Ext. A midsummer dawn. Thornfield the grounds

ROCHESTER (CONT'D)

Hellfire.

Jane is confounded.

ROCHESTER (CONT'D)

Pilot, get down! GET DOWN I SAY!

JANE

Can I do anything, sir?

Rochester stares at her; a tiny black figure, surrounded by

darkening frost, the low moon behind her.

Jane Eyre adapted by Moira Buffini March 2008 38.

ROCHESTER

Get back.

Jane doesn't move. Rochester turns to his horse.

ROCHESTER (CONT'D)

Mesrour. Mesrour.

With much stamping and clattering, the horse clambers to

its feet. Rochester seems relieved.

He tries to stand himself. His ankle will bear no weight.

He lets out an involuntary cry. It echoes:

ROCHESTER (CONT'D)

Damnation.

JANE

Are you injured, sir?

Rochester looks at her once more. He manages to get himself

off the ice. He sits on a nearby stile. Jane approaches

him. She now has the moon on her face. She begins to look

less like a phantom and more like a girl.

JANE (CONT'D)

If you are hurt and want help I

can fetch someone from the

village. I'm on my way there to

post a letter.

Rochester looks as if he doesn't believe her.