrer ra nte » she ceachme, 
 (They talk animatedly in (3umb show) 
 
 Mrs,, Ree.a 
 Yes Doctor, I'm sadly worried over my poor dear boy« 1 commissj^ 
 i oned that truly good man Mr„ BrosldehurBt -co go uO London 
 and reason wich him, but I fear it will be of li itle use, I 
 ttioughc he wovddhave returned b erO^ re chl Sa I left word at 
 Gateshead Hall ohat he should follow us here, (James, ohe 
 servant enters Lr,) 
 
 James 
 If i c please your Lordship, there is a genuleman below who 
 wishes to see Mrso Reed at onceo 
 
 Mrs 9 Reed 
 £ oust be he. (To James) A clerical ge rt .teman? 
 
 Sames 
 Yes Madamo 
 
 Mrs-, Reed 
 It IS >.he Rev« Mr. Brco klehurst, your Liordship« He brings me 
 news from London^ from my sono 
 
 Rochester- 
 Show the gent Jeman in« (James exits L){A11 look expectan cly) 
 ( Pause) (Brocklehurst enters solemnly) 
 
 Br ocklehurst 
 You r Lo rds hi p .' Ladi es J G e nt 1 ane n J ( B o ws a H- b axa d) 
 
 Thecdore 
 Hello Brosky, old chapo 
 
 Br CG kl ehu rst 
 (Gives him withering look) (To Mrso Reed) Mrso ReedJ 
 
 Mrsc Reed 
 My clear friendj you have news of my poo r dar.ling John? 
 
 Br GO kl diurst 
 I have. Providence made me the humble instrunsnt to try and 
 bring him b ac5c t o you end the right path; your pet laoib who has 
 wandereot far f r on the folds 
 
 Mrs, Reed 
 Did you succeed? 
 
 Br ockj.churst 
 1' did no'Ca I reascned with him - he replied with worldLy j est« 
 I tola him that after youj I was hi s b est friendo He said he 'a 
 make me prove ita 
 
 Geoi^i;ana 
 And did he m^e qdb you p rcve i t? 
 
 BrockJ.elTui-^t 
 Yes.. He borrowed five pounds* Then f in. dmg p rayers were wasted., 
 1 threatened him',, 
 
 Georgi arj.a 
 You thre at e ned? Wh a h app e ne d t h en? 
 
 BrocMehurst 
 My clerical and personal dignity rece jb/ed a v iolent shocko 
 
 Cmnes 
 How? 
 
Br cc kl elxi rsi 
 .He ki oked me dowx scairs. (Groans) Mrs, Reed, 1 have suffered 
 lauch iraaixixxx bu c humility is xhs first of virtues and 1 am 
 liumbl e» ( Gr oan s) 
 
 Mrs « Reed 
 I c&uno c understand i c, John has always had such an angelic 
 dxsposicionj but 1 have fell aU day ^hat 1 sh^ul d have a dis- 
 agreeable shocks (Jane enters f r cm Ro cones dc/fa C) 
 
 Ro Chester 
 {S'seing her) Ah, Miss Jane Eyre, Ade le ' s governess arid com- 
 panion, lay friends a 
 
 Ge orgi ana 
 Ah; 
 
 Mrs . Reed & Broc klehu rst 
 Jane Eyrei 
 
 Mrs. Reed 
 Jane Eyre 'J I knew it.' 
 
 Rodiester 
 Miss Eyre has been at Thornfield a year now« 
 
 Mrs* Reed 
 ( Trying \, o control herself) Indeed, and -"vhat does Miss - Miss - 
 -each h sr pupil? 
 
 Rochester 
 Ah e modern languages; music, ever y\,hing necessary to complete a 
 Jaberal educat lono Thi s young lady pain cs u co^ aol becter than 
 
 ^any drav/irxg masters „ 
 
 Ge org 1 ana 
 is ix poss-ible? "Praise fron Sir Hubert is praise iniased." 
 
 Mrs. Reed 
 Miss - Mi bs - oh dear, 1 never coild remeab 3" names* Where dad yo 
 yo u ac q ui re you r m any sec Onpli shne nt s? 
 
 Jare 
 At Lowod school, madam* 
 
 Mrs . Reed 
 I was no ^ aware :.hat the ornamenL.al branches iwere taught in an 
 orphan asylum^ 
 
 Jane 
 I assure you - I£rs - Mrs - oh dear, 1 nev^ coild rsnem ber 
 names. Your Lomship - ^Inquiringly t o Rochester) 
 
 Rochester 
 Mrs. Reed, Jane« 
 
 Jane 
 ^haA you, I assiu~e you Mrs, Reed, 1 learned ihat lifcle I know 
 ai.. LowQ®d School, and I diall be forever grateful to chose who 
 placed the chance wichin my reach, They bestowed a blessing 
 w i c hou t i n i'.e nci. in g i t o 
 
 Mrso Reed 
 ( In rage) The little vanpirsa 
 
 Rochester 
 where i s your po rr. folio, Jane, 1 would like to sho -^ v he ladies 
 •.:;om6 of your work? 
 
 Bane 
 '■■:■ is in your study ~ my Lord,, 
 
 Rochester 
 Go and fetch it o 
 
IZrs . ReecL 
 Paraon your Lordship, buc the journey has so fais ig\;ea, if you 
 don'i- mind Georgiari& and 1 mil re 'u ire t.o our room Go 
 
 Rochester 
 ■That. aren'"i. you going r,o h a/e san.e supper? The cloth is laid 
 in Che dining rcomo 
 
 Mrs o Reed 
 IIo, che news of my poor boy has sounnerved mej 1 ccul(3n't eat . 
 
 Rochester 
 Your maids will attend you<, Mrs, Fai rf ac t hs housekeeper will 
 show you your rooms o Goodnight, 1 (.rust you will rest v/ell in 
 ^;his old house and you will be awakened by no gltJstn 
 
 Mr So Reed 
 Good night « Your Lordship and gentlemen-' Mr. Br ccklehursty I 
 shall see you in the mo r ring. Come Georgianao (Exits L, ) 
 
 Ro chesuer 
 (To Georgiana) Beauciful Juno, good nighi. Pleasant be thy 
 dre&ms» (Georgiana laughs, holds ou c her hand» Rocl^ster kisses 
 it ) (She kisses her finger cips 'co Theodore and exits L„ ) 
 
 Jane 
 Ecur Lordship may I retire? 
 
 Roc hester 
 Yes-, Take Male wit h you, but, stay, cell me before you go what 
 think you of the fair Georgiana? 
 
 Jane 
 yihou do 1 chixik? 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Does she please youK 
 
 Jane 
 '^Th ac wculd you have me say? 
 
 Rochester 
 She's a m^ni ficem, looking creature, is she no c? I wanx. ..o get 
 her opinion of your drawings to^morrowo Good nighG« 
 
 Jane 
 Geo d nighCj my Lord., good night Doctor, g ood" m ght, sir <, 
 (Theodore bo^*s) Come Adele^ (Exits R^U E„) 
 
 Adele 
 Bon buit. Monsieuri (To Rochester) (To che o'chers) Messieursi 
 (Exits R,U,E.) 
 
 Rochester 
 ■^^ell doctor, any ne,v aeve lopmencs? 
 
 Rivers 
 None« 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Condition uncharged? 
 
 Rivei's 
 AbsoLiicely, I will be over next Ts.'sek, (Aside) Say award to 
 Grace Pooleo She's taking too much gin andv/ater lately^ Noth-^ 
 ing can match r,he vicious and murderous cunning of a disordered 
 mi.ado Have a care* (Aloud) I will bid your Lordship ^ good 
 rj. ght. Goodnight Gap caino (Eo Br cc kl ehi rst ) Mr,. Brocklehurst^ 
 I'll give you a li it in my gig over to town, if you are going sks 
 thar'e tO-. night. 
 
 Br oc kl ehu rst 
 Tharik youj Doctor, 1 have sonething to say u o hi s Lordship f irst,, 
 ^:I&ix. for me below, (Rivers bo-ws and exits) Your Lo rushipj I 
 visited you tctnighc as inell as Mrs <. Reed? 
 
Rochester 
 Arxd CO TAhat am i indebted for the honor of chi s visit, my v;orthy 
 
 I ri end? 
 
 Br G kl eha rst 
 
 Mr. y-o-arhono red Lo rdship, ou cs ids o f my sad mi ss ion '^ o Mrs, Reed, 
 
 1 had a two fold obj ect in wishing to see you-, 
 
 Rochester 
 Tv/ofold-^' "^hau Bttinds ominous. Very suggestive of a double 
 
 s.tib scrip G ion for your charity scmol.-. 
 
 Br 00 kl el'iu rst 
 Double! Ah., your Lordship, your ordinary subscription mil suf- 
 fice '..lu s 'time r, 
 
 Ro Chester 
 'S- an glad of that = ^'ou mi ghf. be disappom ced if you expected to 
 
 get. moreo 
 
 Br oclslehurst 
 The generosJ.ty of your Lordship is a proverb Y/ith the board of 
 w&r. ag^y-'s of Low oad s bu c t o \.he ^<oxn.r, ^ X want to 'calk xxi you 
 abou t a vji sr ., 
 
 Rochester 
 
 A wh^c? 
 
 Br ockl^urst 
 
 A V ip Q" I 
 
 Roclisster 
 Ch, a Siiaks^ WeU-j, that is not a particularly pleasant ccpic of 
 conversat iouj eh Captain? 
 
 Theodore 
 SnakesJ I never liked the "aii-ffers" tigly s3jjny beastso ThQr 
 always remind me of sane men o (Pointed y at B r cc kl eha rst ) 
 
 Br 03 kle hx rst 
 You are nouri shi.ng one in youi' bos cm now, your Lordship a 
 
 Rochester 
 The deuce 1 sm« 
 
 Broc K). ehj. rst 
 Yes 5 a female viper., 
 
 Rochester 
 The sex doesn'.- interest me in the s]lj.gl:4est» 
 
 Brocklehursc 
 I can see her there no w^ stinging your Lordship,. 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Can you? By the way.;, wkat are you dr mkJ-ng now? 
 
