jane loses helen burns

Chapter-5

Days passed, followed by weeks and months. One day, pestilence disease, a highly infectious disease, broke out in and around Lowood school. Forty-five out of eighty girls fell ill. Classes were broken up and rules were relaxed. Miss Temple, the Superintendent of school, paid full attention to the girls who were in the grip of the disease. The teachers were busy taking care of the diseased girls. Some girls who had friends and relatives were sent home to recover there. Some other girls who caught the disease were killed. They were buried quietly and quickly.
Jane Eyre had not caught the disease. But her friend Helen Burns was down with fever. She was in the grip of the disease. In the meantime, Jane Eyre made friends with Mary Ann Wilson as Jane was not allowed to go and speak to Helen Burns.
One evening, Jane Eyre saw a doctor enter the room of Helen Burns who was very ill. When the doctor, whose name was Mr Bates, came out, Jane enquired of him about the health of Helen Burns. The doctor said, “My dear child! Helen Burns is severely ill. Her living days are numbered. She has little hope of recovery.” Saying these words the doctor went away.
Jane had a sudden desire to meet her. She came to learn that Helen Burns was in the room of Miss Temple. It was eleven o’clock at night. Jane was not able to sleep in peace. She, at once, got up and headed towards the room of Helen Burns. She was cautious not to be seen by anyone else. She stealthily entered the room and went over to the bed of Helen Burns. She said to Helen Burns, “Hello friend! how are you?” Helen Burns replied, “I am not fine. I am going to the abode of the Death-god. You must not grieve for me. We must all die one day.”

“The illness which is removing me is not painful. It is gentle and gradual. My mind is at rest. I leave nobody to regret me much. I have only one father and he is lately married. So, he will not miss me. By dying young, I shall escape great sufferings. I had not qualities or talents to make my way very well in the world. I should have been continually at fault.”
Saying these words Helen Burns half-closed her eyes. Tears welled up in the eyes of Jane Eyre who was sitting on the bed beside Helen Burns. Both friends embraced each other.
“But where are you going to, Helen? Can you see? Do you know?” Jane Eyre stated.
“I believe; I have faith. I am going to God,” Helen observed.”
“Where is God? What is God?” Jane Eyre asked.
“My Maker and yours, who will never destroy what He created. I rely implicitly on His power, and confide wholly in His goodness. I count the hours till that eventful one arrives which should restore me to Him, reveal Him to me,” Helen stated.
“You are sure, then, Helen, that there is such a place as Heaven, and that our souls can get to it when we die?” Jane Eyre stated.
“I am sure there is a future state; I believe God is good; I can resign my immortal part to Him without any misgiving. God is my father; God is my friend; I love Him. I believe He loves me. How comfortable I am! That last fit of coughing has tired me a little bit. I feel as if I could sleep. But don’t leave me, O Jane. I like to have you near me,” said Helen.
“I’ll stay with you, dear Helen; nobody shall take you away from me,” Jane Eyre consoled.
Soon, they fell asleep.
Next day, when Jane Eyre got up, Helen Burns was no more. She died in her sleep last night. She was buried near Brocklebridge churchyard. The cruel hands of Death had snatched Helen Burns from Jane Eyre.

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