Page 285 - The Story of My Lif

think Helen’s education would surpass in interest and wonder Dr. Howe’s

achievement. I know that she has remarkable powers, and I believe that I shall be
able to develop and mould them. I cannot tell how I know these things. I had no
idea a short time ago how to go to work; I was feeling about in the dark; but
somehow I know now, and I know that I know. I cannot explain it; but when
difficulties arise, I am not perplexed or doubtful. I know how to meet them; I
seem to divine Helen’s peculiar needs. It is wonderful.

Already people are taking a deep interest in Helen. No one can see her without
being impressed. She is no ordinary child, and people’s interest in her education
will be no ordinary interest.

Therefore let us be exceedingly careful what we say and write about her. I shall
write freely to you and tell you everything, on one condition: It is this: you must
promise never to show my letters to any one. My beautiful Helen shall not be
transformed into a prodigy if I can help it.

June 5, 1887.

The heat makes Helen languid and quiet. Indeed, the Tophetic weather has
reduced us all to a semi-liquid state. Yesterday Helen took off her clothes and sat
in her skin all the afternoon.

When the sun got round to the window where she was sitting with her book, she
got up impatiently and shut the window. But when the sun came in just the same,
she came over to me with a grieved look and spelled emphatically: “Sun is bad

boy. Sun must go to bed.”

She is the dearest, cutest little thing now, and so loving! One day, when I wanted
her to bring me some water, she said: “Legs very tired. Legs cry much.”