 Br cc klehurst 
 On3.y light times, 
 
 Br ockleh.! rst 
 Only lighG times.. 
 
 Ro che£,ter 
 I'm glad of thata If you were aa.dic^-ed to strcng liquor instead 
 Of a ''lictle lady viper'"" in my bosoui,,, you might discover an im^ 
 mense bo a=^con Sir ictor„ 
 
 Br ockL ehi rst 
 1 neva- j esv ,, your Lord ship,: 
 
 Ro Chester 
 ITo., you dan't" look like a humo ri st .-, 
 
 Br oc M. eMrst 
 This serpent, that I speak of possesses che ordinary form of 
 womanhood., God has graciously given her che shape that he has 
 given both your Lordship and me..-. 
 
i 
 
Rochesr^er 
 
 She must be abeatn^yo 
 
 Brocl-lehiirst 
 Yio signal defect points her oizt as a marked character , but the 
 Svil one in her has f oind a servant -^ She i s in yoxir ser-yice? 
 
 Hocher/ter 
 The evil one's servant, in my i^ervxceV i^m I t- he "evil one 
 .referred to? 1 say;, d on't you clink you --' 
 
 Br ccld-e hurst 
 Chj this is sadc A mo st melanclx>ly occasiono It is my duty co 
 warn you., The girl^ wonje than the heathen wlx) .kneels to Brjahja 
 and says prayers under Juggern aa.Cj is a liar, 
 
 Rochester 
 '-'All men are lists'" says 'c he prophets VJhy not a few girls? 
 
 Br oc KL ela rst 
 X 1 ear red this frGo. the pious and charitable ladyv/ho adopted 
 her in her orphan &tate ^ and reared her as he:' ovr. daughcer^ 
 
 Th eodore 
 I say "Brocliy" what an infernally feixned old hypocrite you ars.^, 
 
 Brocklehurst 
 Sirj, 1 am not address in. g my i^emarks 'co you = 
 
 •^h eodcre ■ 
 No J. but ^- 'm addressing ia,i£ .cs mine t o youo 
 
 Ro Chester 
 C;$>tains remeaber this ^vo rr, hy n an ' 3 cloth, 
 
 Br ck3. ehu rst 
 Yes 5 remeafo Q" my cloth, 
 
 Ro Chester 
 And lei us see ho-'.v he fini shes.r 
 
 Theodore 
 I would like to see his finish^ 
 
 Br ockLcfiurst 
 Ch; irreverent ribaldi (Groans) Your Lo rdshipi I shSL oom^ 
 plete the information I am giving you, in private^ 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Yes J I think you'd bettero 
 
 Br ocklelrurst 
 I shall Chen mehr. ion the wcina.a's natrie,, 
 
 Rochester 
 Theriam.e of the "orphan" sne&.e,-! Never o 1 dai't want to hear 
 i t, I refuse ab5CiLutely„ Cur interview i s at sx end^ for the 
 presents (Thunder) There is a storm coming up « 
 
 Br oc kL ehu rst 
 J. shall visit your Lordship to-morrcy and receive the check.^ 
 
 Th eodore 
 Haven't you had "check" enough to -ni gT-rt? 
 
 Br ocklebirst 
 And then, perl-iaps you may .11 sten, 'ffs ma:/ n.o z be interrtjpted by 
 rude ribaldry and ruf f ian3.y rem£u"k s, 
 
 Th eo d ore 
 Pooh,, pooh, for you-, Broc ley,., (Br ocklehurst with exclamacJ.ons of 
 rage,, stalks off L„ exitSc) 
 
 Th socio JB 
 V/ell. of all the ~ whom does he mean? 
 
 Rochester 
 I shre-waiy su^eot 1 know, but you wculdha/e no interest in her 
 identity'^ 
 
m 
 
 -12-P, 
 
 Theoa ore 
 iThy it's enoughforme, chat he's calking abou c awonra. 1 'i 
 ^lad uh&t young blacl^uard Reed kicked him in London. He ought 
 *io be kicked all over ihe Uni oed Kingdon. I'd like asling at 
 the old "rorter" myselfo 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Thaik God he is an exception to his cloth. Well Gray, do you 
 feel^like vhat? I do„ (Rings b el3J We ha^e anearjy rise if 
 we're going after the birds « (To James who enters L) Show 
 Cap cain Grey hi s rooms. Good night old fellow. (Thunder and 
 
 li ghtning) 
 
 Theodore 
 Goodnight. (Yawns, follows Janes off L„) 
 
 Rochester 
 (Solus) Dr„ RiA;ers' vjords alarmmea little, Grace Poole must 
 take better care of her cherge, I shall speak to her in the morn- 
 ing* Must Thornf ield Hall always seoo an abhorred spot with me? 
 It musi- while thai, fury is confined up ""St ai rs „ and yet the mystery 
 on the occasion of my horse Mess cur's accident whm that - that 
 quiet li ctle figure Jane gave me helpj when I first saw her and 
 placing my hand on her frail shoulder limped to the horsej soaie- 
 tMng new, a fresh sap and sense stole in ;o my frame^ 1 want to 
 be hear her now^ Is she to be the arbitness of mj^ future for 
 good or evil? Ah, nose sabe «- sabe ■" dios<. God knows« God 
 knowSo (Bus) (i.7hile he i s speaking foregoing ^eechj, he puts out 
 candle after candle m the candelabra. Exits R»2oEo leaving but 
 One lighi-ed) (Noi se of s't-onn ccn cinues) (Patise) 
 
 Jane 
 {Enters cautiously) Thank Heave n no one saw me o I cannot sleep 
 till I hare rescued my porcf cQ.io« It i s in hijs the study<= 1 will 
 ask him fo r it if he is there - shall take it myself if he has 
 retired- Her eyes shall not rest on my treasures- Her lips 
 shall not curl mth disdain at che products of my lone).y hours 
 at Lo-700d« (Crazy woman laughs outside) Whyj lA^iat is that? 
 The dononiac laigh, 1 have heard before so maiy times* (Turns 
 bloTAs out the candle, giving afldierr;e impress ion that the draft 
 has ext iri'gui ^ed it) There, miy candle has gene ou i* 1 will 
 re'» light it, (A bout to do so, crazy Avomia laugl« again) That 
 v/oman's laugh again* It muss, be Grace Poole v/hD always inspires 
 me with terror, I dare no c meet her^ the thought makes my blood 
 run cold. (Laugh heard again nearer) She is caaing this way^ 
 iBlows out remaining candle) I will hide myself here„ (Goes 
 off Lo) (Stage almost darkp only lighted now and then by lighte- 
 ning flashes) (Music hurry P) (Laugh heard again) (Crazy v/omi£ enters 
 R^U,Ea ^.^Ith candle, melodramatic business, then exits R^U^E,) 
 { Thtinder and lighi-ning k ept up louder) (Music forte) (Pause) 
 (Crazy woman re-enters, laughs, business, exits) (Pause) 
 
 Jane 
 (Enters) \Vhat mystery is this? 1 coildill distinguish rhe 
 f igure, it seemed not like hers, but that was Grace Poole 's 
 laug h, Nov/ t get the po rtf olio and ret urn t o my r com^ It 's 
 all still now. 1 can find my way in the darko IVhy, v;hat is 
 -Ms - smDke, and screams^ I can see the red glare of fire 
 thrcughLord Ro chest or 's dcx) r<, My Lord, awake i Awake,' Lord 
 Rochester. Lo.rd Rochester^ (Ex its R.2,E) (.JVIusic) 
 
 Rochester 
 ( Red fire lighted) ( After paise, outside) What the devil are you 
 
-13=P . 
 
 cryW to ad? YOU m tch - you sorceress! Burn me to aeath and 
 dra/amel Stop aosing me wioh that water. Damn ii- , stQ)o 
 inters ^parencly drer^hed, effect can be produced by varnishzng 
 
 an old coat) 
 
 Jane 
 
 (Follo^dng him) The fire is out, 
 
 Rochester 
 
 Is it? tiet a match from that stand there. 
 
 Jane 
 
 Yes » 
 
 Rochester 
 
 And lei 's have a lifcle light on this affair, 
 
 Jane 
 {Lights candle in car^elabra) There has been a P lot u o burn 
 you°in your bea. I enp tied the water pi ^.clsr on you, 
 
 Rochester 
 I can feel you did« Ugh, (Shivers) How your Elf ship, elucidate 
 I thro';^ my self on my ccuch without undressing and was dozing 
 over a French novel, I suppose the wind blew the cirtain 
 ag ai ns t t he c an die o 
 
 Jane . ^ 
 
 'To, Che candle stood at the head of the bed, che obtains at 
 the fcDt were in flameso Some criminal tried to destroy youo 
 
 Rochsster 
 Non se nse I 
 
 Jane 
 I s aw h s- i 
 
 Rochester 
 You " saw - her? 
 
 Jan& 
 Ctily imperfect]^ » the light was bad. 
 
 Rochester 
 {¥i th a sigh of re IL ef ) Ah Jane , my guests must not know a 
 v/ord of this. I must go t the upper sv cry, 
 
 Jane 
 You will no '^r trust this Grace Poole any more? 
 
 Rochester 
 Grace Poo lei 
 
 Jane 
 Yes 3 she who tried t o murder you, I cculd not see her face, bui: 
 K heard her laugh, 
 
 Rochester 
 Her latghi Well, I shall attend to her case to-morrav. Good - 
 ni ^ t J ai eo 
 
 Jane 
 Bocd night my Lords 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Aren't you g cing to give me your hand after having saved my life? 
 (Jane does so) Stay, coknow that you are safe, Jane, I jim going 
 ;o see you t o your room arid hear you lock the door. (About to 
 put his arra arourci. her) Come, we'll gotcgeuher, my child, you're 
 liOt afraid of me, are you? 
 
 Jane 
 Not at all, but 1 cannot forget that you are Lora Rochester, the 
 master -1 am Mi ss Eyre, the governess. Our stations are far 
 apart 9 The laws of society demand that I respect you. The laws oi 
 
 conscience demand 1 respect myself. My Lord, I'll go alone. Good- 
 nigh;., (Music as she goes up stage) 
 
 Q U R T A 1 N. 
 
anjjas^ o 
 
 ACT 111. 
 
