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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Heidi, by Johanna Spyri
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Heidi
+       (Gift Edition)
+
+Author: Johanna Spyri
+
+Commentator: Charles Wharton Stork
+
+Illustrator: Maria Kirk
+
+Translator: Elisabeth Stork
+
+Release Date: March 9, 2007 [EBook #20781]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HEIDI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jason Isbell, Emma Morgan Isbell, Jeannie Howse
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net. This file is gratefully uploaded to
+the PG collection in honor of Distributed Proofreaders
+having posted over 10,000 ebooks.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +-----------------------------------------------------------+
+    | Transcriber's Note:                                       |
+    |                                                           |
+    | This document reproduces the text for the Gift Edition of |
+    | Heidi, if you would like to see the illustrations, margin |
+    | art, and decorations, the html version is recommended.    |
+    |                                                           |
+    | Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has     |
+    | been preserved.                                           |
+    |                                                           |
+    | Obvious typographical errors have been corrected in this  |
+    | text. For a complete list, please see the end of this     |
+    | document.                                                 |
+    |                                                           |
+    +-----------------------------------------------------------+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+                            HEIDI
+
+                        JOHANNA SPYRI
+
+
+                   [Illustration: (Heidi)]
+
+                   [Illustration: (Peter)]
+
+
+
+
+                            HEIDI
+
+                         GIFT EDITION
+
+
+   [Illustration: WAVING HER HAND AND LOOKING AFTER HER DEPARTING
+   FRIEND TILL HE SEEMED NO BIGGER THAN A LITTLE DOT
+   _Page 228_]
+
+
+
+
+                            HEIDI
+
+                              BY
+                        JOHANNA SPYRI
+
+                        TRANSLATED BY
+                      ELISABETH P. STORK
+
+                  _WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY_
+              CHARLES WHARTON STORK, A.M., PH.D.
+
+                _14 ILLUSTRATIONS IN COLOR BY_
+                        MARIA L. KIRK
+
+                         GIFT EDITION
+
+                   PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON
+                   J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
+                             1919
+
+
+
+
+         COPYRIGHT, 1915. BY J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
+
+           ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS AND DECORATIONS
+         COPYRIGHT, 1919, BY J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
+
+
+              PRINTED BY J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
+                AT THE WASHINGTON SQUARE PRESS
+                     PHILADELPHIA, U.S.A.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+Unassuming in plot and style, "Heidi" may none the less lay claim to
+rank as a world classic. In the first place, both background and
+characters ring true. The air of the Alps is wafted to us in every
+page; the house among the pines, the meadows, and the eagle poised
+above the naked rocks form a picture that no one could willingly
+forget. And the people, from the kindly towns-folk to the quaint and
+touching peasant types, are as real as any representation of human
+nature need be. Every goat even, has its personality. As for the
+little heroine, she is a blessing not only to everyone in the story,
+but to everyone who reads it. The narrative merits of the book are too
+apparent to call for comment.
+
+As to the author, Johanna Spyri, she has so entirely lost herself in
+her creation that we may pass over her career rather rapidly. She was
+born in Switzerland in 1829, came of a literary family, and devoted
+all her talent to the writing of books for and about children.
+
+Since "Heidi" has been so often translated into English it may well be
+asked why there is any need for a new version. The answer lies partly
+in the conventional character of the previous translations. Now, if
+there is any quality in "Heidi" that gives it a particular charm, that
+quality is freshness, absolute spontaneity. To be sure, the story is
+so attractive that it could never be wholly spoiled; but has not the
+reader the right to enjoy it in English at least very nearly as much
+as he could in German? The two languages are so different in nature
+that anything like a literal rendering of one into the other is sure
+to result in awkwardness and indirectness. Such a book must be not
+translated, but re-lived and re-created.
+
+To perform such a feat the writer must, to begin with, be familiar
+with the mountains, and able to appreciate with Wordsworth
+
+    The silence that is in the starry sky,
+    The sleep that is among the lonely hills.
+
+The translator of the present version was born and reared in a region
+closely similar to that of the story. Her home was originally in the
+picturesque town of Salzburg, and her father, Franz von Pausinger, was
+one of the greatest landscape painters of his country and generation.
+Another equally important requisite is knowledge of children. It
+happens that this translator has a daughter just the age of the
+heroine, who moreover loves to dress in Tyrolese costume. To translate
+"Heidi" was for her therefore a labor of love, which means that the
+love contended with and overcame the labor.
+
+The English style of the present version is, then, distinctive. It has
+often been noticed that those who acquire a foreign language often
+learn to speak it with unusual clearness and purity. For illustration
+we need go no further than Joseph Conrad, a Pole, probably the
+greatest master of narrative English writing to-day; or to our own
+fellow-citizen Carl Schurz. In the present case, the writer has lived
+seven years in America and has strengthened an excellent training with
+a wide reading of the best English classics.
+
+Many people say that they read without noticing the author's style.
+This is seldom quite true; unconsciously every one is impressed in
+some way or other by the style of every book, or by its lack of style.
+Children are particularly sensitive in this respect and should,
+therefore, as much as is practicable, read only the best. In the new
+translation of "Heidi" here offered to the public I believe that most
+readers will notice an especial flavor, that very quality of delight
+in mountain scenes, in mountain people and in child life generally,
+which is one of the chief merits of the German original. The phrasing
+has also been carefully adapted to the purpose of reading aloud--a
+thing that few translators think of. In conclusion, the author,
+realising the difference between the two languages, has endeavored to
+write the story afresh, as Johanna Spyri would have written it had
+English been her native tongue. How successful the attempt has been
+the reader will judge.
+
+                                    CHARLES WHARTON STORK
+                            Assistant Professor of English at the
+                                   University of Pennsylvania
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+PART I
+
+HEIDI'S YEARS OF LEARNING AND TRAVEL
+
+CHAPTER                                                      PAGE
+    I. GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE                               17
+
+   II. WITH THE GRANDFATHER                                    38
+
+  III. ON THE PASTURE                                          50
+
+   IV. IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT                                67
+
+    V. TWO VISITORS                                            83
+
+   VI. A NEW CHAPTER WITH NEW THINGS                           95
+
+  VII. MISS ROTTENMEIER HAS AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY              104
+
+ VIII. GREAT DISTURBANCES IN THE SESEMANN HOUSE               119
+
+   IX. THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE HEARS OF STRANGE DOINGS        129
+
+    X. A GRANDMAMA                                            136
+
+   XI. HEIDI GAINS IN SOME RESPECTS AND LOSES IN OTHERS       146
+
+  XII. THE SESEMANN HOUSE IS HAUNTED                          153
+
+ XIII. UP THE ALP ON A SUMMER EVENING                         165
+
+  XIV. ON SUNDAY WHEN THE CHURCH BELLS RING                   183
+
+
+PART II
+
+HEIDI MAKES USE OF HER EXPERIENCE
+
+   XV. PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY                             199
+
+  XVI. A GUEST ON THE ALP                                     207
+
+ XVII. RETALIATION                                            219
+
+XVIII. WINTER IN THE VILLAGE                                  229
+
+  XIX. WINTER STILL CONTINUES                                 243
+
+   XX. NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS                              252
+
+  XXI. ON FURTHER EVENTS ON THE ALP                           268
+
+ XXII. SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS                           276
+
+XXIII. PARTING TO MEET AGAIN                                  293
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+                                                             PAGE
+WAVING HER HAND AND LOOKING AFTER HER DEPARTING
+  FRIEND TILL HE LOOKED NO BIGGER THAN A LITTLE
+  DOT                                              _Frontispiece_
+
+SHE UNDID THE HEAVY SHAWL AND THE TWO LITTLE DRESSES           30
+
+HERE A NEAT LITTLE BED WAS PREPARED                            41
+
+SHE HANDED HIM ALSO THE WHOLE SLICE OF CHEESE                  57
+
+OFF THEY STARTED AT SUCH A PACE THAT HEIDI SHOUTED FOR
+  JOY                                                          71
+
+WHEN HEIDI HEARD THAT SHE STRUGGLED TO GET FREE                92
+
+OFF THEY STARTED, AND SOON HEIDI WAS PULLING THE
+  DOOR-BELL                                                   116
+
+THERE SHE WOULD REMAIN, EATING HER HEART AWAY WITH
+  LONGING                                                     152
+
+THROWING HERSELF IN HER GRANDFATHER'S ARMS, SHE HELD HIM
+  TIGHT                                                       179
+
+WITH HEIDI'S HAND IN HIS THEY WANDERED DOWN TOGETHER          192
+
+THEY ARE COMING, OH, THE DOCTOR IS COMING FIRST               211
+
+THE TWO CHILDREN WERE ALREADY FLYING DOWN THE ALP             241
+
+HE WATCHED HIS FALLEN ENEMY TUMBLING DOWNWARDS,
+  DOWNWARDS                                                   277
+
+PETER SHOT OFF AND RUSHED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN-SIDE,
+  TURNING WILD SOMERSAULTS ON HIS PERILOUS WAY                298
+
+
+
+
+Part I
+
+Heidi's Years of Learning and Travel
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+HEIDI
+
+
+I
+
+GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE
+
+
+The little old town of Mayenfeld is charmingly situated. From it a
+footpath leads through green, well-wooded stretches to the foot of the
+heights which look down imposingly upon the valley. Where the footpath
+begins to go steeply and abruptly up the Alps, the heath, with its
+short grass and pungent herbage, at once sends out its soft perfume to
+meet the wayfarer.
+
+One bright sunny morning in June, a tall, vigorous maiden of the
+mountain region climbed up the narrow path, leading a little girl by
+the hand. The youngster's cheeks were in such a glow that it showed
+even through her sun-browned skin. Small wonder though! for in spite
+of the heat, the little one, who was scarcely five years old, was
+bundled up as if she had to brave a bitter frost. Her shape was
+difficult to distinguish, for she wore two dresses, if not three, and
+around her shoulders a large red cotton shawl. With her feet encased
+in heavy hob-nailed boots, this hot and shapeless little person toiled
+up the mountain.
+
+The pair had been climbing for about an hour when they reached a
+hamlet half-way up the great mountain named the Alm. This hamlet was
+called "Im Dörfli" or "The Little Village." It was the elder girl's
+home town, and therefore she was greeted from nearly every house;
+people called to her from windows and doors, and very often from the
+road. But, answering questions and calls as she went by, the girl did
+not loiter on her way and only stood still when she reached the end of
+the hamlet. There a few cottages lay scattered about, from the
+furthest of which a voice called out to her through an open door:
+"Deta, please wait one moment! I am coming with you, if you are going
+further up."
+
+When the girl stood still to wait, the child instantly let go her hand
+and promptly sat down on the ground.
+
+"Are you tired, Heidi?" Deta asked the child.
+
+"No, but hot," she replied.
+
+"We shall be up in an hour, if you take big steps and climb with all
+your little might!" Thus the elder girl tried to encourage her small
+companion.
+
+A stout, pleasant-looking woman stepped out of the house and joined
+the two. The child had risen and wandered behind the old
+acquaintances, who immediately started gossiping about their friends
+in the neighborhood and the people of the hamlet generally.
+
+"Where are you taking the child, Deta?" asked the newcomer. "Is she
+the child your sister left?"
+
+"Yes," Deta assured her; "I am taking her up to the Alm-Uncle and
+there I want her to remain."
+
+"You can't really mean to take her there Deta. You must have lost your
+senses, to go to him. I am sure the old man will show you the door and
+won't even listen to what you say."
+
+"Why not? As he's her grandfather, it is high time he should do
+something for the child. I have taken care of her until this summer
+and now a good place has been offered to me. The child shall not
+hinder me from accepting it, I tell you that!"
+
+"It would not be so hard, if he were like other mortals. But you know
+him yourself. How could he _look_ after a child, especially such a
+little one? She'll never get along with him, I am sure of that!--But
+tell me of your prospects."
+
+"I am going to a splendid house in Frankfurt. Last summer some people
+went off to the baths and I took care of their rooms. As they got to
+like me, they wanted to take me along, but I could not leave. They
+have come back now and have persuaded me to go with them."
+
+"I am glad I am not the child!" exclaimed Barbara with a shudder.
+"Nobody knows anything about the old man's life up there. He doesn't
+speak to a living soul, and from one year's end to the other he keeps
+away from church. People get out of his way when he appears once in a
+twelve-month down here among us. We all fear him and he is really just
+like a heathen or an old Indian, with those thick grey eyebrows and
+that huge uncanny beard. When he wanders along the road with his
+twisted stick we are all afraid to meet him alone."
+
+"That is not my fault," said Deta stubbornly. "He won't do her any
+harm; and if he should, he is responsible, not I."
+
+"I wish I knew what weighs on the old man's conscience. Why are his
+eyes so fierce and why does he live up there all alone? Nobody ever
+sees him and we hear many strange things about him. Didn't your sister
+tell you anything, Deta?"
+
+"Of course she did, but I shall hold my tongue. He would make me pay
+for it if I didn't."
+
+Barbara had long been anxious to know something about the old uncle
+and why he lived apart from everybody. Nobody had a good word for him,
+and when people talked about him, they did not speak openly but as if
+they were afraid. She could not even explain to herself why he was
+called the Alm-Uncle. He could not possibly be the uncle of all the
+people in the village, but since everybody spoke of him so, she did
+the same. Barbara, who had only lived in the village since her
+marriage, was glad to get some information from her friend. Deta had
+been bred there, but since her mother's death had gone away to earn
+her livelihood.
+
+She confidentially seized Deta's arm and said: "I wish you would tell
+me the truth about him, Deta; you know it all--people only gossip.
+Tell me, what has happened to the old man to turn everybody against
+him so? Did he always hate his fellow-creatures?"
+
+"I cannot tell you whether he always did, and that for a very good
+reason. He being sixty years old, and I only twenty-six, you can't
+expect me to give you an account of his early youth. But if you'll
+promise to keep it to yourself and not set all the people in Prätiggan
+talking, I can tell you a good deal. My mother and he both came from
+Domleschg."
+
+"How can you talk like that, Deta?" replied Barbara in an offended
+tone. "People do not gossip much in Prätiggan, and I always can keep
+things to myself, if I have to. You won't repent of having told me, I
+assure you!"
+
+"All right, but keep your word!" said Deta warningly. Then she looked
+around to see that the child was not so close to them as to overhear
+what might be said; but the little girl was nowhere to be seen. While
+the two young women had talked at such a rate, they had not noticed
+her absence; quite a while must have elapsed since the little girl had
+given up following her companions. Deta, standing still, looked about
+her everywhere, but no one was on the path, which--except for a few
+curves--was visible as far down as the village.
+
+"There she is! Can't you see her there?" exclaimed Barbara, pointing
+to a spot a good distance from the path. "She is climbing up with the
+goatherd Peter and his goats. I wonder why he is so late to-day. I
+must say, it suits us well enough; he can look after the child while
+you tell me everything without being interrupted."
+
+"It will be very easy for Peter to watch her," remarked Deta; "she is
+bright for her five years and keeps her eyes wide open. I have often
+noticed that and I am glad for her, for it will be useful with the
+uncle. He has nothing left in the whole wide world, but his cottage
+and two goats!"
+
+"Did he once have more?" asked Barbara.
+
+"I should say so. He was heir to a large farm in Domleschg. But
+setting up to play the fine gentleman, he soon lost everything with
+drink and play. His parents died with grief and he himself
+disappeared from these parts. After many years he came back with a
+half-grown boy, his son, Tobias, that was his name, became a carpenter
+and turned out to be a quiet, steady fellow. Many strange rumors went
+round about the uncle and I think that was why he left Domleschg for
+Dörfli. We acknowledged relationship, my mother's grandmother being a
+cousin of his. We called him uncle, and because we are related on my
+father's side to nearly all the people in the hamlet they too all
+called him uncle. He was named 'Alm-Uncle' when he moved up to the
+Alm."
+
+"But what happened to Tobias?" asked Barbara eagerly.
+
+"Just wait. How can I tell you everything at once?" exclaimed Deta.
+"Tobias was an apprentice in Mels, and when he was made master, he
+came home to the village and married my sister Adelheid. They always
+had been fond of each other and they lived very happily as man and
+wife. But their joy was short. Two years afterwards, when Tobias was
+helping to build a house, a beam fell on him and killed him. Adelheid
+was thrown into a violent fever with grief and fright, and never
+recovered from it. She had never been strong and had often suffered
+from queer spells, when we did not know whether she was awake or
+asleep. Only a few weeks after Tobias's death they buried poor
+Adelheid.
+
+"People said that heaven had punished the uncle for his misdeeds.
+After the death of his son he never spoke to a living soul. Suddenly
+he moved up to the Alp, to live there at enmity with God and man.
+
+"My mother and I took Adelheid's little year-old baby, Heidi, to live
+with us. When I went to Ragatz I took her with me; but in the spring
+the family whose work I had done last year came from Frankfurt and
+resolved to take me to their town-house. I am very glad to get such a
+good position."
+
+"And now you want to hand over the child to this terrible old man. I
+really wonder how you can do it, Deta!" said Barbara with reproach in
+her voice.
+
+"It seems to me I have really done enough for the child. I do not know
+where else to take her, as she is too young to come with me to
+Frankfurt. By the way, Barbara, where are you going? We are half-way
+up the Alm already."
+
+Deta shook hands with her companion and stood still while Barbara
+approached the tiny, dark-brown mountain hut, which lay in a hollow a
+few steps away from the path.
+
+Situated half-way up the Alm, the cottage was luckily protected from
+the mighty winds. Had it been exposed to the tempests, it would have
+been a doubtful habitation in the state of decay it was in. Even as it
+was, the doors and windows rattled and the old rafters shook when the
+south wind swept the mountain side. If the hut had stood on the Alm
+top, the wind would have blown it down the valley without much ado
+when the storm season came.
+
+Here lived Peter the goatherd, a boy eleven years old, who daily
+fetched the goats from the village and drove them up the mountain to
+the short and luscious grasses of the pastures. Peter raced down in
+the evening with the light-footed little goats. When he whistled
+sharply through his fingers, every owner would come and get his or her
+goat. These owners were mostly small boys and girls and, as the goats
+were friendly, they did not fear them. That was the only time Peter
+spent with other children, the rest of the day the animals were his
+sole companions. At home lived his mother and an old blind
+grandmother, but he only spent enough time in the hut to swallow his
+bread and milk for breakfast and the same repast for supper. After
+that he sought his bed to sleep. He always left early in the morning
+and at night he came home late, so that he could be with his friends
+as long as possible. His father had met with an accident some years
+ago; he also had been called Peter the goatherd. His mother, whose
+name was Brigida, was called "Goatherd Peter's wife" and his blind
+grandmother was called by young and old from many miles about just
+"grandmother."
+
+Deta waited about ten minutes to see if the children were coming up
+behind with the goats. As she could not find them anywhere, she
+climbed up a little higher to get a better view down the valley from
+there, and peered from side to side with marks of great impatience on
+her countenance.
+
+The children in the meantime were ascending slowly in a zigzag way,
+Peter always knowing where to find all sorts of good grazing places
+for his goats where they could nibble. Thus they strayed from side to
+side. The poor little girl had followed the boy only with the greatest
+effort and she was panting in her heavy clothes. She was so hot and
+uncomfortable that she only climbed by exerting all her strength. She
+did not say anything but looked enviously at Peter, who jumped about
+so easily in his light trousers and bare feet. She envied even more
+the goats that climbed over bushes, stones, and steep inclines with
+their slender legs. Suddenly sitting down on the ground the child
+swiftly took off her shoes and stockings. Getting up she undid the
+heavy shawl and the two little dresses. Out she slipped without more
+ado and stood up in only a light petticoat. In sheer delight at the
+relief, she threw up her dimpled arms, that were bare up to her short
+sleeves. To save the trouble of carrying them, her aunt had dressed
+her in her Sunday clothes over her workday garments. Heidi arranged
+her dresses neatly in a heap and joined Peter and the goats. She was
+now as light-footed as any of them. When Peter, who had not paid much
+attention, saw her suddenly in her light attire, he grinned. Looking
+back, he saw the little heap of dresses on the ground and then he
+grinned yet more, till his mouth seemed to reach from ear to ear; but
+he said never a word.
+
+The child, feeling free and comfortable, started to converse with
+Peter, and he had to answer many questions. She asked him how many
+goats he had, and where he led them, what he did with them when he got
+there, and so forth.
+
+   [Illustration: SHE UNDID THE HEAVY SHAWL AND THE TWO LITTLE
+   DRESSES]
+
+At last the children reached the summit in front of the hut. When Deta
+saw the little party of climbers she cried out shrilly: "Heidi, what
+have you done? What a sight you are! Where are your dresses and your
+shawl? Are the new shoes gone that I just bought for you, and the new
+stockings that I made myself? Where are they all, Heidi?"
+
+The child quietly pointed down and said "There."
+
+The aunt followed the direction of her finger and descried a little
+heap with a small red dot in the middle, which she recognized as the
+shawl.
+
+"Unlucky child!" Deta said excitedly. "What does all this mean? Why
+have you taken your things all off?"
+
+"Because I do not need them," said the child, not seeming in the least
+repentant of her deed.
+
+"How can you be so stupid, Heidi? Have you lost your senses?" the aunt
+went on, in a tone of mingled vexation and reproach. "Who do you think
+will go way down there to fetch those things up again? It is
+half-an-hour's walk. Please, Peter, run down and get them. Do not
+stand and stare at me as if you were glued to the spot."
+
+"I am late already," replied Peter, and stood without moving from the
+place where, with his hands in his trousers' pockets, he had witnessed
+the violent outbreak of Heidi's aunt.
+
+"There you are, standing and staring, but that won't get you further,"
+said Deta. "I'll give you this if you go down." With that she held a
+five-penny-piece under his eyes. That made Peter start and in a great
+hurry he ran down the straightest path. He arrived again in so short a
+time that Deta had to praise him and gave him her little coin without
+delay. He did not often get such a treasure, and therefore his face
+was beaming and he laughingly dropped the money deep into his pocket.
+
+"If you are going up to the uncle, as we are, you can carry the pack
+till we get there," said Deta. They still had to climb a steep ascent
+that lay behind Peter's hut. The boy readily took the things and
+followed Deta, his left arm holding the bundle and his right swinging
+the stick. Heidi jumped along gaily by his side with the goats.
+
+After three quarters of an hour they reached the height where the hut
+of the old man stood on a prominent rock, exposed to every wind, but
+bathed in the full sunlight. From there you could gaze far down into
+the valley. Behind the hut stood three old fir-trees with great shaggy
+branches. Further back the old grey rocks rose high and sheer. Above
+them you could see green and fertile pastures, till at last the stony
+boulders reached the bare, steep cliffs.
+
+Overlooking the valley the uncle had made himself a bench, by the side
+of the hut. Here he sat, with his pipe between his teeth and both
+hands resting on his knees. He quietly watched the children climbing
+up with the goats and Aunt Deta behind them, for the children had
+caught up to her long ago. Heidi reached the top first, and
+approaching the old man she held out her hand to him and said: "Good
+evening, grandfather!"
+
+"Well, well, what does that mean?" replied the old man in a rough
+voice. Giving her his hand for only a moment, he watched her with a
+long and penetrating look from under his bushy brows. Heidi gazed back
+at him with an unwinking glance and examined him with much curiosity,
+for he was strange to look at, with his thick, grey beard and shaggy
+eyebrows, that met in the middle like a thicket.
+
+Heidi's aunt had arrived in the meantime with Peter, who was eager to
+see what was going to happen.
+
+"Good-day to you, uncle," said Deta as she approached. "This is
+Tobias's and Adelheid's child. You won't be able to remember her,
+because last time you saw her she was scarcely a year old."
+
+"Why do you bring her here?" asked the uncle, and turning to Peter he
+said: "Get away and bring my goats. How late you are already!"
+
+Peter obeyed and disappeared on the spot; the uncle had looked at him
+in such a manner that he was glad to go.
+
+"Uncle, I have brought the little girl for you to keep," said Deta. "I
+have done my share these last four years and now it is your turn to
+provide for her."
+
+The old man's eyes flamed with anger. "Indeed!" he said. "What on
+earth shall I do, when she begins to whine and cry for you? Small
+children always do, and then I'll be helpless."
+
+"You'll have to look out for that!" Deta retorted. "When the little
+baby was left in my hands a few years ago, I had to find out how to
+care for the little innocent myself and nobody told me anything. I
+already had mother on my hands and there was plenty for me to do. You
+can't blame me if I want to earn some money now. If you can't keep the
+child, you can do with her whatever you please. If she comes to harm
+you are responsible and I am sure you do not want to burden your
+conscience any further."
+
+Deta had said more in her excitement than she had intended, just
+because her conscience was not quite clear. The uncle had risen during
+her last words and now he gave her such a look that she retreated a
+few steps. Stretching out his arm in a commanding gesture, he said to
+her: "Away with you! Begone! Stay wherever you came from and don't
+venture soon again into my sight!"
+
+Deta did not have to be told twice. She said "Good-bye" to Heidi and
+"Farewell" to the uncle, and started down the mountain. Like steam her
+excitement seemed to drive her forward, and she ran down at a
+tremendous rate. The people in the village called to her now more than
+they had on her way up, because they all were wondering where she had
+left the child. They were well acquainted with both and knew their
+history. When she heard from door and windows: "Where is the child?"
+"Where have you left her, Deta?" and so forth, she answered more and
+more reluctantly: "Up with the Alm-Uncle,--with the Alm-Uncle!" She
+became much provoked because the women called to her from every side:
+"How could you do it?" "The poor little creature!" "The idea of
+leaving such a helpless child up there!" and, over and over again:
+"The poor little dear!" Deta ran as quickly as she could and was glad
+when she heard no more calls, because, to tell the truth, she herself
+was uneasy. Her mother had asked her on her deathbed to care for
+Heidi. But she consoled herself with the thought that she would be
+able to do more for the child if she could earn some money. She was
+very glad to go away from people who interfered in her affairs, and
+looked forward with great delight to her new place.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+WITH THE GRANDFATHER
+
+
+After Deta had disappeared, the Uncle sat down again on the bench,
+blowing big clouds of smoke out of his pipe. He did not speak, but
+kept his eyes fastened on the ground. In the meantime Heidi looked
+about her, and discovering the goat-shed, peeped in. Nothing could be
+seen inside. Searching for some more interesting thing, she saw the
+three old fir-trees behind the hut. Here the wind was roaring through
+the branches and the tree-tops were swaying to and fro. Heidi stood
+still to listen. After the wind had ceased somewhat, she walked round
+the hut back to her grandfather. She found him in exactly the same
+position, and planting herself in front of the old man, with arms
+folded behind her back, she gazed at him. The grandfather, looking up,
+saw the child standing motionless before him. "What do you want to do
+now?" he asked her.
+
+"I want to see what's in the hut," replied Heidi.
+
+"Come then," and with that the grandfather got up and entered the
+cottage.
+
+"Take your things along," he commanded.
+
+"I do not want them any more," answered Heidi.
+
+The old man, turning about, threw a penetrating glance at her. The
+child's black eyes were sparkling in expectation of all the things to
+come. "She is not lacking in intelligence," he muttered to himself.
+Aloud he added: "Why don't you need them any more?"
+
+"I want to go about like the light-footed goats!"
+
+"All right, you can; but fetch the things and we'll put them in the
+cupboard." The child obeyed the command. The old man now opened the
+door, and Heidi followed him into a fairly spacious room, which took
+in the entire expanse of the hut. In one corner stood a table and a
+chair, and in another the grandfather's bed. Across the room a large
+kettle was suspended over the hearth, and opposite to it a large door
+was sunk into the wall. This the grandfather opened. It was the
+cupboard, in which all his clothes were kept. In one shelf were a few
+shirts, socks and towels; on another a few plates, cups and glasses;
+and on the top shelf Heidi could see a round loaf of bread, some bacon
+and cheese. In this cupboard the grandfather kept everything that he
+needed for his subsistence. When he opened it, Heidi pushed her things
+as far behind the grandfather's clothes as she could reach. She did
+not want them found again in a hurry. After looking around attentively
+in the room, she asked, "Where am I going to sleep, grandfather?"
+
+"Wherever you want to," he replied. That suited Heidi exactly. She
+peeped into all the corners of the room and looked at every little
+nook to find a cosy place to sleep. Beside the old man's bed she saw a
+ladder. Climbing up, she arrived at a hayloft, which was filled with
+fresh and fragrant hay. Through a tiny round window she could look far
+down into the valley.
+
+   [Illustration: HERE A NEAT LITTLE BED WAS PREPARED]
+
+"I want to sleep up here," Heidi called down. "Oh, it is lovely here.
+Please come up, grandfather, and see it for yourself."
+
+"I know it," sounded from below.
+
+"I am making the bed now," the little girl called out again, while she
+ran busily to and fro. "Oh, do come up and bring a sheet, grandfather,
+for every bed must have a sheet."
+
+"Is that so?" said the old man. After a while he opened the cupboard
+and rummaged around in it. At last he pulled out a long coarse cloth
+from under the shirts. It somewhat resembled a sheet, and with this he
+climbed up to the loft. Here a neat little bed was already prepared.
+On top the hay was heaped up high so that the head of the occupant
+would lie exactly opposite the window.
+
+The grandfather was well pleased with the arrangement. To prevent the
+hard floor from being felt, he made the couch twice as thick. Then he
+and Heidi together put the heavy sheet on, tucking the ends in well.
+Heidi looked thoughtfully at her fresh, new bed and said,
+"Grandfather, we have forgotten something."
+
+"What?" he asked.
+
+"I have no cover. When I go to bed I always creep in between the sheet
+and the cover."
+
+"What shall we do if I haven't any?" asked the grandfather.
+
+"Never mind, I'll just take some more hay to cover me," Heidi
+reassured him, and was just going to the heap of hay when the old man
+stopped her.
+
+"Just wait one minute," he said, and went down to his own bed. From it
+he took a large, heavy linen bag and brought it to the child.
+
+"Isn't this better than hay?" he asked.
+
+Heidi pulled the sack to and fro with all her might, but she could not
+unfold it, for it was too heavy for her little arms. The grandfather
+put the thick cover on the bed while Heidi watched him. After it was
+all done, she said: "What a nice bed I have now, and what a splendid
+cover! I only wish the evening was here, that I might go to sleep in
+it."
+
+"I think we might eat something first," said the grandfather. "Don't
+you think so?"
+
+Heidi had forgotten everything else in her interest for the bed; but
+when she was reminded of her dinner, she noticed how terribly hungry
+she really was. She had had only a piece of bread and a cup of thin
+coffee very early in the morning, before her long journey. Heidi said
+approvingly: "I think we might, grandfather!"
+
+"Let's go down then, if we agree," said the old man, and followed
+close behind her. Going up to the fireplace, he pushed the big kettle
+aside and reached for a smaller one that was suspended on a chain.
+Then sitting down on a three-legged stool, he kindled a bright fire.
+When the kettle was boiling, the old man put a large piece of cheese
+on a long iron fork, and held it over the fire, turning it to and fro,
+till it was golden-brown on all sides. Heidi had watched him eagerly.
+Suddenly she ran to the cupboard. When her grandfather brought a pot
+and the toasted cheese to the table, he found it already nicely set
+with two plates and two knives and the bread in the middle. Heidi had
+seen the things in the cupboard and knew that they would be needed for
+the meal.
+
+"I am glad to see that you can think for yourself," said the
+grandfather, while he put the cheese on top of the bread, "but
+something is missing yet."
+
+Heidi saw the steaming pot and ran back to the cupboard in all haste.
+A single little bowl was on the shelf. That did not perplex Heidi
+though, for she saw two glasses standing behind. With those three
+things she returned to the table.
+
+"You certainly can help yourself! Where shall you sit, though?" asked
+the grandfather, who occupied the only chair himself, Heidi flew to
+the hearth, and bringing back the little stool, sat down on it.
+
+"Now you have a seat, but it is much too low. In fact, you are too
+little to reach the table from my chair. Now you shall have something
+to eat at last!" and with that the grandfather filled the little bowl
+with milk. Putting it on his chair, he pushed it as near to the stool
+as was possible, and in that way Heidi had a table before her. He
+commanded her to eat the large piece of bread and the slice of golden
+cheese. He sat down himself on a corner of the table and started his
+own dinner. Heidi drank without stopping, for she felt exceedingly
+thirsty after her long journey. Taking a long breath, she put down her
+little bowl.
+
+"How do you like the milk?" the grandfather asked her.
+
+"I never tasted better," answered Heidi.
+
+"Then you shall have more," and with that the grandfather filled the
+little bowl again. The little girl ate and drank with the greatest
+enjoyment. After she was through, both went out into the goat-shed.
+Here the old man busied himself, and Heidi watched him attentively
+while he was sweeping and putting down fresh straw for the goats to
+sleep on. Then he went to the little shop alongside and fashioned a
+high chair for Heidi, to the little girl's greatest amazement.
+
+"What is this?" asked the grandfather.
+
+"This is a chair for me. I am sure of it because it is so high. How
+quickly it was made!" said the child, full of admiration and wonder.
+
+"She knows what is what and has her eyes on the right place," the
+grandfather said to himself, while he walked around the hut, fastening
+a nail or a loose board here and there. He wandered about with his
+hammer and nails, repairing whatever was in need of fixing. Heidi
+followed him at every step and watched the performance with great
+enjoyment and attention.
+
+At last the evening came. The old fir-trees were rustling and a mighty
+wind was roaring and howling through the tree-tops. Those sounds
+thrilled Heidi's heart and filled it with happiness and joy. She
+danced and jumped about under the trees, for those sounds made her
+feel as if a wonderful thing had happened to her. The grandfather
+stood under the door, watching her, when suddenly a shrill whistle was
+heard. Heidi stood still and the grandfather joined her outside. Down
+from the heights came one goat after another, with Peter in their
+midst. Uttering a cry of joy, Heidi ran into the middle of the flock,
+greeting her old friends. When they had all reached the hut, they
+stopped on their way and two beautiful slender goats came out of the
+herd, one of them white and the other brown. They came up to the
+grandfather, who held out some salt in his hands to them, as he did
+every night. Heidi tenderly caressed first one and then the other,
+seeming beside herself with joy.
+
+"Are they ours, grandfather? Do they both belong to us? Are they going
+to the stable? Are they going to stay with us?" Heidi kept on asking
+in her excitement. The grandfather hardly could put in a "yes, yes,
+surely" between her numerous questions. When the goats had licked up
+all the salt, the old man said, "Go in, Heidi, and fetch your bowl
+and the bread."
+
+Heidi obeyed and returned instantly. The grandfather milked a full
+bowl from the white goat, cut a piece of bread for the child, and told
+her to eat. "Afterwards you can go to bed. If you need some shirts and
+other linen, you will find them in the bottom of the cupboard. Aunt
+Deta has left a bundle for you. Now good-night, I have to look after
+the goats and lock them up for the night."
+
+"Good-night, grandfather! Oh, please tell me what their names are,"
+called Heidi after him.
+
+"The white one's name is Schwänli and the brown one I call Bärli," was
+his answer.
+
+"Good-night, Schwänli! Good-night, Bärli," the little girl called
+loudly, for they were just disappearing in the shed. Heidi now sat
+down on the bench and took her supper. The strong wind nearly blew her
+from her seat, so she hurried with her meal, to be able to go inside
+and up to her bed. She slept in it as well as a prince on his royal
+couch.
+
+Very soon after Heidi had gone up, before it was quite dark, the old
+man also sought his bed. He was always up in the morning with the sun,
+which rose early over the mountain-side in those summer days. It was a
+wild, stormy night; the hut was shaking in the gusts and all the
+boards were creaking. The wind howled through the chimney and the old
+fir-trees shook so strongly that many a dry branch came crashing down.
+In the middle of the night the grandfather got up, saying to himself:
+"I am sure she is afraid." Climbing up the ladder, he went up to
+Heidi's bed. The first moment everything lay in darkness, when all of
+a sudden the moon came out behind the clouds and sent his brilliant
+light across Heidi's bed. Her cheeks were burning red and she lay
+peacefully on her round and chubby arms. She must have had a happy
+dream, for she was smiling in her sleep. The grandfather stood and
+watched her till a cloud flew over the moon and left everything in
+total darkness. Then he went down to seek his bed again.
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+ON THE PASTURE
+
+
+Heidi was awakened early next morning by a loud whistle. Opening her
+eyes, she saw her little bed and the hay beside her bathed in golden
+sunlight. For a short while she did not know where she was, but when
+she heard her grandfather's deep voice outside, she recollected
+everything. She remembered how she had come up the mountain the day
+before and left old Ursula, who was always shivering with cold and sat
+near the stove all day. While Heidi lived with Ursula, she had always
+been obliged to keep in the house, where the old woman could see her.
+Being deaf, Ursula was afraid to let Heidi go outdoors, and the child
+had often fretted in the narrow room and had longed to run outside.
+She was therefore delighted to find herself in her new home and hardly
+could wait to see the goats again. Jumping out of bed, she put on her
+few things and in a short time went down the ladder and ran outside.
+Peter was already there with his flock, waiting for Schwänli and
+Bärli, whom the grandfather was just bringing to join the other goats.
+
+"Do you want to go with him to the pasture?" asked the grandfather.
+
+"Yes," cried Heidi, clapping her hands.
+
+"Go now, and wash yourself first, for the sun will laugh at you if he
+sees how dirty you are. Everything is ready there for you," he added,
+pointing to a large tub of water that stood in the sun. Heidi did as
+she was told, and washed and rubbed herself till her cheeks were
+glowing. In the meanwhile the grandfather called to Peter to come into
+the hut and bring his bag along. The boy followed the old man, who
+commanded him to open the bag in which he carried his scanty dinner.
+The grandfather put into the bag a piece of bread and a slice of
+cheese, that were easily twice as large as those the boy had in the
+bag himself.
+
+"The little bowl goes in, too," said the Uncle, "for the child does
+not know how to drink straight from the goat, the way you do. She is
+going to stay with you all day, therefore milk two bowls full for her
+dinner. Look out that she does not fall over the rocks! Do you hear?"
+
+Just then Heidi came running in. "Grandfather, can the sun still laugh
+at me?" she asked. The child had rubbed herself so violently with the
+coarse towel which the grandfather had put beside the tub that her
+face, neck and arms were as red as a lobster. With a smile the
+grandfather said: "No, he can't laugh any more now; but when you come
+home to-night you must go into the tub like a fish. When one goes
+about like the goats, one gets dirty feet. Be off!"
+
+They started merrily up the Alp. A cloudless, deep-blue sky looked
+down on them, for the wind had driven away every little cloud in the
+night. The fresh green mountain-side was bathed in brilliant sunlight,
+and many blue and yellow flowers had opened. Heidi was wild with joy
+and ran from side to side. In one place she saw big patches of fine
+red primroses, on another spot blue gentians sparkled in the grass,
+and everywhere the golden rock-roses were nodding to her. In her
+transport at finding such treasures, Heidi even forgot Peter and his
+goats. She ran far ahead of him and then strayed away off to one side,
+for the sparkling flowers tempted her here and there. Picking whole
+bunches of them to take home with her, she put them all into her
+little apron.
+
+Peter, whose round eyes could only move about slowly, had a hard time
+looking out for her. The goats were even worse, and only by shouting
+and whistling, especially by swinging his rod, could he drive them
+together.
+
+"Heidi, where are you now?" he called quite angrily.
+
+"Here," it sounded from somewhere. Peter could not see her, for she
+was sitting on the ground behind a little mound, which was covered
+with fragrant flowers. The whole air was filled with their perfume,
+and the child drew it in, in long breaths.
+
+"Follow me now!" Peter called out. "The grandfather has told me to
+look out for you, and you must not fall over the rocks."
+
+"Where are they?" asked Heidi without even stirring.
+
+"Way up there, and we have still far to go. If you come quickly, we
+may see the eagle there and hear him shriek."
+
+That tempted Heidi, and she came running to Peter, with her apron full
+of flowers.
+
+"You have enough now," he declared. "If you pick them all to-day,
+there won't be any left to-morrow." Heidi admitted that, besides which
+she had her apron already full. From now on she stayed at Peter's
+side. The goats, scenting the pungent herbs, also hurried up without
+delay.
+
+Peter generally took his quarters for the day at the foot of a high
+cliff, which seemed to reach far up into the sky. Overhanging rocks on
+one side made it dangerous, so that the grandfather was wise to warn
+Peter.
+
+After they had reached their destination, the boy took off his bag,
+putting it in a little hollow in the ground. The wind often blew in
+violent gusts up there, and Peter did not want to lose his precious
+load. Then he lay down in the sunny grass, for he was very tired.
+
+Heidi, taking off her apron, rolled it tightly together and put it
+beside Peter's bag. Then, sitting down beside the boy, she looked
+about her. Far down she saw the glistening valley; a large field of
+snow rose high in front of her. Heidi sat a long time without
+stirring, with Peter asleep by her side and the goats climbing about
+between the bushes. A light breeze fanned her cheek and those big
+mountains about her made her feel happy as never before. She looked up
+at the mountain-tops till they all seemed to have faces, and soon they
+were familiar to her, like old friends. Suddenly she heard a loud,
+sharp scream, and looking up she beheld the largest bird she had ever
+seen, flying above her. With outspread wings he flew in large circles
+over Heidi's head.
+
+"Wake up, Peter!" Heidi called. "Look up, Peter, and see the eagle
+there!"
+
+Peter got wide wake, and then they both watched the bird breathlessly.
+It rose higher and higher into the azure, till it disappeared at last
+behind the mountain-peak.
+
+"Where has it gone?" Heidi asked.
+
+"Home to its nest," was Peter's answer.
+
+"Oh, does it really live way up there? How wonderful that must be! But
+tell me why it screams so loud?" Heidi inquired.
+
+"Because it has to," Peter replied.
+
+"Oh, let's climb up there and see its nest!" implored Heidi, but
+Peter, expressing decided disapproval in his voice, answered: "Oh
+dear, Oh dear, not even goats could climb up there! Grandfather has
+told me not to let you fall down the rocks, so we can't go!"
+
+Peter now began to call loudly and to whistle, and soon all the goats
+were assembled on the green field. Heidi ran into their midst, for she
+loved to see them leaping and playing about.
+
+Peter in the meantime was preparing dinner for Heidi and himself, by
+putting her large pieces on one side and his own small ones on the
+other. Then he milked Bärli and put the full bowl in the middle. When
+he was ready, he called to the little girl. But it took some time
+before she obeyed his call.
+
+   [Illustration: SHE HANDED HIM ALSO THE WHOLE SLICE OF CHEESE]
+
+"Stop jumping, now," said Peter, "and sit down; your dinner is ready."
+
+"Is this milk for me?" she inquired.
+
+"Yes it is; those large pieces also belong to you. When you are
+through with the milk, I'll get you some more. After that I'll get
+mine."
+
+"What milk do you get?" Heidi inquired.
+
+"I get it from my own goat, that speckled one over there. But go ahead
+and eat!" Peter commanded again. Heidi obeyed, and when the bowl was
+empty, he filled it again. Breaking off a piece of bread for herself,
+she gave Peter the rest, which was still bigger than his own portion
+had been. She handed him also the whole slice of cheese, saying: "You
+can eat that, I have had enough!"
+
+Peter was speechless with surprise, for it would have been impossible
+for him ever to give up any of his share. Not taking Heidi in earnest,
+he hesitated till she put the things on his knees. Then he saw she
+really meant it, and he seized his prize. Nodding his thanks to her,
+he ate the most luxurious meal he had ever had in all his life. Heidi
+was watching the goats in the meantime, and asked Peter for their
+names.
+
+The boy could tell them all to her, for their names were about the
+only thing he had to carry in his head. She soon knew them, too, for
+she had listened attentively. One of them was the Big Turk, who tried
+to stick his big horns into all the others. Most of the goats ran away
+from their rough comrade. The bold Thistlefinch alone was not afraid,
+and running his horns three or four times into the other, so
+astonished the Turk with his great daring that he stood still and gave
+up fighting, for the Thistlefinch had sharp horns and met him in the
+most warlike attitude. A small, white goat, called Snowhopper, kept up
+bleating in the most piteous way, which induced Heidi to console it
+several times. Heidi at last went to the little thing again, and
+throwing her arms around its head, she asked, "What is the matter with
+you, Snowhopper? Why do you always cry for help?" The little goat
+pressed close to Heidi's side and became perfectly quiet. Peter was
+still eating, but between the swallows he called to Heidi: "She is so
+unhappy, because the old goat has left us. She was sold to somebody in
+Mayenfeld two days ago."
+
+"Who was the old goat?"
+
+"Her mother, of course."
+
+"Where is her grandmother?"
+
+"She hasn't any."
+
+"And her grandfather?"
+
+"Hasn't any either."
+
+"Poor little Snowhopper!" said Heidi, drawing the little creature
+tenderly to her. "Don't grieve any more; see, I am coming up with you
+every day now, and if there is anything the matter, you can come to
+me."
+
+Snowhopper rubbed her head against Heidi's shoulder and stopped
+bleating. When Peter had finally finished his dinner, he joined Heidi.
+
+The little girl had just been observing that Schwänli and Bärli were
+by far the cleanest and prettiest of the goats. They evaded the
+obtrusive Turk with a sort of contempt and always managed to find the
+greenest bushes for themselves. She mentioned it to Peter, who
+replied: "I know! Of course they are the prettiest, because the uncle
+washes them and gives them salt. He has the best stable by far."
+
+All of a sudden Peter, who had been lying on the ground, jumped up and
+bounded after the goats. Heidi, knowing that something must have
+happened, followed him. She saw him running to a dangerous abyss on
+the side. Peter had noticed how the rash Thistlefinch had gone nearer
+and nearer to the dangerous spot. Peter only just came in time to
+prevent the goat from falling down over the very edge. Unfortunately
+Peter had stumbled over a stone in his hurry and was only able to
+catch the goat by one leg. The Thistlefinch, being enraged to find
+himself stopped in his charming ramble, bleated furiously. Not being
+able to get up, Peter loudly called for help. Heidi immediately saw
+that Peter was nearly pulling off the animal's leg. She quickly picked
+some fragrant herbs and holding them under the animal's nose, she said
+soothingly: "Come, come, Thistlefinch, and be sensible. You might fall
+down there and break your leg. That would hurt you horribly."
+
+The goat turned about and devoured the herbs Heidi held in her hand.
+When Peter got to his feet, he led back the runaway with Heidi's help.
+When he had the goat in safety, he raised his rod to beat it for
+punishment. The goat retreated shyly, for it knew what was coming.
+Heidi screamed loudly: "Peter, no, do not beat him! look how scared he
+is."
+
+"He well deserves it," snarled Peter, ready to strike. But Heidi,
+seizing his arm, shouted, full of indignation: "You mustn't hurt him!
+Let him go!"
+
+Heidi's eyes were sparkling, and when he saw her with her commanding
+mien, he desisted and dropped his rope. "I'll let him go, if you give
+me a piece of your cheese again to-morrow," he said, for he wanted a
+compensation for his fright.
+
+"You may have it all to-morrow and every day, because I don't need
+it," Heidi assured him. "I shall also give you a big piece of bread,
+if you promise never to beat any of the goats."
+
+"I don't care," growled Peter, and in that way he gave his promise.
+
+Thus the day had passed, and the sun was already sinking down behind
+the mountains. Sitting on the grass, Heidi looked at the bluebells and
+the wild roses that were shining in the last rays of the sun. The
+peaks also started to glow, and Heidi suddenly called to the boy: "Oh,
+Peter, look! everything is on fire. The mountains are burning and the
+sky, too. Oh, look! the moon over there is on fire, too. Do you see
+the mountains all in a glow? Oh, how beautiful the snow looks! Peter,
+the eagle's nest is surely on fire, too. Oh, look at the fir-trees
+over there!"
+
+Peter was quietly peeling his rod, and looking up, said to Heidi:
+"This is no fire; it always looks like that."
+
+"But what is it then?" asked Heidi eagerly, gazing about her
+everywhere.
+
+"It gets that way of itself," explained Peter.
+
+"Oh look! Everything is all rosy now! Oh, look at this mountain over
+there with the snow and the sharp peaks. What is its name?"
+
+"Mountains have no names," he answered.
+
+"Oh, see, how beautiful! It looks as if many, many roses were growing
+on those cliffs. Oh, now they are getting grey. Oh dear! the fire has
+gone out and it is all over. What a terrible shame!" said Heidi quite
+despondently.
+
+"It will be the same again tomorrow," Peter reassured her. "Come now,
+we have to go home."
+
+When Peter had called the goats together, they started downwards.
+
+"Will it be like that every day when we are up?" asked Heidi, eagerly.
+
+"It usually is," was the reply.
+
+"What about tomorrow?" she inquired.
+
+"Tomorrow it will be like that, I am sure," Peter affirmed.
+
+That made Heidi feel happy again. She walked quietly by Peter's side,
+thinking over all the new things she had seen. At last, reaching the
+hut, they found the grandfather waiting for them on a bench under the
+fir-trees. Heidi ran up to him and the two goats followed, for they
+knew their master. Peter called to her: "Come again tomorrow!
+Good-night!"
+
+Heidi gave him her hand, assuring him that she would come, and finding
+herself surrounded by the goats, she hugged Snowhopper a last time.
+
+When Peter had disappeared, Heidi returned to her grandfather. "Oh
+grandfather! it was so beautiful! I saw the fire and the roses on the
+rocks! And see the many, many flowers I am bringing you!" With that
+Heidi shook them out of her apron. But oh, how miserable they looked!
+Heidi did not even know them any more.
+
+"What is the matter with them, grandfather? They looked so different!"
+Heidi exclaimed in her fright.
+
+"They are made to bloom in the sun and not to be shut up in an apron,"
+said the grandfather.
+
+"Then I shall never pick them any more! Please, grandfather, tell me
+why the eagle screeches so loudly," asked Heidi.
+
+"First go and take a bath, while I go into the shed to get your milk.
+Afterwards we'll go inside together and I'll tell you all about it
+during supper-time."
+
+They did as was proposed, and when Heidi sat on her high chair before
+her milk, she asked the same question as before.
+
+"Because he is sneering at the people down below, who sit in the
+villages and make each other angry. He calls down to them:--'If you
+would go apart to live up on the heights like me, you would feel much
+better!'" The grandfather said these last words with such a wild
+voice, that it reminded Heidi of the eagle's screech.
+
+"Why do the mountains have no names, grandfather?" asked Heidi.
+
+"They all have names, and if you tell me their shape I can name them
+for you."
+
+Heidi described several and the old man could name them all. The child
+told him now about all the happenings of the day, and especially about
+the wonderful fire. She asked how it came about.
+
+"The sun does it," he exclaimed. "Saying good-night to the mountains,
+he throws his most beautiful rays to them, that they may not forget
+him till the morning."
+
+Heidi was so much pleased with this explanation, that she could hardly
+wait to see the sun's good-night greetings repeated. It was time now
+to go to bed, and Heidi slept soundly all night. She dreamt that the
+little Snowhopper was bounding happily about on the glowing mountains
+with many glistening roses blooming round her.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT
+
+
+Next morning Peter came again with his goats, and Heidi went up to the
+pasture with them. This happened day after day, and in this healthy
+life Heidi grew stronger, and more sunburnt every day. Soon the autumn
+came and when the wind was blowing across the mountainside, the
+grandfather would say: "You must stay home to-day, Heidi; for the wind
+can blow such a little thing as you down into the valley with a single
+gust."
+
+It always made Peter unhappy when Heidi did not come along, for he saw
+nothing but misfortunes ahead of him; he hardly knew how to pass his
+time, and besides, he was deprived of his abundant dinner. The goats
+were so accustomed to Heidi by this time, that they did not follow
+Peter when she was not with him.
+
+Heidi herself did not mind staying at home, for she loved nothing
+better than to watch her grandfather with his saw and hammer.
+Sometimes the grandfather would make small round cheeses on those
+days, and there was no greater pleasure for Heidi than to see him stir
+the butter with his bare arms. When the wind would howl through the
+fir-trees on those stormy days, Heidi would run out to the grove,
+thrilled and happy by the wondrous roaring in the branches. The sun
+had lost its vigor, and the child had to put on her shoes and
+stockings and her little dress.
+
+The weather got colder and colder, and when Peter came up in the
+morning, he would blow into his hands, he was so frozen. At last even
+Peter could not come any more, for a deep snow had fallen over night.
+Heidi stood at the window, watching the snow falling down. It kept on
+snowing till it reached the windows; still it did not stop, and soon
+the windows could not be opened, and they were all shut in. When it
+had lasted for several days, Heidi thought that it would soon cover
+up the cottage. It finally stopped, and the grandfather went out to
+shovel the snow away from the door and windows, piling it up high here
+and there. In the afternoon the two were sitting near the fire when
+noisy steps were heard outside and the door was pushed open. It was
+Peter, who had come up to see Heidi. Muttering, "Good-evening," he
+went up to the fire. His face was beaming, and Heidi had to laugh when
+she saw little waterfalls trickling down from his person, for all the
+ice and snow had melted in the great heat.
+
+The grandfather now asked Peter how he got along in school. Heidi was
+so interested that she asked him a hundred questions. Poor Peter, who
+was not an easy talker, found himself in great difficulty answering
+the little girl's inquiries, but at least it gave him leisure to dry
+his clothes.
+
+During this conversation the grandfather's eyes had been twinkling,
+and at last he said to the boy: "Now that you have been under fire,
+general, you need some strengthening. Come and join us at supper."
+
+With that the old man prepared a meal which amply satisfied Peter's
+appetite. It had begun to get dark, and Peter knew that it was time to
+go. He had said good-bye and thank you, when turning to Heidi he
+remarked:
+
+"I'll come next Sunday, if I may. By the way, Heidi, grandmother asked
+me to tell you that she would love to see you."
+
+Heidi immediately approved of this idea, and her first word next
+morning was: "Grandfather, I must go down to grandmother. She is
+expecting me."
+
+Four days later the sun was shining and the tight-packed frozen snow
+was crackling under every step. Heidi was sitting at the dinner-table,
+imploring the old man to let her make the visit then, when he got up,
+and fetching down her heavy cover, told her to follow him. They went
+out into the glistening snow; no sound was heard and the snow-laden
+fir-trees shone and glittered in the sun. Heidi in her transport was
+running to and fro: "Grandfather, come out! Oh, look at the trees!
+They are all covered with silver and gold," she called to the
+grandfather, who had just come out of his workshop with a wide sled.
+Wrapping the child up in her cover, he put her on the sled, holding
+her fast. Off they started at such a pace that Heidi shouted for joy,
+for she seemed to be flying like a bird. The sled had stopped in front
+of Peter's hut, and grandfather said: "Go in. When it gets dark, start
+on your way home." When he had unwrapped her, he turned homewards with
+his sled.
+
+[Illustration: OFF THEY STARTED AT SUCH A PACE THAT HEIDI SHOUTED FOR
+JOY]
+
+Opening the door, Heidi found herself in a tiny, dark kitchen, and
+going through another door, she entered a narrow chamber. Near a table
+a woman was seated, busy with mending Peter's coat, which Heidi had
+recognized immediately. A bent old woman was sitting in a corner, and
+Heidi, approaching her at once, said: "How do you do, grandmother? I
+have come now, and I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long!"
+
+Lifting her head, the grandmother sought for Heidi's hand. Feeling it
+thoughtfully, she said: "Are you the little girl who lives up with the
+uncle? Is your name Heidi?"
+
+"Yes," Heidi replied. "The grandfather just brought me down in the
+sled."
+
+"How is it possible? Your hands are as warm as toast! Brigida, did the
+uncle really come down with the child?"
+
+Brigida, Peter's mother, had gotten up to look at the child. She said:
+"I don't know if he did, but I don't think so. She probably doesn't
+know."
+
+Heidi, looking up, said quite decidedly: "I know that grandfather
+wrapped me up in a cover when we coasted down together."
+
+"Peter was right after all," said the grandmother. "We never thought
+the child would live more than three weeks with him. Brigida, tell me
+what she looks like."
+
+"She has Adelheid's fine limbs and black eyes, and curly hair like
+Tobias and the old man. I think she looks like both of them."
+
+While the women were talking, Heidi had been taking in everything.
+Then she said: "Grandmother, look at the shutter over there. It is
+hanging loose. If grandfather were here, he would fasten it. It will
+break the window-pane! Just look at it."
+
+"What a sweet child you are," said the grandmother tenderly. "I can
+hear it, but I cannot see it, child. This cottage rattles and creaks,
+and when the wind blows, it comes in through every chink. Some day the
+whole house will break to pieces and fall on top of us. If only Peter
+knew how to mend it! We have no one else."
+
+"Why, grandmother, can't you see the shutter?" asked Heidi.
+
+"Child, I cannot see anything," lamented the old woman.
+
+"Can you see it when I open the shutter to let in the light?"
+
+"No, no, not even then. Nobody can ever show me the light again."
+
+"But you can see when you go out into the snow, where everything is
+bright. Come with me, grandmother, I'll show you!" and Heidi, taking
+the old woman by the hand, tried to lead her out. Heidi was frightened
+and got more anxious all the time.
+
+"Just let me stay here, child. Everything is dark for me, and my poor
+eyes can neither see the snow nor the light."
+
+"But grandmother, does it not get light in the summer, when the sun
+shines down on the mountains to say good-night, setting them all
+aflame?"
+
+"No, child, I can never see the fiery mountains any more. I have to
+live in darkness, always."
+
+Heidi burst out crying now and sobbed aloud. "Can nobody make it light
+for you? Is there nobody who can do it, grandmother? Nobody?"
+
+The grandmother tried all possible means to comfort the child; it
+wrung her heart to see her terrible distress. It was awfully hard for
+Heidi to stop crying when she had once begun, for she cried so seldom.
+The grandmother said: "Heidi, let me tell you something. People who
+cannot see love to listen to friendly words. Sit down beside me and
+tell me all about yourself. Talk to me about your grandfather, for it
+has been long since I have heard anything about him. I used to know
+him very well."
+
+Heidi suddenly wiped away her tears, for she had had a cheering
+thought. "Grandmother, I shall tell grandfather about it, and I am
+sure he can make it light for you. He can mend your little house and
+stop the rattling."
+
+The old woman remained silent, and Heidi, with the greatest vivacity,
+began to describe her life with the grandfather. Listening
+attentively, the two women would say to each other sometimes: "Do you
+hear what she says about the uncle? Did you listen?"
+
+Heidi's tale was interrupted suddenly by a great thumping on the door;
+and who should come in but Peter. No sooner had he seen Heidi, than he
+smiled, opening his round eyes as wide as possible. Heidi called,
+"Good-evening, Peter!"
+
+"Is it really time for him to come home!" exclaimed Peter's
+grandmother. "How quickly the time has flown. Good-evening, little
+Peter; how is your reading going?"
+
+"Just the same," the boy replied.
