1891～1895
TEER.KREHLInstitutionfortheBlind,SouthBoston,Mass.,March20,1891.
MyDearFriend,Mr.Krehl:--Ihavejustheard,throughMr.Wade,ofyourkindoffertobuymeagentledog,andIwanttothankyouforthekindthought.ItmakesmeveryhappyioknowthatIhavesuchdearfriendsinotherlands.Itmakesmethinkthatallpeoplearegoodandloving.IhavereadthattheEnglishandAmerisarecousins;butIamsureitwouldbemuchtruertosaythatwearebrothersandsisters.Myfriendshavetoldmeaboutyreatandmagnifitcity,andIhavereadagreatdealthatwiseEnglishmeten.Ihavebeguntoread"EnochArden,"andIknowseveralofthegreatpoetspoemsbyheart.Iameagertocrosstheo,forIwanttoseemyEnglishfriendsandtheirgoodandwisequeen.OheEarlofMeathcametoseeme,aoldmethatthequeenwasmuchbelovedbyherpeople,becauseentlenessandwisdom.Somedayyouwillbesurprisedtoseealittlestrangegirlingintoyouroffice;butwhenyouknowitisthelittlegirlwholovesdogsandallotheranimals,youwilllaugh,andIhopeyouwillgiveherakiss,justasMr.Wadedoes.Hehasanforme,ahinksshewillbeasbraveandfaithfulasmybeautifulLioness.AndnowIwanttotellyouwhatthedogloversinAmericaaregoingtodo.
Theyaregoingtosendmesomemoneyforapoorlittledeafanddumbandblindchild.Hisommy,andheisfiveyearsold.Hisparentsaretoopoortopaytohavethelittlefellowsenttoschool;so,insteadofgivingmeadog,thegentlemenaregoingtohelpmakeTommyslifeasbrightandjoyousasmine.Isitnotabeautifulplan?Educationwillbringlightandmusiyssoul,andthenheothelpbeinghappy.
Fromyourlovinglittlefriend,HELENA.KELLER.
TODR.OLIVERWENDELLHOLMES[SouthBoston,Mass.,April,1891.]DearDr.Holmes:--Yourbeautifulwordsaboutspringhavebeenmakingmusimyheart,thesebrightAprildays.Iloveeverywordof"Spring"and"SpringHase."Ithinkyouwillbegladtohearthatthesepoemshavetaughtmetoenjoyandlovethebeautifulspringtime,eventhoughIotseethefair,frailblossomswhichproclaimitsapproach,orhearthejoyouswarblingofthehome-ingbirds.ButwhenIread"SpringPartII.Letters(1887-1901)82
Hase,"lo!Iamnotblindanylonger,forIseewithyoureyesandhearwithyourears.SweetMotherNaturehavesfrommewhenmypoetisnear.IhavechosenthispaperbecauseIwantthesprayofvioletsintheertotellyouofmygratefullove.IwantyoutoseebabyTom,thelittleblindanddeafanddumbchildwhohasjustetoourprettygarden.Heispoorandhelplessandlonelynow,butbeforeanotherAprileducationwillhavebroughtlightandgladnessintoTommyslife.Ifyoudoe,youwillwanttoaskthekindpeopleofBostontohelpbrightenTommyswholelife.Yourlovingfriend,HELENKELLER.
TOSIRJOHMILLAISPerkinsInstitutionfortheBlind,SouthBoston,Mass.,April30,1891.
MyDearMr.Millais:--YourlittleAmerisisterisgoingtowriteyoualetter,becauseshewantsyoutoknowhowpleasedshewastohearyouwereiedinourpoorlittleTommy,andhadsentsomemoohelpeducatehim.ItisverybeautifultothinkthatpeoplefarawayinEnglandfeelsorryforalittlehelplesschildinAmerica.Iusedtothink,whenIreadinmybooksaboutyreatcity,thatwhenIvisiteditthepeoplewouldbestraome,butnowIfeeldifferently.Itseemstomethatallpeoplewhohaveloving,pityis,arenerstoeachother.IhardlyatientlyforthetimetoewhenIshallseemydearEnglishfriends,andtheirbeautifulislandhome.MyfavouritepoethaswrittensomelinesaboutEnglandwhichIloveverymuch.Ithinkyouwilllikethemtoo,soIwilltrytowritethemforyou.
"Huggedinthegingbillo,Fromseaweedfriomountaiher,TheBritishoakwithrootedgraspHerslenderhandfulholdstogether,Withcliffsofwhiteandbreen,Andoarrowingtocaressher,Andhillsandthreadedstreamsbetween,Ourlittlemotherisle,Godblessher!”
YouwillbegladtohearthatTommyhasakindladytoteachhim,andthatheisapretty,activelittlefellow.
Helovestoclimbmuchbetterthantospell,butthatisbecausehedoesnotkwhatawonderfulthinglanguageis.Heaginehowvery,veryhappyhewillbewheellushisthoughts,aellhimhowwehavelovedhimsolong.
TomorrorilwillhidehertearsandblushesbeheflowersoflovelyMay.IwoheMay-daysinEnglandareasbeautifulastheyarehere.
NowImustsaygood-bye.Pleasethinkofmealwaysasyourlovinglittlesister,HELENKELLER.
TOREV.PHILLIPSBROOKSSo.Boston,May1,1891.
MyDearMr.Brooks:HelensendsyoualoviingthisbrightMay-day.Myteacherhasjusttoldmethatyouhavebeenmadeabishop,andthatyourfriendseverywherearerejoigbecauseonewhomtheylovehasbeelyhonored.Idonotuandverywellwhatabishopsworkis,butIamsureitmustbegoodandhelpful,andIamgladthatmydearfriendisbrave,andwise,andlovingenoughtodoit.ItisverybeautifultothinkthatyoutellsomanypeopleoftheheavenlyFatherstenderloveforallHischildreneveheyareleandnobleasHewishesthemtobe.Ihopethegladnewswhichyouwilltellthemwillmaketheirheartsbeatfastwithjoyandlove.Ihopetoo,thatBishopBrookswholelifewillbeasrihappinessasthemonthofMayisfullofblossomsandsingingbirds.Fromyourlovinglittlefriend,HELENKELLER.
BeforeateacherwasfoundforTommyandwhilehewasstillinthecareofHelenandMissSullivaionwasheldforhimatthekindergarten.AtHelensrequestBishopBrooksmadeanaddress.Helenwroteletterstotheneerswhichbroughtmanygenerousreplies.Allofthesesheansweredherself,andshemadepubliowledgmentierstotheneers.ThisletteristotheeditoroftheBostonHerald,enclosingapletelistofthesubscribers.Thetributionsamouomorethansixteenhundreddollars.
TOMR.JOHNH.HOLMESSouthBoston,May13,1891.EditoroftheBostonHerald:MyDearMr.
Holmes:--WillyoukindlyprintintheHerald,theenclosedlist?IthinkthereadersofyourpaperwillbegladtoknowthatsomuchhasbeendonefordearlittleTommy,andthattheywillallwishtoshareinthepleasurePartII.Letters(1887-1901)83
ofhelpinghim.Heisveryhappyihekindergarten,andislearningsomethingeveryday.Hehasfoundoutthatdoorshavelocks,andthatlittlestidbitsofpaperbegotintothekey-holequiteeasily;buthedoesnotseemveryeagertogetthemoutaftertheyarein.Helovestoclimbthebed-postsanduhesteamvalvesmuchbetterthantospell,butthatisbecausehedoesnotuandthatwordswouldhelphimtomakenewandiingdiscoveries.IhopethatgoodpeoplewilltioworkforTommyuntilhisfundispleted,andeducationhasbroughtlightandmusitohislittlelife.Fromyourlittlefriend,HELENKELLER.