 ^''^''IsIrD.e as Act lU Reception Kail s& Thomfield, a year later< 
 At risa:^ Jedoss enters ., u shsr .in g on Brao Kiehurst » 
 
 T ^.^iix tell Mrs. Reed you are hare, sxro (Exit Lo) 
 
 Br oclflehu.rst 
 I waidsr i -^ t.hsy will ask me t o stay to a inner? I am very 
 Hungry and "che dinners are good ax. Tho rnf ield« I m sli I coul^ 
 discover theicfentity of the mysterious person \tio is c oif ined 
 upstairs^- {Thecfiare and Adele ccugh outs ide R) There ^s thac in- 
 sufferable Captain and the French g irlc They seem t o be enjoying 
 themselveso I hate to see p eqol© enjoy theose^es. They're going 
 to dae rosrri^o They are two f rivi)lous childreri of diedevil:, 
 and th^ wiZil. b e we 31 mstchsd* 
 
 Mrs,, Reed 
 (Enters L= ) MTo Br ocklehursti ^/hafc news of John.s my boy, ar^ is 
 it good nsjfs'? 
 
 Br ooKIerarr^t 
 That dspm'cfe. upon the point of view., my dear Madajn, 
 
 MrSo Heed 
 W. d y ou see him? 
 
 Brocld.ehurst 
 N05 they -woaldn't Isi. me this time- 
 
 MriS .-, Reed 
 Theyi Where i s he? 
 
 Bro ck2,Qiu rst 
 In j all'c: Arrestee on the suit of "Patrick Opp ^-uTheimer '' for 
 twelve him dred p ounds o 
 
 Mrs „ Reed 
 Ah,. (Sinldng on SOfe R) My cip of bi ct ernes s is fulli What is 
 to b e dene? ^ab 's to be done? 
 
 Brocklehurst 
 You must hasten tha oiarr iage of his Loidship v/ith GeorgjBna<> 
 VThy i s i t de layo d s long? 
 
 Mrs. Reed 
 Saro,e ulterior infiience which I am unable t o fathom.5 
 
 Br ocklshujst 
 X cano 
 
 Mrs,-, Heed 
 You.? 
 
 Bi'O cif.lshurst 
 Jane Eyre 'i That girlmu^ be £-01; ri d of o 
 
 Mrs a Reed 
 Bu c hOY/? 
 
 Broc klehurst 
 Yorta must teHl her about her' Uncle in the West In dies =, 
 
 Mrs., Rssd 
 ^Vhat «* ccnfess t her -what I have done? 
 
 Br oc kl ehi rst 
 There i s no alternativee By the way 5, could you get me an in- 
 vitation to dJnnsr' here? I ai very hung rye 
 
 Mrs = Reed 
 I suppose I cane Come let us seek Georgianao Ch f or some way out 
 •of this tar^lsc (Exit L.. f oIlOYyed by Br cc kleha rst ) f Pause) {Enter 
 
 '^^ R,u;£„ followed by Rivers) 
 
Rivers 
 So Jane, this is the only easwer you can give me- 
 
 Jane 
 What other ai swer can I gi-\«o X ?Jial.X nevQ:* marry^ 
 
 Why no t? You h sr e a won aa ' S h eart „ 
 
 Jane 
 Yeso I have a -woman's heart, but- not -wiiers you ars concerneds 
 for you 1 heye only a cOnrade-'s cais-cancej a f9l2-ow soldier's 
 frankness s, fiaelicy^ fraternity ^ if you -willo You have been 
 alwaj^ my friena^ my dear good friend. I can ne/'/er' repay you 
 sufficiently in gratitu.de the bi debt I owe yoUj. but 1 cai.ld a3.ot 
 give you my hand and wrong you by pretense of lavSg the counter* 
 fait of ^ntiments 1 despise. 
 
 Rivers 
 ( S-cruggling with himself) Tel.l me, Jarxe, is there someone else/. 
 
 J ane 
 What do you mean? 
 
 Hi -vers 
 Someoie else v^o has kindled tho eparko of affection in. your 
 breast? 
 
 J ai.'i8 
 Yoii have no rig?it to ask me tliat..- 
 
 Rivers 
 I haT-e " I i5*er you honorable ma.rr iage.-n 
 
 J a.n.e 
 I h £S/ e told you aDj'eady 1 shall .never marry,, (Pause) Ar-e you 
 answer ed ? Are y o u s at 1^ f is d ? 
 
 Rivers 
 I am answered™ X an no t s at i af i ed« (Rochester entering R-C:. 
 stops and li stens) (Rivers in srpp resaed passion) Listen Jane, X 
 'have loved you thes© two years <,. My Love i s no t a se .If ish one„ X 
 liave nevQ" breathed a word of it. till no Wc. but you ku.ikt, have 
 guessed my feelings* You have refused me-o Well and good. I ac^ 
 cept the cQigSjibut 51 shall still watch ov^^::- you.,., J. feel you are 
 in danger 3 and 1 CTBar to you,, 1 will nor. see you drift on the 
 shOi-Bs of a»struction.r. I mil a.ave you in fipiT,e of yourself,-, 
 
 Jane 
 You speak in ridaleSo 
 
 \5Mchyour wanan*s heext can solve o 
 
 RoG]r.tester 
 Pard :n me^ I dQj't want to be a.i:i aaves<==dr (5)psr •-=> I have heard., 
 bui: littles, but it appears "chs.t yo^i two friends are in some 
 trouble,, Can I offer my services as mtidlator,, 
 
 .Bl-:;e.r?3 
 
 I fear no tg Lo m Rochester „ You coald scarce .7y bean, impa^-.ial 
 on Co 
 
 Theodore 
 (Enners hurriedJ^^) Oh Doc-cor„ you are here - cftne qiii. -okly^ Your 
 professional ^rvices are needed urge ntJy.. .My fiance' Aciele 
 has met mth an accident' 
 
 0.n:tn es 
 Acci &nto 
 
 '''h eodore 
 No t serious though.. She was* sir; wing me a dance her ra.^ii.-.a used to 
 
do and shs fell ana sprained her "accenv." ■-. I mean her anjae. 
 Come quiclclyi (Drag(5 Ri^«rs off R) (MrSoHoed. Brocklehurst, 
 axid Georgia?- a enter L„) 
 
 Krr.o ?:e8d 
 Ah here i s Mi sr- Ejre now. Your Lo rcUr; h;.p (, 7. havo soixething of 
 importance to Say to this young p ers ct^.. '^'ho cUubr.DoSB has al- 
 ready informed yoij. if» a conn er.t, jon o f 153,7 f&:>^±XY<, 
 
 Roc hest-eir 
 No J, she never has -^ you amaze .mo - she i is t.-, 
 
 Mrr?. o Roed 
 My niece i 
 
 Rochester 
 A ni 836 of yourso Bless me^ I never should h^-o suspected it, 
 T7ells "wellc, -wfjllj, X am called away^ bu r, -^iH jjssyou al3. at dinjiie 
 Pardon me, (Exits Lo) 
 
 Brocld.Ojriu,rst. 
 Dinner i (Smiles in anticipat. io n) Now Miss Geoi'giana, we had 
 b ett 9- leave yourmanma alone;, and! wn.ll ce D. you about poor 
 Johni Just think in jailo 
 
 Gs orgi.s.7a 
 I hop e they'll keep him there thi. s tJane for the rest of his un« 
 natural life'^ {Exits f 0U.0 vBd by B r 00 kl eha rr.t ) 
 
 Jane 
 ^ell Aunt Ree^a Why this interview? Why not have let (.hings go 
 as t hsy were? 
 
 Mrs c. Reed 
 Ch s doi 't mi sunder St and m Co I ^m no e here to hold out the olive 
 branch of peace to youo We neither of us hs/e z±s.e t b e hypo™ 
 criticalg we neitha" ha/e need to practice (3sceptiono 
 
 Jane 
 No. 
 
 MrSo Reed 
 \^e hare - do stilly and a.lways shall hate one another to the end 
 
 Jane 
 You hate me and will always h^e me.^ but you are v/rong in sup-' 
 posing 2^ squally ijnplacableo I have chaigedo 
 
 Mrs a Reed 
 No, you are unchanged* You are still the same silent, determinec. 
 creature you werso You can stand cainly and gaze at me «. you 
 liave m^e a just and upright woman a cr iminalo 
 
 Jane 
 I made you a criminal? 
 
 MrSo Read 
 Yes 5 it is you, and you alonSo ^e you not rejoiced to hear that 
 the rich Mrs. Reed i spoor- a3nost penniless? 
 
 Jane 
 No J so far froa rejoicing at yotir mis'f ortune-s - I pity you^ 
 
 MrSo Reeti 
 I couLd not see my dear boy want ^ and ic is expenf;iye living in 
 Londcrin I ^ ent on him them oney whioh your Urxcls left in my 
 charge tobts expended on youo 
 
 Jane 
 He left money then! 
 
 Mrs e Rsed 
 Yes, not acco iding to forms of lawj but directed on his death bee 
 that I should use it for you o A sacred trusty 
 
Jane 
 
 Well 5 i s that. alL? 
 
 Mrso ReecL 
 Bo, there ismore"* Do you know t, hat you are rloht 
 
 Jane 
 
 Rmch? 
 
 MrSo Roea 
 
 You have a wealthy Uncle in the West IndiSB t*iO T«nts to make you 
 
 liis heiress. He i s your father's b rot ha*. He has sent letter 
 
 after letter beting you to cone t o himo 
 
 Jane -^ 
 
 And you heDd these letters b ac k? 
 
