THE STORY OF DEBORAH 7 



The reader will see that Deborah's teachers have 

 worked with her faithfully and carefully, hoping for 

 progress, even seeing it where at a later date it became 

 evident that no real advance had been made. Note the 

 oft-repeated " She could if she would, " or " If she would 

 only pay attention," and similar expressions, which 

 show the unwillingness of the teachers to admit even 

 to themselves that she is really feeble-minded. In the 

 earlier records it was noted that Deborah was not fond 

 of music, while in later reports it is shown to be her one 

 great accomplishment. To-day she is a woman of 

 twenty-two. The consensus of opinion of those who 

 have known her for the last fourteen years in the In- 

 stitution is as follows r 



"She is cheerful, inclined to be quarrelsome, very 

 active and restless, very affectionate, willing, and 

 tries ; is quick and excitable, fairly good-tempered. 

 Learns a new occupation quickly, but requires a half 

 hour or twenty-four repetitions to learn four lines. 

 Retains well what she has once learned. Needs 

 close supervision. Is bold towards strangers, kind 

 towards animals. Can run an electric sewing ma- 

 chine, cook, and do practically everything about the 

 house. Has no noticeable defect. She is quick and 

 observing, has a good memory, writes fairly, does 

 excellent work in wood-carving and kindergarten, is 

 excellent in imitation. Is a poor reader and poor at 



