These children had been patiently taught
the finger language, and they had also learnt to express themselves by the
quicker language of signs, so that they could understand a great deal, and
could do many clever things; but it made me very sad to see so many of them
at once, for I knew that this world was to them a silent world. They could
see people speak and smile, but never hear one sound; they might watch the
fingers of anyone who was playing the piano move quickly over the keys, but
not one note of music could reach them. Think how sad it must be never to
have heard your mother's voice, never to be able to speak to those you love
except by signs, which can tell so little of what you want to say, even
if they are understood. Ah, you cannot tell _how_ sad it is! Ernest and
Sharley and May were with me when we went to the school; and when some of
the elder boys acted little plays, just as you might act "dumb charades,"
to amuse the visitors, they were delighted with their cleverness, and
laughed heartily; and I daresay the boys were pleased to see them laugh,
though they could not hear them. These boys spoke very quickly on their
fingers, and wrote beautifully on the black board, in answer to questions
which they were asked. I do not remember what these questions and answers
were; but I know we all thought some of the questions too difficult, and
wondered at the good and thoughtful answers which were given.
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