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"A most bewildering smile, -- there is a glance
Of such playfulness and innocence,
That as you look, a pleasant feeling comes
Over the heart, as when you hear a sound
Of cheerful music."

Health and Temperament.

"In primis valeas bene."
Horace.

For several years Helen enjoyed most excellent health. She seldom complained even of the common ailments. She always ate heartily and slept soundly. True, her intellectual energy was so tremendous that all medical men who came in contact with her were unanimous in considering it as dangerous to her physical well-being, and as boding evil consequences to her health; but this flowing mental activity, apart from being provided with an adequate safeguard in the buoyancy of her spirits and the joyousness of her temperament, was kept within proper bounds by prudent regulation of her hours of work, exercise and rest. A synopsis of the programme of her daily occupations and recreations is given in the following letter, which she wrote to her little sister on the latter's third birthday: --

SOUTH BOSTON, Oct 24, 1889.

MY PRECIOUS LITTLE SISTER: -- Good morning. I am going to send you a birthday gift with this letter. I hope it will please you very much, because it makes me happy to send it. The dress is blue like your eyes, and the candy is sweet just like your dear little self. I think mother will be glad to make the dress for you, and when you wear it you will look as pretty as a rose. The picture-book will tell you all about many strange and wild animals. You must not be afraid of them. They cannot come out of the picture to harm you.

I go to school every day, and I learn many new things. At eight I study arithmetic. I like that. At nine I go to the gymnasium with the little girls, and we have great fun. I wish you could be here to play three little squirrels, and two gentle doves, and to make a pretty nest for a dear little robin. The mocking bird does not live in the cold north. At ten I study about the earth on which we all live. At eleven I talk with teacher and at twelve I study zoölogy. I do not know what I shall do in the afternoon yet.

Now, my darling little Mildred, good bye. Give father and mother a great deal of love and many hugs and kisses for me. Teacher sends her love too.

From your loving sister,

HELEN A. KELLER.

In a similar letter, which she wrote to me two weeks later, she speaks more fully of the same subject: --

SOUTH BOSTON, MASS., Nov. 7, 1889.

MON CHER MONSIEUR ANAGNOS : -- Today is your birthday, and how I wish I could put my two arms around your neck and give you many sweet kisses; but I cannot do that, because you are far away, so I will write you a nice long letter, and when you come home I will give you the kisses.

Now, I am going to tell you something which will surprise you very much. I came to Boston three weeks ago to study with my dear teacher. I was delighted to see all of my friends again, and they were glad to see me. I miss you, and I hope you will come back soon if you are much better. I enjoy being at the Institution very, very much. I learn a great many new interesting things every day. When you come home I shall be happy to tell you all about them. You must be sure not to forget how to spell with your fingers.

Mr. Rodocanachi came to see me Tuesday. He asked me to give you his love, and to tell you to write to him from Athens.

Last Thursday teacher and I spent the day with Dr. Eliot and Sammy. We had a pleasant time. Sammy is a beautiful little boy, and he is as playful as a kitten. Dr. Eliot says he should like to receive a letter from you. Will you please write to him?

My precious little sister is three years old now. She is growing very fast, and I think her very sweet and loving. She is quite lonely now, because she has no little sister to play with her. My poor grandmother died two weeks ago. It is very sad to die. Teacher does not know where grandmother is now.

Mother is much distressed and her heart is very sorrowful. I wish she could come to Boston, then I could comfort her. My pigeons, puppies, kitties and my dear little birds are all very well. The white pigeon has three tiny babies to take care of, and she is very busy finding food for her hungry family and teaching the timid pets to fly alone.

Teacher says she thinks you would like to know what I do every day. At eight I study arithmetic, and I enjoy it greatly. I can do some very difficult examples. At nine I go to the gymnasium with the little girls, and we play pretty games. I wish you could be here to see what splendid times we do have. At ten I study geography. Yesterday I found Athens on the map, and I thought about you. At eleven I have lessons in form, and at twelve I have zoölogy. The other day I recited in exhibition about the kangaroo. At two I usually sew, and at three I take a walk. At four and five I read, write and talk. I have just been reading about a beautiful fountain that rippled and sparkled in the bright sunshine and made sweet music all the long day. The pretty birds and tiny ferns and the soft mosses loved the beautiful fountain.