+
+"Oh, dear, I was hoping for a change at last. You are nearly twelve
+years old, my boy."
+
+"Why should there be a change?" inquired Heidi with greatest interest.
+
+"I am afraid he'll never learn it after all. On the shelf over there
+is an old prayer-book with beautiful songs. I have forgotten them all,
+for I do not hear them any more. I longed that Peter should read them
+to me some day, but he will never be able to!"
+
+Peter's mother got up from her work now, saying, "I must make a light.
+The afternoon has passed and now it's getting dark."
+
+When Heidi heard those words, she started, and holding out her hand to
+all, she said: "Good-night. I have to go, for it is getting dark." But
+the anxious grandmother called out: "Wait, child, don't go up alone!
+Go with her, Peter, and take care that she does not fall. Don't let
+her get cold, do you hear? Has Heidi a shawl?"
+
+"I haven't, but I won't be cold," Heidi called back, for she had
+already escaped through the door. She ran so fast that Peter could
+hardly follow her. The old woman frettingly called out: "Brigida, run
+after her. Get a warm shawl, she'll freeze in this cold night. Hurry
+up!" Brigida obeyed. The children had hardly climbed any distance,
+when they saw the old man coming and with a few vigorous steps he
+stood beside them.
+
+"I am glad you kept your word, Heidi," he said; and packing her into
+her cover, he started up the hill, carrying the child in his arms.
+Brigida had come in time to see it, and told the grandmother what she
+had witnessed.
+
+"Thank God, thank God!" the old woman said. "I hope she'll come again;
+she has done me so much good! What a soft heart she has, the darling,
+and how nicely she can talk." All evening the grandmother said to
+herself, "If only he lets her come again! I have something to look
+forward to in this world now, thank God!"
+
+Heidi could hardly wait before they reached the cottage. She had tried
+to talk on the way, but no sound could be heard through the heavy
+cover. As soon as they were inside the hut she began: "Grandfather, we
+must take some nails and a hammer down tomorrow; a shutter is loose in
+grandmother's house and many other places shake. Everything rattles in
+her house."
+
+"Is that so? Who says we must?"
+
+"Nobody told me, but I know," Heidi replied. "Everything is loose in
+the house, and poor grandmother told me she was afraid that the house
+might tumble down. And grandfather, she cannot see the light. Can you
+help her and make it light for her? How terrible it must be to be
+afraid in the dark and nobody there to help you! Oh, please,
+grandfather, do something to help her! I know you can."
+
+Heidi had been clinging to her grandfather and looking up to him with
+trusting eyes. At last he said, glancing down: "All right, child,
+we'll see that it won't rattle any more. We can do it tomorrow."
+
+Heidi was so overjoyed at these words that she danced around the room
+shouting: "We'll do it tomorrow! We can do it tomorrow!"
+
+The grandfather, keeping his word, took Heidi down the following day
+with the same instructions as before. After Heidi had disappeared, he
+went around the house inspecting it.
+
+The grandmother, in her joy at seeing the child again, had stopped the
+wheel and called: "Here is the child again! She has come again!"
+Heidi, grasping her outstretched hands, sat herself on a low stool at
+the old woman's feet and began to chat. Suddenly violent blows were
+heard outside; the grandmother in her fright nearly upset the
+spinning-wheel and screamed: "Oh, God, it has come at last. The hut is
+tumbling down!"
+
+"Grandmother, don't be frightened," said the child, while she put her
+arms around her. "Grandfather is just fastening the shutter and fixing
+everything for you."
+
+"Is it possible? Has God not forgotten us after all? Brigida, have you
+heard it? Surely that is a hammer. Ask him to come in a moment, if it
+is he, for I must thank him."
+
+When Brigida went out, she found the old man busy with putting a new
+beam along the wall. Approaching him, she said: "Mother and I wish you
+a good-afternoon. We are very much obliged to you for doing us such a
+service, and mother would like to see you. There are few that would
+have done it, uncle, and how can we thank you?"
+
+"That will do," he interrupted. "I know what your opinion about me is.
+Go in, for I can find what needs mending myself."
+
+Brigida obeyed, for the uncle had a way that nobody could oppose. All
+afternoon the uncle hammered around; he even climbed up on the roof,
+where much was missing. At last he had to stop, for the last nail was
+gone from his pocket. The darkness had come in the meantime, and
+Heidi was ready to go up with him, packed warmly in his arms.
+
+Thus the winter passed. Sunshine had come again into the blind woman's
+life, and made her days less dark and dreary. Early every morning she
+would begin to listen for Heidi's footsteps, and when the door was
+opened and the child ran in, the grandmother exclaimed every time more
+joyfully: "Thank God, she has come again!"
+
+Heidi would talk about her life, and make the grandmother smile and
+laugh, and in that way the hours flew by. In former times the old
+woman had always sighed: "Brigida, is the day not over yet?" but now
+she always exclaimed after Heidi's departure: "How quickly the
+afternoon has gone by. Don't you think so, too, Brigida?" Her daughter
+had to assent, for Heidi had long ago won her heart. "If only God will
+spare us the child!" the grandmother would often say. "I hope the
+uncle will always be kind, as he is now."--"Does Heidi look well,
+Brigida?" was a frequent question, which always got a reassuring
+answer.
+
+Heidi also became very fond of the old grandmother, and when the
+weather was fair, she visited her every day that winter. Whenever the
+child remembered that the grandmother was blind, she would get very
+sad; her only comfort was that her coming brought such happiness. The
+grandfather soon had mended the cottage; often he would take down big
+loads of timber, which he used to good purpose. The grandmother vowed
+that no rattling could be heard any more, and that, thanks to the
+uncle's kindness, she slept better that winter than she had done for
+many a year.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+TWO VISITORS
+
+
+Two winters had nearly passed. Heidi was happy, for the spring was
+coming again, with the soft delicious wind that made the fir-trees
+roar. Soon she would be able to go up to the pasture, where blue and
+yellow flowers greeted her at every step. She was nearly eight years
+old, and had learned to take care of the goats, who ran after her like
+little dogs. Several times the village teacher had sent word by Peter
+that the child was wanted in school, but the old man had not paid any
+attention to the message and had kept her with him as before. It was a
+beautiful morning in March. The snow had melted on the slopes, and was
+going fast. Snowdrops were peeping through the ground, which seemed to
+be getting ready for spring. Heidi was running to and fro before the
+door, when she suddenly saw an old gentleman, dressed in black,
+standing beside her. As she appeared frightened, he said kindly: "You
+must not be afraid of me, for I love children. Give me your hand,
+Heidi, and tell me where your grandfather is."
+
+"He is inside, making round wooden spoons," the child replied, opening
+the door while she spoke.
+
+It was the old pastor of the village, who had known the grandfather
+years ago. After entering, he approached the old man, saying:
+"Good-morning, neighbor."
+
+The old man got up, surprised, and offering a seat to the visitor,
+said: "Good-morning, Mr. Parson. Here is a wooden chair, if it is good
+enough."
+
+Sitting down, the parson said: "It is long since I have seen you,
+neighbor. I have come to-day to talk over a matter with you. I am sure
+you can guess what it is about."
+
+The clergyman here looked at Heidi, who was standing near the door.
+
+"Heidi, run out to see the goats," said the grandfather, "and bring
+them some salt; you can stay till I come."
+
+Heidi disappeared on the spot. "The child should have come to school a
+year ago," the parson went on to say. "Didn't you get the teacher's
+warning? What do you intend to do with the child?"
+
+"I do not want her to go to school," said the old man, unrelentingly.
+
+"What do you want the child to be?"
+
+"I want her to be free and happy as a bird!"
+
+"But she is human, and it is high time for her to learn something. I
+have come now to tell you about it, so that you can make your plans.
+She must come to school next winter; remember that."
+
+"I shan't do it, pastor!" was the reply.
+
+"Do you think there is no way?" the clergyman replied, a little hotly.
+"You know the world, for you have travelled far. What little sense you
+show!"
+
+"You think I am going to send this delicate child to school in every
+storm and weather!" the old man said excitedly. "It is a two hours'
+walk, and I shall not let her go; for the wind often howls so that it
+chokes me if I venture out. Did you know Adelheid, her mother? She was
+a sleep-walker, and had fainting-fits. Nobody shall compel me to let
+her go; I will gladly fight it out in court."
+
+"You are perfectly right," said the clergyman kindly. "You could not
+send her to school from here. Why don't you come down to live among us
+again? You are leading a strange life here; I wonder how you can keep
+the child warm in winter."
+
+"She has young blood and a good cover. I know where to find good wood,
+and all winter I keep a fire going. I couldn't live in the village,
+for the people there and I despise each other; we had better keep
+apart."
+
+"You are mistaken, I assure you! Make your peace with God, and then
+you'll see how happy you will be."
+
+The clergyman had risen, and holding out his hand, he said cordially:
+"I shall count on you next winter, neighbor. We shall receive you
+gladly, reconciled with God and man."
+
+But the uncle replied firmly, while he shook his visitor by the hand:
+"Thank you for your kindness, but you will have to wait in vain."
+
+"God be with you," said the parson, and left him sadly.
+
+The old man was out of humor that day, and when Heidi begged to go to
+the grandmother, he only growled: "Not to-day." Next day they had
+hardly finished their dinner, when another visitor arrived. It was
+Heidi's aunt Deta; she wore a hat with feathers and a dress with such
+a train that it swept up everything that lay on the cottage floor.
+While the uncle looked at her silently, Deta began to praise him and
+the child's red cheeks. She told him that it had not been her
+intention to leave Heidi with him long, for she knew she must be in
+his way. She had tried to provide for the child elsewhere, and at
+last she had found a splendid chance for her. Very rich relations of
+her lady, who owned the largest house in Frankfurt, had a lame
+daughter. This poor little girl was confined to her rolling-chair and
+needed a companion at her lessons. Deta had heard from her lady that a
+sweet, quaint child was wanted as playmate and schoolmate for the
+invalid. She had gone to the housekeeper and told her all about Heidi.
+The lady, delighted with the idea, had told her to fetch the child at
+once. She had come now, and it was a lucky chance for Heidi, "for one
+never knew what might happen in such a case, and who could tell--"
+
+"Have you finished?" the old man interrupted her at last.
+
+"Why, one might think I was telling you the silliest things. There is
+not a man in Prätiggan who would not thank God for such news."
+
+"Bring them to somebody else, but not to me," said the uncle, coldly.
+
+Deta, flaming up, replied: "Do you want to hear what I think? Don't I
+know how old she is; eight years old and ignorant of everything. They
+have told me that you refuse to send her to church and to school. She
+is my only sister's child, and I shall not bear it, for I am
+responsible. You do not care for her, how else could you be
+indifferent to such luck. You had better give way or I shall get the
+people to back me. If I were you, I would not have it brought to
+court; some things might be warmed up that you would not care to hear
+about."
+
+"Be quiet!" the uncle thundered with flaming eyes. "Take her and ruin
+her, but do not bring her before my sight again. I do not want to see
+her with feathers in her hat and wicked words like yours."
+
+With long strides he went out.
+
+"You have made him angry!" said Heidi with a furious look.
+
+"He won't be cross long. But come now, where are your things?" asked
+Deta.
+
+"I won't come," Heidi replied.
+
+"What?" Deta said passionately. But changing her tone, she continued
+in a more friendly manner: "Come now; you don't understand me. I am
+taking you to the most beautiful place you have ever seen." After
+packing up Heidi's clothes she said again, "Come, child, and take your
+hat. It is not very nice, but we can't help it."
+
+"I shall not come," was the reply.
+
+"Don't be stupid and obstinate, like a goat. Listen to me. Grandfather
+is sending us away and we must do what he commands, or he will get
+more angry still. You'll see how fine it is in Frankfurt. If you do
+not like it, you can come home again and by that time grandfather will
+have forgiven us."
+
+"Can I come home again to-night?" asked Heidi.
+
+"Come now, I told you you could come back. If we get to Mayenfeld
+today, we can take the train to-morrow. That will make you fly home
+again in the shortest time!"
+
+Holding the bundle, Deta led the child down the mountain. On their
+way they met Peter, who had not gone to school that day. The boy
+thought it was a more useful occupation to look for hazel-rods than to
+learn to read, for he always needed the rods. He had had a most
+successful day, for he carried an enormous bundle on his shoulder.
+When he caught sight of Heidi and Deta, he asked them where they were
+going.
+
+"I am going to Frankfurt with Aunt Deta," Heidi replied; "but first I
+must see grandmother, for she is waiting."
+
+"Oh no, it is too late. You can see her when you come back, but not
+now," said Deta, pulling Heidi along with her, for she was afraid that
+the old woman might detain the child.
+
+Peter ran into the cottage and hit the table with his rods. The
+grandmother jumped up in her fright and asked him what that meant.
+
+"They have taken Heidi away," Peter said with a groan.
+
+"Who has, Peter? Where has she gone?" the unhappy grandmother asked.
+Brigida had seen Deta walking up the footpath a short while ago and
+soon they guessed what had happened. With a trembling hand the old
+woman opened a window and called out as loudly as she could: "Deta,
+Deta, don't take the child away. Don't take her from us."
+
+When Heidi heard that she struggled to get free, and said: "I must go
+to grandmother; she is calling me."
+
+But Deta would not let her go. She urged her on by saying that she
+might return soon again. She also suggested that Heidi might bring a
+lovely present to the grandmother when she came back.
+
+Heidi liked this prospect and followed Deta without more ado. After a
+while she asked: "What shall I bring to the grandmother?"
+
+"You might bring her some soft white rolls, Heidi. I think the black
+bread is too hard for poor grandmother to eat."
+
+"Yes, I know, aunt, she always gives it to Peter," Heidi confirmed
+her. "We must go quickly now; we might get to Frankfurt today and
+then I can be back tomorrow with the rolls."
+
+   [Illustration: WHEN HEIDI HEARD THAT SHE STRUGGLED TO GET FREE]
+
+Heidi was running now, and Deta had to follow. She was glad enough to
+escape the questions that people might ask her in the village. People
+could see that Heidi was pulling her along, so she said: "I can't
+stop. Don't you see how the child is hurrying? We have still far to
+go," whenever she heard from all sides: "Are you taking her with you?"
+"Is she running away from the uncle?" "What a wonder she is still
+alive!" "What red cheeks she has," and so on. Soon they had escaped
+and had left the village far behind them.
+
+From that time on the uncle looked more angry than ever when he came
+to the village. Everybody was afraid of him, and the women would warn
+their children to keep out of his sight.
+
+He came down but seldom, and then only to sell his cheese and buy his
+provisions. Often people remarked how lucky it was that Heidi had left
+him. They had seen her hurrying away, so they thought that she had
+been glad to go.
+
+The old grandmother alone stuck to him faithfully. Whenever anybody
+came up to her, she would tell them what good care the old man had
+taken of Heidi. She also told them that he had mended her little
+house. These reports reached the village, of course, but people only
+half believed them, for the grandmother was infirm and old. She began
+her days with sighing again. "All happiness has left us with the
+child. The days are so long and dreary, and I have no joy left. If
+only I could hear Heidi's voice before I die," the poor old woman
+would exclaim, day after day.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+A NEW CHAPTER WITH NEW THINGS
+
+
+In a beautiful house in Frankfurt lived a sick child by the name of
+Clara Sesemann. She was sitting in a comfortable rolling-chair, which
+could be pushed from room to room. Clara spent most of her time in the
+study, where long rows of bookcases lined the walls. This room was
+used as a living-room, and here she was also given her lessons.
+
+Clara had a pale, thin face with soft blue eyes, which at that moment
+were watching the clock impatiently. At last she said: "Oh Miss
+Rottenmeier, isn't it time yet?"
+
+The lady so addressed was the housekeeper, who had lived with Clara
+since Mrs. Sesemann's death. Miss Rottenmeier wore a peculiar uniform
+with a long cape, and a high cap on her head. Clara's father, who was
+away from home a great deal, left the entire management of the house
+to this lady, on the condition that his daughter's wishes should
+always be considered.
+
+While Clara was waiting, Deta had arrived at the front door with
+Heidi. She was asking the coachman who had brought her if she could go
+upstairs.
+
+"That's not my business," grumbled the coachman; "you must ring for
+the butler."
+
+Sebastian, the butler, a man with large brass buttons on his coat,
+soon stood before her.
+
+"May I see Miss Rottenmeier?" Deta asked.
+
+"That's not my business," the butler announced. "Ring for Tinette, the
+maid." With that, he disappeared.
+
+Deta, ringing again, saw a girl with a brilliant white cap on her
+head, coming down the stairway. The maid stopped half-way down and
+asked scornfully: "What do you want?"
+
+Deta repeated her wish again. Tinette told her to wait while she went
+upstairs, but it did not take long before the two were asked to come
+up.
+
+Following the maid, they found themselves in the study. Deta held on
+to Heidi's hand and stayed near the door.
+
+Miss Rottenmeier, slowly getting up, approached the newcomers. She did
+not seem pleased with Heidi, who wore her hat and shawl and was
+looking up at the lady's headdress with innocent wonder.
+
+"What is your name?" the lady asked.
+
+"Heidi," was the child's clear answer.
+
+"What? Is that a Christian name? What name did you receive in
+baptism?" inquired the lady again.
+
+"I don't remember that any more," the child replied.
+
+"What an answer! What does that mean?" said the housekeeper, shaking
+her head. "Is the child ignorant or pert, Miss Deta?"
+
+"I shall speak for the child, if I may, madam," Deta said, after
+giving Heidi a little blow for her unbecoming answer. "The child has
+never been in such a fine house and does not know how to behave. I
+hope the lady will forgive her manners. She is called Adelheid after
+her mother, who was my sister."
+
+"Oh well, that is better. But Miss Deta, the child seems peculiar for
+her age. I thought I told you that Miss Clara's companion would have
+to be twelve years old like her, to be able to share her studies. How
+old is Adelheid?"
+
+"I am sorry, but I am afraid she is somewhat younger than I thought. I
+think she is about ten years old."
+
+"Grandfather said that I was eight years old," said Heidi now. Deta
+gave her another blow, but as the child had no idea why, she did not
+get embarrassed.
+
+"What, only eight years old!" Miss Rottenmeier exclaimed indignantly.
+"How can we get along? What have you learned? What books have you
+studied?"
+
+"None," said Heidi.
+
+"But how did you learn to read?"
+
+"I can't read and Peter can't do it either," Heidi retorted.
+
+"For mercy's sake! you cannot read?" cried the lady in her surprise.
+"How is it possible? What else have you studied?"
+
+"Nothing," replied Heidi, truthfully.
+
+"Miss Deta, how could you bring this child?" said the housekeeper,
+when she was more composed.
+
+Deta, however, was not easily intimidated, and said: "I am sorry, but
+I thought this child would suit you. She _is_ small, but older
+children are often spoilt and not like her. I must go now, for my
+mistress is waiting. As soon as I can, I'll come to see how the child
+is getting along." With a bow she was outside and with a few quick
+steps hurried down-stairs.
+
+Miss Rottenmeier followed her and tried to call her back, for she
+wanted to ask Deta a number of questions.
+
+Heidi was still standing on the same spot. Clara had watched the
+scene, and called to the child now to come to her.
+
+Heidi approached the rolling-chair.
+
+"Do you want to be called Heidi or Adelheid?" asked Clara.
+
+"My name is Heidi and nothing else," was the child's answer.
+
+"I'll call you Heidi then, for I like it very much," said Clara. "I
+have never heard the name before. What curly hair you have! Was it
+always like that?"
+
+"I think so."
+
+"Did you like to come to Frankfurt?" asked Clara again.
+
+"Oh, no, but then I am going home again to-morrow, and shall bring
+grandmother some soft white rolls," Heidi explained.
+
+"What a curious child you are," said Clara. "You have come to
+Frankfurt to stay with me, don't you know that? We shall have our
+lessons together, and I think it will be great fun when you learn to
+read. Generally the morning seems to have no end, for Mr. Candidate
+comes at ten and stays till two. That is a long time, and he has to
+yawn himself, he gets so tired. Miss Rottenmeier and he both yawn
+together behind their books, but when I do it, Miss Rottenmeier makes
+me take cod-liver oil and says that I am ill. So I must swallow my
+yawns, for I hate the oil. What fun it will be now, when you learn to
+read!"
+
+Heidi shook her head doubtfully at these prospects.
+
+"Everybody must learn to read, Heidi. Mr. Candidate is very patient
+and will explain it all to you. You won't know what he means at first,
+for it is difficult to understand him. It won't take long to learn,
+though, and then you will know what he means."
+
+When Miss Rottenmeier found that she was unable to recall Deta, she
+came back to the children. She was in a very excited mood, for she
+felt responsible for Heidi's coming and did not know how to cancel
+this unfortunate step. She soon got up again to go to the dining-room,
+criticising the butler and giving orders to the maid. Sebastian, not
+daring to show his rage otherwise, noisily opened the folding doors.
+When he went up to Clara's chair, he saw Heidi watching him intently.
+At last she said: "You look like Peter."
+
+Miss Rottenmeier was horrified with this remark, and sent them all
+into the dining-room. After Clara was lifted on to her chair, the
+housekeeper sat down beside her. Heidi was motioned to sit opposite
+the lady. In that way they were placed at the enormous table. When
+Heidi saw a roll on her plate, she turned to Sebastian, and pointing
+at it, asked, "Can I have this?" Heidi had already great confidence in
+the butler, especially on account of the resemblance she had
+discovered. The butler nodded, and when he saw Heidi put the bread in
+her pocket, could hardly keep from laughing. He came to Heidi now with
+a dish of small baked fishes. For a long time the child did not move;
+then turning her eyes to the butler, she said: "Must I eat that?"
+Sebastian nodded, but another pause ensued. "Why don't you give it to
+me?" the child quietly asked, looking at her plate. The butler, hardly
+able to keep his countenance, was told to place the dish on the table
+and leave the room.
+
+When he was gone, Miss Rottenmeier explained to Heidi with many signs
+how to help herself at table. She also told her never to speak to
+Sebastian unless it was important. After that the child was told how
+to accost the servants and the governess. When the question came up of
+how to call Clara, the older girl said, "Of course you shall call me
+Clara."
+
+A great many rules followed now about behavior at all times, about the
+shutting of doors and about going to bed, and a hundred other things.
+Poor Heidi's eyes were closing, for she had risen at five that
+morning, and leaning against her chair she fell asleep. When Miss
+Rottenmeier had finished instructions, she said: "I hope you will
+remember everything, Adelheid. Did you understand me?"
+
+"Heidi went to sleep a long time ago," said Clara, highly amused.
+
+"It is atrocious what I have to bear with this child," exclaimed Miss
+Rottenmeier, ringing the bell with all her might. When the two
+servants arrived, they were hardly able to rouse Heidi enough to show
+her to her bed-room.
+
+
+
+
+VII
+
+MISS ROTTENMEIER HAS AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY
+
+
+When Heidi opened her eyes next morning, she did not know where she
+was. She found herself on a high white bed in a spacious room. Looking
+around she observed long white curtains before the windows, several
+chairs, and a sofa covered with cretonne; in a corner she saw a
+wash-stand with many curious things standing on it.
+
+Suddenly Heidi remembered all the happenings of the previous day.
+Jumping out of bed, she dressed in a great hurry. She was eager to
+look at the sky and the ground below, as she had always done at home.
+What was her disappointment when she found that the windows were too
+high for her to see anything except the walls and windows opposite.
+Trying to open them, she turned from one to the other, but in vain.
+The poor child felt like a little bird that is placed in a glittering
+cage for the first time. At last she had to resign herself, and sat
+down on a low stool, thinking of the melting snow on the slopes and
+the first flowers of spring that she had hailed with such delight.
+
+Suddenly Tinette opened the door and said curtly: "Breakfast's ready."
+
+Heidi did not take this for a summons, for the maid's face was
+scornful and forbidding. She was waiting patiently for what would
+happen next, when Miss Rottenmeier burst into the room, saying: "What
+is the matter, Adelheid? Didn't you understand? Come to breakfast!"
+
+Heidi immediately followed the lady into the dining-room, where Clara
+greeted her with a smile. She looked much happier than usual, for she
+expected new things to happen that day. When breakfast had passed
+without disturbance, the two children were allowed to go into the
+library together and were soon left alone.
+
+"How can I see down to the ground?" Heidi asked.
+
+"Open a window and peep out," replied Clara, amused at the question.
+
+"But it is impossible to open them," Heidi said, sadly.
+
+"Oh no. You can't do it and I can't help you, either, but if you ask
+Sebastian he'll do it for you."
+
+Heidi was relieved. The poor child had felt like a prisoner in her
+room. Clara now asked Heidi what her home had been like, and Heidi
+told her gladly about her life in the hut.
+
+The tutor had arrived in the meantime, but he was not asked to go to
+the study as usual. Miss Rottenmeier was very much excited about
+Heidi's coming and all the complications that arose therefrom. She was
+really responsible for it, having arranged everything herself. She
+presented the unfortunate case before the teacher, for she wanted him
+to help her to get rid of the child. Mr. Candidate, however, was
+always careful of his judgments, and not afraid of teaching beginners.
+
+When the lady saw that he would not side with her, she let him enter
+the study alone, for the A,B,C held great horrors for her. While she
+considered many problems, a frightful noise as of something falling
+was heard in the adjoining room, followed by a cry to Sebastian for
+help. Running in, she beheld a pile of books and papers on the floor,
+with the table-cover on top. A black stream of ink flowed across the
+length of the room. Heidi had disappeared.
+
+"There," Miss Rottenmeier exclaimed, wringing her hands. "Everything
+drenched with ink. Did such a thing ever happen before? This child
+brings nothing but misfortunes on us."
+
+The teacher was standing up, looking at the devastation, but Clara was
+highly entertained by these events, and said: "Heidi has not done it
+on purpose and must not be punished. In her hurry to get away she
+caught on the table-cover and pulled it down. I think she must never
+have seen a coach in all her life, for when she heard a carriage
+rumbling by, she rushed out like mad."
+
+"Didn't I tell you, Mr. Candidate, that she has no idea whatever about
+behavior? She does not even know that she has to sit quiet at her
+lessons. But where has she gone? What would Mr. Sesemann say if she
+should run away?"
+
+When Miss Rottenmeier went down-stairs to look for the child, she saw
+her standing at the open door, looking down the street.
+
+"What are you doing here? How can you run away like that?" scolded
+Miss Rottenmeier.
+
+"I heard the fir-trees rustle, but I can't see them and do not hear
+them any more," replied Heidi, looking in great perplexity down the
+street. The noise of the passing carriage had reminded her of the
+roaring of the south-wind on the Alp.
+
+"Fir-trees? What nonsense! We are not in a wood. Come with me now to
+see what you have done." When Heidi saw the devastation that she had
+caused, she was greatly surprised, for she had not noticed it in her
+hurry.
+
+"This must never happen again," said the lady sternly. "You must sit
+quiet at your lessons; if you get up again I shall tie you to your
+chair. Do you hear me?"
+
+Heidi understood, and gave a promise to sit quietly during her lessons
+from that time on. After the servants had straightened the room, it
+was late, and there was no more time for studies. Nobody had time to
+yawn that morning.
+
+In the afternoon, while Clara was resting, Heidi was left to herself.
+She planted herself in the hall and waited for the butler to come
+up-stairs with the silver things. When he reached the head of the
+stairs, she said to him: "I want to ask you something." She saw that
+the butler seemed angry, so she reassured him by saying that she did
+not mean any harm.
+
+"All right, Miss, what is it?"
+
+"My name is not Miss, why don't you call me Heidi?"
+
+"Miss Rottenmeier told me to call you Miss."
+
+"Did she? Well then, it must be so. I have three names already,"
+sighed the child.
+
+"What can I do for you?" asked Sebastian now.
+
+"Can you open a window for me?"
+
+"Certainly," he replied.
+
+Sebastian got a stool for Heidi, for the window-sill was too high for
+her to see over. In great disappointment, Heidi turned her head away.
+
+"I don't see anything but a street of stone. Is it the same way on the
+other side of the house?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where do you go to look far down on everything?"
+
+"On a church-tower. Do you see that one over there with the golden
+dome? From there you can overlook everything."
+
+Heidi immediately stepped down from the stool and ran down-stairs.
+Opening the door, she found herself in the street, but she could not
+see the tower any more. She wandered on from street to street, not
+daring to accost any of the busy people. Passing a corner, she saw a
+boy who had a barrel-organ on his back and a curious animal on his
+arm. Heidi ran to him and asked: "Where is the tower with the golden
+dome?"
+
+"Don't know," was the reply.
+
+"Who can tell me?"
+
+"Don't know."
+
+"Can you show me another church with a tower?"
+
+"Of course I can."
+
+"Then come and show me."
+
+"What are you going to give me for it?" said the boy, holding out his
+hand. Heidi had nothing in her pocket but a little flower-picture.
+Clara had only given it to her this morning, so she was loath to part
+with it. The temptation to look far down into the valley was too
+great for her, though, and she offered him the gift. The boy shook his
+head, to Heidi's satisfaction.
+
+"What else do you want?"
+
+"Money."
+
+"I have none, but Clara has some. How much must I give you?"
+
+"Twenty pennies."
+
+"All right, but come."
+
+While they were wandering down the street, Heidi found out what a
+barrel-organ was, for she had never seen one. When they arrived before
+an old church with a tower, Heidi was puzzled what to do next, but
+having discovered a bell, she pulled it with all her might. The boy
+agreed to wait for Heidi and show her the way home if she gave him a
+double fee.
+
+The lock creaked now from inside, and an old man opened the door. In
+an angry voice, he said: "How do you dare to ring for me? Can't you
+see that it is only for those who want to see the tower?"
+
+"But I do," said Heidi.
+
+"What do you want to see? Did anybody send you?" asked the man.
+
+"No; but I want to look down from up there."
+
+"Get home and don't try it again." With that the tower-keeper was
+going to shut the door, but Heidi held his coat-tails and pleaded with
+him to let her come. The tower-keeper looked at the child's eyes,
+which were nearly full of tears.
+
+"All right, come along, if you care so much," he said, taking her by
+the hand. The two climbed up now many, many steps, which got narrower
+all the time. When they had arrived on top, the old man lifted Heidi
+up to the open window.
+
+Heidi saw nothing but a sea of chimneys, roofs and towers, and her
+heart sank. "Oh, dear, it's different from the way I thought it would
+be," she said.
+
+"There! what could such a little girl know about a view? We'll go down
+now and you must promise never to ring at my tower any more."
+
+On their way they passed an attic, where a large grey cat guarded her
+new family in a basket. This cat caught half-a-dozen mice every day
+for herself, for the old tower was full of rats and mice. Heidi gazed
+at her in surprise, and was delighted when the old man opened the
+basket.
+
+"What charming kittens, what cunning little creatures!" she exclaimed
+in her delight, when she saw them crawling about, jumping and
+tumbling.
+
+"Would you like to have one?" the old man asked.
+
+"For me? to keep?" Heidi asked, for she could not believe her ears.
+
+"Yes, of course. You can have several if you have room for them," the
+old man said, glad to find a good home for the kittens.
+
+How happy Heidi was! Of course there was enough room in the huge
+house, and Clara would be delighted when she saw the cunning things.
+
+"How can I take them with me?" the child asked, after she had tried in
+vain to catch one.
+
+"I can bring them to your house, if you tell me where you live," said
+Heidi's new friend, while he caressed the old cat, who had lived with
+him many years.
+
+"Bring them to Mr. Sesemann's house; there is a golden dog on the
+door, with a ring in his mouth."
+
+The old man had lived in the tower a long time and knew everybody;
+Sebastian also was a special friend of his.
+
+"I know," he said. "But to whom shall I send them? Do you belong to
+Mr. Sesemann?"
+
+"No. Please send them to Clara; she will like them, I am sure."
+
+Heidi could hardly tear herself away from the pretty things, so the
+old man put one kitten in each of her pockets to console her. After
+that she went away.
+
+The boy was waiting patiently for her, and when she had taken leave of
+the tower-keeper, she asked the boy: "Do you know where Mr. Sesemann's
+house is?"
+
+"No," was the reply.
+
+She described it as well as she could, till the boy remembered it. Off
+they started, and soon Heidi found herself pulling the door-bell. When
+Sebastian arrived he said: "Hurry up." Heidi went in, and the boy was
+left outside, for Sebastian had not even seen him.
+
+"Come up quickly, little Miss," he urged. "They are all waiting for
+you in the dining-room. Miss Rottenmeier looks like a loaded cannon.
+How could you run away like that?"
+
+Heidi sat down quietly on her chair. Nobody said a word, and there was
+an uncomfortable silence. At last Miss Rottenmeier began with a severe
+and solemn voice: "I shall speak with you later, Adelheid. How can you
+leave the house without a word? Your behavior was very remiss. The
+idea of walking about till so late!"
+
+"Meow!" was the reply.
+
+"I didn't," Heidi began--"Meow!"
+
+Sebastian nearly flung the dish on the table, and disappeared.
+
+"This is enough," Miss Rottenmeier tried to say, but her voice was
+hoarse with fury. "Get up and leave the room."
+
+[Illustration: OFF THEY STARTED, AND SOON HEIDI WAS PULLING THE
+DOOR-BELL]
+
+Heidi got up. She began again. "I made--" "Meow! meow! meow!--"
+
+"Heidi," said Clara now, "why do you always say 'meow' again, if you
+see that Miss Rottenmeier is angry?"
+
+"I am not doing it, it's the kittens," she explained.
+
+"What? Cats? Kittens?" screamed the housekeeper. "Sebastian, Tinette,
+take the horrible things away!" With that she ran into the study,
+locking herself in, for she feared kittens beyond anything on earth.
+When Sebastian had finished his laugh, he came into the room. He had
+foreseen the excitement, having caught sight of the kittens when Heidi
+came in. The scene was a very peaceful one now; Clara held the little
+kittens in her lap, and Heidi was kneeling beside her. They both
+played happily with the two graceful creatures. The butler promised to
+look after the new-comers and prepared a bed for them in a basket.
+
+A long time afterwards, when it was time to go to bed, Miss
+Rottenmeier cautiously opened the door. "Are they away?" she asked.
+"Yes," replied the butler, quickly seizing the kittens and taking them
+away.
+
+The lecture that Miss Rottenmeier was going to give Heidi was
+postponed to the following day, for the lady was too much exhausted
+after her fright. They all went quietly to bed, and the children were
+happy in the thought that their kittens had a comfortable bed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+VIII
+
+GREAT DISTURBANCES IN THE SESEMANN HOUSE
+
+
+A short time after the tutor had arrived next morning, the door-bell
+rang so violently that Sebastian thought it must be Mr. Sesemann
+himself. What was his surprise when a dirty street-boy, with a
+barrel-organ on his back, stood before him!
+
+"What do you mean by pulling the bell like that?" the butler said.
+
+"I want to see Clara."
+
+"Can't you at least say 'Miss Clara', you ragged urchin?" said
+Sebastian harshly.
+
+"She owes me forty pennies," said the boy.
+
+"You are crazy! How do you know Miss Clara lives here?"
+
+"I showed her the way yesterday and she promised to give me forty
+pennies."
+
+"What nonsense! Miss Clara never goes out. You had better take
+yourself off, before I send you!"
+
+The boy, however, did not even budge, and said: "I saw her. She has
+curly hair, black eyes and talks in a funny way."
+
+"Oh," Sebastian chuckled to himself, "that was the little Miss."
+
+Pulling the boy into the house, he said: "All right, you can follow
+me. Wait at the door till I call you, and then you can play something
+for Miss Clara."
+
+Knocking at the study-door, Sebastian said, when he had entered: "A
+boy is here who wants to see Miss Clara."
+
+Clara, delighted at his interruption, said: "Can't he come right up,
+Mr. Candidate?"
+
+But the boy was already inside, and started to play. Miss Rottenmeier
+was in the adjoining room when she heard the sounds. Where did they
+come from? Hurrying into the study, she saw the street-boy playing to
+the eager children.
+
+"Stop! stop!" she called, but in vain, for the music drowned her
+voice. Suddenly she made a big jump, for there, between her feet,
+crawled a black turtle. Only when she shrieked for Sebastian could her
+voice be heard. The butler came straight in, for he had seen
+everything behind the door, and a great scene it had been! Glued to a
+chair in her fright, Miss Rottenmeier called: "Send the boy away! Take
+them away!"
+
+Sebastian obediently pulled the boy after him; then he said: "Here are
+forty pennies from Miss Clara and forty more for playing. It was well
+done, my boy."
+
+With that he closed the door behind him. Miss Rottenmeier found it
+wiser now to stay in the study to prevent further disturbances.
+Suddenly there was another knock at the door. Sebastian appeared with
+a large basket, which had been brought for Clara.
+
+"We had better have our lesson before we inspect it," said Miss
+Rottenmeier. But Clara, turning to the tutor, asked: "Oh, please, Mr.
+Candidate, can't we just peep in, to see what it is?"
+
+"I am afraid that you will think of nothing else," the teacher began.
+Just then something in the basket, which had been only lightly
+fastened, moved, and one, two, three and still more little kittens
+jumped out, scampering around the room with the utmost speed. They
+bounded over the tutor's boots and bit his trousers; they climbed up
+on Miss Rottenmeier's dress and crawled around her feet. Mewing and
+running, they caused a frightful confusion. Clara called out in
+delight: "Oh, look at the cunning creatures; look how they jump!
+Heidi, look at that one, and oh, see the one over there?"
+
+Heidi followed them about, while the teacher shook them off. When the
+housekeeper had collected her wits after the great fright, she called
+for the servants. They soon arrived and stored the little kittens
+safely in the new bed.
+
+No time had been found for yawning that day, either!
+
+When Miss Rottenmeier, who had found out the culprit, was alone with
+the children in the evening, she began severely:
+
+"Adelheid, there is only one punishment for you. I am going to send
+you to the cellar, to think over your dreadful misdeeds, in company
+with the rats."
+
+A cellar held no terrors for Heidi, for in her grandfather's cellar
+fresh milk and the good cheese had been kept, and no rats had lodged
+there.
+
+But Clara shrieked: "Oh, Miss Rottenmeier, you must wait till Papa
+comes home, and then he can punish Heidi."
+
+The lady unwillingly replied: "All right, Clara, but I shall also
+speak a few words to Mr. Sesemann." With those words she left the
+room. Since the child's arrival everything had been upset, and the
+lady often felt discouraged, though nothing remarkable happened for a
+few days.
+
+Clara, on the contrary, enjoyed her companion's society, for she
+always did funny things. In her lesson she could never get her letters
+straight. They meant absolutely nothing to her, except that they would
+remind her of goats and eagles. The girls always spent their evenings
+together, and Heidi would entertain her friend with tales of her
+former life, till her longing grew so great that she added: "I have to
+go home now. I must go tomorrow."
+
+Clara's soothing words and the prospect of more rolls for the
+grandmother kept the child. Every day after dinner she was left alone
+in her room for some hours. Thinking of the green fields at home, of
+the sparkling flowers on the mountains, she would sit in a corner till
+her desire for all those things became too great to bear. Her aunt had
+clearly told her that she might return, if she wished to do so, so one
+day she resolved to leave for the Alm-hut. In a great hurry she packed
+the bread in the red shawl, and putting on her old straw hat, started
+off. The poor child did not get very far. At the door she encountered
+Miss Rottenmeier, who stared at Heidi in mute surprise.
+
+"What are you up to?" she exploded. "Haven't I forbidden you to run
+away? You look like a vagabond!"
+
+"I was only going home," whispered the frightened child.
+
+"What, you want to run away from this house? What would Mr. Sesemann
+say? What is it that does not suit you here? Don't you get better
+treatment than you deserve? Have you ever before had such food,
+service and such a room? Answer!"
+
+"No," was the reply.
+
+"Don't I know that?" the furious lady proceeded. "What a thankless
+child you are, just idle and good-for-nothing!"
+
+But Heidi could not bear it any longer. She loudly wailed: "Oh, I want
+to go home. What will poor Snowhopper do without me? Grandmother is
+waiting for me every day. Poor Thistlefinch gets blows if Peter gets
+no cheese, and I must see the sun again when he says good-night to the
+mountains. How the eagle would screech if he saw all the people here
+in Frankfurt!"
+
+"For mercy's sake, the child is crazy!" exclaimed Miss Rottenmeier,
+running up the stairs. In her hurry she had bumped into Sebastian,
+who was just then coming down.
+
+"Bring the unlucky child up!" she called to him, rubbing her head.
+
+"All right, many thanks," answered the butler, rubbing his head, too,
+for he had encountered something far harder than she had.
+
+When the butler came down, he saw Heidi standing near the door with
+flaming eyes, trembling all over. Cheerfully he asked: "What has
+happened, little one? Do not take it to heart, and cheer up. She
+nearly made a hole in my head just now, but we must not get
+discouraged. Oh, no!--Come, up with you; she said so!"
+
+Heidi walked up-stairs very slowly. Seeing her so changed, Sebastian
+said:
+
+"Don't give in! Don't be so sad! You have been so courageous till now;
+I have never heard you cry yet. Come up now, and when the lady's away
+we'll go and look at the kittens. They are running round like wild!"
+
+Nodding cheerlessly, the child disappeared in her room.
+
+That night at supper Miss Rottenmeier watched Heidi constantly, but
+nothing happened. The child sat as quiet as a mouse, hardly touching
+her food, except the little roll.
+
+Talking with the tutor next morning, Miss Rottenmeier told him her
+fears about Heidi's mind. But the teacher had more serious troubles
+still, for Heidi had not even learned her A,B,C in all this time.
+
+Heidi was sorely in need of some clothes, so Clara had given her some.
+Miss Rottenmeier was just busy arranging the child's wardrobe, when
+she suddenly returned.
+
+"Adelheid," she said contemptuously, "what do I find? A big pile of
+bread in your wardrobe! I never heard the like. Yes, Clara, it is
+true." Then, calling Tinette, she ordered her to take away the bread
+and the old straw hat she had found.
+
+"No, don't! I must keep my hat! The bread is for grandmother," cried
+Heidi in despair.
+
+"You stay here, while we take the rubbish away," said the lady
+sternly.
+
+Heidi threw herself down now on Clara's chair and sobbed as if her
+heart would break.
+
+"Now I can't bring grandmother any rolls! Oh, they were for
+grandmother!" she lamented.
+
+"Heidi, don't cry any more," Clara begged. "Listen! When you go home
+some day, I am going to give you as many rolls as you had, and more.
+They will be much softer and better than those stale ones you have
+kept. Those were not fit to eat, Heidi. Stop now, please, and don't
+cry any more!"
+
+Only after a long, long time did Heidi become quiet. When she had
+heard Clara's promise, she cried: "Are you really going to give me as
+many as I had?"
+
+At supper, Heidi's eyes were swollen and it was still hard for her to
+keep from crying. Sebastian made strange signs to her that she did not
+understand. What did he mean?
+
+Later, though, when she climbed into her high bed, she found her old
+beloved straw hat hidden under her cover. So Sebastian had saved it
+for her and had tried to tell her! She crushed it for joy, and
+wrapping it in a handkerchief, she hid it in the furthest corner of
+her wardrobe.
+
+
+
+
+IX
+
+THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE HEARS OF STRANGE DOINGS
+
+
+A few days afterwards there was great excitement in the Sesemann
+residence, for the master of the house had just arrived. The servants
+were taking upstairs one load after another, for Mr. Sesemann always
+brought many lovely things home with him.
+
+When he entered his daughter's room, Heidi shyly retreated into a
+corner. He greeted Clara affectionately, and she was equally delighted
+to see him, for she loved her father dearly. Then he called to Heidi:
+"Oh, there is our little Swiss girl. Come and give me your hand!
+That's right. Are you good friends, my girls, tell me now? You don't
+fight together, what?"
+
+"Oh, no, Clara is always kind to me," Heidi replied.
+
+"Heidi has never even tried to fight, Papa," Clara quickly remarked.
+
+"That's good, I like to hear that," said the father rising. "I must
+get my dinner now, for I am hungry. I shall come back soon and show
+you what I have brought home with me."
+
+In the dining-room he found Miss Rottenmeier surveying the table with
+a most tragic face. "You do not look very happy at my arrival, Miss
+Rottenmeier. What is the matter? Clara seems well enough," he said to
+her.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Sesemann, we have been terribly disappointed," said the lady.
+
+"How do you mean?" asked Mr. Sesemann, calmly sipping his wine.
+
+"We had decided, as you know, to have a companion for Clara. Knowing
+as I did that you would wish me to get a noble, pure child, I thought
+of this Swiss child, hoping she would go through life like a breath of
+pure air, hardly touching the earth."
+
+"I think that even Swiss children are made to touch the earth,
+otherwise they would have to have wings."
+
+"I think you understand what I mean. I have been terribly
+disappointed, for this child has brought the most frightful animals
+into the house. Mr. Candidate can tell you!"
+
+"The child does not look very terrible. But what do you mean?"
+
+"I cannot explain it, because she does not seem in her right mind at
+times."
+
+Mr. Sesemann was getting worried at last, when the tutor entered.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Candidate, I hope you will explain. Please take a cup of
+coffee with me and tell me about my daughter's companion. Make it
+short, if you please!"
+
+But this was impossible for Mr. Candidate, who had to greet Mr.
+Sesemann first. Then he began to reassure his host about the child,
+pointing out to him that her education had been neglected till then,
+and so on. But poor Mr. Sesemann, unfortunately, did not get his
+answer, and had to listen to very long-winded explanations of the
+child's character. At last Mr. Sesemann got up, saying: "Excuse me,
+Mr. Candidate, but I must go over to Clara now."
+
+He found the children in the study. Turning to Heidi, who had risen at
+his approach, he said: "Come, little one, get me--get me a glass of
+water."
+
+"Fresh water?"
+
+"Of course, fresh water," he replied. When Heidi had gone, he sat down
+near Clara, holding her hand. "Tell me, little Clara," he asked,
+"please tell me clearly what animals Heidi has brought into the house;
+is she really not right in her mind?"
+
+Clara now began to relate to her father all the incidents with the
+kittens and the turtle, and explained Heidi's speeches that had so
+frightened the lady. Mr. Sesemann laughed heartily and asked Clara if
+she wished Heidi to remain.
+
+"Of course, Papa. Since she is here, something amusing happens every
+day; it used to be so dull, but now Heidi keeps me company."
+
+"Very good, very good, Clara; Oh! Here is your friend back again. Did
+you get nice fresh water?" asked Mr. Sesemann.
+
+Heidi handed him the glass and said: "Yes, fresh from the fountain."
+
+"You did not go to the fountain yourself, Heidi?" said Clara.
+
+"Certainly, but I had to get it from far, there were so many people at
+the first and at the second fountain. I had to go down another street
+and there I got it. A gentleman with white hair sends his regards to
+you, Mr. Sesemann."
+
+Clara's father laughed and asked: "Who was the gentleman?"
+
+"When he passed by the fountain and saw me there with a glass, he
+stood still and said: 'Please give me to drink, for you have a glass;
+to whom are you bringing the water?' Then I said: 'I am bringing it to
+Mr. Sesemann.' When he heard that he laughed very loud and gave me his
+regards for you, with the wish that you would enjoy your drink."
+
+"I wonder who it was? What did the gentleman look like?"
+
+"He has a friendly laugh and wears a gold pendant with a red stone on
+his thick gold chain; there is a horsehead on his cane."
+
+"Oh, that was the doctor--" "That was my old doctor," exclaimed father
+and daughter at the same time.
+
+In the evening, Mr. Sesemann told Miss Rottenmeier that Heidi was
+going to remain, for the children were very fond of each other and he
+found Heidi normal and very sweet. "I want the child to be treated
+kindly," Mr. Sesemann added decidedly. "Her peculiarities must not be
+punished. My mother is coming very soon to stay here, and she will
+help you to manage the child, for there is nobody in this world that
+my mother could not get along with, as you know, Miss Rottenmeier."
+
+"Of course, I know that, Mr. Sesemann," replied the lady, but she was
+not very much pleased at the prospect.
+
+Mr. Sesemann only stayed two weeks, for his business called him back
+to Paris. He consoled his daughter by telling her that his mother was
+coming in a very few days. Mr. Sesemann had hardly left, when the
+grandmother's visit was announced for the following day.
+
+Clara was looking forward to this visit, and told Heidi so much about
+her dear grandmama that Heidi also began to call her by that name, to
+Miss Rottenmeier's disapproval, who thought that the child was not
+entitled to this intimacy.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+X
+
+A GRANDMAMA
+
+
+The following evening great expectation reigned in the house. Tinette
+had put on a new cap, Sebastian was placing footstools in front of
+nearly every armchair, and Miss Rottenmeier walked with great dignity
+about the house, inspecting everything.
+
+When the carriage at last drove up, the servants flew downstairs,
+followed by Miss Rottenmeier in more measured step. Heidi had been
+sent to her room to await further orders, but it was not long before
+Tinette opened the door and said brusquely: "Go into the study!"
+
+The grandmama, with her kind and loving way, immediately befriended
+the child and made her feel as if she had known her always. To the
+housekeeper's great mortification, she called the child Heidi,
+remarking to Miss Rottenmeier: "If somebody's name is Heidi, I call
+her so."
+
+The housekeeper soon found that she had to respect the grandmother's
+ways and opinions. Mrs. Sesemann always knew what was going on in the
+house the minute she entered it. On the following afternoon Clara was
+resting and the old lady had shut her eyes for five minutes, when she
+got up again and went into the dining-room. With a suspicion that the
+housekeeper was probably asleep, she went to this lady's room,
+knocking loudly on the door. After a while somebody stirred inside,
+and with a bewildered face Miss Rottenmeier appeared, staring at the
+unexpected visitor.
+
+"Rottenmeier, where is the child? How does she pass her time? I want
+to know," said Mrs. Sesemann.
+
+"She just sits in her room, not moving a finger; she has not the
+slightest desire to do something useful, and that is why she thinks of
+such absurd things that one can hardly mention them in polite
+society."
+
+"I should do exactly the same thing, if I were left alone like that.
+Please bring her to my room now, I want to show her some pretty books
+I have brought with me."
+
+"That is just the trouble. What should she do with books? In all this
+time she has not even learned the A,B,C for it is impossible to instil
+any knowledge into this being. If Mr. Candidate was not as patient as
+an angel, he would have given up teaching her long ago."
+
+"How strange! The child does not look to me like one who cannot learn
+the A,B,C," said Mrs. Sesemann. "Please fetch her now; we can look at
+the pictures anyway."
+
+The housekeeper was going to say more, but the old lady had turned
+already and gone to her room. She was thinking over what she had heard
+about Heidi, making up her mind to look into the matter.
+
+Heidi had come and was looking with wondering eyes at the splendid
+pictures in the large books, that Grandmama was showing her. Suddenly
+she screamed aloud, for there on the picture she saw a peaceful flock
+grazing on a green pasture. In the middle a shepherd was standing,
+leaning on his crook. The setting sun was shedding a golden light over
+everything. With glowing eyes Heidi devoured the scene; but suddenly
+she began to sob violently.
+
+The grandmama took her little hand in hers and said in the most
+soothing voice: "Come, child, you must not cry. Did this remind you of
+something? Now stop, and I'll tell you the story to-night. There are
+lovely stories in this book, that people can read and tell. Dry your
+tears now, darling, I must ask you something. Stand up now and look at
+me! Now we are merry again!"
+
+Heidi did not stop at once, but the kind lady gave her ample time to
+compose herself, saying from time to time: "Now it's all over. Now
+we'll be merry again."
+
+When the child was quiet at last, she said: "Tell me now how your
+lessons are going. What have you learnt, child, tell me?"
+
+"Nothing," Heidi sighed; "but I knew that I never could learn it."
+
+"What is it that you can't learn?"
+
+"I can't learn to read; it is too hard."
+
+"What next? Who gave you this information?"
+
+"Peter told me, and he tried over and over again, but he could not do
+it, for it is too hard."
+
+"Well, what kind of boy is he? Heidi, you must not believe what Peter
+tells you, but try for yourself. I am sure you had your thoughts
+elsewhere when Mr. Candidate showed you the letters."
+
+"It's no use," Heidi said with such a tone as if she was resigned to
+her fate.
+
+"I am going to tell you something, Heidi," said the kind lady now.
+"You have not learnt to read because you have believed what Peter
+said. You shall believe me now, and I prophesy that you will learn it
+in a very short time, as a great many other children do that are like
+you and not like Peter. When you can read, I am going to give you this
+book. You have seen the shepherd on the green pasture, and then you'll
+be able to find out all the strange things that happen to him. Yes,
+you can hear the whole story, and what he does with his sheep and his
+goats. You would like to know, wouldn't you, Heidi?"
+
+Heidi had listened attentively, and said now with sparkling eyes: "If
+I could only read already!"
+
+"It won't be long, I can see that. Come now and let us go to Clara."
+With that they both went over to the study.
+
+Since the day of Heidi's attempted flight a great change had come over
+the child. She had realized that it would hurt her kind friends if she
+tried to go home again. She knew now that she could not leave, as her
+Aunt Deta had promised, for they all, especially Clara and her father
+and the old lady, would think her ungrateful. But the burden grew
+heavier in her heart and she lost her appetite, and got paler and
+paler. She could not get to sleep at night from longing to see the
+mountains with the flowers and the sunshine, and only in her dreams
+she would be happy. When she woke up in the morning, she always found
+herself on her high white bed, far away from home. Burying her head in
+her pillow, she would often weep a long, long time.
+
+Mrs. Sesemann had noticed the child's unhappiness, but let a few days
+pass by, hoping for a change. But the change never came, and often
+Heidi's eyes were red even in the early morning. So she called the
+child to her room one day and said, with great sympathy in her voice:
+"Tell me, Heidi, what is the matter with you? What is making you so
+sad?"
+
+But as Heidi did not want to appear thankless, she replied sadly: "I
+can't tell you."
+
+"No? Can't you tell Clara perhaps?"
+
+"Oh, no, I can't tell anyone," Heidi said, looking so unhappy that the
+old lady's heart was filled with pity.
+
+"I tell you something, little girl," she continued. "If you have a
+sorrow that you cannot tell to anyone, you can go to Our Father in
+Heaven. You can tell Him everything that troubles you, and if we ask
+Him He can help us and take our suffering away. Do you understand me,
+child? Don't you pray every night? Don't you thank Him for all His
+gifts and ask Him to protect you from evil?"
+
+"Oh no, I never do that," replied the child.
+
+"Have you never prayed, Heidi? Do you know what I mean?"
+
+"I only prayed with my first grandmother, but it is so long ago, that
+I have forgotten."
+
+"See, Heidi, I understand now why you are so unhappy. We all need
+somebody to help us, and just think how wonderful it is, to be able to
+go to the Lord, when something distresses us and causes us pain. We
+can tell Him everything and ask Him to comfort us, when nobody else
+can do it. He can give us happiness and joy."
+
+Heidi was gladdened by these tidings, and asked: "Can we tell Him
+everything, everything?"
+
+"Yes, Heidi, everything."
+
+The child, withdrawing her hand from the grandmama, said hurriedly,
+"Can I go now?"
+
+"Yes, of course," was the reply, and with this Heidi ran to her room.
+Sitting down on a stool she folded her hands and poured out her heart
+to God, imploring Him to help her and let her go home to her
+grandfather.
+
+About a week later, Mr. Candidate asked to see Mrs. Sesemann, to tell
+her of something unusual that had occurred. Being called to the lady's
+room, he began: "Mrs. Sesemann, something has happened that I never
+expected," and with many more words the happy grandmama was told that
+Heidi had suddenly learned to read with the utmost correctness, most
+rare with beginners.
+
+"Many strange things happen in this world," Mrs. Sesemann remarked,
+while they went over to the study to witness Heidi's new
+accomplishment. Heidi was sitting close to Clara, reading her a story;
+she seemed amazed at the strange, new world that had opened up before
+her. At supper Heidi found the large book with the beautiful pictures
+on her plate, and looking doubtfully at grandmama, she saw the old
+lady nod. "Now it belongs to you, Heidi," she said.
+
+"Forever? Also when I am going home?" Heidi inquired, confused with
+joy.
+
+"Certainly, forever!" the grandmama assured her. "Tomorrow we shall
+begin to read it."
+
+"But Heidi, you must not go home; no, not for many years," Clara
+exclaimed, "especially when grandmama goes away. You must stay with
+me."
+
+Heidi still looked at her book before going to bed that night, and
+this book became her dearest treasure. She would look at the beautiful
+pictures and read all the stories aloud to Clara. Grandmama would
+quietly listen and explain something here and there, making it more
+beautiful than before. Heidi loved the pictures with the shepherd best
+of all; they told the story of the prodigal son, and the child would
+read and re-read it till she nearly knew it all by heart. Since Heidi
+had learned to read and possessed the book, the days seemed to fly,
+and the time had come near that the grandmama had fixed for her
+departure.
+
+
+
+
+XI
+
+HEIDI GAINS IN SOME RESPECTS AND LOSES IN OTHERS
+
+
+The grandmama sent for Heidi every day after dinner, while Clara was
+resting and Miss Rottenmeier disappeared into her room. She talked to
+Heidi and amused her in various ways, showing her how to make clothes
+for pretty little dolls that she had brought. Unconsciously Heidi had
+learned to sew, and made now the sweetest dresses and coats for the
+little people out of lovely materials the grandmama would give her.
+Often Heidi would read to the old lady, for the oftener she read over
+the stories the dearer they became to her. The child lived everything
+through with the people in the tales and was always happy to be with
+them again. But she never looked really cheerful and her eyes never
+sparkled merrily as before.
+
+In the last week of Mrs. Sesemann's stay, Heidi was called again to
+the old lady's room. The child entered with her beloved book under her
+arm. Mrs. Sesemann drew Heidi close to her, and laying the book aside,
+she said: "Come, child, and tell me why you are so sad. Do you still
+have the same sorrow?"
+
+"Yes," Heidi replied.
+
+"Did you confide it to Our Lord?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Do you pray to Him every day that He may make you happy again and
+take your affliction away?"
+
+"Oh no, I don't pray any more."
+
+"What do I hear, Heidi? Why don't you pray?"
+
+"It does not help, for God has not listened. I don't wonder," she
+added, "for if all the people in Frankfurt pray every night, He cannot
+listen to them all. I am sure He has not heard me."
+
+"Really? Why are you so sure?"
+
+"Because I have prayed for the same thing many, many weeks and God has
+not done what I have asked Him to."
+
+"That is not the way, Heidi. You see, God in heaven is a good Father
+to all of us, who knows what we need better than we do. When something
+we ask for is not very good for us, He gives us something much better,
+if we confide in Him and do not lose confidence in His love. I am sure
+what you asked for was not very good for you just now; He has heard
+you, for He can hear the prayers of all the people in the world at the
+same time, because He is God Almighty and not a mortal like us. He
+heard your prayers and said to Himself: 'Yes, Heidi shall get what she
+is praying for in time.' Now, while God was looking down on you to
+hear your prayers, you lost confidence and went away from Him. If God
+does not hear your prayers any more, He will forget you also and let
+you go. Don't you want to go back to Him, Heidi, and ask His
+forgiveness? Pray to Him every day, and hope in Him, that He may bring
+cheer and happiness to you."