TODR.OLIVERWENDELLHOLMESSouthBoston,May27,1891.Dear,Ge:--IfearthatyouwillthinkHeleroublesomelittlegirlifshewritestoyoutoooften;buthowisshetohelpsendingyoulovingandgratefulmessages,whenyoudosomuakeherglad?IotbegintotellyouhowdelightedIwaswhenMr.Anagnostoldmethatyouhadsenthimsomemoohelpeducate"BabyTom.”
Thehatyouhadnottenthedearlittlechild,fiftbroughtwithitthethoughtoftendersympathy.IamverysorrytosaythatTommyhasnotlearnedanywordsyet.Heisthesamerestlesslittlecreaturehewaswhenyousawhim.Butitispleasanttothinkthatheishappyandplayfulinhisbrightnewhome,andbyandbythatstrange,wonderfulthingteachercallsMIND,willbegintospreaditsbeautifulwingsandflyawayinsearchofknowledge-land.Wordsarethemindswings,aretheynot?
IhavebeentoAndoversinceIsawyou,andIwasgreatlyiedinallthatmyfriendstoldmeaboutPhillipsAcademy,becauseIknewyouhadbeenthere,alacedeartoyou.Itriedtoimaginemygewhenhewasaschool-boy,andIwonderedifitwasinAndoverhelearhesongsofthebirdsandthesecretsoftheshylittlewoodlandchildren.IamsurehisheartwasalwaysfullofmusidinGodsbeautifulworldhemusthaveheardlovessweetreplying.WhenIcamehometeacherreadtome"TheSchool-boy,"foritisnotinourprint.
DidyouknowthattheblindchildrenaregoingtohavetheireexercisesiTemple,uesdayafternoon?Iencloseaticket,hopingthatyouwille.Weshallallbeproudandhappytoweleourpoetfriend.IshallreciteaboutthebeautifulcitiesofsunnyItaly.IhopeourkindfriendDr.Elliswilletoo,andtakeTominhisarms.
Withmuchloveandakiss,fromyourlittlefriend,HELENA.KELLER.
TOREV.PHILLIPSBROOKSSouthBoston,June8,1891.MydearMr.Brooks,IsendyoumypictureasIpromised,andIhopewhenyoulookatitthissummeryourthoughtswillflysouthwardtoyourhappylittlefriend.IusedtowishthatIcouldseepictureswithmyhandsasIdostatues,butnowIdonotoftenthinkaboutitbecausemydearFatherhasfilledmymindwithbeautifulpictures,evenofthingsIotsee.Ifthelightwerenotinyoureyes,dearMr.Brooks,youwoulduaerhoyyourlittleHelenwaswheeacherexplaioherthatthebestandmostbeautifulthingsintheworldotbeseeouched,butjustfeltintheheart.EverydayIfindoutsomethingwhichmakesmeglad.YesterdayIthoughtforthefirsttimewhatabeautifulthingmotionwas,anditseemedtomethateverythingwastryingtogetoGod,doesitseemthatwaytoyou?ItisSundaym,andwhileIsithereinthelibrarywritingthisletteryouareteaghundredsofpeoplesomeofthegrandaifulthingsabouttheirheavenlyFather.
Areyounotvery,veryhappy?andwhenyouareaBishopyouwillpreaorepeopleandmoreandmorewillbemadeglad.Teachersendsherkindremembrances,andIsendyouwithmypicturemydearlove.FromyourlittlefriendHELENKELLER.
WhenthePerkinsInstitutionclosedinJune,HelenaeacherwentsouthtoTuscumbia,wheretheyremaiilDecember.Thereisahiatusofseveralmonthsiers,causedbythedepressingeffeHelenandMissSullivanofthe"FrostKing"episode.Atthetimethistroubleseemedverygraveandbroughtthemmuhappiness.Ananalysisofthecasehasbeenmadeelsewhere,andMissKellerhaswrittenheratofit.
PartII.Letters(1887-1901)84
TOMR.ALBERTH.MUNSELLBrewster,Mar.10,1892.MydearMr.Munsell,SurelyItellyouthatyourletterwasverywele.Ienjoyedeverywordofitandwishedthatitwaslonger.Ilaughedwhenyouspokeofolduneswildmoods.Hehas,intruth,behavedverystrangelyeversincewecametoBrewster.ItisevidentthatsomethinghasdispleasedhisMajestybutIagiitbe.HisexpressionhasbeensoturbulentthatIhavefearedtogivehimyourkindmessage.Whoknows!PerhapstheOldSeaGodashelayasleepupontheshore,heardthesoftmusicofgrowingthings--thestiroflifeihsbosom,andhisstormyheartwasangry,becausehekhathisandWintersreignwasalmostatanend.Sotogethertheunhappymonarch[s]foughtmostdespairingly,thinkingthatgentleSpringwouldturnandflyattheverysightofthehavoccausedbytheirforces.Butlo!thelovelymaidenonlysmilesmoresweetly,ahesupontheicybattlementsofherenemies,andinamomenttheyvanish,andthegladEarthgivesheraroyalwele.ButImustputawaytheseidlefailwemeetagain.Pleasegiveyourdearmothermylove.Teacherwishesmetosaythatshelikedthephotographverymudshewillseeabouthavingsomewheurn.Now,dearfriend,Pleaseacceptthesefewwordsbecauseofthelovethatislihthem.LovinglyyoursHELENKELLER.
ThisletterrodufacsimileinSt.Nicholas,June,1892.Itisundated,butmusthavebeenwrittentwoorthreemonthsbeforeitublished.
ToSt.NicholasDearSt.Nicholas:ItgivesmeverygreatpleasuretosendyoumyautographbecauseIwanttheboysandgirlswhoreadSt.
Nicholastoknowhowblindchildrenwrite.IsupposesomeofthemwonderhowwekeepthelinesshtsoIwilltrytotellthemhowitisdone.Wehaveagroovedboardwhichweputbetweenthepagesishtowrite.Theparallelgroovescorrespondtolinesandwhenressedthepaperintothembymeansofthebluntendofthepencilitisveryeasytokeepthewordseven.Thesmalllettersareallmadeinthegrooves,whiletheloendaboveahem.Weguidethepencilwiththerighthand,andfeelcarefullywiththeforefihelefthandtoseethateandspacetheletterscorrectly.Itisverydifficultatfirsttoformthemplainly,butifwekeepitgraduallybeeseasier,andafteragreatdealofpracticewewritelegibleletterstoourfriends.Thenwearevery,veryhappy.Sometimetheymayvisitaschoolfortheblind.Iftheydo,Iamsuretheywillwishtoseethepupilswrite.VerysincerelyyourlittlefriendHELENKELLER.
InMay,1892,Heleeainaidofthekindergartenfortheblind.Itwasquiteherownidea,andwasgiveninthehouseofMrs.MahlonD.Spaulding,sisterofMr.JohnP.Spaulding,oneofHelenskiandmostliberalfriends.Theteabroughtmorethantwothousanddollarsfortheblindchildren.
