TO CHARLES DUDLEY WARNERBrewster, Mass., September 3, 1896....I have been meaning to write to you all summer; there weremany things I wanted to tell you, and I thought perhaps you wouldlike to hear about our vacation by the seaside, and our plans fornext year; but the happy, idle days slipped away so quickly, andthere were so many pleasant things to do every moment, that Inever found time to clothe my thought in words, and send them toyou. I wonder what becomes of lost opportunities. Perhaps ourguardian angel gathers them up as we drop them, and will givethem back to us in the beautiful sometime when we have grownwiser, and learned how to use them rightly. But, however this maybe, I cannot now write the letter which has lain in my thoughtfor you so long. My heart is too full of sadness to dwell uponthe happiness the summer has brought me. My father is dead. Hedied last Saturday at my home in Tuscumbia, and I was not there.My own dear loving father! Oh, dear friend, how shall I ever bearit!...On the first of October Miss Keller entered the Cambridge Schoolfor Young Ladies, of which Mr. Arthur Gilman is Principal. The"examinations" mentioned in this letter were merely tests givenin the school, but as they were old Harvard papers, it is evidentthat in some subjects Miss Keller was already fairly wellprepared for Radcliffe.TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON37 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, Mass.October 8, 1896....I got up early this morning, so that I could write you a fewlines. I know you want to hear how I like my school. I do wishyou could come and see for yourself what a beautiful school itis! There are about a hundred girls, and they are all so brightand happy; it is a joy to be with them.You will be glad to hear that I passed my examinationssuccessfully. I have been examined in English, German, French,and Greek and Roman history. They were the entrance examinationsfor Harvard College; so I feel pleased to think I could passthem. This year is going to be a very busy one for Teacher andmyself. I am studying Arithmetic, English Literature, EnglishHistory, German, Latin, and advanced geography; there is a greatdeal of preparatory reading required, and, as few of the booksare in raised print, poor Teacher has to spell them all out tome; and that means hard work.You must tell Mr. Howells when you see him, that we are living inhis house....TO MRS. WILLIAM THAW37 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, Mass.,December 2, 1896....It takes me a long time to prepare my lessons, because I haveto have every word of them spelled out in my hand. Not one of thetextbooks which I am obliged to use is in raised print; so ofcourse my work is harder than it would be if I could read mylessons over by myself. But it is harder for Teacher than it isfor me because the strain on her poor eyes is so great, and Icannot help worrying about them. Sometimes it really seems as ifthe task which we have set ourselves were more than we canaccomplish; but at other times I enjoy my work more than I cansay.It is such a delight to be with the other girls, and doeverything that they do. I study Latin, German, Arithmetic andEnglish History, all of which I enjoy except Arithmetic. I amafraid I have not a mathematical mind; for my figures alwaysmanage to get into the wrong places!...TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTONCambridge, Mass., May 3, 1897....You know I am trying very hard to get through with the readingfor the examinations in June, and this, in addition to my regularschoolwork keeps me awfully busy. But Johnson, and "The Plague"and everything else must wait a few minutes this afternoon, whileI say, thank you, my dear Mrs. Hutton.......What a splendid time we had at the "Players' Club." I alwaysthought clubs were dull, smoky places, where men talked politics,and told endless stories, all about themselves and theirwonderful exploits: but now I see, I must have been quitewrong....TO MR. JOHN HITZWrentham, Mass. July 9, 1897....Teacher and I are going to spend the summer at Wrentham, Mass.with our friends, the Chamberlins. I think you remember Mr.Chamberlin, the "Listener" in the Boston Transcript. They aredear, kind people....But I know you want to hear about my examinations. I know thatyou will be glad to hear that I passed all of them successfully.The subjects I offered were elementary and advanced German,French, Latin, English, and Greek and Roman History. It seemsalmost too good to be true, does it not? All the time I waspreparing for the great ordeal, I could not suppress an inwardfear and trembling lest I should fail, and now it is anunspeakable relief to know that I have passed the examinationswith credit. But what I consider my crown of success is thehappiness and pleasure that my victory has brought dear Teacher.Indeed, I feel that the success is hers more than mine; for sheis my constant inspiration....At the end of September Miss Sullivan and Miss Keller returned tothe Cambridge School, where they remained until early inDecember. Then the interference of Mr. Gilman resulted in Mrs.Keller's withdrawing Miss Helen and her sister, Miss Mildred,from the school. Miss Sullivan and her pupil went to Wrentham,where they worked under Mr. Merton S. Keith, an enthusiastic andskilful teacher.TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTONWrentham, February 20, 1898....I resumed my studies soon after your departure, and in a verylittle while we were working as merrily as if the dreadfulexperience of a month ago had been but a dream. I cannot tell youhow much I enjoy the country. It is so fresh, and peaceful andfree! I do think I could work all day long without feeling tiredif they would let me. There are so many pleasant things todo—not always very easy things,—much of my work in Algebra andGeometry is hard: but I love it all, especially Greek. Justthink, I shall soon finish my grammar! Then comes the "Iliad."What an inexpressible joy it will be to read about Achilles, andUlysses, and Andromache and Athene, and the rest of my oldfriends in their own glorious language! I think Greek is theloveliest language that I know anything about. If it is true thatthe violin is the most perfect of musical instruments, then Greekis the violin of human thought.We have had some splendid toboganning this month. Every morning,before lesson-time, we all go out to the steep hill on thenorthern shore of the lake near the house, and coast for an houror so. Some one balances the toboggan on the very crest of thehill, while we get on, and when we are ready, off we dash downthe side of the hill in a headlong rush, and, leaping aprojection, plunge into a snow-drift and go swimming far acrossthe pond at a tremendous rate!...TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON[Wrentham] April 12, 1898....I am glad Mr. Keith is so well pleased with my progress. It istrue that Algebra and Geometry are growing easier all the time,especially algebra; and I have just received books in raisedprint which will greatly facilitate my work....I find I get on faster, and do better work with Mr. Keith than Idid in the classes at the Cambridge School, and I think it waswell that I gave up that kind of work. At any rate, I have notbeen idle since I left school; I have accomplished more, and beenhappier than I could have been there....TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON[Wrentham] May 29, 1898....My work goes on bravely. Each day is filled to the brim withhard study; for I am anxious to accomplish as much as possiblebefore I put away my books for the summer vacation. You will bepleased to hear that I did three problems in Geometry yesterdaywithout assistance. Mr. Keith and Teacher were quite enthusiasticover the achievement, and I must confess, I felt somewhat elatedmyself. Now I feel as if I should succeed in doing something inmathematics, although I cannot see why it is so very important toknow that the lines drawn from the extremities of the base of anisosceles triangle to the middle points of the opposite sides areequal! The knowledge doesn't make life any sweeter or happier,does it? On the other hand, when we learn a new word, it is thekey to untold treasures....TO CHARLES DUDLEY WARNERWrentham, Mass., June 7, 1898.I am afraid you will conclude that I am not very anxious for atandem after all, since I have let nearly a week pass withoutanswering your letter in regard to the kind of wheel I shouldlike. But really, I have been so constantly occupied with mystudies since we returned from New York, that I have not had timeeven to think of the fun it would be to have a bicycle! You see,I am anxious to accomplish as much as possible before the longsummer vacation begins. I am glad, though, that it is nearly timeto put away my books; for the sunshine and flowers, and thelovely lake in front of our house are doing their best to temptme away from my Greek and Mathematics, especially from thelatter! I am sure the daisies and buttercups have as little usefor the science of Geometry as I, in spite of the fact that theyso beautifully illustrate its principles.But bless me, I mustn't forget the tandem! The truth is, I knowvery little about bicycles. I have only ridden a "sociable,"which is very different from the ordinary tandem. The "sociable"is safer, perhaps, than the tandem; but it is very heavy andawkward, and has a way of taking up the greater part of the road.Besides, I have been told that "sociables" cost more than otherkinds of bicycles. My teacher and other friends think I couldride a Columbia tandem in the country with perfect safety. Theyalso think your suggestion about a fixed handlebar a good one. Iride with a divided skirt, and so does my teacher; but it wouldbe easier for her to mount a man's wheel than for me; so, if itcould be arranged to have the ladies' seat behind, I think itwould be better....TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYWrentham, September 11, 1898....I am out of doors all the time, rowing, swimming, riding anddoing a multitude of other pleasant things. This morning I rodeover twelve miles on my tandem! I rode on a rough road, and felloff three or four times, and am now awfully lame! But the weatherand the scenery were so beautiful, and it was such fun to goscooting over the smoother part of the road, I didn't mind themishaps in the least.I have really learned to swim and dive—after a fashion! I canswim a little under water, and do almost anything I like, withoutfear of getting drowned! Isn't that fine? It is almost no effortfor me to row around the lake, no matter how heavy the load maybe. So you can well imagine how strong and brown I am....TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON12 Newbury Street, Boston,October 23, 1898.This is the first opportunity I have had to write to you since wecame here last Monday. We have been in such a whirl ever since wedecided to come to Boston; it seemed as if we should never getsettled. Poor Teacher has had her hands full, attending tomovers, and express-men, and all sorts of people. I wish it werenot such a bother to move, especially as we have to do it sooften!......Mr. Keith comes here at half past three every day exceptSaturday. He says he prefers to come here for the present. I amreading the "Iliad," and the "Aeneid" and Cicero, besides doing alot in Geometry and Algebra. The "Iliad" is beautiful with allthe truth, and grace and simplicity of a wonderfully