Page 188 - The Story of My Lif

on the window. Dr. Bell gave her a down pillow, which she held against her to

increase the vibrations.

TO MRS. KATE ADAMS KELLER

South Boston, April 13, 1893.

…Teacher, Mrs. Pratt and I very unexpectedly decided to take a journey with
dear Dr. Bell Mr. Westervelt, a gentleman whom father met in Washington, has a
school for the deaf in Rochester.

We went there first….

Mr. Westervelt gave us a reception one afternoon. A great many people came.
Some of them asked odd questions. A lady seemed surprised that I loved flowers
when I could not see their beautiful colors, and when I assured her I did love
them, she said, “no doubt you feel the colors with your fingers.” But of course, it
is not alone for their bright colors that we love the flowers…. A gentleman asked
me what BEAUTY meant to my mind. I must confess I was puzzled at first. But
after a minute I answered that beauty was a form of goodness—and he went
away.

When the reception was over we went back to the hotel and teacher slept quite
unconscious of the surprise which was in store for her. Mr. Bell and I planned it
together, and Mr. Bell made all the arrangements before we told teacher anything
about it. This was the surprise—I was to have the pleasure of taking my dear
teacher to see Niagara Falls!…

The hotel was so near the river that I could feel it rushing past by putting my
hand on the window. The next morning the sun rose bright and warm, and we
got up quickly for our hearts were full of pleasant expectation…. You can never
imagine how I felt when I stood in the presence of Niagara until you have the