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I did not have regular lessons then as I do now. I just learned about everything, about trees and flowers, how they absorb the dew and sunshine: about animals, "their names and all their secrets;

How the beavers built their lodges,
Where the squirrels hid their acorns,
How the reindeer ran so swiftly,
Why the rabbit was so timid."

Once I went to a circus, and Teacher described to me the wild animals and the countries where they live. I fed the elephants and monkeys; I patted a sleeping lion and sat on a camel's back. I was very much interested in the wild animals, and I approached them without fear, for they seemed to me a part of the great, beautiful country I was exploring.

The next step in my education, which I remember distinctly, was learning to read. As soon as I could spell a few words, Teacher gave me slips of cardboard on which were printed words in raised letters. I very quickly learned that the printed words stood for things. I had a frame in which I could arrange the words so that they would make little sentences; but before I ever arranged sentences in the frame I used to make them with objects.

I would find the slips of paper which represented "doll is on bed," and place them on the objects, thus making a sentence. Nothing delighted me so much as this game. I would play it for hours together. Often when everything in the room was arranged so as to make sentences I would find Teacher and show her what I had done. Then I would get the Primer and hunt for the words I knew, and when I found one I would scream with joy.

I read my first story on May day, and ever since books and I have been loving friends and inseparable companions. They have made a bright world of thought and beauty all around me. They have been my faithful teachers in all that is good and beautiful. Their pages have carried me back to ancient times, and shown me Egypt, Greece, Rome! They have introduced me to kings, heroes and gods, and they have revealed to me great thoughts, great deeds. Is it strange that I love them?

I would like to tell how I was taught to write and to do sums in arithmetic, but it would make my story too long.

I will now try to describe the first Christmas I knew anything about. Oh, what a merry, merry Christmas it was!! No child in all the land could have been happier than I was. I had never known what Christmas meant before Teacher came, and every one in the family tried to make my first Christmas a memorable one.

They all prepared surprises for me, and the mystery with which they surrounded their gifts was my greatest amusement during the last days of December. My mother and Teacher seemed always to be at work upon secrets, which they pretended to hide as soon as I appeared. I got more and more excited as the day when the mysteries were to be revealed approached.

It came at last, the glad, beautiful Christmas Day! I awoke earlier than usual, and flew to the table where I had been told Santa Claus would leave his presents, and sure enough, there they were! Such gifts! such gifts! How shall I describe them? There was a real canary in a cage, a lovely doll in a cradle, a trunk full of treasures, a beautiful set of dishes and many other choice things.

The day was full of joy from beginning to end, and I shall always think of it as the merriest, happiest Christmas of my childhood.

The next important event in my life was my visit to Boston. I shall never forget the incidents connected with that happy event, the preparations beforehand, the departure with Teacher and mother, the journey, and finally, the arrival in the beautiful City of Kind Hearts one morning late in May.

During the long winter evenings, as we sat by the glowing fare, Teacher had told me of her far-away northern home, and of the dear, unknown friends there, who loved her little pupil, until a great longing to visit Boston grew strong in my heart. And one day, like an answer to my wish, came a kind letter from Mr. Anagnos, inviting mother, Teacher and me to spend the summer with him.

The invitation was accepted, and the middle of May was the time fixed upon for our departure. I thought the days of impatient waiting endless; but at last they were over, and I found myself sitting by Teacher in the train, asking many eager questions as it sped onward.

We spent a few days in Washington, visiting the places of interest, and I learned many things about the government of our country. I saw the President, and the beautiful gardens surrounding the White House. It was there also that I met my clear friend Doctor Bell. He came to see me, and afterwards sent me a toy elephant which amused me greatly.

But although I enjoyed my stay in Washington, yet I was glad when we resumed our journey, and gladder still when the train stopped, and Teacher said: "This is Boston!!"

I wish it were possible for me to give a full description of that memorable visit; for it was rich in incidents, and new exciting experiences. But it would take much time, and I fear my story is already too long, so I will only mention disconnectedly the things that most impressed me.