ning face behind dull clouds, but afterwards I thought why
he did it, and then I was happy. The sun knows that you like
to see the world covered with beautiful white snow and so he
kept back all his brightness, and let the little crystals form
in the sky. When they are ready, they will softly fall and
tenderly cover every object. Then the sun will appear in all
his radiance and fill the world with light. If I were with you
to-day I would give you eighty-three kisses, one for each year
you have lived. Eighty-three years seems very long to me. Does
it seem long to you? I wonder how many years there will be in
eternity. I am afraid I cannot think about so much time. I
received the letter which you wrote to me last summer, and
I thank you for it. I am staying in Boston now at the
Institution for the Blind, but I have not commenced my
studies yet, because my dearest friend, Mr. Anagnos, wants
me to rest and play a great deal.

Teacher is well and sends her kind remembrance to you. The
happy Christmas time is almost here! I can hardly wait for the
fun to begin! I hope your Christmas Day will be a very happy
one and that the New Year will be full of brightness and joy
for you and every one.

From your little friend
Helen A. Keller.

[17] This and the letter following are from "The Story of My Life," by
Helen Keller. Copyright, 1902, 1903, by Helen Keller. Published in book
form by Doubleday, Page & Co.

And the distinguished poet's reply:

My dear Young Friend:

I was very glad to have such a pleasant letter on my birthday. I
had two or three hundred others and thine was one of the most
welcome of all. I must tell thee about how the day passed at Oak
Knoll. Of course the sun did not shine, but we had great open wood
fires in the rooms, which were all very sweet with roses and other
flowers, which were sent to me from distant friends; and fruits of
all kinds from California and other places. Some relatives and
dear old friends were with me through the day. I do not wonder
thee thinks eighty-three years a long time, but to me it seems but
a very little while since I was a boy no older than thee, playing
on the old farm at Haverhill. I thank thee for all thy good
wishes, and wish thee as many. I am glad thee i