Ext. A midsummer dawn. Thornfield the grounds

ROCHESTER

Who's there?

JANE

It is I, Jane Eyre, sir.

Jane takes the ewer and throws water on the curtains. She

pulls the soggy fabric from its rail and smothers the

burning couch. When all the flames are out, she rushes to

the windows and opens them. Smoke billows out. She stands

in the moonlight, coughing.

Rochester is sitting up, staring at her.

ROCHESTER

What in the name of all the elves in

Christendom have you done with me?

JANE

For heaven's sake get up. Somebody

has plotted something; you must

find out who. I'll light the lamp -

Jane Eyre adapted by Moira Buffini March 2008 54.

ROCHESTER

Light the lamp at your peril.

Rochester is springing out of bed. Jane turns away,

mortified - having caught sight of his silhouetted shape.

JANE

I heard a laugh outside my door

loud enough to wake me. I opened

it. Someone was running towards

the third floor.

Rochester is putting on a dressing gown, lighting the lamp.

JANE (CONT'D)

And a candle was left burning in

the middle of the floor. Shall I

fetch Mrs Fairfax, sir?