Ext. A midsummer dawn. Thornfield the grounds

INT. DAY. THORNFIELD - THE LONG GALLERY.

Rochester has followed Jane out of the billiard room.

JANE

If you please, I want leave of

absence for a week or two.

ROCHESTER

What to do?

Jane shows him the letter.

JANE

This is from my old nurse, Bessie.

She says my cousin John Reed is

dead. He ruined himself and has

committed suicide. The news has so

shocked his mother, my Aunt, that

it's brought on a stroke.

ROCHESTER

What good can you do her?

JANE

She's been asking for me. I

parted from her very badly and I

can't neglect her wishes now.

ROCHESTER

Promise me you won't stay long.

JANE

Sir, it seems you are soon to be

married.

ROCHESTER

What of it?