+
+Heidi had listened attentively; she had unbounded confidence in the
+old lady, whose words had made a deep impression on her. Full of
+repentance, she said: "I shall go at once and ask Our Father to pardon
+me. I shall never forget Him any more!"
+
+"That's right, Heidi; I am sure He will help you in time, if you only
+trust in Him," the grandmother consoled her. Heidi went to her room
+now and prayed earnestly to God that He would forgive her and fulfill
+her wish.
+
+The day of departure had come, but Mrs. Sesemann arranged everything
+in such a way that the children hardly realized she was actually
+going. Still everything was empty and quiet when she had gone, and the
+children hardly knew how to pass their time.
+
+Next day, Heidi came to Clara in the afternoon and said: "Can I
+always, always read to you now, Clara?"
+
+Clara assented, and Heidi began. But she did not get very far, for the
+story she was reading told of a grandmother's death. Suddenly she
+cried aloud: "Oh, now grandmother is dead!" and wept in the most
+pitiful fashion. Whatever Heidi read always seemed real to her, and
+now she thought it was her own grandmother at home. Louder and louder
+she sobbed: "Now poor grandmother is dead and I can never see her any
+more; and she never got one single roll!"
+
+Clara attempted to explain the mistake, but Heidi was too much upset.
+She pictured to herself how terrible it would be if her dear old
+grandfather would die too while she was far away. How quiet and empty
+it would be in the hut, and how lonely she would be!
+
+Miss Rottenmeier had overheard the scene, and approaching the sobbing
+child she said impatiently: "Adelheid, now you have screamed enough.
+If I hear you again giving way to yourself in such a noisy fashion, I
+shall take your book away forever!"
+
+Heidi turned pale at that, for the book was her greatest treasure.
+Quickly drying her tears, she choked down her sobs. After that Heidi
+never cried again; often she could hardly repress her sobs and was
+obliged to make the strangest faces to keep herself from crying out.
+Clara often looked at her, full of surprise, but Miss Rottenmeier did
+not notice them and found no occasion to carry out her threat.
+However, the poor child got more cheerless every day, and looked so
+thin and pale that Sebastian became worried. He tried to encourage her
+at table to help herself to all the good dishes, but listlessly she
+would let them pass and hardly touch them. In the evening she would
+cry quietly, her heart bursting with longing to go home.
+
+Thus the time passed by. Heidi never knew if it was summer or winter,
+for the walls opposite never changed. They drove out very seldom, for
+Clara was only able to go a short distance. They never saw anything
+else than streets, houses and busy people; no grass, no fir-trees and
+no mountains. Heidi struggled constantly against her sorrow, but in
+vain. Autumn and winter had passed, and Heidi knew that the time was
+coming when Peter would go up the Alp with his goats, where the
+flowers were glistening in the sunshine and the mountains were all
+afire. She would sit down in a corner of her room and put both hands
+before her eyes, not to see the glaring sunshine on the opposite wall.
+There she would remain, eating her heart away with longing, till Clara
+would call for her to come.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration: THERE SHE WOULD REMAIN, EATING HER HEART AWAY WITH
+LONGING]
+
+
+
+
+XII
+
+THE SESEMANN HOUSE IS HAUNTED
+
+
+For several days Miss Rottenmeier had been wandering silently about
+the house. When she went from room to room or along the corridors, she
+would often glance back as if she were afraid that somebody was
+following her. If she had to go to the upper floor, where the gorgeous
+guest-rooms were, or to the lower story, where the big ball-room was
+situated, she always told Tinette to come with her. The strange thing
+was, that none of the servants dared to go anywhere alone and always
+found an excuse to ask each other's company, which requests were
+always granted. The cook, who had been in the house for many years,
+would often shake her head and mutter: "That I should live to see
+this!"
+
+Something strange and weird was happening in the house. Every
+morning, when the servants came down-stairs, they found the front door
+wide open. At first everybody had thought that the house must have
+been robbed, but nothing was missing. Every morning it was the same,
+despite the double locks that were put on the door. At last John and
+Sebastian, taking courage, prepared themselves to watch through a
+night to see who was the ghost. Armed and provided with some
+strengthening liquor, they repaired to a room down-stairs. First they
+talked, but soon, getting sleepy, they leaned silently back in their
+chairs. When the clock from the old church tower struck one, Sebastian
+awoke and roused his comrade, which was no easy matter. At last,
+however, John was wide awake, and together they went out into the
+hall. The same moment a strong wind put out the light that John held
+in his hand. Rushing back, he nearly upset Sebastian, who stood behind
+him, and pulling the butler back into the room, he locked the door in
+furious haste. When the light was lit again, Sebastian noticed that
+John was deadly pale and trembling like an aspen leaf. Sebastian, not
+having seen anything, asked anxiously: "What is the matter? What did
+you see?"
+
+"The door was open and a white form was on the stairs; it went up and
+was gone in a moment," gasped John. Cold shivers ran down the butler's
+back. They sat without moving till the morning came, and then,
+shutting the door, they went upstairs to report to the housekeeper
+what they had seen. The lady, who was waiting eagerly, heard the tale
+and immediately sat down to write to Mr. Sesemann. She told him that
+fright had paralyzed her fingers and that terrible things were
+happening in the house. Then followed a tale of the appearance of the
+ghost. Mr. Sesemann replied that he could not leave his business, and
+advised Miss Rottenmeier to ask his mother to come to stay with them,
+for Mrs. Sesemann would easily despatch the ghost. Miss Rottenmeier
+was offended with the tone of the letter, which did not seem to take
+her account seriously. Mrs. Sesemann also replied that she could not
+come, so the housekeeper decided to tell the children all about it.
+Clara, at the uncanny tale, immediately exclaimed that she would not
+stay alone another moment and that she wished her father to come home.
+The housekeeper arranged to sleep with the frightened child, while
+Heidi, who did not know what ghosts were, was perfectly unmoved.
+Another letter was despatched to Mr. Sesemann, telling him that the
+excitement might have serious effects on his daughter's delicate
+constitution, and mentioning several misfortunes that might probably
+happen if he did not relieve the household from this terror.
+
+This brought Mr. Sesemann. Going to his daughter's room after his
+arrival, he was overjoyed to see her as well as ever. Clara was also
+delighted to see her father.
+
+"What new tricks has the ghost played on you, Miss Rottenmeier?" asked
+Mr. Sesemann with a twinkle in his eye.
+
+"It is no joke, Mr. Sesemann," replied the lady seriously. "I am sure
+you will not laugh tomorrow. Those strange events indicate that
+something secret and horrible has happened in this house in days gone
+by."
+
+"Is that so? this is new to me," remarked Mr. Sesemann. "But will you
+please not suspect my venerable ancestors? Please call Sebastian; I
+want to speak to him alone."
+
+Mr. Sesemann knew that the two were not on good terms, so he said to
+the butler:
+
+"Come here, Sebastian, and tell me honestly, if you have played the
+ghost for Miss Rottenmeier's pastime?"
+
+"No, upon my word, master; you must not think that," replied Sebastian
+frankly. "I do not like it quite myself."
+
+"Well, I'll show you and John what ghosts look like by day. You ought
+to be ashamed of yourselves, strong young men like you! Now go at once
+to my old friend, Dr. Classen, and tell him to come to me at nine
+o'clock to-night. Tell him that I came from Paris especially to
+consult him, and that I want him to sit up all night with me. Do you
+understand me, Sebastian?"
+
+"Yes indeed! I shall do as you say, Mr. Sesemann." Mr. Sesemann then
+went up to Clara's room to quiet and comfort her.
+
+Punctually at nine o'clock the doctor arrived. Though his hair was
+grey, his face was still fresh, and his eyes were lively and kind.
+When he saw his friend, he laughed aloud and said: "Well, well, you
+look pretty healthy for one who needs to be watched all night."
+
+"Have patience, my old friend," replied Mr. Sesemann. "I am afraid the
+person we have to sit up for will look worse, but first we must catch
+him."
+
+"What? Then somebody _is_ sick in this house? What do you mean?"
+
+"Far worse, doctor, far worse. A ghost is in the house. My house is
+haunted."
+
+When the doctor laughed, Mr. Sesemann continued: "I call that
+sympathy; I wish my friend Miss Rottenmeier could hear you. She is
+convinced that an old Sesemann is wandering about, expiating some
+dreadful deed."
+
+"How did she make his acquaintance?" asked the doctor, much amused.
+
+Mr. Sesemann then explained the circumstances. He said that the matter
+was either a bad joke which an acquaintance of the servants was
+playing in his absence, or it was a gang of thieves, who, after
+intimidating the people, would surely rob his house by and by.
+
+With these explanations they entered the room where the two servants
+had watched before. A few bottles of wine stood on the table and two
+bright candelabra shed a brilliant light. Two revolvers were ready for
+emergencies.
+
+They left the door only partly open, for too much light might drive
+the ghost away. Then, sitting down comfortably, the two men passed
+their time by chatting, taking a sip now and then.
+
+"The ghost seems to have spied us and probably won't come to-day,"
+said the doctor.
+
+"We must have patience. It is supposed to come at one," replied his
+friend.
+
+So they talked till one o'clock. Everything was quiet, and not a sound
+came from the street. Suddenly the doctor raised his finger.
+
+"Sh! Sesemann, don't you hear something?"
+
+While they both listened, the bar was unfastened, the key was turned,
+and the door flew open. Mr. Sesemann seized his revolver.
+
+"You are not afraid, I hope?" said the doctor, getting up.
+
+"Better be cautious!" whispered Mr. Sesemann, seizing the candelabrum
+in the other hand. The doctor followed with his revolver and the
+light, and so they went out into the hall.
+
+On the threshhold stood a motionless white form, lighted up by the
+moon.
+
+"Who is there?" thundered the doctor, approaching the figure. It
+turned and uttered a low shriek. There stood Heidi, with bare feet and
+in her white night-gown, looking bewildered at the bright light and
+the weapons. She was shaking with fear, while the two men were looking
+at her in amazement.
+
+"Sesemann, this seems to be your little water carrier," said the
+doctor.
+
+"Child, what does this mean?" asked Mr. Sesemann. "What did you want
+to do? Why have you come down here?"
+
+Pale from fright, Heidi said: "I do not know."
+
+The doctor came forward now. "Sesemann, this case belongs to my field.
+Please go and sit down while I take her to bed."
+
+Putting his revolver aside, he led the trembling child up-stairs.
+
+"Don't be afraid; just be quiet! Everything is all right; don't be
+frightened."
+
+When they had arrived in Heidi's room, the doctor put the little girl
+to bed, covering her up carefully. Drawing a chair near the couch, he
+waited till Heidi had calmed down and had stopped trembling. Then
+taking her hand in his, he said kindly: "Now everything is all right
+again. Tell me where you wanted to go?"
+
+"I did not want to go anywhere," Heidi assured him; "I did not go
+myself, only I was there all of a sudden."
+
+"Really! Tell me, what did you dream?"
+
+"Oh, I have the same dream every night. I always think I am with my
+grandfather again and can hear the fir-trees roar. I always think how
+beautiful the stars must be, and then I open the door of the hut, and
+oh, it is so wonderful! But when I wake up I am always in Frankfurt."
+Heidi had to fight the sobs that were rising in her throat.
+
+"Does your back or your head hurt you, child?"
+
+"No, but I feel as if a big stone was pressing me here."
+
+"As if you had eaten something that disagreed with you?"
+
+"Oh no, but as if I wanted to cry hard."
+
+"So, and then you cry out, don't you?"
+
+"Oh no, I must never do that, for Miss Rottenmeier has forbidden it."
+
+"Then you swallow it down? Yes? Do you like to be here?"
+
+"Oh yes," was the faint, uncertain reply.
+
+"Where did you live with your grandfather?"
+
+"Up on the Alp."
+
+"But wasn't it a little lonely there?"
+
+"Oh no, it was so beautiful!"--But Heidi could say no more. The
+recollection, the excitement of the night and all the restrained
+sorrow overpowered the child. The tears rushed violently from her eyes
+and she broke out into loud sobs.
+
+The doctor rose, and soothing her, said: "It won't hurt to cry; you'll
+go to sleep afterward, and when you wake up everything will come
+right." Then he left the room.
+
+Joining his anxious friend down-stairs, he said: "Sesemann, the little
+girl is a sleep-walker, and has unconsciously scared your whole
+household. Besides, she is so home-sick that her little body has
+wasted away. We shall have to act quickly. The only remedy for her is
+to be restored to her native mountain air. This is my prescription,
+and she must go tomorrow."
+
+"What, sick, a sleep-walker, and wasted away in my house! Nobody even
+suspected it! You think I should send this child back in this
+condition, when she has come in good health? No, doctor, ask
+everything but that. Take her in hand and prescribe for her, but let
+her get well before I send her back."
+
+"Sesemann," the doctor replied seriously, "just think what you are
+doing. We cannot cure her with powders and pills. The child has not a
+strong constitution, and if you keep her here, she might never get
+well again. If you restore her to the bracing mountain air to which
+she is accustomed, she probably will get perfectly well again."
+
+When Mr. Sesemann heard this he said, "If that is your advice, we must
+act at once; this is the only way then." With these words Mr. Sesemann
+took his friend's arm and walked about with him to talk the matter
+over. When everything was settled, the doctor took his leave, for the
+morning had already come and the sun was shining in through the door.
+
+
+
+
+XIII
+
+UP THE ALP ON A SUMMER EVENING
+
+
+Mr. Sesemann, going upstairs in great agitation, knocked at the
+housekeeper's door. He asked her to hurry, for preparations for a
+journey had to be made. Miss Rottenmeier obeyed the summons with the
+greatest indignation, for it was only half-past four in the morning.
+She dressed in haste, though with great difficulty, being nervous and
+excited. All the other servants were summoned likewise, and one and
+all thought that the master of the house had been seized by the ghost
+and that he was ringing for help. When they had all come down with
+terrified looks, they were most surprised to see Mr. Sesemann fresh
+and cheerful, giving orders. John was sent to get the horses ready and
+Tinette was told to prepare Heidi for her departure while Sebastian
+was commissioned to fetch Heidi's aunt. Mr. Sesemann instructed the
+housekeeper to pack a trunk in all haste for Heidi.
+
+Miss Rottenmeier experienced an extreme disappointment, for she had
+hoped for an explanation of the great mystery. But Mr. Sesemann,
+evidently not in the mood to converse further, went to his daughter's
+room. Clara had been wakened by the unusual noises and was listening
+eagerly. Her father told her of what had happened and how the doctor
+had ordered Heidi back to her home, because her condition was serious
+and might get worse. She might even climb the roof, or be exposed to
+similar dangers, if she was not cured at once.
+
+Clara was painfully surprised and tried to prevent her father from
+carrying out his plan. He remained firm, however, promising to take
+her to Switzerland himself the following summer, if she was good and
+sensible now. So the child, resigning herself, begged to have Heidi's
+trunk packed in her room. Mr. Sesemann encouraged her to get together
+a good outfit for her little friend.
+
+Heidi's aunt had arrived in the meantime. Being told to take her niece
+home with her, she found no end of excuses, which plainly showed that
+she did not want to do it; for Deta well remembered the uncle's
+parting words. Mr. Sesemann dismissed her and summoned Sebastian. The
+butler was told to get ready for travelling with the child. He was to
+go to Basle that day and spend the night at a good hotel which his
+master named. The next day the child was to be brought to her home.
+
+"Listen, Sebastian," Mr. Sesemann said, "and do exactly as I tell you.
+I know the Hotel in Basle, and if you show my card they will give you
+good accommodations. Go to the child's room and barricade the windows,
+so that they can only be opened by the greatest force. When Heidi has
+gone to bed, lock the door from outside, for the child walks in her
+sleep and might come to harm in the strange hotel. She might get up
+and open the door; do you understand?"
+
+"Oh!--Oh!--So it was she?" exclaimed the butler.
+
+"Yes, it was! You are a coward, and you can tell John he is the same.
+Such foolish men, to be afraid!" With that Mr. Sesemann went to his
+room to write a letter to Heidi's grandfather.
+
+Sebastian, feeling ashamed, said to himself that he ought to have
+resisted John and found out alone.
+
+Heidi was dressed in her Sunday frock and stood waiting for further
+commands.
+
+Mr. Sesemann called her now. "Good-morning, Mr. Sesemann," Heidi said
+when she entered.
+
+"What do you think about it, little one?" he asked her. Heidi looked
+up to him in amazement.
+
+"You don't seem to know anything about it," laughed Mr. Sesemann.
+Tinette had not even told the child, for she thought it beneath her
+dignity to speak to the vulgar Heidi.
+
+"You are going home to-day."
+
+"Home?" Heidi repeated in a low voice. She had to gasp, so great was
+her surprise.
+
+"Wouldn't you like to hear something about it?" asked Mr. Sesemann
+smiling.
+
+"Oh yes, I should like to," said the blushing child.
+
+"Good, good," said the kind gentleman. "Sit down and eat a big
+breakfast now, for you are going away right afterwards."
+
+The child could not even swallow a morsel, though she tried to eat out
+of obedience. It seemed to her as if it was only a dream.
+
+"Go to Clara, Heidi, till the carriage comes," Mr. Sesemann said
+kindly.
+
+Heidi had been wishing to go, and now she ran to Clara's room, where a
+huge trunk was standing.
+
+"Heidi, look at the things I had packed for you. Do you like them?"
+Clara asked.
+
+There were a great many lovely things in it, but Heidi jumped for joy
+when she discovered a little basket with twelve round white rolls for
+the grandmother. The children had forgotten that the moment for
+parting had come, when the carriage was announced. Heidi had to get
+all her own treasures from her room yet. The grandmama's book was
+carefully packed, and the red shawl that Miss Rottenmeier had
+purposely left behind. Then putting on her pretty hat, she left her
+room to say good-bye to Clara. There was not much time left to do so,
+for Mr. Sesemann was waiting to put Heidi in the carriage. When Miss
+Rottenmeier, who was standing on the stairs to bid farewell to her
+pupil, saw the red bundle in Heidi's hand, she seized it and threw it
+on the ground. Heidi looked imploringly at her kind protector, and Mr.
+Sesemann, seeing how much she treasured it, gave it back to her. The
+happy child at parting thanked him for all his goodness. She also sent
+a message of thanks to the good old doctor, whom she suspected to be
+the real cause of her going.
+
+While Heidi was being lifted into the carriage, Mr. Sesemann assured
+her that Clara and he would never forget her. Sebastian followed with
+Heidi's basket and a large bag with provisions. Mr. Sesemann called
+out: "Happy journey!" and the carriage rolled away.
+
+Only when Heidi was sitting in the train did she become conscious of
+where she was going. She knew now that she would really see her
+grandfather and the grandmother again, also Peter and the goats. Her
+only fear was that the poor blind grandmother might have died while
+she was away.
+
+The thing she looked forward to most was giving the soft white rolls
+to the grandmother. While she was musing over all these things, she
+fell asleep. In Basle she was roused by Sebastian, for there they were
+to spend the night.
+
+The next morning they started off again, and it took them many hours
+before they reached Mayenfeld. When Sebastian stood on the platform of
+the station, he wished he could have travelled further in the train
+rather than have to climb a mountain. The last part of the trip might
+be dangerous, for everything seemed half-wild in this country. Looking
+round, he discovered a small wagon with a lean horse. A
+broad-shouldered man was just loading up large bags, which had come by
+the train. Sebastian, approaching the man, asked some information
+concerning the least dangerous ascent to the Alp. After a while it was
+settled that the man should take Heidi and her trunk to the village
+and see to it that somebody would go up with her from there.
+
+Not a word had escaped Heidi, until she now said, "I can go up alone
+from the village. I know the road." Sebastian felt relieved, and
+calling Heidi to him, presented her with a heavy roll of bills and a
+letter for the grandfather. These precious things were put at the
+bottom of the basket, under the rolls, so that they could not possibly
+get lost.
+
+Heidi promised to be careful of them, and was lifted up to the cart.
+The two old friends shook hands and parted, and Sebastian, with a
+slightly bad conscience for having deserted the child so soon, sat
+down on the station to wait for a returning train.
+
+The driver was no other than the village baker, who had never seen
+Heidi but had heard a great deal about her. He had known her parents
+and immediately guessed she was the child who had lived with the
+Alm-Uncle. Curious to know why she came home again, he began a
+conversation.
+
+"Are you Heidi, the child who lived with the Alm-Uncle?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why are you coming home again? Did you get on badly?"
+
+"Oh no; nobody could have got on better than I did in Frankfurt."
+
+"Then why are you coming back?"
+
+"Because Mr. Sesemann let me come."
+
+"Pooh! why didn't you stay?"
+
+"Because I would rather be with my grandfather on the Alp than
+anywhere on earth."
+
+"You may think differently when you get there," muttered the baker.
+"It is strange though, for she must know," he said to himself.
+
+They conversed no more, and Heidi began to tremble with excitement
+when she recognized all the trees on the road and the lofty peaks of
+the mountains. Sometimes she felt as if she could not sit still any
+longer, but had to jump down and run with all her might. They arrived
+at the village at the stroke of five. Immediately a large group of
+women and children surrounded the cart, for the trunk and the little
+passenger had attracted everybody's notice. When Heidi had been lifted
+down, she found herself held and questioned on all sides. But when
+they saw how frightened she was, they let her go at last. The baker
+had to tell of Heidi's arrival with the strange gentleman, and assured
+all the people that Heidi loved her grandfather with all her heart,
+let the people say what they would about him.
+
+Heidi, in the meantime, was running up the path; from time to time she
+was obliged to stop, for her basket was heavy and she lost her
+breath. Her one idea was: "If only grandmother still sits in her
+corner by her spinning wheel!--Oh, if she should have died!" When the
+child caught sight of the hut at last, her heart began to beat. The
+quicker she ran, the more it beat, but at last she tremblingly opened
+the door. She ran into the middle of the room, unable to utter one
+tone, she was so out of breath.
+
+"Oh God," it sounded from one corner, "our Heidi used to come in like
+that. Oh, if I just could have her again with me before I die. Who has
+come?"
+
+"Here I am! grandmother, here I am!" shouted the child, throwing
+herself on her knees before the old woman. She seized her hands and
+arms and snuggling up to her did not for joy utter one more word. The
+grandmother had been so surprised that she could only silently caress
+the child's curly hair over and over again. "Yes, yes," she said at
+last, "this is Heidi's hair, and her beloved voice. Oh my God, I thank
+Thee for this happiness." Out of her blind eyes big tears of joy fell
+down on Heidi's hand. "Is it really you, Heidi? Have you really come
+again?"
+
+"Yes, yes, grandmother," the child replied. "You must not cry, for I
+have come and will never leave you any more. Now you won't have to eat
+hard black bread any more for a little while. Look what I have brought
+you."
+
+Heidi put one roll after another into the grandmother's lap.
+
+"Ah, child, what a blessing you bring to me!" the old woman cried.
+"But you are my greatest blessing yourself, Heidi!" Then, caressing
+the child's hair and flushed cheeks, she entreated: "Just say one more
+word, that I may hear your voice."
+
+While Heidi was talking, Peter's mother arrived, and exclaimed in her
+amazement: "Surely, this is Heidi. But how can that be?"
+
+The child rose to shake hands with Brigida, who could not get over
+Heidi's splendid frock and hat.
+
+"You can have my hat, I don't want it any more; I have my old one
+still," Heidi said, pulling out her old crushed straw hat. Heidi had
+remembered her grandfather's words to Deta about her feather hat; that
+was why she had kept her old hat so carefully. Brigida at last
+accepted the gift after a great many remonstrances. Suddenly Heidi
+took off her pretty dress and tied her old shawl about her. Taking the
+grandmother's hand, she said: "Good-bye, I must go home to grandfather
+now, but I shall come again tomorrow. Good-night, grandmother."
+
+"Oh, please come again to-morrow, Heidi," implored the old woman,
+while she held her fast.
+
+"Why did you take your pretty dress off?" asked Brigida.
+
+"I'd rather go to grandfather that way, or else he might not know me
+any more, the way you did."
+
+Brigida accompanied the child outside and said mysteriously: "He would
+have known you in your frock; you ought to have kept it on. Please be
+careful, child, for Peter tells us that the uncle never says a word
+to anyone and always seems so angry." But Heidi was unconcerned, and
+saying good-night, climbed up the path with the basket on her arm. The
+evening sun was shining down on the grass before her. Every few
+minutes Heidi stood still to look at the mountains behind her.
+Suddenly she looked back and beheld such glory as she had not even
+seen in her most vivid dream. The rocky peaks were flaming in the
+brilliant light, the snow-fields glowed and rosy clouds were floating
+overhead. The grass was like an expanse of gold, and below her the
+valley swam in golden mist. The child stood still, and in her joy and
+transport tears ran down her cheeks. She folded her hands, and looking
+up to heaven, thanked the Lord that He had brought her home again. She
+thanked Him for restoring her to her beloved mountains,--in her
+happiness she could hardly find words to pray. Only when the glow had
+subsided, was Heidi able to follow the path again.
+
+[Illustration: THROWING HERSELF IN HER GRANDFATHER'S ARMS, SHE HELD
+HIM TIGHT]
+
+She climbed so fast that she could soon discover, first the tree-tops,
+then the roof, finally the hut. Now she could see her grandfather
+sitting on his bench, smoking a pipe. Above the cottage the fir-trees
+gently swayed and rustled in the evening breeze. At last she had
+reached the hut, and throwing herself in her grandfather's arms, she
+hugged him and held him tight. She could say nothing but "Grandfather!
+grandfather! grandfather!" in her agitation.
+
+The old man said nothing either, but his eyes were moist, and
+loosening Heidi's arms at last, he sat her on his knee. When he had
+looked at her a while, he said: "So you have come home again, Heidi?
+Why? You certainly do not look very cityfied! Did they send you away?"
+
+"Oh no, you must not think that, grandfather. They all were so good to
+me; Clara, Mr. Sesemann and grandmama. But grandfather, sometimes I
+felt as if I could not bear it any longer to be away from you! I
+thought I should choke; I could not tell any one, for that would have
+been ungrateful. Suddenly, one morning Mr. Sesemann called me very
+early, I think it was the doctor's fault and--but I think it is
+probably written in this letter;" with that Heidi brought the letter
+and the bank-roll from her basket, putting them on her grandfather's
+lap.
+
+"This belongs to you," he said, laying the roll beside him. Having
+read the letter, he put it in his pocket.
+
+"Do you think you can still drink milk with me, Heidi?" he asked,
+while he stepped into the cottage. "Take your money with you, you can
+buy a bed for it and clothes for many years."
+
+"I don't need it at all, grandfather," Heidi assured him; "I have a
+bed and Clara has given me so many dresses that I shan't need any more
+all my life."
+
+"Take it and put it in the cupboard, for you will need it some day."
+
+Heidi obeyed, and danced around the hut in her delight to see all the
+beloved things again. Running up to the loft, she exclaimed in great
+disappointment: "Oh grandfather, my bed is gone."
+
+"It will come again," the grandfather called up from below; "how could
+I know that you were coming back? Get your milk now!"
+
+Heidi, coming down, took her old seat. She seized her bowl and emptied
+it eagerly, as if it was the most wonderful thing she had ever tasted.
+"Grandfather, our milk is the best in all the world."
+
+Suddenly Heidi, hearing a shrill whistle, rushed outside, as Peter and
+all his goats came racing down. Heidi greeted the boy, who stopped,
+rooted to the spot, staring at her. Then she ran into the midst of her
+beloved friends, who had not forgotten her either. Schwänli and Bärli
+bleated for joy, and all her other favorites pressed near to her.
+Heidi was beside herself with joy, and caressed little Snowhopper and
+patted Thistlefinch, till she felt herself pushed to and fro among
+them.
+
+"Peter, why don't you come down and say good-night to me?" Heidi
+called to the boy.
+
+"Have you come again?" he exclaimed at last. Then he took Heidi's
+proffered hand and asked her, as if she had been always there: "Are
+you coming up with me to-morrow?"
+
+"No, to-morrow I must go to grandmother, but perhaps the day after."
+
+Peter had a hard time with his goats that day, for they would not
+follow him. Over and over again they came back to Heidi, till she
+entered the shed with Bärli and Schwänli and shut the door.
+
+When Heidi went up to her loft to sleep, she found a fresh, fragrant
+bed waiting for her; and she slept better that night than she had for
+many, many months, for her great and burning longing had been
+satisfied. About ten times that night the grandfather rose from his
+couch to listen to Heidi's quiet breathing. The window was filled up
+with hay, for from now on the moon was not allowed to shine on Heidi
+any more. But Heidi slept quietly, for she had seen the flaming
+mountains and had heard the fir-trees roar.
+
+
+
+
+XIV
+
+ON SUNDAY WHEN THE CHURCH BELLS RING
+
+
+Heidi was standing under the swaying fir-trees, waiting for her
+grandfather to join her. He had promised to bring up her trunk from
+the village while she went in to visit the grandmother. The child was
+longing to see the blind woman again and to hear how she had liked the
+rolls. It was Saturday, and the grandfather had been cleaning the
+cottage. Soon he was ready to start. When they had descended and Heidi
+entered Peter's hut, the grandmother called lovingly to her: "Have you
+come again, child?"
+
+She took hold of Heidi's hand and held it tight. Grandmother then told
+the little visitor how good the rolls had tasted, and how much
+stronger she felt already. Brigida related further that the
+grandmother had only eaten a single roll, being so afraid to finish
+them too soon. Heidi had listened attentively, and said now:
+"Grandmother, I know what I shall do. I am going to write to Clara and
+she'll surely send me a whole lot more."
+
+But Brigida remarked: "That is meant well, but they get hard so soon.
+If I only had a few extra pennies, I could buy some from our baker. He
+makes them too, but I am hardly able to pay for the black bread."
+
+Heidi's face suddenly shone. "Oh, grandmother, I have an awful lot of
+money," she cried. "Now I know what I'll do with it. Every day you
+must have a fresh roll and two on Sundays. Peter can bring them up
+from the village."
+
+"No, no, child," the grandmother implored. "That must not be. You must
+give it to grandfather and he'll tell you what to do with it."
+
+But Heidi did not listen but jumped gaily about the little room,
+calling over and over again: "Now grandmother can have a roll every
+day. She'll get well and strong, and," she called with fresh delight,
+"maybe your eyes will see again, too, when you are strong and well."
+
+The grandmother remained silent, not to mar the happiness of the
+child. Seeing the old hymn-book on the shelf, Heidi said:
+
+"Grandmother, shall I read you a song from your book now? I can read
+quite nicely!" she added after a pause.
+
+"Oh yes, I wish you would, child. Can you really read?"
+
+Heidi, climbing on a chair, took down the dusty book from a shelf.
+After she had carefully wiped it off, she sat down on a stool.
+
+"What shall I read, grandmother?"
+
+"Whatever you want to," was the reply. Turning the pages, Heidi found
+a song about the sun, and decided to read that aloud. More and more
+eagerly she read, while the grandmother, with folded arms, sat in her
+chair. An expression of indescribable happiness shone in her
+countenance, though tears were rolling down her cheeks. When Heidi
+had repeated the end of the song a number of times, the old woman
+exclaimed: "Oh, Heidi, everything seems bright to me again and my
+heart is light. Thank you, child, you have done me so much good."
+
+Heidi looked enraptured at the grandmother's face, which had changed
+from an old, sorrowful expression to a joyous one.
+
+She seemed to look up gratefully, as if she could already behold the
+lovely, celestial gardens told of in the hymn.
+
+Soon the grandfather knocked on the window, for it was time to go.
+Heidi followed quickly, assuring the grandmother that she would visit
+her every day now; on the days she went up to the pasture with Peter,
+she would return in the early afternoon, for she did not want to miss
+the chance to make the grandmother's heart joyful and light. Brigida
+urged Heidi to take her dress along, and with it on her arm the child
+joined the old man and immediately told him what had happened.
+
+On hearing of her plan to purchase rolls for the grandmother every
+day, the grandfather reluctantly consented.
+
+At this the child gave a bound, shouting: "Oh grandfather, now
+grandmother won't ever have to eat hard, black bread any more. Oh,
+everything is so wonderful now! If God Our Father had done immediately
+what I prayed for, I should have come home at once and could not have
+brought half as many rolls to grandmother. I should not have been able
+to read either. Grandmama told me that God would make everything much
+better than I could ever dream. I shall always pray from now on, the
+way grandmama taught me. When God does not give me something I pray
+for, I shall always remember how everything has worked out for the
+best this time. We'll pray every day, grandfather, won't we, for
+otherwise God might forget us."
+
+"And if somebody should forget to do it?" murmured the old man.
+
+"Oh, he'll get on badly, for God will forget him, too. If he is
+unhappy and wretched, people don't pity him, for they will say: 'he
+went away from God, and now the Lord, who alone can help him, has no
+pity on him'."
+
+"Is that true, Heidi? Who told you so?"
+
+"Grandmama explained it all to me."
+
+After a pause the grandfather said: "Yes, but if it has happened, then
+there is no help; nobody can come back to the Lord, when God has once
+forgotten him."
+
+"But grandfather, everybody can come back to Him; grandmama told me
+that, and besides there is the beautiful story in my book. Oh,
+grandfather, you don't know it yet, and I shall read it to you as soon
+as we get home."
+
+The grandfather had brought a big basket with him, in which he carried
+half the contents of Heidi's trunk; it had been too large to be
+conveyed up the steep ascent. Arriving at the hut and setting down his
+load, he had to sit beside Heidi, who was ready to begin the tale.
+With great animation Heidi read the story of the prodigal son, who
+was happy at home with his father's cows and sheep. The picture showed
+him leaning on his staff, watching the sunset. "Suddenly he wanted to
+have his own inheritance, and be able to be his own master. Demanding
+the money from his father, he went away and squandered all. When he
+had nothing in the world left, he had to go as servant to a peasant,
+who did not own fine cattle like his father, but only swine; his
+clothes were rags, and for food he only got the husks on which the
+pigs were fed. Often he would think what a good home he had left, and
+when he remembered how good his father had been to him and his own
+ungratefulness, he would cry from repentance and longing. Then he said
+to himself: 'I shall go to my father and ask his forgiveness.' When he
+approached his former home, his father came out to meet him--"
+
+"What do you think will happen now?" Heidi asked. "You think that the
+father is angry and will say: 'Didn't I tell you?' But just listen:
+'And his father saw him and had compassion and ran and fell on his
+neck. And the son said: Father, I have sinned against Heaven and in
+Thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son. But the father
+said to his servants: Bring forth the best robe and put it on him; and
+put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet; and bring hither the
+fatted calf and kill it; and let us eat and be merry: For this my son
+was dead and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they
+began to be merry."
+
+"Isn't it a beautiful story, grandfather?" asked Heidi, when he sat
+silently beside her.
+
+"Yes, Heidi, it is," said the grandfather, but so seriously that Heidi
+quietly looked at the pictures. "Look how happy he is," she said,
+pointing to it.
+
+A few hours later, when Heidi was sleeping soundly, the old man
+climbed up the ladder. Placing a little lamp beside the sleeping
+child, he watched her a long, long time. Her little hands were folded
+and her rosy face looked confident and peaceful. The old man now
+folded his hands and said in a low voice, while big tears rolled down
+his cheeks: "Father, I have sinned against Heaven and Thee, and am no
+more worthy to be Thy son!"
+
+The next morning found the uncle standing before the door, looking
+about him over valley and mountain. A few early bells sounded from
+below and the birds sang their morning anthems.
+
+Re-entering the house, he called: "Heidi, get up! The sun is shining!
+Put on a pretty dress, for we are going to church!"
+
+That was a new call, and Heidi obeyed quickly. When the child came
+downstairs in her smart little frock, she opened her eyes wide. "Oh,
+grandfather!" she exclaimed, "I have never seen you in your Sunday
+coat with the silver buttons. Oh, how fine you look!"
+
+The old man, turning to the child, said with a smile: "You look nice,
+too; come now!" With Heidi's hand in his they wandered down together.
+The nearer they came to the village, the louder and richer the bells
+resounded. "Oh grandfather, do you hear it? It seems like a big, high
+feast," said Heidi.
+
+When they entered the church, all the people were singing. Though they
+sat down on the last bench behind, the people had noticed their
+presence and whispered it from ear to ear. When the pastor began to
+preach, his words were a loud thanksgiving that moved all his hearers.
+After the service the old man and the child walked to the parsonage.
+The clergyman had opened the door and received them with friendly
+words. "I have come to ask your forgiveness for my harsh words," said
+the uncle. "I want to follow your advice to spend the winter here
+among you. If the people look at me askance, I can't expect any
+better. I am sure, Mr. Pastor, you will not do so."
+
+   [Illustration: WITH HEIDI'S HAND IN HIS THEY WANDERED DOWN
+   TOGETHER]
+
+The pastor's friendly eyes sparkled, and with many a kind word he
+commended the uncle for this change, and putting his hand on Heidi's
+curly hair, ushered them out. Thus the people, who had been all
+talking together about this great event, could see that their
+clergyman shook hands with the old man. The door of the parsonage was
+hardly shut, when the whole assembly came forward with outstretched
+hands and friendly greetings. Great seemed to be their joy at the old
+man's resolution; some of the people even accompanied him on his
+homeward way. When they had parted at last, the uncle looked after
+them with his face shining as with an inward light. Heidi looked up to
+him and said: "Grandfather, you have never looked so beautiful!"
+
+"Do you think so, child?" he said with a smile. "You see, Heidi, I am
+more happy than I deserve; to be at peace with God and men makes one's
+heart feel light. God has been good to me, to send you back."
+
+When they arrived at Peter's hut, the grandfather opened the door and
+entered. "How do you do, grandmother," he called out. "I think we
+must start to mend again, before the fall wind comes."
+
+"Oh my God, the uncle!" exclaimed the grandmother in joyous surprise.
+"How happy I am to be able to thank you for what you have done, uncle!
+Thank you, God bless you for it."
+
+With trembling joy the grandmother shook hands with her old friend.
+"There is something else I want to say to you, uncle," she continued.
+"If I have ever hurt you in any way, do not punish me. Do not let
+Heidi go away again before I die. I cannot tell you what Heidi means
+to me!" So saying, she held the clinging child to her.
+
+"No danger of that, grandmother, I hope we shall all stay together now
+for many years to come."
+
+Brigida now showed Heidi's feather hat to the old man and asked him to
+take it back. But the uncle asked her to keep it, since Heidi had
+given it to her.
+
+"What blessings this child has brought from Frankfurt," Brigida said.
+"I often wondered if I should not send our little Peter too. What do
+you think, uncle?"
+
+The uncle's eyes sparkled with fun, when he replied: "I am sure it
+would not hurt Peter; nevertheless I should wait for a fitting
+occasion before I sent him."
+
+The next moment Peter himself arrived in great haste. He had a letter
+for Heidi, which had been given to him in the village. What an event,
+a letter for Heidi! They all sat down at the table while the child
+read it aloud. The letter was from Clara Sesemann, who wrote that
+everything had got so dull since Heidi left. She said that she could
+not stand it very long, and therefore her father had promised to take
+her to Ragatz this coming fall. She announced that Grandmama was
+coming too, for she wanted to see Heidi and her grandfather.
+Grandmama, having heard about the rolls, was sending some coffee, too,
+so that the grandmother would not have to eat them dry. Grandmama
+also insisted on being taken to the grandmother herself when she came
+on her visit.
+
+Great was the delight caused by this news, and what with all the
+questions and plans that followed, the grandfather himself forgot how
+late it was. This happy day, which had united them all, caused the old
+woman to say at parting: "The most beautiful thing of all, though, is
+to be able to shake hands again with an old friend, as in days gone
+by; it is a great comfort to find again, what we have treasured. I
+hope you'll come soon again, uncle. I am counting on the child for
+tomorrow."
+
+This promise was given. While Heidi and her grandfather were on their
+homeward path, the peaceful sound of evening bells accompanied them.
+At last they reached the cottage, which seemed to glow in the evening
+light.
+
+
+
+
+Part II
+
+Heidi Makes Use of Her Experience
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XV
+
+PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY
+
+
+The kind doctor who had sent Heidi home to her beloved mountains was
+approaching the Sesemann residence on a sunny day in September.
+Everything about him was bright and cheerful, but the doctor did not
+even raise his eyes from the pavement to the blue sky above. His face
+was sad and his hair had turned very gray since spring. A few months
+ago the doctor had lost his only daughter, who had lived with him
+since his wife's early death. The blooming girl had been his only joy,
+and since she had gone from him the ever-cheerful doctor was bowed
+down with grief.
+
+When Sebastian opened the door to the physician he bowed very low, for
+the doctor made friends wherever he went.
+
+"I am glad you have come doctor," Mr. Sesemann called to his friend as
+he entered. "Please let us talk over this trip to Switzerland again.
+Do you still give the same advice, now that Clara is so much better?"
+
+"What must I think of you, Sesemann?" replied the doctor, sitting
+down. "I wish your mother was here. Everything is clear to her and
+things go smoothly then. This is the third time to-day that you have
+called me, and always for the same thing!"
+
+"It is true, it must make you impatient," said Mr. Sesemann. Laying
+his hand on his friend's shoulder, he continued: "I cannot say how
+hard it is for me to refuse Clara this trip. Haven't I promised it to
+her and hasn't she looked forward to it for months? She has borne all
+her suffering so patiently, just because she had hoped to be able to
+visit her little friend on the Alp. I hate to rob her of this
+pleasure. The poor child has so many trials and so little change."
+
+"But, Sesemann, you must do it," was the doctor's answer. When his
+friend remained silent, he continued: "Just think what a hard summer
+Clara has had! She never was more ill and we could not attempt this
+journey without risking the worst consequences. Remember, we are in
+September now, and though the weather may still be fine on the Alp, it
+is sure to be very cool. The days are getting short, and she could
+only spend a few hours up there, if she had to return for the night.
+It would take several hours to have her carried up from Ragatz. You
+see yourself how impossible it is! I shall come in with you, though,
+to talk to Clara, and you'll find her sensible. I'll tell you of my
+plan for next May. First she can go to Ragatz to take the baths. When
+it gets warm on the mountain, she can be carried up from time to time.
+She'll be stronger then and much more able to enjoy those excursions
+than she is now. If we hope for an improvement in her condition, we
+must be extremely cautious and careful, remember that!"
+
+Mr. Sesemann, who had been listening with the utmost submission, now
+said anxiously: "Doctor, please tell me honestly if you still have
+hope left for any change?"
+
+With shrugging shoulders the doctor replied: "Not very much. But think
+of me, Sesemann! Have you not a child, who loves you and always
+welcomes you? You don't have to come back to a lonely house and sit
+down alone at your table. Your child is well taken care of, and if she
+has many privations, she also has many advantages. Sesemann, you do
+not need to be pitied! Just think of my lonely home!"
+
+Mr. Sesemann had gotten up and was walking round the room, as he
+always did when something occupied his thoughts. Suddenly he stood
+before his friend and said: "Doctor, I have an idea. I cannot see you
+sad any longer. You must get away. You shall undertake this trip and
+visit Heidi in our stead."
+
+The doctor had been surprised by this proposal, and tried to object.
+But Mr. Sesemann was so full of his new project that he pulled his
+friend with him into his daughter's room, not leaving him time for any
+remonstrances. Clara loved the doctor, who had always tried to cheer
+her up on his visits by bright and funny tales. She was sorry for the
+change that had come over him and would have given much to see him
+happy again. When he had shaken hands with her, both men pulled up
+their chairs to Clara's bedside. Mr. Sesemann began to speak of their
+journey and how sorry he was to give it up. Then he quickly began to
+talk of his new plan.
+
+Clara's eyes had filled with tears. But she knew that her father did
+not like to see her cry, and besides she was sure that her papa would
+only forbid her this pleasure because it was absolutely necessary to
+do so.
+
+So she bravely fought her tears, and caressing the doctor's hand,
+said:
+
+"Oh please, doctor, do go to Heidi; then you can tell me all about
+her, and can describe her grandfather to me, and Peter, with his
+goats,--I seem to know them all so well. Then you can take all the
+things to her that I had planned to take myself. Oh, please doctor,
+go, and then I'll be good and take as much cod-liver oil as ever you
+want me to."
+
+Who can tell if this promise decided the doctor? At any rate he
+answered with a smile: "Then I surely must go, Clara, for you will get
+fat and strong, as we both want to see you. Have you settled yet when
+I must go?"
+
+"Oh, you had better go tomorrow morning, doctor," Clara urged.
+
+"She is right," the father assented; "the sun is shining and you must
+not lose any more glorious days on the Alp."
+
+The doctor had to laugh. "Why don't you chide me for being here still?
+I shall go as quickly as I can, Sesemann."
+
+Clara gave many messages to him for Heidi. She also told him to be
+sure to observe everything closely, so that he would be able to tell
+her all about it when he came back. The things for Heidi were to be
+sent to him later, for Miss Rottenmeier, who had to pack them, was out
+on one of her lengthy wanderings about town.
+
+The doctor promised to comply with all Clara's wishes and to start the
+following day.
+
+Clara rang for the maid and said to her, when she arrived: "Please,
+Tinette, pack a lot of fresh, soft coffee-cake in this box." A box
+had been ready for this purpose many days. When the maid was leaving
+the room she murmured: "That's a silly bother!"
+
+Sebastian, who had happened to overhear some remarks, asked the
+physician when he was leaving to take his regards to the little Miss,
+as he called Heidi.
+
+With a promise to deliver this message the doctor was just hastening
+out, when he encountered an obstacle. Miss Rottenmeier, who had been
+obliged to return from her walk on account of the strong wind, was
+just coming in. She wore a large cape, which the wind was blowing
+about her like two full sails. Both had retreated politely to give way
+to each other. Suddenly the wind seemed to carry the housekeeper
+straight towards the doctor, who had barely time to avoid her. This
+little incident, which had ruffled Miss Rottenmeier's temper very
+much, gave the doctor occasion to soothe her, as she liked to be
+soothed by this man, whom she respected more than anybody in the
+world. Telling her of his intended visit, he entreated her to pack the
+things for Heidi as only she knew how.
+
+Clara had expected some resistance from Miss Rottenmeier about the
+packing of her presents. What was her surprise when this lady showed
+herself most obliging, and immediately, on being told, brought
+together all the articles! First came a heavy coat for Heidi, with a
+hood, which Clara meant her to use on visits to the grandmother in the
+winter. Then came a thick warm shawl and a large box with coffee-cake
+for the grandmother. An enormous sausage for Peter's mother followed,
+and a little sack of tobacco for the grandfather. At last a lot of
+mysterious little parcels and boxes were packed, things that Clara had
+gathered together for Heidi. When the tidy pack lay ready on the
+ground, Clara's heart filled with pleasure at the thought of her
+little friend's delight.
+
+Sebastian now entered, and putting the pack on his shoulder, carried
+it to the doctor's house without delay.
+
+
+
+
+XVI
+
+A GUEST ON THE ALP
+
+
+The early dawn was tinging the mountains and a fresh morning-breeze
+rocked the old fir-trees to and fro. Heidi opened her eyes, for the
+rustling of the wind had awakened her. These sounds always thrilled
+her heart, and now they drew her out of bed. Rising hurriedly, she
+soon was neatly dressed and combed.
+
+Coming down the little ladder and finding the grandfather's bed empty,
+she ran outside. The old man was looking up at the sky to see what the
+weather was going to be like that day. Rosy clouds were passing
+overhead, but gradually the sky grew more blue and deep, and soon a
+golden light passed over the heights, for the sun was rising in all
+his glory.
+
+"Oh, how lovely! Good-morning, grandfather," Heidi exclaimed.
+
+"Are your eyes bright already?" the grandfather retorted, holding out
+his hand.
+
+Heidi then ran over to her beloved fir-trees and danced about, while
+the wind was howling in the branches.
+
+After the old man had washed and milked the goats, he brought them out
+of the shed. When Heidi saw her friends again, she caressed them
+tenderly, and they in their turn nearly crushed her between them.
+Sometimes when Bärli got too wild, Heidi would say: "But Bärli, you
+push me like the Big Turk," and that was enough to quiet the goat.
+
+Soon Peter arrived with the whole herd, the jolly Thistlefinch ahead
+of all the others. Heidi, being soon in the mist of them, was pushed
+about among them. Peter was anxious to say a word to the little girl,
+so he gave a shrill whistle, urging the goats to climb ahead. When he
+was near her he said reproachfully: "You really might come with me
+to-day!"
+
+"No, I can't, Peter," said Heidi. "They might come from Frankfurt any
+time. I must be home when they come."
+
+"How often you have said that," grumbled the boy.
+
+"But I mean it," replied Heidi. "Do you really think I want to be away
+when they come from Frankfurt? Do you really think that, Peter?"
+
+"They could come to uncle," Peter growled.
+
+Then the grandfather's strong voice was heard: "Why doesn't the army
+go forward? Is it the field-marshal's fault, or the fault of the
+troop?"
+
+Peter immediately turned about and led his goats up the mountain
+without more ado.
+
+Since Heidi had come home again to her grandfather she did many things
+that had never occurred to her before. For instance, she would make
+her bed every morning, and run about the hut, tidying and dusting.
+With an old rag she would rub the chairs and table till they all
+shone, and the grandfather would exclaim: "It is always Sunday with us
+now; Heidi has not been away in vain."
+
+On this day after breakfast, when Heidi began her self-imposed task,
+it took her longer than usual, for the weather was too glorious to
+stay within. Over and over again a bright sunbeam would tempt the busy
+child outside. How could she stay indoors, when the glistening
+sunshine was pouring down and all the mountains seemed to glow? She
+had to sit down on the dry, hard ground and look down into the valley
+and all about her. Then, suddenly remembering her little duties, she
+would hasten back. It was not long, though, till the roaring fir-trees
+tempted her again. The grandfather had been busy in his little shop,
+merely glancing over at the child from time to time. Suddenly he heard
+her call: "Oh grandfather, come!"
+
+He was frightened and came out quickly He saw her running down the
+hill crying: "They are coming, they are coming. Oh, the doctor is
+coming first."
+
+   [Illustration: THEY ARE COMING, OH, THE DOCTOR IS COMING FIRST]
+
+When Heidi at last reached her old friend, he held out his hand, which
+Heidi immediately seized. In the full joy of her heart, she exclaimed:
+"How do you do, doctor? And I thank you a thousand times!"
+
+"How are you, Heidi? But what are you thanking me for already?" the
+doctor asked, with a smile.
+
+"Because you let me come home again," the child explained.
+
+The gentleman's face lit up like sunshine. He had certainly not
+counted on such a reception on the Alp. On the contrary! Not even
+noticing all the beauty around him, he had climbed up sadly, for he
+was sure that Heidi probably would not know him any more. He thought
+that he would be far from welcome, being obliged to cause her a great
+disappointment. Instead, he beheld Heidi's bright eyes looking up at
+him in gratefulness and love. She was still holding his arm, when he
+said: "Come now, Heidi, and take me to your grandfather, for I want
+to see where you live."
+
+Like a kind father he had taken her hand, but Heidi stood still and
+looked down the mountain-side.
+
+"But where are Clara and grandmama?" she asked.
+
+"Child, I must tell you something now which will grieve you as much as
+it grieves me," replied the doctor. "I had to come alone, for Clara
+has been very ill and could not travel. Of course grandmama has not
+come either; but the spring will soon be here, and when the days get
+long and warm, they will surely visit you."
+
+Heidi was perfectly amazed; she could not understand how all those
+things that she had pictured to herself so clearly would not happen
+after all. She was standing perfectly motionless, confused by the
+blow.
+
+It was some time before Heidi remembered that, after all, she had come
+down to meet the doctor. Looking up at her friend, she was struck by
+his sad and cheerless face. How changed he was since she had seen
+him! She did not like to see people unhappy, least of all the good,
+kind doctor. He must be sad because Clara and grandmama had not come,
+and to console him she said: "Oh, it won't last long till spring comes
+again; then they will come for sure; they'll be able to stay much
+longer then, and that will please Clara. Now we'll go to grandfather."
+
+Hand in hand she climbed up with her old friend. All the way she tried
+to cheer him up by telling him again and again of the coming summer
+days. After they had reached the cottage, she called out to her
+grandfather quite happily:
+
+"They are not here yet, but it won't be very long before they are
+coming!"
+
+The grandfather warmly welcomed his guest, who did not seem at all a
+stranger, for had not Heidi told him many things about the doctor?
+They all three sat down on the bench before the door, and the doctor
+told of the object of his visit. He whispered to the child that
+something was coming up the mountain very soon which would bring her
+more pleasure than his visit. What could it be?
+
+The uncle advised the doctor to spend the splendid days of autumn on
+the Alp, if possible, and to take a little room in the village instead
+of in Ragatz; then he could easily walk up every day to the hut, and
+from there the uncle could take him all around the mountains. This
+plan was accepted.
+
+The sun was in its zenith and the wind had ceased. Only a soft
+delicious breeze fanned the cheeks of all.
+
+The uncle now got up and went into the hut, returning soon with a
+table and their dinner.
+
+"Go in, Heidi, and set the table here. I hope you will excuse our
+simple meal," he said, turning to his guest.
+
+"I shall gladly accept this delightful invitation; I am sure that
+dinner will taste good up here," said the guest, looking down over the
+sun-bathed valley.
+
+Heidi was running to and fro, for it gave her great joy to be able to
+wait on her kind protector. Soon the uncle appeared with the steaming
+milk, the toasted cheese, and the finely-sliced, rosy meat that had
+been dried in the pure air. The doctor enjoyed his dinner better than
+any he had ever tasted.
+
+"Yes, we must send Clara up here. How she could gather strength!" he
+said; "If she would have an appetite like mine to-day, she couldn't
+help getting nice and fat."
+
+At this moment a man could be seen walking up with a large sack on his
+shoulders. Arriving on top, he threw down his load, breathing in the
+pure, fresh air.
+
+Opening the cover, the doctor said: "This has come for you from
+Frankfurt, Heidi. Come and look what is in it."
+
+Heidi timidly watched the heap, and only when the gentleman opened the
+box with the cakes for the grandmother she said joyfully: "Oh, now
+grandmother can eat this lovely cake." She was taking the box and the
+beautiful shawl on her arm and was going to race down to deliver the
+gifts, when the men persuaded her to stay and unpack the rest. What
+was her delight at finding the tobacco and all the other things. The
+men had been talking together, when the child suddenly planted herself
+in front of them and said: "These things have not given me as much
+pleasure as the dear doctor's coming." Both men smiled.
+
+When it was near sunset, the doctor rose to start on his way down. The
+grandfather, carrying the box, the shawl and the sausage, and the
+guest holding the little girl by the hand, they wandered down the
+mountain-side. When they reached Peter's hut, Heidi was told to go
+inside and wait for her grandfather there. At parting she asked:
+"Would you like to come with me up to the pasture to-morrow, doctor?"
+
+"With pleasure. Good-bye, Heidi," was the reply. The grandfather had
+deposited all the presents before the door, and it took Heidi long to
+carry in the huge box and the sausage. The shawl she put on the
+grandmother's knee.
+
+Brigida had silently watched the proceedings, and could not open her
+eyes wide enough when she saw the enormous sausage. Never in her life
+had she seen the like, and now she really possessed it and could cut
+it herself.
+
+"Oh grandmother, don't the cakes please you awfully? Just look how
+soft they are!" the child exclaimed. What was her amazement when she
+saw the grandmother more pleased with the shawl, which would keep her
+warm in winter.
+
+"Grandmother, Clara has sent you that," Heidi said.
+
+"Oh, what kind good people they are to think of a poor old woman like
+me! I never thought I should ever own such a splendid wrap."
+
+At this moment Peter came stumbling in.
+
+"The uncle is coming up behind me, and Heidi must--" that was as far
+as he got, for his eyes had fastened on the sausage. Heidi, however,
+had already said good-bye, for she knew what he had meant. Though her
+uncle never went by the hut any more without stepping in, she knew it
+was too late to-day. "Heidi, come, you must get your sleep," he called
+through the open door. Bidding them all good-night, he took Heidi by
+the hand and under the glistening stars they wandered home to their
+peaceful cottage.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XVII
+
+RETALIATION
+
+
+Early the next morning the doctor climbed up the mountain in company
+with Peter and his goats. The friendly gentleman made several attempts
+to start a conversation with the boy, but as answer to his questions
+he got nothing more than monosyllables. When they arrived on top, they
+found Heidi already waiting, fresh and rosy as the early dawn.
+
+"Are you coming?" asked Peter as usual.
+
+"Of course I shall, if the doctor comes with us," replied the child.
+
+The grandfather, coming out of the hut, greeted the newcomer with
+great respect. Then he went up to Peter, and hung on his shoulder the
+sack, which seemed to contain more than usual that day.
+
+When they had started on their way, Heidi kept urging forward the
+goats, which were crowding about her. When at last she was walking
+peacefully by the doctor's side, she began to relate to him many
+things about the goats and all their strange pranks, and about the
+flowers, rocks and birds they saw. When they arrived at their
+destination, time seemed to have flown. Peter all the time was sending
+many an angry glance at the unconscious doctor, who never even noticed
+it.
+
+Heidi now took the doctor to her favorite spot. From there they could
+hear the peaceful-sounding bells of the grazing cattle below. The sky
+was deep blue, and above their heads the eagle was circling with
+outstretched wings. Everything was luminous and bright about them, but
+the doctor had been silent. Suddenly looking up, he beheld Heidi's
+radiant eyes.
+
+"Heidi, it is beautiful up here," he said. "But how can anybody with a
+heavy heart enjoy the beauty? Tell me!"
+
+"Oh," exclaimed Heidi, "one never has a sad heart here. One only gets
+unhappy in Frankfurt."
+
+A faint smile passed over the doctor's face. Then he began: "But if
+somebody has brought his sorrow away with him, how would you comfort
+him?"
+
+"God in Heaven alone can help him."
+
+"That is true, child," remarked the doctor. "But what can we do when
+God Himself has sent us the affliction?"
+
+After meditating a moment, Heidi replied: "One must wait patiently,
+for God knows how to turn the saddest things to something happy in the
+end. God will show us what He has meant to do for us. But He will only
+do so if we pray to Him patiently."
+
+"I hope you will always keep this beautiful belief, Heidi," said the
+doctor. Then looking up at the mighty cliffs above, he continued:
+"Think how sad it would make us not to be able to see all these
+beautiful things. Wouldn't that make us doubly sad? Can you understand
+me, child?"
