Ext. A midsummer dawn. Thornfield the grounds

ROCHESTER (CONT'D)

Wait.

He goes to the inner chamber. A grim laugh greets him.

ROCHESTER (CONT'D)

Thank you, Mrs Poole.

He locks the door. Jane shudders. He goes to the bed.

ROCHESTER (CONT'D)

Here. Bring the candle.

Jane obeys. Richard Mason is lying, one arm and all the

linen soaked in blood. Jane controls her reaction and makes

herself useful. Rochester is cleaning the wound.

MASON

Am I dying?

ROCHESTER

No.

MASON

She bit me - while the knife was

in - Bit me -

Jane Eyre adapted by Moira Buffini March 2008 71.

ROCHESTER

It was folly to attempt the

interview tonight and alone.

MASON

I thought I might have done some

good.

ROCHESTER

It makes me impatient to hear

you.

MASON

She sucked the blood. Said she'd

drain me - like a vampire -

ROCHESTER

Think of her as dead, dead and

buried. Say nothing!

Mason is silenced. Rochester puts the bloody sponge into

Jane's hand.