Page 202 - The Story of My Lif

up French with a French teacher who comes three times a week. I read her lips

almost exclusively, (she does not know the manual alphabet) and we get on quite
well. I have read “Le Medecin Malgre Lui,” a very good French comedy by
Moliere, with pleasure; and they say I speak French pretty well now, and
German also. Anyway, French and German people understand what I am trying
to say, and that is very encouraging. In voice-training I have still the same old
difficulties to contend against; and the fulfilment of my wish to speak well seems
O, so far away!

Sometimes I feel sure that I catch a faint glimpse of the goal I am striving for,
but in another minute a bend in the road hides it from my view, and I am again
left wandering in the dark! But I try hard not to be discouraged. Surely we shall
all find at last the ideals we are seeking….

TO MR. JOHN HITZ

Brewster, Mass. July 15, 1896.

…As to the book, I am sure I shall enjoy it very much when I am admitted, by

the magic of Teacher’s dear fingers, into the companionship of the two sisters
who went to the Immortal Fountain.

As I sit by the window writing to you, it is so lovely to have the soft, cool
breezes fan my cheek and to feel that the hard work of last year is over! Teacher

seems to feel benefitted by the change too; for she is already beginning to look
like her dear old self. We only need you, dear Mr. Hitz, to complete our
happiness. Teacher and Mrs. Hopkins both say you must come as soon as you
can! We will try to make you comfortable.

Teacher and I spent nine days at Philadelphia. Have you ever been at Dr.

Crouter’s Institution? Mr. Howes has probably given you a full account of our
doings. We were busy all the time; we attended the meetings and talked with
hundreds of people, among whom were dear Dr. Bell, Mr. Banerji of Calcutta,
Monsieur Magnat of Paris with whom I conversed in French exclusively, and