TOMISSCAROLINEDERBYSouthBoston,May9,1892.MydearMissCarrie:--Iwasmuchpleasedtoreceiveyourkier.ellyouthatIwasmorethandelightedtohearthatyouarereallyiedinthe"tea"?Ofcoursewemustnotgiveitup.VerysoonIamgoingfaraway,tomyowndearhome,inthesunnysouth,anditwouldalwaysmakemehappytothinkthatthelastthingwhichmydearfriendsinBostondidformypleasurewastohelpmakethelivesofmanylittlesightlesschildrengoodandhappy.Iknowthatkindpeopleothelpfeelingatendersympathyforthelittleones,whootseethebeautifullight,oranyofthewonderfulthingswhichgivethempleasure;anditseemstomethatalllovingsympathymustexpressitselfinactsofkindness;ahefriendsoflittlehelplessblindchildreandthatwearewfortheirhappiheywilleandmakeour"tea"asuccess,andIamsureIshallbethehappiestlittlegirlinalltheworld.PleaseletBishopBrooksknowourplans,sothathemayarraobewithus.IamgladMissEleanorisied.Pleasegivehermylove.Iwillseeyouto-morrowandthenwemaketherestofourplans.Pleasegiveyourdearauntteachersandmyloveandtellherthatweenjoyedourlittlevisitverymudeed.Lovinglyyours,HELENKELLER.
TOMR.JOHNP.SPAULDINGSouthBoston,May11th,1892.MydearMr.Spaulding:--Iamafraidyouwillthinkyourlittlefriend,Heleroublesomewhenyoureadthisletter;butIamsureyouwillnotPartII.Letters(1887-1901)85
blamemewhenItellyouthatIamveryanxiousaboutsomething.YourememberteacherandItoldyouSundaythatIwaohavealittleteainaidofthekindergartehoughteverythingwasarranged:butwefoundMondaythatMrs.Elliottwouldnotbewillingtoletusinvitemorethanfiftypeople,becauseMrs.
Howeshouseisquitesmall.Iamsurethatagreatmanypeoplewouldliketoetothetea,andhelpmedosomethingthtenthelivesoflittleblindchildren;butsomeofmyfriendssaythatIshallhavetogiveuptheideaofhavingateaunlesswefindanotherhouse.Teachersaidyesterday,thatperhapsMrs.Spauldingwouldbewillingtoletushaveherbeautifulhouse,and[I]thoughtIwouldaskyouaboutit.DoyouthinkMrs.Spauldingwouldhelpme,ifIwrotetoher?Ishallbesodisappointedifmylittleplansfail,becauseIhavewantedforalongtimetodosomethingforthepoorlittleoneswhoarewaitierthekindergarten.
Pleaseletmeknowwhatyouthinkaboutthehouse,andtrytivemefortroublingyousomuch.
Lovinglyyourlittlefriend,HELENKELLER.
TOMR.EDWARDH.CLEMENTSouthBoston,May18th,1892.MydearMr.Clement:--IamgoingtowritetoyouthisbeautifulmbecausemyheartisbrimfulofhappinessandIwantyouandallmydearfriendsiranscriptofficetorejoicewithme.Thepreparationsformyteaarenearlypleted,andIamlookingforwardjoyfullytotheevent.IknowIshallnotfail.Kindpeoplewillnotdisappointme,whentheyknoleadforhelplesslittlechildrenwholiveindarknessandignoraheywilletomyteaandbuylight,--thebeautifullightofknowledgeandloveformanylittleoneswhoareblindandfriendless.Irememberperfectlywheeachercametome.ThenIwaslikethelittleblindchildrenwhoarewaitierthekindergarten.Therewasnolightinmysoul.Thiswonderfulworldwithallitssunlightaywashiddenfromme,andIhadneverdreamedofitsloveliness.Butteachercametomeandtaughtmylittlefiousethebeautifulkeythathasunlockedthedoorofmydarkprisonamyspiritfree.
Itismyearwishtosharemyhappinesswithothers,andIaskthekindpeopleofBostontohelpmemakethelivesoflittleblindchildrenbrighterandhappier.Lovinglyyourlittlefriend,HELENKELLER.
AttheendofJuneMissSullivanandHelehometoTuscumbia.
TOMISSCAROLIuscumbia,Alabama,July9th1892.
MydearCarrie--YouaretolookuponitasamostpositiveproofofmylovethatIwritetoyouto-day.Forawholeweekithasbeen"coldanddarkanddreary"inTuscumbia,andImustfessthetinuousrainanddismalnessoftheweatherfillsmewithgloomythoughtsandmakesthewritingofletters,oranypleasantemployment,seemquiteimpossible.heless,Imusttellyouthatwearealive,--thatwereachedhomesafely,andthatwespeakofyoudaily,andenjoyyouriiersverymuch.IhadabeautifulvisitatHultohingwasfreshandspring-like,aayedoutofdoorsallday.Weevenateourbreakfastoutonthepiazza.Sometimeswesatinthehammodteacherreadtome.IrodehorsebaearlyeveryeveningandonceIrodefivemilesatafastgallop.O,itwasgreatfun!Doyouliketoride?Ihaveaveryprettylittleow,andifiteverstopsrainingteacherandIaregoingtodriveeveryevening.AndIhaveanotherbeautifulMastiff-thelargestoneIeversaw--andhewillgoalongtoprotectus.HisnameisEumer.Aqueername,isitnot?IthinkitisSaxon.Weexpecttogotothemountaiweek.Mylittlebrother,Phillips,isnotwell,ahinktheclearmountainairwillbehim.MildredisasweetlittlesisterandIamsureyouwouldloveher.Ithankyouverymuchforyourphotograph.IliketohavemyfriendspictureseventhoughIotseethem.Iwasgreatlyamusedattheideaofyourwritingthesquarehand.IdonotwriteonaBrailletablet,asyousuppose,butonagroovedboardlikethepiecewhiclose.YoucouldnotreadBraille;foritiswrittenindots,notatalllikeordinaryletters.PleasegivemylovetoMissDerbyandtellherthatIhopeshegavemysweetestlovetoBabyRuth.Whatwasthebookyousentmeformybirthday?Ireceivedseveral,andIdonotknowwhichwasfromyou.Ihadowhichespeciallypleasedme.Itwasalovelycapecrocheted,forme,byanoldgentlemay-fiveyearsofage.Aitch,hewrites,representsakindwishformyhealthandhappiellyourlittlecousinsIthinktheyhadbettergetuponthefehmeuntilaftertheele;fortherearesomanypartiesanddidatesthatIdoubtifsuchyouthfulpolitiswouldmakeawisesele.PleasegivemylovetoRosywhenyouwrite,andbelieveme,YourPartII.Letters(1887-1901)86
lovingfriendHELENKELLER.P.S.Howdoyoulikethistype-writteer?H.K.
TROVERCLEVELANDMydearMrs.Cleveland,IamgoingtowriteyoualittleletterthisbeautifulmbecauseIloveyouanddearlittleRuthverymudeed,andalsobecauseIwishtothankyouforthelovingmessagewhichyousehroughMissDerby.Iamglad,verygladthatsuchakiifulladylovesme.Ihavelovedyouforalongtime,butIdidnotthinkyouhadeverheardofmeuntilyoursweetmessagecame.Pleasekissyourdearlittlebabyforme,andtellherIhavealittlebrothernearlysixteenmonthsold.HisnameisPhillipsBrooks.InamedhimmyselfaftermydearfriendPhillipsBrooks.Isendyouwiththisletteraprettybookwhichmyteacherthinkswilliyou,andmypicture.Pleaseacceptthemwiththeloveandgoodwishesofyourfriend,HELENKELLER.Tuscumbia,Alabama.
