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Vacation is over, and the girls have all returned from their homes. Santa Claus was very kind to them. He left them many presents, and a great deal of happiness. I wish I could see my tall brother and my pretty sister. I am glad Mildred liked her mittens. Did she like the funny man blowing his trumpet?

Monday I went to see Miss Freeman, with Miss Riley, to spend the day. I had a splendid time with the children. Mr. Hale came in after dinner. He says the little cousins are all well. I had a beautiful calendar from Miss Moulton, which I will send you. I think you will enjoy looking at the pretty children as much as I did. I tried to watch the Old Year out and the New Year in; but I fell asleep, and when I awoke, the sun was up, and he said: "Oh, little girl, you have travelled nine times around me upon your beautiful chariot! "

I am glad that little Arthur can walk. Tell Mildred to kiss him for me. Tell Simpson to answer my letter soon.

With a happy New Year for all, from your loving little daughter, HELEN.

Another letter is a simple illustration of the openness of Helen's heart to the beauty and meaning of nature.

TUSCUMBIA, ALA., May 27, 1889.

MY DEAR MISS RILEY: -- I wish you were here in the warm, sunny south today. Little sister and I would take you out into the garden, and pick the delicious raspberries and a few strawberries for you. How would you like that? The strawberries are nearly all gone. In the evening, when it is cool and pleasant, we would walk in the yard, and catch the grasshoppers and butterflies. We would talk about the birds and flowers and grass and Jumbo and Pearl. If you liked, we would run and jump and hop and dance, and be very happy. I think you would enjoy hearing the mocking-birds sing. One sits on the twig of a tree, just beneath our window, and he fills the air with his glad songs. But I am afraid you cannot come to Tuscumbia; so I will write to you, and send you a sweet kiss and my love. How is Dick? Daisy is happy, but she would be happy ever if she had a little mate. My little children are all well except Nancy, and she is quite feeble. My grandmother and aunt Corinne are here. Grandmother is going to make me two new dresses. Give my love to all the little girls, and tell them that Helen loves them very, very much. Eva sends love to all.

With much love and many kisses, from your affectionate little friend, HELEN ADAMS KELLER.

The following is one of many charming letters which I received from Helen during our separation, -- a period of three and a half months. I had been with her by day and by night for more than two years, and for some time I had felt the need of rest; but the thought of leaving my beloved pupil even for a few months was so painful to me that I deferred my departure as long as possible. It had not occurred to Helen that her teacher could go away without her, and not until my trunk was packed did she fully realize that I was actually departing. Her distress was very great; but when the time for saying farewell arrived she was calm, and fully resolved not to "grieve teacher by crying," and her unselfishness and resolute behavior showed alike her love and self-control.

TUSCUMBIA, ALA., Aug. 7, 1889.

DEAREST TEACHER: -- I am very glad to write to you this evening, for I have been thinking much about you all day. I am sitting on the piazza, and my little white pigeon is perched on the back of my chair, watching me write. Her little brown mate has flown away with the other birds; but Annie is not sad, for she likes to stay with me. Fauntleroy is asleep upstairs, and Nancy is putting Lucy to bed. Perhaps the mocking-bird is singing them to sleep. All the beautiful flowers are in bloom now. The air is sweet with the perfume of jasmines, heliotropes and roses. It is getting warm here now, so father is going to take us to the Quarry on the 20th of August. I think we shall have a beautiful time out in the cool, pleasant woods. I will write and tell you all the pleasant things we do. I am so glad that Lester and Henry are good little infants. Give them many sweet kisses for me.

What was the name of the little boy who fell in love with the beautiful star? Eva has been telling me a story about a lovely little girl named Heidi. Will you please send it to me? I shall be delighted to have a typewriter.

Little Arthur is growing very fast. He has on short dresses now. Cousin Leila thinks he will walk in a little while. Then I will take his soft chubby hand in mine, and go out in the bright sunshine with him. He will pull the largest roses, and chase the gayest butterflies. I will take very good care of him, and not let him fall and hurt himself. Father and some other gentlemen went hunting yesterday. Father killed thirty-eight birds. We had some of them for supper, and they were very nice. Last Monday Simpson shot a pretty crane. The crane is a large and strong bird. His wings are as long as my arm, and his bill is as long as my foot. He eats little fishes, and other small animals. Father says he can fly nearly all day without stopping.