 Mrs o Reed 
 Yes, I cculd not endure che thought of seeing you in affluence 
 while my fort Line was fast disapp ear 3ng= I wrote to your Uncle 
 that you were dead^ had died of the fever wh3.1e at Lowood SchDoio 
 Now Ge orgi aia i s about to marr y Lon3. Rochester o I shall li -^ 
 here ^ so you had better take steps to seek out your Uncle in 
 the Indies as you realize^ it will be impossible for you and 1 
 to b iBathe under the saoxe r(X)fo 
 
 James 
 (Enters Lo) Please,, MissEyrSj, the^e^s an old gypsy -womm who 
 insig:s on seeing yoiio She wants to tell your forfune. She's 
 just telling Miss Reed's and she spoke of youo 
 
 Telling Ge oigi ana 's fortune? 
 ■(Exit hurriedly L,) 
 
 Tell her , Janes, I hare no 
 
 She swears she wcn't leave 
 
 What is ^e like? 
 
 James 
 Shea's a shocking ugly old creature, Mi ss« 
 
 Jane 
 Wellj "Cell her I can't see her'e 
 
 James 
 Very welL, Mi33«, (Ejd. t LJ 
 
 Jane 
 And so dear Thornfield 1 must prepare to leave you« I must enter 
 on a rosa of which I know nothing* No affect ion must be alio -wed 
 
 •when that unhappy flay cones, not a glance is to be cast back, not 
 even one forward. Not a thought must be given to the past or the 
 future, the first a page so heave h).y sweet g yet so deadly sad, the 
 iast an awftil blank, lllEe the world when the deiige has gene by* 
 (ex it R) 
 
 Rochester 
 (Enters s di^iised as Gypsy hag=> James allows sniclering) Not 
 herej Go find her, (Goes to arm chair L,, seats him. ?e If ) ' Jacries 
 exi ts R) (Pause) (Jane re-enters with James who p oin cs at Rochester) 
 (James exits L) So you not want your fcfctTone told? 
 
 Jane 
 I d)n't care about it, mocher^ You can please yourself, but I 
 warn you 1 have no faith. 
 
 Mrs* Reed 
 
 
 ? I'll have her put in 
 
 the stocks 
 
 Jane 
 
 
 faith. 
 
 
 James 
 
 
 TvithDut seeing you. o 
 
 
 Jan.e 
 
 
Rochester 
 
 I know thav. I heara it in your steps as you cro Gsed the thresh- 
 
 hoi do 
 
 J ane 
 
 Di d yous' You've a quioli ear 
 
 Ro chaster 
 
 I hst/e, and a quick eye an,-! a quickbrain« 
 
 J arie 
 
 You nead tham a3J. in your trsdeo 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Yss„ ^.*ien I've cusfc cmers like you to deal with„ V/hy don'v you 
 
 ii~emble? 
 
 Jane 
 
 I'm not coldo 
 
 Rochester 
 
 Why don''t you turn pale? 
 
 Jane 
 
 1 ''m no t sick-, 
 
 Rochester 
 
 7ihy don't you consult my art? 
 
 Jane 
 
 I 'm no t 51 lly a ' 
 
 Rochester 
 (Laughs^ produces pipe^ lights it, begins to smoke) You are cold; 
 are you sick? You are silly « 
 
 Jane 
 Pr eye i ■&. 
 
 Rochester 
 I v/ill'. In a few words^ jov. are cold because you are alone o No 
 cchtact strikes froa. you the fire that i s in yo\i - you are sick 
 because th e b est of feeHngs., -fche highest, the swsetest given to 
 man keeps far awBy f r an you« Yo!.t ^e silly - basause suffer as 
 you rD.ay3 you mil no t b ec kon i t to ^p roach^ nor m]J. you stir on.s 
 step to aa^ja moat it^ Tsh. ere it waits yoiT,, Let me see your paJju- 
 
 Jane 
 Mh thi s i s folly J but ..^ (holds oiit- her hai. d,, Rochester looks at 
 1% --• &j.s) iHe does not taich it . only looks) 
 
 Ro chaster 
 I can make uotlung of sm ch a hand as this, a]..n3.c sr. wi-chout a &ine 
 Lestlny i s not written there's 
 
 J an.e 
 X b el i eve that» 
 
 Rochester 
 Bat ciBst iny is •written in the eye, the forehead., mouthy the ex" 
 press ion of the face« Kneel and lift up your head-, 
 
 Jane 
 Fow we are caalng to reality.-, (Kneels) I shall begin to put 
 seme fait h in you p rese nz Jyo 
 
 Ro ohevStsr 
 ?£ -wcnSsr ^ns& thoughts are busy in your heart -^Ahen you are among 
 all the f ine p eople here m this old house. No sympathy be-&weetx 
 jou. =. they pass before you J.ike Eihado?/s » and you--' you are sad, 
 then. *.? 
 
 Jane 
 No bored ofteng sleepily s onet Jiri. es , ne/ er sad" 
 
 Roohgster 
 Then you have some secret "Uo buoy yiJu up and please you with 
 -*hi spers of the future,^ 
 
Jane 
 
 None'.. 
 
 Rochester 
 One fi g-ars yoti folio w wl r.h cvrj.os.ir.y^ maybe two - Che beautiful 
 Mi s.^ Gecrgiana.. perhaps yoiir ugly ir.:&so8ro 
 
 •Jane 
 1 came here to listen t o my own i"uGar'3 «• not. i-hs fate of others-. 
 
 Rochester 
 Haven't you pictured them h a:?pily merried'? 
 
 J ane 
 Noc Your lAltch'S skill is at fault saner. imes= Tell me my futu.re, 
 
 Ro chesi.er 
 Your future i s y et doubtfulo ^-t depends on yourself to reach 
 out your hand and take i t up o (Loioks at her) The eye shines 
 like dewj soft aid full of feeling., it aniles ta my jargon "> where 
 it ceases >o aiiile it is sadj ohe eye i s favorablSy ^lie mouth 
 Shou.3.d cpeakmLidi and smile ofcen - irhat t co i s p rqpi tious^ The 
 brow - thebra-,v speaks only con-yciencec '-■■ ■>Aillno'c sell my soul 
 to buy bliss,. We J2 said-. (in natural voice) Heave n knows 1 
 orJ.y wish to foster ., nor. to blight - to earn gratitude j, no-: \q 
 wring tears of bloc d» My harvest must be in soil es j, in endear mentSo 
 Oh I rave in exquisite de li ilruii,. Ri s , Mi as -Syre ,, the game's 
 played oii t., {Bus^ strips off di;rguis3) Off ye sendings « 
 J ane can you f o rg i\e m e? 
 
 Jane 
 If 1 haven't been too absurd. I shall try to forgive^ you- but 
 it -vvasn't right, 
 
 Ro Chester 
 B'ama,, -wly did you. never -cell m. e Mrs <, Reed was your Mn'c, 
 
 Jane 
 I dQ.1 "t regard her as nsy koxCc , she only married my mocher 's 
 b r other',., 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Umc Ch, I see-j but Gsorgiaia is you.j' ca3S3.n^ 
 
 Jane 
 X never fhinkof that "=■ no one wcul d eve" know or suspect i.he 
 facjfcj^ and I «?: 
 
 Roc hester 
 But blood is tl'ji ckQ" thaa "i^ater,; 
 
 Jane 
 I ''ve heard soo 
 
 Ro chest Br 
 You ana she ought tobegocd friencte^: She's a level/ oreaturs'- 
 she ought- toin. site ms a good "wife,, Jane, a strapper - a real 
 strajper, Jane^ a Jui-iO of a war..an-. My m. en will be working at 
 Thorivfield soocij;, , Jane .t. 'Whar- with the GaptaJn arj.d Adele mar-. 
 ri oa and - with me and - 
 
 Jane 
 I wan^ced to speak to you about r.hat ., you r Jjora.ship « i shall hoAre 
 CO get another situation,, 
 
 Ro Chester 
 I ^all get one fo r youg Jane^, Xn a month 1 hope oo be a happy 
 Ir^ri degroomo 
 
 J a ne 
 I shal3. culvert ise i]r.medicit£ly . I suppose in :;hs in re r ion X .jay » 
 I coold find son-ieplace in the v 113 age to- (nearly breal^ing dov^n) 
 
 Ro c hest e.r 
 
 You must have in sane degree become atr,ached zo this jolc*. place, 
 Janeo 
 
Rochester 
 
 Jane 
 
 Ro Chester 
 
 Jane 
 Inaeed T. jm a1:*ache<3. to ito 
 
 Roc heater 
 When Adele is mstrriea. « it may p rcr^/s very &aX2. here, 
 
 Jane 
 ( Sighs) Aho 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Ihy 'chsfc slgh^ JaneJN Xs it in s \rear y anticipation of 'che aull= 
 ness of Tho rnf ieia "■ shoul ft you remain? 
 
 •3' a.D.e 
 CAs'tom s?hea] Should gD?ffi(. r remain? 
 
 Rochester 
 YeSs you sseem horr ifitTa. at the prospects 
 
 Jane 
 No, only amazea^ 
 
 And why? 
 
 But you sre tobemarriea'- 
 
 Ye s ., and v er y s to rt ly t oo „ 
 
 JsjR.e. 
 •7ell,, ny Lonij, tlii s will b e no place forme when you are married. 
 
 Rochester 
 Perhaps you are righc, but do you think of going to your Uncle in 
 zhe West Indies? I understand you h^as an Uncle there. That will 
 be a long journey, Jane^ 
 
 Jane 
 Yes, i t i s a long way off „ 
 
 Roch&ster 
 The broad ocean will then b e b etween you and your native land., 
 
 J ari.e 
 True'^ (Moved) 
 
 Rochester 
 A.nd b etween us alsOo 
 
 J an e 
 Aye , and b etwes n us o 
 
 Ro Chester 
 We shaJl know»= nothing more of one another,, 
 
 Jl ns 
 No ., no t hj.n g o 
 
 Ro Chester 
 And sha3.1nev9r- see one another againc 
 
 Jane- 
 No J ns^er ~ never^ (Sobbing) I grieve to leave Tho rnf ieldc I 
 love Thornfield„ I love it because here I have led a fuU. and 
 deia ^tfi.il li fe 5 mom ai tar tly at least, I've no r. b een tramped 
 lap On, I ha?-e no t b een burled with infer io r minds . I doi 't wan-:- 
 to - -co- go avay f r dn » you, I can see the necessity of de- 
 parture »= but i c is like looking on the necessity of deatho 
 
 Rochester 
 Then why go at all .» why not stay? 
 
