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A few evenings ago we were discussing the tariff. Helen wanted me to tell her about it. I said, "No. You cannot understand it yet." She was quiet for a moment, and then asked, with not a little spirit, "How do you know that I cannot understand? I have a good mind! You must remember, dear teacher, that Greek parents were very particular with their children, and they used to let them listen to wise words, and I think they understood some of them." I have found it best not to tell her that she cannot understand, because she is almost certain to become excited over this suggestion.

Not long ago I tried to show her how to build a tower with her blocks. As the design was somewhat complicated, the slightest jar made the structure fall. After a time I became discouraged, and told her I was afraid she could not make it stand, but that I would build it for her; but she did not approve of this plan. She was determined to build the tower herself; and for nearly three hours she worked away, patiently gathering up the blocks whenever they fell, and beginning over again, until at last her perseverance was crowned with success. The tower stood complete in every part; but how gladly would I have spared her the nervous strain it had cost! Had she not been endowed by nature with a strong constitution, continuous mental excitement and concentration of attention, such as I have just described, would have long since undermined her health. Fortunately, she is very strong and active. She loves outdoor exercise, and enjoys a romp as well as any little girl I know. She is unusually large for her age, -- eleven years. She is well developed physically as well as mentally, and until the summer of 1890 her general health was excellent. Her excessively nervous temperament had not apparently exercised an injurious effect upon her corporal condition. Physicians invariably expressed surprise when assured that she slept soundly and had a good appetite.

A letter to her brother gives expression to her enjoyment of the school routine.

SOUTH BOSTON, MASS., Dec. 3, 1889.

MY DEAR BROTHER: -- I was made very happy by your nice letter. You are a dear, good brother, to write me such a nice long letter, and I love you more than I can ever tell. I am having a beautiful time in Boston. It is a very large and lovely city, and the people here are very kind to your little sister. I go to school every day, and learn ever so many things. Perhaps you would like to have me tell you what I do all day. At eight o'clock I study arithmetic. When I come home I will give you some very difficult examples to do. At nine I have gymnastics; and at ten, geography. After that I have lessons in form; and at twelve, zoölogy. I am making a watch-case for mother; but it is a secret, so please do not tell her. I have my lessons in the library. It is a pleasant place. There are books, stuffed animals and bright birds, -- only they are not alive, -- skeletons, models, and cases filled with beautiful shells and minerals. I wish you could see all the interesting things. Sunday I went to church on board a great war-ship. I saw four hundred and sixty sailors, many huge cannon, long swords and pistols. The men wore uniforms and funny caps. Wednesday the Earl of Meath came to see me; and Saturday the Countess came, but I did not see her. The Earl told me many things about his brave son, who serves the good Queen of England.

Now I must close. Write to me again soon, and please give my love to your friends at college.

With much love and many kisses, from your little sister,

HELEN A. KELLER.

During the month of July, 1890, soon after her return to her southern home, we noticed that she became each day more nervous and excitable. She lost her appetite, and was restless at night. At first we thought these symptoms might arise from the sudden change of climate at such a warm season of the year; but I now believe that her strength had been overtaxed in learning to speak. She had been ambitious to surprise her parents and other home friends, and the efforts which she made to conquer the difficulties of articulation were often painful to witness. If she is especially interested in anything, she does not forget it after the lesson is over, but continues to think about it even when otherwise occupied. There is no relaxation from mental effort except when she is asleep; and the enthusiasm with which she absorbs knowledge tempts Helen's instructors to allow her to exceed her strength, although they are not at the moment conscious that she is so doing.

I realized this clearly when the strain was removed which she had undergone in learning to speak. Absolute rest became an imperative necessity. We decided to take her to a quiet mountain region, where she gradually grew stronger, and by the middle of September her health had so much improved that she returned home and was allowed to resume some of her studies.

Until October, 1889, I had not deemed it best to confine Helen to any regular and systematic course of study. For the first two years of her intellectual life she was like a child in a strange country, where everything was new and perplexing; and, until she gained a knowledge of language, -- a mysterious and difficult undertaking for the little deaf and blind child, -- it was not possible to give her a definite course of instruction.