Jane Eyre:
Sir, I need to have a leave of absence for a week or two, to see a sick lady who's asked for me.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
What sick lady?
Jane Eyre:
Her name is Reed. She's my uncle's wife.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
Uncle? You told me you had no family.
Jane Eyre:
My aunt cast me out when I went away to school.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
Why?
Jane Eyre:
Because I was poor. And she did not like me.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
And she sent you to Lowood without so much as a word or a visit in nearly ten years. So why does she suddenly want to see you now?
Jane Eyre:
Her son John is dead. He ruined himself. She's now struck down with his misfortune. I'll only be gone two weeks, I hope.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
Two weeks? That's not possible.
Jane Eyre:
You have company, sir.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
Very well. But promise me, you'll not stay with this undeserving aunt more than a week.
Jane Eyre:
I cannot promise you. She is dying. I cannot set a time on that.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
Of course, you'll go. I haven't got the power to stop you. You must have some money. Can't travel without money. I haven't given you any salary yet, remember? How much have you, Jane, in whole the world?
Jane Eyre:
Five shillings, sir.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
Here, take fifty pounds.
Jane Eyre:
No, Sir. You only owe me fifteen. I have no change.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
I don't want change, Jane. You know that. Take your wages.
[Jane nods no]
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
You're right. Better not give you all that. You might stay away for three months. Here. There's ten. Wasn't that enough?
Jane Eyre:
Yes, sir. But you still owe me five.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
Then, come back for it.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
Sir, I have to ask you something else, a matter of business. You have as good as said you intend to be married.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
Really? That has been settled then, has it? You've decided that Miss Ingram is to be my bride. Now I see it. You're going to prevail upon that miserable family to find you a new situation. Ungrateful girl, admit it!
Jane Eyre:
No, sir. I've told you they do not like me, sir. To offer such a service... I shall advertise.
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
Devil, you will! Advertise! I wish I'd only offered you a sovereign, not ten whole pounds. Give me back nine.
[Jane puts her hands behind her]
Edward Fairfax Rochester:
Jane, I have need of it.
Jane Eyre:
[smiles, her hands still behind her back]
No, sir. I do not trust you.
