New-York tribune., 1919-08-24
Heller; !;
By Elarriette Underhill

we nave JUST seen Helen Keller
We have talked to her, and what is
still more wonderful she has >talked
to us, and VIC have come away exalted,
feeling as though we had been in the
presence of something more than
human.
She IS young and romantic and eager
and gay and gentle and lovely and.
what is of almost as great importance,
beautifully gowned. And it is so diff
iicult to realize that she dwells in a
world where there is no light and no
sound.
When we went into her drawing
room at the Knickerbocker tea was
just being served. There was a large
party and every one was laughing, Miss
Keller the gayest of the lot. AS we
stepped into the room she detected our
presence in a second.
"Who is t?" she said In flash
Anne Sullivan, the wonderful woman
who has been with her since her early
childhood and who has taught her all
she knows, spelled out on her hand
our name and our occupation.
"Miss Underhill," said Miss Keller
slowly, II am glad to see YOU Sit
by me and tell me if you understand ,"
And in few moments Miss Keller
was carrying on a conversation with
us which made us forget entirely that
she could not hear what we said nor
even what she herself was saying.
She does not speak quite as the rest
OF Us do. She expresses herself in
much the same manner, but each word
she utters carefully as one who is try
ing to remember his pronunciation. 1t
IS like the English spoken by one who
mas recently learned our language and
who is bound that it shall be perfect.
by placing her fingers on your lips
MISS Keller knows everything that you
say to her. 1t seems incredible, but it
is true, and she can. do the same thing
in French, Italian and German-but
We could not.
Your picture, 'Deliverance,' is splen
And this from a critic, too" said
Miss Keller, laughing. at is praise
indeed. l like the picture, but you
may see faults in it which I do not
see. But love to act and I love to
see people act. Charlie Chaplin acted
some of his comedies for me when
was in Los Angeles"
Can you understand everything we
say!" we asked in amazement.
"Can you understand what l saw? q"
answered Miss Keller instantly. "You
have only two ears-I have ten." hold
ing up her hands and wiggling her
fingers.
~ think motion pictures are so Won
derful. Think of the educational value
The printed word is dull in comparison
with the story told on the screen. If
you wish to write about me, l suppose
you wish to know what 1 think about
the future of motion pictures"
mo, Miss Keller" we assured, "we
are much more interested in your
future. Do you love pretty clothes ?"
though we didn't need to ask. She was
wearing an orchid chiffon. gown.
beaded, big picture hat, silver fox
furs and the most beautiful pair of
slippers and buckles we ever have seen.
They made US green with envy.
'Dld you ever see a daughter of Eve
VINO did not love clothes?" Miss Keller
said quickly.
but her daughters did not inherit
their fondness from their mother" we
SAID, because it was fascinating to
draw out this wonder woman.
Eve, she wore leaf, but / think
she was particular about her costume
too' and it has it's advantages, you
know. Yes, do love clothes and some
tlmes l. am very hard to suit. Nav 7
see how you look?" and Miss Keller
passed her hands softly and swiftly
over our face.
We were bit nervous while sha was