+
+A great pain shot through Heidi's breast. She had to think of the poor
+grandmother. Her blindness was always a great sorrow to the child, and
+she had been struck with it anew. Seriously she replied:
+
+"Oh yes, I can understand it. But then we can read grandmother's
+songs; they make us happy and bright again."
+
+"Which songs, Heidi?"
+
+"Oh, those of the sun, and of the beautiful garden, and then the last
+verses of the long one. Grandmother loves them so that I always have
+to read them over three times," said Heidi.
+
+"I wish you would say them to me, child, for I should like to hear
+them," said the doctor.
+
+Heidi, folding her hands, began the consoling verses. She stopped
+suddenly, however, for the doctor did not seem to listen. He was
+sitting motionless, holding his hand before his eyes. Thinking that he
+had fallen asleep, she remained silent. But the verses had recalled
+his childhood days; he seemed to hear his mother and see her loving
+eyes, for when he was a little boy she had sung this song to him. A
+long time he sat there, till he discovered that Heidi was watching
+him.
+
+"Heidi, your song was lovely," he said with a more joyful voice. "We
+must come here another day and then you can recite it to me again."
+
+During all this time Peter had been boiling with anger. Now that Heidi
+had come again to the pasture with him, she did nothing but talk to
+the old gentleman. It made him very cross that he was not even able to
+get near her. Standing a little distance behind Heidi's friend, he
+shook his fist at him, and soon afterwards both fists, finally raising
+them up to the sky, as Heidi and the doctor remained together.
+
+When the sun stood in its zenith and Peter knew that it was noon, he
+called over to them with all his might: "Time to eat."
+
+When Heidi was getting up to fetch their dinner, the doctor just asked
+for a glass of milk, which was all he wanted. The child also decided
+to make the milk her sole repast, running over to Peter and informing
+him of their resolution.
+
+When the boy found that the whole contents of the bag was his, he
+hurried with his task as never in his life before. But he felt guilty
+on account of his former anger at the kind gentleman. To show his
+repentance he held his hands up flat to the sky, indicating by his
+action that his fists did not mean anything any more. Only after that
+did he start with his feast.
+
+Heidi and the doctor had wandered about the pasture till the gentleman
+had found it time to go. He wanted Heidi to remain where she was, but
+she insisted on accompanying him. All the way down she showed him many
+places where the pretty mountain flowers grew, all of whose names she
+could tell him. When they parted at last, Heidi waved to him. From
+time to time he turned about, and seeing the child still standing
+there, he had to think of his own little daughter who used to wave to
+him like that when he went away from home.
+
+The weather was warm and sunny that month. Every morning the doctor
+came up to the Alp, spending his day very often with the old man. Many
+a climb they had together that took them far up, to the bare cliffs
+near the eagle's haunt. The uncle would show his guest all the herbs
+that grew on hidden places and were strengthening and healing. He
+could tell many strange things of the beasts that lived in holes in
+rock or earth, or in the high tops of trees.
+
+In the evening they would part, and the doctor would exclaim: "My dear
+friend, I never leave you without having learned something."
+
+But most of his days he spent with Heidi. Then the two would sit
+together on the child's favorite spot, and Peter, quite subdued,
+behind them. Heidi had to recite the verses, as she had done the first
+day, and entertain him with all the things she knew.
+
+At last the beautiful month of September was over. One morning the
+doctor came up with a sadder face than usual. The time had come for
+him to go back to Frankfurt, and great was the uncle's sadness at that
+news. Heidi herself could hardly realize that her loving friend, whom
+she had been seeing every day, was really leaving. The doctor himself
+was loath to go, for the Alp had become as a home to him. But it was
+necessary for him to go, and shaking hands with the grandfather, he
+said good-bye, Heidi going along with him a little way.
+
+Hand in hand they wandered down, till the doctor stood still. Then
+caressing Heidi's curly hair, he said: "Now I must go, Heidi! I wish I
+could take you along with me to Frankfurt; then I could keep you."
+
+At those words, all the rows and rows of houses and streets, Miss
+Rottenmeier and Tinette rose before Heidi's eyes. Hesitating a little,
+she said: "I should like it better if you would come to see us again."
+
+"I believe that will be better. Now farewell!" said the friendly
+gentleman. When they shook hands his eyes filled with tears. Turning
+quickly he hurried off.
+
+Heidi, standing on the same spot, looked after him. What kind eyes he
+had! But they had been full of tears. All of a sudden she began to cry
+bitterly, and ran after her friend, calling with all her might, but
+interrupted by her sobs:
+
+"Oh doctor, doctor!"
+
+Looking round he stood still and waited till the child had reached
+him. Her tears came rolling down her cheeks while she sobbed: "I'll
+come with you to Frankfurt and I'll stay as long as ever you want me
+to. But first I must see grandfather."
+
+"No, no, dear child," he said affectionately, "not at once. You must
+remain here, I don't want you to get ill again. But if I should get
+sick and lonely and ask you to come to me, would you come and stay
+with me? Can I go away and think that somebody in this world still
+cares for me and loves me?"
+
+"Yes, I shall come to you the same day, for I really love you as much
+as grandfather," Heidi assured him, crying all the time.
+
+Shaking hands again, they parted. Heidi stayed on the same spot,
+waving her hand and looking after her departing friend till he seemed
+no bigger than a little dot. Then he looked back a last time at Heidi
+and the sunny Alp, muttering to himself: "It is beautiful up there.
+Body and soul get strengthened in that place and life seems worth
+living again."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XVIII
+
+WINTER IN THE VILLAGE
+
+
+The snow lay so deep around the Alm-hut that the windows seemed to
+stand level with the ground and the house-door had entirely
+disappeared. Round Peter's hut it was the same. When the boy went out
+to shovel the snow, he had to creep through the window; then he would
+sink deep into the soft snow and kick with arms and legs to get free.
+Taking a broom, the boy would have to clear away the snow from the
+door to prevent its falling into the hut.
+
+The uncle had kept his word; when the first snow had fallen, he had
+moved down to the village with Heidi and his goats. Near the church
+and the parish house lay an old ruin that once had been a spacious
+building. A brave soldier had lived there in days gone by; he had
+fought in the Spanish war, and coming back with many riches, had
+built himself a splendid house. But having lived too long in the noisy
+world to be able to stand the monotonous life in the little town, he
+soon went away, never to come back. After his death, many years later,
+though the house was already beginning to decay, a distant relation of
+his took possession of it. The new proprietor did not want to build it
+up again, so poor people moved in. They had to pay little rent for the
+house, which was gradually crumbling and falling to pieces. Years ago,
+when the uncle had come to the village with Tobias, he had lived
+there. Most of the time it had been empty, for the winter lasted long,
+and cold winds would blow through the chinks in the walls. When poor
+people lived there, their candles would be blown out and they would
+shiver with cold in the dark. But the uncle, had known how to help
+himself. In the fall, as soon as he had resolved to live in the
+village, he came down frequently, fitting up the place as best he
+could.
+
+On approaching the house from the back, one entered an open room,
+where nearly all the walls lay in ruins. On one side the remains of a
+chapel could be seen, now covered with the thickest ivy. A large hall
+came next, with a beautiful stone floor and grass growing in the
+crevices. Most of the walls were gone and part of the ceiling also. If
+a few thick pillars had not been left supporting the rest, it would
+undoubtedly have tumbled down. The uncle had made a wooden partition
+here for the goats, and covered the floor with straw. Several
+corridors, most of them half decayed, led finally to a chamber with a
+heavy iron door. This room was still in good condition and had dark
+wood panelling on the four firm walls. In one corner was an enormous
+stove, which nearly reached up to the ceiling. On the white tiles were
+painted blue pictures of old towers surrounded by high trees, and of
+hunters with their hounds. There also was a scene with a quiet lake,
+where, under shady oak-trees, a fisherman was sitting. Around the
+stove a bench was placed. Heidi loved to sit there, and as soon as she
+had entered their new abode, she began to examine the pictures.
+Arriving at the end of the bench, she discovered a bed, which was
+placed between the wall and the stove. "Oh grandfather, I have found
+my bed-room," exclaimed the little girl. "Oh, how fine it is! Where
+are you going to sleep?"
+
+"Your bed must be near the stove, to keep you warm," said the old man.
+"Now come and look at mine."
+
+With that the grandfather led her into his bed-room. From there a door
+led into the hugest kitchen Heidi had ever seen. With a great deal of
+trouble the grandfather had fitted up this place. Many boards were
+nailed across the walls and the door had been fastened with heavy
+wires, for beyond, the building lay in ruins. Thick underbrush was
+growing there, sheltering thousands of insects and lizards. Heidi was
+delighted with her new home, and when Peter arrived next day, she did
+not rest till he had seen every nook and corner of the curious
+dwelling-place.
+
+Heidi slept very well in her chimney corner, but it took her many days
+to get accustomed to it. When she woke up in the morning and could not
+hear the fir-trees roar, she would wonder where she was. Was the snow
+too heavy on the branches? Was she away from home? But as soon as she
+heard her grandfather's voice outside, she remembered everything and
+would jump merrily out of bed.
+
+After four days had gone by, Heidi said to her grandfather: "I must go
+to grandmother now, she has been alone so many days."
+
+But the grandfather shook his head and said: "You can't go yet, child.
+The snow is fathoms deep up there and is still falling. Peter can
+hardly get through. A little girl like you would be snowed up and lost
+in no time. Wait a while till it freezes and then you can walk on top
+of the crust."
+
+Heidi was very sorry, but she was so busy now that the days flew by.
+Every morning and afternoon she went to school, eagerly learning
+whatever was taught her. She hardly ever saw Peter there, for he did
+not come very often. The mild teacher would only say from time to
+time: "It seems to me, Peter is not here again! School would do him
+good, but I guess there is too much snow for him to get through." But
+when Heidi came home towards evening, Peter generally paid her a
+visit.
+
+After a few days the sun came out for a short time at noon, and the
+next morning the whole Alp glistened and shone like crystal. When
+Peter was jumping as usual into the snow that morning, he fell against
+something hard, and before he could stop himself he flew a little way
+down the mountain. When he had gained his feet at last, he stamped
+upon the ground with all his might. It really was frozen as hard as
+stone. Peter could hardly believe it, and quickly running up and
+swallowing his milk, and putting his bread in his pocket, he
+announced: "I must go to school to-day!"
+
+"Yes, go and learn nicely," answered his mother.
+
+Then, sitting down on his sled, the boy coasted down the mountain like
+a shot. Not being able to stop his course when he reached the village,
+he coasted down further and further, till he arrived in the plain,
+where the sled stopped of itself. It was already late for school, so
+the boy took his time and only arrived in the village when Heidi came
+home for dinner.
+
+"We've got it!" announced the boy, on entering.
+
+"What, general?" asked the uncle.
+
+"The snow," Peter replied.
+
+"Oh, now I can go up to grandmother!" Heidi rejoiced. "But Peter, why
+didn't you come to school? You could coast down to-day," she continued
+reproachfully.
+
+"I went too far on my sled and then it was too late," Peter replied.
+
+"I call that deserting!" said the uncle. "People who do that must
+have their ears pulled; do you hear?"
+
+The boy was frightened, for there was no one in the world whom he
+respected more than the uncle.
+
+"A general like you ought to be doubly ashamed to do so," the uncle
+went on. "What would you do with the goats if they did not obey you
+any more?"
+
+"Beat them," was the reply.
+
+"If you knew of a boy that was behaving like a disobedient goat and
+had to get spanked, what would you say?"
+
+"Serves him right."
+
+"So now you know it, goat-general: if you miss school again, when you
+ought to be there, you can come to me and get your due."
+
+Now at last Peter understood what the uncle had meant. More kindly,
+the old man then turned to Peter and said, "Come to the table now and
+eat with us. Then you can go up with Heidi, and when you bring her
+back at night, you can get your supper here."
+
+This unexpected change delighted Peter. Not losing any time, he soon
+disposed of his full plate. Heidi, who had given the boy most of her
+dinner, was already putting on Clara's new coat. Then together they
+climbed up, Heidi chatting all the time. But Peter did not say a
+single word. He was preoccupied and had not even listened to Heidi's
+tales. Before they entered the hut, the boy said stubbornly: "I think
+I had rather go to school than get a beating from the uncle." Heidi
+promptly confirmed him in his resolution.
+
+When they went into the room, Peter's mother was alone at the table
+mending. The grandmother was nowhere to be seen. Brigida now told
+Heidi that the grandmother was obliged to stay in bed on those cold
+days, as she did not feel very strong. That was something new for
+Heidi. Quickly running to the old woman's chamber, she found her lying
+in a narrow bed, wrapped up in her grey shawl and thin blanket.
+
+"Thank Heaven!" the grandmother exclaimed when she heard her
+darling's step. All autumn and winter long a secret fear had been
+gnawing at her heart, that Heidi would be sent for by the strange
+gentleman of whom Peter had told her so much. Heidi had approached the
+bed, asking anxiously: "Are you very sick, grandmother?"
+
+"No, no, child," the old woman reassured her, "the frost has just gone
+into my limbs a little."
+
+"Are you going to be well again as soon as the warm weather comes?"
+inquired Heidi.
+
+"Yes, yes, and if God wills, even sooner. I want to go back to my
+spinning-wheel and I nearly tried it to-day. I'll get up to-morrow,
+though," the grandmother said confidently, for she had noticed how
+frightened Heidi was.
+
+The last speech made the child feel more happy. Then, looking
+wonderingly at the grandmother, she said: "In Frankfurt people put on
+a shawl when they go out. Why are you putting it on in bed,
+grandmother?"
+
+"I put it on to keep me warm, Heidi. I am glad to have it, for my
+blanket is very thin."
+
+"But, grandmother, your bed is slanting down at your head, where it
+ought to be high. No bed ought to be like that."
+
+"I know, child, I can feel it well." So saying, the old woman tried to
+change her position on the pillow that lay under her like a thin
+board. "My pillow never was very thick, and sleeping on it all these
+years has made it flat."
+
+"Oh dear, if I had only asked Clara to give me the bed I had in
+Frankfurt!" Heidi lamented. "It had three big pillows on it; I could
+hardly sleep because I kept sliding down from them all the time. Could
+you sleep with them, grandmother?"
+
+"Of course, because that would keep me warm. I could breathe so much
+easier, too," said the grandmother, trying to find a higher place to
+lie on. "But I must not talk about it any more, for I have to be
+thankful for many things. I get the lovely roll every day and have
+this beautiful warm shawl. I also have you, my child! Heidi, wouldn't
+you like to read me something to-day?"
+
+Heidi immediately fetched the book and read one song after another.
+The grandmother in the meantime was lying with folded hands; her face,
+which had been so sad a short time ago, was lit up with a happy smile.
+
+Suddenly Heidi stopped.
+
+"Are you well again, grandmother?" she asked.
+
+"I feel very much better, Heidi. Please finish the song, will you?"
+
+The child obeyed, and when she came to the last words,
+
+    When mine eyes grow dim and sad,
+      Let Thy love more brightly burn,
+    That my soul, a wanderer glad,
+      Safely homeward may return.
+
+"Safely homeward may return!" she exclaimed: "Oh, grandmother, I know
+what it is like to come home." After a while she said: "It is getting
+dark, grandmother, I must go home now. I am glad that you feel
+better again."
+
+   [Illustration: THE TWO CHILDREN WERE ALREADY FLYING DOWN THE ALP]
+
+The grandmother, holding the child's hand in hers, said: "Yes, I am
+happy again, though I have to stay in bed. Nobody knows how hard it is
+to lie here alone, day after day. I do not hear a word from anybody
+and cannot see a ray of sunlight. I have very sad thoughts sometimes,
+and often I feel as if I could not bear it any longer. But when I can
+hear those blessed songs that you have read to me, it makes me feel as
+if a light was shining into my heart, giving me the purest joy."
+
+Shaking hands, the child now said good-night, and pulling Peter with
+her, ran outside. The brilliant moon was shining down on the white
+snow, light as day. The two children were already flying down the Alp,
+like birds soaring through the air.
+
+After Heidi had gone to bed that night, she lay awake a little while,
+thinking over everything the grandmother had said, especially about
+the joy the songs had given her. If only poor grandmother could hear
+those comforting words every day! Heidi knew that it might be a week
+or two again before she could repeat her visit. The child became very
+sad when she thought how uncomfortable and lonely the old woman would
+be. Was there no way for help? Suddenly Heidi had an idea, and it
+thrilled her so that she felt as if she could not wait till morning
+came to put her plan in execution. But in her excitement she had
+forgotten her evening prayer, so sitting up in bed, she prayed
+fervently to God. Then, falling back into the fragrant hay, she soon
+slept peacefully and soundly still the bright morning came.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XIX
+
+WINTER STILL CONTINUES
+
+
+Peter arrived punctually at school next day. He had brought his lunch
+with him in a bag, for all the children that came from far away ate in
+school, while the others went home. In the evening Peter as usual paid
+his visit to Heidi.
+
+The minute he opened the door she ran up to him, saying: "Peter, I
+have to tell you something."
+
+"Say it," he replied.
+
+"You must learn to read now," said the child.
+
+"I have done it already."
+
+"Yes, yes, Peter, but I don't mean it that way," Heidi eagerly
+proceeded; "you must learn so that you really know how afterwards."
+
+"I can't," Peter remarked.
+
+"Nobody believes you about that any more, and I won't either," Heidi
+said resolutely. "When I was in Frankfurt, grandmama told me that it
+wasn't true and that I shouldn't believe you."
+
+Peter's astonishment was great.
+
+"I'll teach you, for I know how; when you have learnt it, you must
+read one or two songs to grandmother every day."
+
+"I shan't!" grumbled the boy.
+
+This obstinate refusal made Heidi very angry. With flaming eyes she
+planted herself before the boy and said: "I'll tell you what will
+happen, if you don't want to learn. Your mother has often said that
+she'll send you to Frankfurt. Clara showed me the terrible, large
+boys' school there, where you'll have to go. You must stay there till
+you are a man, Peter! You mustn't think that there is only one teacher
+there, and such a kind one as we have here. No, indeed! There are
+whole rows of them, and when they are out walking they have high
+black hats on their heads. I saw them myself, when I was out driving!"
+
+Cold shivers ran down Peter's back.
+
+"Yes, you'll have to go there, and when they find out that you can't
+read or even spell, they'll laugh at you!"
+
+"I'll do it," said Peter, half angry and half frightened.
+
+"Oh, I am glad. Let us start right away!" said Heidi joyfully, pulling
+Peter over to the table. Among the things that Clara had sent, Heidi
+had found a little book with the A,B,C and some rhymes. She had chosen
+this for the lessons. Peter, having to spell the first rhyme, found
+great difficulty, so Heidi said, "I'll read it to you, and then you'll
+be able to do it better. Listen:
+
+    "If A, B, C you do not know,
+    Before the school board you must go."
+
+"I won't go," said Peter stubbornly.
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Before the court."
+
+"Hurry up and learn the three letters, then you won't have to!"
+
+Peter, beginning again, repeated the three letters till Heidi said:
+
+"Now you know them."
+
+Having observed the good result of the first rhyme, she began to read
+again:
+
+    D, E, F you then must read,
+    Or of misfortune take good heed!
+
+    If H,I,J,K are forgot,
+    Adversity is on the spot
+
+    Who over L and M doth stumble,
+    Must pay a penance and feel humble.
+
+    There's trouble coming; if you knew,
+    You'd quickly learn N, O, P, Q.
+
+    If still you halt on R, S, T,
+    You'll suffer for it speedily.
+
+Heidi, stopping, looked at Peter, who was so frightened by all these
+threats and mysterious horrors that he sat as still as a mouse.
+Heidi's tender heart was touched, and she said comfortingly: "Don't be
+afraid, Peter; if you come to me every day, you'll soon learn all the
+letters and then those things won't happen. But come every day, even
+when it snows. Promise!"
+
+Peter did so, and departed. Obeying Heidi's instructions, he came
+daily to her for his lesson.
+
+Sometimes the grandfather would sit in the room, smoking his pipe;
+often the corners of his mouth would twitch as if he could hardly keep
+from laughing.
+
+He generally invited Peter to stay to supper afterwards, which
+liberally rewarded the boy for all his great exertions.
+
+Thus the days passed by. In all this time Peter had really made some
+progress, though the rhymes still gave him difficulty.
+
+When they had come to U, Heidi read:
+
+    Whoever mixes U and V,
+    Will go where he won't want to be!
+
+and further,
+
+    If W you still ignore,
+    Look at the rod beside the door.
+
+Often Peter would growl and object to those measures, but nevertheless
+he kept on learning, and soon had but three letters left.
+
+The next few days the following rhymes, with their threats, made Peter
+more eager than ever.
+
+      If you the letter X forget
+      For you no supper will be set.
+
+    If you still hesitate with Y,
+    For shame you'll run away and cry.
+
+When Heidi read the last,
+
+    And he who makes his Z with blots,
+    Must journey to the Hottentots,
+
+Peter sneered: "Nobody even knows where they are!"
+
+"I am sure grandfather does," Heidi retorted, jumping up. "Just wait
+one minute and I shall ask him. He is over with the parson," and with
+that she had opened the door.
+
+"Wait!" shrieked Peter in great alarm, for he saw himself already
+transported to those dreadful people. "What is the matter with you?"
+said Heidi, standing still.
+
+"Nothing, but stay here. I'll learn," he blubbered. But Heidi,
+wanting to know something about the Hottentots herself, could only be
+kept back by piteous screams from Peter. So at last they settled down
+again, and before it was time to go, Peter knew the last letter, and
+had even begun to read syllables. From this day on he progressed more
+quickly.
+
+It was three weeks since Heidi had paid her last visit to the
+grandmother, for much snow had fallen since. One evening, Peter,
+coming home, said triumphantly:
+
+"I can do it!"
+
+"What is it you can do, Peter?" asked his mother, eagerly.
+
+"Read."
+
+"What, is it possible? Did you hear it, grandmother?" exclaimed
+Brigida.
+
+The grandmother also was curious to learn how this had happened.
+
+"I must read a song now; Heidi told me to," Peter continued. To the
+women's amazement, Peter began. After every verse his mother would
+exclaim, "Who would have ever thought it!" while the grandmother
+remained silent.
+
+One day later, when it happened that it was Peter's turn to read in
+school, the teacher said:
+
+"Peter, must I pass you by again, as usual? Or do you want to try--I
+shall not say to read, but to stammer through a line?"
+
+Peter began and read three lines without stopping.
+
+In dumb astonishment, the teacher, putting down his book, looked at
+the boy.
+
+"What miracle has happened to you?" he exclaimed. "For a long time I
+tried to teach you with all my patience, and you were not even able to
+grasp the letters, but now that I had given you up as hopeless, you
+have not only learnt how to spell, but even to read. How did this
+happen, Peter?"
+
+"It was Heidi," the boy replied.
+
+In great amazement, the teacher looked at the little girl. Then the
+kind man continued:
+
+"I have noticed a great change in you, Peter. You used to stay away
+from school, sometimes more than a week, and lately you have not even
+missed a day. Who has brought about this change?"
+
+"The uncle."
+
+Every evening now Peter on his return home read one song to his
+grandmother, but never more. To the frequent praises of Brigida, the
+old woman once replied: "I am glad he has learnt something, but
+nevertheless I am longing for the spring to come. Then Heidi can visit
+me, for when she reads, the verses sound so different. I cannot always
+follow Peter, and the songs don't thrill me the way they do when Heidi
+says them!"
+
+And no wonder! For Peter would often leave out long and difficult
+words,--what did three or four words matter! So it happened sometimes
+that there were hardly any nouns left in the hymns that Peter read.
+
+
+
+
+XX
+
+NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS
+
+
+May had come. Warm sunshine was bathing the whole Alp in glorious
+light, and having melted the last snow, had brought the first spring
+flowers to the surface. A merry spring wind was blowing, drying up the
+damp places in the shadow. High above in the azure heaven the eagle
+floated peacefully.
+
+Heidi and her grandfather were back on the Alp. The child was so happy
+to be home again that she jumped about among the beloved objects. Here
+she discovered a new spring bud, and there she watched the gay little
+gnats and beetles that were swarming in the sun.
+
+The grandfather was busy in his little shop, and a sound of hammering
+and sawing could be heard. Heidi had to go and see what the
+grandfather was making. There before the door stood a neat new chair,
+while the old man was busy making a second.
+
+"Oh, I know what they are for," said Heidi gaily. "You are making them
+for Clara and grandmama. Oh, but we need a third--or do you think that
+Miss Rottenmeier won't come, perhaps?"
+
+"I really don't know," said grandfather: "but it is safer to have a
+chair for her, if she should come."
+
+Heidi, thoughtfully looking at the backless chairs, remarked:
+"Grandfather, I don't think she would sit down on those."
+
+"Then we must invite her to sit down on the beautiful green lounge of
+grass," quietly answered the old man.
+
+While Heidi was still wondering what the grandfather had meant, Peter
+arrived, whistling and calling. As usual, Heidi was soon surrounded by
+the goats, who also seemed happy to be back on the Alp. Peter, angrily
+pushing the goats aside, marched up to Heidi, thrusting a letter into
+her hand.
+
+"Did you get a letter for me on the pasture?" Heidi said, astonished.
+
+"No."
+
+"Where did it come from?"
+
+"From my bag."
+
+The letter had been given to Peter the previous evening; putting it in
+his lunch-bag, the boy had forgotten it there till he opened the bag
+for his dinner. Heidi immediately recognized Clara's handwriting, and
+bounding over to her grandfather, exclaimed: "A letter has come from
+Clara. Wouldn't you like me to read it to you, grandfather?"
+
+Heidi immediately read to her two listeners, as follows:--
+
+    DEAR HEIDI:--
+
+    We are all packed up and shall travel in two or three days. Papa
+    is leaving, too, but not with us, for he has to go to Paris
+    first. The dear doctor visits us now every day, and as soon as
+    he opens the door, he calls, 'Away to the Alp!' for he can
+    hardly wait for us to go. If you only knew how he enjoyed being
+    with you last fall! He came nearly every day this winter to tell
+    us all about you and the grandfather and the mountains and the
+    flowers he saw. He said that it was so quiet in the pure,
+    delicious air, away from towns and streets, that everybody has
+    to get well there. He is much better himself since his visit,
+    and seems younger and happier. Oh, how I look forward to it all!
+    The doctor's advice is, that I shall go to Ragatz first for
+    about six weeks, then I can go to live in the village, and from
+    there I shall come to see you every fine day. Grandmama, who is
+    coming with me, is looking forward to the trip too. But just
+    think, Miss Rottenmeier does not want to go. When grandmama
+    urges her, she always declines politely. I think Sebastian must
+    have given her such a terrible description of the high rocks and
+    fearful abysses, that she is afraid. I think he told her that it
+    was not safe for anybody, and that only goats could climb such
+    dreadful heights. She used to be so eager to go to Switzerland,
+    but now neither Tinette nor she wants to take the risk. I can
+    hardly wait to see you again!
+
+    Good-bye, dear Heidi, with much love from grandmama,
+
+                    I am your true friend,
+                              CLARA.
+
+
+
+When Peter heard this, he swung his rod to right and left. Furiously
+driving the goats before him, he bounded down the hill.
+
+Heidi visited the grandmother next day, for she had to tell her the
+good news. Sitting up in her corner, the old woman was spinning as
+usual. Her face looked sad, for Peter had already announced the near
+visit of Heidi's friends, and she dreaded the result.
+
+After having poured out her full heart, Heidi looked at the old woman.
+"What is it, grandmother?" said the child. "Are you not glad?"
+
+"Oh yes, Heidi, I am glad, because you are happy."
+
+"But, grandmother, you seem so anxious. Do you still think Miss
+Rottenmeier is coming?"
+
+"Oh no, it is nothing. Give me your hand, for I want to be sure that
+you are still here. I suppose it will be for the best, even if I shall
+not live to see the day!"
+
+"Oh, but then I would not care about this coming," said the child.
+
+The grandmother had hardly slept all night for thinking of Clara's
+coming. Would they take Heidi away from her, now that she was well and
+strong? But for the sake of the child she resolved to be brave.
+
+"Heidi," she said, "please read me the song that begins with 'God will
+see to it.'"
+
+Heidi immediately did as she was told; she knew nearly all the
+grandmother's favorite hymns by now and always found them quickly.
+
+"That does me good, child," the old woman said. Already the expression
+of her face seemed happier and less troubled. "Please read it a few
+times over, child," she entreated.
+
+Thus evening came, and when Heidi wandered homewards, one twinkling
+star after another appeared in the sky. Heidi stood still every few
+minutes, looking up to the firmament in wonder. When she arrived home,
+her grandfather also was looking up to the stars, murmuring to
+himself: "What a wonderful month!--one day clearer than the other.
+The herbs will be fine and strong this year."
+
+The blossom month had passed, and June, with the long, long days, had
+come. Quantities of flowers were blooming everywhere, filling the air
+with perfume. The month was nearing its end, when one morning Heidi
+came running out of the hut, where she had already completed her
+duties. Suddenly she screamed so loud that the grandfather hurriedly
+came out to see what had happened.
+
+"Grandfather! Come here! Look, look!"
+
+A strange procession was winding up the Alm. First marched two men,
+carrying an open sedan chair with a young girl in it, wrapped up in
+many shawls. Then came a stately lady on horseback, who, talking with
+a young guide beside her, looked eagerly right and left. Then an empty
+rolling-chair, carried by a young fellow, was followed by a porter who
+had so many covers, shawls and furs piled up on his basket that they
+towered high above his head.
+
+"They are coming! they are coming!" cried Heidi in her joy, and soon
+the party had arrived at the top. Great was the happiness of the
+children at seeing each other again. When grandmama had descended from
+her horse, she tenderly greeted Heidi first, and then turned to the
+uncle, who had approached the group. The two met like two old friends,
+they had heard so much about each other.
+
+After the first words were exchanged, the grandmother exclaimed: "My
+dear uncle, what a wonderful residence you have. Who would have ever
+thought it! Kings could envy you here! Oh, how well my Heidi is
+looking, just like a little rose!" she continued, drawing the child
+closely to her side and patting her cheeks. "What glory everywhere!
+Clara, what do you say to it all?"
+
+Clara, looking about her rapturously, cried: "Oh, how wonderful, how
+glorious! I have never dreamt it could be as beautiful as that. Oh
+grandmama, I wish I could stay here!"
+
+The uncle had busied himself in the meantime with getting Clara's
+rolling-chair for her. Then, going up to the girl, he gently lifted
+her into her seat. Putting some covers over her knees, he tucked her
+feet in warmly. It seemed as if the grandfather had done nothing else
+all his life than nurse lame people.
+
+"My dear uncle," said the grandmama, surprised, "please tell me where
+you learned that, for I shall send all the nurses I know here
+immediately."
+
+The uncle smiled faintly, while he replied: "It comes more from care
+than study."
+
+His face became sad. Before his eyes had risen bygone times. For that
+was the way he used to care for his poor wounded captain, whom he had
+found in Sicily after a violent battle. He alone had been allowed to
+nurse him till his death, and now he would take just as good care of
+poor, lame Clara.
+
+When Clara had looked a long time at the cloudless sky above and all
+the rocky crags, she said longingly: "I wish I could walk round the
+hut to the fir-trees. If I only could see all the things you told me
+so much about!"
+
+Heidi pushed with all her might, and behold! the chair rolled easily
+over the dry grass. When they had come into the little grove, Clara
+could not see her fill of those splendid trees that must have stood
+there so many, many years. Although the people had changed and
+vanished, they had remained the same, ever looking down into the
+valley.
+
+When they passed the empty goat-shed, Clara said pitifully: "Oh
+grandmama, if I could only wait up here for Schwänli and Bärli! I am
+afraid I shan't see Peter and his goats, if we have to go away so soon
+again."
+
+"Dear child, enjoy now what you can," said the grandmama, who had
+followed.
+
+"Oh, what wonderful flowers!" exclaimed Clara again; "whole bushes of
+exquisite, red blossoms. Oh, if I could only pick some of those
+bluebells!"
+
+Heidi, immediately gathering a large bunch, put them in Clara's lap.
+
+"Clara, this is really nothing in comparison with the many flowers in
+the pasture. You must come up once and see them. There are so many
+that the ground seems golden with them. If you ever sit down among
+them, you will feel as if you could never get up any more, it is so
+beautiful."
+
+"Oh, grandmama, do you think I can ever go up there?" Clara asked with
+a wild longing in her eyes. "If I could only walk with you, Heidi, and
+climb round everywhere!"
+
+"I'll push you!" Heidi said for comfort. To show how easy it was, she
+pushed the chair at such a rate that it would have tumbled down the
+mountain, if the grandfather had not stopped it at the last moment.
+
+It was time for dinner now. The table was spread near the bench, and
+soon everybody sat down. The grandmother was so overcome by the view
+and the delicious wind that fanned her cheek that she remarked: "What
+a wondrous place this is! I have never seen its like! But what do I
+see?" she continued. "I think you are actually eating your second
+piece of cheese, Clara?"
+
+"Oh grandmama, it tastes better than all the things we get in Ragatz,"
+replied the child, eagerly eating the savory dish.
+
+"Don't stop, our mountain wind helps along where the cooking is
+faulty!" contentedly said the old man.
+
+During the meal the uncle and the grandmama had soon got into a lively
+conversation. They seemed to agree on many things, and understood each
+other like old friends. A little later the grandmama looked over to
+the west.
+
+"We must soon start, Clara, for the sun is already low; our guides
+will be here shortly."
+
+Clara's face had become sad, and she entreated: "Oh, please let us
+stay here another hour or so. We haven't even seen the hut yet. I wish
+the day were twice as long."
+
+The grandmama assented to Clara's wish to go inside. When the
+rolling-chair was found too broad for the door, the uncle quietly
+lifted Clara in his strong arms and carried her in. Grandmama was
+eagerly looking about her, glad to see everything so neat. Then going
+up the little ladder to the hay-loft, she discovered Heidi's bed. "Is
+that your bed, Heidi? What a delicious perfume! It must be a healthy
+place to sleep," she said, looking out through the window. The
+grandfather, with Clara, was coming up, too, with Heidi following.
+
+Clara was perfectly entranced. "What a lovely place to sleep! Oh,
+Heidi, you can look right up to the sky from your bed. What a good
+smell! You can hear the fir-trees roar here, can't you? Oh, I never
+saw a more delightful bed-room!"
+
+The uncle, looking at the old lady, said now: "I have an idea that it
+would give Clara new strength to stay up here with us a little while.
+Of course, I only mean if you did not object. You have brought so many
+wraps that we can easily make a soft bed for Clara here. My dear lady,
+you can easily leave the care to me. I'll undertake it gladly."
+
+The children screamed for joy, and grandmama's face was beaming.
+
+"What a fine man you are!" she burst out. "I was just thinking myself
+that a stay here would strengthen the child, but then I thought of the
+care and trouble for you. And now you have offered to do it, as if it
+was nothing at all. How can I thank you enough, uncle?"
+
+After shaking hands many times, the two prepared Clara's bed, which,
+thanks to the old lady's precautions, was soon so soft that the hay
+could not be felt through at all.
+
+The uncle had carried his new patient back to her rolling-chair, and
+there they found her sitting, with Heidi beside her. They were eagerly
+talking of their plans for the coming weeks. When they were told that
+Clara might stay for a month or so, their faces beamed more than ever.
+
+The guide, with the horse, and the carriers of the chair, now
+appeared, but the last two were not needed any more and could be sent
+away.
+
+When the grandmother got ready to leave, Clara called gaily to her:
+"Oh grandmama, it won't be long, for you must often come and see us."
+
+While the uncle was leading the horse down the steep incline, the
+grandmama told him that she would go back to Ragatz, for the Dörfli
+was too lonely for her. She also promised to come back from time to
+time.
+
+Before the grandfather had returned, Peter came racing down to the hut
+with all his goats. Seeing Heidi, they ran up to her in haste, and so
+Clara made the acquaintance of Schwänli and Bärli and all the others.
+
+Peter, however, kept away, only sending furious looks at the two
+girls. When they bade him good-night, he only ran away, beating the
+air with his stick.
+
+The end of the joyous day had come. The two children were both lying
+in their beds.
+
+"Oh, Heidi!" Clara exclaimed, "I can see so many glittering stars, and
+I feel as if we were driving in a high carriage straight into the
+sky."
+
+"Yes, and do you know why the stars twinkle so merrily?" inquired
+Heidi.
+
+"No, but tell me."
+
+"Because they know that God in heaven looks after us mortals and we
+never need to fear. See, they twinkle and show us how to be merry,
+too. But Clara, we must not forget to pray to God and ask Him to think
+of us and keep us safe."
+
+Sitting up in bed, they then said their evening prayer. As soon as
+Heidi lay down, she fell asleep. But Clara could not sleep quite yet,
+it was too wonderful to see the stars from her bed.
+
+In truth she had never seen them before, because in Frankfurt all the
+blinds were always down long before the stars came out, and at night
+she had never been outside the house. She could hardly keep her eyes
+shut, and had to open them again and again to watch the twinkling,
+glistening stars, till her eyes closed at last and she saw two big,
+glittering stars in her dream.
+
+
+
+
+XXI
+
+OF FURTHER EVENTS ON THE ALP
+
+
+The sun was just rising, and the Alm-Uncle was watching how mountain
+and dale awoke to the new day, and the clouds above grew brighter.
+
+Next, the old man turned to go back into the hut, and softly climbed
+the ladder. Clara, having just a moment ago opened her eyes, looked
+about her in amazement. Bright sunbeams danced on her bed. Where was
+she? But soon she discovered her sleeping friend, and heard the
+grandfather's cheery voice:
+
+"How did you sleep? Not tired?"
+
+Clara, feeling fresh and rested, said that she had never slept better
+in all her life. Heidi was soon awake, too, and lost no time in coming
+down to join Clara, who was already sitting in the sun.
+
+A cool morning breeze fanned their cheeks, and the spicy fragrance
+from the fir-trees filled their lungs with every breath. Clara had
+never experienced such well-being in all her life. She had never
+breathed such pure, cool morning air and never felt such warm,
+delicious sunshine on her feet and hands. It surpassed all her
+expectations.
+
+"Oh, Heidi, I wish I could always stay up here with you!" she said.
+
+"Now you can see that everything is as beautiful as I told you," Heidi
+replied triumphantly. "Up on the Alp with grandfather is the loveliest
+spot in all the world."
+
+The grandfather was just coming out of the shed with two full bowls of
+steaming, snow-white milk. Handing one to each of the children, he
+said to Clara: "This will do you good, little girl. It comes from
+Schwänli and will give you strength. To your health! Just drink it!"
+he said encouragingly, for Clara had hesitated a little. But when she
+saw that Heidi's bowl was nearly empty already, she also drank
+without even stopping. Oh, how good it was! It tasted like cinnamon
+and sugar.
+
+"We'll take two tomorrow," said the grandfather.
+
+After their breakfast, Peter arrived. While the goats were rushing up
+to Heidi, bleating loudly, the grandfather took the boy aside.
+
+"Just listen, and do what I tell you," he said. "From now on you must
+let Schwänli go wherever she likes. She knows where to get the richest
+herbs, and you must follow her, even if she should go higher up than
+usual. It won't do you any harm to climb a little more, and will do
+all the others good. I want the goats to give me splendid milk,
+remember. What are you looking at so furiously?"
+
+Peter was silent, and without more ado started off, still angrily
+looking back now and then. As Heidi had followed a little way, Peter
+called to her: "You must come along, Heidi, Schwänli has to be
+followed everywhere."
+
+"No, but I can't," Heidi called back: "I won't be able to come as
+long as Clara is with me. Grandfather has promised, though, to let us
+come up with you once."
+
+With those words Heidi returned to Clara, while the goatherd was
+hurrying onward, angrily shaking his fists.
+
+The children had promised to write a letter to grandmama every day, so
+they immediately started on their task. Heidi brought out her own
+little three-legged stool, her school-books and her papers, and with
+these on Clara's lap they began to write. Clara stopped after nearly
+every sentence, for she had to look around. Oh, how peaceful it was
+with the little gnats dancing in the sun and the rustling of the
+trees! From time to time they could hear the shouting of a shepherd
+re-echoed from many rocks.
+
+The morning had passed, they knew not how, and dinner was ready. They
+again ate outside, for Clara had to be in the open air all day, if
+possible. The afternoon was spent in the cool shadow of the fir-trees.
+Clara had many things to relate of Frankfurt and all the people that
+Heidi knew. It was not long before Peter arrived with his flock, but
+without even answering the girls' friendly greeting, he disappeared
+with a grim scowl.
+
+While Schwänli was being milked in the shed, Clara said:
+
+"Oh, Heidi, I feel as if I could not wait for my milk. Isn't it funny?
+All my life I have only eaten because I had to. Everything always
+tasted to me like cod-liver oil, and I have often wished that I should
+never have to eat. And now I am so hungry!"
+
+"Oh yes, I know," Heidi replied. She had to think of the days in
+Frankfurt when her food seemed to stick in her throat.
+
+When at last the full bowls were brought by the old man, Clara,
+seizing hers, eagerly drank the contents in one draught and even
+finished before Heidi.
+
+"Please, may I have a little more?" she asked, holding out the bowl.
+
+Nodding, much pleased, the grandfather soon refilled it. This time he
+also brought with him a slice of bread and butter for the children.
+He had gone to Maiensass that afternoon to get the butter, and his
+trouble was well rewarded: they enjoyed it as if it had been the
+rarest dish.
+
+This evening Clara fell asleep the moment she lay down. Two or three
+days passed in this pleasant way. The next brought a surprise. Two
+strong porters came up the Alp, each carrying on his back a fresh,
+white bed. They also brought a letter from grandmama, in which she
+thanked the children for their faithful writing, and told them that
+the beds were meant for them. When they went to sleep that night, they
+found their new beds in exactly the same position as their former ones
+had been.
+
+Clara's rapture in her new life grew greater every day, and she could
+not write enough of the grandfather's kindly care and of Heidi's
+entertaining stories. She told her grandmama that her first thought in
+the morning always was: "Thank God, I am still in the Alm-hut."
+
+Grandmama was highly pleased at those reports, and put her projected
+visit off a little while, for she had found the ride pretty tiring.
+
+The grandfather took excellent care of his little patient, and no day
+passed on which he did not climb around to find the most savory herbs
+for Schwänli. The little goat thrived so that everybody could see it
+in the way her eyes were flashing.
+
+It was the third week of Clara's stay. Every morning after the
+grandfather had carried her down, he said to her: "Would my Clara try
+to stand a little?" Clara always sighed, "Oh, it hurts me so!" but
+though she would cling to him, he made her stand a little longer every
+day.
+
+This summer was the finest that had been for years. Day after day the
+sun shone on a cloudless sky, and at night it would pour its purple,
+rosy light down on the rocks and snow-fields till everything seemed to
+glow like fire.
+
+Heidi had told Clara over and over again of all the flowers on the
+pasture, of the masses of golden roses and the blue-flowers that
+covered the ground. She had just been telling it again, when a longing
+seized her, and jumping up she ran over to her grandfather, who was
+busy carving in the shop.
+
+"Oh, grandfather," she cried from afar, "won't you come with us to the
+pasture tomorrow? Oh, it's so beautiful up there now."
+
+"All right, I will," he replied; "but tell Clara that she must do
+something to please me; she must try to stand longer this evening for
+me."
+
+Heidi merrily came running with her message. Of course, Clara
+promised, for was it not her greatest wish to go up with Heidi to the
+pasture! When Peter returned this evening, he heard of the plan for
+the morrow. But for answer Peter only growled, nearly hitting poor
+Thistlefinch in his anger.
+
+The children had just resolved to stay awake all night to talk about
+the coming day, when their conversation suddenly ceased and they were
+both peacefully slumbering. In her dreams Clara saw before her a field
+that was thickly strewn with light-blue flowers, while Heidi heard the
+eagle scream to her from above, "Come, come, come!"
+
+
+
+
+XXII
+
+SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS
+
+
+The next day dawned cloudless and fair. The grandfather was still with
+the children, when Peter came climbing up; his goats kept at a good
+distance from him, to evade the rod, which was striking right and
+left. The truth was that the boy was terribly embittered and angry by
+the changes that had come. When he passed the hut in the morning,
+Heidi was always busy with the strange child, and in the evening it
+was the same. All summer long Heidi had not been up with him a single
+time; it was too much! And to-day she was coming at last, but again in
+company with this hateful stranger.
+
+   [Illustration: HE WATCHED HIS FALLEN ENEMY TUMBLING DOWNWARDS,
+   DOWNWARDS]
+
+It was then that Peter noticed the rolling-chair standing near the
+hut. After carefully glancing about him, he rushed at the hated
+object and pushed it down the incline. The chair fairly flew away and
+had soon disappeared.
+
+Peter's conscience smote him now, and he raced up the Alp, not daring
+to pause till he had reached a blackberry bush. There he could hide,
+when the uncle might appear. Looking down, he watched his fallen enemy
+tumbling downwards, downwards.
+
+Sometimes it was thrown high up into the air, to crash down again the
+next moment harder than ever. Pieces were falling from it right and
+left, and were blown about. Now the stranger would have to travel home
+and Heidi would be his again! But Peter had forgotten that a bad deed
+always brings a punishment.
+
+Heidi just now came out of the hut. The grandfather, with Clara,
+followed. Heidi at first stood still, and then, running right and
+left, she returned to the old man.
+
+"What does this mean? Have you rolled the chair away Heidi?" he
+asked.
+
+"I am just looking for it everywhere, grandfather. You said it was
+beside the shop door," said the child, still hunting for the missing
+object. A strong wind was blowing, which at this moment violently
+closed the shop-door.
+
+"Grandfather, the wind has done it," exclaimed Heidi eagerly. "Oh
+dear! if it has rolled all the way down to the village, it will be too
+late to go to-day. It will take us a long time to fetch it."
+
+"If it has rolled down there, we shall never get it any more, for it
+will be smashed to pieces," said the old man, looking down and
+measuring the distance from the corner of the hut.
+
+"I don't see how it happened," he remarked.
+
+"What a shame! now I'll never be able to go up to the pasture,"
+lamented Clara. "I am afraid I'll have to go home now. What a pity,
+what a pity!"
+
+"You can find a way for her to stay, grandfather, can't you?"
+
+"We'll go up to the pasture to-day, as we have planned. Then we shall
+see what further happens."
+
+The children were delighted, and the grandfather lost no time in
+getting ready. First he fetched a pile of covers, and seating Clara on
+a sunny spot on the dry ground, he got their breakfast.
+
+"I wonder why Peter is so late to-day," he said, leading his goats out
+of the shed. Then, lifting Clara up on one strong arm, he carried the
+covers on the other.
+
+"Now, march!" he cried. "The goats come with us."
+
+That suited Heidi, and with one arm round Schwänli and the other round
+Bärli, she wandered up. Her little companions were so pleased at
+having her with them again that they nearly crushed her with
+affection.
+
+What was their astonishment when, arriving on top, they saw Peter
+already lying on the ground, with his peaceful flock about him.
+
+"What did you mean by going by us like that? I'll teach you!" called
+the uncle to him.
+
+Peter was frightened, for he knew the voice.
+
+"Nobody was up yet," the boy retorted.
+
+"Have you seen the chair?" asked the uncle again.
+
+"Which?" Peter growled.
+
+The uncle said no more. Unfolding the covers, he put Clara down on the
+dry grass. Then, when he had been assured of Clara's comfort, he got
+ready to go home. The three were to stay there till his return in the
+evening. When dinner time had come, Heidi was to prepare the meal and
+see that Clara got Schwänli's milk.
+
+The sky was a deep blue, and the snow on the peaks was glistening. The
+eagle was floating above the rocky crags. The children felt
+wonderfully happy. Now and then one of the goats would come and lie
+down near them. Tender little Snowhopper came oftener than any and
+would rub her head against their shoulders.
+
+They had been sitting quietly for a few hours, drinking in the beauty
+about them, when Heidi suddenly began to long for the spot where so
+many flowers grew. In the evening it would be too late to see them,
+for they always shut their little eyes by then.
+
+"Oh, Clara," she said hesitatingly, "would you be angry if I went away
+from you a minute and left you alone? I want to see the flowers; But
+wait!--" Jumping away, she brought Clara some bunches of fragrant
+herbs and put them in her lap. Soon after she returned with little
+Snowhopper.
+
+"So, now you don't need to be alone," said Heidi. When Clara had
+assured her that it would give her pleasure to be left alone with the
+goats, Heidi started on her walk. Clara slowly handed one leaf after
+another to the little creature; it became more and more confiding, and
+cuddling close to the child, ate the herbs out of her hand. It was
+easy to see how happy it was to be away from the boisterous big goats,
+which often annoyed it. Clara felt a sensation of contentment such as
+she had never before experienced. She loved to sit there on the
+mountain-side with the confiding little goat by her. A great desire
+rose in her heart that hour. She longed to be her own master and be
+able to help others instead of being helped by them. Many other
+thoughts and ideas rushed through her mind. How would it be to live up
+here in continual sunshine? The world seemed so joyous and wonderful
+all of a sudden. Premonitions of future undreamt-of happiness made her
+heart beat. Suddenly she threw both arms about the little goat and
+said: "Oh, little Snowhopper how beautiful it is up here! If I could
+always stay with you!"
+
+Heidi in the meantime had reached the spot, where, as she had
+expected, the whole ground was covered with yellow rock-roses. Near
+together in patches the bluebells were nodding gently in the breeze.
+But all the perfume that filled the air came from the modest little
+brown flowers that hid their heads between the golden flower-cups.
+Heidi stood enraptured, drawing in the perfumed air.
+
+Suddenly she turned and ran back to Clara, shouting to her from far:
+"Oh, you must come, Clara, it is so lovely there. In the evening it
+won't be so fine any more. Don't you think I could carry you?"
+
+"But Heidi," Clara said, "of course you can't; you are much smaller
+than I am. Oh, I wish I could walk!"
+
+Heidi meditated a little. Peter was still lying on the ground. He had
+been staring down for hours, unable to believe what he saw before him.
+He had destroyed the chair to get rid of the stranger, and there she
+was again, sitting right beside his playmate.
+
+Heidi now called to him to come down, but as reply he only grumbled:
+"Shan't come."
+
+"But you must; come quickly, for I want you to help me. Quickly!"
+urged the child.
+
+"Don't want to," sounded the reply.
+
+Heidi hurried up the mountain now and shouted angrily to the boy:
+"Peter, if you don't come this minute, I shall do something that you
+won't like."
+
+Those words scared Peter, for his conscience was not clear. His deed
+had rejoiced him till this moment, when Heidi seemed to talk as if she
+knew it all. What if the grandfather should hear about it! Trembling
+with fear, Peter obeyed.
+
+"I shall only come if you promise not to do what you said," insisted
+the boy.
+
+"No, no, I won't. Don't be afraid," said Heidi compassionately: "Just
+come along; it isn't so hard."
+
+Peter, on approaching Clara, was told to help raise the lame child
+from the ground on one side, while Heidi helped on the other. This
+went easily enough, but difficulties soon followed. Clara was not able
+to stand alone, and how could they get any further?
+
+"You must take me round the neck," said Heidi, who had seen what poor
+guides they made.
+
+The boy, who had never offered his arm to anybody in his life, had to
+be shown how first, before further efforts could be made. But it was
+too hard. Clara tried to set her feet forward, but got discouraged.
+
+"Press your feet on the ground more and I am sure it will hurt you
+less," suggested Heidi.
+
+"Do you think so?" said Clara, timidly.
+
+But, obeying, she ventured a firmer step and soon another, uttering a
+little cry as she went.
+
+"Oh, it really has hurt me less," she said joyfully.
+
+"Try it again," Heidi urged her. Clara did, and took another step, and
+then another, and another still. Suddenly she cried aloud: "Oh, Heidi,
+I can do it. Oh, I really can. Just look! I can take steps, one after
+another."
+
+Heidi rapturously exclaimed: "Oh, Clara, can you really? Can you walk?
+Oh, can you take steps now? Oh, if only grandfather would come! Now
+you can walk, Clara, now you can walk," she kept on saying joyfully.
+
+Clara held on tight to the children, but with every new step she
+became more firm.
+
+"Now you can come up here every day," cried Heidi. "Now we can walk
+wherever we want to and you don't have to be pushed in a chair any
+more. Now you'll be able to walk all your life. Oh, what joy!"
+
+Clara's greatest wish, to be able to be well like other people, had
+been fulfilled at last. It was not very far to the flowering field.
+Soon they reached it and sat down among the wealth of bloom. It was
+the first time that Clara had ever rested on the dry, warm earth. All
+about them the flowers nodded and exhaled their perfume. It was a
+scene of exquisite beauty.
+
+The two children could hardly grasp this happiness that had come to
+them. It filled their hearts brimming full and made them silent. Peter
+also lay motionless, for he had gone to sleep.
+
+Thus the hours flew, and the day was long past noon. Suddenly all the
+goats arrived, for they had been seeking the children. They did not
+like to graze in the flowers, and were glad when Peter awoke with
+their loud bleating. The poor boy was mightily bewildered, for he had
+dreamt that the rolling-chair with the red cushions stood again before
+his eyes. On awaking, he had still seen the golden nails; but soon he
+discovered that they were nothing but flowers. Remembering his deed,
+he obeyed Heidi's instructions willingly.
+
+When they came back to their former place, Heidi lost no time in
+setting out the dinner. The bag was very full to-day, and Heidi
+hurried to fulfill her promise to Peter, who with bad conscience had
+understood her threat differently. She made three heaps of the good
+things, and when Clara and she were through, there was still a lot
+left for the boy. It was too bad that all this treat did not give him
+the usual satisfaction, for something seemed to stick in his throat.
+
+Soon after their belated dinner, the grandfather was seen climbing up
+the Alp. Heidi ran to meet him, confusedly telling him of the great
+event. The old man's face shone at this news. Going over to Clara, he
+said: "So you have risked it? Now we have won."
+
+Then picking her up, he put one arm around her waist, and the other
+one he stretched out as support, and with his help she marched more
+firmly than ever. Heidi jumped and bounded gaily by their side. In all
+this excitement the grandfather did not lose his judgment, and before
+long lifted Clara on his arm to carry her home. He knew that too much
+exertion would be dangerous, and rest was needed for the tired girl.
+
+Peter, arriving in the village late that day, saw a large disputing
+crowd. They were all standing about an interesting object, and
+everybody pushed and fought for a chance to get nearest. It was no
+other than the chair.
+
+"I saw it when they carried it up," Peter heard the baker say. "I bet
+it was worth at least five hundred francs. I should just like to know
+how it has happened."
+
+"The wind might have blown it down," remarked Barbara, who was staring
+open-mouthed at the beautiful velvet cushions. "The uncle said so
+himself."
+
+"It is a good thing if nobody else has done it," continued the baker.
+"When the gentleman from Frankfurt hears what has happened, he'll
+surely find out all about it, and I should pity the culprit. I am glad
+I haven't been up on the Alm for so long, else they might suspect me,
+as they would anybody who happened to be up there at the time."
+
+Many more opinions were uttered, but Peter had heard enough. He
+quietly slipped away and went home. What if they should find out he
+had done it? A policeman might arrive any time now and they might take
+him away to prison. Peter's hair stood up on end at this alarming
+thought.
+
+He was so troubled when he came home that he did not answer any
+questions and even refused his dish of potatoes. Hurriedly creeping
+into bed, he groaned.
+
+"I am sure Peter has eaten sorrel again, and that makes him groan so,"
+said his mother.
+
+"You must give him a little more bread in the morning, Brigida. Take a
+piece of mine," said the compassionate grandmother.
+
+When Clara and Heidi were lying in their beds that night, glancing up
+at the shining stars, Heidi remarked: "Didn't you think to-day, Clara,
+that it is fortunate God does not always give us what we pray for
+fervently, because He knows of something better?"
+
+"What do you mean, Heidi?" asked Clara.
+
+"You see, when I was in Frankfurt I prayed and prayed to come home
+again, and when I couldn't, I thought He had forgotten me. But if I
+had gone away so soon you would never have come here and would never
+have got well."
+
+Clara, becoming thoughtful, said: "But, Heidi, then we could not pray
+for anything any more, because we would feel that He always knows of
+something better."
+
+"But, Clara, we must pray to God every day to show we don't forget
+that all gifts come from Him. Grandmama has told me that God forgets
+us if we forget Him. But if some wish remains unfulfilled we must show
+our confidence in Him, for he knows best."
+
+"How did you ever think of that?" asked Clara.
+
+"Grandmama told me, but I know that it is so. We must thank God to-day
+that He has made you able to walk, Clara."
+
+"I am glad that you have reminded me, Heidi, for I have nearly
+forgotten it in my excitement."
+
+The children both prayed and sent their thanks up to heaven for the
+restoration of the invalid.
+
+Next morning a letter was written to grandmama, inviting her to come
+up to the Alp within a week's time, for the children had planned to
+take her by surprise. Clara hoped then to be able to walk alone, with
+Heidi for her guide.
+
+The following days were happier still for Clara. Every morning she
+awoke with her heart singing over and over again, "Now I am well! Now
+I can walk like other people!"
+
+She progressed, and took longer walks every day. Her appetite grew
+amazingly, and the grandfather had to make larger slices of the bread
+and butter that, to his delight, disappeared so rapidly. He had to
+fill bowl after bowl of the foaming milk for the hungry children. In
+that way they reached the end of the week that was to bring the
+grandmama.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XXIII
+
+PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
+
+
+A day before her visit the grandmama had sent a letter to announce her
+coming. Peter brought it up with him next morning. The grandfather was
+already before the hut with the children and his merry goats. His face
+looked proud, as he contemplated the rosy faces of the girls and the
+shining hair of his two goats.
+
+Peter, approaching, neared the uncle slowly. As soon as he had
+delivered the letter, he sprang back shyly, looking about him as if he
+was afraid. Then with a leap he started off.
+
+"I should like to know why Peter behaves like the Big Turk when he is
+afraid of the rod," said Heidi, watching his strange behavior.
+
+"Maybe Peter fears a rod that he deserves," said the old man.
+
+All the way Peter was tormented with fear. He could not help thinking
+of the policeman who was coming from Frankfurt to fetch him to prison.
+
+It was a busy morning for Heidi, who put the hut in order for the
+expected visitor. The time went by quickly, and soon everything was
+ready to welcome the good grandmama.
+
+The grandfather also returned from a walk, on which he had gathered a
+glorious bunch of deep-blue gentians. The children, who were sitting
+on the bench, exclaimed for joy when they saw the glowing flowers.
+
+Heidi, getting up from time to time to spy down the path, suddenly
+discovered grandmama, sitting on a white horse and accompanied by two
+men. One of them carried plenty of wraps, for without those the lady
+did not dare to pay such a visit.
+
+The party came nearer and nearer, and soon reached the top.
