Page 147 - The Story of My Lif

and gentlemen they will not forget to be kind and loving and brave. I hope I shall

be courageous always. A little girl in a story was not courageous. She thought
she saw little elves with tall pointed [hats] peeping from between the bushes and
dancing down the long alleys, and the poor little girl was terrified. Did you have
a pleasant Christmas? I had many lovely presents given to me. The other day I
had a fine party. All of my dear little friends came to see me. We played games,
and ate icecream and cake and fruit. Then we had great fun. The sun is shining
brightly to-day and I hope we shall go to ride if the roads are dry. In a few days
the beautiful spring will be here. I am very glad because I love the warm
sunshine and the fragrant flowers. I think Flowers grow to make people happy
and good. I have four dolls now. Cedric is my little boy, he is named for Lord
Fauntleroy. He has big brown eyes and long golden hair and pretty round cheeks.
Ida is my baby. A lady brought her to me from Paris. She can drink milk like a
real baby. Lucy is a fine young lady. She has on a dainty lace dress and satin
slippers.

Poor old Nancy is growing old and very feeble. She is almost an invalid. I have
two tame pigeons and a tiny canary bird. Jumbo is very strong and faithful. He
will not let anything harm us at night. I go to school every day I am studying
reading, writing, arithmetic, geography and language. My Mother and teacher
send you and Mrs. Hale their kind greetings and Mildred sends you a kiss.

With much love and kisses, from your Affectionate cousin

HELEN A. KELLER.

During the winter Miss Sullivan and her pupil were working at Helen’s home in
Tuscumbia, and to good purpose, for by spring Helen had learned to write
idiomatic English. After May, 1889, I find almost no inaccuracies, except some
evident slips of the pencil. She uses words precisely and makes easy, fluent
sentences.

TO MR. MICHAEL ANAGNOS

Tuscumbia, Ala., May 18, 1889.