Jane Eyre — CHAPTER XX

Jane wakes to a horrific scream from Thornfield’s third story, followed by a struggle and pleas for “Rochester.” Guests flood the gallery in panic until Mr. Rochester appears and dismisses it as a servant’s nightmare, sending everyone back to bed. Jane, unconvinced, dresses and waits.

Rochester quietly summons Jane to the third floor, arms her with sponge and salts, and unlocks a hidden inner room where Grace Poole’s laughter is heard. In an adjoining chamber sits Richard Mason, pale and bleeding from torn, bitten wounds. Rochester orders Jane to tend the blood and keep absolute silence while he goes for a surgeon, locking her in.

Through a tense vigil, Jane manages Mason’s bleeding as ominous sounds come from the inner room. At dawn, Rochester returns with Surgeon Carter. They dress Mason’s bite wounds; Mason reveals he was attacked by “her,” whom Rochester had warned him about. Rochester administers a cordial, outfits Mason, and prepares a discreet departure.

Jane stealthily readies the post-chaise; Rochester, Carter, and the strengthened Mason slip out. Mason tearfully begs that “she” be treated tenderly; Rochester promises and sends him away, then laments the situation before securing the gates.

In the orchard at sunrise, Rochester offers Jane a rose and probes her conscience with a parable about a man’s past “error” and whether defying convention to secure renewal is justified. Jane insists reformation should not rest on a fellow creature. Rochester nearly confesses, then abruptly deflects, resuming banter about marrying Blanche Ingram. He parts cheerfully, publicly stating Mason left before sunrise.