+
+"What do I see? Clara, what is this? Why are you not sitting in your
+chair? How is this possible?" cried the grandmama in alarm,
+dismounting hastily. Before she had quite reached the children she
+threw her arms up in great excitement:
+
+"Clara, is that really you? You have red, round cheeks, my child! I
+hardly know you any more!" Grandmama was going to rush at her
+grandchild, when Heidi slipped from the bench, and Clara, taking her
+arm, they quietly took a little walk. The grandmama was rooted to the
+spot from fear. What was this? Upright and firm, Clara walked beside
+her friend. When they came back their rosy faces beamed. Rushing
+toward the children, the grandmother hugged them over and over again.
+
+Looking over to the bench, she beheld the uncle, who sat there
+smiling. Taking Clara's arm in hers, she walked over to him,
+continually venting her delight. When she reached the old man, she
+took both his hands in hers and said:
+
+"My dear, dear uncle! What have we to thank you for! This is your
+work, your care and nursing--"
+
+"But our Lord's sunshine and mountain air," interrupted the uncle,
+smiling.
+
+Then Clara called, "Yes, and also Schwänli's good, delicious milk.
+Grandmama, you ought to see how much goat-milk I can drink now; oh, it
+is so good!"
+
+"Indeed I can see that from your cheeks," said the grandmama, smiling.
+"No, I hardly recognize you any more. You have become broad and round!
+I never dreamt that you could get so stout and tall! Oh, Clara, is it
+really true? I cannot look at you enough. But now I must telegraph
+your father to come. I shan't tell him anything about you, for it will
+be the greatest joy of all his life. My dear uncle, how are we going
+to manage it? Have you sent the men away?"
+
+"I have, but I can easily send the goatherd."
+
+So they decided that Peter should take the message. The uncle
+immediately whistled so loud that it resounded from all sides. Soon
+Peter arrived, white with fear, for he thought his doom had come. But
+he only received a paper that was to be carried to the post-office of
+the village.
+
+Relieved for the moment, Peter set out. Now all the happy friends sat
+down round the table, and grandmama was told how the miracle had
+happened. Often the talk was interrupted by exclamations of surprise
+from grandmama, who still believed it was all a dream. How could this
+be her pale, weak little Clara? The children were in a constant state
+of joy, to see how their surprise had worked.
+
+Meanwhile Mr. Sesemann, having finished his business in Paris, was
+also preparing a surprise. Without writing his mother he traveled to
+Ragatz on a sunny summer morning. He had arrived on this very day,
+some hours after his mother's departure, and now, taking a carriage,
+he drove to Mayenfeld.
+
+The long ascent to the Alp from there seemed very weary and far to
+the traveller. When would he reach the goat-herd's hut? There were
+many little roads branching off in several directions, and sometimes
+Mr. Sesemann doubted if he had taken the right path. But not a soul
+was near, and no sound could be heard except the rustling of the wind
+and the hum of little insects. A merry little bird was singing on a
+larch-tree, but nothing more.
+
+Standing still and cooling his brow, he saw a boy running down the
+hill at topmost speed. Mr. Sesemann called to him, but with no
+success, for the boy kept at a shy distance.
+
+"Now, my boy, can't you tell me if I am on the right path to the hut
+where Heidi lives and the people from Frankfurt are staying?"
+
+A dull sound of terror was the only reply. Peter shot off and rushed
+head over heels down the mountain-side, turning wild somersaults on
+his perilous way. His course resembled the course his enemy had taken
+some days ago.
+
+[Illustration: PETER SHOT OFF AND RUSHED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN-SIDE,
+TURNING WILD SOMERSAULTS ON HIS PERILOUS WAY]
+
+"What a funny, bashful mountaineer!" Mr. Sesemann remarked to himself,
+thinking that the appearance of a stranger had upset this simple son
+of the Alps. After watching the downward course of the boy a little
+while, he soon proceeded on his way.
+
+In spite of the greatest effort, Peter could not stop himself, and
+kept rolling on. But his fright and terror were still more terrible
+than his bumps and blows. This stranger was the policeman, that was a
+certain fact! At last, being thrown against a bush, he clutched it
+wildly.
+
+"Good, here's another one!" a voice near Peter said. "I wonder who is
+going to be pushed down tomorrow, looking like a half-open
+potato-bag?" The village baker was making fun of him. For a little
+rest after his weary work, he had quietly watched the boy.
+
+Peter regained his feet and slunk away. How did the baker know the
+chair had been pushed? He longed to go home to bed and hide, for there
+alone he felt safe. But he had to go up to the goats, and the uncle
+had clearly told him to come back as quickly as he could. Groaning, he
+limped away up to the Alp. How could he run now, with his fear and all
+his poor, sore limbs?
+
+Mr. Sesemann had reached the hut soon after meeting Peter, and felt
+reassured. Climbing further, with renewed courage, he at last saw his
+goal before him, but not without long and weary exertion. He saw the
+Alm-hut above him, and the swaying fir-trees. Mr. Sesemann eagerly
+hurried to encounter his beloved child. They had seen him long ago
+from the hut, and a treat was prepared for him that he never
+suspected.
+
+As he made the last steps, he saw two forms coming towards him. A tall
+girl, with light hair and rosy face, was leaning on Heidi, whose dark
+eyes sparkled with keen delight. Mr. Sesemann stopped short, staring
+at this vision. Suddenly big tears rushed from his eyes, for this
+shape before him recalled sweet memories. Clara's mother had looked
+exactly like this fair maiden. Mr. Sesemann at this moment did not
+know if he was awake or dreaming.
+
+"Papa, don't you know me any more?" Clara called with beaming eyes.
+"Have I changed so much?"
+
+Mr. Sesemann rushed up to her, folding her in his arms. "Yes, you
+_have_ changed. How is it possible? Is it really true? Is it really
+you, Clara?" asked the over-joyed father, embracing her again and
+again, and then gazing at her, as she stood tall and firm by his side.
+
+His mother joined them now, for she wanted to see the happiness of her
+son.
+
+"What do you say to this, my son? Isn't our surprise finer than
+yours?" she greeted him. "But come over to our benefactor now,--I mean
+the uncle."
+
+"Yes, indeed, I also must greet our little Heidi," said the gentleman,
+shaking Heidi's hand. "Well? Always fresh and happy on the mountain? I
+guess I don't need to ask, for no Alpine rose can look more blooming.
+Ah, child, what joy this is to me!"
+
+With beaming eyes the child looked at the kind gentleman who had
+always been so good to her. Her heart throbbed in sympathy with his
+joy. While the two men, who had at last approached each other, were
+conversing, grandmama walked over to the grove. There, under the
+fir-trees, another surprise awaited her. A beautiful bunch of
+wondrously blue gentians stood as if they had grown there.
+
+"How exquisite, how wonderful! What a sight!" she exclaimed, clapping
+her hands. "Heidi, come here! Have you brought me those? Oh, they are
+beautiful!"
+
+The children had joined her, Heidi assuring her that it was another
+person's deed.
+
+"Oh grandmama, up on the pasture it looks just like that," Clara
+remarked. "Just guess who brought you the flowers?"
+
+At that moment a rustle was heard, and they saw Peter, who was trying
+to sneak up behind the trees to avoid the hut. Immediately the old
+lady called to him, for she thought that Peter himself had picked the
+flowers for her. He must be creeping away out of sheer modesty, the
+kind lady thought. To give him his reward, she called:
+
+"Come here, my boy! don't be afraid."
+
+Petrified with fear, Peter stood still. What had gone before had
+robbed him of his courage. He thought now that all was over with him.
+With his hair standing up on end and his pale face distorted by
+anguish, he approached.
+
+"Come straight to me, boy," the old lady encouraged him. "Now tell me,
+boy, if you have done that."
+
+In his anxiety, Peter did not see the grandmama's finger that pointed
+to the flowers. He only saw the uncle standing near the hut, looking
+at him penetratingly, and beside him the policeman, the greatest
+horror for him in the world. Trembling in every limb, Peter answered,
+"Yes!"
+
+"Well, but what are you so frightened about?"
+
+"Because--because it is broken and can never be mended again," Peter
+said, his knees tottering under him.
+
+The grandmama now walked over to the hut: "My dear uncle," she asked
+kindly, "is this poor lad out of his mind?"
+
+"Not at all," was the reply; "only the boy was the wind which blew
+away the wheel-chair. He is expecting the punishment he well
+deserves."
+
+Grandmama was very much surprised, for she vowed that Peter looked far
+from wicked. Why should he have destroyed the chair? The uncle told
+her that he had noticed many signs of anger in the boy since Clara's
+advent on the Alp. He assured her that he had suspected the boy from
+the beginning.
+
+"My dear uncle," the old lady said with animation, "we must not punish
+him further. We must be just. It was very hard on him when Clara
+robbed him of Heidi, who is and was his greatest treasure. When he had
+to sit alone day after day, it roused him to a passion which drove him
+to this wicked deed. It was rather foolish, but we all get so when we
+get angry."
+
+The lady walked over to the boy again, who was still quivering with
+fear.
+
+Sitting down on the bench, she began:
+
+"Come, Peter, I'll tell you something. Stop trembling and listen. You
+pushed the chair down, to destroy it. You knew very well that it was
+wicked and deserved punishment. You tried very hard to conceal it, did
+you not? But if somebody thinks that nobody knows about a wicked deed,
+he is wrong; God always knows it. As soon as He finds that a man is
+trying to conceal an evil he has done, He wakens a little watchman in
+his heart, who keeps on pricking the person with a thorn till all his
+rest is gone. He keeps on calling to the evildoer: 'Now you'll be
+found out! Now your punishment is near!'--His joy has flown, for fear
+and terror take its place. Have you not just had such an experience,
+Peter?"
+
+Peter nodded, all contrite. He certainly had experienced this.
+
+"You have made a mistake," the grandmama continued, "by thinking that
+you would hurt Clara by destroying her chair. It has so happened that
+what you have done has been the greatest good for her. She would
+probably never have tried to walk, if her chair had been there. If she
+should stay here, she might even go up to the pasture every single
+day. Do you see, Peter? God can turn a misdeed to the good of the
+injured person and bring trouble on the offender. Have you understood
+me, Peter? Remember the little watchman when you long to do a wicked
+deed again. Will you do that?"
+
+"Yes, I shall," Peter replied, still fearing the policeman, who had
+not left yet.
+
+"So now that matter is all settled," said the old lady in conclusion.
+"Now tell me if you have a wish, my boy, for I am going to give you
+something by which to remember your friends from Frankfurt. What is
+it? What would you like to have?"
+
+Peter, lifting his head, stared at the grandmama with round,
+astonished eyes. He was confused by this sudden change of prospect.
+
+Being again urged to utter a wish, he saw at last that he was saved
+from the power of the terrible man. He felt as if the most crushing
+load had fallen off him. He knew now that it was better to confess at
+once, when something had gone wrong, so he said: "I have also lost the
+paper."
+
+Reflecting a while, the grandmama understood and said: "That is right.
+Always confess what is wrong, then it can be settled. And now, what
+would you like to have?"
+
+So Peter could choose everything in the world he wished. His brain got
+dizzy. He saw before him all the wonderful things in the fair in
+Mayenfeld. He had often stood there for hours, looking at the pretty
+red whistles and the little knives; unfortunately Peter had never
+possessed more than half what those objects cost.
+
+He stood thinking, not able to decide, when a bright thought struck
+him.
+
+"Ten pennies," said Peter with decision.
+
+"That certainly is not too much," the old lady said with a smile,
+taking out of her pocket a big, round thaler, on top of which she
+laid twenty pennies. "Now I'll explain this to you. Here you have as
+many times ten pennies as there are weeks in the year. You'll be able
+to spend one every Sunday through the year."
+
+"All my life?" Peter asked quite innocently.
+
+The grandmama began to laugh so heartily at this that the two men came
+over to join her.
+
+Laughingly she said: "You shall have it my boy; I will put it in my
+will and then you will do the same, my son. Listen! Peter the goatherd
+shall have a ten-penny piece weekly as long as he lives."
+
+Mr. Sesemann nodded.
+
+Peter, looking at his gift, said solemnly: "God be thanked!" Jumping
+and bounding, he ran away. His heart was so light that he felt he
+could fly.
+
+A little later the whole party sat round the table holding a merry
+feast. After dinner, Clara, who was lively as never before, said to
+her father:
+
+"Oh, Papa, if you only knew all the things grandfather did for me. It
+would take many days to tell you; I shall never forget them all my
+life. Oh, if we could please him only half as much as what he did for
+me."
+
+"It is my greatest wish, too, dear child," said her father; "I have
+been trying to think of something all the time. We have to show our
+gratitude in some way."
+
+Accordingly Mr. Sesemann walked over to the old man, and began: "My
+dear friend, may I say one word to you. I am sure you believe me when
+I tell you that I have not known any real joy for years. What was my
+wealth to me when I could not cure my child and make her happy! With
+the help of the Lord you have made her well. You have given her a new
+life. Please tell me how to show my gratitude to you. I know I shall
+never be able to repay you, but what is in my power I shall do. Have
+you any request to make? Please let me know."
+
+The uncle had listened quietly and had looked at the happy father.
+
+"Mr. Sesemann, you can be sure that I also am repaid by the great joy
+I experience at the recovery of Clara," said the uncle firmly. "I
+thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Sesemann. As long as I live I have
+enough for me and the child. But I have one wish. If this could be
+fulfilled, my life would be free of care."
+
+"Speak, my dear friend," urged Clara's father.
+
+"I am old," continued the uncle, "and shall not live many years. When
+I die I cannot leave Heidi anything. The child has no relations except
+one, who even might try to take advantage of her if she could. If you
+would give me the assurance, Mr. Sesemann, that Heidi will never be
+obliged to go into the world and earn her bread, you would amply repay
+me for what I was able to do for you and Clara."
+
+"My dear friend, there is no question of that," began Mr. Sesemann;
+"the child belongs to us! I promise at once that we shall look after
+her so that there will not be any need of her ever earning her bread.
+We all know that she is not fashioned for a life among strangers.
+Nevertheless, she has made some true friends, and one of them will be
+here very shortly. Dr. Classen is just now completing his last
+business in Frankfurt. He intends to take your advice and live here.
+He has never felt so happy as with you and Heidi. The child will have
+two protectors near her, and I hope with God's will, that they may be
+spared a long, long time."
+
+"And may it be God's will!" added the grandmama, who with Heidi had
+joined them, shaking the uncle tenderly by the hand. Putting her arms
+around the child, she said: "Heidi, I want to know if you also have a
+wish?"
+
+"Yes indeed, I have," said Heidi, pleased.
+
+"Tell me what it is, child!"
+
+"I should like to have my bed from Frankfurt with the three high
+pillows and the thick, warm cover. Then grandmother will be able to
+keep warm and won't have to wear her shawl in bed. Oh, I'll be so
+happy when she won't have to lie with her head lower than her heels,
+hardly able to breathe!"
+
+Heidi had said all this in one breath, she was so eager.
+
+"Oh dear, I had nearly forgotten what I meant to do. I am so glad you
+have reminded me, Heidi. If God sends us happiness we must think of
+those who have many privations. I shall telegraph immediately for the
+bed, and if Miss Rottenmeier sends it off at once, it can be here in
+two days. I hope the poor blind grandmother will sleep better when it
+comes."
+
+Heidi, in her happiness, could hardly wait to bring the old woman the
+good news. Soon it was resolved that everybody should visit the
+grandmother, who had been left alone so long. Before starting,
+however, Mr. Sesemann revealed his plans. He proposed to travel
+through Switzerland with his mother and Clara. He would spend the
+night in the village, so as to fetch Clara from the Alm next morning
+for the journey. From there they would go first to Ragatz and then
+further. The telegram was to be mailed that night.
+
+Clara's feelings were divided, for she was sorry to leave the Alp, but
+the prospect of the trip delighted her.
+
+When everything was settled, they all went down, the uncle carrying
+Clara, who could not have risked the lengthy walk. All the way down
+Heidi told the old lady of her friends in the hut; the cold they had
+to bear in winter and the little food they had.
+
+Brigida was just hanging up Peter's shirt to dry, when the whole
+company arrived. Rushing into the house, she called to her mother:
+"Now they are all going away. Uncle is going, too, carrying the lame
+child."
+
+"Oh, must it really be?" sighed the grandmother. "Have you seen
+whether they took Heidi away? Oh, if she only could give me her hand
+once more! Oh, I long to hear her voice once more!"
+
+The same moment the door was flung open and Heidi held her tight.
+
+"Grandmother, just think. My bed with the three pillows and the thick
+cover is coming from Frankfurt. Grandmama has said that it will be
+here in two days."
+
+Heidi thought that grandmother would be beside herself with joy, but
+the old woman, smiling sadly, said:
+
+"Oh, what a good lady she must be! I know I ought to be glad she is
+taking you with her, Heidi, but I don't think I shall survive it
+long."
+
+"But nobody has said so," the grandmama, who had overheard those
+words, said kindly. Pressing the old woman's hand, she continued: "It
+is out of the question. Heidi will stay with you and make you happy.
+To see Heidi again, we will come up every year to the Alm, for we have
+many reasons to thank the Lord there."
+
+Immediately the face of the grandmother lighted up, and she cried
+tears of joy.
+
+"Oh, what wonderful things God is doing for me!" said the grandmother,
+deeply touched. "How good people are to trouble themselves about such
+a poor old woman as I. Nothing in this world strengthens the belief in
+a good Father in Heaven more than this mercy and kindness shown to a
+poor, useless little woman, like me."
+
+"My dear grandmother," said Mrs. Sesemann, "before God in Heaven we
+are all equally miserable and poor; woe to us, if He should forget
+us!--But now we must say good-bye; next year we shall come to see you
+just as soon as we come up the Alp. We shall never forget you!" With
+that, Mrs. Sesemann shook her hand. It was some time before she was
+allowed to leave, however, because the grandmother thanked her over
+and over again, and invoked all Heaven's blessings on her and her
+house.
+
+Mr. Sesemann and his mother went on down, while Clara was carried up
+to spend her last night in the hut.
+
+Next morning, Clara shed hot tears at parting from the beloved place,
+where such gladness had been hers. Heidi consoled her with plans for
+the coming summer, that was to be even more happy than this one had
+been. Mr. Sesemann then arrived, and a few last parting words were
+exchanged.
+
+Clara, half crying, suddenly said: "Please give my love to Peter and
+the goats, Heidi! Please greet Schwänli especially from me, for she
+has helped a great deal in making me well. What could I give her?"
+
+"You can send her salt, Clara. You know how fond she is of that,"
+advised little Heidi.
+
+"Oh, I will surely do that," Clara assented. "I'll send her a hundred
+pounds of salt as a remembrance from me."
+
+It was time to go now, and Clara was able to ride proudly beside her
+father. Standing on the edge of the slope, Heidi waved her hand, her
+eyes following Clara till she had disappeared.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The bed has arrived. Grandmother sleeps so well every night now, that
+before long she will be stronger than ever. Grandmama has not
+forgotten the cold winter on the Alp and has sent a great many warm
+covers and shawls to the goatherd's hut. Grandmother can wrap herself
+up now and will not have to sit shivering in a corner.
+
+In the village a large building is in progress. The doctor has arrived
+and is living at present in his old quarters. He has taken the uncle's
+advice and has bought the old ruins that sheltered Heidi and her
+grandfather the winter before. He is rebuilding for himself the
+portion with the fine apartment already mentioned. The other side is
+being prepared for Heidi and her grandfather. The doctor knows that
+his friend is an independent man and likes to have his own dwelling.
+Bärli and Schwänli, of course, are not forgotten; they will spend the
+winter in a good solid stable that is being built for them.
+
+The doctor and the Alm-Uncle become better friends every day. When
+they overlook the progress of the building, they generally come to
+speak of Heidi. They both look forward to the time when they will be
+able to move into the house with their merry charge. They have agreed
+to share together the pleasure and responsibility that Heidi brings
+them. The uncle's heart is filled with gratitude too deep for any
+words when the doctor tells him that he will make ample provision for
+the child. Now her grandfather's heart is free of care, for if he is
+called away, another father will take care of Heidi and love her in
+his stead.
+
+At the moment when our story closes, Heidi and Peter are sitting in
+grandmother's hut. The little girl has so many interesting things to
+relate and Peter is trying so hard not to miss anything, that in their
+eagerness they are not aware that they are near the happy
+grandmother's chair. All summer long they have hardly met, and very
+many wonderful things have happened. They are all glad at being
+together again, and it is hard to tell who is the happiest of the
+group. I think Brigida's face is more radiant than any, for Heidi has
+just told her the story of the perpetual ten-penny piece. Finally the
+grandmother says: "Heidi, please read me a song of thanksgiving and
+praise. I feel that I must praise and thank the Lord for the blessings
+He has brought to us all!"
+
+
+The End.
+
+   [Illustration: (Heidi)]
+
+   [Illustration: (Peter)]
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +-----------------------------------------------------------+
+    | Typographical errors corrected in text:                   |
+    |                                                           |
+    | Page 227: freindly replaced with friendly                 |
+    | Page 251: tham replaced with than                         |
+    |                                                           |
+    | In this edition, the poem on page 246, is missing the     |
+    | lines for G, H, I, J, and K.                              |
+    +-----------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Heidi, by Johanna Spyri
+
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Heidi, by Johanna Spyri
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Heidi
+       (Gift Edition)
+
+Author: Johanna Spyri
+
+Commentator: Charles Wharton Stork
+
+Illustrator: Maria Kirk
+
+Translator: Elisabeth Stork
+
+Release Date: March 9, 2007 [EBook #20781]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HEIDI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jason Isbell, Emma Morgan Isbell, Jeannie Howse
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net. This file is gratefully uploaded to
+the PG collection in honor of Distributed Proofreaders
+having posted over 10,000 ebooks.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="block">
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<div class="tr">
+<p class="cen" style="font-weight: bold;">Transcriber's Note:</p>
+<br />
+<p class="noin">In the original gift edition, there are 8 margin images repeated on each page,
+these have been preserved and reproduced at the beginning of each chapter.</p>
+<p class="noin">Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has been preserved.</p>
+<p class="noin">Obvious typographical errors have been corrected in this text.<br />
+For a complete list, please see the <a href="#TN">end of this document</a>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<div class="img">
+<a href="images/cover.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/cover.jpg" width="75%" alt="Front Cover" /></a><br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<div class="img">
+<a href="images/heidi.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/heidi.jpg" width="65%" alt="Fly Cover, Heidi" /></a><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="img">
+<a href="images/peter.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/peter.jpg" width="65%" alt="Fly Cover, Peter" /></a><br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<h1>HEIDI</h1>
+
+<h3>GIFT EDITION</h3>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<div class="img"><a name="frontis" id="frontis"></a>
+<a href="images/frontis.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/frontis.jpg" width="75%" alt="WAVING HER HAND" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-bottom: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">WAVING HER HAND AND LOOKING AFTER HER DEPARTING FRIEND
+TILL HE SEEMED NO BIGGER THAN A LITTLE DOT<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+<p class="right" style="font-size: 80%; margin-top: .2em;"><i>Page 228</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<h1>HEIDI</h1>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4 style="margin-bottom: -1px;">BY</h4>
+<h2 style="margin-top: -1px;">JOHANNA SPYRI</h2>
+
+<br />
+
+<h5 style="margin-bottom: -1px;">TRANSLATED BY</h5>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1px;">ELISABETH P. STORK</h4>
+
+<br />
+
+<h5 style="margin-bottom: -1px;"><i>WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY</i></h5>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1px;">CHARLES WHARTON STORK, A.M., <span class="sc">Ph.D.</span></h4>
+
+<br />
+
+<h5 style="margin-bottom: -1px;"><i>14 ILLUSTRATIONS IN COLOR BY</i></h5>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1px;">MARIA L. KIRK</h4>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>GIFT EDITION</h4>
+
+<br />
+
+<div class="img">
+<img border="0" src="images/deco.png" alt="deco" />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+
+<h5>PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON<br />
+J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY<br />
+1919</h5>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+
+<h5>COPYRIGHT, 1915. BY J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY</h5>
+<br />
+<h5>ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS AND DECORATIONS<br />
+COPYRIGHT, 1919, BY J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY</h5>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<h5>PRINTED BY J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY<br />
+AT THE WASHINGTON SQUARE PRESS<br />
+PHILADELPHIA, U.S.A.</h5>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockr1">
+<div class="block">
+<p>Unassuming in plot and style, "Heidi" may none the less lay claim to
+rank as a world classic. In the first place, both background and
+characters ring true. The air of the Alps is wafted to us in every
+page; the house among the pines, the meadows, and the eagle poised
+above the naked rocks form a picture that no one could willingly
+forget. And the people, from the kindly towns-folk to the quaint and
+touching peasant types, are as real as any representation of human
+nature need be. Every goat even, has its personality. As for the
+little heroine, she is a blessing not only to everyone in the story,
+but to everyone who reads it. The narrative merits of the book are too
+apparent to call for comment.</p>
+
+<p>As to the author, Johanna Spyri, she has so entirely lost herself in
+her creation that we may pass over her career rather rapidly. She was
+born in Switzerland in 1829, came <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>of a literary family, and devoted
+all her talent to the writing of books for and about children.</p>
+
+<p>Since "Heidi" has been so often translated into English it may well be
+asked why there is any need for a new version. The answer lies partly
+in the conventional character of the previous translations. Now, if
+there is any quality in "Heidi" that gives it a particular charm, that
+quality is freshness, absolute spontaneity. To be sure, the story is
+so attractive that it could never be wholly spoiled; but has not the
+reader the right to enjoy it in English at least very nearly as much
+as he could in German? The two languages are so different in nature
+that anything like a literal rendering of one into the other is sure
+to result in awkwardness and indirectness. Such a book must be not
+translated, but re-lived and re-created.</p>
+
+<p>To perform such a feat the writer must, to begin with, be familiar
+with the mountains, and able to appreciate with Wordsworth</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The silence that is in the starry sky,<br /></span><span class='pn'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>
+<span class="i0">The sleep that is among the lonely hills.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The translator of the present version was born and reared in a region
+closely similar to that of the story. Her home was originally in the
+picturesque town of Salzburg, and her father, Franz von Pausinger, was
+one of the greatest landscape painters of his country and generation.
+Another equally important requisite is knowledge of children. It
+happens that this translator has a daughter just the age of the
+heroine, who moreover loves to dress in Tyrolese costume. To translate
+"Heidi" was for her therefore a labor of love, which means that the
+love contended with and overcame the labor.</p>
+
+<p>The English style of the present version is, then, distinctive. It has
+often been noticed that those who acquire a foreign language often
+learn to speak it with unusual clearness and purity. For illustration
+we need go no further than Joseph Conrad, a Pole, probably the
+greatest master of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>narrative English writing to-day; or to our own
+fellow-citizen Carl Schurz. In the present case, the writer has lived
+seven years in America and has strengthened an excellent training with
+a wide reading of the best English classics.</p>
+
+<p>Many people say that they read without noticing the author's style.
+This is seldom quite true; unconsciously every one is impressed in
+some way or other by the style of every book, or by its lack of style.
+Children are particularly sensitive in this respect and should,
+therefore, as much as is practicable, read only the best. In the new
+translation of "Heidi" here offered to the public I believe that most
+readers will notice an especial flavor, that very quality of delight
+in mountain scenes, in mountain people and in child life generally,
+which is one of the chief merits of the German original. The phrasing
+has also been carefully adapted to the purpose of reading aloud&mdash;a
+thing that few translators think of. In conclusion, the author,
+realising the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>difference between the two languages, has endeavored to
+write the story afresh, as Johanna Spyri would have written it had
+English been her native tongue. How successful the attempt has been
+the reader will judge.</p>
+
+<div style="margin-left: 30%;">
+<p class="cen"><span class="sc">Charles Wharton Stork</span><br />
+Assistant Professor of English at the<br />
+University of Pennsylvania</p>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="toc" id="toc"></a><hr />
+<br />
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+<br />
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="90%" summary="Table of Contents">
+  <tr>
+  <td colspan="3" class="tdc" style="font-size: 105%;">PART I</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td colspan="3" class="tdc" style="font-size: 105%; padding-bottom: 1em;">HEIDI'S YEARS OF LEARNING AND TRAVEL</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt" width="10%" style="font-size: 80%;">CHAPTER</td>
+  <td class="tdl" width="70%">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdr" width="20%" style="font-size: 80%;">PAGE</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">I</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#I">Going up to the Alm-Uncle</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">17</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">II.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#II">With the Grandfather</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">38</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">III.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#III">On the Pasture</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">50</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">IV.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#IV">In the Grandmother's Hut</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">67</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">V.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#V">Two Visitors</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">83</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">VI.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#VI">A New Chapter with New Things</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">95</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">VII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#VII">Miss Rottenmeier Has an Uncomfortable Day</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">104</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">VIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#VIII">Great Disturbances in the Sesemann House</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">119</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">IX.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#IX">The Master of the House Hears of Strange Doings</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">129</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">X.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#X">A Grandmama</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">136</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XI.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XI">Heidi Gains in Some Respects and Loses in Others</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">146</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XII">The Sesemann House is Haunted</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">153</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XIII">Up the Alp on a Summer Evening</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">165</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XIV.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XIV">On Sunday When the Church Bells Ring</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">183</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td colspan="3" class="tdc" style="font-size: 105%; padding-top: 1em;">PART II</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td colspan="3" class="tdc" style="font-size: 105%; padding-bottom: 1em;">HEIDI MAKES USE OF HER EXPERIENCE</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XV.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XV">Preparations for a Journey</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">199</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XVI.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XVI">A Guest on the Alp</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">207</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XVII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XVII">Retaliation</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">219</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XVIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XVIII">Winter in the Village</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">229</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XIX.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XIX">Winter Still Continues</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">243</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XX.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XX">News from Distant Friends</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">252</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXI.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XXI">On Further Events on the Alp</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">268</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XXII">Something Unexpected Happens</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">276</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrt">XXIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#XXIII">Parting to Meet Again</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">293</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="toi" id="toi"></a><hr />
+<br />
+
+<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+<br />
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="100%" summary="List of Illustrations">
+  <tr>
+  <td width="80%">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdr" width="20%"><span style="font-size: 80%;">PAGE</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">Waving Her Hand and Looking After Her Departing
+  Friend till He Looked No Bigger than a Little Dot</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#frontis"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">She Undid the Heavy Shawl and the Two Little Dresses</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep030">30</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">Here a Neat Little Bed Was Prepared</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep041">41</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">She Handed Him Also the Whole Slice of Cheese</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep057">57</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">Off they Started at Such a Pace that Heidi Shouted for Joy</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep071">71</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">When Heidi Heard that She Struggled to Get Free</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep092">92</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">Off they Started, and Soon Heidi Was Pulling the Door-Bell</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep116">116</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">There She Would Remain, Eating Her Heart Away with Longing</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep152">152</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">Throwing Herself in Her Grandfather's Arms, She Held Him Tight</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep179">179</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">With Heidi's Hand in His They Wandered Down Together</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep192">192</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">They Are Coming, Oh, the Doctor is Coming First</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep211">211</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">The Two Children Were Already Flying Down the Alp</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep241">241</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">He Watched His Fallen Enemy Tumbling Downwards, Downwards</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep277">277</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdlsc">Peter Shot Off and Rushed Down the Mountain-side,
+    Turning Wild Somersaults on His Perilous Way</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep298">298</a></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h1>Part I</h1>
+
+<h3>Heidi's Years of Learning and Travel</h3>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span><br />
+
+<h1><a name="I" id="I"></a>HEIDI</h1>
+
+<h2>I<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE</h3>
+<br />
+
+<div class="blockr1">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/t1.jpg" alt="T" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />he little old town of Mayenfeld is charmingly situated. From it a
+footpath leads through green, well-wooded stretches to the foot of the
+heights which look down imposingly upon the valley. Where the footpath
+begins to go steeply and abruptly up the Alps, the heath, with its
+short grass and pungent herbage, at once sends out its soft perfume to
+meet the wayfarer.</p>
+
+<p>One bright sunny morning in June, a tall, vigorous maiden of the
+mountain region climbed up the narrow path, leading a little girl by
+the hand. The youngster's cheeks were in such a glow that it showed
+even through her sun-browned skin. Small <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>wonder though! for in spite
+of the heat, the little one, who was scarcely five years old, was
+bundled up as if she had to brave a bitter frost. Her shape was
+difficult to distinguish, for she wore two dresses, if not three, and
+around her shoulders a large red cotton shawl. With her feet encased
+in heavy hob-nailed boots, this hot and shapeless little person toiled
+up the mountain.</p>
+
+<p>The pair had been climbing for about an hour when they reached a
+hamlet half-way up the great mountain named the Alm. This hamlet was
+called "Im D&ouml;rfli" or "The Little Village." It was the elder girl's
+home town, and therefore she was greeted from nearly every house;
+people called to her from windows and doors, and very often from the
+road. But, answering questions and calls as she went by, the girl did
+not loiter on her way and only stood still when she reached the end of
+the hamlet. There a few cottages lay scattered about, from the
+furthest of which a voice called out to her through an open door:
+"Deta, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>please wait one moment! I am coming with you, if you are going
+further up."</p>
+
+<p>When the girl stood still to wait, the child instantly let go her hand
+and promptly sat down on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you tired, Heidi?" Deta asked the child.</p>
+
+<p>"No, but hot," she replied.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall be up in an hour, if you take big steps and climb with all
+your little might!" Thus the elder girl tried to encourage her small
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>A stout, pleasant-looking woman stepped out of the house and joined
+the two. The child had risen and wandered behind the old
+acquaintances, who immediately started gossiping about their friends
+in the neighborhood and the people of the hamlet generally.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you taking the child, Deta?" asked the newcomer. "Is she
+the child your sister left?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," Deta assured her; "I am taking her up to the Alm-Uncle and
+there I want her to remain."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>"You can't really mean to take her there Deta. You must have lost your
+senses, to go to him. I am sure the old man will show you the door and
+won't even listen to what you say."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not? As he's her grandfather, it is high time he should do
+something for the child. I have taken care of her until this summer
+and now a good place has been offered to me. The child shall not
+hinder me from accepting it, I tell you that!"</p>
+
+<p>"It would not be so hard, if he were like other mortals. But you know
+him yourself. How could he <i>look</i> after a child, especially such a
+little one? She'll never get along with him, I am sure of that!&mdash;But
+tell me of your prospects."</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to a splendid house in Frankfurt. Last summer some people
+went off to the baths and I took care of their rooms. As they got to
+like me, they wanted to take me along, but I could not leave. They
+have come back now and have persuaded me to go with them."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>"I am glad I am not the child!" exclaimed Barbara with a shudder.
+"Nobody knows anything about the old man's life up there. He doesn't
+speak to a living soul, and from one year's end to the other he keeps
+away from church. People get out of his way when he appears once in a
+twelve-month down here among us. We all fear him and he is really just
+like a heathen or an old Indian, with those thick grey eyebrows and
+that huge uncanny beard. When he wanders along the road with his
+twisted stick we are all afraid to meet him alone."</p>
+
+<p>"That is not my fault," said Deta stubbornly. "He won't do her any
+harm; and if he should, he is responsible, not I."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I knew what weighs on the old man's conscience. Why are his
+eyes so fierce and why does he live up there all alone? Nobody ever
+sees him and we hear many strange things about him. Didn't your sister
+tell you anything, Deta?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course she did, but I shall hold my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>tongue. He would make me pay
+for it if I didn't."</p>
+
+<p>Barbara had long been anxious to know something about the old uncle
+and why he lived apart from everybody. Nobody had a good word for him,
+and when people talked about him, they did not speak openly but as if
+they were afraid. She could not even explain to herself why he was
+called the Alm-Uncle. He could not possibly be the uncle of all the
+people in the village, but since everybody spoke of him so, she did
+the same. Barbara, who had only lived in the village since her
+marriage, was glad to get some information from her friend. Deta had
+been bred there, but since her mother's death had gone away to earn
+her livelihood.</p>
+
+<p>She confidentially seized Deta's arm and said: "I wish you would tell
+me the truth about him, Deta; you know it all&mdash;people only gossip.
+Tell me, what has happened to the old man to turn everybody against
+him so? Did he always hate his fellow-creatures?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>"I cannot tell you whether he always did, and that for a very good
+reason. He being sixty years old, and I only twenty-six, you can't
+expect me to give you an account of his early youth. But if you'll
+promise to keep it to yourself and not set all the people in Pr&auml;tiggan
+talking, I can tell you a good deal. My mother and he both came from
+Domleschg."</p>
+
+<p>"How can you talk like that, Deta?" replied Barbara in an offended
+tone. "People do not gossip much in Pr&auml;tiggan, and I always can keep
+things to myself, if I have to. You won't repent of having told me, I
+assure you!"</p>
+
+<p>"All right, but keep your word!" said Deta warningly. Then she looked
+around to see that the child was not so close to them as to overhear
+what might be said; but the little girl was nowhere to be seen. While
+the two young women had talked at such a rate, they had not noticed
+her absence; quite a while must have elapsed since the little girl had
+given up following her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>companions. Deta, standing still, looked about
+her everywhere, but no one was on the path, which&mdash;except for a few
+curves&mdash;was visible as far down as the village.</p>
+
+<p>"There she is! Can't you see her there?" exclaimed Barbara, pointing
+to a spot a good distance from the path. "She is climbing up with the
+goatherd Peter and his goats. I wonder why he is so late to-day. I
+must say, it suits us well enough; he can look after the child while
+you tell me everything without being interrupted."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be very easy for Peter to watch her," remarked Deta; "she is
+bright for her five years and keeps her eyes wide open. I have often
+noticed that and I am glad for her, for it will be useful with the
+uncle. He has nothing left in the whole wide world, but his cottage
+and two goats!"</p>
+
+<p>"Did he once have more?" asked Barbara.</p>
+
+<p>"I should say so. He was heir to a large farm in Domleschg. But
+setting up to play the fine gentleman, he soon lost everything with
+drink and play. His parents died with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>grief and he himself
+disappeared from these parts. After many years he came back with a
+half-grown boy, his son, Tobias, that was his name, became a carpenter
+and turned out to be a quiet, steady fellow. Many strange rumors went
+round about the uncle and I think that was why he left Domleschg for
+D&ouml;rfli. We acknowledged relationship, my mother's grandmother being a
+cousin of his. We called him uncle, and because we are related on my
+father's side to nearly all the people in the hamlet they too all
+called him uncle. He was named 'Alm-Uncle' when he moved up to the
+Alm."</p>
+
+<p>"But what happened to Tobias?" asked Barbara eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Just wait. How can I tell you everything at once?" exclaimed Deta.
+"Tobias was an apprentice in Mels, and when he was made master, he
+came home to the village and married my sister Adelheid. They always
+had been fond of each other and they lived very happily as man and
+wife. But their joy was short. Two years <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>afterwards, when Tobias was
+helping to build a house, a beam fell on him and killed him. Adelheid
+was thrown into a violent fever with grief and fright, and never
+recovered from it. She had never been strong and had often suffered
+from queer spells, when we did not know whether she was awake or
+asleep. Only a few weeks after Tobias's death they buried poor
+Adelheid.</p>
+
+<p>"People said that heaven had punished the uncle for his misdeeds.
+After the death of his son he never spoke to a living soul. Suddenly
+he moved up to the Alp, to live there at enmity with God and man.</p>
+
+<p>"My mother and I took Adelheid's little year-old baby, Heidi, to live
+with us. When I went to Ragatz I took her with me; but in the spring
+the family whose work I had done last year came from Frankfurt and
+resolved to take me to their town-house. I am very glad to get such a
+good position."</p>
+
+<p>"And now you want to hand over the child to this terrible old man. I
+really <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>wonder how you can do it, Deta!" said Barbara with reproach in
+her voice.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me I have really done enough for the child. I do not know
+where else to take her, as she is too young to come with me to
+Frankfurt. By the way, Barbara, where are you going? We are half-way
+up the Alm already."</p>
+
+<p>Deta shook hands with her companion and stood still while Barbara
+approached the tiny, dark-brown mountain hut, which lay in a hollow a
+few steps away from the path.</p>
+
+<p>Situated half-way up the Alm, the cottage was luckily protected from
+the mighty winds. Had it been exposed to the tempests, it would have
+been a doubtful habitation in the state of decay it was in. Even as it
+was, the doors and windows rattled and the old rafters shook when the
+south wind swept the mountain side. If the hut had stood on the Alm
+top, the wind would have blown it down the valley without much ado
+when the storm season came.</p>
+
+<p>Here lived Peter the goatherd, a boy <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>eleven years old, who daily
+fetched the goats from the village and drove them up the mountain to
+the short and luscious grasses of the pastures. Peter raced down in
+the evening with the light-footed little goats. When he whistled
+sharply through his fingers, every owner would come and get his or her
+goat. These owners were mostly small boys and girls and, as the goats
+were friendly, they did not fear them. That was the only time Peter
+spent with other children, the rest of the day the animals were his
+sole companions. At home lived his mother and an old blind
+grandmother, but he only spent enough time in the hut to swallow his
+bread and milk for breakfast and the same repast for supper. After
+that he sought his bed to sleep. He always left early in the morning
+and at night he came home late, so that he could be with his friends
+as long as possible. His father had met with an accident some years
+ago; he also had been called Peter the goatherd. His mother, whose
+name was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>Brigida, was called "Goatherd Peter's wife" and his blind
+grandmother was called by young and old from many miles about just
+"grandmother."</p>
+
+<p>Deta waited about ten minutes to see if the children were coming up
+behind with the goats. As she could not find them anywhere, she
+climbed up a little higher to get a better view down the valley from
+there, and peered from side to side with marks of great impatience on
+her countenance.</p>
+
+<p>The children in the meantime were ascending slowly in a zigzag way,
+Peter always knowing where to find all sorts of good grazing places
+for his goats where they could nibble. Thus they strayed from side to
+side. The poor little girl had followed the boy only with the greatest
+effort and she was panting in her heavy clothes. She was so hot and
+uncomfortable that she only climbed by exerting all her strength. She
+did not say anything but looked enviously at Peter, who jumped about
+so easily in his light trousers and bare feet. She envied even <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>more
+the goats that climbed over bushes, stones, and steep inclines with
+their slender legs. Suddenly sitting down on the ground the child
+swiftly took off her shoes and stockings. Getting up she undid the
+heavy shawl and the two little dresses. Out she slipped without more
+ado and stood up in only a light petticoat. In sheer delight at the
+relief, she threw up her dimpled arms, that were bare up to her short
+sleeves. To save the trouble of carrying them, her aunt had dressed
+her in her Sunday clothes over her workday garments. Heidi arranged
+her dresses neatly in a heap and joined Peter and the goats. She was
+now as light-footed as any of them. When Peter, who had not paid much
+attention, saw her suddenly in her light attire, he grinned. Looking
+back, he saw the little heap of dresses on the ground and then he
+grinned yet more, till his mouth seemed to reach from ear to ear; but
+he said never a word.</p>
+
+<p>The child, feeling free and comfortable, started to converse with
+Peter, and he had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>to answer many questions. She asked him how many
+goats he had, and where he led them, what he did with them when he got
+there, and so forth.</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep030" id="imagep030"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep030.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep030.jpg" width="75%" alt="SHE UNDID THE HEAVY SHAWL AND THE TWO LITTLE DRESSES" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">SHE UNDID THE HEAVY SHAWL AND THE TWO LITTLE DRESSES<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>At last the children reached the summit in front of the hut. When Deta
+saw the little party of climbers she cried out shrilly: "Heidi, what
+have you done? What a sight you are! Where are your dresses and your
+shawl? Are the new shoes gone that I just bought for you, and the new
+stockings that I made myself? Where are they all, Heidi?"</p>
+
+<p>The child quietly pointed down and said "There."</p>
+
+<p>The aunt followed the direction of her finger and descried a little
+heap with a small red dot in the middle, which she recognized as the
+shawl.</p>
+
+<p>"Unlucky child!" Deta said excitedly. "What does all this mean? Why
+have you taken your things all off?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I do not need them," said the child, not seeming in the least
+repentant of her deed.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>"How can you be so stupid, Heidi? Have you lost your senses?" the aunt
+went on, in a tone of mingled vexation and reproach. "Who do you think
+will go way down there to fetch those things up again? It is
+half-an-hour's walk. Please, Peter, run down and get them. Do not
+stand and stare at me as if you were glued to the spot."</p>
+
+<p>"I am late already," replied Peter, and stood without moving from the
+place where, with his hands in his trousers' pockets, he had witnessed
+the violent outbreak of Heidi's aunt.</p>
+
+<p>"There you are, standing and staring, but that won't get you further,"
+said Deta. "I'll give you this if you go down." With that she held a
+five-penny-piece under his eyes. That made Peter start and in a great
+hurry he ran down the straightest path. He arrived again in so short a
+time that Deta had to praise him and gave him her little coin without
+delay. He did not often get such a treasure, and therefore his face
+was beaming and he laughingly dropped the money deep into his pocket.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>"If you are going up to the uncle, as we are, you can carry the pack
+till we get there," said Deta. They still had to climb a steep ascent
+that lay behind Peter's hut. The boy readily took the things and
+followed Deta, his left arm holding the bundle and his right swinging
+the stick. Heidi jumped along gaily by his side with the goats.</p>
+
+<p>After three quarters of an hour they reached the height where the hut
+of the old man stood on a prominent rock, exposed to every wind, but
+bathed in the full sunlight. From there you could gaze far down into
+the valley. Behind the hut stood three old fir-trees with great shaggy
+branches. Further back the old grey rocks rose high and sheer. Above
+them you could see green and fertile pastures, till at last the stony
+boulders reached the bare, steep cliffs.</p>
+
+<p>Overlooking the valley the uncle had made himself a bench, by the side
+of the hut. Here he sat, with his pipe between his teeth and both
+hands resting on his knees. He quietly watched the children climbing
+up <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>with the goats and Aunt Deta behind them, for the children had
+caught up to her long ago. Heidi reached the top first, and
+approaching the old man she held out her hand to him and said: "Good
+evening, grandfather!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, what does that mean?" replied the old man in a rough
+voice. Giving her his hand for only a moment, he watched her with a
+long and penetrating look from under his bushy brows. Heidi gazed back
+at him with an unwinking glance and examined him with much curiosity,
+for he was strange to look at, with his thick, grey beard and shaggy
+eyebrows, that met in the middle like a thicket.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi's aunt had arrived in the meantime with Peter, who was eager to
+see what was going to happen.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-day to you, uncle," said Deta as she approached. "This is
+Tobias's and Adelheid's child. You won't be able to remember her,
+because last time you saw her she was scarcely a year old."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you bring her here?" asked the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>uncle, and turning to Peter he
+said: "Get away and bring my goats. How late you are already!"</p>
+
+<p>Peter obeyed and disappeared on the spot; the uncle had looked at him
+in such a manner that he was glad to go.</p>
+
+<p>"Uncle, I have brought the little girl for you to keep," said Deta. "I
+have done my share these last four years and now it is your turn to
+provide for her."</p>
+
+<p>The old man's eyes flamed with anger. "Indeed!" he said. "What on
+earth shall I do, when she begins to whine and cry for you? Small
+children always do, and then I'll be helpless."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll have to look out for that!" Deta retorted. "When the little
+baby was left in my hands a few years ago, I had to find out how to
+care for the little innocent myself and nobody told me anything. I
+already had mother on my hands and there was plenty for me to do. You
+can't blame me if I want to earn some money now. If you can't keep the
+child, you can do <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>with her whatever you please. If she comes to harm
+you are responsible and I am sure you do not want to burden your
+conscience any further."</p>
+
+<p>Deta had said more in her excitement than she had intended, just
+because her conscience was not quite clear. The uncle had risen during
+her last words and now he gave her such a look that she retreated a
+few steps. Stretching out his arm in a commanding gesture, he said to
+her: "Away with you! Begone! Stay wherever you came from and don't
+venture soon again into my sight!"</p>
+
+<p>Deta did not have to be told twice. She said "Good-bye" to Heidi and
+"Farewell" to the uncle, and started down the mountain. Like steam her
+excitement seemed to drive her forward, and she ran down at a
+tremendous rate. The people in the village called to her now more than
+they had on her way up, because they all were wondering where she had
+left the child. They were well acquainted with both and knew <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>their
+history. When she heard from door and windows: "Where is the child?"
+"Where have you left her, Deta?" and so forth, she answered more and
+more reluctantly: "Up with the Alm-Uncle,&mdash;with the Alm-Uncle!" She
+became much provoked because the women called to her from every side:
+"How could you do it?" "The poor little creature!" "The idea of
+leaving such a helpless child up there!" and, over and over again:
+"The poor little dear!" Deta ran as quickly as she could and was glad
+when she heard no more calls, because, to tell the truth, she herself
+was uneasy. Her mother had asked her on her deathbed to care for
+Heidi. But she consoled herself with the thought that she would be
+able to do more for the child if she could earn some money. She was
+very glad to go away from people who interfered in her affairs, and
+looked forward with great delight to her new place.</p>
+
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="II" id="II"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>II<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>WITH THE GRANDFATHER</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockl2">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/a1.jpg" alt="A" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />fter Deta had disappeared, the Uncle sat down again on the bench,
+blowing big clouds of smoke out of his pipe. He did not speak, but
+kept his eyes fastened on the ground. In the meantime Heidi looked
+about her, and discovering the goat-shed, peeped in. Nothing could be
+seen inside. Searching for some more interesting thing, she saw the
+three old fir-trees behind the hut. Here the wind was roaring through
+the branches and the tree-tops were swaying to and fro. Heidi stood
+still to listen. After the wind had ceased somewhat, she walked round
+the hut back to her grandfather. She found him in exactly the same
+position, and planting herself in front of the old man, with arms
+folded behind her back, she gazed at him. The grandfather, looking up,
+saw the child standing motionless before <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>him. "What do you want to do
+now?" he asked her.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to see what's in the hut," replied Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"Come then," and with that the grandfather got up and entered the
+cottage.</p>
+
+<p>"Take your things along," he commanded.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not want them any more," answered Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>The old man, turning about, threw a penetrating glance at her. The
+child's black eyes were sparkling in expectation of all the things to
+come. "She is not lacking in intelligence," he muttered to himself.
+Aloud he added: "Why don't you need them any more?"</p>
+
+<p>"I want to go about like the light-footed goats!"</p>
+
+<p>"All right, you can; but fetch the things and we'll put them in the
+cupboard." The child obeyed the command. The old man now opened the
+door, and Heidi followed him into a fairly spacious room, which took
+in the entire expanse of the hut. In one corner stood a table and a
+chair, and in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>another the grandfather's bed. Across the room a large
+kettle was suspended over the hearth, and opposite to it a large door
+was sunk into the wall. This the grandfather opened. It was the
+cupboard, in which all his clothes were kept. In one shelf were a few
+shirts, socks and towels; on another a few plates, cups and glasses;
+and on the top shelf Heidi could see a round loaf of bread, some bacon
+and cheese. In this cupboard the grandfather kept everything that he
+needed for his subsistence. When he opened it, Heidi pushed her things
+as far behind the grandfather's clothes as she could reach. She did
+not want them found again in a hurry. After looking around attentively
+in the room, she asked, "Where am I going to sleep, grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wherever you want to," he replied. That suited Heidi exactly. She
+peeped into all the corners of the room and looked at every little
+nook to find a cosy place to sleep. Beside the old man's bed she saw a
+ladder. Climbing up, she arrived at a hayloft, which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>was filled with
+fresh and fragrant hay. Through a tiny round window she could look far
+down into the valley.</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep041" id="imagep041"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep041.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep041.jpg" width="75%" alt="HERE A NEAT LITTLE BED WAS PREPARED" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">HERE A NEAT LITTLE BED WAS PREPARED<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>"I want to sleep up here," Heidi called down. "Oh, it is lovely here.
+Please come up, grandfather, and see it for yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it," sounded from below.</p>
+
+<p>"I am making the bed now," the little girl called out again, while she
+ran busily to and fro. "Oh, do come up and bring a sheet, grandfather,
+for every bed must have a sheet."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so?" said the old man. After a while he opened the cupboard
+and rummaged around in it. At last he pulled out a long coarse cloth
+from under the shirts. It somewhat resembled a sheet, and with this he
+climbed up to the loft. Here a neat little bed was already prepared.
+On top the hay was heaped up high so that the head of the occupant
+would lie exactly opposite the window.</p>
+
+<p>The grandfather was well pleased with the arrangement. To prevent the
+hard floor from being felt, he made the couch twice as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>thick. Then he
+and Heidi together put the heavy sheet on, tucking the ends in well.
+Heidi looked thoughtfully at her fresh, new bed and said,
+"Grandfather, we have forgotten something."</p>
+
+<p>"What?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no cover. When I go to bed I always creep in between the sheet
+and the cover."</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do if I haven't any?" asked the grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, I'll just take some more hay to cover me," Heidi
+reassured him, and was just going to the heap of hay when the old man
+stopped her.</p>
+
+<p>"Just wait one minute," he said, and went down to his own bed. From it
+he took a large, heavy linen bag and brought it to the child.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't this better than hay?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi pulled the sack to and fro with all her might, but she could not
+unfold it, for it was too heavy for her little arms. The grandfather
+put the thick cover on the bed while <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>Heidi watched him. After it was
+all done, she said: "What a nice bed I have now, and what a splendid
+cover! I only wish the evening was here, that I might go to sleep in
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"I think we might eat something first," said the grandfather. "Don't
+you think so?"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi had forgotten everything else in her interest for the bed; but
+when she was reminded of her dinner, she noticed how terribly hungry
+she really was. She had had only a piece of bread and a cup of thin
+coffee very early in the morning, before her long journey. Heidi said
+approvingly: "I think we might, grandfather!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let's go down then, if we agree," said the old man, and followed
+close behind her. Going up to the fireplace, he pushed the big kettle
+aside and reached for a smaller one that was suspended on a chain.
+Then sitting down on a three-legged stool, he kindled a bright fire.
+When the kettle was boiling, the old man put a large piece of cheese
+on a long iron fork, and held it over the fire, turning it to and fro,
+till it was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>golden-brown on all sides. Heidi had watched him eagerly.
+Suddenly she ran to the cupboard. When her grandfather brought a pot
+and the toasted cheese to the table, he found it already nicely set
+with two plates and two knives and the bread in the middle. Heidi had
+seen the things in the cupboard and knew that they would be needed for
+the meal.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to see that you can think for yourself," said the
+grandfather, while he put the cheese on top of the bread, "but
+something is missing yet."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi saw the steaming pot and ran back to the cupboard in all haste.
+A single little bowl was on the shelf. That did not perplex Heidi
+though, for she saw two glasses standing behind. With those three
+things she returned to the table.</p>
+
+<p>"You certainly can help yourself! Where shall you sit, though?" asked
+the grandfather, who occupied the only chair himself, Heidi flew to
+the hearth, and bringing back the little stool, sat down on it.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you have a seat, but it is much <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>too low. In fact, you are too
+little to reach the table from my chair. Now you shall have something
+to eat at last!" and with that the grandfather filled the little bowl
+with milk. Putting it on his chair, he pushed it as near to the stool
+as was possible, and in that way Heidi had a table before her. He
+commanded her to eat the large piece of bread and the slice of golden
+cheese. He sat down himself on a corner of the table and started his
+own dinner. Heidi drank without stopping, for she felt exceedingly
+thirsty after her long journey. Taking a long breath, she put down her
+little bowl.</p>
+
+<p>"How do you like the milk?" the grandfather asked her.</p>
+
+<p>"I never tasted better," answered Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you shall have more," and with that the grandfather filled the
+little bowl again. The little girl ate and drank with the greatest
+enjoyment. After she was through, both went out into the goat-shed.
+Here the old man busied himself, and Heidi watched him attentively
+while he was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>sweeping and putting down fresh straw for the goats to
+sleep on. Then he went to the little shop alongside and fashioned a
+high chair for Heidi, to the little girl's greatest amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"What is this?" asked the grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a chair for me. I am sure of it because it is so high. How
+quickly it was made!" said the child, full of admiration and wonder.</p>
+
+<p>"She knows what is what and has her eyes on the right place," the
+grandfather said to himself, while he walked around the hut, fastening
+a nail or a loose board here and there. He wandered about with his
+hammer and nails, repairing whatever was in need of fixing. Heidi
+followed him at every step and watched the performance with great
+enjoyment and attention.</p>
+
+<p>At last the evening came. The old fir-trees were rustling and a mighty
+wind was roaring and howling through the tree-tops. Those sounds
+thrilled Heidi's heart and filled it with happiness and joy. She
+danced and jumped about under the trees, for those <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>sounds made her
+feel as if a wonderful thing had happened to her. The grandfather
+stood under the door, watching her, when suddenly a shrill whistle was
+heard. Heidi stood still and the grandfather joined her outside. Down
+from the heights came one goat after another, with Peter in their
+midst. Uttering a cry of joy, Heidi ran into the middle of the flock,
+greeting her old friends. When they had all reached the hut, they
+stopped on their way and two beautiful slender goats came out of the
+herd, one of them white and the other brown. They came up to the
+grandfather, who held out some salt in his hands to them, as he did
+every night. Heidi tenderly caressed first one and then the other,
+seeming beside herself with joy.</p>
+
+<p>"Are they ours, grandfather? Do they both belong to us? Are they going
+to the stable? Are they going to stay with us?" Heidi kept on asking
+in her excitement. The grandfather hardly could put in a "yes, yes,
+surely" between her numerous questions. When the goats had licked up
+all the salt, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>the old man said, "Go in, Heidi, and fetch your bowl
+and the bread."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi obeyed and returned instantly. The grandfather milked a full
+bowl from the white goat, cut a piece of bread for the child, and told
+her to eat. "Afterwards you can go to bed. If you need some shirts and
+other linen, you will find them in the bottom of the cupboard. Aunt
+Deta has left a bundle for you. Now good-night, I have to look after
+the goats and lock them up for the night."</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night, grandfather! Oh, please tell me what their names are,"
+called Heidi after him.</p>
+
+<p>"The white one's name is Schw&auml;nli and the brown one I call B&auml;rli," was
+his answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night, Schw&auml;nli! Good-night, B&auml;rli," the little girl called
+loudly, for they were just disappearing in the shed. Heidi now sat
+down on the bench and took her supper. The strong wind nearly blew her
+from her seat, so she hurried with her meal, to be able to go inside
+and up to her bed. She slept in it as well as a prince on his royal
+couch.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>Very soon after Heidi had gone up, before it was quite dark, the old
+man also sought his bed. He was always up in the morning with the sun,
+which rose early over the mountain-side in those summer days. It was a
+wild, stormy night; the hut was shaking in the gusts and all the
+boards were creaking. The wind howled through the chimney and the old
+fir-trees shook so strongly that many a dry branch came crashing down.
