Page 173 - The Story of My Lif

My Dear Friend, Mr. Krehl:—I have just heard, through Mr. Wade, of your kind

offer to buy me a gentle dog, and I want to thank you for the kind thought. It
makes me very happy indeed to know that I have such dear friends in other
lands. It makes me think that all people are good and loving. I have read that the
English and Americans are cousins; but I am sure it would be much truer to say
that we are brothers and sisters. My friends have told me about your great and
magnificent city, and I have read a great deal that wise Englishmen have written.
I have begun to read “Enoch Arden,” and I know several of the great poet’s
poems by heart. I am eager to cross the ocean, for I want to see my English
friends and their good and wise queen. Once the Earl of Meath came to see me,
and he told me that the queen was much beloved by her people, because of her
gentleness and wisdom. Some day you will be surprised to see a little strange
girl coming into your office; but when you know it is the little girl who loves
dogs and all other animals, you will laugh, and I hope you will give her a kiss,
just as Mr. Wade does. He has another dog for me, and he thinks she will be as
brave and faithful as my beautiful Lioness. And now I want to tell you what the
dog lovers in America are going to do. They are going to send me some money

for a poor little deaf and dumb and blind child. His name is Tommy, and he is
five years old. His parents are too poor to pay to have the little fellow sent to
school; so, instead of giving me a dog, the gentlemen are going to help make
Tommy’s life as bright and joyous as mine. Is it not a beautiful plan? Education
will bring light and music into Tommy’s soul, and then he cannot help being
happy.

From your loving little friend,

HELEN A. KELLER.

TO DR. OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

[South Boston, Mass., April, 1891.]

Dear Dr. Holmes:—Your beautiful words about spring have been making music
in my heart, these bright April days. I love every word of “Spring” and “Spring
Has Come.” I think you will be glad to hear that these poems have taught me to
enjoy and love the beautiful springtime, even though I cannot see the fair, frail