childlikepeople while the "Aeneid" is more stately and reserved. It islike a beautiful maiden, who always lived in a palace, surroundedby a magnificent court; while the "Iliad" is like a splendidyouth, who has had the earth for his playground.The weather has been awfully dismal all the week; but to-day isbeautiful, and our room floor is flooded with sunlight. By and bywe shall take a little walk in the Public Gardens. I wish theWrentham woods were round the corner! But alas! they are not, andI shall have to content myself with a stroll in the Gardens.Somehow, after the great fields and pastures and loftypine-groves of the country, they seem shut-in and conventional.Even the trees seem citified and self-conscious. Indeed, I doubtif they are on speaking terms with their country cousins! Do youknow, I cannot help feeling sorry for these trees with all theirfashionable airs? They are like the people whom they see everyday, who prefer the crowded, noisy city to the quiet and freedomof the country. They do not even suspect how circumscribed theirlives are. They look down pityingly on the country-folk, who havenever had an opportunity "to see the great world." Oh my! if theyonly realized their limitations, they would flee for their livesto the woods and fields. But what nonsense is this! You willthink I'm pining away for my beloved Wrentham, which is true inone sense and not in another. I do miss Red Farm and the dearones there dreadfully; but I am not unhappy. I have Teacher andmy books, and I have the certainty that something sweet and goodwill come to me in this great city, where human beings struggleso bravely all their lives to wring happiness from cruelcircumstances. Anyway, I am glad to have my share in life,whether it be bright or sad....TO MRS. WILLIAM THAWBoston, December 6th, 1898.My teacher and I had a good laugh over the girls' frolic. Howfunny they must have looked in their "rough-rider" costumes,mounted upon their fiery steeds! "Slim" would describe them, ifthey were anything like the saw-horses I have seen. What jollytimes they must have at—! I cannot help wishing sometimes thatI could have some of the fun that other girls have. How quickly Ishould lock up all these mighty warriors, and hoary sages, andimpossible heroes, who are now almost my only companions; anddance and sing and frolic like other girls! But I must not wastemy time wishing idle wishes; and after all my ancient friends arevery wise and interesting, and I usually enjoy their society verymuch indeed. It is only once in a great while that I feeldiscontented, and allow myself to wish for things I cannot hopefor in this life. But, as you know, my heart is usually brimfulof happiness. The thought that my dear Heavenly Father is alwaysnear, giving me abundantly of all those things, which trulyenrich life and make it sweet and beautiful, makes everydeprivation seem of little moment compared with the countlessblessings I enjoy.TO MRS. WILLIAM THAW12 Newbury Street, Boston,December 19th, 1898....I realize now what a selfish, greedy girl I was to ask that mycup of happiness should be filled to overflowing, withoutstopping to think how many other people's cups were quite empty.I feel heartily ashamed of my thoughtlessness. One of thechildish illusions, which it has been hardest for me to get ridof, is that we have only to make our wishes known in order tohave them granted. But I am slowly learning that there is nothappiness enough in the world for everyone to have all that hewants; and it grieves me to think that I should have forgotten,even for a moment, that I already have more than my share, andthat like poor little Oliver Twist I should have asked for"more."...TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON12 Newberry Street, Boston.December 22, 1898...I suppose Mr. Keith writes you the work-a-day news. If so, youknow that I have finished all the geometry, and nearly all theAlgebra required for the Harvard examinations, and afterChristmas I shall begin a very careful review of both subjects.You will be glad to hear that I enjoy Mathematics now. Why, I cando long, complicated quadratic equations in my head quite easily,and it is great fun! I think Mr. Keith is a wonderful teacher,and I feel very grateful to him for having made me see the beautyof Mathematics. Next to my own dear teacher, he has done morethan any one else to enrich and broaden my mind.TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON12 Newbury Street, Boston,January 17, 1899....Have you seen Kipling's "Dreaming True," or "Kitchener'sSchool?" It is a very strong poem and set me dreaming too. Ofcourse you have read about the "Gordon Memorial College," whichthe English people are to erect at Khartoum. While I was thinkingover the blessings that would come to the people of Egypt throughthis college, and eventually to England herself, there came intomy heart the strong desire that my own dear country should in asimilar way convert the terrible loss of her brave sons on the"Maine" into a like blessing to the people of Cuba. Would acollege at Havana not be the noblest and most enduring monumentthat could be raised to the brave men of the "Maine," as well asa source of infinite good to all concerned? Imagine entering theHavana harbor, and having the pier, where the "Maine" wasanchored on that dreadful night, when she was so mysteriouslydestroyed, pointed out to you, and being told that the great,beautiful building overlooking the spot was the "Maine MemorialCollege," erected by the American people, and having for itsobject the education both of Cubans and Spaniards! What aglorious triumph such a monument would be of the best and highestinstincts of a Christian nation! In it there would be nosuggestion of hatred or revenge, nor a trace of the old-timebelief that might makes right. On the other hand, it would be apledge to the world that we intend to stand by our declaration ofwar, and give Cuba to the Cubans, as soon as we have fitted themto assume the duties and responsibilities of a self-governingpeople....TO MR. JOHN HITZ12 Newbury Street, Boston,February 3, 1899....I had an exceedingly interesting experience last Monday. Akind friend took me over in the morning to the Boston Art Museum.She had previously obtained permission from General Loring, Supt.of the Museum, for me to touch the statues, especially thosewhich represented my old friends in the "Iliad" and "Aeneid." Wasthat not lovely? While I was there, General Loring himself camein, and showed me some of the most beautiful statues, among whichwere the Venus of Medici, the Minerva of the Parthenon, Diana, inher hunting costume, with her hand on the quiver and a doe by herside, and the unfortunate Laocoon and his two little sons,struggling in the fearful coils of two huge serpents, andstretching their arms to the skies with heart-rending cries. Ialso saw Apollo Belvidere. He had just slain the Python and wasstanding by a great pillar of rock, extending his graceful handin triumph over the terrible snake. Oh, he was simply beautiful!Venus entranced me. She looked as if she had just risen from thefoam of the sea, and her loveliness was like a strain of heavenlymusic. I also saw poor Niobe with her youngest child clingingclose to her while she implored the cruel goddess not to kill herlast darling. I almost cried, it was all so real and tragic.General Loring kindly showed me a copy of one of the wonderfulbronze doors of the Baptistry of Florence, and I felt of thegraceful pillars, resting on the backs of fierce lions. So yousee, I had a foretaste of the pleasure which I hope some day tohave of visiting Florence. My friend said, she would sometimeshow me the copies of the marbles brought away by Lord Elgin fromthe Parthenon. But somehow, I should prefer to see the originalsin the place where Genius meant them to remain, not only as ahymn of praise to the gods, but also as a monument of the gloryof Greece. It really seems wrong to snatch such sacred thingsaway from the sanctuary of the Past where they belong....TO MR. WILLIAM WADEBoston, February 19th, 1899.Why, bless you, I thought I wrote to you the day after the"Eclogues" arrived, and told you how glad I was to have them!Perhaps you never got that letter. At any rate, I thank you, dearfriend, for taking such a world of trouble for me. You will beglad to hear that the books from England are coming now. Ialready have the seventh and eighth books of the "Aeneid" and onebook of the "Iliad," all of which is most fortunate, as I havecome almost to the end of my embossed text-books.It gives me great pleasure to hear how much is being done for thedeaf-blind. The more I learn of them, the more kindness I find.Why, only a little while ago people thought it quite impossibleto teach the deaf-blind anything; but no sooner was it provedpossible than hundreds of kind, sympathetic hearts were firedwith the desire to help them, and now we see how many of thosepoor, unfortunate persons are being taught to see the beauty andreality of life. Love always finds its way to an imprisoned soul,and leads it out into the world of freedom and intelligence!As to the two-handed alphabet, I think it is much easier forthose who have sight than the manual alphabet; for most of theletters look like the large capitals in books; but I think whenit comes to teaching a deaf-blind person to spell, the manualalphabet is much more convenient, and less conspicuous....TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON12 Newbury Street, Boston,March 5, 1899....I am now sure that I shall be ready for my examinations inJune. There is but one cloud in my sky at present; but that isone which casts a dark shadow over my life, and makes me veryanxious at times. My teacher's eyes are no better: indeed, Ithink they grow more troublesome, though she is very brave andpatient, and will not give up. But it is most distressing to meto feel that she is sacrificing her sight for me. I feel as if Iought to give up the idea of going to college altogether: for notall the knowledge in the world could make me happy, if obtainedat such a cost. I do wish, Mrs. Hutton, you would try to persuadeTeacher to take a rest, and have her eyes treated. She will notlisten to me.I have just had some pictures taken, and if they are good, Iwould like to send one to Mr. Rogers, if you think he would liketo have it. I would like so much to show him in some way howdeeply I appreciate all that he is doing for me, and I cannotthink of anything better to do.Every one here is talking about the Sargent pictures. It is awonderful exhibition of portraits, they say. How I wish I hadeyes to see them! How I should delight in their beauty and color!However, I am glad that I am not debarred from all pleasure inthe pictures. I have at least the satisfaction of seeing themthrough the eyes of my friends, which is a real pleasure. I am sothankful that I can rejoice in the beauties, which my friendsgather and put into my hands!We are all so glad and thankful that Mr. Kipling did not die! Ihave his "Jungle-Book" in raised print, and what a splendid,refreshing book it is! I cannot help feeling as if I knew itsgifted author. What a real, manly, lovable nature his must be!...TO DR. DAVID H. GREER12 Newbury Street, Boston,May 8, 1899....Each day brings me all that I can possibly accomplish, andeach night brings me rest, and the sweet thought that I am alittle nearer to my goal than ever before. My Greek progressesfinely. I have finished