+In the middle of the night the grandfather got up, saying to himself:
+"I am sure she is afraid." Climbing up the ladder, he went up to
+Heidi's bed. The first moment everything lay in darkness, when all of
+a sudden the moon came out behind the clouds and sent his brilliant
+light across Heidi's bed. Her cheeks were burning red and she lay
+peacefully on her round and chubby arms. She must have had a happy
+dream, for she was smiling in her sleep. The grandfather stood and
+watched her till a cloud flew over the moon and left everything in
+total darkness. Then he went down to seek his bed again.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="III" id="III"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>III<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>ON THE PASTURE</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockr3">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/h2.jpg" alt="H" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />eidi was awakened early next morning by a loud whistle. Opening her
+eyes, she saw her little bed and the hay beside her bathed in golden
+sunlight. For a short while she did not know where she was, but when
+she heard her grandfather's deep voice outside, she recollected
+everything. She remembered how she had come up the mountain the day
+before and left old Ursula, who was always shivering with cold and sat
+near the stove all day. While Heidi lived with Ursula, she had always
+been obliged to keep in the house, where the old woman could see her.
+Being deaf, Ursula was afraid to let Heidi go outdoors, and the child
+had often fretted in the narrow room and had longed to run outside.
+She was therefore delighted to find herself in her new home and hardly
+could wait <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>to see the goats again. Jumping out of bed, she put on her
+few things and in a short time went down the ladder and ran outside.
+Peter was already there with his flock, waiting for Schw&auml;nli and
+B&auml;rli, whom the grandfather was just bringing to join the other goats.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you want to go with him to the pasture?" asked the grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," cried Heidi, clapping her hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Go now, and wash yourself first, for the sun will laugh at you if he
+sees how dirty you are. Everything is ready there for you," he added,
+pointing to a large tub of water that stood in the sun. Heidi did as
+she was told, and washed and rubbed herself till her cheeks were
+glowing. In the meanwhile the grandfather called to Peter to come into
+the hut and bring his bag along. The boy followed the old man, who
+commanded him to open the bag in which he carried his scanty dinner.
+The grandfather put into the bag a piece of bread and a slice of
+cheese, that were easily twice as large as those the boy had in the
+bag himself.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>"The little bowl goes in, too," said the Uncle, "for the child does
+not know how to drink straight from the goat, the way you do. She is
+going to stay with you all day, therefore milk two bowls full for her
+dinner. Look out that she does not fall over the rocks! Do you hear?"</p>
+
+<p>Just then Heidi came running in. "Grandfather, can the sun still laugh
+at me?" she asked. The child had rubbed herself so violently with the
+coarse towel which the grandfather had put beside the tub that her
+face, neck and arms were as red as a lobster. With a smile the
+grandfather said: "No, he can't laugh any more now; but when you come
+home to-night you must go into the tub like a fish. When one goes
+about like the goats, one gets dirty feet. Be off!"</p>
+
+<p>They started merrily up the Alp. A cloudless, deep-blue sky looked
+down on them, for the wind had driven away every little cloud in the
+night. The fresh green mountain-side was bathed in brilliant sunlight,
+and many blue and yellow flowers had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>opened. Heidi was wild with joy
+and ran from side to side. In one place she saw big patches of fine
+red primroses, on another spot blue gentians sparkled in the grass,
+and everywhere the golden rock-roses were nodding to her. In her
+transport at finding such treasures, Heidi even forgot Peter and his
+goats. She ran far ahead of him and then strayed away off to one side,
+for the sparkling flowers tempted her here and there. Picking whole
+bunches of them to take home with her, she put them all into her
+little apron.</p>
+
+<p>Peter, whose round eyes could only move about slowly, had a hard time
+looking out for her. The goats were even worse, and only by shouting
+and whistling, especially by swinging his rod, could he drive them
+together.</p>
+
+<p>"Heidi, where are you now?" he called quite angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," it sounded from somewhere. Peter could not see her, for she
+was sitting on the ground behind a little mound, which was covered
+with fragrant flowers. The whole <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>air was filled with their perfume,
+and the child drew it in, in long breaths.</p>
+
+<p>"Follow me now!" Peter called out. "The grandfather has told me to
+look out for you, and you must not fall over the rocks."</p>
+
+<p>"Where are they?" asked Heidi without even stirring.</p>
+
+<p>"Way up there, and we have still far to go. If you come quickly, we
+may see the eagle there and hear him shriek."</p>
+
+<p>That tempted Heidi, and she came running to Peter, with her apron full
+of flowers.</p>
+
+<p>"You have enough now," he declared. "If you pick them all to-day,
+there won't be any left to-morrow." Heidi admitted that, besides which
+she had her apron already full. From now on she stayed at Peter's
+side. The goats, scenting the pungent herbs, also hurried up without
+delay.</p>
+
+<p>Peter generally took his quarters for the day at the foot of a high
+cliff, which seemed to reach far up into the sky. Overhanging rocks on
+one side made it dangerous, so that the grandfather was wise to warn
+Peter.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>After they had reached their destination, the boy took off his bag,
+putting it in a little hollow in the ground. The wind often blew in
+violent gusts up there, and Peter did not want to lose his precious
+load. Then he lay down in the sunny grass, for he was very tired.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi, taking off her apron, rolled it tightly together and put it
+beside Peter's bag. Then, sitting down beside the boy, she looked
+about her. Far down she saw the glistening valley; a large field of
+snow rose high in front of her. Heidi sat a long time without
+stirring, with Peter asleep by her side and the goats climbing about
+between the bushes. A light breeze fanned her cheek and those big
+mountains about her made her feel happy as never before. She looked up
+at the mountain-tops till they all seemed to have faces, and soon they
+were familiar to her, like old friends. Suddenly she heard a loud,
+sharp scream, and looking up she beheld the largest bird she had ever
+seen, flying above her. With outspread wings he flew in large circles
+over Heidi's head.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>"Wake up, Peter!" Heidi called. "Look up, Peter, and see the eagle
+there!"</p>
+
+<p>Peter got wide wake, and then they both watched the bird breathlessly.
+It rose higher and higher into the azure, till it disappeared at last
+behind the mountain-peak.</p>
+
+<p>"Where has it gone?" Heidi asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Home to its nest," was Peter's answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, does it really live way up there? How wonderful that must be! But
+tell me why it screams so loud?" Heidi inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Because it has to," Peter replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, let's climb up there and see its nest!" implored Heidi, but
+Peter, expressing decided disapproval in his voice, answered: "Oh
+dear, Oh dear, not even goats could climb up there! Grandfather has
+told me not to let you fall down the rocks, so we can't go!"</p>
+
+<p>Peter now began to call loudly and to whistle, and soon all the goats
+were assembled on the green field. Heidi ran into their midst, for she
+loved to see them leaping and playing about.</p>
+
+<p>Peter in the meantime was preparing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>dinner for Heidi and himself, by
+putting her large pieces on one side and his own small ones on the
+other. Then he milked B&auml;rli and put the full bowl in the middle. When
+he was ready, he called to the little girl. But it took some time
+before she obeyed his call.</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep057" id="imagep057"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep057.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep057.jpg" width="73%" alt="SHE HANDED HIM ALSO THE WHOLE SLICE OF CHEESE" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">SHE HANDED HIM ALSO THE WHOLE SLICE OF CHEESE<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Stop jumping, now," said Peter, "and sit down; your dinner is ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Is this milk for me?" she inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes it is; those large pieces also belong to you. When you are
+through with the milk, I'll get you some more. After that I'll get
+mine."</p>
+
+<p>"What milk do you get?" Heidi inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"I get it from my own goat, that speckled one over there. But go ahead
+and eat!" Peter commanded again. Heidi obeyed, and when the bowl was
+empty, he filled it again. Breaking off a piece of bread for herself,
+she gave Peter the rest, which was still bigger than his own portion
+had been. She handed him also the whole slice of cheese, saying: "You
+can eat that, I have had enough!"</p>
+
+<p>Peter was speechless with surprise, for it <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>would have been impossible
+for him ever to give up any of his share. Not taking Heidi in earnest,
+he hesitated till she put the things on his knees. Then he saw she
+really meant it, and he seized his prize. Nodding his thanks to her,
+he ate the most luxurious meal he had ever had in all his life. Heidi
+was watching the goats in the meantime, and asked Peter for their
+names.</p>
+
+<p>The boy could tell them all to her, for their names were about the
+only thing he had to carry in his head. She soon knew them, too, for
+she had listened attentively. One of them was the Big Turk, who tried
+to stick his big horns into all the others. Most of the goats ran away
+from their rough comrade. The bold Thistlefinch alone was not afraid,
+and running his horns three or four times into the other, so
+astonished the Turk with his great daring that he stood still and gave
+up fighting, for the Thistlefinch had sharp horns and met him in the
+most warlike attitude. A small, white goat, called Snowhopper, kept up
+bleating in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>most piteous way, which induced Heidi to console it
+several times. Heidi at last went to the little thing again, and
+throwing her arms around its head, she asked, "What is the matter with
+you, Snowhopper? Why do you always cry for help?" The little goat
+pressed close to Heidi's side and became perfectly quiet. Peter was
+still eating, but between the swallows he called to Heidi: "She is so
+unhappy, because the old goat has left us. She was sold to somebody in
+Mayenfeld two days ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Who was the old goat?"</p>
+
+<p>"Her mother, of course."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is her grandmother?"</p>
+
+<p>"She hasn't any."</p>
+
+<p>"And her grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hasn't any either."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor little Snowhopper!" said Heidi, drawing the little creature
+tenderly to her. "Don't grieve any more; see, I am coming up with you
+every day now, and if there is anything the matter, you can come to
+me."</p>
+
+<p>Snowhopper rubbed her head against <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>Heidi's shoulder and stopped
+bleating. When Peter had finally finished his dinner, he joined Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>The little girl had just been observing that Schw&auml;nli and B&auml;rli were
+by far the cleanest and prettiest of the goats. They evaded the
+obtrusive Turk with a sort of contempt and always managed to find the
+greenest bushes for themselves. She mentioned it to Peter, who
+replied: "I know! Of course they are the prettiest, because the uncle
+washes them and gives them salt. He has the best stable by far."</p>
+
+<p>All of a sudden Peter, who had been lying on the ground, jumped up and
+bounded after the goats. Heidi, knowing that something must have
+happened, followed him. She saw him running to a dangerous abyss on
+the side. Peter had noticed how the rash Thistlefinch had gone nearer
+and nearer to the dangerous spot. Peter only just came in time to
+prevent the goat from falling down over the very edge. Unfortunately
+Peter had stumbled over a stone in his hurry and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>was only able to
+catch the goat by one leg. The Thistlefinch, being enraged to find
+himself stopped in his charming ramble, bleated furiously. Not being
+able to get up, Peter loudly called for help. Heidi immediately saw
+that Peter was nearly pulling off the animal's leg. She quickly picked
+some fragrant herbs and holding them under the animal's nose, she said
+soothingly: "Come, come, Thistlefinch, and be sensible. You might fall
+down there and break your leg. That would hurt you horribly."</p>
+
+<p>The goat turned about and devoured the herbs Heidi held in her hand.
+When Peter got to his feet, he led back the runaway with Heidi's help.
+When he had the goat in safety, he raised his rod to beat it for
+punishment. The goat retreated shyly, for it knew what was coming.
+Heidi screamed loudly: "Peter, no, do not beat him! look how scared he
+is."</p>
+
+<p>"He well deserves it," snarled Peter, ready to strike. But Heidi,
+seizing his arm, shouted, full of indignation: "You mustn't hurt him!
+Let him go!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>Heidi's eyes were sparkling, and when he saw her with her commanding
+mien, he desisted and dropped his rope. "I'll let him go, if you give
+me a piece of your cheese again to-morrow," he said, for he wanted a
+compensation for his fright.</p>
+
+<p>"You may have it all to-morrow and every day, because I don't need
+it," Heidi assured him. "I shall also give you a big piece of bread,
+if you promise never to beat any of the goats."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care," growled Peter, and in that way he gave his promise.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the day had passed, and the sun was already sinking down behind
+the mountains. Sitting on the grass, Heidi looked at the bluebells and
+the wild roses that were shining in the last rays of the sun. The
+peaks also started to glow, and Heidi suddenly called to the boy: "Oh,
+Peter, look! everything is on fire. The mountains are burning and the
+sky, too. Oh, look! the moon over there is on fire, too. Do you see
+the mountains all in a glow? Oh, how beautiful the snow looks! <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>Peter,
+the eagle's nest is surely on fire, too. Oh, look at the fir-trees
+over there!"</p>
+
+<p>Peter was quietly peeling his rod, and looking up, said to Heidi:
+"This is no fire; it always looks like that."</p>
+
+<p>"But what is it then?" asked Heidi eagerly, gazing about her
+everywhere.</p>
+
+<p>"It gets that way of itself," explained Peter.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh look! Everything is all rosy now! Oh, look at this mountain over
+there with the snow and the sharp peaks. What is its name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mountains have no names," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, see, how beautiful! It looks as if many, many roses were growing
+on those cliffs. Oh, now they are getting grey. Oh dear! the fire has
+gone out and it is all over. What a terrible shame!" said Heidi quite
+despondently.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be the same again tomorrow," Peter reassured her. "Come now,
+we have to go home."</p>
+
+<p>When Peter had called the goats together, they started downwards.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>"Will it be like that every day when we are up?" asked Heidi, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"It usually is," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"What about tomorrow?" she inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Tomorrow it will be like that, I am sure," Peter affirmed.</p>
+
+<p>That made Heidi feel happy again. She walked quietly by Peter's side,
+thinking over all the new things she had seen. At last, reaching the
+hut, they found the grandfather waiting for them on a bench under the
+fir-trees. Heidi ran up to him and the two goats followed, for they
+knew their master. Peter called to her: "Come again tomorrow!
+Good-night!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi gave him her hand, assuring him that she would come, and finding
+herself surrounded by the goats, she hugged Snowhopper a last time.</p>
+
+<p>When Peter had disappeared, Heidi returned to her grandfather. "Oh
+grandfather! it was so beautiful! I saw the fire and the roses on the
+rocks! And see the many, many flowers I am bringing you!" <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>With that
+Heidi shook them out of her apron. But oh, how miserable they looked!
+Heidi did not even know them any more.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter with them, grandfather? They looked so different!"
+Heidi exclaimed in her fright.</p>
+
+<p>"They are made to bloom in the sun and not to be shut up in an apron,"
+said the grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall never pick them any more! Please, grandfather, tell me
+why the eagle screeches so loudly," asked Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"First go and take a bath, while I go into the shed to get your milk.
+Afterwards we'll go inside together and I'll tell you all about it
+during supper-time."</p>
+
+<p>They did as was proposed, and when Heidi sat on her high chair before
+her milk, she asked the same question as before.</p>
+
+<p>"Because he is sneering at the people down below, who sit in the
+villages and make each other angry. He calls down to them:&mdash;'If you
+would go apart to live up on the heights like me, you would feel much
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>better!'" The grandfather said these last words with such a wild
+voice, that it reminded Heidi of the eagle's screech.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do the mountains have no names, grandfather?" asked Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"They all have names, and if you tell me their shape I can name them
+for you."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi described several and the old man could name them all. The child
+told him now about all the happenings of the day, and especially about
+the wonderful fire. She asked how it came about.</p>
+
+<p>"The sun does it," he exclaimed. "Saying good-night to the mountains,
+he throws his most beautiful rays to them, that they may not forget
+him till the morning."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi was so much pleased with this explanation, that she could hardly
+wait to see the sun's good-night greetings repeated. It was time now
+to go to bed, and Heidi slept soundly all night. She dreamt that the
+little Snowhopper was bounding happily about on the glowing mountains
+with many glistening roses blooming round her.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="IV" id="IV"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>IV<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockl4">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/n.jpg" alt="N" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />ext morning Peter came again with his goats, and Heidi went up to the
+pasture with them. This happened day after day, and in this healthy
+life Heidi grew stronger, and more sunburnt every day. Soon the autumn
+came and when the wind was blowing across the mountainside, the
+grandfather would say: "You must stay home to-day, Heidi; for the wind
+can blow such a little thing as you down into the valley with a single
+gust."</p>
+
+<p>It always made Peter unhappy when Heidi did not come along, for he saw
+nothing but misfortunes ahead of him; he hardly knew how to pass his
+time, and besides, he was deprived of his abundant dinner. The goats
+were so accustomed to Heidi by this time, that they did not follow
+Peter when she was not with him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>Heidi herself did not mind staying at home, for she loved nothing
+better than to watch her grandfather with his saw and hammer.
+Sometimes the grandfather would make small round cheeses on those
+days, and there was no greater pleasure for Heidi than to see him stir
+the butter with his bare arms. When the wind would howl through the
+fir-trees on those stormy days, Heidi would run out to the grove,
+thrilled and happy by the wondrous roaring in the branches. The sun
+had lost its vigor, and the child had to put on her shoes and
+stockings and her little dress.</p>
+
+<p>The weather got colder and colder, and when Peter came up in the
+morning, he would blow into his hands, he was so frozen. At last even
+Peter could not come any more, for a deep snow had fallen over night.
+Heidi stood at the window, watching the snow falling down. It kept on
+snowing till it reached the windows; still it did not stop, and soon
+the windows could not be opened, and they were all shut in. When it
+had lasted for several <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>days, Heidi thought that it would soon cover
+up the cottage. It finally stopped, and the grandfather went out to
+shovel the snow away from the door and windows, piling it up high here
+and there. In the afternoon the two were sitting near the fire when
+noisy steps were heard outside and the door was pushed open. It was
+Peter, who had come up to see Heidi. Muttering, "Good-evening," he
+went up to the fire. His face was beaming, and Heidi had to laugh when
+she saw little waterfalls trickling down from his person, for all the
+ice and snow had melted in the great heat.</p>
+
+<p>The grandfather now asked Peter how he got along in school. Heidi was
+so interested that she asked him a hundred questions. Poor Peter, who
+was not an easy talker, found himself in great difficulty answering
+the little girl's inquiries, but at least it gave him leisure to dry
+his clothes.</p>
+
+<p>During this conversation the grandfather's eyes had been twinkling,
+and at last he said to the boy: "Now that you have been under <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>fire,
+general, you need some strengthening. Come and join us at supper."</p>
+
+<p>With that the old man prepared a meal which amply satisfied Peter's
+appetite. It had begun to get dark, and Peter knew that it was time to
+go. He had said good-bye and thank you, when turning to Heidi he
+remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"I'll come next Sunday, if I may. By the way, Heidi, grandmother asked
+me to tell you that she would love to see you."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi immediately approved of this idea, and her first word next
+morning was: "Grandfather, I must go down to grandmother. She is
+expecting me."</p>
+
+<p>Four days later the sun was shining and the tight-packed frozen snow
+was crackling under every step. Heidi was sitting at the dinner-table,
+imploring the old man to let her make the visit then, when he got up,
+and fetching down her heavy cover, told her to follow him. They went
+out into the glistening snow; no sound was heard and the snow-laden
+fir-trees shone and glittered in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>sun. Heidi in her transport was
+running to and fro: "Grandfather, come out! Oh, look at the trees!
+They are all covered with silver and gold," she called to the
+grandfather, who had just come out of his workshop with a wide sled.
+Wrapping the child up in her cover, he put her on the sled, holding
+her fast. Off they started at such a pace that Heidi shouted for joy,
+for she seemed to be flying like a bird. The sled had stopped in front
+of Peter's hut, and grandfather said: "Go in. When it gets dark, start
+on your way home." When he had unwrapped her, he turned homewards with
+his sled.</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep071" id="imagep071"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep071.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep071.jpg" width="74%" alt="OFF THEY STARTED AT SUCH A PACE THAT HEIDI SHOUTED FOR JOY" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">OFF THEY STARTED AT SUCH A PACE THAT HEIDI SHOUTED FOR
+JOY<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Opening the door, Heidi found herself in a tiny, dark kitchen, and
+going through another door, she entered a narrow chamber. Near a table
+a woman was seated, busy with mending Peter's coat, which Heidi had
+recognized immediately. A bent old woman was sitting in a corner, and
+Heidi, approaching her at once, said: "How do you do, grandmother? I
+have come now, and I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>Lifting her head, the grandmother sought for Heidi's hand. Feeling it
+thoughtfully, she said: "Are you the little girl who lives up with the
+uncle? Is your name Heidi?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," Heidi replied. "The grandfather just brought me down in the
+sled."</p>
+
+<p>"How is it possible? Your hands are as warm as toast! Brigida, did the
+uncle really come down with the child?"</p>
+
+<p>Brigida, Peter's mother, had gotten up to look at the child. She said:
+"I don't know if he did, but I don't think so. She probably doesn't
+know."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi, looking up, said quite decidedly: "I know that grandfather
+wrapped me up in a cover when we coasted down together."</p>
+
+<p>"Peter was right after all," said the grandmother. "We never thought
+the child would live more than three weeks with him. Brigida, tell me
+what she looks like."</p>
+
+<p>"She has Adelheid's fine limbs and black eyes, and curly hair like
+Tobias and the old man. I think she looks like both of them."</p>
+
+<p>While the women were talking, Heidi had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>been taking in everything.
+Then she said: "Grandmother, look at the shutter over there. It is
+hanging loose. If grandfather were here, he would fasten it. It will
+break the window-pane! Just look at it."</p>
+
+<p>"What a sweet child you are," said the grandmother tenderly. "I can
+hear it, but I cannot see it, child. This cottage rattles and creaks,
+and when the wind blows, it comes in through every chink. Some day the
+whole house will break to pieces and fall on top of us. If only Peter
+knew how to mend it! We have no one else."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, grandmother, can't you see the shutter?" asked Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"Child, I cannot see anything," lamented the old woman.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you see it when I open the shutter to let in the light?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, not even then. Nobody can ever show me the light again."</p>
+
+<p>"But you can see when you go out into the snow, where everything is
+bright. Come with me, grandmother, I'll show you!" and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>Heidi, taking
+the old woman by the hand, tried to lead her out. Heidi was frightened
+and got more anxious all the time.</p>
+
+<p>"Just let me stay here, child. Everything is dark for me, and my poor
+eyes can neither see the snow nor the light."</p>
+
+<p>"But grandmother, does it not get light in the summer, when the sun
+shines down on the mountains to say good-night, setting them all
+aflame?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, child, I can never see the fiery mountains any more. I have to
+live in darkness, always."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi burst out crying now and sobbed aloud. "Can nobody make it light
+for you? Is there nobody who can do it, grandmother? Nobody?"</p>
+
+<p>The grandmother tried all possible means to comfort the child; it
+wrung her heart to see her terrible distress. It was awfully hard for
+Heidi to stop crying when she had once begun, for she cried so seldom.
+The grandmother said: "Heidi, let me tell you something. People who
+cannot see love to listen <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>to friendly words. Sit down beside me and
+tell me all about yourself. Talk to me about your grandfather, for it
+has been long since I have heard anything about him. I used to know
+him very well."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi suddenly wiped away her tears, for she had had a cheering
+thought. "Grandmother, I shall tell grandfather about it, and I am
+sure he can make it light for you. He can mend your little house and
+stop the rattling."</p>
+
+<p>The old woman remained silent, and Heidi, with the greatest vivacity,
+began to describe her life with the grandfather. Listening
+attentively, the two women would say to each other sometimes: "Do you
+hear what she says about the uncle? Did you listen?"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi's tale was interrupted suddenly by a great thumping on the door;
+and who should come in but Peter. No sooner had he seen Heidi, than he
+smiled, opening his round eyes as wide as possible. Heidi called,
+"Good-evening, Peter!"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it really time for him to come home!" <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>exclaimed Peter's
+grandmother. "How quickly the time has flown. Good-evening, little
+Peter; how is your reading going?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just the same," the boy replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear, I was hoping for a change at last. You are nearly twelve
+years old, my boy."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should there be a change?" inquired Heidi with greatest interest.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid he'll never learn it after all. On the shelf over there
+is an old prayer-book with beautiful songs. I have forgotten them all,
+for I do not hear them any more. I longed that Peter should read them
+to me some day, but he will never be able to!"</p>
+
+<p>Peter's mother got up from her work now, saying, "I must make a light.
+The afternoon has passed and now it's getting dark."</p>
+
+<p>When Heidi heard those words, she started, and holding out her hand to
+all, she said: "Good-night. I have to go, for it is getting dark." But
+the anxious grandmother called out: "Wait, child, don't go up alone!
+Go with her, Peter, and take care that she does <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>not fall. Don't let
+her get cold, do you hear? Has Heidi a shawl?"</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't, but I won't be cold," Heidi called back, for she had
+already escaped through the door. She ran so fast that Peter could
+hardly follow her. The old woman frettingly called out: "Brigida, run
+after her. Get a warm shawl, she'll freeze in this cold night. Hurry
+up!" Brigida obeyed. The children had hardly climbed any distance,
+when they saw the old man coming and with a few vigorous steps he
+stood beside them.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you kept your word, Heidi," he said; and packing her into
+her cover, he started up the hill, carrying the child in his arms.
+Brigida had come in time to see it, and told the grandmother what she
+had witnessed.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God, thank God!" the old woman said. "I hope she'll come again;
+she has done me so much good! What a soft heart she has, the darling,
+and how nicely she can talk." All evening the grandmother said to
+herself, "If only he lets her come again! <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>I have something to look
+forward to in this world now, thank God!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi could hardly wait before they reached the cottage. She had tried
+to talk on the way, but no sound could be heard through the heavy
+cover. As soon as they were inside the hut she began: "Grandfather, we
+must take some nails and a hammer down tomorrow; a shutter is loose in
+grandmother's house and many other places shake. Everything rattles in
+her house."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so? Who says we must?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody told me, but I know," Heidi replied. "Everything is loose in
+the house, and poor grandmother told me she was afraid that the house
+might tumble down. And grandfather, she cannot see the light. Can you
+help her and make it light for her? How terrible it must be to be
+afraid in the dark and nobody there to help you! Oh, please,
+grandfather, do something to help her! I know you can."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi had been clinging to her grandfather and looking up to him with
+trusting eyes. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>At last he said, glancing down: "All right, child,
+we'll see that it won't rattle any more. We can do it tomorrow."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi was so overjoyed at these words that she danced around the room
+shouting: "We'll do it tomorrow! We can do it tomorrow!"</p>
+
+<p>The grandfather, keeping his word, took Heidi down the following day
+with the same instructions as before. After Heidi had disappeared, he
+went around the house inspecting it.</p>
+
+<p>The grandmother, in her joy at seeing the child again, had stopped the
+wheel and called: "Here is the child again! She has come again!"
+Heidi, grasping her outstretched hands, sat herself on a low stool at
+the old woman's feet and began to chat. Suddenly violent blows were
+heard outside; the grandmother in her fright nearly upset the
+spinning-wheel and screamed: "Oh, God, it has come at last. The hut is
+tumbling down!"</p>
+
+<p>"Grandmother, don't be frightened," said <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>the child, while she put her
+arms around her. "Grandfather is just fastening the shutter and fixing
+everything for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible? Has God not forgotten us after all? Brigida, have you
+heard it? Surely that is a hammer. Ask him to come in a moment, if it
+is he, for I must thank him."</p>
+
+<p>When Brigida went out, she found the old man busy with putting a new
+beam along the wall. Approaching him, she said: "Mother and I wish you
+a good-afternoon. We are very much obliged to you for doing us such a
+service, and mother would like to see you. There are few that would
+have done it, uncle, and how can we thank you?"</p>
+
+<p>"That will do," he interrupted. "I know what your opinion about me is.
+Go in, for I can find what needs mending myself."</p>
+
+<p>Brigida obeyed, for the uncle had a way that nobody could oppose. All
+afternoon the uncle hammered around; he even climbed up on the roof,
+where much was missing. At last he had to stop, for the last nail was
+gone <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>from his pocket. The darkness had come in the meantime, and
+Heidi was ready to go up with him, packed warmly in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the winter passed. Sunshine had come again into the blind woman's
+life, and made her days less dark and dreary. Early every morning she
+would begin to listen for Heidi's footsteps, and when the door was
+opened and the child ran in, the grandmother exclaimed every time more
+joyfully: "Thank God, she has come again!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi would talk about her life, and make the grandmother smile and
+laugh, and in that way the hours flew by. In former times the old
+woman had always sighed: "Brigida, is the day not over yet?" but now
+she always exclaimed after Heidi's departure: "How quickly the
+afternoon has gone by. Don't you think so, too, Brigida?" Her daughter
+had to assent, for Heidi had long ago won her heart. "If only God will
+spare us the child!" the grandmother would often say. "I hope the
+uncle will always be kind, as he is now."&mdash;"Does Heidi look well,
+Brigida?" <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>was a frequent question, which always got a reassuring
+answer.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi also became very fond of the old grandmother, and when the
+weather was fair, she visited her every day that winter. Whenever the
+child remembered that the grandmother was blind, she would get very
+sad; her only comfort was that her coming brought such happiness. The
+grandfather soon had mended the cottage; often he would take down big
+loads of timber, which he used to good purpose. The grandmother vowed
+that no rattling could be heard any more, and that, thanks to the
+uncle's kindness, she slept better that winter than she had done for
+many a year.</p>
+
+<div class="img">
+<img border="0" src="images/end1.jpg" width="35%" alt="chapter end art" /><br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="V" id="V"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>V<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>TWO VISITORS</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockr5">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/t1.jpg" alt="T" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />wo winters had nearly passed. Heidi was happy, for the spring was
+coming again, with the soft delicious wind that made the fir-trees
+roar. Soon she would be able to go up to the pasture, where blue and
+yellow flowers greeted her at every step. She was nearly eight years
+old, and had learned to take care of the goats, who ran after her like
+little dogs. Several times the village teacher had sent word by Peter
+that the child was wanted in school, but the old man had not paid any
+attention to the message and had kept her with him as before. It was a
+beautiful morning in March. The snow had melted on the slopes, and was
+going fast. Snowdrops were peeping through the ground, which seemed to
+be getting ready for spring. Heidi was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>running to and fro before the
+door, when she suddenly saw an old gentleman, dressed in black,
+standing beside her. As she appeared frightened, he said kindly: "You
+must not be afraid of me, for I love children. Give me your hand,
+Heidi, and tell me where your grandfather is."</p>
+
+<p>"He is inside, making round wooden spoons," the child replied, opening
+the door while she spoke.</p>
+
+<p>It was the old pastor of the village, who had known the grandfather
+years ago. After entering, he approached the old man, saying:
+"Good-morning, neighbor."</p>
+
+<p>The old man got up, surprised, and offering a seat to the visitor,
+said: "Good-morning, Mr. Parson. Here is a wooden chair, if it is good
+enough."</p>
+
+<p>Sitting down, the parson said: "It is long since I have seen you,
+neighbor. I have come to-day to talk over a matter with you. I am sure
+you can guess what it is about."</p>
+
+<p>The clergyman here looked at Heidi, who was standing near the door.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>"Heidi, run out to see the goats," said the grandfather, "and bring
+them some salt; you can stay till I come."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi disappeared on the spot. "The child should have come to school a
+year ago," the parson went on to say. "Didn't you get the teacher's
+warning? What do you intend to do with the child?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not want her to go to school," said the old man, unrelentingly.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want the child to be?"</p>
+
+<p>"I want her to be free and happy as a bird!"</p>
+
+<p>"But she is human, and it is high time for her to learn something. I
+have come now to tell you about it, so that you can make your plans.
+She must come to school next winter; remember that."</p>
+
+<p>"I shan't do it, pastor!" was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think there is no way?" the clergyman replied, a little hotly.
+"You know the world, for you have travelled far. What little sense you
+show!"</p>
+
+<p>"You think I am going to send this delicate <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>child to school in every
+storm and weather!" the old man said excitedly. "It is a two hours'
+walk, and I shall not let her go; for the wind often howls so that it
+chokes me if I venture out. Did you know Adelheid, her mother? She was
+a sleep-walker, and had fainting-fits. Nobody shall compel me to let
+her go; I will gladly fight it out in court."</p>
+
+<p>"You are perfectly right," said the clergyman kindly. "You could not
+send her to school from here. Why don't you come down to live among us
+again? You are leading a strange life here; I wonder how you can keep
+the child warm in winter."</p>
+
+<p>"She has young blood and a good cover. I know where to find good wood,
+and all winter I keep a fire going. I couldn't live in the village,
+for the people there and I despise each other; we had better keep
+apart."</p>
+
+<p>"You are mistaken, I assure you! Make your peace with God, and then
+you'll see how happy you will be."</p>
+
+<p>The clergyman had risen, and holding out <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>his hand, he said cordially:
+"I shall count on you next winter, neighbor. We shall receive you
+gladly, reconciled with God and man."</p>
+
+<p>But the uncle replied firmly, while he shook his visitor by the hand:
+"Thank you for your kindness, but you will have to wait in vain."</p>
+
+<p>"God be with you," said the parson, and left him sadly.</p>
+
+<p>The old man was out of humor that day, and when Heidi begged to go to
+the grandmother, he only growled: "Not to-day." Next day they had
+hardly finished their dinner, when another visitor arrived. It was
+Heidi's aunt Deta; she wore a hat with feathers and a dress with such
+a train that it swept up everything that lay on the cottage floor.
+While the uncle looked at her silently, Deta began to praise him and
+the child's red cheeks. She told him that it had not been her
+intention to leave Heidi with him long, for she knew she must be in
+his way. She had tried to provide for the child <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>elsewhere, and at
+last she had found a splendid chance for her. Very rich relations of
+her lady, who owned the largest house in Frankfurt, had a lame
+daughter. This poor little girl was confined to her rolling-chair and
+needed a companion at her lessons. Deta had heard from her lady that a
+sweet, quaint child was wanted as playmate and schoolmate for the
+invalid. She had gone to the housekeeper and told her all about Heidi.
+The lady, delighted with the idea, had told her to fetch the child at
+once. She had come now, and it was a lucky chance for Heidi, "for one
+never knew what might happen in such a case, and who could tell&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you finished?" the old man interrupted her at last.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, one might think I was telling you the silliest things. There is
+not a man in Pr&auml;tiggan who would not thank God for such news."</p>
+
+<p>"Bring them to somebody else, but not to me," said the uncle, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>Deta, flaming up, replied: "Do you want <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>to hear what I think? Don't I
+know how old she is; eight years old and ignorant of everything. They
+have told me that you refuse to send her to church and to school. She
+is my only sister's child, and I shall not bear it, for I am
+responsible. You do not care for her, how else could you be
+indifferent to such luck. You had better give way or I shall get the
+people to back me. If I were you, I would not have it brought to
+court; some things might be warmed up that you would not care to hear
+about."</p>
+
+<p>"Be quiet!" the uncle thundered with flaming eyes. "Take her and ruin
+her, but do not bring her before my sight again. I do not want to see
+her with feathers in her hat and wicked words like yours."</p>
+
+<p>With long strides he went out.</p>
+
+<p>"You have made him angry!" said Heidi with a furious look.</p>
+
+<p>"He won't be cross long. But come now, where are your things?" asked
+Deta.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't come," Heidi replied.</p>
+
+<p>"What?" Deta said passionately. But <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>changing her tone, she continued
+in a more friendly manner: "Come now; you don't understand me. I am
+taking you to the most beautiful place you have ever seen." After
+packing up Heidi's clothes she said again, "Come, child, and take your
+hat. It is not very nice, but we can't help it."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not come," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be stupid and obstinate, like a goat. Listen to me. Grandfather
+is sending us away and we must do what he commands, or he will get
+more angry still. You'll see how fine it is in Frankfurt. If you do
+not like it, you can come home again and by that time grandfather will
+have forgiven us."</p>
+
+<p>"Can I come home again to-night?" asked Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"Come now, I told you you could come back. If we get to Mayenfeld
+today, we can take the train to-morrow. That will make you fly home
+again in the shortest time!"</p>
+
+<p>Holding the bundle, Deta led the child <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>down the mountain. On their
+way they met Peter, who had not gone to school that day. The boy
+thought it was a more useful occupation to look for hazel-rods than to
+learn to read, for he always needed the rods. He had had a most
+successful day, for he carried an enormous bundle on his shoulder.
+When he caught sight of Heidi and Deta, he asked them where they were
+going.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to Frankfurt with Aunt Deta," Heidi replied; "but first I
+must see grandmother, for she is waiting."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, it is too late. You can see her when you come back, but not
+now," said Deta, pulling Heidi along with her, for she was afraid that
+the old woman might detain the child.</p>
+
+<p>Peter ran into the cottage and hit the table with his rods. The
+grandmother jumped up in her fright and asked him what that meant.</p>
+
+<p>"They have taken Heidi away," Peter said with a groan.</p>
+
+<p>"Who has, Peter? Where has she gone?" <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>the unhappy grandmother asked.
+Brigida had seen Deta walking up the footpath a short while ago and
+soon they guessed what had happened. With a trembling hand the old
+woman opened a window and called out as loudly as she could: "Deta,
+Deta, don't take the child away. Don't take her from us."</p>
+
+<p>When Heidi heard that she struggled to get free, and said: "I must go
+to grandmother; she is calling me."</p>
+
+<p>But Deta would not let her go. She urged her on by saying that she
+might return soon again. She also suggested that Heidi might bring a
+lovely present to the grandmother when she came back.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi liked this prospect and followed Deta without more ado. After a
+while she asked: "What shall I bring to the grandmother?"</p>
+
+<p>"You might bring her some soft white rolls, Heidi. I think the black
+bread is too hard for poor grandmother to eat."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know, aunt, she always gives it to Peter," Heidi confirmed
+her. "We must go quickly now; we might get to Frankfurt <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>today and
+then I can be back tomorrow with the rolls."</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep092" id="imagep092"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep092.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep092.jpg" width="75%" alt="WHEN HEIDI HEARD THAT SHE STRUGGLED TO GET FREE" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">WHEN HEIDI HEARD THAT SHE STRUGGLED TO GET FREE<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Heidi was running now, and Deta had to follow. She was glad enough to
+escape the questions that people might ask her in the village. People
+could see that Heidi was pulling her along, so she said: "I can't
+stop. Don't you see how the child is hurrying? We have still far to
+go," whenever she heard from all sides: "Are you taking her with you?"
+"Is she running away from the uncle?" "What a wonder she is still
+alive!" "What red cheeks she has," and so on. Soon they had escaped
+and had left the village far behind them.</p>
+
+<p>From that time on the uncle looked more angry than ever when he came
+to the village. Everybody was afraid of him, and the women would warn
+their children to keep out of his sight.</p>
+
+<p>He came down but seldom, and then only to sell his cheese and buy his
+provisions. Often people remarked how lucky it was that Heidi had left
+him. They had seen <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>her hurrying away, so they thought that she had
+been glad to go.</p>
+
+<p>The old grandmother alone stuck to him faithfully. Whenever anybody
+came up to her, she would tell them what good care the old man had
+taken of Heidi. She also told them that he had mended her little
+house. These reports reached the village, of course, but people only
+half believed them, for the grandmother was infirm and old. She began
+her days with sighing again. "All happiness has left us with the
+child. The days are so long and dreary, and I have no joy left. If
+only I could hear Heidi's voice before I die," the poor old woman
+would exclaim, day after day.</p>
+
+<div class="img">
+<img border="0" src="images/end2.jpg" width="25%" alt="chapter end art" /><br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="VI" id="VI"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>VI<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>A NEW CHAPTER WITH NEW THINGS</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockl6">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/i.jpg" alt="I" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />n a beautiful house in Frankfurt lived a sick child by the name of
+Clara Sesemann. She was sitting in a comfortable rolling-chair, which
+could be pushed from room to room. Clara spent most of her time in the
+study, where long rows of bookcases lined the walls. This room was
+used as a living-room, and here she was also given her lessons.</p>
+
+<p>Clara had a pale, thin face with soft blue eyes, which at that moment
+were watching the clock impatiently. At last she said: "Oh Miss
+Rottenmeier, isn't it time yet?"</p>
+
+<p>The lady so addressed was the housekeeper, who had lived with Clara
+since Mrs. Sesemann's death. Miss Rottenmeier wore a peculiar uniform
+with a long cape, and a high cap on her head. Clara's father, who <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>was
+away from home a great deal, left the entire management of the house
+to this lady, on the condition that his daughter's wishes should
+always be considered.</p>
+
+<p>While Clara was waiting, Deta had arrived at the front door with
+Heidi. She was asking the coachman who had brought her if she could go
+upstairs.</p>
+
+<p>"That's not my business," grumbled the coachman; "you must ring for
+the butler."</p>
+
+<p>Sebastian, the butler, a man with large brass buttons on his coat,
+soon stood before her.</p>
+
+<p>"May I see Miss Rottenmeier?" Deta asked.</p>
+
+<p>"That's not my business," the butler announced. "Ring for Tinette, the
+maid." With that, he disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Deta, ringing again, saw a girl with a brilliant white cap on her
+head, coming down the stairway. The maid stopped half-way down and
+asked scornfully: "What do you want?"</p>
+
+<p>Deta repeated her wish again. Tinette told her to wait while she went
+upstairs, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>but it did not take long before the two were asked to come
+up.</p>
+
+<p>Following the maid, they found themselves in the study. Deta held on
+to Heidi's hand and stayed near the door.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Rottenmeier, slowly getting up, approached the newcomers. She did
+not seem pleased with Heidi, who wore her hat and shawl and was
+looking up at the lady's headdress with innocent wonder.</p>
+
+<p>"What is your name?" the lady asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Heidi," was the child's clear answer.</p>
+
+<p>"What? Is that a Christian name? What name did you receive in
+baptism?" inquired the lady again.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't remember that any more," the child replied.</p>
+
+<p>"What an answer! What does that mean?" said the housekeeper, shaking
+her head. "Is the child ignorant or pert, Miss Deta?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall speak for the child, if I may, madam," Deta said, after
+giving Heidi a little blow for her unbecoming answer. "The child has
+never been in such a fine house <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>and does not know how to behave. I
+hope the lady will forgive her manners. She is called Adelheid after
+her mother, who was my sister."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh well, that is better. But Miss Deta, the child seems peculiar for
+her age. I thought I told you that Miss Clara's companion would have
+to be twelve years old like her, to be able to share her studies. How
+old is Adelheid?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry, but I am afraid she is somewhat younger than I thought. I
+think she is about ten years old."</p>
+
+<p>"Grandfather said that I was eight years old," said Heidi now. Deta
+gave her another blow, but as the child had no idea why, she did not
+get embarrassed.</p>
+
+<p>"What, only eight years old!" Miss Rottenmeier exclaimed indignantly.
+"How can we get along? What have you learned? What books have you
+studied?"</p>
+
+<p>"None," said Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"But how did you learn to read?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't read and Peter can't do it either," Heidi retorted.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>"For mercy's sake! you cannot read?" cried the lady in her surprise.
+"How is it possible? What else have you studied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing," replied Heidi, truthfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Deta, how could you bring this child?" said the housekeeper,
+when she was more composed.</p>
+
+<p>Deta, however, was not easily intimidated, and said: "I am sorry, but
+I thought this child would suit you. She <i>is</i> small, but older
+children are often spoilt and not like her. I must go now, for my
+mistress is waiting. As soon as I can, I'll come to see how the child
+is getting along." With a bow she was outside and with a few quick
+steps hurried down-stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Rottenmeier followed her and tried to call her back, for she
+wanted to ask Deta a number of questions.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi was still standing on the same spot. Clara had watched the
+scene, and called to the child now to come to her.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi approached the rolling-chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you want to be called Heidi or Adelheid?" asked Clara.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>"My name is Heidi and nothing else," was the child's answer.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll call you Heidi then, for I like it very much," said Clara. "I
+have never heard the name before. What curly hair you have! Was it
+always like that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think so."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you like to come to Frankfurt?" asked Clara again.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, but then I am going home again to-morrow, and shall bring
+grandmother some soft white rolls," Heidi explained.</p>
+
+<p>"What a curious child you are," said Clara. "You have come to
+Frankfurt to stay with me, don't you know that? We shall have our
+lessons together, and I think it will be great fun when you learn to
+read. Generally the morning seems to have no end, for Mr. Candidate
+comes at ten and stays till two. That is a long time, and he has to
+yawn himself, he gets so tired. Miss Rottenmeier and he both yawn
+together behind their books, but when I do it, Miss Rottenmeier makes
+me take cod-liver oil and says <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>that I am ill. So I must swallow my
+yawns, for I hate the oil. What fun it will be now, when you learn to
+read!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi shook her head doubtfully at these prospects.</p>
+
+<p>"Everybody must learn to read, Heidi. Mr. Candidate is very patient
+and will explain it all to you. You won't know what he means at first,
+for it is difficult to understand him. It won't take long to learn,
+though, and then you will know what he means."</p>
+
+<p>When Miss Rottenmeier found that she was unable to recall Deta, she
+came back to the children. She was in a very excited mood, for she
+felt responsible for Heidi's coming and did not know how to cancel
+this unfortunate step. She soon got up again to go to the dining-room,
+criticising the butler and giving orders to the maid. Sebastian, not
+daring to show his rage otherwise, noisily opened the folding doors.
+When he went up to Clara's chair, he saw Heidi watching him intently.
+At last she said: "You look like Peter."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>Miss Rottenmeier was horrified with this remark, and sent them all
+into the dining-room. After Clara was lifted on to her chair, the
+housekeeper sat down beside her. Heidi was motioned to sit opposite
+the lady. In that way they were placed at the enormous table. When
+Heidi saw a roll on her plate, she turned to Sebastian, and pointing
+at it, asked, "Can I have this?" Heidi had already great confidence in
+the butler, especially on account of the resemblance she had
+discovered. The butler nodded, and when he saw Heidi put the bread in
+her pocket, could hardly keep from laughing. He came to Heidi now with
+a dish of small baked fishes. For a long time the child did not move;
+then turning her eyes to the butler, she said: "Must I eat that?"
+Sebastian nodded, but another pause ensued. "Why don't you give it to
+me?" the child quietly asked, looking at her plate. The butler, hardly
+able to keep his countenance, was told to place the dish on the table
+and leave the room.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>When he was gone, Miss Rottenmeier explained to Heidi with many signs
+how to help herself at table. She also told her never to speak to
+Sebastian unless it was important. After that the child was told how
+to accost the servants and the governess. When the question came up of
+how to call Clara, the older girl said, "Of course you shall call me
+Clara."</p>
+
+<p>A great many rules followed now about behavior at all times, about the
+shutting of doors and about going to bed, and a hundred other things.
+Poor Heidi's eyes were closing, for she had risen at five that
+morning, and leaning against her chair she fell asleep. When Miss
+Rottenmeier had finished instructions, she said: "I hope you will
+remember everything, Adelheid. Did you understand me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Heidi went to sleep a long time ago," said Clara, highly amused.</p>
+
+<p>"It is atrocious what I have to bear with this child," exclaimed Miss
+Rottenmeier, ringing the bell with all her might. When the two
+servants arrived, they were hardly able to rouse Heidi enough to show
+her to her bed-room.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="VII" id="VII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>VII<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>MISS ROTTENMEIER HAS AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockr7">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/w.jpg" alt="W" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />hen Heidi opened her eyes next morning, she did not know where she
+was. She found herself on a high white bed in a spacious room. Looking
+around she observed long white curtains before the windows, several
+chairs, and a sofa covered with cretonne; in a corner she saw a
+wash-stand with many curious things standing on it.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Heidi remembered all the happenings of the previous day.
+Jumping out of bed, she dressed in a great hurry. She was eager to
+look at the sky and the ground below, as she had always done at home.
+What was her disappointment when she found that the windows were too
+high for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>her to see anything except the walls and windows opposite.
+Trying to open them, she turned from one to the other, but in vain.
+The poor child felt like a little bird that is placed in a glittering
+cage for the first time. At last she had to resign herself, and sat
+down on a low stool, thinking of the melting snow on the slopes and
+the first flowers of spring that she had hailed with such delight.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Tinette opened the door and said curtly: "Breakfast's ready."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi did not take this for a summons, for the maid's face was
+scornful and forbidding. She was waiting patiently for what would
+happen next, when Miss Rottenmeier burst into the room, saying: "What
+is the matter, Adelheid? Didn't you understand? Come to breakfast!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi immediately followed the lady into the dining-room, where Clara
+greeted her with a smile. She looked much happier than usual, for she
+expected new things to happen that day. When breakfast had passed
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>without disturbance, the two children were allowed to go into the
+library together and were soon left alone.</p>
+
+<p>"How can I see down to the ground?" Heidi asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Open a window and peep out," replied Clara, amused at the question.</p>
+
+<p>"But it is impossible to open them," Heidi said, sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no. You can't do it and I can't help you, either, but if you ask
+Sebastian he'll do it for you."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi was relieved. The poor child had felt like a prisoner in her
+room. Clara now asked Heidi what her home had been like, and Heidi
+told her gladly about her life in the hut.</p>
+
+<p>The tutor had arrived in the meantime, but he was not asked to go to
+the study as usual. Miss Rottenmeier was very much excited about
+Heidi's coming and all the complications that arose therefrom. She was
+really responsible for it, having arranged everything herself. She
+presented the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>unfortunate case before the teacher, for she wanted him
+to help her to get rid of the child. Mr. Candidate, however, was
+always careful of his judgments, and not afraid of teaching beginners.</p>
+
+<p>When the lady saw that he would not side with her, she let him enter
+the study alone, for the A,B,C held great horrors for her. While she
+considered many problems, a frightful noise as of something falling
+was heard in the adjoining room, followed by a cry to Sebastian for
+help. Running in, she beheld a pile of books and papers on the floor,
+with the table-cover on top. A black stream of ink flowed across the
+length of the room. Heidi had disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"There," Miss Rottenmeier exclaimed, wringing her hands. "Everything
+drenched with ink. Did such a thing ever happen before? This child
+brings nothing but misfortunes on us."</p>
+
+<p>The teacher was standing up, looking at the devastation, but Clara was
+highly entertained by these events, and said: "Heidi <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>has not done it
+on purpose and must not be punished. In her hurry to get away she
+caught on the table-cover and pulled it down. I think she must never
+have seen a coach in all her life, for when she heard a carriage
+rumbling by, she rushed out like mad."</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't I tell you, Mr. Candidate, that she has no idea whatever about
+behavior? She does not even know that she has to sit quiet at her
+lessons. But where has she gone? What would Mr. Sesemann say if she
+should run away?"</p>
+
+<p>When Miss Rottenmeier went down-stairs to look for the child, she saw
+her standing at the open door, looking down the street.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing here? How can you run away like that?" scolded
+Miss Rottenmeier.</p>
+
+<p>"I heard the fir-trees rustle, but I can't see them and do not hear
+them any more," replied Heidi, looking in great perplexity down the
+street. The noise of the passing carriage had reminded her of the
+roaring of the south-wind on the Alp.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>"Fir-trees? What nonsense! We are not in a wood. Come with me now to
+see what you have done." When Heidi saw the devastation that she had
+caused, she was greatly surprised, for she had not noticed it in her
+hurry.</p>
+
+<p>"This must never happen again," said the lady sternly. "You must sit
+quiet at your lessons; if you get up again I shall tie you to your
+chair. Do you hear me?"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi understood, and gave a promise to sit quietly during her lessons
+from that time on. After the servants had straightened the room, it
+was late, and there was no more time for studies. Nobody had time to
+yawn that morning.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon, while Clara was resting, Heidi was left to herself.
+She planted herself in the hall and waited for the butler to come
+up-stairs with the silver things. When he reached the head of the
+stairs, she said to him: "I want to ask you something." She saw that
+the butler seemed angry, so she reassured him by saying that she did
+not mean any harm.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>"All right, Miss, what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"My name is not Miss, why don't you call me Heidi?"</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Rottenmeier told me to call you Miss."</p>
+
+<p>"Did she? Well then, it must be so. I have three names already,"
+sighed the child.</p>
+
+<p>"What can I do for you?" asked Sebastian now.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you open a window for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>Sebastian got a stool for Heidi, for the window-sill was too high for
+her to see over. In great disappointment, Heidi turned her head away.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see anything but a street of stone. Is it the same way on the
+other side of the house?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Where do you go to look far down on everything?"</p>
+
+<p>"On a church-tower. Do you see that one over there with the golden
+dome? From there you can overlook everything."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>Heidi immediately stepped down from the stool and ran down-stairs.
+Opening the door, she found herself in the street, but she could not
+see the tower any more. She wandered on from street to street, not
+daring to accost any of the busy people. Passing a corner, she saw a
+boy who had a barrel-organ on his back and a curious animal on his
+arm. Heidi ran to him and asked: "Where is the tower with the golden
+dome?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't know," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Who can tell me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't know."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you show me another church with a tower?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I can."</p>
+
+<p>"Then come and show me."</p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to give me for it?" said the boy, holding out his
+hand. Heidi had nothing in her pocket but a little flower-picture.
+Clara had only given it to her this morning, so she was loath to part
+with it. The temptation to look far down into the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>valley was too
+great for her, though, and she offered him the gift. The boy shook his
+head, to Heidi's satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"What else do you want?"</p>
+
+<p>"Money."</p>
+
+<p>"I have none, but Clara has some. How much must I give you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty pennies."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, but come."</p>
+
+<p>While they were wandering down the street, Heidi found out what a
+barrel-organ was, for she had never seen one. When they arrived before
+an old church with a tower, Heidi was puzzled what to do next, but
+having discovered a bell, she pulled it with all her might. The boy
+agreed to wait for Heidi and show her the way home if she gave him a
+double fee.</p>
+
+<p>The lock creaked now from inside, and an old man opened the door. In
+an angry voice, he said: "How do you dare to ring for me? Can't you
+see that it is only for those who want to see the tower?"</p>
+
+<p>"But I do," said Heidi.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>"What do you want to see? Did anybody send you?" asked the man.</p>
+
+<p>"No; but I want to look down from up there."</p>
+
+<p>"Get home and don't try it again." With that the tower-keeper was
+going to shut the door, but Heidi held his coat-tails and pleaded with
+him to let her come. The tower-keeper looked at the child's eyes,
+which were nearly full of tears.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, come along, if you care so much," he said, taking her by
+the hand. The two climbed up now many, many steps, which got narrower
+all the time. When they had arrived on top, the old man lifted Heidi
+up to the open window.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi saw nothing but a sea of chimneys, roofs and towers, and her
+heart sank. "Oh, dear, it's different from the way I thought it would
+be," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"There! what could such a little girl know about a view? We'll go down
+now and you must promise never to ring at my tower any more."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>On their way they passed an attic, where a large grey cat guarded her
+new family in a basket. This cat caught half-a-dozen mice every day
+for herself, for the old tower was full of rats and mice. Heidi gazed
+at her in surprise, and was delighted when the old man opened the
+basket.</p>
+
+<p>"What charming kittens, what cunning little creatures!" she exclaimed
+in her delight, when she saw them crawling about, jumping and
+tumbling.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you like to have one?" the old man asked.</p>
+
+<p>"For me? to keep?" Heidi asked, for she could not believe her ears.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, of course. You can have several if you have room for them," the
+old man said, glad to find a good home for the kittens.</p>
+
+<p>How happy Heidi was! Of course there was enough room in the huge
+house, and Clara would be delighted when she saw the cunning things.</p>
+
+<p>"How can I take them with me?" the child asked, after she had tried in
+vain to catch one.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>"I can bring them to your house, if you tell me where you live," said
+Heidi's new friend, while he caressed the old cat, who had lived with
+him many years.</p>
+
+<p>"Bring them to Mr. Sesemann's house; there is a golden dog on the
+door, with a ring in his mouth."</p>
+
+<p>The old man had lived in the tower a long time and knew everybody;
+Sebastian also was a special friend of his.</p>
+
+<p>"I know," he said. "But to whom shall I send them? Do you belong to
+Mr. Sesemann?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. Please send them to Clara; she will like them, I am sure."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi could hardly tear herself away from the pretty things, so the
+old man put one kitten in each of her pockets to console her. After
+that she went away.</p>
+
+<p>The boy was waiting patiently for her, and when she had taken leave of
+the tower-keeper, she asked the boy: "Do you know where Mr. Sesemann's
+house is?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>She described it as well as she could, till the boy remembered it. Off
+they started, and soon Heidi found herself pulling the door-bell. When
+Sebastian arrived he said: "Hurry up." Heidi went in, and the boy was
+left outside, for Sebastian had not even seen him.</p>
+
+<p>"Come up quickly, little Miss," he urged. "They are all waiting for
+you in the dining-room. Miss Rottenmeier looks like a loaded cannon.
+How could you run away like that?"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi sat down quietly on her chair. Nobody said a word, and there was
+an uncomfortable silence. At last Miss Rottenmeier began with a severe
+and solemn voice: "I shall speak with you later, Adelheid. How can you
+leave the house without a word? Your behavior was very remiss. The
+idea of walking about till so late!"</p>
+
+<p>"Meow!" was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't," Heidi began&mdash;"Meow!"</p>
+
+<p>Sebastian nearly flung the dish on the table, and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"This is enough," Miss Rottenmeier tried <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>to say, but her voice was
+hoarse with fury. "Get up and leave the room."</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep116" id="imagep116"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep116.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep116.jpg" width="73%" alt="OFF THEY STARTED, AND SOON HEIDI WAS PULLING THE DOOR-BELL" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">OFF THEY STARTED, AND SOON HEIDI WAS PULLING THE
+DOOR-BELL<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Heidi got up. She began again. "I made&mdash;" "Meow! meow! meow!&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Heidi," said Clara now, "why do you always say 'meow' again, if you
+see that Miss Rottenmeier is angry?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not doing it, it's the kittens," she explained.</p>
+
+<p>"What? Cats? Kittens?" screamed the housekeeper. "Sebastian, Tinette,
+take the horrible things away!" With that she ran into the study,
+locking herself in, for she feared kittens beyond anything on earth.
+When Sebastian had finished his laugh, he came into the room. He had
+foreseen the excitement, having caught sight of the kittens when Heidi
+came in. The scene was a very peaceful one now; Clara held the little
+kittens in her lap, and Heidi was kneeling beside her. They both
+played happily with the two graceful creatures. The butler promised to
+look after the new-comers and prepared a bed for them in a basket.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>A long time afterwards, when it was time to go to bed, Miss
+Rottenmeier cautiously opened the door. "Are they away?" she asked.
