Ext. A midsummer dawn. Thornfield the grounds

BLANCHE (CONT'D)

We shall have music - and new

subject, if you please. Signor

Eduardo, what shall it be?

ROCHESTER

Donna Bianca, I give you beauty.

BLANCHE

Beauty? Why there's nothing new

to be said. I give you back male

beauty. Mamma, what's your idea

of male beauty?

LADY INGRAM

My son, of course.

LORD INGRAM

Hear hear.

BLANCHE

Oh, Tedo's quite typical of the

young men of today. They're so

absorbed in the pursuit of

fashion that they've forgotten

how to be men at all.

Jane Eyre adapted by Moira Buffini March 2008 66.

LORD INGRAM

I say -

BLANCHE

A woman who neglects herself is a

blot on humanity. But a man

should pay no heed to his looks.

(Glancing at Rochester)

A man should possess only

strength and valour. He could be

a gentleman or a highwayman. His

beauty lies in his power.

ROCHESTER

So a Levantine pirate would do

for you?