Helen had calmed me; but in the tranquility she imparted there was an alloy of inexpressible sadness. I felt the impression of woe as she spoke, but I could not tell whence it came; and when, having done speaking, she breathed a little fast and coughed a short cough, I momentarily forgot my own sorrows to yield to a vague concern for her.
– Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre, Chapter 8. Jane reflects on when her friend Helen provided her with comfort and calm after her punishment and humiliation at Lowood. But Jane has the sense of a sadness and impression of woe in Helen’s voice as she speaks. She is concerned about Helen’s breathing and cough. Being foreshadowed here is the serious illness that Helen will sadly succumb to, the symptoms of which she is at this time experiencing. Despite her being unwell, Helen displays selfless love for a friend when she gives herself to help and care for Jane.