Novemberfourth.[1892.]Hithertothelettershavebeengiveninfull;fromthispointonpassagesareomittedandtheomissionsareindicated.
TOMR.JOHNHITZTuscumbia,Alabama,Dec.19,1892.
MyDearMr.Hitz,Ihardlyknowhowtobegiertoyou,ithasbeensuchalongtimesinceyourkierreachedme,andthereissomuchthatIwouldliketowriteifIcould.YoumusthavewonderedwhyyourletterhasnothadananserhapsyouhavethoughtTeacherandmeverynaughtyindeed.Ifso,youwillbeverysorrywhenItellyousomething.Teacherseyeshavebeenhurtihatshecouldnotwritetoanyone,andIhavebeentryingtofulfilapromisewhichImadelastsummer.BeforeIleftBoston,IwasaskedtowriteasketylifefortheYouthspanion.Ihadinteowritethesketchduringmyvacation:butIwasnotwell,andIdidnotfeelabletowriteeventomyfriends.Butwhenthebright,pleasantautumndayscame,arongagaiothinkaboutthesketch.ItwassometimebeforeIcouldplanittosuitme.Yousee,itisnotverypleasanttowriteallaboutonesself.Atlast,however,IgotsomethingbitbybitthatTeacherthoughtwoulddo,aaboutputtingthescrapstogether,whichwasnotaask:for,althoughIworkedsomeoniteveryday,IdidnotfinishituntilaweekagoSaturday.Isechtothepanionassoonasitwasfinished;butIdonotknowthattheytit.Sihen,Ihavenotbeenwell,andIhavebeenobligedtokeepveryquiet,a;butto-dayIambetter,andto-morrowIshallbewellagain,Ihope.
Thereportswhichyouhavereadinthepaperaboutmearenottrueatall.WereceivedtheSilentWorkerwhichyousent,andIwrhtawaytotheeditortotellhimthatitwasamistake.SometimesIamnotwell;butIamnota"wreck,"andthereisnothing"distressing"aboutmydition.
Ienjoyedyourdearlettersomuch!IamalwaysdelightedwhenaesmeabeautifulthoughtwhichItreasureinmymemoryforever.ItisbecausemybooksarefulloftherichesofwhichMr.RuskihatIlovethemsodearly.IdidnotrealizeuntilIbegantowritethesketchforthepanion,reciouspanionsbookshavebeentome,andhowblessedevenmylifehasbeen:andnopierthaneverbecauseIdorealizethehappihathasetome.Ihopeyouwillwritetomeasoftenasyou.
TeacherandIarealwaysdelightedtohearfromyou.IwanttowritetoMr.Bellandsendhimmypicture.Isupposehehasbeentoobusytowritetohislittlefriend.IoftenthinkofthepleasanttimewehadalltogetherinBostonlastspring.
NowIamgoingtotellyouasecret.Ithieacher,andmyfatherandlittlesister,andmyself,willvisitWashingtoMarch!!!ThenIshallseeyou,anddearMr.Bell,andElsieandDaisyagain!WouldnotitbelovelyifMrs.Pratteetusthere?IthinkIwillwritetoherandtellherthesecrettoo....Lovinglyyourlittlefriend,HELENKELLER.P.S.TeachersaysyouwanttoknowwhatkindofapetIwouldliketohave.Ilovealllivingthings,--Isupposeeveryonedoes;butofcourseIothaveamenagerie.Ihaveabeautifulpony,andPartII.Letters(1887-1901)87
alargedog.AndIwouldlikealittledogtoholdinmylap,pussy(therearenofisinTuscumbia)oraparrot.Iwouldliketofeelaparrottalk,itwouldbesomu!butIwouldbepleasedwith,andloveanylittlecreatureyousendme.H.K.
TOMISSCAROLIuscumbia,Alabama,February18,1893....Youhaveoftenbeeninmythoughtsduringthesesaddays,whilemyhearthasbeengrievihelossofmybelovedfriend[PhillipsBrooksdiedJanuary23,1893],andIhavewishedmanytimesthatIwasinBostonwiththosewhoknewandlovedhimasIdid...hewassomuchofafriendtome!sotenderandlovingalways!Idotrynottomournhisdeathtoosadly.Idotrytothinkthatheisstillnear,verynear;butsometimesthethoughtthatheishatIshallnotseehimwhenIgotoBoston,--thatheisgone,--rushesovermysoullikeagreatwaveofsorrow.Butatothertimes,whenIamhappier,Idofeelhisbeautifulpresendhislovinghandleadingmeinpleasantways.DoyourememberthehappyhourwespentwithhimlastJunewhenheheldmyhand,ashealwaysdid,andtalkedtousabouthisfriendTennyson,andourooetDr.Holmes,andItriedtoteachhimthemanualalphabet,andhelaughedsogailyoverhismistakes,andafterwardItoldhimaboutmytea,andhepromisedtoe?Ihearhimnow,sayinginhischeerful,decidedway,iomywishthatmyteamightbeasuccess,"Ofcourseitwill,Helen.Putyourwholeheartinthegoodwork,mychild,anditotfail."Iamgladthepeoplearegoingtoraiseamoohismemory....
InMarchHelenandMissSullivaNorth,ahefewmonthstravelingandvisitingfriends.
InreadingthisletteraboutNiagaraoneshouldrememberthatMissKellerknowsdistandshape,andthatthesizeofNiagaraiswithinherexperieershehasexploredit,crossedthebridgeandgonedownintheelevator.Especiallyimportantaresuchdetailsasherfeelingtherushofthewaterbyputtingherhandonthewindow.Dr.Bellgaveheradownpillow,whichsheheldagaioihevibrations.
TOMRS.KATEADAMSKELLERSouthBoston,April13,1893....Teacher,Mrs.PrattandIveryuedlydecidedtotakeajourhdearDr.BellMr.Westervelt,agentlemanwhomfathermetinWashington,hasaschoolforthedeafinRochester.Wewenttherefirst....
Mr.Westerveltgaveusareceptioernoon.Agreatmanypeoplecame.Someofthemaskedoddquestions.AladyseemedsurprisedthatIlovedflowerswhenIcouldheirbeautifulcolors,andwhenIassuredherIdidlovethem,shesaid,"nodoubtyoufeelthecolorswithyers."Butofcourse,itisnotaloheirbrightcolorsthatwelovetheflowers....AgentlemanaskedmewhatBEAUTYmeanttomymind.ImustfessIuzzledatfirst.ButafteraminuteIahatbeautywasafoodness--aaway.
Whenthereceptionwasoverwewentbacktothehotelandteachersleptquiteunsciousofthesurprisewhichwasinstoreforher.Mr.BellandIplaogether,andMr.Bellmadeallthearrasbeforewetoldteacheranythingaboutit.Thiswasthesurprise--IwastohavethepleasureoftakingmydearteachertoseeNiagaraFalls!...