+"Yes," replied the butler, quickly seizing the kittens and taking them
+away.</p>
+
+<p>The lecture that Miss Rottenmeier was going to give Heidi was
+postponed to the following day, for the lady was too much exhausted
+after her fright. They all went quietly to bed, and the children were
+happy in the thought that their kittens had a comfortable bed.</p>
+
+<div class="img">
+<img border="0" src="images/end3.jpg" width="35%" alt="chapter end art" /><br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="VIII" id="VIII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>VIII<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>GREAT DISTURBANCES IN THE SESEMANN HOUSE</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockl8">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/a1.jpg" alt="A" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />&nbsp; short time after the tutor had arrived next morning, the door-bell
+rang so violently that Sebastian thought it must be Mr. Sesemann
+himself. What was his surprise when a dirty street-boy, with a
+barrel-organ on his back, stood before him!</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean by pulling the bell like that?" the butler said.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to see Clara."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't you at least say 'Miss Clara', you ragged urchin?" said
+Sebastian harshly.</p>
+
+<p>"She owes me forty pennies," said the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"You are crazy! How do you know Miss Clara lives here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I showed her the way yesterday and she promised to give me forty
+pennies."</p>
+
+<p>"What nonsense! Miss Clara never goes <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>out. You had better take
+yourself off, before I send you!"</p>
+
+<p>The boy, however, did not even budge, and said: "I saw her. She has
+curly hair, black eyes and talks in a funny way."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," Sebastian chuckled to himself, "that was the little Miss."</p>
+
+<p>Pulling the boy into the house, he said: "All right, you can follow
+me. Wait at the door till I call you, and then you can play something
+for Miss Clara."</p>
+
+<p>Knocking at the study-door, Sebastian said, when he had entered: "A
+boy is here who wants to see Miss Clara."</p>
+
+<p>Clara, delighted at his interruption, said: "Can't he come right up,
+Mr. Candidate?"</p>
+
+<p>But the boy was already inside, and started to play. Miss Rottenmeier
+was in the adjoining room when she heard the sounds. Where did they
+come from? Hurrying into the study, she saw the street-boy playing to
+the eager children.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop! stop!" she called, but in vain, for the music drowned her
+voice. Suddenly she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>made a big jump, for there, between her feet,
+crawled a black turtle. Only when she shrieked for Sebastian could her
+voice be heard. The butler came straight in, for he had seen
+everything behind the door, and a great scene it had been! Glued to a
+chair in her fright, Miss Rottenmeier called: "Send the boy away! Take
+them away!"</p>
+
+<p>Sebastian obediently pulled the boy after him; then he said: "Here are
+forty pennies from Miss Clara and forty more for playing. It was well
+done, my boy."</p>
+
+<p>With that he closed the door behind him. Miss Rottenmeier found it
+wiser now to stay in the study to prevent further disturbances.
+Suddenly there was another knock at the door. Sebastian appeared with
+a large basket, which had been brought for Clara.</p>
+
+<p>"We had better have our lesson before we inspect it," said Miss
+Rottenmeier. But Clara, turning to the tutor, asked: "Oh, please, Mr.
+Candidate, can't we just peep in, to see what it is?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid that you will think of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>nothing else," the teacher began.
+Just then something in the basket, which had been only lightly
+fastened, moved, and one, two, three and still more little kittens
+jumped out, scampering around the room with the utmost speed. They
+bounded over the tutor's boots and bit his trousers; they climbed up
+on Miss Rottenmeier's dress and crawled around her feet. Mewing and
+running, they caused a frightful confusion. Clara called out in
+delight: "Oh, look at the cunning creatures; look how they jump!
+Heidi, look at that one, and oh, see the one over there?"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi followed them about, while the teacher shook them off. When the
+housekeeper had collected her wits after the great fright, she called
+for the servants. They soon arrived and stored the little kittens
+safely in the new bed.</p>
+
+<p>No time had been found for yawning that day, either!</p>
+
+<p>When Miss Rottenmeier, who had found out the culprit, was alone with
+the children in the evening, she began severely:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>"Adelheid, there is only one punishment for you. I am going to send
+you to the cellar, to think over your dreadful misdeeds, in company
+with the rats."</p>
+
+<p>A cellar held no terrors for Heidi, for in her grandfather's cellar
+fresh milk and the good cheese had been kept, and no rats had lodged
+there.</p>
+
+<p>But Clara shrieked: "Oh, Miss Rottenmeier, you must wait till Papa
+comes home, and then he can punish Heidi."</p>
+
+<p>The lady unwillingly replied: "All right, Clara, but I shall also
+speak a few words to Mr. Sesemann." With those words she left the
+room. Since the child's arrival everything had been upset, and the
+lady often felt discouraged, though nothing remarkable happened for a
+few days.</p>
+
+<p>Clara, on the contrary, enjoyed her companion's society, for she
+always did funny things. In her lesson she could never get her letters
+straight. They meant absolutely nothing to her, except that they would
+remind her of goats and eagles. The girls always <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>spent their evenings
+together, and Heidi would entertain her friend with tales of her
+former life, till her longing grew so great that she added: "I have to
+go home now. I must go tomorrow."</p>
+
+<p>Clara's soothing words and the prospect of more rolls for the
+grandmother kept the child. Every day after dinner she was left alone
+in her room for some hours. Thinking of the green fields at home, of
+the sparkling flowers on the mountains, she would sit in a corner till
+her desire for all those things became too great to bear. Her aunt had
+clearly told her that she might return, if she wished to do so, so one
+day she resolved to leave for the Alm-hut. In a great hurry she packed
+the bread in the red shawl, and putting on her old straw hat, started
+off. The poor child did not get very far. At the door she encountered
+Miss Rottenmeier, who stared at Heidi in mute surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you up to?" she exploded. "Haven't I forbidden you to run
+away? You look like a vagabond!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>"I was only going home," whispered the frightened child.</p>
+
+<p>"What, you want to run away from this house? What would Mr. Sesemann
+say? What is it that does not suit you here? Don't you get better
+treatment than you deserve? Have you ever before had such food,
+service and such a room? Answer!"</p>
+
+<p>"No," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't I know that?" the furious lady proceeded. "What a thankless
+child you are, just idle and good-for-nothing!"</p>
+
+<p>But Heidi could not bear it any longer. She loudly wailed: "Oh, I want
+to go home. What will poor Snowhopper do without me? Grandmother is
+waiting for me every day. Poor Thistlefinch gets blows if Peter gets
+no cheese, and I must see the sun again when he says good-night to the
+mountains. How the eagle would screech if he saw all the people here
+in Frankfurt!"</p>
+
+<p>"For mercy's sake, the child is crazy!" exclaimed Miss Rottenmeier,
+running up the stairs. In her hurry she had bumped into <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>Sebastian,
+who was just then coming down.</p>
+
+<p>"Bring the unlucky child up!" she called to him, rubbing her head.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, many thanks," answered the butler, rubbing his head, too,
+for he had encountered something far harder than she had.</p>
+
+<p>When the butler came down, he saw Heidi standing near the door with
+flaming eyes, trembling all over. Cheerfully he asked: "What has
+happened, little one? Do not take it to heart, and cheer up. She
+nearly made a hole in my head just now, but we must not get
+discouraged. Oh, no!&mdash;Come, up with you; she said so!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi walked up-stairs very slowly. Seeing her so changed, Sebastian
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't give in! Don't be so sad! You have been so courageous till now;
+I have never heard you cry yet. Come up now, and when the lady's away
+we'll go and look at the kittens. They are running round like wild!"</p>
+
+<p>Nodding cheerlessly, the child disappeared in her room.</p>
+
+<p>That night at supper Miss Rottenmeier <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>watched Heidi constantly, but
+nothing happened. The child sat as quiet as a mouse, hardly touching
+her food, except the little roll.</p>
+
+<p>Talking with the tutor next morning, Miss Rottenmeier told him her
+fears about Heidi's mind. But the teacher had more serious troubles
+still, for Heidi had not even learned her A,B,C in all this time.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi was sorely in need of some clothes, so Clara had given her some.
+Miss Rottenmeier was just busy arranging the child's wardrobe, when
+she suddenly returned.</p>
+
+<p>"Adelheid," she said contemptuously, "what do I find? A big pile of
+bread in your wardrobe! I never heard the like. Yes, Clara, it is
+true." Then, calling Tinette, she ordered her to take away the bread
+and the old straw hat she had found.</p>
+
+<p>"No, don't! I must keep my hat! The bread is for grandmother," cried
+Heidi in despair.</p>
+
+<p>"You stay here, while we take the rubbish away," said the lady
+sternly.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi threw herself down now on Clara's chair and sobbed as if her
+heart would break.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>"Now I can't bring grandmother any rolls! Oh, they were for
+grandmother!" she lamented.</p>
+
+<p>"Heidi, don't cry any more," Clara begged. "Listen! When you go home
+some day, I am going to give you as many rolls as you had, and more.
+They will be much softer and better than those stale ones you have
+kept. Those were not fit to eat, Heidi. Stop now, please, and don't
+cry any more!"</p>
+
+<p>Only after a long, long time did Heidi become quiet. When she had
+heard Clara's promise, she cried: "Are you really going to give me as
+many as I had?"</p>
+
+<p>At supper, Heidi's eyes were swollen and it was still hard for her to
+keep from crying. Sebastian made strange signs to her that she did not
+understand. What did he mean?</p>
+
+<p>Later, though, when she climbed into her high bed, she found her old
+beloved straw hat hidden under her cover. So Sebastian had saved it
+for her and had tried to tell her! She crushed it for joy, and
+wrapping it in a handkerchief, she hid it in the furthest corner of
+her wardrobe.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="IX" id="IX"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>IX<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE HEARS OF STRANGE DOINGS</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockr1">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/a1.jpg" alt="A" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />&nbsp; few days afterwards there was great excitement in the Sesemann
+residence, for the master of the house had just arrived. The servants
+were taking upstairs one load after another, for Mr. Sesemann always
+brought many lovely things home with him.</p>
+
+<p>When he entered his daughter's room, Heidi shyly retreated into a
+corner. He greeted Clara affectionately, and she was equally delighted
+to see him, for she loved her father dearly. Then he called to Heidi:
+"Oh, there is our little Swiss girl. Come and give me your hand!
+That's right. Are you good friends, my girls, tell me now? You don't
+fight together, what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Clara is always kind to me," Heidi replied.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>"Heidi has never even tried to fight, Papa," Clara quickly remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"That's good, I like to hear that," said the father rising. "I must
+get my dinner now, for I am hungry. I shall come back soon and show
+you what I have brought home with me."</p>
+
+<p>In the dining-room he found Miss Rottenmeier surveying the table with
+a most tragic face. "You do not look very happy at my arrival, Miss
+Rottenmeier. What is the matter? Clara seems well enough," he said to
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Mr. Sesemann, we have been terribly disappointed," said the lady.</p>
+
+<p>"How do you mean?" asked Mr. Sesemann, calmly sipping his wine.</p>
+
+<p>"We had decided, as you know, to have a companion for Clara. Knowing
+as I did that you would wish me to get a noble, pure child, I thought
+of this Swiss child, hoping she would go through life like a breath of
+pure air, hardly touching the earth."</p>
+
+<p>"I think that even Swiss children are <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>made to touch the earth,
+otherwise they would have to have wings."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you understand what I mean. I have been terribly
+disappointed, for this child has brought the most frightful animals
+into the house. Mr. Candidate can tell you!"</p>
+
+<p>"The child does not look very terrible. But what do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot explain it, because she does not seem in her right mind at
+times."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sesemann was getting worried at last, when the tutor entered.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Mr. Candidate, I hope you will explain. Please take a cup of
+coffee with me and tell me about my daughter's companion. Make it
+short, if you please!"</p>
+
+<p>But this was impossible for Mr. Candidate, who had to greet Mr.
+Sesemann first. Then he began to reassure his host about the child,
+pointing out to him that her education had been neglected till then,
+and so on. But poor Mr. Sesemann, unfortunately, did not get his
+answer, and had to listen to very long-winded explanations of the
+child's <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>character. At last Mr. Sesemann got up, saying: "Excuse me,
+Mr. Candidate, but I must go over to Clara now."</p>
+
+<p>He found the children in the study. Turning to Heidi, who had risen at
+his approach, he said: "Come, little one, get me&mdash;get me a glass of
+water."</p>
+
+<p>"Fresh water?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, fresh water," he replied. When Heidi had gone, he sat down
+near Clara, holding her hand. "Tell me, little Clara," he asked,
+"please tell me clearly what animals Heidi has brought into the house;
+is she really not right in her mind?"</p>
+
+<p>Clara now began to relate to her father all the incidents with the
+kittens and the turtle, and explained Heidi's speeches that had so
+frightened the lady. Mr. Sesemann laughed heartily and asked Clara if
+she wished Heidi to remain.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, Papa. Since she is here, something amusing happens every
+day; it used to be so dull, but now Heidi keeps me company."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>"Very good, very good, Clara; Oh! Here is your friend back again. Did
+you get nice fresh water?" asked Mr. Sesemann.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi handed him the glass and said: "Yes, fresh from the fountain."</p>
+
+<p>"You did not go to the fountain yourself, Heidi?" said Clara.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, but I had to get it from far, there were so many people at
+the first and at the second fountain. I had to go down another street
+and there I got it. A gentleman with white hair sends his regards to
+you, Mr. Sesemann."</p>
+
+<p>Clara's father laughed and asked: "Who was the gentleman?"</p>
+
+<p>"When he passed by the fountain and saw me there with a glass, he
+stood still and said: 'Please give me to drink, for you have a glass;
+to whom are you bringing the water?' Then I said: 'I am bringing it to
+Mr. Sesemann.' When he heard that he laughed very loud and gave me his
+regards for you, with the wish that you would enjoy your drink."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>"I wonder who it was? What did the gentleman look like?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has a friendly laugh and wears a gold pendant with a red stone on
+his thick gold chain; there is a horsehead on his cane."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that was the doctor&mdash;" "That was my old doctor," exclaimed father
+and daughter at the same time.</p>
+
+<p>In the evening, Mr. Sesemann told Miss Rottenmeier that Heidi was
+going to remain, for the children were very fond of each other and he
+found Heidi normal and very sweet. "I want the child to be treated
+kindly," Mr. Sesemann added decidedly. "Her peculiarities must not be
+punished. My mother is coming very soon to stay here, and she will
+help you to manage the child, for there is nobody in this world that
+my mother could not get along with, as you know, Miss Rottenmeier."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, I know that, Mr. Sesemann," replied the lady, but she was
+not very much pleased at the prospect.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sesemann only stayed two weeks, for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>his business called him back
+to Paris. He consoled his daughter by telling her that his mother was
+coming in a very few days. Mr. Sesemann had hardly left, when the
+grandmother's visit was announced for the following day.</p>
+
+<p>Clara was looking forward to this visit, and told Heidi so much about
+her dear grandmama that Heidi also began to call her by that name, to
+Miss Rottenmeier's disapproval, who thought that the child was not
+entitled to this intimacy.</p>
+
+<div class="img">
+<img border="0" src="images/end2.jpg" width="25%" alt="chapter end art" /><br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="X" id="X"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>X<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>A GRANDMAMA</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockl2">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/t1.jpg" alt="T" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />he following evening great expectation reigned in the house. Tinette
+had put on a new cap, Sebastian was placing footstools in front of
+nearly every armchair, and Miss Rottenmeier walked with great dignity
+about the house, inspecting everything.</p>
+
+<p>When the carriage at last drove up, the servants flew downstairs,
+followed by Miss Rottenmeier in more measured step. Heidi had been
+sent to her room to await further orders, but it was not long before
+Tinette opened the door and said brusquely: "Go into the study!"</p>
+
+<p>The grandmama, with her kind and loving way, immediately befriended
+the child and made her feel as if she had known her always. To the
+housekeeper's great mortification, she called the child Heidi,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>remarking to Miss Rottenmeier: "If somebody's name is Heidi, I call
+her so."</p>
+
+<p>The housekeeper soon found that she had to respect the grandmother's
+ways and opinions. Mrs. Sesemann always knew what was going on in the
+house the minute she entered it. On the following afternoon Clara was
+resting and the old lady had shut her eyes for five minutes, when she
+got up again and went into the dining-room. With a suspicion that the
+housekeeper was probably asleep, she went to this lady's room,
+knocking loudly on the door. After a while somebody stirred inside,
+and with a bewildered face Miss Rottenmeier appeared, staring at the
+unexpected visitor.</p>
+
+<p>"Rottenmeier, where is the child? How does she pass her time? I want
+to know," said Mrs. Sesemann.</p>
+
+<p>"She just sits in her room, not moving a finger; she has not the
+slightest desire to do something useful, and that is why she thinks of
+such absurd things that one can hardly mention them in polite
+society."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>"I should do exactly the same thing, if I were left alone like that.
+Please bring her to my room now, I want to show her some pretty books
+I have brought with me."</p>
+
+<p>"That is just the trouble. What should she do with books? In all this
+time she has not even learned the A,B,C for it is impossible to instil
+any knowledge into this being. If Mr. Candidate was not as patient as
+an angel, he would have given up teaching her long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"How strange! The child does not look to me like one who cannot learn
+the A,B,C," said Mrs. Sesemann. "Please fetch her now; we can look at
+the pictures anyway."</p>
+
+<p>The housekeeper was going to say more, but the old lady had turned
+already and gone to her room. She was thinking over what she had heard
+about Heidi, making up her mind to look into the matter.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi had come and was looking with wondering eyes at the splendid
+pictures in the large books, that Grandmama was showing her. Suddenly
+she screamed aloud, for there on the picture she saw a peaceful flock
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>grazing on a green pasture. In the middle a shepherd was standing,
+leaning on his crook. The setting sun was shedding a golden light over
+everything. With glowing eyes Heidi devoured the scene; but suddenly
+she began to sob violently.</p>
+
+<p>The grandmama took her little hand in hers and said in the most
+soothing voice: "Come, child, you must not cry. Did this remind you of
+something? Now stop, and I'll tell you the story to-night. There are
+lovely stories in this book, that people can read and tell. Dry your
+tears now, darling, I must ask you something. Stand up now and look at
+me! Now we are merry again!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi did not stop at once, but the kind lady gave her ample time to
+compose herself, saying from time to time: "Now it's all over. Now
+we'll be merry again."</p>
+
+<p>When the child was quiet at last, she said: "Tell me now how your
+lessons are going. What have you learnt, child, tell me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing," Heidi sighed; "but I knew that I never could learn it."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>"What is it that you can't learn?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't learn to read; it is too hard."</p>
+
+<p>"What next? Who gave you this information?"</p>
+
+<p>"Peter told me, and he tried over and over again, but he could not do
+it, for it is too hard."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what kind of boy is he? Heidi, you must not believe what Peter
+tells you, but try for yourself. I am sure you had your thoughts
+elsewhere when Mr. Candidate showed you the letters."</p>
+
+<p>"It's no use," Heidi said with such a tone as if she was resigned to
+her fate.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to tell you something, Heidi," said the kind lady now.
+"You have not learnt to read because you have believed what Peter
+said. You shall believe me now, and I prophesy that you will learn it
+in a very short time, as a great many other children do that are like
+you and not like Peter. When you can read, I am going to give you this
+book. You have seen the shepherd on the green pasture, and then you'll
+be able <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>to find out all the strange things that happen to him. Yes,
+you can hear the whole story, and what he does with his sheep and his
+goats. You would like to know, wouldn't you, Heidi?"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi had listened attentively, and said now with sparkling eyes: "If
+I could only read already!"</p>
+
+<p>"It won't be long, I can see that. Come now and let us go to Clara."
+With that they both went over to the study.</p>
+
+<p>Since the day of Heidi's attempted flight a great change had come over
+the child. She had realized that it would hurt her kind friends if she
+tried to go home again. She knew now that she could not leave, as her
+Aunt Deta had promised, for they all, especially Clara and her father
+and the old lady, would think her ungrateful. But the burden grew
+heavier in her heart and she lost her appetite, and got paler and
+paler. She could not get to sleep at night from longing to see the
+mountains with the flowers and the sunshine, and only in her dreams
+she would be happy. When she woke up <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>in the morning, she always found
+herself on her high white bed, far away from home. Burying her head in
+her pillow, she would often weep a long, long time.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sesemann had noticed the child's unhappiness, but let a few days
+pass by, hoping for a change. But the change never came, and often
+Heidi's eyes were red even in the early morning. So she called the
+child to her room one day and said, with great sympathy in her voice:
+"Tell me, Heidi, what is the matter with you? What is making you so
+sad?"</p>
+
+<p>But as Heidi did not want to appear thankless, she replied sadly: "I
+can't tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"No? Can't you tell Clara perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, I can't tell anyone," Heidi said, looking so unhappy that the
+old lady's heart was filled with pity.</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you something, little girl," she continued. "If you have a
+sorrow that you cannot tell to anyone, you can go to Our Father in
+Heaven. You can tell Him everything that troubles you, and if we ask
+Him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>He can help us and take our suffering away. Do you understand me,
+child? Don't you pray every night? Don't you thank Him for all His
+gifts and ask Him to protect you from evil?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, I never do that," replied the child.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you never prayed, Heidi? Do you know what I mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I only prayed with my first grandmother, but it is so long ago, that
+I have forgotten."</p>
+
+<p>"See, Heidi, I understand now why you are so unhappy. We all need
+somebody to help us, and just think how wonderful it is, to be able to
+go to the Lord, when something distresses us and causes us pain. We
+can tell Him everything and ask Him to comfort us, when nobody else
+can do it. He can give us happiness and joy."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi was gladdened by these tidings, and asked: "Can we tell Him
+everything, everything?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Heidi, everything."</p>
+
+<p>The child, withdrawing her hand from the grandmama, said hurriedly,
+"Can I go now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, of course," was the reply, and with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>this Heidi ran to her room.
+Sitting down on a stool she folded her hands and poured out her heart
+to God, imploring Him to help her and let her go home to her
+grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>About a week later, Mr. Candidate asked to see Mrs. Sesemann, to tell
+her of something unusual that had occurred. Being called to the lady's
+room, he began: "Mrs. Sesemann, something has happened that I never
+expected," and with many more words the happy grandmama was told that
+Heidi had suddenly learned to read with the utmost correctness, most
+rare with beginners.</p>
+
+<p>"Many strange things happen in this world," Mrs. Sesemann remarked,
+while they went over to the study to witness Heidi's new
+accomplishment. Heidi was sitting close to Clara, reading her a story;
+she seemed amazed at the strange, new world that had opened up before
+her. At supper Heidi found the large book with the beautiful pictures
+on her plate, and looking doubtfully at grandmama, she saw the old
+lady nod. "Now it belongs to you, Heidi," she said.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>"Forever? Also when I am going home?" Heidi inquired, confused with
+joy.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, forever!" the grandmama assured her. "Tomorrow we shall
+begin to read it."</p>
+
+<p>"But Heidi, you must not go home; no, not for many years," Clara
+exclaimed, "especially when grandmama goes away. You must stay with
+me."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi still looked at her book before going to bed that night, and
+this book became her dearest treasure. She would look at the beautiful
+pictures and read all the stories aloud to Clara. Grandmama would
+quietly listen and explain something here and there, making it more
+beautiful than before. Heidi loved the pictures with the shepherd best
+of all; they told the story of the prodigal son, and the child would
+read and re-read it till she nearly knew it all by heart. Since Heidi
+had learned to read and possessed the book, the days seemed to fly,
+and the time had come near that the grandmama had fixed for her
+departure.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XI" id="XI"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XI<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>HEIDI GAINS IN SOME RESPECTS AND LOSES IN OTHERS</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockr3">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/t1.jpg" alt="T" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />he grandmama sent for Heidi every day after dinner, while Clara was
+resting and Miss Rottenmeier disappeared into her room. She talked to
+Heidi and amused her in various ways, showing her how to make clothes
+for pretty little dolls that she had brought. Unconsciously Heidi had
+learned to sew, and made now the sweetest dresses and coats for the
+little people out of lovely materials the grandmama would give her.
+Often Heidi would read to the old lady, for the oftener she read over
+the stories the dearer they became to her. The child lived everything
+through with the people in the tales and was always happy to be with
+them again. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>But she never looked really cheerful and her eyes never
+sparkled merrily as before.</p>
+
+<p>In the last week of Mrs. Sesemann's stay, Heidi was called again to
+the old lady's room. The child entered with her beloved book under her
+arm. Mrs. Sesemann drew Heidi close to her, and laying the book aside,
+she said: "Come, child, and tell me why you are so sad. Do you still
+have the same sorrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," Heidi replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you confide it to Our Lord?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you pray to Him every day that He may make you happy again and
+take your affliction away?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, I don't pray any more."</p>
+
+<p>"What do I hear, Heidi? Why don't you pray?"</p>
+
+<p>"It does not help, for God has not listened. I don't wonder," she
+added, "for if all the people in Frankfurt pray every night, He cannot
+listen to them all. I am sure He has not heard me."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>"Really? Why are you so sure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I have prayed for the same thing many, many weeks and God has
+not done what I have asked Him to."</p>
+
+<p>"That is not the way, Heidi. You see, God in heaven is a good Father
+to all of us, who knows what we need better than we do. When something
+we ask for is not very good for us, He gives us something much better,
+if we confide in Him and do not lose confidence in His love. I am sure
+what you asked for was not very good for you just now; He has heard
+you, for He can hear the prayers of all the people in the world at the
+same time, because He is God Almighty and not a mortal like us. He
+heard your prayers and said to Himself: 'Yes, Heidi shall get what she
+is praying for in time.' Now, while God was looking down on you to
+hear your prayers, you lost confidence and went away from Him. If God
+does not hear your prayers any more, He will forget you also and let
+you go. Don't you want to go back to Him, Heidi, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>and ask His
+forgiveness? Pray to Him every day, and hope in Him, that He may bring
+cheer and happiness to you."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi had listened attentively; she had unbounded confidence in the
+old lady, whose words had made a deep impression on her. Full of
+repentance, she said: "I shall go at once and ask Our Father to pardon
+me. I shall never forget Him any more!"</p>
+
+<p>"That's right, Heidi; I am sure He will help you in time, if you only
+trust in Him," the grandmother consoled her. Heidi went to her room
+now and prayed earnestly to God that He would forgive her and fulfill
+her wish.</p>
+
+<p>The day of departure had come, but Mrs. Sesemann arranged everything
+in such a way that the children hardly realized she was actually
+going. Still everything was empty and quiet when she had gone, and the
+children hardly knew how to pass their time.</p>
+
+<p>Next day, Heidi came to Clara in the afternoon and said: "Can I
+always, always read to you now, Clara?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>Clara assented, and Heidi began. But she did not get very far, for the
+story she was reading told of a grandmother's death. Suddenly she
+cried aloud: "Oh, now grandmother is dead!" and wept in the most
+pitiful fashion. Whatever Heidi read always seemed real to her, and
+now she thought it was her own grandmother at home. Louder and louder
+she sobbed: "Now poor grandmother is dead and I can never see her any
+more; and she never got one single roll!"</p>
+
+<p>Clara attempted to explain the mistake, but Heidi was too much upset.
+She pictured to herself how terrible it would be if her dear old
+grandfather would die too while she was far away. How quiet and empty
+it would be in the hut, and how lonely she would be!</p>
+
+<p>Miss Rottenmeier had overheard the scene, and approaching the sobbing
+child she said impatiently: "Adelheid, now you have screamed enough.
+If I hear you again giving way to yourself in such a noisy fashion, I
+shall take your book away forever!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>Heidi turned pale at that, for the book was her greatest treasure.
+Quickly drying her tears, she choked down her sobs. After that Heidi
+never cried again; often she could hardly repress her sobs and was
+obliged to make the strangest faces to keep herself from crying out.
+Clara often looked at her, full of surprise, but Miss Rottenmeier did
+not notice them and found no occasion to carry out her threat.
+However, the poor child got more cheerless every day, and looked so
+thin and pale that Sebastian became worried. He tried to encourage her
+at table to help herself to all the good dishes, but listlessly she
+would let them pass and hardly touch them. In the evening she would
+cry quietly, her heart bursting with longing to go home.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the time passed by. Heidi never knew if it was summer or winter,
+for the walls opposite never changed. They drove out very seldom, for
+Clara was only able to go a short distance. They never saw anything
+else than streets, houses and busy <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span>people; no grass, no fir-trees and
+no mountains. Heidi struggled constantly against her sorrow, but in
+vain. Autumn and winter had passed, and Heidi knew that the time was
+coming when Peter would go up the Alp with his goats, where the
+flowers were glistening in the sunshine and the mountains were all
+afire. She would sit down in a corner of her room and put both hands
+before her eyes, not to see the glaring sunshine on the opposite wall.
+There she would remain, eating her heart away with longing, till Clara
+would call for her to come.</p>
+
+<div class="img">
+<img border="0" src="images/end1.jpg" width="35%" alt="chapter end art" /><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep152" id="imagep152"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep152.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep152.jpg" width="73%" alt="THERE SHE WOULD REMAIN, EATING HER HEART AWAY WITH LONGING" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">THERE SHE WOULD REMAIN, EATING HER HEART AWAY WITH
+LONGING<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XII" id="XII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XII<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>THE SESEMANN HOUSE IS HAUNTED</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockl4">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/f.jpg" alt="F" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />or several days Miss Rottenmeier had been wandering silently about
+the house. When she went from room to room or along the corridors, she
+would often glance back as if she were afraid that somebody was
+following her. If she had to go to the upper floor, where the gorgeous
+guest-rooms were, or to the lower story, where the big ball-room was
+situated, she always told Tinette to come with her. The strange thing
+was, that none of the servants dared to go anywhere alone and always
+found an excuse to ask each other's company, which requests were
+always granted. The cook, who had been in the house for many years,
+would often shake her head and mutter: "That I should live to see
+this!"</p>
+
+<p>Something strange and weird was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>happening in the house. Every
+morning, when the servants came down-stairs, they found the front door
+wide open. At first everybody had thought that the house must have
+been robbed, but nothing was missing. Every morning it was the same,
+despite the double locks that were put on the door. At last John and
+Sebastian, taking courage, prepared themselves to watch through a
+night to see who was the ghost. Armed and provided with some
+strengthening liquor, they repaired to a room down-stairs. First they
+talked, but soon, getting sleepy, they leaned silently back in their
+chairs. When the clock from the old church tower struck one, Sebastian
+awoke and roused his comrade, which was no easy matter. At last,
+however, John was wide awake, and together they went out into the
+hall. The same moment a strong wind put out the light that John held
+in his hand. Rushing back, he nearly upset Sebastian, who stood behind
+him, and pulling the butler back into the room, he locked the door in
+furious haste. When the light was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>lit again, Sebastian noticed that
+John was deadly pale and trembling like an aspen leaf. Sebastian, not
+having seen anything, asked anxiously: "What is the matter? What did
+you see?"</p>
+
+<p>"The door was open and a white form was on the stairs; it went up and
+was gone in a moment," gasped John. Cold shivers ran down the butler's
+back. They sat without moving till the morning came, and then,
+shutting the door, they went upstairs to report to the housekeeper
+what they had seen. The lady, who was waiting eagerly, heard the tale
+and immediately sat down to write to Mr. Sesemann. She told him that
+fright had paralyzed her fingers and that terrible things were
+happening in the house. Then followed a tale of the appearance of the
+ghost. Mr. Sesemann replied that he could not leave his business, and
+advised Miss Rottenmeier to ask his mother to come to stay with them,
+for Mrs. Sesemann would easily despatch the ghost. Miss Rottenmeier
+was offended with the tone of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>letter, which did not seem to take
+her account seriously. Mrs. Sesemann also replied that she could not
+come, so the housekeeper decided to tell the children all about it.
+Clara, at the uncanny tale, immediately exclaimed that she would not
+stay alone another moment and that she wished her father to come home.
+The housekeeper arranged to sleep with the frightened child, while
+Heidi, who did not know what ghosts were, was perfectly unmoved.
+Another letter was despatched to Mr. Sesemann, telling him that the
+excitement might have serious effects on his daughter's delicate
+constitution, and mentioning several misfortunes that might probably
+happen if he did not relieve the household from this terror.</p>
+
+<p>This brought Mr. Sesemann. Going to his daughter's room after his
+arrival, he was overjoyed to see her as well as ever. Clara was also
+delighted to see her father.</p>
+
+<p>"What new tricks has the ghost played on you, Miss Rottenmeier?" asked
+Mr. Sesemann with a twinkle in his eye.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>"It is no joke, Mr. Sesemann," replied the lady seriously. "I am sure
+you will not laugh tomorrow. Those strange events indicate that
+something secret and horrible has happened in this house in days gone
+by."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so? this is new to me," remarked Mr. Sesemann. "But will you
+please not suspect my venerable ancestors? Please call Sebastian; I
+want to speak to him alone."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sesemann knew that the two were not on good terms, so he said to
+the butler:</p>
+
+<p>"Come here, Sebastian, and tell me honestly, if you have played the
+ghost for Miss Rottenmeier's pastime?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, upon my word, master; you must not think that," replied Sebastian
+frankly. "I do not like it quite myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll show you and John what ghosts look like by day. You ought
+to be ashamed of yourselves, strong young men like you! Now go at once
+to my old friend, Dr. Classen, and tell him to come to me at nine
+o'clock to-night. Tell him that I came from Paris especially to
+consult him, and that I want <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>him to sit up all night with me. Do you
+understand me, Sebastian?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes indeed! I shall do as you say, Mr. Sesemann." Mr. Sesemann then
+went up to Clara's room to quiet and comfort her.</p>
+
+<p>Punctually at nine o'clock the doctor arrived. Though his hair was
+grey, his face was still fresh, and his eyes were lively and kind.
+When he saw his friend, he laughed aloud and said: "Well, well, you
+look pretty healthy for one who needs to be watched all night."</p>
+
+<p>"Have patience, my old friend," replied Mr. Sesemann. "I am afraid the
+person we have to sit up for will look worse, but first we must catch
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"What? Then somebody <i>is</i> sick in this house? What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Far worse, doctor, far worse. A ghost is in the house. My house is
+haunted."</p>
+
+<p>When the doctor laughed, Mr. Sesemann continued: "I call that
+sympathy; I wish my friend Miss Rottenmeier could hear you. She is
+convinced that an old Sesemann is wandering about, expiating some
+dreadful deed."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>"How did she make his acquaintance?" asked the doctor, much amused.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sesemann then explained the circumstances. He said that the matter
+was either a bad joke which an acquaintance of the servants was
+playing in his absence, or it was a gang of thieves, who, after
+intimidating the people, would surely rob his house by and by.</p>
+
+<p>With these explanations they entered the room where the two servants
+had watched before. A few bottles of wine stood on the table and two
+bright candelabra shed a brilliant light. Two revolvers were ready for
+emergencies.</p>
+
+<p>They left the door only partly open, for too much light might drive
+the ghost away. Then, sitting down comfortably, the two men passed
+their time by chatting, taking a sip now and then.</p>
+
+<p>"The ghost seems to have spied us and probably won't come to-day,"
+said the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"We must have patience. It is supposed to come at one," replied his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>So they talked till one o'clock. Everything was quiet, and not a sound
+came from the street. Suddenly the doctor raised his finger.</p>
+
+<p>"Sh! Sesemann, don't you hear something?"</p>
+
+<p>While they both listened, the bar was unfastened, the key was turned,
+and the door flew open. Mr. Sesemann seized his revolver.</p>
+
+<p>"You are not afraid, I hope?" said the doctor, getting up.</p>
+
+<p>"Better be cautious!" whispered Mr. Sesemann, seizing the candelabrum
+in the other hand. The doctor followed with his revolver and the
+light, and so they went out into the hall.</p>
+
+<p>On the threshhold stood a motionless white form, lighted up by the
+moon.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is there?" thundered the doctor, approaching the figure. It
+turned and uttered a low shriek. There stood Heidi, with bare feet and
+in her white night-gown, looking bewildered at the bright light and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>the weapons. She was shaking with fear, while the two men were looking
+at her in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"Sesemann, this seems to be your little water carrier," said the
+doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"Child, what does this mean?" asked Mr. Sesemann. "What did you want
+to do? Why have you come down here?"</p>
+
+<p>Pale from fright, Heidi said: "I do not know."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor came forward now. "Sesemann, this case belongs to my field.
+Please go and sit down while I take her to bed."</p>
+
+<p>Putting his revolver aside, he led the trembling child up-stairs.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be afraid; just be quiet! Everything is all right; don't be
+frightened."</p>
+
+<p>When they had arrived in Heidi's room, the doctor put the little girl
+to bed, covering her up carefully. Drawing a chair near the couch, he
+waited till Heidi had calmed down and had stopped trembling. Then
+taking her hand in his, he said kindly: "Now everything is all right
+again. Tell me where you wanted to go?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>"I did not want to go anywhere," Heidi assured him; "I did not go
+myself, only I was there all of a sudden."</p>
+
+<p>"Really! Tell me, what did you dream?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I have the same dream every night. I always think I am with my
+grandfather again and can hear the fir-trees roar. I always think how
+beautiful the stars must be, and then I open the door of the hut, and
+oh, it is so wonderful! But when I wake up I am always in Frankfurt."
+Heidi had to fight the sobs that were rising in her throat.</p>
+
+<p>"Does your back or your head hurt you, child?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, but I feel as if a big stone was pressing me here."</p>
+
+<p>"As if you had eaten something that disagreed with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, but as if I wanted to cry hard."</p>
+
+<p>"So, and then you cry out, don't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, I must never do that, for Miss Rottenmeier has forbidden it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you swallow it down? Yes? Do you like to be here?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>"Oh yes," was the faint, uncertain reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you live with your grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p>"Up on the Alp."</p>
+
+<p>"But wasn't it a little lonely there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, it was so beautiful!"&mdash;But Heidi could say no more. The
+recollection, the excitement of the night and all the restrained
+sorrow overpowered the child. The tears rushed violently from her eyes
+and she broke out into loud sobs.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor rose, and soothing her, said: "It won't hurt to cry; you'll
+go to sleep afterward, and when you wake up everything will come
+right." Then he left the room.</p>
+
+<p>Joining his anxious friend down-stairs, he said: "Sesemann, the little
+girl is a sleep-walker, and has unconsciously scared your whole
+household. Besides, she is so home-sick that her little body has
+wasted away. We shall have to act quickly. The only remedy for her is
+to be restored to her native mountain air. This is my prescription,
+and she must go tomorrow."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>"What, sick, a sleep-walker, and wasted away in my house! Nobody even
+suspected it! You think I should send this child back in this
+condition, when she has come in good health? No, doctor, ask
+everything but that. Take her in hand and prescribe for her, but let
+her get well before I send her back."</p>
+
+<p>"Sesemann," the doctor replied seriously, "just think what you are
+doing. We cannot cure her with powders and pills. The child has not a
+strong constitution, and if you keep her here, she might never get
+well again. If you restore her to the bracing mountain air to which
+she is accustomed, she probably will get perfectly well again."</p>
+
+<p>When Mr. Sesemann heard this he said, "If that is your advice, we must
+act at once; this is the only way then." With these words Mr. Sesemann
+took his friend's arm and walked about with him to talk the matter
+over. When everything was settled, the doctor took his leave, for the
+morning had already come and the sun was shining in through the door.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XIII" id="XIII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XIII<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>UP THE ALP ON A SUMMER EVENING</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockr5">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/m1.jpg" alt="M" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />r. Sesemann, going upstairs in great agitation, knocked at the
+housekeeper's door. He asked her to hurry, for preparations for a
+journey had to be made. Miss Rottenmeier obeyed the summons with the
+greatest indignation, for it was only half-past four in the morning.
+She dressed in haste, though with great difficulty, being nervous and
+excited. All the other servants were summoned likewise, and one and
+all thought that the master of the house had been seized by the ghost
+and that he was ringing for help. When they had all come down with
+terrified looks, they were most surprised to see Mr. Sesemann fresh
+and cheerful, giving orders. John was sent to get the horses ready and
+Tinette was told to prepare Heidi for her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>departure while Sebastian
+was commissioned to fetch Heidi's aunt. Mr. Sesemann instructed the
+housekeeper to pack a trunk in all haste for Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Rottenmeier experienced an extreme disappointment, for she had
+hoped for an explanation of the great mystery. But Mr. Sesemann,
+evidently not in the mood to converse further, went to his daughter's
+room. Clara had been wakened by the unusual noises and was listening
+eagerly. Her father told her of what had happened and how the doctor
+had ordered Heidi back to her home, because her condition was serious
+and might get worse. She might even climb the roof, or be exposed to
+similar dangers, if she was not cured at once.</p>
+
+<p>Clara was painfully surprised and tried to prevent her father from
+carrying out his plan. He remained firm, however, promising to take
+her to Switzerland himself the following summer, if she was good and
+sensible now. So the child, resigning herself, begged to have Heidi's
+trunk packed in her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>room. Mr. Sesemann encouraged her to get together
+a good outfit for her little friend.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi's aunt had arrived in the meantime. Being told to take her niece
+home with her, she found no end of excuses, which plainly showed that
+she did not want to do it; for Deta well remembered the uncle's
+parting words. Mr. Sesemann dismissed her and summoned Sebastian. The
+butler was told to get ready for travelling with the child. He was to
+go to Basle that day and spend the night at a good hotel which his
+master named. The next day the child was to be brought to her home.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, Sebastian," Mr. Sesemann said, "and do exactly as I tell you.
+I know the Hotel in Basle, and if you show my card they will give you
+good accommodations. Go to the child's room and barricade the windows,
+so that they can only be opened by the greatest force. When Heidi has
+gone to bed, lock the door from outside, for the child walks in her
+sleep and might come to harm in the strange hotel. She might get <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>up
+and open the door; do you understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!&mdash;Oh!&mdash;So it was she?" exclaimed the butler.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it was! You are a coward, and you can tell John he is the same.
+Such foolish men, to be afraid!" With that Mr. Sesemann went to his
+room to write a letter to Heidi's grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>Sebastian, feeling ashamed, said to himself that he ought to have
+resisted John and found out alone.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi was dressed in her Sunday frock and stood waiting for further
+commands.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sesemann called her now. "Good-morning, Mr. Sesemann," Heidi said
+when she entered.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think about it, little one?" he asked her. Heidi looked
+up to him in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't seem to know anything about it," laughed Mr. Sesemann.
+Tinette had not even told the child, for she thought it beneath her
+dignity to speak to the vulgar Heidi.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>"You are going home to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Home?" Heidi repeated in a low voice. She had to gasp, so great was
+her surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't you like to hear something about it?" asked Mr. Sesemann
+smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, I should like to," said the blushing child.</p>
+
+<p>"Good, good," said the kind gentleman. "Sit down and eat a big
+breakfast now, for you are going away right afterwards."</p>
+
+<p>The child could not even swallow a morsel, though she tried to eat out
+of obedience. It seemed to her as if it was only a dream.</p>
+
+<p>"Go to Clara, Heidi, till the carriage comes," Mr. Sesemann said
+kindly.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi had been wishing to go, and now she ran to Clara's room, where a
+huge trunk was standing.</p>
+
+<p>"Heidi, look at the things I had packed for you. Do you like them?"
+Clara asked.</p>
+
+<p>There were a great many lovely things in it, but Heidi jumped for joy
+when she discovered a little basket with twelve round white rolls for
+the grandmother. The <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>children had forgotten that the moment for
+parting had come, when the carriage was announced. Heidi had to get
+all her own treasures from her room yet. The grandmama's book was
+carefully packed, and the red shawl that Miss Rottenmeier had
+purposely left behind. Then putting on her pretty hat, she left her
+room to say good-bye to Clara. There was not much time left to do so,
+for Mr. Sesemann was waiting to put Heidi in the carriage. When Miss
+Rottenmeier, who was standing on the stairs to bid farewell to her
+pupil, saw the red bundle in Heidi's hand, she seized it and threw it
+on the ground. Heidi looked imploringly at her kind protector, and Mr.
+Sesemann, seeing how much she treasured it, gave it back to her. The
+happy child at parting thanked him for all his goodness. She also sent
+a message of thanks to the good old doctor, whom she suspected to be
+the real cause of her going.</p>
+
+<p>While Heidi was being lifted into the carriage, Mr. Sesemann assured
+her that Clara <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>and he would never forget her. Sebastian followed with
+Heidi's basket and a large bag with provisions. Mr. Sesemann called
+out: "Happy journey!" and the carriage rolled away.</p>
+
+<p>Only when Heidi was sitting in the train did she become conscious of
+where she was going. She knew now that she would really see her
+grandfather and the grandmother again, also Peter and the goats. Her
+only fear was that the poor blind grandmother might have died while
+she was away.</p>
+
+<p>The thing she looked forward to most was giving the soft white rolls
+to the grandmother. While she was musing over all these things, she
+fell asleep. In Basle she was roused by Sebastian, for there they were
+to spend the night.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning they started off again, and it took them many hours
+before they reached Mayenfeld. When Sebastian stood on the platform of
+the station, he wished he could have travelled further in the train
+rather than have to climb a mountain. The <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>last part of the trip might
+be dangerous, for everything seemed half-wild in this country. Looking
+round, he discovered a small wagon with a lean horse. A
+broad-shouldered man was just loading up large bags, which had come by
+the train. Sebastian, approaching the man, asked some information
+concerning the least dangerous ascent to the Alp. After a while it was
+settled that the man should take Heidi and her trunk to the village
+and see to it that somebody would go up with her from there.</p>
+
+<p>Not a word had escaped Heidi, until she now said, "I can go up alone
+from the village. I know the road." Sebastian felt relieved, and
+calling Heidi to him, presented her with a heavy roll of bills and a
+letter for the grandfather. These precious things were put at the
+bottom of the basket, under the rolls, so that they could not possibly
+get lost.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi promised to be careful of them, and was lifted up to the cart.
+The two old friends shook hands and parted, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>Sebastian, with a
+slightly bad conscience for having deserted the child so soon, sat
+down on the station to wait for a returning train.</p>
+
+<p>The driver was no other than the village baker, who had never seen
+Heidi but had heard a great deal about her. He had known her parents
+and immediately guessed she was the child who had lived with the
+Alm-Uncle. Curious to know why she came home again, he began a
+conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you Heidi, the child who lived with the Alm-Uncle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Why are you coming home again? Did you get on badly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no; nobody could have got on better than I did in Frankfurt."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why are you coming back?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because Mr. Sesemann let me come."</p>
+
+<p>"Pooh! why didn't you stay?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I would rather be with my grandfather on the Alp than
+anywhere on earth."</p>
+
+<p>"You may think differently when you get <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span>there," muttered the baker.
+"It is strange though, for she must know," he said to himself.</p>
+
+<p>They conversed no more, and Heidi began to tremble with excitement
+when she recognized all the trees on the road and the lofty peaks of
+the mountains. Sometimes she felt as if she could not sit still any
+longer, but had to jump down and run with all her might. They arrived
+at the village at the stroke of five. Immediately a large group of
+women and children surrounded the cart, for the trunk and the little
+passenger had attracted everybody's notice. When Heidi had been lifted
+down, she found herself held and questioned on all sides. But when
+they saw how frightened she was, they let her go at last. The baker
+had to tell of Heidi's arrival with the strange gentleman, and assured
+all the people that Heidi loved her grandfather with all her heart,
+let the people say what they would about him.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi, in the meantime, was running up the path; from time to time she
+was obliged <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span>to stop, for her basket was heavy and she lost her
+breath. Her one idea was: "If only grandmother still sits in her
+corner by her spinning wheel!&mdash;Oh, if she should have died!" When the
+child caught sight of the hut at last, her heart began to beat. The
+quicker she ran, the more it beat, but at last she tremblingly opened
+the door. She ran into the middle of the room, unable to utter one
+tone, she was so out of breath.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh God," it sounded from one corner, "our Heidi used to come in like
+that. Oh, if I just could have her again with me before I die. Who has
+come?"</p>
+
+<p>"Here I am! grandmother, here I am!" shouted the child, throwing
+herself on her knees before the old woman. She seized her hands and
+arms and snuggling up to her did not for joy utter one more word. The
+grandmother had been so surprised that she could only silently caress
+the child's curly hair over and over again. "Yes, yes," she said at
+last, "this is Heidi's hair, and her beloved voice. Oh my God, I thank
+Thee <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>for this happiness." Out of her blind eyes big tears of joy fell
+down on Heidi's hand. "Is it really you, Heidi? Have you really come
+again?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, grandmother," the child replied. "You must not cry, for I
+have come and will never leave you any more. Now you won't have to eat
+hard black bread any more for a little while. Look what I have brought
+you."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi put one roll after another into the grandmother's lap.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, child, what a blessing you bring to me!" the old woman cried.
+"But you are my greatest blessing yourself, Heidi!" Then, caressing
+the child's hair and flushed cheeks, she entreated: "Just say one more
+word, that I may hear your voice."</p>
+
+<p>While Heidi was talking, Peter's mother arrived, and exclaimed in her
+amazement: "Surely, this is Heidi. But how can that be?"</p>
+
+<p>The child rose to shake hands with Brigida, who could not get over
+Heidi's splendid frock and hat.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>"You can have my hat, I don't want it any more; I have my old one
+still," Heidi said, pulling out her old crushed straw hat. Heidi had
+remembered her grandfather's words to Deta about her feather hat; that
+was why she had kept her old hat so carefully. Brigida at last
+accepted the gift after a great many remonstrances. Suddenly Heidi
+took off her pretty dress and tied her old shawl about her. Taking the
+grandmother's hand, she said: "Good-bye, I must go home to grandfather
+now, but I shall come again tomorrow. Good-night, grandmother."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, please come again to-morrow, Heidi," implored the old woman,
+while she held her fast.</p>
+
+<p>"Why did you take your pretty dress off?" asked Brigida.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd rather go to grandfather that way, or else he might not know me
+any more, the way you did."</p>
+
+<p>Brigida accompanied the child outside and said mysteriously: "He would
+have known you in your frock; you ought to have kept it on. Please be
+careful, child, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span>for Peter tells us that the uncle never says a word
+to anyone and always seems so angry." But Heidi was unconcerned, and
+saying good-night, climbed up the path with the basket on her arm. The
+evening sun was shining down on the grass before her. Every few
+minutes Heidi stood still to look at the mountains behind her.
+Suddenly she looked back and beheld such glory as she had not even
+seen in her most vivid dream. The rocky peaks were flaming in the
+brilliant light, the snow-fields glowed and rosy clouds were floating
+overhead. The grass was like an expanse of gold, and below her the
+valley swam in golden mist. The child stood still, and in her joy and
+transport tears ran down her cheeks. She folded her hands, and looking
+up to heaven, thanked the Lord that He had brought her home again. She
+thanked Him for restoring her to her beloved mountains,&mdash;in her
+happiness she could hardly find words to pray. Only when the glow had
+subsided, was Heidi able to follow the path again.</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep179" id="imagep179"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep179.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep179.jpg" width="73%" alt="THROWING HERSELF IN HER GRANDFATHER'S ARMS, SHE HELD HIM TIGHT" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 8%; font-size: 60%;">THROWING HERSELF IN HER GRANDFATHER'S ARMS, SHE HELD
+HIM TIGHT<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>She climbed so fast that she could soon discover, first the tree-tops,
+then the roof, finally the hut. Now she could see her grandfather
+sitting on his bench, smoking a pipe. Above the cottage the fir-trees
+gently swayed and rustled in the evening breeze. At last she had
+reached the hut, and throwing herself in her grandfather's arms, she
+hugged him and held him tight. She could say nothing but "Grandfather!
+grandfather! grandfather!" in her agitation.</p>
+
+<p>The old man said nothing either, but his eyes were moist, and
+loosening Heidi's arms at last, he sat her on his knee. When he had
+looked at her a while, he said: "So you have come home again, Heidi?
+Why? You certainly do not look very cityfied! Did they send you away?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, you must not think that, grandfather. They all were so good to
+me; Clara, Mr. Sesemann and grandmama. But grandfather, sometimes I
+felt as if I could not bear it any longer to be away from you! I
+thought I should choke; I could not tell <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>any one, for that would have
+been ungrateful. Suddenly, one morning Mr. Sesemann called me very
+early, I think it was the doctor's fault and&mdash;but I think it is
+probably written in this letter;" with that Heidi brought the letter
+and the bank-roll from her basket, putting them on her grandfather's
+lap.</p>
+
+<p>"This belongs to you," he said, laying the roll beside him. Having
+read the letter, he put it in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think you can still drink milk with me, Heidi?" he asked,
+while he stepped into the cottage. "Take your money with you, you can
+buy a bed for it and clothes for many years."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't need it at all, grandfather," Heidi assured him; "I have a
+bed and Clara has given me so many dresses that I shan't need any more
+all my life."</p>
+
+<p>"Take it and put it in the cupboard, for you will need it some day."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi obeyed, and danced around the hut in her delight to see all the
+beloved things <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>again. Running up to the loft, she exclaimed in great
+disappointment: "Oh grandfather, my bed is gone."</p>
+
+<p>"It will come again," the grandfather called up from below; "how could
+I know that you were coming back? Get your milk now!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi, coming down, took her old seat. She seized her bowl and emptied
+it eagerly, as if it was the most wonderful thing she had ever tasted.
+"Grandfather, our milk is the best in all the world."</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Heidi, hearing a shrill whistle, rushed outside, as Peter and
+all his goats came racing down. Heidi greeted the boy, who stopped,
+rooted to the spot, staring at her. Then she ran into the midst of her
+beloved friends, who had not forgotten her either. Schw&auml;nli and B&auml;rli
+bleated for joy, and all her other favorites pressed near to her.
+Heidi was beside herself with joy, and caressed little Snowhopper and
+patted Thistlefinch, till she felt herself pushed to and fro among
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"Peter, why don't you come down and say good-night to me?" Heidi
+called to the boy.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span>"Have you come again?" he exclaimed at last. Then he took Heidi's
+proffered hand and asked her, as if she had been always there: "Are
+you coming up with me to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, to-morrow I must go to grandmother, but perhaps the day after."</p>
+
+<p>Peter had a hard time with his goats that day, for they would not
+follow him. Over and over again they came back to Heidi, till she
+entered the shed with B&auml;rli and Schw&auml;nli and shut the door.</p>
+
+<p>When Heidi went up to her loft to sleep, she found a fresh, fragrant
+bed waiting for her; and she slept better that night than she had for
+many, many months, for her great and burning longing had been
+satisfied. About ten times that night the grandfather rose from his
+couch to listen to Heidi's quiet breathing. The window was filled up
+with hay, for from now on the moon was not allowed to shine on Heidi
+any more. But Heidi slept quietly, for she had seen the flaming
+mountains and had heard the fir-trees roar.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XIV" id="XIV"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XIV<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>ON SUNDAY WHEN THE CHURCH BELLS RING</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockl6">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/h1.jpg" alt="H" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />eidi was standing under the swaying fir-trees, waiting for her
+grandfather to join her. He had promised to bring up her trunk from
+the village while she went in to visit the grandmother. The child was
+longing to see the blind woman again and to hear how she had liked the
+rolls. It was Saturday, and the grandfather had been cleaning the
+cottage. Soon he was ready to start. When they had descended and Heidi
+entered Peter's hut, the grandmother called lovingly to her: "Have you
+come again, child?"</p>
+
+<p>She took hold of Heidi's hand and held it tight. Grandmother then told
+the little visitor how good the rolls had tasted, and how much
+stronger she felt already. Brigida related further that the
+grandmother <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>had only eaten a single roll, being so afraid to finish
+them too soon. Heidi had listened attentively, and said now:
+"Grandmother, I know what I shall do. I am going to write to Clara and
+she'll surely send me a whole lot more."</p>
+
+<p>But Brigida remarked: "That is meant well, but they get hard so soon.
+If I only had a few extra pennies, I could buy some from our baker. He
+makes them too, but I am hardly able to pay for the black bread."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi's face suddenly shone. "Oh, grandmother, I have an awful lot of
+money," she cried. "Now I know what I'll do with it. Every day you
+must have a fresh roll and two on Sundays. Peter can bring them up
+from the village."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, child," the grandmother implored. "That must not be. You must
+give it to grandfather and he'll tell you what to do with it."</p>
+
+<p>But Heidi did not listen but jumped gaily about the little room,
+calling over and over again: "Now grandmother can have a roll <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>every
+day. She'll get well and strong, and," she called with fresh delight,
+"maybe your eyes will see again, too, when you are strong and well."</p>
+
+<p>The grandmother remained silent, not to mar the happiness of the
+child. Seeing the old hymn-book on the shelf, Heidi said:</p>
+
+<p>"Grandmother, shall I read you a song from your book now? I can read
+quite nicely!" she added after a pause.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, I wish you would, child. Can you really read?"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi, climbing on a chair, took down the dusty book from a shelf.
+After she had carefully wiped it off, she sat down on a stool.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I read, grandmother?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever you want to," was the reply. Turning the pages, Heidi found
+a song about the sun, and decided to read that aloud. More and more
+eagerly she read, while the grandmother, with folded arms, sat in her
+chair. An expression of indescribable happiness shone in her
+countenance, though tears <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>were rolling down her cheeks. When Heidi
+had repeated the end of the song a number of times, the old woman
+exclaimed: "Oh, Heidi, everything seems bright to me again and my
+heart is light. Thank you, child, you have done me so much good."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi looked enraptured at the grandmother's face, which had changed
+from an old, sorrowful expression to a joyous one.</p>
+
+<p>She seemed to look up gratefully, as if she could already behold the
+lovely, celestial gardens told of in the hymn.</p>
+
+<p>Soon the grandfather knocked on the window, for it was time to go.
+Heidi followed quickly, assuring the grandmother that she would visit
+her every day now; on the days she went up to the pasture with Peter,
+she would return in the early afternoon, for she did not want to miss
+the chance to make the grandmother's heart joyful and light. Brigida
+urged Heidi to take her dress along, and with it on her arm the child
+joined the old man and immediately told him what had happened.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>On hearing of her plan to purchase rolls for the grandmother every
+day, the grandfather reluctantly consented.</p>
+
+<p>At this the child gave a bound, shouting: "Oh grandfather, now
+grandmother won't ever have to eat hard, black bread any more. Oh,
+everything is so wonderful now! If God Our Father had done immediately
+what I prayed for, I should have come home at once and could not have
+brought half as many rolls to grandmother. I should not have been able
+to read either. Grandmama told me that God would make everything much
+better than I could ever dream. I shall always pray from now on, the
+way grandmama taught me. When God does not give me something I pray
+for, I shall always remember how everything has worked out for the
+best this time. We'll pray every day, grandfather, won't we, for
+otherwise God might forget us."</p>
+
+<p>"And if somebody should forget to do it?" murmured the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he'll get on badly, for God will <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>forget him, too. If he is
+unhappy and wretched, people don't pity him, for they will say: 'he
+went away from God, and now the Lord, who alone can help him, has no
+pity on him'."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that true, Heidi? Who told you so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Grandmama explained it all to me."</p>
+
+<p>After a pause the grandfather said: "Yes, but if it has happened, then
+there is no help; nobody can come back to the Lord, when God has once
+forgotten him."</p>
+
+<p>"But grandfather, everybody can come back to Him; grandmama told me
+that, and besides there is the beautiful story in my book. Oh,
+grandfather, you don't know it yet, and I shall read it to you as soon
+as we get home."</p>
+
+<p>The grandfather had brought a big basket with him, in which he carried
+half the contents of Heidi's trunk; it had been too large to be
+conveyed up the steep ascent. Arriving at the hut and setting down his
+load, he had to sit beside Heidi, who was ready to begin the tale.
