Page 179 - The Story of My Lif

When the Perkins Institution closed in June, Helen and her teacher went south to
Tuscumbia, where they remained until December. There is a hiatus of several
months in the letters, caused by the depressing effect on Helen and Miss Sullivan

of the “Frost King” episode. At the time this trouble seemed very grave and
brought them much unhappiness. An analysis of the case has been made
elsewhere, and Miss Keller has written her account of it.

TO MR. ALBERT H. MUNSELL

Brewster, Mar. 10, 1892.

My dear Mr. Munsell,

Surely I need not tell you that your letter was very welcome. I enjoyed every
word of it and wished that it was longer. I laughed when you spoke of old
Neptune’s wild moods. He has, in truth, behaved very strangely ever since we
came to Brewster. It is evident that something has displeased his Majesty but I
cannot imagine what it can be. His expression has been so turbulent that I have
feared to give him your kind message. Who knows! Perhaps the Old Sea God as
he lay asleep upon the shore, heard the soft music of growing things—the stir of
life in the earth’s bosom, and his stormy heart was angry, because he knew that

his and Winter’s reign was almost at an end. So together the unhappy monarch[s]
fought most despairingly, thinking that gentle Spring would turn and fly at the
very sight of the havoc caused by their forces. But lo! the lovely maiden only
smiles more sweetly, and breathes upon the icy battlements of her enemies, and
in a moment they vanish, and the glad Earth gives her a royal welcome. But I
must put away these idle fancies until we meet again. Please give your dear
mother my love. Teacher wishes me to say that she liked the photograph very
much and she will see about having some when we return. Now, dear friend,
Please accept these few words because of the love that is linked with them.

Lovingly yours

HELEN KELLER.