the ninth book of the "Iliad" and am justbeginning the "Odyssey." I am also reading the "Aeneid" and the"Eclogues." Some of my friends tell me that I am very foolish togive so much time to Greek and Latin; but I am sure they wouldnot think so, if they realized what a wonderful world ofexperience and thought Homer and Virgil have opened up to me. Ithink I shall enjoy the "Odyssey" most of all. The "Iliad" tellsof almost nothing but war, and one sometimes wearies of the clashof spears and the din of battle; but the "Odyssey" tells ofnobler courage—the courage of a soul sore tried, but steadfastto the end. I often wonder, as I read these splendid poems why,at the same time that Homer's songs of war fired the Greeks withvalor, his songs of manly virtue did not have a strongerinfluence upon the spiritual life of the people. Perhaps thereason is, that thoughts truly great are like seeds cast into thehuman mind, and either lie there unnoticed, or are tossed aboutand played with, like toys, until, grown wise through sufferingand experience, a race discovers and cultivates them. Then theworld has advanced one step in its heavenward march.I am working very hard just now. I intend to take my examinationsin June, and there is a great deal to be done, before I shallfeel ready to meet the ordeal....You will be glad to hear that my mother, and little sister andbrother are coming north to spend this summer with me. We shallall live together in a small cottage on one of the lakes atWrentham, while my dear teacher takes a much needed rest. She hasnot had a vacation for twelve years, think of it, and all thattime she has been the sunshine of my life. Now her eyes aretroubling her a great deal, and we all think she ought to berelieved, for a while, of every care and responsibility. But weshall not be quite separated; we shall see each other every day,I hope. And, when July comes, you can think of me as rowing mydear ones around the lovely lake in the little boat you gave me,the happiest girl in the world!...TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON[Boston] May 28th 1899....We have had a hard day. Mr. Keith was here for three hoursthis afternoon, pouring a torrent of Latin and Greek into my poorbewildered brain. I really believe he knows more Latin and GreekGrammar than Cicero or Homer ever dreamed of! Cicero is splendid,but his orations are very difficult to translate. I feel ashamedsometimes, when I make that eloquent man say what sounds absurdor insipid; but how is a school-girl to interpret such genius?Why, I should have to be a Cicero to talk like a Cicero!...Linnie Haguewood is a deaf-blind girl, one of the many whom Mr.William Wade has helped. She is being educated by Miss DoraDonald who, at the beginning of her work with her pupil, wassupplied by Mr. Hitz, Superintendent of the Volta Bureau, withcopies of all documents relating to Miss Sullivan's work withMiss Keller.TO MR. WILLIAM WADEWrentham, Mass., June 5, 1899....Linnie Haguewood's letter, which you sent me some weeks ago,interested me very much. It seemed to show spontaneity and greatsweetness of character. I was a good deal amused by what she saidabout history. I am sorry she does not enjoy it; but I too feelsometimes how dark, and mysterious and even fearful the historyof old peoples, old religions and old forms of government reallyis.Well, I must confess, I do not like the sign-language, and I donot think it would be of much use to the deaf-blind. I find itvery difficult to follow the rapid motions made by thedeaf-mutes, and besides, signs seem a great hindrance to them inacquiring the power of using language easily and freely. Why, Ifind it hard to understand them sometimes when they spell ontheir fingers. On the whole, if they cannot be taughtarticulation, the manual alphabet seems the best and mostconvenient means of communication. At any rate, I am sure thedeaf-blind cannot learn to use signs with any degree of facility.The other day, I met a deaf Norwegian gentleman, who knowsRagnhild Kaata and her teacher very well, and we had a veryinteresting conversation about her. He said she was veryindustrious and happy. She spins, and does a great deal of fancywork, and reads, and leads a pleasant, useful life. Just think,she cannot use the manual alphabet! She reads the lips well, andif she cannot understand a phrase, her friends write it in herhand, and in this way she converses with strangers. I cannot makeout anything written in my hand, so you see, Ragnhild has gotahead of me in some things. I do hope I shall see her sometime...TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTONWrentham, July 29, 1899....I passed in all the subjects I offered, and with credit inadvanced Latin.... But I must confess, I had a hard time on thesecond day of my examinations. They would not allow Teacher toread any of the papers to me; so the papers were copied for me inbraille. This arrangement worked very well in the languages, butnot nearly so well in the Mathematics. Consequently, I did not doso well as I should have done, if Teacher had been allowed toread the Algebra and Geometry to me. But you must not think Iblame any one. Of course they did not realize how difficult andperplexing they were making the examinations for me. How couldthey—they can see and hear, and I suppose they could notunderstand matters from my point of view....Thus far my summer has been sweeter than anything I can remember.My mother, and sister and little brother have been here fiveweeks, and our happiness knows no bounds. Not only do we enjoybeing together; but we also find our little home most delightful.I do wish you could see the view of the beautiful lake from ourpiazza, the islands looking like little emerald peaks in thegolden sunlight, and the canoes flitting here and there, likeautumn leaves in the gentle breeze, and breathe in the peculiarlydelicious fragrance of the woods, which comes like a murmur froman unknown clime. I cannot help wondering if it is the samefragrance that greeted the Norsemen long ago, when, according totradition, they visited our shores—an odorous echo of manycenturies of silent growth and decay in flower and tree....TO MRS. SAMUEL RICHARD FULLERWrentham, October 20, 1899....I suppose it is time for me to tell you something about ourplans for the winter. You know it has long been my ambition to goto Radcliffe, and receive a degree, as many other girls havedone; but Dean Irwin of Radcliffe, has persuaded me to take aspecial course for the present. She said I had already shown theworld that I could do the college work, by passing all myexaminations successfully, in spite of many obstacles. She showedme how very foolish it would be for me to pursue a four years'course of study at Radcliffe, simply to be like other girls, whenI might better be cultivating whatever ability I had for writing.She said she did not consider a degree of any real value, butthought it was much more desirable to do something original thanto waste one's energies only for a degree. Her arguments seemedso wise and practical, that I could not but yield. I found ithard, very hard, to give up the idea of going to college; it hadbeen in my mind ever since I was a little girl; but there is nouse doing a foolish thing, because one has wanted to do it a longtime, is there?But, while we were discussing plans for the winter, a suggestionwhich Dr. Hale had made long ago flashed across Teacher'smind—that I might take courses somewhat like those offered atRadcliffe, under the instruction of the professors in thesecourses. Miss Irwin seemed to have no objection to this proposal,and kindly offered to see the professors and find out if theywould give me lessons. If they will be so good as to teach me andif we have money enough to do as we have planned, my studies thisyear will be English, English Literature of the Elizabethanperiod, Latin and German....TO MR. JOHN HITZ138 Brattle St., Cambridge,Nov. 11, 1899....As to the braille question, I cannot tell how deeply itdistresses me to hear that my statement with regard to theexaminations has been doubted. Ignorance seems to be at thebottom of all these contradictions. Why, you yourself seem tothink that I taught you American braille, when you do not know asingle letter in the system! I could not help laughing when yousaid you had been writing to me in American braille—and thereyou were writing your letter in English braille!The facts about the braille examinations are as follows:How I passed my Entrance Examinations for Radcliffe College.On the 29th and 30th of June, 1899, I took my examinations forRadcliffe College. The first day I had elementary Greek andadvanced Latin, and the second day Geometry, Algebra and advancedGreek.The college authorities would not permit Miss Sullivan to readthe examination papers to me; so Mr. Eugene C. Vining, one of theinstructors at the Perkins Institution for the Blind, wasemployed to copy the papers for me in braille. Mr. Vining was aperfect stranger to me, and could not communicate with me exceptby writing in braille. The Proctor also was a stranger, and didnot attempt to communicate with me in any way; and, as they wereboth unfamiliar with my speech, they could not readily understandwhat I said to them.However, the braille worked well enough in the languages; butwhen it came to Geometry and Algebra, it was different. I wassorely perplexed, and felt quite discouraged, and wasted muchprecious time, especially in Algebra. It is true that I amperfectly familiar with all literary braille—English, American,and New York Point; but the method of writing the various signsused in Geometry and Algebra in the three systems is verydifferent, and two days before the examinations I knew only theEnglish method. I had used it all through my school work, andnever any other system.In Geometry, my chief difficulty was, that I had always beenaccustomed to reading the propositions in Line Print, or havingthem spelled into my hand; and somehow, although the propositionswere right before me, yet the braille confused me, and I couldnot fix in my mind clearly what I was reading. But, when I tookup Algebra, I had a harder time still—I was terribly handicappedby my imperfect knowledge of the notation. The signs, which I hadlearned the day before, and which I thought I knew perfectly,confused me. Consequently my work was painfully slow, and I wasobliged to read the examples over and over before I could form aclear idea what I was required to do. Indeed, I am not sure nowthat I read all the signs correctly, especially as I was muchdistressed, and found it very hard to keep my wits about me....Now there is one more fact, which I wish to state very plainly,in regard to what Mr. Gilman wrote to you. I never received anydirect instruction in the Gilman School. Miss Sullivan always satbeside me, and told me what the teachers said. I did teach MissHall, my teacher in Physics, how to write the American braille,but she never gave me any instruction by means of it, unless afew problems written for practice, which made me waste muchprecious time deciphering them, can be called instruction. DearFrau Grote learned the manual alphabet, and used to teach meherself; but this was in private lessons, which were paid for bymy friends. In the German class Miss Sullivan interpreted to meas well as she could what the teacher said.Perhaps, if you would send a copy of this to the head of theCambridge School, it might enlighten his mind on a few