 Jane 
 (Passionately] 1 cell you 1 must g oi Do you think I can stay 
 to become no thing to you. Do you chink because 1 an obscure., 
 plain and little, I am soulless and heart less? You thinik wr onpi 
 
:c have as much sofJI. as you and ful.1 as muoh heart i And if God 
 had gj.ft,sd me wir-h beauty and wealthy I -wculdhava made it as 
 hard for you to leave m8„ as it. if' zxov forme to .leave yau« 
 Let me tell you Lord Rochester 5 it is my spirit that adaresses 
 jour s^.ritl JuPt as if ^ hsl both passed thraigh the grave and 
 we sn oDd at God's fsetj i5iB,u.alj, fei3 v/a aro' 
 
 Ro chaster 
 As we are.» {Embrs-cing hsr and M ss Jng her) So " Jane« 
 
 Jan© 
 Yes «-• ??ir « and yet not so^ for you aro a married miBgap or as good 
 as -M merrlodp and wad t attie infer ior to you <- to onQ m Lh whom 
 you hERre no «>srApatlny, one -whom i do not b aJLiove you trvO-y love- 
 for X h sva cssen and heard you Knser at hsr'o I wuld ssorn such 
 a union,.; thsrefo r© I am b ett or T,han youo Iiet me g cv? 
 
 Roc heater 
 
 Y/here'? Jane? 
 
 Jane 
 Anywhere'o (Struggling) 
 
 Rochester 
 Jane^ be stilly dOiH, Struggle s 0^ liks a wild frantic bird 
 v.hat. i 5! bur. shedding its plumage in i "ss wild striggJe for 
 freedom'o 
 
 Jane 
 X a-n no bird and no net ensnares a\e« 1 sai a free humra being wi^>h 
 an intependent will which 1 now exjact to leave you, (Breaks away) 
 
 Rochester 
 Bui-. Jane., I \^nt you for my wife« You are "ihe onebelag in ihis 
 v/hf.)le -Aorldtomeo Jane,, won't you marr y m. eS* (Pause) Do you 
 diOab & me Jane? 
 
 Jane 
 En t i re 3.y ,' 
 
 Yoa have no fair.h in me? 
 
 Ro Chester 
 
 J a ne 
 
 Ho T. 3 v/hl to 
 
 Rochester 
 Ai, I a liar in your eyes? ^■fh^, lo-vs hs/e I for this woiua? None, 
 and that you know, What love has she forme? None « I tested 
 thato I ccntrived that a report shDuld reach her diadi my boasted 
 wealth v/ as .myth J. &hat J. was on the b rink of ruin ana ihe re&ult 
 Y/a??. f r^pp ed frigidity frcm her ana. outrighi: insolent condescen- 
 si on fr cm that sweet old lady, her mothero Jane. I want you. 
 Say y es ^ please « quickly^^ 
 
 Jane 
 Lord Rochester, (Pause) Let me look in you r f acCo 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Why? 
 
 •Jane 
 Because I wano to read your ccunte nance ^ 
 
 Rochester 
 You'm find i t mo re legible th an a crtmp led page, Jane, don't 
 torture me,. 
 
 Jane 
 How, can! do that if your offer be realo My only feelings must 
 be fcrat itude and dev oliouo 
 
Ro Chester 
 Gratitiiaeo Oh Jane acospt me quickly „ 
 
 Jane 
 Do you sin. csraly wish me t o b ecGn. e your -wJ-fe? 
 
 Ro cher.tei' 
 I SA.year i "ic 
 
 J ane 
 Then I v/ill b e yo-iir wl.fs.. 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Come tome then, dssir little v/crn en.. Come tome entirely no^ » 
 make my happir.iess, X will make yoi.i... (They embrace) (Ri -^rs and 
 Theociore enter) 
 
 Ri^'ers 
 Pard Qi for intemip SJng s o in teres te^-ng a tetec-^^a^t ete ,^ we will 
 wi thciraw^ ( Ade 1 a e n ters ^ limp In g) 
 
 Rochester 
 KOy re main o X esteem this the happiest moment of my li fe „ 
 (Mrs, Reeg, Georgisna^ and Brocklehurst enter,) Attention a]J. -> 
 I present to you. ray raff iancea, wife, 
 
 Mrso Reed., Georgiana & Brcckle hurst 
 Jane Eyra'J 
 
 Th effiore 
 My cQigrat ulat ions to you bo th- 
 
 Ade 1 e 
 Ch Mademoiselle. 1 am so happy.. (Embraces Jane vftD has business 
 v/ith her and Theodore) 
 
 Ri ver s 
 (Suppressed} Loi'd Rochester., wh.gt dcey thi s mean? 
 
 Ro Chester 
 It means that 1 h svs her and will hold her.^ 
 
 Ri vers 
 (Lo w s"i.:pp iBSsed) Y'ou and I bo th k.n.ow thi s m arr iage is impossib.le, 
 
 Ro Chester 
 (Rapid]^) Maru meddle .not with me, I f can d her friendless, cold, 
 c On fort less 'o 1*3.1 charish her., X''3_l guard her '■■■■ I laiov/ my Maker 
 saictions what 1 do^ format's opinion '^ I def y i tr. 
 
 Sen/ ant 
 (Enters) Dimier is servedc 
 
 Roc hester 
 (Turns to Jane) Come Jane= (Offers his arm., she takes it) (They 
 go up and off„ follo-Viedby Ade le and Theodore) 
 
 Mrs ,..v Reed 
 (Imp ai^i ently) Well, Mr,,, E rocklehu.rgt ,, give me your arm uo dinner, 
 
 BrOckleharst 
 My dear m, alams X really h^m no appetite, (Sits on arm chair) 
 To r.hink of i c., Jane Eyre, Jane Ey re o (MrSo Reed and Georgiana 
 go off together... ind%nant Jly g, .leaviiig Brc-.:;kl.ehurst all broken up 
 in chair) 
 
 CURT _A T. N, 
 
 U II fl II W II ii 
 
ACT iv; 
 
 See ne ^st. 
 
 Passage leading f r on vestry to charoh inter ior.-,^ Any a.g.rk 
 Gothic interior ar cp wouia ao^ . Drop hung aboul; 1 3y'2.„ Dsrlc mngs 
 slighcly obliqtiea to carry off» The only f arnl tv.re h savy o-ushion- 
 ea bench little R« of C^ 
 
 At rise:- Mrso Reeci. and Ge org i ana aifio ov^ refit. 
 
 Mrsc R=S3(5. 
 ¥e are here to mtness her- aiscomf iture- 
 Ge o rg i ana 
 I shall Gake more pleas tire to watching hi r. ragec. It will be 
 grand- His eyes will blaze and he'll look IJJz^ a Leventine pirats 
 or Blade Bo thwe 11'.. I ccald a.'imo ti^ lo"!;e him v/h^'n hsgets that way:, 
 
 Mrs o Reed 
 
 Ge org i ana o 
 
 Ge orgi aaa 
 Oh I have no use for a m an unl ess he has a .spice of the aevil in 
 himo 
 
 Brocidsbu rst 
 (Enters L\ rtibbing hi s h ands) ¥i ct cry., victory.- Mr,. Mason is 
 arrived.. He has handed o\ier the attestation to Dro Rivers^ Ah., 
 to=-day "Che necks of the wicked and the vain gJorious shall be bow- 
 ed and the righteous shall prevail- (.To Rivers and Mas on who 
 enter L,) Ah ge ni lemen^ this is a hsppy day.. Doctor, that -was 
 a luclQr thought of mine, wasa 't it, v/asn't it? 
 
 Rivers 
 (Annoys) Mr. B rookie hi.irst 5 tW. s mtater doesn't cciicernyou in 
 the least,. This ge rit le.cna.n. is here for che protect ion of his sis- 
 ter,. I sm here for the p rotect ion f Mi ss Eyre^ Meither interest 
 you_, so kindly go atte nd t o your own Bffa.irs- Mr., Mason, if you 
 are nervDUS., g on into the clxirch, 1 inaJJ. caJl you if you are 
 needed^ (Mason as its) (Rumble f carriage -wheel shear a off L., ) 
 
 Ge orgiraa 
 Ah, 'chey are here* Now for the fun.- (Pause) (Loh gngr in miarch 
 pi i^ed) (Enter frouRo Theodore, frock ccat^ ^'.edding mBch, etc) 
 
 Br Gckl.ehurst 
 Locok . ^ that poppinj ay.^ (As Theodore crosses L,} (Pause) (Theodore 
 meets Ro Chester „ Jane and Adele as b ridesmaJ.dja) 
 
 Theodore 
 l?elcome., The arrangements are conplefcSc The vicar lad the clerk- 
 are already at the connnnion railSo 
 
 Ro chaster 
 Goodc Come Jane, lean on me, frcru this hoiir dates our bli. ssful 
 iinion* (Bus„ ss they advance Ri -^ers .aavancfi^'S jtsd checks the.iji.) 
 
 Rivers 
 Stop, Lord Rochester ■= thismgrriage will not take place,. 
 
 Roc host er- 
 st an d a si (3e, 
 
 Rivers 
 I will no ta An insi5)erabls impsdJia a-ir. to thi K liiarr iage exi:;-:fcr,- 
 you have a wife now living-; 
 
 Ro Chester 
 \7hat i s her name, her parentagej place of abodCc; 
 
 Ri vei-s 
 I will read you this dccunent., (Reads) '"1 >?jf iici and car;, pro've 
 r.hat on the 2et h of October ., A^D, 185 3,, fiawsra Fairfac Ro chest erj^ 
 
Of Thomfieia Hall in Devon ^i re, England, was rnisr led to my sis- 
 -cei\ Bertha Antoinetta Mason, aaughter of Jones Mason, merchant ^ 
 ana Ancoinetta Mascsi., his x^ife ^ a creols, aft San Mastasius Ghuruh, 
 Spaiish towx-L^ Jamaica, \'/ast IndLes,. The record of the marriage 
 will be fcand on the register of that chnrch, a cqjy of which is 
 now in nay possessions Signedj Richard M^isono" 
 
 Ro Chester 
 This may be a trick of yours',, '^^'here is the writer of that doc« 
 t3ment'? 
 
