EVE'S DIARY
By Mark Twain
Illustrated by Lester Ralph
Part II.
Eve's Diary
Translated from the Original
SUNDAY.—It is pleasant again, now, and I am happy; but those wereheavy days; I do not think of them when I can help it.
I tried to get him some of those apples, but I cannot learn tothrow straight. I failed, but I think the good intention pleased him.They are forbidden, and he says I shall come to harm; but so Icome to harm through pleasing him, why shall I care for that harm?
MONDAY.—This morning I told him my name, hoping it would interest him.But he did not care for it. It is strange. If he should tell mehis name, I would care. I think it would be pleasanter in my earsthan any other sound.
He talks very little. Perhaps it is because he is not bright,and is sensitive about it and wishes to conceal it. It issuch a pity that he should feel so, for brightness is nothing;it is in the heart that the values lie. I wish I could make himunderstand that a loving good heart is riches, and riches enough,and that without it intellect is poverty.
Although he talks so little, he has quite a considerablevocabulary. This morning he used a surprisingly good word.He evidently recognized, himself, that it was a good one, for heworked in in twice afterward, casually. It was good casual art,still it showed that he possesses a certain quality of perception.Without a doubt that seed can be made to grow, if cultivated.
Where did he get that word? I do not think I have ever used it.
No, he took no interest in my name. I tried to hide my disappointment,but I suppose I did not succeed. I went away and sat on themoss-bank with my feet in the water. It is where I go when I hungerfor companionship, some one to look at, some one to talk to.It is not enough—that lovely white body painted there in thepool—but it is something, and something is better than utter loneliness.It talks when I talk; it is sad when I am sad; it comforts me withits sympathy; it says, "Do not be downhearted, you poor friendless girl;I will be your friend." It IS a good friend to me, and my only one;it is my sister.