Page 216 - The Story of My Lif

one to Mr. Rogers, if you think he would like to have it. I would like so much to

show him in some way how deeply I appreciate all that he is doing for me, and I
cannot think of anything better to do.

Every one here is talking about the Sargent pictures. It is a wonderful exhibition
of portraits, they say. How I wish I had eyes to see them! How I should delight
in their beauty and color!

However, I am glad that I am not debarred from all pleasure in the pictures. I
have at least the satisfaction of seeing them through the eyes of my friends,
which is a real pleasure. I am so thankful that I can rejoice in the beauties, which

my friends gather and put into my hands!

We are all so glad and thankful that Mr. Kipling did not die! I have his “Jungle-
Book” in raised print, and what a splendid, refreshing book it is! I cannot help
feeling as if I knew its gifted author. What a real, manly, lovable nature his must
be!…

TO DR. DAVID H. GREER

12 Newbury Street, Boston,

May 8, 1899.

…Each day brings me all that I can possibly accomplish, and each night brings
me rest, and the sweet thought that I am a little nearer to my goal than ever
before. My Greek progresses finely. I have finished the ninth book of the “Iliad”
and am just beginning the “Odyssey.” I am also reading the “Aeneid” and the
“Eclogues.” Some of my friends tell me that I am very foolish to give so much
time to Greek and Latin; but I am sure they would not think so, if they realized
what a wonderful world of experience and thought Homer and Virgil have
opened up to me. I think I shall enjoy the “Odyssey” most of all. The “Iliad” tells
of almost nothing but war, and one sometimes wearies of the clash of spears and
the din of battle; but the “Odyssey” tells of nobler courage—the courage of a