 Ri vers 
 I will p rodtice him'n (Goes R) Mr,-, Mason s-cep here^ (Pause) 
 (Mason enters) 
 
 Re Chester 
 You hound., «p awn of a lun eli c mo ther and degenerate father, Ch 
 don '^t fear., I'll put my finger on you., I wculd as leave strike a 
 womaiic Enough, 1^11 teH all, it shall cone out like a bullet 
 from, a barrel. Bigamy's an ugly v/ord,. I meant however to be a 
 bigamist p but Fate has' out manoeuvred me. It's time the woman I 
 married stiD.l lives ^ She is the my ster ious lunatic up in Thorn^^ 
 Held Tower,. Bertha Mason is a mal v/oi^^an; and she cones from a 
 mad family of idiots and maniacs through three generations,, Her 
 mothO" the creo3.es, was but a mad wcman and a drunk3aa.o I found 
 that ou"c after I h ad wed the dai^hter, for they were si.lent on 
 fanlly secrets beforeo All of you. go now and take a good look 
 at her puiple face and bloated, featur-es ^ see her grwel on all 
 fours J laugh like a hyena and jud ge whether she i s human or beas 
 Go y e carrion crows., and gloat over the spectacle. Look at the 
 red eye baJls of che dennon andconpare them with t he dear gaze of 
 my b rdcie who "Vvss to bej thi s girl standing by my side^ and then 
 judge me". Off with you.. Go take your peep into the pit of hell„ 
 leave me alonej a.lon e v/ith her who knew notHng. suspected noth- 
 ing '^ m.y innoceiit Jane, end let me make my pea^e with her <, (Goes 
 up placiiig Jane who has half fainted on cmch == characters all 
 withdraw save Br ocM.ehurst who finally is kicked out by Theodore, . 
 v»5-iD allies after him) 
 
 Ro Chester 
 XYeXL Jane^, no woitl of rspro&c?i, (Pause) (Jane does noi: answer) 
 I never meaiis to wouiid you. s 0= If the man who had bur, one littlt 
 ewe lamb chat was dear to him as adaugrit-er, and had by seme mis-- 
 itake sla"ughcersd i t in the b3.ood shanbles., he could not have 
 i''uea i t mo re than l/ V/hy don't -you tellm. e, I am asc cundrelo 
 
 J ane 
 I cannoals I am tired and sick.-. 
 
 Rochester 
 
 We wlllgo avay fr cm th e stone hell of Tho rnf ield wi th it's insane 
 fiend.v You are t o b e Mrs .^ Rochester both virtually and nomina].ly- 
 I shall koep only to you so long as you and I li ve , We ^lall go 
 to a place I have in the South of Era nce^, a/ilD-a on the shores of 
 the Msdi terraneano There you shaJl live diappy g-xTSV^Kja guarded 
 and most innocent life., Don't fear thatt I will c/?i sh to make 
 jou my mi stress « 
 
 Jane 
 If I went V(dth you as you say., what v/oij.1 d 1 be- Your mfe is liv- 
 ing ■" (\7i ch sudden burst of rears) God help me.^ God help me i 
 
Ro Chester 
 Listen tome Janeg as qm et ]^r .md cajmly as you Gan« I was the 
 sec end sGi of my father -who smghr. ho p rov jde for my future by a 
 wealthy marriage". When X left cQ]..lege 1 waB paokea off to the 
 West Indies to espousQ ta bride already cairUed formeo She is 
 that gibbering, lo athes aD.e manJ.®c c cn.fin.aA in that st cne room in 
 Thorn field Toi^ero Her miither died in ^.^i a. lunatic syliim.^ her bro- 
 ther is now a dumb i diot'„ Insanity r-uns riot in che family, AJ.1 
 th©e facts i learned after the marriage ^ For f cur ??■ ears I Lived 
 with this Bertha Mason and dragged thraig h all. the hideous and de-^ 
 grading agQiies which must attend a man bound to a wife at once 
 in oe operate snd uncliaste,, My elder brother died and my father 
 also« I was Lord RoclTester„ rich,, but. tifcKi by law and society to 
 this woman,, and unable to free myse].f by l^galmeanSj, f or the 
 doctors discovered that my wife was mad.o Her viceS3 her excess^ 
 eSj had developed the germ of insianity.r That i s our boasted 
 EngJi sh law„ 
 
 Jane 
 What did you do i,^en you f cund out that she was mad? 
 
 Rochester 
 I tried suicide but I failedo Then hope came tome, I chartered 
 a vessel and coive yed her to England ard. secret ly brought her to 
 Tho rnf ield lo^mr .j where she has no v/ been for ten years^, She has 
 made her room a wild bea,sts den^ a gob3.in''s cell >» Rivers the 
 Surgeon^ and Grace Poole are the only two I have ever admitted t^i' 
 my cQ-i f i(^ ncer, 
 
 Jarn-e 
 Then what did you do? 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Like the will o' the wisp flitted all over the worlds f in al-ly came 
 back to Thorrifield and m el; you,. Oh I tried dissipation until I 
 found you« I recogjrd. zed your hon est y^ yoiir trul'.h -^ I said, here is 
 cjy good ange J^ I loveft her, ^he Is the one womai in all this 
 world tOmSo It i s b €cause I kn e.v and felt this that I resolved 
 to marry you. To tell me that I had already a wife is empty mock" 
 ery, you know now that 1 had but a hi de ous iSsmono But 1 fihould 
 have heM nothing basko Cur love woildha/e been one of -she hol^. 
 iest in the sight of Goda His S)iiil e weald have blessed our union.^ 
 forbLcfdenby the laws of mai-j "C should hise asked to accept my 
 pledge and have you g i"^"® meyouiSa Jane^ giv?? it to me now, 
 (Pause) Why sre you silent, Jane? (Long Pause) (Bu sin ess) (Jane 
 stands tremblingly irres dl.u ce , show.uig the struggle raging within'. 
 Rochester attempts to take hei~ hands., she gently evades him) 
 Jane J you understand what I want of you., just thi s p romi s e ., I 
 will be yours Edwards (Long pause) (Gentry) Do you mean to go 
 One way in the world and let me go another? 
 
 Jane 
 I do', 
 
 Ro chest er 
 (imbrac ing her) Do you m. ean i t nowo 
 
 Jane 
 I do', 
 
 Rochester 
 (Softly) (Kissing her foiBhead) And nowc 
 
 Jane 
 ( Freeing herse If rapidly) T ao. 
 
Ro Chester 
 Ch Jane, this is biT,tero It v/c?u.ia not b e wickea. to love me'o 
 
 J an e 
 I t woal a b e 1 ob ey y ou'o 
 
 Ro Chester 
 In mercy, dm 't don't <^ whta mm. I to do? 
 
 J ane 
 Do as I do. (Leaning on bench for aipport) Trust in God and your 
 se3.fo Let us hope that we may meet in Heaven j. 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Oh you condexin me to .live wretched and die m&s. accursedo 
 
 Jane 
 I advise that we both shall li \e sinT.e3-s,, 
 
 Ro ch est er 
 (In agOny) Jane, you tear lo\?e and innocence f r on me„ You fling 
 me back on lu et for a passion„ vice for an occipat ion, 
 
 J ane 
 I no more assign xhi s fate to you than grasp at it for myself o 
 
 Ro Chester 
 X s it better to transgress a mere human, law or to drive your 
 fellow creature, whom you love ^ t o mi ser y^, to despair « you are 
 alone in' this world, no ki thp no kin to offend, no frj.ends only 
 ycu rse If 1 
 
 Jane 
 CPause) I care fiirmyse-lf^ I will respect my se 3f „ Do you think 
 my body and soul don^t rise up in meeting 8.gainst; the religion, of 
 that law made by God^ sanctioned by man--^ t hat i s b ecause I am mad 
 my veins are rx&ming fire, my heart b eat jjig fastern than I can 
 count its throb Sj, but I hawe been sane-^-^'t hen I received the lav/o 
 That" law was m ado for moments of tenptationSj moments like this, 
 that law i s all I have at thi s hour t o stand by =-■ there 1 plant 
 my foot* (PausB 5 bus) (Rochester goes to her^ seizes her wrist, 
 clasps her waists He i s trembling v/ith passion? she raises her ey- 
 es to him, sigliB exhausted-ly, he holds h er- a moment) 
 
 Rochester 
 (Releases ha") (Sobs? } Come Jane, c one^ (Pause) (Bus) (Jane 
 falter in gly moves away) You are going Jajie, you are leavingme„ 
 
 Jane 
 Yes, 
 
 Ro ch est er 
 (Turns away) Jane = my hope .■=■ my 3.ove ■--' my 3,ifeS^ (Tries t o con^o 
 trol his convulsive sobs of a strong man in ag cny) 
 
 Jane 
 {\?ho has almost reached the entrance^ ^-valks back, kneels to him) 
 (Kisses hishaid) God bless you my dear master, God keep you 
 frcana tisrm and wroig, direct you^ solace you, and reward you for 
 your past kindness to me% 
 
 Roch^ter 
 Jane's love would have b ee n my j^ b ffst reward withxir. it my heart 
 is birds en= (Fall s on b ench^ she rises j stands by him,., anoothes 
 Ms hairj kisses his cheek) (He rises, holds out his arms, but 
 She evades his embrace and exits L, ) (Pause) (Rochester has business 
 of aroising suddenly as out of a trance) , \Vhy - vAiy do I let her 
 go? 1^11 fo3.1owher and yet the resolute, v/ild, free soul look" 
 ing out of her eyest defies me«. with mo re 'chan courage, v/iiJh stern 
 triumpho Ah, it is your spirit, wi'ch will and energy and virtue." 
 
 purity s. that I want aid not your b ritt le fraxng: „ «>c 
 
 i your- 
 
self you ccraia come, and ^th soft plight nestle against my heart 
 if you ivouia- seized against your will you will elide the grasp 
 Jj.lc'e an essence, vanish ere 1 irihala your essencce (Hurry music] 
 {Murmuns ou ts icfe ) ( A^lar m b ell h eara soun (Sing) 
 
 Theodor-e 
 (Encersl Lord Rochester , The rrf ield Tower i s in fOsmes* 
 
 Ro Chester 
 In flanesi Let it burn t, 1 efc it buni„ 
 
 Th e od ore 
 Manj, are you mad? Wake fr cm your trance^ That degp er ate maniac 
 eluding the vigilance of her keeper j Grace Poole, has fired the 
 North To -wer,, There she stands on the batt tements v^ith f iendish 
 screams, fighting with tooth and nails all vho attempt to save 
 herV VJhafc-s to b e dene? 
 