ThehotelwassoheriverthatIcouldfeelitrushingpastbyputtingmyhandonthewindow.Themthesunrhtandwarm,aupquicklyforourheartswerefullofpleasantexpectation....YoueverimaginehowIfeltwhenIstoodinthepreseniagarauntilyouhavethesamemysterioussensationsyourself.IcouldhardlyrealizethatitwaswaterthatIfeltrushingandplungin松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
MyDearFriend,Mr.Krehl:--Ihavejustheard,throughMr.Wade,ofyourkindoffertobuymeagentledog,andIwanttothankyouforthekindthought.ItmakesmeveryhappyioknowthatIhavesuchdearfriendsinotherlands.Itmakesmethinkthatallpeoplearegoodandloving.IhavereadthattheEnglishandAmerisarecousins;butIamsureitwouldbemuchtruertosaythatwearebrothersandsisters.Myfriendshavetoldmeaboutyreatandmagnifitcity,andIhavereadagreatdealthatwiseEnglishmeten.Ihavebeguntoread"EnochArden,"andIknowseveralofthegreatpoetspoemsbyheart.Iameagertocrosstheo,forIwanttoseemyEnglishfriendsandtheirgoodandwisequeen.OheEarlofMeathcametoseeme,aoldmethatthequeenwasmuchbelovedbyherpeople,becauseentlenessandwisdom.Somedayyouwillbesurprisedtoseealittlestrangegirlingintoyouroffice;butwhenyouknowitisthelittlegirlwholovesdogsandallotheranimals,youwilllaugh,andIhopeyouwillgiveherakiss,justasMr.Wadedoes.Hehasanforme,ahinksshewillbeasbraveandfaithfulasmybeautifulLioness.AndnowIwanttotellyouwhatthedogloversinAmericaaregoingtodo.
Theyaregoingtosendmesomemoneyforapoorlittledeafanddumbandblindchild.Hisommy,andheisfiveyearsold.Hisparentsaretoopoortopaytohavethelittlefellowsenttoschool;so,insteadofgivingmeadog,thegentlemenaregoingtohelpmakeTommyslifeasbrightandjoyousasmine.Isitnotabeautifulplan?Educationwillbringlightandmusiyssoul,andthenheothelpbeinghappy.
Fromyourlovinglittlefriend,HELENA.KELLER.
TODR.OLIVERWENDELLHOLMES[SouthBoston,Mass.,April,1891.]DearDr.Holmes:--Yourbeautifulwordsaboutspringhavebeenmakingmusimyheart,thesebrightAprildays.Iloveeverywordof"Spring"and"SpringHase."Ithinkyouwillbegladtohearthatthesepoemshavetaughtmetoenjoyandlovethebeautifulspringtime,eventhoughIotseethefair,frailblossomswhichproclaimitsapproach,orhearthejoyouswarblingofthehome-ingbirds.ButwhenIread"SpringPartII.Letters(1887-1901)82
Hase,"lo!Iamnotblindanylonger,forIseewithyoureyesandhearwithyourears.SweetMotherNaturehavesfrommewhenmypoetisnear.IhavechosenthispaperbecauseIwantthesprayofvioletsintheertotellyouofmygratefullove.IwantyoutoseebabyTom,thelittleblindanddeafanddumbchildwhohasjustetoourprettygarden.Heispoorandhelplessandlonelynow,butbeforeanotherAprileducationwillhavebroughtlightandgladnessintoTommyslife.Ifyoudoe,youwillwanttoaskthekindpeopleofBostontohelpbrightenTommyswholelife.Yourlovingfriend,HELENKELLER.
TOSIRJOHMILLAISPerkinsInstitutionfortheBlind,SouthBoston,Mass.,April30,1891.
MyDearMr.Millais:--YourlittleAmerisisterisgoingtowriteyoualetter,becauseshewantsyoutoknowhowpleasedshewastohearyouwereiedinourpoorlittleTommy,andhadsentsomemoohelpeducatehim.ItisverybeautifultothinkthatpeoplefarawayinEnglandfeelsorryforalittlehelplesschildinAmerica.Iusedtothink,whenIreadinmybooksaboutyreatcity,thatwhenIvisiteditthepeoplewouldbestraome,butnowIfeeldifferently.Itseemstomethatallpeoplewhohaveloving,pityis,arenerstoeachother.IhardlyatientlyforthetimetoewhenIshallseemydearEnglishfriends,andtheirbeautifulislandhome.MyfavouritepoethaswrittensomelinesaboutEnglandwhichIloveverymuch.Ithinkyouwilllikethemtoo,soIwilltrytowritethemforyou.
"Huggedinthegingbillo,Fromseaweedfriomountaiher,TheBritishoakwithrootedgraspHerslenderhandfulholdstogether,Withcliffsofwhiteandbreen,Andoarrowingtocaressher,Andhillsandthreadedstreamsbetween,Ourlittlemotherisle,Godblessher!”
YouwillbegladtohearthatTommyhasakindladytoteachhim,andthatheisapretty,activelittlefellow.
Helovestoclimbmuchbetterthantospell,butthatisbecausehedoesnotkwhatawonderfulthinglanguageis.Heaginehowvery,veryhappyhewillbewheellushisthoughts,aellhimhowwehavelovedhimsolong.
TomorrorilwillhidehertearsandblushesbeheflowersoflovelyMay.IwoheMay-daysinEnglandareasbeautifulastheyarehere.
NowImustsaygood-bye.Pleasethinkofmealwaysasyourlovinglittlesister,HELENKELLER.
TOREV.PHILLIPSBROOKSSo.Boston,May1,1891.
MyDearMr.Brooks:HelensendsyoualoviingthisbrightMay-day.Myteacherhasjusttoldmethatyouhavebeenmadeabishop,andthatyourfriendseverywherearerejoigbecauseonewhomtheylovehasbeelyhonored.Idonotuandverywellwhatabishopsworkis,butIamsureitmustbegoodandhelpful,andIamgladthatmydearfriendisbrave,andwise,andlovingenoughtodoit.ItisverybeautifultothinkthatyoutellsomanypeopleoftheheavenlyFatherstenderloveforallHischildreneveheyareleandnobleasHewishesthemtobe.Ihopethegladnewswhichyouwilltellthemwillmaketheirheartsbeatfastwithjoyandlove.Ihopetoo,thatBishopBrookswholelifewillbeasrihappinessasthemonthofMayisfullofblossomsandsingingbirds.Fromyourlovinglittlefriend,HELENKELLER.
BeforeateacherwasfoundforTommyandwhilehewasstillinthecareofHelenandMissSullivaionwasheldforhimatthekindergarten.AtHelensrequestBishopBrooksmadeanaddress.Helenwroteletterstotheneerswhichbroughtmanygenerousreplies.Allofthesesheansweredherself,andshemadepubliowledgmentierstotheneers.ThisletteristotheeditoroftheBostonHerald,enclosingapletelistofthesubscribers.Thetributionsamouomorethansixteenhundreddollars.
TOMR.JOHNH.HOLMESSouthBoston,May13,1891.EditoroftheBostonHerald:MyDearMr.
Holmes:--WillyoukindlyprintintheHerald,theenclosedlist?IthinkthereadersofyourpaperwillbegladtoknowthatsomuchhasbeendonefordearlittleTommy,andthattheywillallwishtoshareinthepleasurePartII.Letters(1887-1901)83
ofhelpinghim.Heisveryhappyihekindergarten,andislearningsomethingeveryday.Hehasfoundoutthatdoorshavelocks,andthatlittlestidbitsofpaperbegotintothekey-holequiteeasily;buthedoesnotseemveryeagertogetthemoutaftertheyarein.Helovestoclimbthebed-postsanduhesteamvalvesmuchbetterthantospell,butthatisbecausehedoesnotuandthatwordswouldhelphimtomakenewandiingdiscoveries.IhopethatgoodpeoplewilltioworkforTommyuntilhisfundispleted,andeducationhasbroughtlightandmusitohislittlelife.Fromyourlittlefriend,HELENKELLER.