subjects,on which he seems to be in total darkness just now....TO MISS MILDRED KELLER138 Brattle Street, Cambridge,November 26, 1899....At last we are settled for the winter, and our work is goingsmoothly. Mr. Keith comes every afternoon at four o'clock, andgives me a "friendly lift" over the rough stretches of road, overwhich every student must go. I am studying English history,English literature, French and Latin, and by and by I shall takeup German and English composition—let us groan! You know, Idetest grammar as much as you do; but I suppose I must go throughit if I am to write, just as we had to get ducked in the lakehundreds of times before we could swim! In French Teacher isreading "Columba" to me. It is a delightful novel, full ofpiquant expressions and thrilling adventures, (don't dare toblame me for using big words, since you do the same!) and, if youever read it, I think you will enjoy it immensely. You arestudying English history, aren't you. O but it's exceedinglyinteresting! I'm making quite a thorough study of the Elizabethanperiod—of the Reformation, and the Acts of Supremacy andConformity, and the maritime discoveries, and all the big things,which the "deuce" seems to have invented to plague innocentyoungsters like yourself!...Now we have a swell winter outfit—coats, hats, gowns, flannelsand all. We've just had four lovely dresses made by a Frenchdressmaker. I have two, of which one has a black silk skirt, witha black lace net over it, and a waist of white poplin, withturquoise velvet and chiffon, and cream lace over a satin yoke.The other is woollen, and of a very pretty green. The waist istrimmed with pink and green brocaded velvet, and white lace, Ithink, and has double reefers on the front, tucked and trimmedwith velvet, and also a row of tiny white buttons. Teacher toohas a silk dress. The skirt is black, while the waist is mostlyyellow, trimmed with delicate lavender chiffon, and black velvetbows and lace. Her other dress is purple, trimmed with purplevelvet, and the waist has a collar of cream lace. So you mayimagine that we look quite like peacocks, only we've notrains....A week ago yesterday there was [a] great football game betweenHarvard and Yale, and there was tremendous excitement here. Wecould hear the yells of the boys and the cheers of the lookers-onas plainly in our room as if we had been on the field. ColonelRoosevelt was there, on Harvard's side; but bless you, he wore awhite sweater, and no crimson that we know of! There were abouttwenty-five thousand people at the game, and, when we went out,the noise was so terrific, we nearly jumped out of our skins,thinking it was the din of war, and not of a football game thatwe heard. But, in spite of all their wild efforts, neither sidewas scored, and we all laughed and said, "Oh, well now the potcan't call the kettle black!"...TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON559 Madison Avenue, New York,January 2, 1900....We have been here a week now, and are going to stay with MissRhoades until Saturday. We are enjoying every moment of ourvisit, every one is so good to us. We have seen many of our oldfriends, and made some new ones. We dined with the Rogers lastFriday, and oh, they were so kind to us! The thought of theirgentle courtesy and genuine kindness brings a warm glow of joyand gratitude to my heart. I have seen Dr. Greer too. He has sucha kind heart! I love him more than ever. We went to St.Bartholomew's Sunday, and I have not felt so much at home in achurch since dear Bishop Brooks died. Dr. Greer read so slowly,that my teacher could tell me every word. His people must havewondered at his unusual deliberation. After the service he askedMr. Warren, the organist to play for me. I stood in the middle ofthe church, where the vibrations from the great organ werestrongest, and I felt the mighty waves of sound beat against me,as the great billows beat against a little ship at sea.TO MR. JOHN HITZ138 Brattle Street, Cambridge,Feb. 3, 1900....My studies are more interesting than ever. In Latin, I amreading Horace's odes. Although I find them difficult totranslate, yet I think they are the loveliest pieces of Latinpoetry I have read or shall ever read. In French we have finished"Colomba," and I am reading "Horace" by Corneille and LaFontaine's fables, both of which are in braille. I have not gonefar in either; but I know I shall enjoy the fables, they are sodelightfully written, and give such good lessons in a simple andyet attractive way. I do not think I have told you that my dearteacher is reading "The Faery Queen" to me. I am afraid I findfault with the poem as much as I enjoy it. I do not care much forthe allegories, indeed I often find them tiresome, and I cannothelp thinking that Spenser's world of knights, paynims, fairies,dragons and all sorts of strange creatures is a somewhatgrotesque and amusing world; but the poem itself is lovely and asmusical as a running brook.I am now the proud owner of about fifteen new books, which weordered from Louisville. Among them are "Henry Esmond," "Bacon'sEssays" and extracts from "English Literature." Perhaps next weekI shall have some more books, "The Tempest," "A Midsummer Night'sDream" and possibly some selections from Green's history ofEngland. Am I not very fortunate?I am afraid this letter savors too much of books—but really theymake up my whole life these days, and I scarcely see or hear ofanything else! I do believe I sleep on books every night! Youknow a student's life is of necessity somewhat circumscribed andnarrow and crowds out almost everything that is not in books....TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD OF RADCLIFFE COLLEGE138 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Mass.,May 5, 1900.Dear Sir:As an aid to me in determining my plans for study the comingyear, I apply to you for information as to the possibility of mytaking the regular courses in Radcliffe College.Since receiving my certificate of admission to Radcliffe lastJuly, I have been studying with a private tutor, Horace,Aeschylus, French, German, Rhetoric, English History, EnglishLiterature and Criticism, and English composition.In college I should wish to continue most, if not all of thesesubjects. The conditions under which I work require the presenceof Miss Sullivan, who has been my teacher and companion forthirteen years, as an interpreter of oral speech and as a readerof examination papers. In college she, or possibly in somesubjects some one else, would of necessity be with me in thelecture-room and at recitations. I should do all my written workon a typewriter, and if a Professor could not understand myspeech, I could write out my answers to his questions and handthem to him after the recitation.Is it possible for the College to accommodate itself to theseunprecedented conditions, so as to enable me to pursue my studiesat Radcliffe? I realize that the obstacles in the way of myreceiving a college education are very great—to others they mayseem insurmountable; but, dear Sir, a true soldier does notacknowledge defeat before the battle.TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON38 Brattle Street, Cambridge,June 9, 1900....I have not yet heard from the Academic Board in reply to myletter; but I sincerely hope they will answer favorably. Myfriends think it very strange that they should hesitate so long,especially when I have not asked them to simplify my work in theleast, but only to modify it so as to meet the existingcircumstances. Cornell has offered to make arrangements suited tothe conditions under which I work, if I should decide to go tothat college, and the University of Chicago has made a similaroffer, but I am afraid if I went to any other college, it wouldbe thought that I did not pass my examinations for Radcliffesatisfactorily....In the fall Miss Keller entered Radcliffe College.TO MR. JOHN HITZ14 Coolidge Ave., Cambridge,Nov. 26, 1900....—has already communicated with you in regard to her and myplan of establishing an institution for deaf and blind children.At first I was most enthusiastic in its support, and I neverdreamed that any grave objections could be raised except indeedby those who are hostile to Teacher, but now, after thinking mostSERIOUSLY and consulting my friends, I have decided that—'splan is by no means feasible. In my eagerness to make it possiblefor deaf and blind children to have the same advantages that Ihave had, I quite forgot that there might be many obstacles inthe way of my accomplishing anything like what—proposed.My friends thought we might have one or two pupils in our ownhome, thereby securing to me the advantage of being helpful toothers without any of the disadvantages of a large school. Theywere very kind; but I could not help feeling that they spoke morefrom a business than a humanitarian point of view. I am sure theydid not quite understand how passionately I desire that all whoare afflicted like myself shall receive their rightfulinheritance of thought, knowledge and love. Still I could notshut my eyes to the force and weight of their arguments, and Isaw plainly that I must abandon—'s scheme as impracticable.They also said that I ought to appoint an advisory committee tocontrol my affairs while I am at Radcliffe. I considered thissuggestion carefully, then I told Mr. Rhoades that I should beproud and glad to have wise friends to whom I could always turnfor advice in all important matters. For this committee I chosesix, my mother, Teacher, because she is like a mother to me, Mrs.Hutton, Mr. Rhoades, Dr. Greer and Mr. Rogers, because it is theywho have supported me all these years and made it possible for meto enter college. Mrs. Hutton had already written to mother,asking her to telegraph if she was willing for me to have otheradvisers besides herself and Teacher. This morning we receivedword that mother had given her consent to this arrangement. Nowit remains for me to write to Dr. Greer and Mr. Rogers....We had a long talk with Dr. Bell. Finally he proposed a planwhich delighted us all beyond words. He said that it was agigantic blunder to attempt to found a school for deaf and blindchildren, because then they would lose the most preciousopportunities of entering into the fuller, richer, freer life ofseeing and hearing children. I had had misgivings on this point;but I could not see how we were to help it. However Mr. Bellsuggested that—and all her friends who are interested in herscheme should organize an association for the promotion of theeducation of the deaf and blind, Teacher and myself beingincluded of course. Under his plan they were to appoint Teacherto train others to instruct deaf and blind children in their ownhomes, just as she had taught me. Funds were to be raised for theteachers' lodgings and also for their salaries. At the same timeDr. Bell added that I could rest content and fight my way throughRadcliffe in competition with seeing and hearing girls, while thegreat desire of my heart was being fulfilled. We clapped ourhands and shouted;—went away beaming with pleasure, andTeacher and I felt more light of heart than we had for sometime.Of course we can do nothing just now; but the painful anxietyabout my college work and the future welfare of the deaf andblind has been lifted from our minds. Do tell me what you thinkabout Dr. Bell's suggestion. It seems most practical and wise tome; but I must know all that there is to be known about it beforeI speak or act in the matter....
