Ext. A midsummer dawn. Thornfield the grounds

MISS SCATCHERD (CONT'D)

You're a slattern and a disgrace!

Helen Burns undoes the back of her dress. The punishment is

given; a dozen sharp, stinging whacks with the birch twigs.

Jane is appalled. But to her astonishment and awe, Helen

Burns doesn't cry; she barely changes her expression. As

the strokes go on - seven, eight, nine - Helen seems like

one in a trance. Jane is deeply affected.

On the eleventh stroke, the door bursts open and a visiting

party walks in: the Brocklehurst family. Miss Temple

escorts two young girls dressed in peacock finery and two

smart, bombastic ladies. Mr Brocklehurst follows. Helen's

punishment is forgotten as the students rush to their feet.

Jane, in a panic, drops her slate and breaks it.

Brocklehurst's eyes sweep the room. They land on her.

BROCKLEHURST

I might have known. The new girl.

Step forward, Jane Eyre.

Filled with dread, Jane steps forward.