What was the role of Mark Twain in Helen's life?

Helen Keller was an avid reader.  She especially loved reading Mark Twain's books.  To her delight, he also became a friend to her.  When Helen was living in New York, she met Mr. and Mrs. Hutton.  She spent time with them, and "Mr. Hutton introduced [her] to many of his literary friends."  It was through Mr. Hutton that Helen met Mark Twain.  

Mark Twain was accommodating to Helen.  Her told her stories as she "read from [his] lips" by placing her fingers on his mouth.  She appreciated that he had "his own way of thinking, saying and doing everything."  She knew this about him even though she was deaf and blind because she was a very perceptive person.  Helen could even "feel the twinkle of his eye in his handshake."  She enjoyed his "cynical wisdom," as well as his tenderness.  Helen appreciated her friend for his unique personality and his kindness towards her and others.