TODR.OLIVERWENDELLHOLMESSouthBoston,May27,1891.Dear,Ge:--IfearthatyouwillthinkHeleroublesomelittlegirlifshewritestoyoutoooften;buthowisshetohelpsendingyoulovingandgratefulmessages,whenyoudosomuakeherglad?IotbegintotellyouhowdelightedIwaswhenMr.Anagnostoldmethatyouhadsenthimsomemoohelpeducate"BabyTom.”
Thehatyouhadnottenthedearlittlechild,fiftbroughtwithitthethoughtoftendersympathy.IamverysorrytosaythatTommyhasnotlearnedanywordsyet.Heisthesamerestlesslittlecreaturehewaswhenyousawhim.Butitispleasanttothinkthatheishappyandplayfulinhisbrightnewhome,andbyandbythatstrange,wonderfulthingteachercallsMIND,willbegintospreaditsbeautifulwingsandflyawayinsearchofknowledge-land.Wordsarethemindswings,aretheynot?
IhavebeentoAndoversinceIsawyou,andIwasgreatlyiedinallthatmyfriendstoldmeaboutPhillipsAcademy,becauseIknewyouhadbeenthere,alacedeartoyou.Itriedtoimaginemygewhenhewasaschool-boy,andIwonderedifitwasinAndoverhelearhesongsofthebirdsandthesecretsoftheshylittlewoodlandchildren.IamsurehisheartwasalwaysfullofmusidinGodsbeautifulworldhemusthaveheardlovessweetreplying.WhenIcamehometeacherreadtome"TheSchool-boy,"foritisnotinourprint.
DidyouknowthattheblindchildrenaregoingtohavetheireexercisesiTemple,uesdayafternoon?Iencloseaticket,hopingthatyouwille.Weshallallbeproudandhappytoweleourpoetfriend.IshallreciteaboutthebeautifulcitiesofsunnyItaly.IhopeourkindfriendDr.Elliswilletoo,andtakeTominhisarms.
Withmuchloveandakiss,fromyourlittlefriend,HELENA.KELLER.
TOREV.PHILLIPSBROOKSSouthBoston,June8,1891.MydearMr.Brooks,IsendyoumypictureasIpromised,andIhopewhenyoulookatitthissummeryourthoughtswillflysouthwardtoyourhappylittlefriend.IusedtowishthatIcouldseepictureswithmyhandsasIdostatues,butnowIdonotoftenthinkaboutitbecausemydearFatherhasfilledmymindwithbeautifulpictures,evenofthingsIotsee.Ifthelightwerenotinyoureyes,dearMr.Brooks,youwoulduaerhoyyourlittleHelenwaswheeacherexplaioherthatthebestandmostbeautifulthingsintheworldotbeseeouched,butjustfeltintheheart.EverydayIfindoutsomethingwhichmakesmeglad.YesterdayIthoughtforthefirsttimewhatabeautifulthingmotionwas,anditseemedtomethateverythingwastryingtogetoGod,doesitseemthatwaytoyou?ItisSundaym,andwhileIsithereinthelibrarywritingthisletteryouareteaghundredsofpeoplesomeofthegrandaifulthingsabouttheirheavenlyFather.
Areyounotvery,veryhappy?andwhenyouareaBishopyouwillpreaorepeopleandmoreandmorewillbemadeglad.Teachersendsherkindremembrances,andIsendyouwithmypicturemydearlove.FromyourlittlefriendHELENKELLER.
WhenthePerkinsInstitutionclosedinJune,HelenaeacherwentsouthtoTuscumbia,wheretheyremaiilDecember.Thereisahiatusofseveralmonthsiers,causedbythedepressingeffeHelenandMissSullivanofthe"FrostKing"episode.Atthetimethistroubleseemedverygraveandbroughtthemmuhappiness.Ananalysisofthecasehasbeenmadeelsewhere,andMissKellerhaswrittenheratofit.
PartII.Letters(1887-1901)84
TOMR.ALBERTH.MUNSELLBrewster,Mar.10,1892.MydearMr.Munsell,SurelyItellyouthatyourletterwasverywele.Ienjoyedeverywordofitandwishedthatitwaslonger.Ilaughedwhenyouspokeofolduneswildmoods.Hehas,intruth,behavedverystrangelyeversincewecametoBrewster.ItisevidentthatsomethinghasdispleasedhisMajestybutIagiitbe.HisexpressionhasbeensoturbulentthatIhavefearedtogivehimyourkindmessage.Whoknows!PerhapstheOldSeaGodashelayasleepupontheshore,heardthesoftmusicofgrowingthings--thestiroflifeihsbosom,andhisstormyheartwasangry,becausehekhathisandWintersreignwasalmostatanend.Sotogethertheunhappymonarch[s]foughtmostdespairingly,thinkingthatgentleSpringwouldturnandflyattheverysightofthehavoccausedbytheirforces.Butlo!thelovelymaidenonlysmilesmoresweetly,ahesupontheicybattlementsofherenemies,andinamomenttheyvanish,andthegladEarthgivesheraroyalwele.ButImustputawaytheseidlefailwemeetagain.Pleasegiveyourdearmothermylove.Teacherwishesmetosaythatshelikedthephotographverymudshewillseeabouthavingsomewheurn.Now,dearfriend,Pleaseacceptthesefewwordsbecauseofthelovethatislihthem.LovinglyyoursHELENKELLER.
ThisletterrodufacsimileinSt.Nicholas,June,1892.Itisundated,butmusthavebeenwrittentwoorthreemonthsbeforeitublished.
ToSt.NicholasDearSt.Nicholas:ItgivesmeverygreatpleasuretosendyoumyautographbecauseIwanttheboysandgirlswhoreadSt.
Nicholastoknowhowblindchildrenwrite.IsupposesomeofthemwonderhowwekeepthelinesshtsoIwilltrytotellthemhowitisdone.Wehaveagroovedboardwhichweputbetweenthepagesishtowrite.Theparallelgroovescorrespondtolinesandwhenressedthepaperintothembymeansofthebluntendofthepencilitisveryeasytokeepthewordseven.Thesmalllettersareallmadeinthegrooves,whiletheloendaboveahem.Weguidethepencilwiththerighthand,andfeelcarefullywiththeforefihelefthandtoseethateandspacetheletterscorrectly.Itisverydifficultatfirsttoformthemplainly,butifwekeepitgraduallybeeseasier,andafteragreatdealofpracticewewritelegibleletterstoourfriends.Thenwearevery,veryhappy.Sometimetheymayvisitaschoolfortheblind.Iftheydo,Iamsuretheywillwishtoseethepupilswrite.VerysincerelyyourlittlefriendHELENKELLER.
InMay,1892,Heleeainaidofthekindergartenfortheblind.Itwasquiteherownidea,andwasgiveninthehouseofMrs.MahlonD.Spaulding,sisterofMr.JohnP.Spaulding,oneofHelenskiandmostliberalfriends.Theteabroughtmorethantwothousanddollarsfortheblindchildren.