TO CHARLES DUDLEY WARNERBrewster, Mass., September 3, 1896....I have been meaning to write to you all summer; there weremany things I wanted to tell you, and I thought perhaps you wouldlike to hear about our vacation by the seaside, and our plans fornext year; but the happy, idle days slipped away so quickly, andthere were so many pleasant things to do every moment, that Inever found time to clothe my thought in words, and send them toyou. I wonder what becomes of lost opportunities. Perhaps ourguardian angel gathers them up as we drop them, and will givethem back to us in the beautiful sometime when we have grownwiser, and learned how to use them rightly. But, however this maybe, I cannot now write the letter which has lain in my thoughtfor you so long. My heart is too full of sadness to dwell uponthe happiness the summer has brought me. My father is dead. Hedied last Saturday at my home in Tuscumbia, and I was not there.My own dear loving father! Oh, dear friend, how shall I ever bearit!...
On the first of October Miss Keller entered the Cambridge Schoolfor Young Ladies, of which Mr. Arthur Gilman is Principal. The"examinations" mentioned in this letter were merely tests givenin the school, but as they were old Harvard papers, it is evidentthat in some subjects Miss Keller was already fairly wellprepared for Radcliffe.TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON37 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, Mass.October 8, 1896....I got up early this morning, so that I could write you a fewlines. I know you want to hear how I like my school. I do wishyou could come and see for yourself what a beautiful school itis! There are about a hundred girls, and they are all so brightand happy; it is a joy to be with them.You will be glad to hear that I passed my examinationssuccessfully. I have been examined in English, German, French,and Greek and Roman history. They were the entrance examinationsfor Harvard College; so I feel pleased to think I could passthem. This year is going to be a very busy one for Teacher andmyself. I am studying Arithmetic, English Literature, EnglishHistory, German, Latin, and advanced geography; there is a greatdeal of preparatory reading required, and, as few of the booksare in raised print, poor Teacher has to spell them all out tome; and that means hard work.You must tell Mr. Howells when you see him, that we are living inhis house....
TO MRS. WILLIAM THAW37 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, Mass.,December 2, 1896....It takes me a long time to prepare my lessons, because I haveto have every word of them spelled out in my hand. Not one of thetextbooks which I am obliged to use is in raised print; so ofcourse my work is harder than it would be if I could read mylessons over by myself. But it is harder for Teacher than it isfor me because the strain on her poor eyes is so great, and Icannot help worrying about them. Sometimes it really seems as ifthe task which we have set ourselves were more than we canaccomplish; but at other times I enjoy my work more than I cansay.It is such a delight to be with the other girls, and doeverything that they do. I study Latin, German, Arithmetic andEnglish History, all of which I enjoy except Arithmetic. I amafraid I have not a mathematical mind; for my figures alwaysmanage to get into the wrong places!...
TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTONCambridge, Mass., May 3, 1897....You know I am trying very hard to get through with the readingfor the examinations in June, and this, in addition to my regularschoolwork keeps me awfully busy. But Johnson, and "The Plague"and everything else must wait a few minutes this afternoon, whileI say, thank you, my dear Mrs. Hutton.......What a splendid time we had at the "Players' Club." I alwaysthought clubs were dull, smoky places, where men talked politics,and told endless stories, all about themselves and theirwonderful exploits: but now I see, I must have been quitewrong....
TO MR. JOHN HITZWrentham, Mass. July 9, 1897....Teacher and I are going to spend the summer at Wrentham, Mass.with our friends, the Chamberlins. I think you remember Mr.Chamberlin, the "Listener" in the Boston Transcript. They aredear, kind people....But I know you want to hear about my examinations. I know thatyou will be glad to hear that I passed all of them successfully.The subjects I offered were elementary and advanced German,French, Latin, English, and Greek and Roman History. It seemsalmost too good to be true, does it not? All the time I waspreparing for the great ordeal, I could not suppress an inwardfear and trembling lest I should fail, and now it is anunspeakable relief to know that I have passed the examinationswith credit. But what I consider my crown of success is thehappiness and pleasure that my victory has brought dear Teacher.Indeed, I feel that the success is hers more than mine; for sheis my constant inspiration....
At the end of September Miss Sullivan and Miss Keller returned tothe Cambridge School, where they remained until early inDecember. Then the interference of Mr. Gilman resulted in Mrs.Keller's withdrawing Miss Helen and her sister, Miss Mildred,from the school. Miss Sullivan and her pupil went to Wrentham,where they worked under Mr. Merton S. Keith, an enthusiastic andskilful teacher.TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTONWrentham, February 20, 1898....I resumed my studies soon after your departure, and in a verylittle while we were working as merrily as if the dreadfulexperience of a month ago had been but a dream. I cannot tell youhow much I enjoy the country. It is so fresh, and peaceful andfree! I do think I could work all day long without feeling tiredif they would let me. There are so many pleasant things todo—not always very easy things,—much of my work in Algebra andGeometry is hard: but I love it all, especially Greek. Justthink, I shall soon finish my grammar! Then comes the "Iliad."What an inexpressible joy it will be to read about Achilles, andUlysses, and Andromache and Athene, and the rest of my oldfriends in their own glorious language! I think Greek is theloveliest language that I know anything about. If it is true thatthe violin is the most perfect of musical instruments, then Greekis the violin of human thought.We have had some splendid toboganning this month. Every morning,before lesson-time, we all go out to the steep hill on thenorthern shore of the lake near the house, and coast for an houror so. Some one balances the toboggan on the very crest of thehill, while we get on, and when we are ready, off we dash downthe side of the hill in a headlong rush, and, leaping aprojection, plunge into a snow-drift and go swimming far acrossthe pond at a tremendous rate!...
TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON[Wrentham] April 12, 1898....I am glad Mr. Keith is so well pleased with my progress. It istrue that Algebra and Geometry are growing easier all the time,especially algebra; and I have just received books in raisedprint which will greatly facilitate my work....I find I get on faster, and do better work with Mr. Keith than Idid in the classes at the Cambridge School, and I think it waswell that I gave up that kind of work. At any rate, I have notbeen idle since I left school; I have accomplished more, and beenhappier than I could have been there....
TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON[Wrentham] May 29, 1898....My work goes on bravely. Each day is filled to the brim withhard study; for I am anxious to accomplish as much as possiblebefore I put away my books for the summer vacation. You will bepleased to hear that I did three problems in Geometry yesterdaywithout assistance. Mr. Keith and Teacher were quite enthusiasticover the achievement, and I must confess, I felt somewhat elatedmyself. Now I feel as if I should succeed in doing something inmathematics, although I cannot see why it is so very important toknow that the lines drawn from the extremities of the base of anisosceles triangle to the middle points of the opposite sides areequal! The knowledge doesn't make life any sweeter or happier,does it? On the other hand, when we learn a new word, it is thekey to untold treasures....
TO CHARLES DUDLEY WARNERWrentham, Mass., June 7, 1898.I am afraid you will conclude that I am not very anxious for atandem after all, since I have let nearly a week pass withoutanswering your letter in regard to the kind of wheel I shouldlike. But really, I have been so constantly occupied with mystudies since we returned from New York, that I have not had timeeven to think of the fun it would be to have a bicycle! You see,I am anxious to accomplish as much as possible before the longsummer vacation begins. I am glad, though, that it is nearly timeto put away my books; for the sunshine and flowers, and thelovely lake in front of our house are doing their best to temptme away from my Greek and Mathematics, especially from thelatter! I am sure the daisies and buttercups have as little usefor the science of Geometry as I, in spite of the fact that theyso beautifully illustrate its principles.But bless me, I mustn't forget the tandem! The truth is, I knowvery little about bicycles. I have only ridden a "sociable,"which is very different from the ordinary tandem. The "sociable"is safer, perhaps, than the tandem; but it is very heavy andawkward, and has a way of taking up the greater part of the road.Besides, I have been told that "sociables" cost more than otherkinds of bicycles. My teacher and other friends think I couldride a Columbia tandem in the country with perfect safety. Theyalso think your suggestion about a fixed handlebar a good one. Iride with a divided skirt, and so does my teacher; but it wouldbe easier for her to mount a man's wheel than for me; so, if itcould be arranged to have the ladies' seat behind, I think itwould be better....
TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYWrentham, September 11, 1898....I am out of doors all the time, rowing, swimming, riding anddoing a multitude of other pleasant things. This morning I rodeover twelve miles on my tandem! I rode on a rough road, and felloff three or four times, and am now awfully lame! But the weatherand the scenery were so beautiful, and it was such fun to goscooting over the smoother part of the road, I didn't mind themishaps in the least.I have really learned to swim and dive—after a fashion! I canswim a little under water, and do almost anything I like, withoutfear of getting drowned! Isn't that fine? It is almost no effortfor me to row around the lake, no matter how heavy the load maybe. So you can well imagine how strong and brown I am....
TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON12 Newbury Street, Boston,October 23, 1898.This is the first opportunity I have had to write to you since wecame here last Monday. We have been in such a whirl ever since wedecided to come to Boston; it seemed as if we should never getsettled. Poor Teacher has had her hands full, attending tomovers, and express-men, and all sorts of people. I wish it werenot such a bother to move, especially as we have to do it sooften!......Mr. Keith comes here at half past three every day exceptSaturday. He says he prefers to come here for the present. I amreading the "Iliad," and the "Aeneid" and Cicero, besides doing alot in Geometry and Algebra. The "Iliad" is beautiful with allthe truth, and grace and simplicity of a wonderfully childlikepeople while the "Aeneid" is more stately and reserved. It islike a beautiful maiden, who always lived in a palace, surroundedby a magnificent court; while the "Iliad" is like a splendidyouth, who has had the earth for his playground.The weather has been awfully dismal all the week; but to-day isbeautiful, and our room floor is flooded with sunlight. By and bywe shall take a little walk in the Public Gardens. I wish theWrentham woods were round the corner! But alas! they are not, andI shall have to content myself with a stroll in the Gardens.Somehow, after the great fields and pastures and loftypine-groves of the country, they seem shut-in and conventional.Even the trees seem citified and self-conscious. Indeed, I doubtif they are on speaking terms with their country cousins! Do youknow, I cannot help feeling sorry for these trees with all theirfashionable airs? They are like the people whom they see everyday, who prefer the crowded, noisy city to the quiet and freedomof the country. They do not even suspect how circumscribed theirlives are. They look down pityingly on the country-folk, who havenever had an opportunity "to see the great world." Oh my! if theyonly realized their limitations, they would flee for their livesto the woods and fields. But what nonsense is this! You willthink I'm pining away for my beloved Wrentham, which is true inone sense and not in another. I do miss Red Farm and the dearones there dreadfully; but I am not unhappy. I have Teacher andmy books, and I have the certainty that something sweet and goodwill come to me in this great city, where human beings struggleso bravely all their lives to wring happiness from cruelcircumstances. Anyway, I am glad to have my share in life,whether it be bright or sad....
TO MRS. WILLIAM THAWBoston, December 6th, 1898.My teacher and I had a good laugh over the girls' frolic. Howfunny they must have looked in their "rough-rider" costumes,mounted upon their fiery steeds! "Slim" would describe them, ifthey were anything like the saw-horses I have seen. What jollytimes they must have at—! I cannot help wishing sometimes thatI could have some of the fun that other girls have. How quickly Ishould lock up all these mighty warriors, and hoary sages, andimpossible heroes, who are now almost my only companions; anddance and sing and frolic like other girls! But I must not wastemy time wishing idle wishes; and after all my ancient friends arevery wise and interesting, and I usually enjoy their society verymuch indeed. It is only once in a great while that I feeldiscontented, and allow myself to wish for things I cannot hopefor in this life. But, as you know, my heart is usually brimfulof happiness. The thought that my dear Heavenly Father is alwaysnear, giving me abundantly of all those things, which trulyenrich life and make it sweet and beautiful, makes everydeprivation seem of little moment compared with the countlessblessings I enjoy.
TO MRS. WILLIAM THAW12 Newbury Street, Boston,December 19th, 1898....I realize now what a selfish, greedy girl I was to ask that mycup of happiness should be filled to overflowing, withoutstopping to think how many other people's cups were quite empty.I feel heartily ashamed of my thoughtlessness. One of thechildish illusions, which it has been hardest for me to get ridof, is that we have only to make our wishes known in order tohave them granted. But I am slowly learning that there is nothappiness enough in the world for everyone to have all that hewants; and it grieves me to think that I should have forgotten,even for a moment, that I already have more than my share, andthat like poor little Oliver Twist I should have asked for"more."...
TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON12 Newberry Street, Boston.December 22, 1898...I suppose Mr. Keith writes you the work-a-day news. If so, youknow that I have finished all the geometry, and nearly all theAlgebra required for the Harvard examinations, and afterChristmas I shall begin a very careful review of both subjects.You will be glad to hear that I enjoy Mathematics now. Why, I cando long, complicated quadratic equations in my head quite easily,and it is great fun! I think Mr. Keith is a wonderful teacher,and I feel very grateful to him for having made me see the beautyof Mathematics. Next to my own dear teacher, he has done morethan any one else to enrich and broaden my mind.
TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON12 Newbury Street, Boston,January 17, 1899....Have you seen Kipling's "Dreaming True," or "Kitchener'sSchool?" It is a very strong poem and set me dreaming too. Ofcourse you have read about the "Gordon Memorial College," whichthe English people are to erect at Khartoum. While I was thinkingover the blessings that would come to the people of Egypt throughthis college, and eventually to England herself, there came intomy heart the strong desire that my own dear country should in asimilar way convert the terrible loss of her brave sons on the"Maine" into a like blessing to the people of Cuba. Would acollege at Havana not be the noblest and most enduring monumentthat could be raised to the brave men of the "Maine," as well asa source of infinite good to all concerned? Imagine entering theHavana harbor, and having the pier, where the "Maine" wasanchored on that dreadful night, when she was so mysteriouslydestroyed, pointed out to you, and being told that the great,beautiful building overlooking the spot was the "Maine MemorialCollege," erected by the American people, and having for itsobject the education both of Cubans and Spaniards! What aglorious triumph such a monument would be of the best and highestinstincts of a Christian nation! In it there would be nosuggestion of hatred or revenge, nor a trace of the old-timebelief that might makes right. On the other hand, it would be apledge to the world that we intend to stand by our declaration ofwar, and give Cuba to the Cubans, as soon as we have fitted themto assume the duties and responsibilities of a self-governingpeople....
TO MR. JOHN HITZ12 Newbury Street, Boston,February 3, 1899....I had an exceedingly interesting experience last Monday. Akind friend took me over in the morning to the Boston Art Museum.She had previously obtained permission from General Loring, Supt.of the Museum, for me to touch the statues, especially thosewhich represented my old friends in the "Iliad" and "Aeneid." Wasthat not lovely? While I was there, General Loring himself camein, and showed me some of the most beautiful statues, among whichwere the Venus of Medici, the Minerva of the Parthenon, Diana, inher hunting costume, with her hand on the quiver and a doe by herside, and the unfortunate Laocoon and his two little sons,struggling in the fearful coils of two huge serpents, andstretching their arms to the skies with heart-rending cries. Ialso saw Apollo Belvidere. He had just slain the Python and wasstanding by a great pillar of rock, extending his graceful handin triumph over the terrible snake. Oh, he was simply beautiful!Venus entranced me. She looked as if she had just risen from thefoam of the sea, and her loveliness was like a strain of heavenlymusic. I also saw poor Niobe with her youngest child clingingclose to her while she implored the cruel goddess not to kill herlast darling. I almost cried, it was all so real and tragic.General Loring kindly showed me a copy of one of the wonderfulbronze doors of the Baptistry of Florence, and I felt of thegraceful pillars, resting on the backs of fierce lions. So yousee, I had a foretaste of the pleasure which I hope some day tohave of visiting Florence. My friend said, she would sometimeshow me the copies of the marbles brought away by Lord Elgin fromthe Parthenon. But somehow, I should prefer to see the originalsin the place where Genius meant them to remain, not only as ahymn of praise to the gods, but also as a monument of the gloryof Greece. It really seems wrong to snatch such sacred thingsaway from the sanctuary of the Past where they belong....
TO MR. WILLIAM WADEBoston, February 19th, 1899.Why, bless you, I thought I wrote to you the day after the"Eclogues" arrived, and told you how glad I was to have them!Perhaps you never got that letter. At any rate, I thank you, dearfriend, for taking such a world of trouble for me. You will beglad to hear that the books from England are coming now. Ialready have the seventh and eighth books of the "Aeneid" and onebook of the "Iliad," all of which is most fortunate, as I havecome almost to the end of my embossed text-books.It gives me great pleasure to hear how much is being done for thedeaf-blind. The more I learn of them, the more kindness I find.Why, only a little while ago people thought it quite impossibleto teach the deaf-blind anything; but no sooner was it provedpossible than hundreds of kind, sympathetic hearts were firedwith the desire to help them, and now we see how many of thosepoor, unfortunate persons are being taught to see the beauty andreality of life. Love always finds its way to an imprisoned soul,and leads it out into the world of freedom and intelligence!As to the two-handed alphabet, I think it is much easier forthose who have sight than the manual alphabet; for most of theletters look like the large capitals in books; but I think whenit comes to teaching a deaf-blind person to spell, the manualalphabet is much more convenient, and less conspicuous....
TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON12 Newbury Street, Boston,March 5, 1899....I am now sure that I shall be ready for my examinations inJune. There is but one cloud in my sky at present; but that isone which casts a dark shadow over my life, and makes me veryanxious at times. My teacher's eyes are no better: indeed, Ithink they grow more troublesome, though she is very brave andpatient, and will not give up. But it is most distressing to meto feel that she is sacrificing her sight for me. I feel as if Iought to give up the idea of going to college altogether: for notall the knowledge in the world could make me happy, if obtainedat such a cost. I do wish, Mrs. Hutton, you would try to persuadeTeacher to take a rest, and have her eyes treated. She will notlisten to me.I have just had some pictures taken, and if they are good, Iwould like to send one to Mr. Rogers, if you think he would liketo have it. I would like so much to show him in some way howdeeply I appreciate all that he is doing for me, and I cannotthink of anything better to do.Every one here is talking about the Sargent pictures. It is awonderful exhibition of portraits, they say. How I wish I hadeyes to see them! How I should delight in their beauty and color!However, I am glad that I am not debarred from all pleasure inthe pictures. I have at least the satisfaction of seeing themthrough the eyes of my friends, which is a real pleasure. I am sothankful that I can rejoice in the beauties, which my friendsgather and put into my hands!We are all so glad and thankful that Mr. Kipling did not die! Ihave his "Jungle-Book" in raised print, and what a splendid,refreshing book it is! I cannot help feeling as if I knew itsgifted author. What a real, manly, lovable nature his must be!...