 Roc h^t er 
 Let her p erish., It i s fitting/ The devil mil have his owno 
 
 Theodoic! 
 Lord Rochester « this frcm youl Then be it your task to call off 
 for their own sakes her would b e rescuers before it is too late^. 
 
 Rochet er 
 (Rea3azing) Li\es p er i3.ed - aid for her? No^ nOj, thank you 
 Theodore ■=. youVe recalled me tomyself« 2± Is My duty is before 
 rxsgo I wi3,l save har- if 1 can-, I am Lord Ro chest er„ No man 
 shall risk his life but the master. 
 
 CHANGE CP SCENE, 
 
 Scene 2ndo 
 
 Full stage represents the fire in Thornfield Tower o 
 
 Lgijadscape drop for backing 
 
 3i:^d Story 
 
 2nd Story 
 
 To give idea of height and distance across the stage about 1 l/2 
 runs a stone set piece five feet high supposed to represent 2nd 
 story of castle^ Behind this about 3 another set piece about 12 
 feet high with tower on R» platform behind this. Wood wings 
 to mask on both sides. These set pieces painted old stone with 
 ivy, old fashioned windDws throtig h whi ch flames are seen, plenty 
 of smoke and all the usual fire effect^ try to get roar of flames 
 etc, etc. Wind machine. Wood crash^ Shouts outside, bell 
 ringing.^ "Don't gomy master, Lo rd Rochester" etc^, etco As 
 the scene charges Ivlaniac woman seen on top of Tower R, at back 
 waging her arns, screaming and 1 aug hing-, Rochester is seen toil- 
 ing along fran Lo he is c©atless. He fight; s his way through -the 
 
sno k e an. cl f Isjaa s ^ ce.li ir.. g - « ) 
 
 Rochester 
 Be-^-ha- Br'-ri In'l ( Th p. ruiai si;- sees him, a ere am. s la a jumps from tower 
 oif'^R;"coauterw6ighfc3a of coarse) (Rochester reaches thetop)^ G 
 Gonei GoneJ Crr^hsa asad. aeacl on the st one s b elow« «.Move 
 flames., et.o. Noi le c= vol ces ^ etc J 
 
 .0. i ^ I -4 L N . 
 
A C T VV 
 
 Three months lat-ere 
 
 FerndearLs, a cottage on the Bo Chester ©state*, 
 
 ^ ^ ^ ,,.„„,, I-i§M-iK'J!S.^;^.M'£i?ijGS.».,.. - - — 
 
 ^ ^ IJeagfi Heo^e 
 
 _JLQ5L4e^JiO£S.. 
 
 ji 
 
 2 
 
 O '^^} O 
 
 Lanoiscap 6 b aa'kingo Hefige' r©Tf/j op amng R.^ of Go (1) Set house 
 8a p/ceps S:', (2') Tree with seat svirrcana-irxg it LoC's (3) Doo i' 
 of housBe {4) Table si(2: two chairso Woo ^sd WingSo Baize 
 grsKsJ maks s^ ■^mall table -vd-th pitcher and glasses RcO, 
 Chaire,, Tin:iG;^' Late after rioon,. 
 
 At rift:) .:;---= Theodora enters Avith Rivers frcHihouse.p 
 
 Theodore 
 Poor old chap ^ i t hurts my ccn. sr.ience to look at him. 
 
 Rivers 
 Why? 
 
 Theodo re 
 If it had not bean forme he would nes/er ha^/e imperiled his life 
 so usslesff ly^, so vaim.y as i t p rcved, on. mat unfortunate days 
 Tsrhe.a the -ft-eddteg waB interrupted and Jane left him,, he was dazed-, 
 X mc&j.53d hira to hi i dtifcy as I sav;- it,, to the in^-. mcts of our 
 race SD.d blood m we Sngli shne,ri f es 1 i t,, and the result is. Lord 
 Rochester theprcwdj,. t-he strong y tls stalwai^t is now blind and 
 orlpp led'« His athlat io stre.r;gthis quelled and hi s vigorous 
 prime b31 ghtedo Doctorj yoii acted for the b est ,. but old fellow, I 
 wisli you had arrived au hour later than jou did for hi s sake and 
 for Jan8^=>'. 
 
 Ri vers 
 I h ad my duty also to pjsrf orr&c 
 
 Theodore 
 Yas J we both did \\hat yb ttought wa.s rigl^^ Do you think there 
 is any hope thaii he wijJ. recover his sight';? 
 
 Rivers 
 Yaii J of on 5 of his ayeSj, but; the tenjpest raging wi 'Shin delays 
 rec o\e r y'c 
 
 The (d ere 
 X can see i.u lii s countenance a desperate and brooding look,, like 
 sojoe W3.1d b east or bird fettered and held captive o The caged 
 e-agle wl:£) se gold riaged eyes crislty has extinguished might 3.ook 
 as-:? dqes that sightlesB Sgm son.,- 
 
 Rj. vers 
 There is but one being in this world who can S}peed his reccnrery",. 
 
Theoaore 
 Ja:ie,]c only ^'ane >-« I know it. 
 
 Rivers 
 She h ?^. been a devoted nurse ^ moving like a dumb servi tor about 
 the place.,., cireless,, watchful. I- rejoiced on her absolute sil- 
 ence X) r fear the knowledge of her presence might ^sc ite him, 
 but the tjme has ccme for her to spaak t o him. 
 
 Theodore 
 But Jane now is rich, the death of her Unde has left her a 
 wBa.lthy woman ■= she is young 3 bright^ clever - her wealth v/i]JL 
 Iiavs a score of suitors for her hand. 
 
 Rivers 
 She will refuse than all. You do r.ot know her as I do. Her heart 
 is cencered there^ (Poijni ts to cotlUage) I ^ all break the seal 
 of si3. ence I have imposed on hei^ s '^ e^dayj I shall see her now", 
 CBusinesSj, he pauses as if strtggJing with him se If , thai exits 
 into cot;. age) 
 
 Adele 
 (Cutsife) nJ will have nozzing to say to you^ detestable allez, 
 B.Jlez'o CrO away flfQii. me« You shalD. not see MadamoiseUe Jeanie, 
 ^he shall not be "boysaired" wiz you=, (Enters excite dJy R.U,E.) 
 Mil Ths<-xiore. Theodorep oh Theodore^ drive away zat scelerat .« 
 ^'Pr oflJ. gat e) Zat villian. now^ (Rushes in t Theodore 's arms) 
 
 Th eod ore 
 Ga.lm yourself ma petite Adele... ( B r oc kl ehu rst enters very much 
 d.lsheveled --= his net fcrdsai in;, clotlies dust y^ looking very dis- 
 zep-a t abl s) Ohy it*s. you i s i t? Rr.lnking again? I always suspect. 
 ed itc Now I knew i ta 
 
 B r oc KL ehu rst 
 Cap i a in 5,, you Bee before you the bearer of bad news a 
 
 Th eodore 
 I bel'. ©76 it., I always associated yourpreserce JBfth sooaething 
 urpleaBanto 
 
 Br ockle jria rst 
 But my p xBsenaa to-day has riO^-hing to do with you<. 
 
 T h e od cr e 
 Then whgrfc the (tevi'I are you bo thsr ?ng me for^ and fr igl^tening my 
 wife, 
 
 Br ockJ.e hurst 
 Con^t lose your ten|5er Gapta.ii'i. .-. Remeniber you kicked me once, but 
 I did not deserve ito 
 
 Theodore 
 But if I kick you again you wi.ll desejrve ito 
 
 Ade le 
 lii ok him aga^ja^ Now Theodore^ oh kick him g^ain « just once 
 for me'c 
 
 Th eodore 
 CGrtain.ly m.y darHngo (Chases Br ocM-ehurgt who runs from him. 
 arou);j, d 'f: he tree 5 
 
 Ade le 
 N0W3 nowj spare him Theodore,, he is a cowards 
 
 Br ocldeharst 
 She-s rightj 1 ''m only brave moraHyj that is all« Your mfe 
 with her imperfect kno w_ledge and her bad English mi sunderstood me 
 
 Th e od ore 
 Do you he^r Adele, he says your English is bad. 
 
Mele 
 Ml., perhaps hebezzer be "keekal" after alio 
 
 Br ock3,elm rs'c 
 No J no pardon memaaame; I meant - 1 only asked her to help me to 
 an i n te rv i ew wx th Mi s s Ryrs ,, 
 
 Theodora 
 And what can yda v/an'c, with Miss Eyrof 
 
 Br iTcW. 3l-nrst 
 \':iiat can X ^«ant with Mi a^. Eyre? Miy C«pt-o Grey, I am the men- 
 tar of her youth- the valued guide of lat-sr yearso I would now- 
 fain be her trusted cainsellor and adviser as to the disposition 
 (S the wealth I understood she has Istel!?;- asquirsde 
 
 Theodore 
 That's very kind of you, but really ^ I dcn't think she wants 
 to see youo 
 
 Brocld.ehur?.t 
 She wi3-l v/elcQne me m th open armSo i bring her the T«orst of news' 
 
 Theodore 
 You have a strarge idea of what will make you virelcome, B rocky, 
 
 Br CO k].e hurst 
 Her its cousin John has ccmmiT.ted smci!3.So 
 
 Th e od ore ' 
 She knows thatc 
 
 Br cck3..eliirBt 
 Knows i t? How- 
 Theodore 
 I told h err» 
 
 Br CG klehu rst 
 Yo-u«» 
 
 Theodore 
 Yes. don't ^hink that you are the only o3.d womaa in Devox^ire. 
 I'm a bit of a gossip myseJ-fj eh,, Adele? 
 