TOMISSCAROLINEDERBYSouthBoston,May9,1892.MydearMissCarrie:--Iwasmuchpleasedtoreceiveyourkier.ellyouthatIwasmorethandelightedtohearthatyouarereallyiedinthe"tea"?Ofcoursewemustnotgiveitup.VerysoonIamgoingfaraway,tomyowndearhome,inthesunnysouth,anditwouldalwaysmakemehappytothinkthatthelastthingwhichmydearfriendsinBostondidformypleasurewastohelpmakethelivesofmanylittlesightlesschildrengoodandhappy.Iknowthatkindpeopleothelpfeelingatendersympathyforthelittleones,whootseethebeautifullight,oranyofthewonderfulthingswhichgivethempleasure;anditseemstomethatalllovingsympathymustexpressitselfinactsofkindness;ahefriendsoflittlehelplessblindchildreandthatwearewfortheirhappiheywilleandmakeour"tea"asuccess,andIamsureIshallbethehappiestlittlegirlinalltheworld.PleaseletBishopBrooksknowourplans,sothathemayarraobewithus.IamgladMissEleanorisied.Pleasegivehermylove.Iwillseeyouto-morrowandthenwemaketherestofourplans.Pleasegiveyourdearauntteachersandmyloveandtellherthatweenjoyedourlittlevisitverymudeed.Lovinglyyours,HELENKELLER.
TOMR.JOHNP.SPAULDINGSouthBoston,May11th,1892.MydearMr.Spaulding:--Iamafraidyouwillthinkyourlittlefriend,Heleroublesomewhenyoureadthisletter;butIamsureyouwillnotPartII.Letters(1887-1901)85
blamemewhenItellyouthatIamveryanxiousaboutsomething.YourememberteacherandItoldyouSundaythatIwaohavealittleteainaidofthekindergartehoughteverythingwasarranged:butwefoundMondaythatMrs.Elliottwouldnotbewillingtoletusinvitemorethanfiftypeople,becauseMrs.
Howeshouseisquitesmall.Iamsurethatagreatmanypeoplewouldliketoetothetea,andhelpmedosomethingthtenthelivesoflittleblindchildren;butsomeofmyfriendssaythatIshallhavetogiveuptheideaofhavingateaunlesswefindanotherhouse.Teachersaidyesterday,thatperhapsMrs.Spauldingwouldbewillingtoletushaveherbeautifulhouse,and[I]thoughtIwouldaskyouaboutit.DoyouthinkMrs.Spauldingwouldhelpme,ifIwrotetoher?Ishallbesodisappointedifmylittleplansfail,becauseIhavewantedforalongtimetodosomethingforthepoorlittleoneswhoarewaitierthekindergarten.
Pleaseletmeknowwhatyouthinkaboutthehouse,andtrytivemefortroublingyousomuch.
Lovinglyyourlittlefriend,HELENKELLER.
TOMR.EDWARDH.CLEMENTSouthBoston,May18th,1892.MydearMr.Clement:--IamgoingtowritetoyouthisbeautifulmbecausemyheartisbrimfulofhappinessandIwantyouandallmydearfriendsiranscriptofficetorejoicewithme.Thepreparationsformyteaarenearlypleted,andIamlookingforwardjoyfullytotheevent.IknowIshallnotfail.Kindpeoplewillnotdisappointme,whentheyknoleadforhelplesslittlechildrenwholiveindarknessandignoraheywilletomyteaandbuylight,--thebeautifullightofknowledgeandloveformanylittleoneswhoareblindandfriendless.Irememberperfectlywheeachercametome.ThenIwaslikethelittleblindchildrenwhoarewaitierthekindergarten.Therewasnolightinmysoul.Thiswonderfulworldwithallitssunlightaywashiddenfromme,andIhadneverdreamedofitsloveliness.Butteachercametomeandtaughtmylittlefiousethebeautifulkeythathasunlockedthedoorofmydarkprisonamyspiritfree.
Itismyearwishtosharemyhappinesswithothers,andIaskthekindpeopleofBostontohelpmemakethelivesoflittleblindchildrenbrighterandhappier.Lovinglyyourlittlefriend,HELENKELLER.
AttheendofJuneMissSullivanandHelehometoTuscumbia.
TOMISSCAROLIuscumbia,Alabama,July9th1892.
MydearCarrie--YouaretolookuponitasamostpositiveproofofmylovethatIwritetoyouto-day.Forawholeweekithasbeen"coldanddarkanddreary"inTuscumbia,andImustfessthetinuousrainanddismalnessoftheweatherfillsmewithgloomythoughtsandmakesthewritingofletters,oranypleasantemployment,seemquiteimpossible.heless,Imusttellyouthatwearealive,--thatwereachedhomesafely,andthatwespeakofyoudaily,andenjoyyouriiersverymuch.IhadabeautifulvisitatHultohingwasfreshandspring-like,aayedoutofdoorsallday.Weevenateourbreakfastoutonthepiazza.Sometimeswesatinthehammodteacherreadtome.IrodehorsebaearlyeveryeveningandonceIrodefivemilesatafastgallop.O,itwasgreatfun!Doyouliketoride?Ihaveaveryprettylittleow,andifiteverstopsrainingteacherandIaregoingtodriveeveryevening.AndIhaveanotherbeautifulMastiff-thelargestoneIeversaw--andhewillgoalongtoprotectus.HisnameisEumer.Aqueername,isitnot?IthinkitisSaxon.Weexpecttogotothemountaiweek.Mylittlebrother,Phillips,isnotwell,ahinktheclearmountainairwillbehim.MildredisasweetlittlesisterandIamsureyouwouldloveher.Ithankyouverymuchforyourphotograph.IliketohavemyfriendspictureseventhoughIotseethem.Iwasgreatlyamusedattheideaofyourwritingthesquarehand.IdonotwriteonaBrailletablet,asyousuppose,butonagroovedboardlikethepiecewhiclose.YoucouldnotreadBraille;foritiswrittenindots,notatalllikeordinaryletters.PleasegivemylovetoMissDerbyandtellherthatIhopeshegavemysweetestlovetoBabyRuth.Whatwasthebookyousentmeformybirthday?Ireceivedseveral,andIdonotknowwhichwasfromyou.Ihadowhichespeciallypleasedme.Itwasalovelycapecrocheted,forme,byanoldgentlemay-fiveyearsofage.Aitch,hewrites,representsakindwishformyhealthandhappiellyourlittlecousinsIthinktheyhadbettergetuponthefehmeuntilaftertheele;fortherearesomanypartiesanddidatesthatIdoubtifsuchyouthfulpolitiswouldmakeawisesele.PleasegivemylovetoRosywhenyouwrite,andbelieveme,YourPartII.Letters(1887-1901)86
lovingfriendHELENKELLER.P.S.Howdoyoulikethistype-writteer?H.K.
TROVERCLEVELANDMydearMrs.Cleveland,IamgoingtowriteyoualittleletterthisbeautifulmbecauseIloveyouanddearlittleRuthverymudeed,andalsobecauseIwishtothankyouforthelovingmessagewhichyousehroughMissDerby.Iamglad,verygladthatsuchakiifulladylovesme.Ihavelovedyouforalongtime,butIdidnotthinkyouhadeverheardofmeuntilyoursweetmessagecame.Pleasekissyourdearlittlebabyforme,andtellherIhavealittlebrothernearlysixteenmonthsold.HisnameisPhillipsBrooks.InamedhimmyselfaftermydearfriendPhillipsBrooks.Isendyouwiththisletteraprettybookwhichmyteacherthinkswilliyou,andmypicture.Pleaseacceptthemwiththeloveandgoodwishesofyourfriend,HELENKELLER.Tuscumbia,Alabama.