TO DR. DAVID H. GREER12 Newbury Street, Boston,May 8, 1899....Each day brings me all that I can possibly accomplish, andeach night brings me rest, and the sweet thought that I am alittle nearer to my goal than ever before. My Greek progressesfinely. I have finished the ninth book of the "Iliad" and am justbeginning the "Odyssey." I am also reading the "Aeneid" and the"Eclogues." Some of my friends tell me that I am very foolish togive so much time to Greek and Latin; but I am sure they wouldnot think so, if they realized what a wonderful world ofexperience and thought Homer and Virgil have opened up to me. Ithink I shall enjoy the "Odyssey" most of all. The "Iliad" tellsof almost nothing but war, and one sometimes wearies of the clashof spears and the din of battle; but the "Odyssey" tells ofnobler courage—the courage of a soul sore tried, but steadfastto the end. I often wonder, as I read these splendid poems why,at the same time that Homer's songs of war fired the Greeks withvalor, his songs of manly virtue did not have a strongerinfluence upon the spiritual life of the people. Perhaps thereason is, that thoughts truly great are like seeds cast into thehuman mind, and either lie there unnoticed, or are tossed aboutand played with, like toys, until, grown wise through sufferingand experience, a race discovers and cultivates them. Then theworld has advanced one step in its heavenward march.I am working very hard just now. I intend to take my examinationsin June, and there is a great deal to be done, before I shallfeel ready to meet the ordeal....You will be glad to hear that my mother, and little sister andbrother are coming north to spend this summer with me. We shallall live together in a small cottage on one of the lakes atWrentham, while my dear teacher takes a much needed rest. She hasnot had a vacation for twelve years, think of it, and all thattime she has been the sunshine of my life. Now her eyes aretroubling her a great deal, and we all think she ought to berelieved, for a while, of every care and responsibility. But weshall not be quite separated; we shall see each other every day,I hope. And, when July comes, you can think of me as rowing mydear ones around the lovely lake in the little boat you gave me,the happiest girl in the world!...
TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON[Boston] May 28th 1899....We have had a hard day. Mr. Keith was here for three hoursthis afternoon, pouring a torrent of Latin and Greek into my poorbewildered brain. I really believe he knows more Latin and GreekGrammar than Cicero or Homer ever dreamed of! Cicero is splendid,but his orations are very difficult to translate. I feel ashamedsometimes, when I make that eloquent man say what sounds absurdor insipid; but how is a school-girl to interpret such genius?Why, I should have to be a Cicero to talk like a Cicero!...
Linnie Haguewood is a deaf-blind girl, one of the many whom Mr.William Wade has helped. She is being educated by Miss DoraDonald who, at the beginning of her work with her pupil, wassupplied by Mr. Hitz, Superintendent of the Volta Bureau, withcopies of all documents relating to Miss Sullivan's work withMiss Keller.
TO MR. WILLIAM WADEWrentham, Mass., June 5, 1899....Linnie Haguewood's letter, which you sent me some weeks ago,interested me very much. It seemed to show spontaneity and greatsweetness of character. I was a good deal amused by what she saidabout history. I am sorry she does not enjoy it; but I too feelsometimes how dark, and mysterious and even fearful the historyof old peoples, old religions and old forms of government reallyis.Well, I must confess, I do not like the sign-language, and I donot think it would be of much use to the deaf-blind. I find itvery difficult to follow the rapid motions made by thedeaf-mutes, and besides, signs seem a great hindrance to them inacquiring the power of using language easily and freely. Why, Ifind it hard to understand them sometimes when they spell ontheir fingers. On the whole, if they cannot be taughtarticulation, the manual alphabet seems the best and mostconvenient means of communication. At any rate, I am sure thedeaf-blind cannot learn to use signs with any degree of facility.The other day, I met a deaf Norwegian gentleman, who knowsRagnhild Kaata and her teacher very well, and we had a veryinteresting conversation about her. He said she was veryindustrious and happy. She spins, and does a great deal of fancywork, and reads, and leads a pleasant, useful life. Just think,she cannot use the manual alphabet! She reads the lips well, andif she cannot understand a phrase, her friends write it in herhand, and in this way she converses with strangers. I cannot makeout anything written in my hand, so you see, Ragnhild has gotahead of me in some things. I do hope I shall see her sometime...
TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTONWrentham, July 29, 1899....I passed in all the subjects I offered, and with credit inadvanced Latin.... But I must confess, I had a hard time on thesecond day of my examinations. They would not allow Teacher toread any of the papers to me; so the papers were copied for me inbraille. This arrangement worked very well in the languages, butnot nearly so well in the Mathematics. Consequently, I did not doso well as I should have done, if Teacher had been allowed toread the Algebra and Geometry to me. But you must not think Iblame any one. Of course they did not realize how difficult andperplexing they were making the examinations for me. How couldthey—they can see and hear, and I suppose they could notunderstand matters from my point of view....Thus far my summer has been sweeter than anything I can remember.My mother, and sister and little brother have been here fiveweeks, and our happiness knows no bounds. Not only do we enjoybeing together; but we also find our little home most delightful.I do wish you could see the view of the beautiful lake from ourpiazza, the islands looking like little emerald peaks in thegolden sunlight, and the canoes flitting here and there, likeautumn leaves in the gentle breeze, and breathe in the peculiarlydelicious fragrance of the woods, which comes like a murmur froman unknown clime. I cannot help wondering if it is the samefragrance that greeted the Norsemen long ago, when, according totradition, they visited our shores—an odorous echo of manycenturies of silent growth and decay in flower and tree....
TO MRS. SAMUEL RICHARD FULLERWrentham, October 20, 1899....I suppose it is time for me to tell you something about ourplans for the winter. You know it has long been my ambition to goto Radcliffe, and receive a degree, as many other girls havedone; but Dean Irwin of Radcliffe, has persuaded me to take aspecial course for the present. She said I had already shown theworld that I could do the college work, by passing all myexaminations successfully, in spite of many obstacles. She showedme how very foolish it would be for me to pursue a four years'course of study at Radcliffe, simply to be like other girls, whenI might better be cultivating whatever ability I had for writing.She said she did not consider a degree of any real value, butthought it was much more desirable to do something original thanto waste one's energies only for a degree. Her arguments seemedso wise and practical, that I could not but yield. I found ithard, very hard, to give up the idea of going to college; it hadbeen in my mind ever since I was a little girl; but there is nouse doing a foolish thing, because one has wanted to do it a longtime, is there?But, while we were discussing plans for the winter, a suggestionwhich Dr. Hale had made long ago flashed across Teacher'smind—that I might take courses somewhat like those offered atRadcliffe, under the instruction of the professors in thesecourses. Miss Irwin seemed to have no objection to this proposal,and kindly offered to see the professors and find out if theywould give me lessons. If they will be so good as to teach me andif we have money enough to do as we have planned, my studies thisyear will be English, English Literature of the Elizabethanperiod, Latin and German....
TO MR. JOHN HITZ138 Brattle St., Cambridge,Nov. 11, 1899....As to the braille question, I cannot tell how deeply itdistresses me to hear that my statement with regard to theexaminations has been doubted. Ignorance seems to be at thebottom of all these contradictions. Why, you yourself seem tothink that I taught you American braille, when you do not know asingle letter in the system! I could not help laughing when yousaid you had been writing to me in American braille—and thereyou were writing your letter in English braille!The facts about the braille examinations are as follows:How I passed my Entrance Examinations for Radcliffe College.On the 29th and 30th of June, 1899, I took my examinations forRadcliffe College. The first day I had elementary Greek andadvanced Latin, and the second day Geometry, Algebra and advancedGreek.The college authorities would not permit Miss Sullivan to readthe examination papers to me; so Mr. Eugene C. Vining, one of theinstructors at the Perkins Institution for the Blind, wasemployed to copy the papers for me in braille. Mr. Vining was aperfect stranger to me, and could not communicate with me exceptby writing in braille. The Proctor also was a stranger, and didnot attempt to communicate with me in any way; and, as they wereboth unfamiliar with my speech, they could not readily understandwhat I said to them.However, the braille worked well enough in the languages; butwhen it came to Geometry and Algebra, it was different. I wassorely perplexed, and felt quite discouraged, and wasted muchprecious time, especially in Algebra. It is true that I amperfectly familiar with all literary braille—English, American,and New York Point; but the method of writing the various signsused in Geometry and Algebra in the three systems is verydifferent, and two days before the examinations I knew only theEnglish method. I had used it all through my school work, andnever any other system.In Geometry, my chief difficulty was, that I had always beenaccustomed to reading the propositions in Line Print, or havingthem spelled into my hand; and somehow, although the propositionswere right before me, yet the braille confused me, and I couldnot fix in my mind clearly what I was reading. But, when I tookup Algebra, I had a harder time still—I was terribly handicappedby my imperfect knowledge of the notation. The signs, which I hadlearned the day before, and which I thought I knew perfectly,confused me. Consequently my work was painfully slow, and I wasobliged to read the examples over and over before I could form aclear idea what I was required to do. Indeed, I am not sure nowthat I read all the signs correctly, especially as I was muchdistressed, and found it very hard to keep my wits about me....Now there is one more fact, which I wish to state very plainly,in regard to what Mr. Gilman wrote to you. I never received anydirect instruction in the Gilman School. Miss Sullivan always satbeside me, and told me what the teachers said. I did teach MissHall, my teacher in Physics, how to write the American braille,but she never gave me any instruction by means of it, unless afew problems written for practice, which made me waste muchprecious time deciphering them, can be called instruction. DearFrau Grote learned the manual alphabet, and used to teach meherself; but this was in private lessons, which were paid for bymy friends. In the German class Miss Sullivan interpreted to meas well as she could what the teacher said.Perhaps, if you would send a copy of this to the head of theCambridge School, it might enlighten his mind on a few subjects,on which he seems to be in total darkness just now....
