Ext. A midsummer dawn. Thornfield the grounds

ROCHESTER

You're right; I'm not.

BLANCHE

Then what induced you to take

charge of that little doll?

Rochester turns away from Jane.

ROCHESTER

She was left on my hands.

BLANCHE

Why don't you send her to school?

ROCHESTER

She has a governess.

Jane glances up; sees Rochester's back to her, throws her

eyes down, once more.

Jane Eyre adapted by Moira Buffini March 2008 65.

BLANCHE

You should hear mamma on the

chapter of governesses. I had

half a dozen in my day - all

detestable, ridiculous incubi -

were they not, mamma?

LADY INGRAM

Did you speak, my lily flower?

BLANCHE

I said governesses.

The reaction is instant.

LADY INGRAM

Oh, don't mention them; the very

word makes me nervous! I've

suffered a martyrdom from their

incompetence and caprice. I thank

heaven we're now done with them.

BLANCHE

I have just one word to say of

the whole tribe; nuisance.

Jane's fingers sew. Only the briefest flash of her eyes

towards the company shows her mortification. Blanche has

started playing a brilliant prelude on the piano.