 Ade la ■ , 
 
 An an5el<> (Emb racing him) 
 
 Theodore 
 Since I have been a married man,, vexj? talk of everything over our 
 c\^ of tea 3, dcn*t w© Adele? 
 
 Adele 
 Al 1, mo n -Emp er o ro ( Bu s as b ef o re ) 
 
 Brocklehurst 
 Do js she know her Aunt Reed died of grief? 
 
 Thecd ore 
 Yes 5 she knows that too v. You see BrockJ:, you are decidedly super- 
 flaouso 
 
 B rocklehu rst 
 (Desperately) Does she know that 1 want to borrow aome money of 
 her"« 
 
 Theodcre 
 Ahj surprised «= now I. ixnderstand -^lat you mean by bad newso 
 No, I don't think that she knows thato 
 
 Brocklehurst 
 There's a warrant out f or my arrest o 
 
 Theodore 
 That 's good news.. 
 
 Br cc kLelxirst 
 Officers are out on my track ^, 
 
Theodcr© 
 
 Be ct er ancL b e it er , 
 
 Brccl'leyurst 
 
 They haT-e n't ca^ight me y et « 
 
 Theoclo re- 
 Worse end worse, Melej go into thehougeo 
 
 BrockLe hurst 
 And ce 31 Mi ss Ey re » 
 
 Theodore 
 Brocky., I must insist tint you do no c address lirs , Captain Grey 
 T/i L-hcut my permissiono Adele^ not a iword of what you have heard, 
 
 Adele 
 (No cfe assent) Au revoir, "monhoro" (Exits into house) 
 
 Th eodore 
 Ifc w Bro cklehirst , by all that i s holy, tell me, what claim have 
 you on Miss Eyre^ She whom you abused and plotted fr on child- 
 hood to wQnarihood «- c one out vd. th i t man, display your logic* 
 
 Br ocklehurst 
 The scrip turES teaches u s we shDuld forgive our g-iemies. 
 
 Th 6 od ore 
 None of your hypocritical cant-. Now I h-\aen't patience -vath it. 
 1 nstance me one friendly act of yours toward Jane Eyre, 
 
 Br ocklehirst 
 It was thrcugh my disco -very that the cerenony was broken off. 
 
 Theodore 
 Oh i c was 1 
 
 Brocklehurst 
 Yes.. 1 l^rned- of the name of Lord Rochester -s mysterious visi- 
 tor ^ I Smelt a rat «=• bribed the coachnai who coiveyed him to 
 Mi.lcoctej> "^ en Jane Eyre's engagement was announced I traced Mr, 
 Mason to LondQij t oLd him of the news, learned that Lord Roches- 
 cer was married t o his sister, 
 
 Theodore 
 AjTxd played the devil generally, and your motive was for Jane 
 Ey re \s b enef it '» 
 
 Br OG Ide Ik rst 
 '^.'hy scanmotivsSp results are ifiiat I am after,, 
 
 Theodore 
 Wl at i s you r p rese nt cr Jme'c 
 
 Er cc kL ehirst 
 I an accused of the ccn vers ion of find belonging to the insti- 
 cui^ion of LowDOdo 1 loaned Mrs <. Reed the greater portion of the 
 moneys hoping to realize onehujidred per cent when Georgiana mar- 
 ried Lo ig. Rochester* I think ttat Jane Eyre ought to fix this 
 matter up» (Detective enters j stands watching L^U.E, BrcckLehuri 
 a mom. entj cones davn) Because if she don't,^ and I'm arrested, 
 I m3J. b e in » (Detective snaps handcuffs on him) a most hum"" 
 iliating po sitiono (Detective takes him. by collar and wa.lk5 him 
 off ) (Bro ckleha rst ccntinues talking as they ex it) That's all 
 right, sir, 1 an a peaceful man, I'll give you no trcuble^ If 1 
 could see Miss Eyre, etc., etc. (His vol oe dies av/ay in the 
 dista nee) (Theodore goes up C<, watching them) (Pause) (Enter from 
 •vhe hou ^, Jane and Rivers) 
 
 Jane 
 The a you think i t will b e b est « 
 
Rivers 
 Yes., the scimd of you.r v trice,;, the. r-eiise o f your p re seme mil do 
 more good than a ttousana doct ors', Me le j. s leading him out here 
 then you take her place:. God blei^s yoxi Jane audb ring you all 
 your h eg.rt ^s desi re ^ 
 
 J' ans 
 God bless you Erne.st <, my more than. br(i;her.. (Holds out her 
 
 haid)(Muaic "You niay b reak you mja sht^er'- et.c) (Ri-vers stirred 
 Y/ith eno tion-, b enfls over her haid mu'ce3y , kisses itj returns to 
 dcxDr of hou.se ;, 1 aye finger on lips in warring gest ire) (Music) • 
 (Enter Rochester b3,indj led by Adele^ he is hatless ^ he carries 
 one arm in breast of coat , it is supposed to be mutilated) 
 CReds on lights) 
 
 Ade ].e 
 Gome Mon sieiir,, I mil place you under the tree,, The sun is a3jiiost 
 sets it mil soon be night, (Ri'vers exits into house) 
 
 Rochester 
 It is always night nowj, and will be f onime ever morBo Mele^ give 
 me son 6 water, (Adele does so) (He drinks) \Tnere is that du.mb 
 nurse, 
 
 Ade].e 
 I will find her., (Goes up to Theodore) (Bus) (They sxuent ) (Fause) 
 
 Ja.ne 
 \Till you have a li xt le more water ^ your Lo rdship o 
 
 Rochester 
 Alij, who is i tV liiftiat is it? Who speaks? Wliat delusion has come 
 o ver men What sweet m^jiess has seized xa.e f. 
 
 Jane 
 No (feJusiouo No ET, a3.no5,s « Your min d i s too strong for delusion.,. 
 
 Roc hest. e.v- 
 (Reaching out) Wj:i<3r@ is the speak:erV Is tt only a voice? 1 
 cannot see, but 1 must feel o r my heart will stop and my brain 
 burst 'o (Jane takes hi s h and in bor, hof hers) Her v&'j fingers , 
 ter small sDight fingers., if go^ there must b e mo rs of her "^ (He 
 gropes arOLnds taich3.ng her nect'; 3tau3. derSg waist, finally draws 
 her to him) Is it Jane? This is her d-ze^ 
 
 Je ii3 
 An (3 tlTi. s,^ hsr voia3£= She's aLl here^, her heart tco",, God bles^ 
 you;, I '^m glad I am here'o 
 
 Ro Chester 
 Jane Ey re.« In truth;,, my living JanCc" 
 
 Jane 
 You holdm. e fast eisaghc; I'm not cold like a corpse nor vacant 
 3.1 ke air a m 12 
 
 Rochester 
 lAy living dar3ing5 but X cannot b e blessed after all my misery,, 
 you are sure you are not a dream cone to smock me? I feared you 
 migh'G b e p ming outcast am.ong strargers« 
 
 Jane 
 No 5 I'm an independent rich won an no w^ My UndLe in the West 
 Indies 3. ^t me his entire fortune^ 
 
 Rochester 
 Yoii vBre always in(?ependeiit Jane, but I an sorry to hear that 
 you are x-, rich'o 
 
 J ane 
 Are you incfeed - and \tiy? 
 
^ • Rochester 
 
 Because if you r^re poor, Jane, you might make up yoxr mind to 
 
 s?T;^oindme and be my kind little nurse, but then as you are 
 
 young and rich, and as 1 ought v. o look after your interests, I 
 suppose 1 Should e«tert,ain none but fath^-ly feelings, f cr you« 
 H0T,v I feel it my duty to advise you to « co » 
 
 Jane 
 
 To \h ^« 
 
 Rochester 
 
 To go and marry sone handscme younj mano 
 
 Jane 
 I don't care about being marriedo 
 
 Rochester 
 You shouJLdcare Jane'^Hf IwS^ewhat I once ires, I*d mlee you care 
 but a sightless block- I suppose 1 an v ery hideou s Janeo 
 
 Jane 
 Very sir,, You always -ware you kncwo 
 
 Rochester 
 Youhayen'c lost your wickedness Jane wherever you have been- Ah 
 ny sacred vi sicng my crippled strargth^ (Jane ki sses him) I am 
 no better than the old oak ±sj® struck by lightning that night you 
 saved my li fe j, Jane ^ and "sih^* right wau,ld that ruin have to bid 
 abuca.iag 7/ood'^blne to co^;3r it, 's decay with freshness- 
 Jane 
 You are no ruin, sir, no li ghtnj.ng struck oak. You are green 
 anO. ^ vigorous* You'll nQver want for frieniSo 
 
 Ro ch est er 
 Friends 5, JanSj I want a wifeo 
 
 Jane 
 Do you? 
 
 Roc hester 
 Yes , i s i t news t o you? 
 
 Jane 
 Of ccurse - you said nothing of it bef cre'o 
 
 Ro c hest er 
 Is i t unwelcome newsc 
 
 Jane 
 That depends on cirouta stances « on your choice » 
 
 Rochet er 
 Mate it form 65 Jane, I wiLl abide your decision, 
 
 Jane 
 Choose chen^ sir- who loves you the best a 
 
 Rochester 
 I vail at least chao se her I love b «t . Jane, will you marry meSL 
 
 Jane 
 Yes , EdwardV 
 
 Ro Chester 
 A poo r blind man whom you will have to lead around by the hand^, 
 
 [ Jane 
 
 Yes« 
 
 Rochester 
 
 Truly; 
 
 Jane 
 Trulyc To b e your wife i s for me to be as happy as I can b e on 
 e art ho 
 
Rochester 
 (Kisses her) I thank my Maker that in the midst of juagment He 
 
 has remenbered mercy. PICTURE. 
 
 C U R 1 A I_ N . 
 
 "iT "w" IT u n n ii 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 lliliiilliillllillllllllliliilil 
 
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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