TO MISS MILDRED KELLER138 Brattle Street, Cambridge,November 26, 1899....At last we are settled for the winter, and our work is goingsmoothly. Mr. Keith comes every afternoon at four o'clock, andgives me a "friendly lift" over the rough stretches of road, overwhich every student must go. I am studying English history,English literature, French and Latin, and by and by I shall takeup German and English composition—let us groan! You know, Idetest grammar as much as you do; but I suppose I must go throughit if I am to write, just as we had to get ducked in the lakehundreds of times before we could swim! In French Teacher isreading "Columba" to me. It is a delightful novel, full ofpiquant expressions and thrilling adventures, (don't dare toblame me for using big words, since you do the same!) and, if youever read it, I think you will enjoy it immensely. You arestudying English history, aren't you. O but it's exceedinglyinteresting! I'm making quite a thorough study of the Elizabethanperiod—of the Reformation, and the Acts of Supremacy andConformity, and the maritime discoveries, and all the big things,which the "deuce" seems to have invented to plague innocentyoungsters like yourself!...Now we have a swell winter outfit—coats, hats, gowns, flannelsand all. We've just had four lovely dresses made by a Frenchdressmaker. I have two, of which one has a black silk skirt, witha black lace net over it, and a waist of white poplin, withturquoise velvet and chiffon, and cream lace over a satin yoke.The other is woollen, and of a very pretty green. The waist istrimmed with pink and green brocaded velvet, and white lace, Ithink, and has double reefers on the front, tucked and trimmedwith velvet, and also a row of tiny white buttons. Teacher toohas a silk dress. The skirt is black, while the waist is mostlyyellow, trimmed with delicate lavender chiffon, and black velvetbows and lace. Her other dress is purple, trimmed with purplevelvet, and the waist has a collar of cream lace. So you mayimagine that we look quite like peacocks, only we've notrains....A week ago yesterday there was [a] great football game betweenHarvard and Yale, and there was tremendous excitement here. Wecould hear the yells of the boys and the cheers of the lookers-onas plainly in our room as if we had been on the field. ColonelRoosevelt was there, on Harvard's side; but bless you, he wore awhite sweater, and no crimson that we know of! There were abouttwenty-five thousand people at the game, and, when we went out,the noise was so terrific, we nearly jumped out of our skins,thinking it was the din of war, and not of a football game thatwe heard. But, in spite of all their wild efforts, neither sidewas scored, and we all laughed and said, "Oh, well now the potcan't call the kettle black!"...
TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON559 Madison Avenue, New York,January 2, 1900....We have been here a week now, and are going to stay with MissRhoades until Saturday. We are enjoying every moment of ourvisit, every one is so good to us. We have seen many of our oldfriends, and made some new ones. We dined with the Rogers lastFriday, and oh, they were so kind to us! The thought of theirgentle courtesy and genuine kindness brings a warm glow of joyand gratitude to my heart. I have seen Dr. Greer too. He has sucha kind heart! I love him more than ever. We went to St.Bartholomew's Sunday, and I have not felt so much at home in achurch since dear Bishop Brooks died. Dr. Greer read so slowly,that my teacher could tell me every word. His people must havewondered at his unusual deliberation. After the service he askedMr. Warren, the organist to play for me. I stood in the middle ofthe church, where the vibrations from the great organ werestrongest, and I felt the mighty waves of sound beat against me,as the great billows beat against a little ship at sea.
TO MR. JOHN HITZ138 Brattle Street, Cambridge,Feb. 3, 1900....My studies are more interesting than ever. In Latin, I amreading Horace's odes. Although I find them difficult totranslate, yet I think they are the loveliest pieces of Latinpoetry I have read or shall ever read. In French we have finished"Colomba," and I am reading "Horace" by Corneille and LaFontaine's fables, both of which are in braille. I have not gonefar in either; but I know I shall enjoy the fables, they are sodelightfully written, and give such good lessons in a simple andyet attractive way. I do not think I have told you that my dearteacher is reading "The Faery Queen" to me. I am afraid I findfault with the poem as much as I enjoy it. I do not care much forthe allegories, indeed I often find them tiresome, and I cannothelp thinking that Spenser's world of knights, paynims, fairies,dragons and all sorts of strange creatures is a somewhatgrotesque and amusing world; but the poem itself is lovely and asmusical as a running brook.I am now the proud owner of about fifteen new books, which weordered from Louisville. Among them are "Henry Esmond," "Bacon'sEssays" and extracts from "English Literature." Perhaps next weekI shall have some more books, "The Tempest," "A Midsummer Night'sDream" and possibly some selections from Green's history ofEngland. Am I not very fortunate?I am afraid this letter savors too much of books—but really theymake up my whole life these days, and I scarcely see or hear ofanything else! I do believe I sleep on books every night! Youknow a student's life is of necessity somewhat circumscribed andnarrow and crowds out almost everything that is not in books....
TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD OF RADCLIFFE COLLEGE138 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Mass.,May 5, 1900.Dear Sir:As an aid to me in determining my plans for study the comingyear, I apply to you for information as to the possibility of mytaking the regular courses in Radcliffe College.Since receiving my certificate of admission to Radcliffe lastJuly, I have been studying with a private tutor, Horace,Aeschylus, French, German, Rhetoric, English History, EnglishLiterature and Criticism, and English composition.In college I should wish to continue most, if not all of thesesubjects. The conditions under which I work require the presenceof Miss Sullivan, who has been my teacher and companion forthirteen years, as an interpreter of oral speech and as a readerof examination papers. In college she, or possibly in somesubjects some one else, would of necessity be with me in thelecture-room and at recitations. I should do all my written workon a typewriter, and if a Professor could not understand myspeech, I could write out my answers to his questions and handthem to him after the recitation.Is it possible for the College to accommodate itself to theseunprecedented conditions, so as to enable me to pursue my studiesat Radcliffe? I realize that the obstacles in the way of myreceiving a college education are very great—to others they mayseem insurmountable; but, dear Sir, a true soldier does notacknowledge defeat before the battle.
TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON38 Brattle Street, Cambridge,June 9, 1900....I have not yet heard from the Academic Board in reply to myletter; but I sincerely hope they will answer favorably. Myfriends think it very strange that they should hesitate so long,especially when I have not asked them to simplify my work in theleast, but only to modify it so as to meet the existingcircumstances. Cornell has offered to make arrangements suited tothe conditions under which I work, if I should decide to go tothat college, and the University of Chicago has made a similaroffer, but I am afraid if I went to any other college, it wouldbe thought that I did not pass my examinations for Radcliffesatisfactorily....
In the fall Miss Keller entered Radcliffe College.
TO MR. JOHN HITZ14 Coolidge Ave., Cambridge,Nov. 26, 1900....—has already communicated with you in regard to her and myplan of establishing an institution for deaf and blind children.At first I was most enthusiastic in its support, and I neverdreamed that any grave objections could be raised except indeedby those who are hostile to Teacher, but now, after thinking mostSERIOUSLY and consulting my friends, I have decided that—'splan is by no means feasible. In my eagerness to make it possiblefor deaf and blind children to have the same advantages that Ihave had, I quite forgot that there might be many obstacles inthe way of my accomplishing anything like what—proposed.My friends thought we might have one or two pupils in our ownhome, thereby securing to me the advantage of being helpful toothers without any of the disadvantages of a large school. Theywere very kind; but I could not help feeling that they spoke morefrom a business than a humanitarian point of view. I am sure theydid not quite understand how passionately I desire that all whoare afflicted like myself shall receive their rightfulinheritance of thought, knowledge and love. Still I could notshut my eyes to the force and weight of their arguments, and Isaw plainly that I must abandon—'s scheme as impracticable.They also said that I ought to appoint an advisory committee tocontrol my affairs while I am at Radcliffe. I considered thissuggestion carefully, then I told Mr. Rhoades that I should beproud and glad to have wise friends to whom I could always turnfor advice in all important matters. For this committee I chosesix, my mother, Teacher, because she is like a mother to me, Mrs.Hutton, Mr. Rhoades, Dr. Greer and Mr. Rogers, because it is theywho have supported me all these years and made it possible for meto enter college. Mrs. Hutton had already written to mother,asking her to telegraph if she was willing for me to have otheradvisers besides herself and Teacher. This morning we receivedword that mother had given her consent to this arrangement. Nowit remains for me to write to Dr. Greer and Mr. Rogers....We had a long talk with Dr. Bell. Finally he proposed a planwhich delighted us all beyond words. He said that it was agigantic blunder to attempt to found a school for deaf and blindchildren, because then they would lose the most preciousopportunities of entering into the fuller, richer, freer life ofseeing and hearing children. I had had misgivings on this point;but I could not see how we were to help it. However Mr. Bellsuggested that—and all her friends who are interested in herscheme should organize an association for the promotion of theeducation of the deaf and blind, Teacher and myself beingincluded of course. Under his plan they were to appoint Teacherto train others to instruct deaf and blind children in their ownhomes, just as she had taught me. Funds were to be raised for theteachers' lodgings and also for their salaries. At the same timeDr. Bell added that I could rest content and fight my way throughRadcliffe in competition with seeing and hearing girls, while thegreat desire of my heart was being fulfilled. We clapped ourhands and shouted;—went away beaming with pleasure, andTeacher and I felt more light of heart than we had for sometime.Of course we can do nothing just now; but the painful anxietyabout my college work and the future welfare of the deaf andblind has been lifted from our minds. Do tell me what you thinkabout Dr. Bell's suggestion. It seems most practical and wise tome; but I must know all that there is to be known about it beforeI speak or act in the matter....