Novemberfourth.[1892.]Hithertothelettershavebeengiveninfull;fromthispointonpassagesareomittedandtheomissionsareindicated.
TOMR.JOHNHITZTuscumbia,Alabama,Dec.19,1892.
MyDearMr.Hitz,Ihardlyknowhowtobegiertoyou,ithasbeensuchalongtimesinceyourkierreachedme,andthereissomuchthatIwouldliketowriteifIcould.YoumusthavewonderedwhyyourletterhasnothadananserhapsyouhavethoughtTeacherandmeverynaughtyindeed.Ifso,youwillbeverysorrywhenItellyousomething.Teacherseyeshavebeenhurtihatshecouldnotwritetoanyone,andIhavebeentryingtofulfilapromisewhichImadelastsummer.BeforeIleftBoston,IwasaskedtowriteasketylifefortheYouthspanion.Ihadinteowritethesketchduringmyvacation:butIwasnotwell,andIdidnotfeelabletowriteeventomyfriends.Butwhenthebright,pleasantautumndayscame,arongagaiothinkaboutthesketch.ItwassometimebeforeIcouldplanittosuitme.Yousee,itisnotverypleasanttowriteallaboutonesself.Atlast,however,IgotsomethingbitbybitthatTeacherthoughtwoulddo,aaboutputtingthescrapstogether,whichwasnotaask:for,althoughIworkedsomeoniteveryday,IdidnotfinishituntilaweekagoSaturday.Isechtothepanionassoonasitwasfinished;butIdonotknowthattheytit.Sihen,Ihavenotbeenwell,andIhavebeenobligedtokeepveryquiet,a;butto-dayIambetter,andto-morrowIshallbewellagain,Ihope.
Thereportswhichyouhavereadinthepaperaboutmearenottrueatall.WereceivedtheSilentWorkerwhichyousent,andIwrhtawaytotheeditortotellhimthatitwasamistake.SometimesIamnotwell;butIamnota"wreck,"andthereisnothing"distressing"aboutmydition.
Ienjoyedyourdearlettersomuch!IamalwaysdelightedwhenaesmeabeautifulthoughtwhichItreasureinmymemoryforever.ItisbecausemybooksarefulloftherichesofwhichMr.RuskihatIlovethemsodearly.IdidnotrealizeuntilIbegantowritethesketchforthepanion,reciouspanionsbookshavebeentome,andhowblessedevenmylifehasbeen:andnopierthaneverbecauseIdorealizethehappihathasetome.Ihopeyouwillwritetomeasoftenasyou.
TeacherandIarealwaysdelightedtohearfromyou.IwanttowritetoMr.Bellandsendhimmypicture.Isupposehehasbeentoobusytowritetohislittlefriend.IoftenthinkofthepleasanttimewehadalltogetherinBostonlastspring.
NowIamgoingtotellyouasecret.Ithieacher,andmyfatherandlittlesister,andmyself,willvisitWashingtoMarch!!!ThenIshallseeyou,anddearMr.Bell,andElsieandDaisyagain!WouldnotitbelovelyifMrs.Pratteetusthere?IthinkIwillwritetoherandtellherthesecrettoo....Lovinglyyourlittlefriend,HELENKELLER.P.S.TeachersaysyouwanttoknowwhatkindofapetIwouldliketohave.Ilovealllivingthings,--Isupposeeveryonedoes;butofcourseIothaveamenagerie.Ihaveabeautifulpony,andPartII.Letters(1887-1901)87
alargedog.AndIwouldlikealittledogtoholdinmylap,pussy(therearenofisinTuscumbia)oraparrot.Iwouldliketofeelaparrottalk,itwouldbesomu!butIwouldbepleasedwith,andloveanylittlecreatureyousendme.H.K.
TOMISSCAROLIuscumbia,Alabama,February18,1893....Youhaveoftenbeeninmythoughtsduringthesesaddays,whilemyhearthasbeengrievihelossofmybelovedfriend[PhillipsBrooksdiedJanuary23,1893],andIhavewishedmanytimesthatIwasinBostonwiththosewhoknewandlovedhimasIdid...hewassomuchofafriendtome!sotenderandlovingalways!Idotrynottomournhisdeathtoosadly.Idotrytothinkthatheisstillnear,verynear;butsometimesthethoughtthatheishatIshallnotseehimwhenIgotoBoston,--thatheisgone,--rushesovermysoullikeagreatwaveofsorrow.Butatothertimes,whenIamhappier,Idofeelhisbeautifulpresendhislovinghandleadingmeinpleasantways.DoyourememberthehappyhourwespentwithhimlastJunewhenheheldmyhand,ashealwaysdid,andtalkedtousabouthisfriendTennyson,andourooetDr.Holmes,andItriedtoteachhimthemanualalphabet,andhelaughedsogailyoverhismistakes,andafterwardItoldhimaboutmytea,andhepromisedtoe?Ihearhimnow,sayinginhischeerful,decidedway,iomywishthatmyteamightbeasuccess,"Ofcourseitwill,Helen.Putyourwholeheartinthegoodwork,mychild,anditotfail."Iamgladthepeoplearegoingtoraiseamoohismemory....
InMarchHelenandMissSullivaNorth,ahefewmonthstravelingandvisitingfriends.
InreadingthisletteraboutNiagaraoneshouldrememberthatMissKellerknowsdistandshape,andthatthesizeofNiagaraiswithinherexperieershehasexploredit,crossedthebridgeandgonedownintheelevator.Especiallyimportantaresuchdetailsasherfeelingtherushofthewaterbyputtingherhandonthewindow.Dr.Bellgaveheradownpillow,whichsheheldagaioihevibrations.
TOMRS.KATEADAMSKELLERSouthBoston,April13,1893....Teacher,Mrs.PrattandIveryuedlydecidedtotakeajourhdearDr.BellMr.Westervelt,agentlemanwhomfathermetinWashington,hasaschoolforthedeafinRochester.Wewenttherefirst....
Mr.Westerveltgaveusareceptioernoon.Agreatmanypeoplecame.Someofthemaskedoddquestions.AladyseemedsurprisedthatIlovedflowerswhenIcouldheirbeautifulcolors,andwhenIassuredherIdidlovethem,shesaid,"nodoubtyoufeelthecolorswithyers."Butofcourse,itisnotaloheirbrightcolorsthatwelovetheflowers....AgentlemanaskedmewhatBEAUTYmeanttomymind.ImustfessIuzzledatfirst.ButafteraminuteIahatbeautywasafoodness--aaway.
Whenthereceptionwasoverwewentbacktothehotelandteachersleptquiteunsciousofthesurprisewhichwasinstoreforher.Mr.BellandIplaogether,andMr.Bellmadeallthearrasbeforewetoldteacheranythingaboutit.Thiswasthesurprise--IwastohavethepleasureoftakingmydearteachertoseeNiagaraFalls!...
ThehotelwassoheriverthatIcouldfeelitrushingpastbyputtingmyhandonthewindow.Themthesunrhtandwarm,aupquicklyforourheartswerefullofpleasantexpectation....YoueverimaginehowIfeltwhenIstoodinthepreseniagarauntilyouhavethesamemysterioussensationsyourself.IcouldhardlyrealizethatitwaswaterthatIfeltrushingandplungin松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
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