Personal Account of St. John Rivers From Jane Eyre

Friday-June 2, 1850-Jane had to start at Morton today. Got up, cleaned my room, brushed my teeth, bathed, ate breakfast and dropped. Came back. Received mail that my camp in India was set and there were many Indian to be helped. Had lunch  at 12 pm. Slept from 1 pm to 5 pm. Had dinner at 6 pm. Retired at 7 pm.

Tuesday-June 10, 1850-I have been observing Jane. She is a very cordial, gentle and kind person. . Perfect qualities for a missionary. Trimmed the grass and worked with the Mary in the garden. Helped  Diana cook dinner. Listen to Jane and her stories.

Wednesday-June 20, 1850-Got up, ate, dressed and went out. Made reservations on the ship to India, since the queue was very long. More money grabbers and soldiers of fortune than missionaries. I am going to the land of Jungles and Elephants. Had eggs, a side of rhubarb and beef stew for dinner. Retired at 12 am.

Thursday- June 21, 1850- Got up at 8 am, brushed, bathed, dressed and went to my office. Found a painting which was drawn by Jane. She was a good artist. It seems her last name was Eyre. That’s why it seemed familiar. Had dinner 5 pm. Retired at 12 pm.

Friday-June 22, 1850- Eyre. We had the same uncle, John Eyre. We are cousins. Mary and Diana were ecstatic. Jane was left with 20, 000 pounds sterling by uncle John. Jane cried. Mary cried, Diana cried. I cried.

Monday-July 1, 1850- Jane says she will share her inheritance among us. God has provided for my trip to the vineyards of India. Ate breakfast. I asked Jane to marry and go righteously for the cause to India. It was a task deemed for her and she was perfect for it. Love has no place now. Drank Tea at 4 pm. Slept from 5 pm 7 pm.

Wednesday-July 11, 1850- Jane said she would marry for love rather than task. But she seemed so perfect. I guess that was it for our marital relationship. I did not talk to her. She was kind. I was mission oriented. I kept aloof for a time. Had tea. I guess she dedicated herself to someone else. At dinner at 8 pm. She did not say a word. Diana and Mary were sad. I was sad.

Thursday-July 21, 1850- Prayed. Went out to meet Rosamond. She seemed happy. Word had it that she loved me. I cared for her, deeply, very deeply. However, I could not take her. She was not for the mission and that means I was not meant for her because I my life from now was going to be nothing but the mission. Did not eat lunch or dinner. Retired at 9 pm.

Monday-August 15, 1850- Jane seemed antsy. Got up, ate, prayed, dressed and went out. Mr. Oliver’s brother had died and I had to eulogize him. He was a good man. Had dinner at 6 pm. Jane stepped out for a while. I followed her. She stared in to the yonder blue and almost fainted. I caught her and brought her in. She did not wake up. Retired at 10 pm.

Tuesday-August 16, 1850-Jane was packing. It seemed as if she saw a vision. She had to go back to her old house. She did not explain much. I kissed her goodbye. I liked her. In 2 days I would be leaving for India. Ate lunch at 2 pm. What a day!

Friday- December 25-1863-I am almost done. As I write this last account my life is slowly, steadily slipping away. My task is done. Now I go home, my eternal and permanent abode. Heard Jane married and has a son 2 yrs old. Good for her. She has not strayed from the faith. Amen.