+With great <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>animation Heidi read the story of the prodigal son, who
+was happy at home with his father's cows and sheep. The picture showed
+him leaning on his staff, watching the sunset. "Suddenly he wanted to
+have his own inheritance, and be able to be his own master. Demanding
+the money from his father, he went away and squandered all. When he
+had nothing in the world left, he had to go as servant to a peasant,
+who did not own fine cattle like his father, but only swine; his
+clothes were rags, and for food he only got the husks on which the
+pigs were fed. Often he would think what a good home he had left, and
+when he remembered how good his father had been to him and his own
+ungratefulness, he would cry from repentance and longing. Then he said
+to himself: 'I shall go to my father and ask his forgiveness.' When he
+approached his former home, his father came out to meet him&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think will happen now?" Heidi asked. "You think that the
+father <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>is angry and will say: 'Didn't I tell you?' But just listen:
+'And his father saw him and had compassion and ran and fell on his
+neck. And the son said: Father, I have sinned against Heaven and in
+Thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son. But the father
+said to his servants: Bring forth the best robe and put it on him; and
+put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet; and bring hither the
+fatted calf and kill it; and let us eat and be merry: For this my son
+was dead and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they
+began to be merry."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it a beautiful story, grandfather?" asked Heidi, when he sat
+silently beside her.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Heidi, it is," said the grandfather, but so seriously that Heidi
+quietly looked at the pictures. "Look how happy he is," she said,
+pointing to it.</p>
+
+<p>A few hours later, when Heidi was sleeping soundly, the old man
+climbed up the ladder. Placing a little lamp beside the sleeping
+child, he watched her a long, long <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>time. Her little hands were folded
+and her rosy face looked confident and peaceful. The old man now
+folded his hands and said in a low voice, while big tears rolled down
+his cheeks: "Father, I have sinned against Heaven and Thee, and am no
+more worthy to be Thy son!"</p>
+
+<p>The next morning found the uncle standing before the door, looking
+about him over valley and mountain. A few early bells sounded from
+below and the birds sang their morning anthems.</p>
+
+<p>Re-entering the house, he called: "Heidi, get up! The sun is shining!
+Put on a pretty dress, for we are going to church!"</p>
+
+<p>That was a new call, and Heidi obeyed quickly. When the child came
+downstairs in her smart little frock, she opened her eyes wide. "Oh,
+grandfather!" she exclaimed, "I have never seen you in your Sunday
+coat with the silver buttons. Oh, how fine you look!"</p>
+
+<p>The old man, turning to the child, said with a smile: "You look nice,
+too; come <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>now!" With Heidi's hand in his they wandered down together.
+The nearer they came to the village, the louder and richer the bells
+resounded. "Oh grandfather, do you hear it? It seems like a big, high
+feast," said Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>When they entered the church, all the people were singing. Though they
+sat down on the last bench behind, the people had noticed their
+presence and whispered it from ear to ear. When the pastor began to
+preach, his words were a loud thanksgiving that moved all his hearers.
+After the service the old man and the child walked to the parsonage.
+The clergyman had opened the door and received them with friendly
+words. "I have come to ask your forgiveness for my harsh words," said
+the uncle. "I want to follow your advice to spend the winter here
+among you. If the people look at me askance, I can't expect any
+better. I am sure, Mr. Pastor, you will not do so."</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep192" id="imagep192"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep192.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep192.jpg" width="73%" alt="WITH HEIDI'S HAND IN HIS THEY WANDERED DOWN TOGETHER" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">WITH HEIDI'S HAND IN HIS THEY WANDERED DOWN TOGETHER<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The pastor's friendly eyes sparkled, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>with many a kind word he
+commended the uncle for this change, and putting his hand on Heidi's
+curly hair, ushered them out. Thus the people, who had been all
+talking together about this great event, could see that their
+clergyman shook hands with the old man. The door of the parsonage was
+hardly shut, when the whole assembly came forward with outstretched
+hands and friendly greetings. Great seemed to be their joy at the old
+man's resolution; some of the people even accompanied him on his
+homeward way. When they had parted at last, the uncle looked after
+them with his face shining as with an inward light. Heidi looked up to
+him and said: "Grandfather, you have never looked so beautiful!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think so, child?" he said with a smile. "You see, Heidi, I am
+more happy than I deserve; to be at peace with God and men makes one's
+heart feel light. God has been good to me, to send you back."</p>
+
+<p>When they arrived at Peter's hut, the grandfather opened the door and
+entered. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>"How do you do, grandmother," he called out. "I think we
+must start to mend again, before the fall wind comes."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh my God, the uncle!" exclaimed the grandmother in joyous surprise.
+"How happy I am to be able to thank you for what you have done, uncle!
+Thank you, God bless you for it."</p>
+
+<p>With trembling joy the grandmother shook hands with her old friend.
+"There is something else I want to say to you, uncle," she continued.
+"If I have ever hurt you in any way, do not punish me. Do not let
+Heidi go away again before I die. I cannot tell you what Heidi means
+to me!" So saying, she held the clinging child to her.</p>
+
+<p>"No danger of that, grandmother, I hope we shall all stay together now
+for many years to come."</p>
+
+<p>Brigida now showed Heidi's feather hat to the old man and asked him to
+take it back. But the uncle asked her to keep it, since Heidi had
+given it to her.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>"What blessings this child has brought from Frankfurt," Brigida said.
+"I often wondered if I should not send our little Peter too. What do
+you think, uncle?"</p>
+
+<p>The uncle's eyes sparkled with fun, when he replied: "I am sure it
+would not hurt Peter; nevertheless I should wait for a fitting
+occasion before I sent him."</p>
+
+<p>The next moment Peter himself arrived in great haste. He had a letter
+for Heidi, which had been given to him in the village. What an event,
+a letter for Heidi! They all sat down at the table while the child
+read it aloud. The letter was from Clara Sesemann, who wrote that
+everything had got so dull since Heidi left. She said that she could
+not stand it very long, and therefore her father had promised to take
+her to Ragatz this coming fall. She announced that Grandmama was
+coming too, for she wanted to see Heidi and her grandfather.
+Grandmama, having heard about the rolls, was sending some coffee, too,
+so that the grandmother would not have to eat them <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>dry. Grandmama
+also insisted on being taken to the grandmother herself when she came
+on her visit.</p>
+
+<p>Great was the delight caused by this news, and what with all the
+questions and plans that followed, the grandfather himself forgot how
+late it was. This happy day, which had united them all, caused the old
+woman to say at parting: "The most beautiful thing of all, though, is
+to be able to shake hands again with an old friend, as in days gone
+by; it is a great comfort to find again, what we have treasured. I
+hope you'll come soon again, uncle. I am counting on the child for
+tomorrow."</p>
+
+<p>This promise was given. While Heidi and her grandfather were on their
+homeward path, the peaceful sound of evening bells accompanied them.
+At last they reached the cottage, which seemed to glow in the evening
+light.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h1>Part II</h1>
+
+<h3>Heidi Makes Use of Her Experience</h3>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XV" id="XV"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XV<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockr7">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/t1.jpg" alt="T" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />he kind doctor who had sent Heidi home to her beloved mountains was
+approaching the Sesemann residence on a sunny day in September.
+Everything about him was bright and cheerful, but the doctor did not
+even raise his eyes from the pavement to the blue sky above. His face
+was sad and his hair had turned very gray since spring. A few months
+ago the doctor had lost his only daughter, who had lived with him
+since his wife's early death. The blooming girl had been his only joy,
+and since she had gone from him the ever-cheerful doctor was bowed
+down with grief.</p>
+
+<p>When Sebastian opened the door to the physician he bowed very low, for
+the doctor made friends wherever he went.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you have come doctor," Mr. Sesemann called to his friend as
+he entered. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>"Please let us talk over this trip to Switzerland again.
+Do you still give the same advice, now that Clara is so much better?"</p>
+
+<p>"What must I think of you, Sesemann?" replied the doctor, sitting
+down. "I wish your mother was here. Everything is clear to her and
+things go smoothly then. This is the third time to-day that you have
+called me, and always for the same thing!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is true, it must make you impatient," said Mr. Sesemann. Laying
+his hand on his friend's shoulder, he continued: "I cannot say how
+hard it is for me to refuse Clara this trip. Haven't I promised it to
+her and hasn't she looked forward to it for months? She has borne all
+her suffering so patiently, just because she had hoped to be able to
+visit her little friend on the Alp. I hate to rob her of this
+pleasure. The poor child has so many trials and so little change."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Sesemann, you must do it," was the doctor's answer. When his
+friend remained silent, he continued: "Just think what a hard summer
+Clara has had! She <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span>never was more ill and we could not attempt this
+journey without risking the worst consequences. Remember, we are in
+September now, and though the weather may still be fine on the Alp, it
+is sure to be very cool. The days are getting short, and she could
+only spend a few hours up there, if she had to return for the night.
+It would take several hours to have her carried up from Ragatz. You
+see yourself how impossible it is! I shall come in with you, though,
+to talk to Clara, and you'll find her sensible. I'll tell you of my
+plan for next May. First she can go to Ragatz to take the baths. When
+it gets warm on the mountain, she can be carried up from time to time.
+She'll be stronger then and much more able to enjoy those excursions
+than she is now. If we hope for an improvement in her condition, we
+must be extremely cautious and careful, remember that!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sesemann, who had been listening with the utmost submission, now
+said anxiously: "Doctor, please tell me honestly if you still have
+hope left for any change?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>With shrugging shoulders the doctor replied: "Not very much. But think
+of me, Sesemann! Have you not a child, who loves you and always
+welcomes you? You don't have to come back to a lonely house and sit
+down alone at your table. Your child is well taken care of, and if she
+has many privations, she also has many advantages. Sesemann, you do
+not need to be pitied! Just think of my lonely home!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sesemann had gotten up and was walking round the room, as he
+always did when something occupied his thoughts. Suddenly he stood
+before his friend and said: "Doctor, I have an idea. I cannot see you
+sad any longer. You must get away. You shall undertake this trip and
+visit Heidi in our stead."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor had been surprised by this proposal, and tried to object.
+But Mr. Sesemann was so full of his new project that he pulled his
+friend with him into his daughter's room, not leaving him time for any
+remonstrances. Clara loved the doctor, who had always tried to cheer
+her up on his visits <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>by bright and funny tales. She was sorry for the
+change that had come over him and would have given much to see him
+happy again. When he had shaken hands with her, both men pulled up
+their chairs to Clara's bedside. Mr. Sesemann began to speak of their
+journey and how sorry he was to give it up. Then he quickly began to
+talk of his new plan.</p>
+
+<p>Clara's eyes had filled with tears. But she knew that her father did
+not like to see her cry, and besides she was sure that her papa would
+only forbid her this pleasure because it was absolutely necessary to
+do so.</p>
+
+<p>So she bravely fought her tears, and caressing the doctor's hand,
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh please, doctor, do go to Heidi; then you can tell me all about
+her, and can describe her grandfather to me, and Peter, with his
+goats,&mdash;I seem to know them all so well. Then you can take all the
+things to her that I had planned to take myself. Oh, please doctor,
+go, and then I'll be good and take as much cod-liver oil as ever you
+want me to."</p>
+
+<p>Who can tell if this promise decided the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span>doctor? At any rate he
+answered with a smile: "Then I surely must go, Clara, for you will get
+fat and strong, as we both want to see you. Have you settled yet when
+I must go?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you had better go tomorrow morning, doctor," Clara urged.</p>
+
+<p>"She is right," the father assented; "the sun is shining and you must
+not lose any more glorious days on the Alp."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor had to laugh. "Why don't you chide me for being here still?
+I shall go as quickly as I can, Sesemann."</p>
+
+<p>Clara gave many messages to him for Heidi. She also told him to be
+sure to observe everything closely, so that he would be able to tell
+her all about it when he came back. The things for Heidi were to be
+sent to him later, for Miss Rottenmeier, who had to pack them, was out
+on one of her lengthy wanderings about town.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor promised to comply with all Clara's wishes and to start the
+following day.</p>
+
+<p>Clara rang for the maid and said to her, when she arrived: "Please,
+Tinette, pack a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span>lot of fresh, soft coffee-cake in this box." A box
+had been ready for this purpose many days. When the maid was leaving
+the room she murmured: "That's a silly bother!"</p>
+
+<p>Sebastian, who had happened to overhear some remarks, asked the
+physician when he was leaving to take his regards to the little Miss,
+as he called Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>With a promise to deliver this message the doctor was just hastening
+out, when he encountered an obstacle. Miss Rottenmeier, who had been
+obliged to return from her walk on account of the strong wind, was
+just coming in. She wore a large cape, which the wind was blowing
+about her like two full sails. Both had retreated politely to give way
+to each other. Suddenly the wind seemed to carry the housekeeper
+straight towards the doctor, who had barely time to avoid her. This
+little incident, which had ruffled Miss Rottenmeier's temper very
+much, gave the doctor occasion to soothe her, as she liked to be
+soothed by this man, whom she respected more than <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>anybody in the
+world. Telling her of his intended visit, he entreated her to pack the
+things for Heidi as only she knew how.</p>
+
+<p>Clara had expected some resistance from Miss Rottenmeier about the
+packing of her presents. What was her surprise when this lady showed
+herself most obliging, and immediately, on being told, brought
+together all the articles! First came a heavy coat for Heidi, with a
+hood, which Clara meant her to use on visits to the grandmother in the
+winter. Then came a thick warm shawl and a large box with coffee-cake
+for the grandmother. An enormous sausage for Peter's mother followed,
+and a little sack of tobacco for the grandfather. At last a lot of
+mysterious little parcels and boxes were packed, things that Clara had
+gathered together for Heidi. When the tidy pack lay ready on the
+ground, Clara's heart filled with pleasure at the thought of her
+little friend's delight.</p>
+
+<p>Sebastian now entered, and putting the pack on his shoulder, carried
+it to the doctor's house without delay.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XVI" id="XVI"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XVI<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>A GUEST ON THE ALP</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockl4">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/t2.jpg" alt="T" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />he early dawn was tinging the mountains and a fresh morning-breeze
+rocked the old fir-trees to and fro. Heidi opened her eyes, for the
+rustling of the wind had awakened her. These sounds always thrilled
+her heart, and now they drew her out of bed. Rising hurriedly, she
+soon was neatly dressed and combed.</p>
+
+<p>Coming down the little ladder and finding the grandfather's bed empty,
+she ran outside. The old man was looking up at the sky to see what the
+weather was going to be like that day. Rosy clouds were passing
+overhead, but gradually the sky grew more blue and deep, and soon a
+golden light passed over the heights, for the sun was rising in all
+his glory.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>"Oh, how lovely! Good-morning, grandfather," Heidi exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"Are your eyes bright already?" the grandfather retorted, holding out
+his hand.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi then ran over to her beloved fir-trees and danced about, while
+the wind was howling in the branches.</p>
+
+<p>After the old man had washed and milked the goats, he brought them out
+of the shed. When Heidi saw her friends again, she caressed them
+tenderly, and they in their turn nearly crushed her between them.
+Sometimes when B&auml;rli got too wild, Heidi would say: "But B&auml;rli, you
+push me like the Big Turk," and that was enough to quiet the goat.</p>
+
+<p>Soon Peter arrived with the whole herd, the jolly Thistlefinch ahead
+of all the others. Heidi, being soon in the mist of them, was pushed
+about among them. Peter was anxious to say a word to the little girl,
+so he gave a shrill whistle, urging the goats to climb ahead. When he
+was near her he said reproachfully: "You really might come with me
+to-day!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>"No, I can't, Peter," said Heidi. "They might come from Frankfurt any
+time. I must be home when they come."</p>
+
+<p>"How often you have said that," grumbled the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"But I mean it," replied Heidi. "Do you really think I want to be away
+when they come from Frankfurt? Do you really think that, Peter?"</p>
+
+<p>"They could come to uncle," Peter growled.</p>
+
+<p>Then the grandfather's strong voice was heard: "Why doesn't the army
+go forward? Is it the field-marshal's fault, or the fault of the
+troop?"</p>
+
+<p>Peter immediately turned about and led his goats up the mountain
+without more ado.</p>
+
+<p>Since Heidi had come home again to her grandfather she did many things
+that had never occurred to her before. For instance, she would make
+her bed every morning, and run about the hut, tidying and dusting.
+With an old rag she would rub the chairs <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>and table till they all
+shone, and the grandfather would exclaim: "It is always Sunday with us
+now; Heidi has not been away in vain."</p>
+
+<p>On this day after breakfast, when Heidi began her self-imposed task,
+it took her longer than usual, for the weather was too glorious to
+stay within. Over and over again a bright sunbeam would tempt the busy
+child outside. How could she stay indoors, when the glistening
+sunshine was pouring down and all the mountains seemed to glow? She
+had to sit down on the dry, hard ground and look down into the valley
+and all about her. Then, suddenly remembering her little duties, she
+would hasten back. It was not long, though, till the roaring fir-trees
+tempted her again. The grandfather had been busy in his little shop,
+merely glancing over at the child from time to time. Suddenly he heard
+her call: "Oh grandfather, come!"</p>
+
+<p>He was frightened and came out quickly He saw her running down the
+hill crying: <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span>"They are coming, they are coming. Oh, the doctor is
+coming first."</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep211" id="imagep211"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep211.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep211.jpg" width="73%" alt="THEY ARE COMING, OH, THE DOCTOR IS COMING FIRST" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">THEY ARE COMING, OH, THE DOCTOR IS COMING FIRST<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>When Heidi at last reached her old friend, he held out his hand, which
+Heidi immediately seized. In the full joy of her heart, she exclaimed:
+"How do you do, doctor? And I thank you a thousand times!"</p>
+
+<p>"How are you, Heidi? But what are you thanking me for already?" the
+doctor asked, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Because you let me come home again," the child explained.</p>
+
+<p>The gentleman's face lit up like sunshine. He had certainly not
+counted on such a reception on the Alp. On the contrary! Not even
+noticing all the beauty around him, he had climbed up sadly, for he
+was sure that Heidi probably would not know him any more. He thought
+that he would be far from welcome, being obliged to cause her a great
+disappointment. Instead, he beheld Heidi's bright eyes looking up at
+him in gratefulness and love. She was still holding his arm, when he
+said: "Come now, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>Heidi, and take me to your grandfather, for I want
+to see where you live."</p>
+
+<p>Like a kind father he had taken her hand, but Heidi stood still and
+looked down the mountain-side.</p>
+
+<p>"But where are Clara and grandmama?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Child, I must tell you something now which will grieve you as much as
+it grieves me," replied the doctor. "I had to come alone, for Clara
+has been very ill and could not travel. Of course grandmama has not
+come either; but the spring will soon be here, and when the days get
+long and warm, they will surely visit you."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi was perfectly amazed; she could not understand how all those
+things that she had pictured to herself so clearly would not happen
+after all. She was standing perfectly motionless, confused by the
+blow.</p>
+
+<p>It was some time before Heidi remembered that, after all, she had come
+down to meet the doctor. Looking up at her friend, she was struck by
+his sad and cheerless face. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>How changed he was since she had seen
+him! She did not like to see people unhappy, least of all the good,
+kind doctor. He must be sad because Clara and grandmama had not come,
+and to console him she said: "Oh, it won't last long till spring comes
+again; then they will come for sure; they'll be able to stay much
+longer then, and that will please Clara. Now we'll go to grandfather."</p>
+
+<p>Hand in hand she climbed up with her old friend. All the way she tried
+to cheer him up by telling him again and again of the coming summer
+days. After they had reached the cottage, she called out to her
+grandfather quite happily:</p>
+
+<p>"They are not here yet, but it won't be very long before they are
+coming!"</p>
+
+<p>The grandfather warmly welcomed his guest, who did not seem at all a
+stranger, for had not Heidi told him many things about the doctor?
+They all three sat down on the bench before the door, and the doctor
+told of the object of his visit. He <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>whispered to the child that
+something was coming up the mountain very soon which would bring her
+more pleasure than his visit. What could it be?</p>
+
+<p>The uncle advised the doctor to spend the splendid days of autumn on
+the Alp, if possible, and to take a little room in the village instead
+of in Ragatz; then he could easily walk up every day to the hut, and
+from there the uncle could take him all around the mountains. This
+plan was accepted.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was in its zenith and the wind had ceased. Only a soft
+delicious breeze fanned the cheeks of all.</p>
+
+<p>The uncle now got up and went into the hut, returning soon with a
+table and their dinner.</p>
+
+<p>"Go in, Heidi, and set the table here. I hope you will excuse our
+simple meal," he said, turning to his guest.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall gladly accept this delightful invitation; I am sure that
+dinner will taste good up here," said the guest, looking down over the
+sun-bathed valley.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>Heidi was running to and fro, for it gave her great joy to be able to
+wait on her kind protector. Soon the uncle appeared with the steaming
+milk, the toasted cheese, and the finely-sliced, rosy meat that had
+been dried in the pure air. The doctor enjoyed his dinner better than
+any he had ever tasted.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we must send Clara up here. How she could gather strength!" he
+said; "If she would have an appetite like mine to-day, she couldn't
+help getting nice and fat."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a man could be seen walking up with a large sack on his
+shoulders. Arriving on top, he threw down his load, breathing in the
+pure, fresh air.</p>
+
+<p>Opening the cover, the doctor said: "This has come for you from
+Frankfurt, Heidi. Come and look what is in it."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi timidly watched the heap, and only when the gentleman opened the
+box with the cakes for the grandmother she said joyfully: "Oh, now
+grandmother can eat this lovely cake." She was taking the box and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>the
+beautiful shawl on her arm and was going to race down to deliver the
+gifts, when the men persuaded her to stay and unpack the rest. What
+was her delight at finding the tobacco and all the other things. The
+men had been talking together, when the child suddenly planted herself
+in front of them and said: "These things have not given me as much
+pleasure as the dear doctor's coming." Both men smiled.</p>
+
+<p>When it was near sunset, the doctor rose to start on his way down. The
+grandfather, carrying the box, the shawl and the sausage, and the
+guest holding the little girl by the hand, they wandered down the
+mountain-side. When they reached Peter's hut, Heidi was told to go
+inside and wait for her grandfather there. At parting she asked:
+"Would you like to come with me up to the pasture to-morrow, doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"With pleasure. Good-bye, Heidi," was the reply. The grandfather had
+deposited all the presents before the door, and it took Heidi long to
+carry in the huge box and the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>sausage. The shawl she put on the
+grandmother's knee.</p>
+
+<p>Brigida had silently watched the proceedings, and could not open her
+eyes wide enough when she saw the enormous sausage. Never in her life
+had she seen the like, and now she really possessed it and could cut
+it herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh grandmother, don't the cakes please you awfully? Just look how
+soft they are!" the child exclaimed. What was her amazement when she
+saw the grandmother more pleased with the shawl, which would keep her
+warm in winter.</p>
+
+<p>"Grandmother, Clara has sent you that," Heidi said.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what kind good people they are to think of a poor old woman like
+me! I never thought I should ever own such a splendid wrap."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Peter came stumbling in.</p>
+
+<p>"The uncle is coming up behind me, and Heidi must&mdash;" that was as far
+as he got, for his eyes had fastened on the sausage. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>Heidi, however,
+had already said good-bye, for she knew what he had meant. Though her
+uncle never went by the hut any more without stepping in, she knew it
+was too late to-day. "Heidi, come, you must get your sleep," he called
+through the open door. Bidding them all good-night, he took Heidi by
+the hand and under the glistening stars they wandered home to their
+peaceful cottage.</p>
+
+<div class="img">
+<img border="0" src="images/end2.jpg" width="25%" alt="chapter end art" /><br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XVII" id="XVII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XVII<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>RETALIATION</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockr5">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/e.jpg" alt="E" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />arly the next morning the doctor climbed up the mountain in company
+with Peter and his goats. The friendly gentleman made several attempts
+to start a conversation with the boy, but as answer to his questions
+he got nothing more than monosyllables. When they arrived on top, they
+found Heidi already waiting, fresh and rosy as the early dawn.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you coming?" asked Peter as usual.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I shall, if the doctor comes with us," replied the child.</p>
+
+<p>The grandfather, coming out of the hut, greeted the newcomer with
+great respect. Then he went up to Peter, and hung on his shoulder the
+sack, which seemed to contain more than usual that day.</p>
+
+<p>When they had started on their way, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>Heidi kept urging forward the
+goats, which were crowding about her. When at last she was walking
+peacefully by the doctor's side, she began to relate to him many
+things about the goats and all their strange pranks, and about the
+flowers, rocks and birds they saw. When they arrived at their
+destination, time seemed to have flown. Peter all the time was sending
+many an angry glance at the unconscious doctor, who never even noticed
+it.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi now took the doctor to her favorite spot. From there they could
+hear the peaceful-sounding bells of the grazing cattle below. The sky
+was deep blue, and above their heads the eagle was circling with
+outstretched wings. Everything was luminous and bright about them, but
+the doctor had been silent. Suddenly looking up, he beheld Heidi's
+radiant eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Heidi, it is beautiful up here," he said. "But how can anybody with a
+heavy heart enjoy the beauty? Tell me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," exclaimed Heidi, "one never has <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span>a sad heart here. One only gets
+unhappy in Frankfurt."</p>
+
+<p>A faint smile passed over the doctor's face. Then he began: "But if
+somebody has brought his sorrow away with him, how would you comfort
+him?"</p>
+
+<p>"God in Heaven alone can help him."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true, child," remarked the doctor. "But what can we do when
+God Himself has sent us the affliction?"</p>
+
+<p>After meditating a moment, Heidi replied: "One must wait patiently,
+for God knows how to turn the saddest things to something happy in the
+end. God will show us what He has meant to do for us. But He will only
+do so if we pray to Him patiently."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you will always keep this beautiful belief, Heidi," said the
+doctor. Then looking up at the mighty cliffs above, he continued:
+"Think how sad it would make us not to be able to see all these
+beautiful things. Wouldn't that make us doubly sad? Can you understand
+me, child?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>A great pain shot through Heidi's breast. She had to think of the poor
+grandmother. Her blindness was always a great sorrow to the child, and
+she had been struck with it anew. Seriously she replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, I can understand it. But then we can read grandmother's
+songs; they make us happy and bright again."</p>
+
+<p>"Which songs, Heidi?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, those of the sun, and of the beautiful garden, and then the last
+verses of the long one. Grandmother loves them so that I always have
+to read them over three times," said Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you would say them to me, child, for I should like to hear
+them," said the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi, folding her hands, began the consoling verses. She stopped
+suddenly, however, for the doctor did not seem to listen. He was
+sitting motionless, holding his hand before his eyes. Thinking that he
+had fallen asleep, she remained silent. But the verses had recalled
+his childhood days; he seemed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>to hear his mother and see her loving
+eyes, for when he was a little boy she had sung this song to him. A
+long time he sat there, till he discovered that Heidi was watching
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"Heidi, your song was lovely," he said with a more joyful voice. "We
+must come here another day and then you can recite it to me again."</p>
+
+<p>During all this time Peter had been boiling with anger. Now that Heidi
+had come again to the pasture with him, she did nothing but talk to
+the old gentleman. It made him very cross that he was not even able to
+get near her. Standing a little distance behind Heidi's friend, he
+shook his fist at him, and soon afterwards both fists, finally raising
+them up to the sky, as Heidi and the doctor remained together.</p>
+
+<p>When the sun stood in its zenith and Peter knew that it was noon, he
+called over to them with all his might: "Time to eat."</p>
+
+<p>When Heidi was getting up to fetch their dinner, the doctor just asked
+for a glass of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>milk, which was all he wanted. The child also decided
+to make the milk her sole repast, running over to Peter and informing
+him of their resolution.</p>
+
+<p>When the boy found that the whole contents of the bag was his, he
+hurried with his task as never in his life before. But he felt guilty
+on account of his former anger at the kind gentleman. To show his
+repentance he held his hands up flat to the sky, indicating by his
+action that his fists did not mean anything any more. Only after that
+did he start with his feast.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi and the doctor had wandered about the pasture till the gentleman
+had found it time to go. He wanted Heidi to remain where she was, but
+she insisted on accompanying him. All the way down she showed him many
+places where the pretty mountain flowers grew, all of whose names she
+could tell him. When they parted at last, Heidi waved to him. From
+time to time he turned about, and seeing the child still standing
+there, he had to think of his own <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span>little daughter who used to wave to
+him like that when he went away from home.</p>
+
+<p>The weather was warm and sunny that month. Every morning the doctor
+came up to the Alp, spending his day very often with the old man. Many
+a climb they had together that took them far up, to the bare cliffs
+near the eagle's haunt. The uncle would show his guest all the herbs
+that grew on hidden places and were strengthening and healing. He
+could tell many strange things of the beasts that lived in holes in
+rock or earth, or in the high tops of trees.</p>
+
+<p>In the evening they would part, and the doctor would exclaim: "My dear
+friend, I never leave you without having learned something."</p>
+
+<p>But most of his days he spent with Heidi. Then the two would sit
+together on the child's favorite spot, and Peter, quite subdued,
+behind them. Heidi had to recite the verses, as she had done the first
+day, and entertain him with all the things she knew.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>At last the beautiful month of September was over. One morning the
+doctor came up with a sadder face than usual. The time had come for
+him to go back to Frankfurt, and great was the uncle's sadness at that
+news. Heidi herself could hardly realize that her loving friend, whom
+she had been seeing every day, was really leaving. The doctor himself
+was loath to go, for the Alp had become as a home to him. But it was
+necessary for him to go, and shaking hands with the grandfather, he
+said good-bye, Heidi going along with him a little way.</p>
+
+<p>Hand in hand they wandered down, till the doctor stood still. Then
+caressing Heidi's curly hair, he said: "Now I must go, Heidi! I wish I
+could take you along with me to Frankfurt; then I could keep you."</p>
+
+<p>At those words, all the rows and rows of houses and streets, Miss
+Rottenmeier and Tinette rose before Heidi's eyes. Hesitating a little,
+she said: "I should like it better if you would come to see us again."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe that will be better. Now <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>farewell!" said the friendly
+gentleman. When they shook hands his eyes filled with tears. Turning
+quickly he hurried off.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi, standing on the same spot, looked after him. What kind eyes he
+had! But they had been full of tears. All of a sudden she began to cry
+bitterly, and ran after her friend, calling with all her might, but
+interrupted by her sobs:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh doctor, doctor!"</p>
+
+<p>Looking round he stood still and waited till the child had reached
+him. Her tears came rolling down her cheeks while she sobbed: "I'll
+come with you to Frankfurt and I'll stay as long as ever you want me
+to. But first I must see grandfather."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, dear child," he said affectionately, "not at once. You must
+remain here, I don't want you to get ill again. But if I should get
+sick and lonely and ask you to come to me, would you come and stay
+with me? Can I go away and think that somebody in this world still
+cares for me and loves me?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span>"Yes, I shall come to you the same day, for I really love you as much
+as grandfather," Heidi assured him, crying all the time.</p>
+
+<p>Shaking hands again, they parted. Heidi stayed on the same spot,
+waving her hand and looking after her departing friend till he seemed
+no bigger than a little dot. Then he looked back a last time at Heidi
+and the sunny Alp, muttering to himself: "It is beautiful up there.
+Body and soul get strengthened in that place and life seems worth
+living again."</p>
+
+<div class="img">
+<img border="0" src="images/end1.jpg" width="35%" alt="chapter end art" /><br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XVIII" id="XVIII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XVIII<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>WINTER IN THE VILLAGE</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockl6">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/t1.jpg" alt="T" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />he snow lay so deep around the Alm-hut that the windows seemed to
+stand level with the ground and the house-door had entirely
+disappeared. Round Peter's hut it was the same. When the boy went out
+to shovel the snow, he had to creep through the window; then he would
+sink deep into the soft snow and kick with arms and legs to get free.
+Taking a broom, the boy would have to clear away the snow from the
+door to prevent its falling into the hut.</p>
+
+<p>The uncle had kept his word; when the first snow had fallen, he had
+moved down to the village with Heidi and his goats. Near the church
+and the parish house lay an old ruin that once had been a spacious
+building. A brave soldier had lived there in days gone by; he had
+fought in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span>Spanish war, and coming back with many riches, had
+built himself a splendid house. But having lived too long in the noisy
+world to be able to stand the monotonous life in the little town, he
+soon went away, never to come back. After his death, many years later,
+though the house was already beginning to decay, a distant relation of
+his took possession of it. The new proprietor did not want to build it
+up again, so poor people moved in. They had to pay little rent for the
+house, which was gradually crumbling and falling to pieces. Years ago,
+when the uncle had come to the village with Tobias, he had lived
+there. Most of the time it had been empty, for the winter lasted long,
+and cold winds would blow through the chinks in the walls. When poor
+people lived there, their candles would be blown out and they would
+shiver with cold in the dark. But the uncle, had known how to help
+himself. In the fall, as soon as he had resolved to live in the
+village, he came down frequently, fitting up the place as best he
+could.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>On approaching the house from the back, one entered an open room,
+where nearly all the walls lay in ruins. On one side the remains of a
+chapel could be seen, now covered with the thickest ivy. A large hall
+came next, with a beautiful stone floor and grass growing in the
+crevices. Most of the walls were gone and part of the ceiling also. If
+a few thick pillars had not been left supporting the rest, it would
+undoubtedly have tumbled down. The uncle had made a wooden partition
+here for the goats, and covered the floor with straw. Several
+corridors, most of them half decayed, led finally to a chamber with a
+heavy iron door. This room was still in good condition and had dark
+wood panelling on the four firm walls. In one corner was an enormous
+stove, which nearly reached up to the ceiling. On the white tiles were
+painted blue pictures of old towers surrounded by high trees, and of
+hunters with their hounds. There also was a scene with a quiet lake,
+where, under shady oak-trees, a fisherman <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>was sitting. Around the
+stove a bench was placed. Heidi loved to sit there, and as soon as she
+had entered their new abode, she began to examine the pictures.
+Arriving at the end of the bench, she discovered a bed, which was
+placed between the wall and the stove. "Oh grandfather, I have found
+my bed-room," exclaimed the little girl. "Oh, how fine it is! Where
+are you going to sleep?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your bed must be near the stove, to keep you warm," said the old man.
+"Now come and look at mine."</p>
+
+<p>With that the grandfather led her into his bed-room. From there a door
+led into the hugest kitchen Heidi had ever seen. With a great deal of
+trouble the grandfather had fitted up this place. Many boards were
+nailed across the walls and the door had been fastened with heavy
+wires, for beyond, the building lay in ruins. Thick underbrush was
+growing there, sheltering thousands of insects and lizards. Heidi was
+delighted with her new home, and when Peter <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>arrived next day, she did
+not rest till he had seen every nook and corner of the curious
+dwelling-place.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi slept very well in her chimney corner, but it took her many days
+to get accustomed to it. When she woke up in the morning and could not
+hear the fir-trees roar, she would wonder where she was. Was the snow
+too heavy on the branches? Was she away from home? But as soon as she
+heard her grandfather's voice outside, she remembered everything and
+would jump merrily out of bed.</p>
+
+<p>After four days had gone by, Heidi said to her grandfather: "I must go
+to grandmother now, she has been alone so many days."</p>
+
+<p>But the grandfather shook his head and said: "You can't go yet, child.
+The snow is fathoms deep up there and is still falling. Peter can
+hardly get through. A little girl like you would be snowed up and lost
+in no time. Wait a while till it freezes and then you can walk on top
+of the crust."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>Heidi was very sorry, but she was so busy now that the days flew by.
+Every morning and afternoon she went to school, eagerly learning
+whatever was taught her. She hardly ever saw Peter there, for he did
+not come very often. The mild teacher would only say from time to
+time: "It seems to me, Peter is not here again! School would do him
+good, but I guess there is too much snow for him to get through." But
+when Heidi came home towards evening, Peter generally paid her a
+visit.</p>
+
+<p>After a few days the sun came out for a short time at noon, and the
+next morning the whole Alp glistened and shone like crystal. When
+Peter was jumping as usual into the snow that morning, he fell against
+something hard, and before he could stop himself he flew a little way
+down the mountain. When he had gained his feet at last, he stamped
+upon the ground with all his might. It really was frozen as hard as
+stone. Peter could hardly believe it, and quickly running up and
+swallowing his milk, and putting <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span>his bread in his pocket, he
+announced: "I must go to school to-day!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, go and learn nicely," answered his mother.</p>
+
+<p>Then, sitting down on his sled, the boy coasted down the mountain like
+a shot. Not being able to stop his course when he reached the village,
+he coasted down further and further, till he arrived in the plain,
+where the sled stopped of itself. It was already late for school, so
+the boy took his time and only arrived in the village when Heidi came
+home for dinner.</p>
+
+<p>"We've got it!" announced the boy, on entering.</p>
+
+<p>"What, general?" asked the uncle.</p>
+
+<p>"The snow," Peter replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, now I can go up to grandmother!" Heidi rejoiced. "But Peter, why
+didn't you come to school? You could coast down to-day," she continued
+reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I went too far on my sled and then it was too late," Peter replied.</p>
+
+<p>"I call that deserting!" said the uncle. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span>"People who do that must
+have their ears pulled; do you hear?"</p>
+
+<p>The boy was frightened, for there was no one in the world whom he
+respected more than the uncle.</p>
+
+<p>"A general like you ought to be doubly ashamed to do so," the uncle
+went on. "What would you do with the goats if they did not obey you
+any more?"</p>
+
+<p>"Beat them," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"If you knew of a boy that was behaving like a disobedient goat and
+had to get spanked, what would you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Serves him right."</p>
+
+<p>"So now you know it, goat-general: if you miss school again, when you
+ought to be there, you can come to me and get your due."</p>
+
+<p>Now at last Peter understood what the uncle had meant. More kindly,
+the old man then turned to Peter and said, "Come to the table now and
+eat with us. Then you can go up with Heidi, and when you bring her
+back at night, you can get your supper here."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>This unexpected change delighted Peter. Not losing any time, he soon
+disposed of his full plate. Heidi, who had given the boy most of her
+dinner, was already putting on Clara's new coat. Then together they
+climbed up, Heidi chatting all the time. But Peter did not say a
+single word. He was preoccupied and had not even listened to Heidi's
+tales. Before they entered the hut, the boy said stubbornly: "I think
+I had rather go to school than get a beating from the uncle." Heidi
+promptly confirmed him in his resolution.</p>
+
+<p>When they went into the room, Peter's mother was alone at the table
+mending. The grandmother was nowhere to be seen. Brigida now told
+Heidi that the grandmother was obliged to stay in bed on those cold
+days, as she did not feel very strong. That was something new for
+Heidi. Quickly running to the old woman's chamber, she found her lying
+in a narrow bed, wrapped up in her grey shawl and thin blanket.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank Heaven!" the grandmother <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span>exclaimed when she heard her
+darling's step. All autumn and winter long a secret fear had been
+gnawing at her heart, that Heidi would be sent for by the strange
+gentleman of whom Peter had told her so much. Heidi had approached the
+bed, asking anxiously: "Are you very sick, grandmother?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, child," the old woman reassured her, "the frost has just gone
+into my limbs a little."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you going to be well again as soon as the warm weather comes?"
+inquired Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, and if God wills, even sooner. I want to go back to my
+spinning-wheel and I nearly tried it to-day. I'll get up to-morrow,
+though," the grandmother said confidently, for she had noticed how
+frightened Heidi was.</p>
+
+<p>The last speech made the child feel more happy. Then, looking
+wonderingly at the grandmother, she said: "In Frankfurt people put on
+a shawl when they go out. Why are you putting it on in bed,
+grandmother?"</p>
+
+<p>"I put it on to keep me warm, Heidi. I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>am glad to have it, for my
+blanket is very thin."</p>
+
+<p>"But, grandmother, your bed is slanting down at your head, where it
+ought to be high. No bed ought to be like that."</p>
+
+<p>"I know, child, I can feel it well." So saying, the old woman tried to
+change her position on the pillow that lay under her like a thin
+board. "My pillow never was very thick, and sleeping on it all these
+years has made it flat."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh dear, if I had only asked Clara to give me the bed I had in
+Frankfurt!" Heidi lamented. "It had three big pillows on it; I could
+hardly sleep because I kept sliding down from them all the time. Could
+you sleep with them, grandmother?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, because that would keep me warm. I could breathe so much
+easier, too," said the grandmother, trying to find a higher place to
+lie on. "But I must not talk about it any more, for I have to be
+thankful for many things. I get the lovely roll every day and have
+this beautiful warm shawl. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>I also have you, my child! Heidi, wouldn't
+you like to read me something to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi immediately fetched the book and read one song after another.
+The grandmother in the meantime was lying with folded hands; her face,
+which had been so sad a short time ago, was lit up with a happy smile.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Heidi stopped.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you well again, grandmother?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I feel very much better, Heidi. Please finish the song, will you?"</p>
+
+<p>The child obeyed, and when she came to the last words,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">When mine eyes grow dim and sad,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Let Thy love more brightly burn,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That my soul, a wanderer glad,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Safely homeward may return.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Safely homeward may return!" she exclaimed: "Oh, grandmother, I know
+what it is like to come home." After a while she said: "It is getting
+dark, grandmother, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>I must go home now. I am glad that you feel
+better again."</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep241" id="imagep241"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep241.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep241.jpg" width="73%" alt="THE TWO CHILDREN WERE ALREADY FLYING DOWN THE ALP" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">THE TWO CHILDREN WERE ALREADY FLYING DOWN THE ALP<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The grandmother, holding the child's hand in hers, said: "Yes, I am
+happy again, though I have to stay in bed. Nobody knows how hard it is
+to lie here alone, day after day. I do not hear a word from anybody
+and cannot see a ray of sunlight. I have very sad thoughts sometimes,
+and often I feel as if I could not bear it any longer. But when I can
+hear those blessed songs that you have read to me, it makes me feel as
+if a light was shining into my heart, giving me the purest joy."</p>
+
+<p>Shaking hands, the child now said good-night, and pulling Peter with
+her, ran outside. The brilliant moon was shining down on the white
+snow, light as day. The two children were already flying down the Alp,
+like birds soaring through the air.</p>
+
+<p>After Heidi had gone to bed that night, she lay awake a little while,
+thinking over everything the grandmother had said, especially about
+the joy the songs had given <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>her. If only poor grandmother could hear
+those comforting words every day! Heidi knew that it might be a week
+or two again before she could repeat her visit. The child became very
+sad when she thought how uncomfortable and lonely the old woman would
+be. Was there no way for help? Suddenly Heidi had an idea, and it
+thrilled her so that she felt as if she could not wait till morning
+came to put her plan in execution. But in her excitement she had
+forgotten her evening prayer, so sitting up in bed, she prayed
+fervently to God. Then, falling back into the fragrant hay, she soon
+slept peacefully and soundly still the bright morning came.</p>
+
+<div class="img">
+<img border="0" src="images/end3.jpg" width="35%" alt="chapter end art" /><br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XIX" id="XIX"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XIX<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>WINTER STILL CONTINUES</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockr7">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/p.jpg" alt="P" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />eter arrived punctually at school next day. He had brought his lunch
+with him in a bag, for all the children that came from far away ate in
+school, while the others went home. In the evening Peter as usual paid
+his visit to Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>The minute he opened the door she ran up to him, saying: "Peter, I
+have to tell you something."</p>
+
+<p>"Say it," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"You must learn to read now," said the child.</p>
+
+<p>"I have done it already."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, Peter, but I don't mean it that way," Heidi eagerly
+proceeded; "you must learn so that you really know how afterwards."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>"I can't," Peter remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody believes you about that any more, and I won't either," Heidi
+said resolutely. "When I was in Frankfurt, grandmama told me that it
+wasn't true and that I shouldn't believe you."</p>
+
+<p>Peter's astonishment was great.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll teach you, for I know how; when you have learnt it, you must
+read one or two songs to grandmother every day."</p>
+
+<p>"I shan't!" grumbled the boy.</p>
+
+<p>This obstinate refusal made Heidi very angry. With flaming eyes she
+planted herself before the boy and said: "I'll tell you what will
+happen, if you don't want to learn. Your mother has often said that
+she'll send you to Frankfurt. Clara showed me the terrible, large
+boys' school there, where you'll have to go. You must stay there till
+you are a man, Peter! You mustn't think that there is only one teacher
+there, and such a kind one as we have here. No, indeed! There are
+whole rows of them, and when they are out walking they have high
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>black hats on their heads. I saw them myself, when I was out driving!"</p>
+
+<p>Cold shivers ran down Peter's back.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you'll have to go there, and when they find out that you can't
+read or even spell, they'll laugh at you!"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do it," said Peter, half angry and half frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I am glad. Let us start right away!" said Heidi joyfully, pulling
+Peter over to the table. Among the things that Clara had sent, Heidi
+had found a little book with the A,B,C and some rhymes. She had chosen
+this for the lessons. Peter, having to spell the first rhyme, found
+great difficulty, so Heidi said, "I'll read it to you, and then you'll
+be able to do it better. Listen:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"If A, B, C you do not know,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Before the school board you must go."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"I won't go," said Peter stubbornly.</p>
+
+<p>"Where?"</p>
+
+<p>"Before the court."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span>"Hurry up and learn the three letters, then you won't have to!"</p>
+
+<p>Peter, beginning again, repeated the three letters till Heidi said:</p>
+
+<p>"Now you know them."</p>
+
+<p>Having observed the good result of the first rhyme, she began to read
+again:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">D, E, F you then must read,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Or of misfortune take good heed!<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">If H,I,J,K are forgot,
+<span class="i0">Adversity is on the spot
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Who over L and M doth stumble,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Must pay a penance and feel humble.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">There's trouble coming; if you knew,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You'd quickly learn N, O, P, Q.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">If still you halt on R, S, T,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You'll suffer for it speedily.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Heidi, stopping, looked at Peter, who was so frightened by all these
+threats and mysterious horrors that he sat as still as a mouse.
+Heidi's tender heart was touched, and she said comfortingly: "Don't be
+afraid, Peter; if you come to me every day, you'll soon learn all the
+letters and then those things <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>won't happen. But come every day, even
+when it snows. Promise!"</p>
+
+<p>Peter did so, and departed. Obeying Heidi's instructions, he came
+daily to her for his lesson.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes the grandfather would sit in the room, smoking his pipe;
+often the corners of his mouth would twitch as if he could hardly keep
+from laughing.</p>
+
+<p>He generally invited Peter to stay to supper afterwards, which
+liberally rewarded the boy for all his great exertions.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the days passed by. In all this time Peter had really made some
+progress, though the rhymes still gave him difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>When they had come to U, Heidi read:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Whoever mixes U and V,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Will go where he won't want to be!<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="noin">and further,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">If W you still ignore,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Look at the rod beside the door.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Often Peter would growl and object to those measures, but nevertheless
+he kept on learning, and soon had but three letters left.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>The next few days the following rhymes, with their threats, made Peter
+more eager than ever.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">If you the letter X forget<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">For you no supper will be set.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">If you still hesitate with Y,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For shame you'll run away and cry.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="noin">When Heidi read the last,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And he who makes his Z with blots,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Must journey to the Hottentots,<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="noin">Peter sneered: "Nobody even knows where they are!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure grandfather does," Heidi retorted, jumping up. "Just wait
+one minute and I shall ask him. He is over with the parson," and with
+that she had opened the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait!" shrieked Peter in great alarm, for he saw himself already
+transported to those dreadful people. "What is the matter with you?"
+said Heidi, standing still.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, but stay here. I'll learn," he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>blubbered. But Heidi,
+wanting to know something about the Hottentots herself, could only be
+kept back by piteous screams from Peter. So at last they settled down
+again, and before it was time to go, Peter knew the last letter, and
+had even begun to read syllables. From this day on he progressed more
+quickly.</p>
+
+<p>It was three weeks since Heidi had paid her last visit to the
+grandmother, for much snow had fallen since. One evening, Peter,
+coming home, said triumphantly:</p>
+
+<p>"I can do it!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is it you can do, Peter?" asked his mother, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Read."</p>
+
+<p>"What, is it possible? Did you hear it, grandmother?" exclaimed
+Brigida.</p>
+
+<p>The grandmother also was curious to learn how this had happened.</p>
+
+<p>"I must read a song now; Heidi told me to," Peter continued. To the
+women's amazement, Peter began. After every verse his mother would
+exclaim, "Who would <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>have ever thought it!" while the grandmother
+remained silent.</p>
+
+<p>One day later, when it happened that it was Peter's turn to read in
+school, the teacher said:</p>
+
+<p>"Peter, must I pass you by again, as usual? Or do you want to try&mdash;I
+shall not say to read, but to stammer through a line?"</p>
+
+<p>Peter began and read three lines without stopping.</p>
+
+<p>In dumb astonishment, the teacher, putting down his book, looked at
+the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"What miracle has happened to you?" he exclaimed. "For a long time I
+tried to teach you with all my patience, and you were not even able to
+grasp the letters, but now that I had given you up as hopeless, you
+have not only learnt how to spell, but even to read. How did this
+happen, Peter?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was Heidi," the boy replied.</p>
+
+<p>In great amazement, the teacher looked at the little girl. Then the
+kind man continued:</p>
+
+<p>"I have noticed a great change in you, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>Peter. You used to stay away
+from school, sometimes more than a week, and lately you have not even
+missed a day. Who has brought about this change?"</p>
+
+<p>"The uncle."</p>
+
+<p>Every evening now Peter on his return home read one song to his
+grandmother, but never more. To the frequent praises of Brigida, the
+old woman once replied: "I am glad he has learnt something, but
+nevertheless I am longing for the spring to come. Then Heidi can visit
+me, for when she reads, the verses sound so different. I cannot always
+follow Peter, and the songs don't thrill me the way they do when Heidi
+says them!"</p>
+
+<p>And no wonder! For Peter would often leave out long and difficult
+words,&mdash;what did three or four words matter! So it happened sometimes
+that there were hardly any nouns left in the hymns that Peter read.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XX" id="XX"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XX<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockl8">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/m2.jpg" alt="M" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />ay had come. Warm sunshine was bathing the whole Alp in glorious
+light, and having melted the last snow, had brought the first spring
+flowers to the surface. A merry spring wind was blowing, drying up the
+damp places in the shadow. High above in the azure heaven the eagle
+floated peacefully.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi and her grandfather were back on the Alp. The child was so happy
+to be home again that she jumped about among the beloved objects. Here
+she discovered a new spring bud, and there she watched the gay little
+gnats and beetles that were swarming in the sun.</p>
+
+<p>The grandfather was busy in his little shop, and a sound of hammering
+and sawing could be heard. Heidi had to go and see what the
+grandfather was making. There <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>before the door stood a neat new chair,
+while the old man was busy making a second.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know what they are for," said Heidi gaily. "You are making them
+for Clara and grandmama. Oh, but we need a third&mdash;or do you think that
+Miss Rottenmeier won't come, perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>"I really don't know," said grandfather: "but it is safer to have a
+chair for her, if she should come."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi, thoughtfully looking at the backless chairs, remarked:
+"Grandfather, I don't think she would sit down on those."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we must invite her to sit down on the beautiful green lounge of
+grass," quietly answered the old man.</p>
+
+<p>While Heidi was still wondering what the grandfather had meant, Peter
+arrived, whistling and calling. As usual, Heidi was soon surrounded by
+the goats, who also seemed happy to be back on the Alp. Peter, angrily
+pushing the goats aside, marched up to Heidi, thrusting a letter into
+her hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span>"Did you get a letter for me on the pasture?" Heidi said, astonished.</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did it come from?"</p>
+
+<p>"From my bag."</p>
+
+<p>The letter had been given to Peter the previous evening; putting it in
+his lunch-bag, the boy had forgotten it there till he opened the bag
+for his dinner. Heidi immediately recognized Clara's handwriting, and
+bounding over to her grandfather, exclaimed: "A letter has come from
+Clara. Wouldn't you like me to read it to you, grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi immediately read to her two listeners, as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Dear Heidi:&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p>We are all packed up and shall travel in two or three days. Papa
+is leaving, too, but not with us, for he has to go to Paris
+first. The dear doctor visits us now every day, and as soon as
+he opens the door, he calls, 'Away to the Alp!' for he can
+hardly wait for us to go. If you only knew how he enjoyed being
+with you last fall! He came nearly every day this winter to tell
+us <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span>all about you and the grandfather and the mountains and the
+flowers he saw. He said that it was so quiet in the pure,
+delicious air, away from towns and streets, that everybody has
+to get well there. He is much better himself since his visit,
+and seems younger and happier. Oh, how I look forward to it all!
+The doctor's advice is, that I shall go to Ragatz first for
+about six weeks, then I can go to live in the village, and from
+there I shall come to see you every fine day. Grandmama, who is
+coming with me, is looking forward to the trip too. But just
+think, Miss Rottenmeier does not want to go. When grandmama
+urges her, she always declines politely. I think Sebastian must
+have given her such a terrible description of the high rocks and
+fearful abysses, that she is afraid. I think he told her that it
+was not safe for anybody, and that only goats could climb such
+dreadful heights. She used to be so eager to go to Switzerland,
+but now neither Tinette nor she wants to take the risk. I can
+hardly wait to see you again!</p>
+
+<p>Good-bye, dear Heidi, with much love from grandmama,</p>
+
+<p>
+I am your true friend,<br />
+<span class="smcap">Clara.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span>When Peter heard this, he swung his rod to right and left. Furiously
+driving the goats before him, he bounded down the hill.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi visited the grandmother next day, for she had to tell her the
+good news. Sitting up in her corner, the old woman was spinning as
+usual. Her face looked sad, for Peter had already announced the near
+visit of Heidi's friends, and she dreaded the result.</p>
+
+<p>After having poured out her full heart, Heidi looked at the old woman.
+"What is it, grandmother?" said the child. "Are you not glad?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, Heidi, I am glad, because you are happy."</p>
+
+<p>"But, grandmother, you seem so anxious. Do you still think Miss
+Rottenmeier is coming?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, it is nothing. Give me your hand, for I want to be sure that
+you are still here. I suppose it will be for the best, even if I shall
+not live to see the day!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but then I would not care about this coming," said the child.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span>The grandmother had hardly slept all night for thinking of Clara's
+coming. Would they take Heidi away from her, now that she was well and
+strong? But for the sake of the child she resolved to be brave.</p>
+
+<p>"Heidi," she said, "please read me the song that begins with 'God will
+see to it.'"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi immediately did as she was told; she knew nearly all the
+grandmother's favorite hymns by now and always found them quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"That does me good, child," the old woman said. Already the expression
+of her face seemed happier and less troubled. "Please read it a few
+times over, child," she entreated.</p>
+
+<p>Thus evening came, and when Heidi wandered homewards, one twinkling
+star after another appeared in the sky. Heidi stood still every few
+minutes, looking up to the firmament in wonder. When she arrived home,
+her grandfather also was looking up to the stars, murmuring to
+himself: "What a wonderful month!&mdash;one day clearer than <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span>the other.
+The herbs will be fine and strong this year."</p>
+
+<p>The blossom month had passed, and June, with the long, long days, had
+come. Quantities of flowers were blooming everywhere, filling the air
+with perfume. The month was nearing its end, when one morning Heidi
+came running out of the hut, where she had already completed her
+duties. Suddenly she screamed so loud that the grandfather hurriedly
+came out to see what had happened.</p>
+
+<p>"Grandfather! Come here! Look, look!"</p>
+
+<p>A strange procession was winding up the Alm. First marched two men,
+carrying an open sedan chair with a young girl in it, wrapped up in
+many shawls. Then came a stately lady on horseback, who, talking with
+a young guide beside her, looked eagerly right and left. Then an empty
+rolling-chair, carried by a young fellow, was followed by a porter who
+had so many covers, shawls and furs piled up on his basket that they
+towered high above his head.</p>
+
+<p>"They are coming! they are coming!" <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>cried Heidi in her joy, and soon
+the party had arrived at the top. Great was the happiness of the
+children at seeing each other again. When grandmama had descended from
+her horse, she tenderly greeted Heidi first, and then turned to the
+uncle, who had approached the group. The two met like two old friends,
+they had heard so much about each other.</p>
+
+<p>After the first words were exchanged, the grandmother exclaimed: "My
+dear uncle, what a wonderful residence you have. Who would have ever
+thought it! Kings could envy you here! Oh, how well my Heidi is
+looking, just like a little rose!" she continued, drawing the child
+closely to her side and patting her cheeks. "What glory everywhere!
+Clara, what do you say to it all?"</p>
+
+<p>Clara, looking about her rapturously, cried: "Oh, how wonderful, how
+glorious! I have never dreamt it could be as beautiful as that. Oh
+grandmama, I wish I could stay here!"</p>
+
+<p>The uncle had busied himself in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>meantime with getting Clara's
+rolling-chair for her. Then, going up to the girl, he gently lifted
+her into her seat. Putting some covers over her knees, he tucked her
+feet in warmly. It seemed as if the grandfather had done nothing else
+all his life than nurse lame people.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear uncle," said the grandmama, surprised, "please tell me where
+you learned that, for I shall send all the nurses I know here
+immediately."</p>
+
+<p>The uncle smiled faintly, while he replied: "It comes more from care
+than study."</p>
+
+<p>His face became sad. Before his eyes had risen bygone times. For that
+was the way he used to care for his poor wounded captain, whom he had
+found in Sicily after a violent battle. He alone had been allowed to
+nurse him till his death, and now he would take just as good care of
+poor, lame Clara.</p>
+
+<p>When Clara had looked a long time at the cloudless sky above and all
+the rocky crags, she said longingly: "I wish I could walk round the
+hut to the fir-trees. If I only could see all the things you told me
+so much about!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span>Heidi pushed with all her might, and behold! the chair rolled easily
+over the dry grass. When they had come into the little grove, Clara
+could not see her fill of those splendid trees that must have stood
+there so many, many years. Although the people had changed and
+vanished, they had remained the same, ever looking down into the
+valley.</p>
+
+<p>When they passed the empty goat-shed, Clara said pitifully: "Oh
+grandmama, if I could only wait up here for Schw&auml;nli and B&auml;rli! I am
+afraid I shan't see Peter and his goats, if we have to go away so soon
+again."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear child, enjoy now what you can," said the grandmama, who had
+followed.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what wonderful flowers!" exclaimed Clara again; "whole bushes of
+exquisite, red blossoms. Oh, if I could only pick some of those
+bluebells!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi, immediately gathering a large bunch, put them in Clara's lap.</p>
+
+<p>"Clara, this is really nothing in comparison with the many flowers in
+the pasture. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span>You must come up once and see them. There are so many
+that the ground seems golden with them. If you ever sit down among
+them, you will feel as if you could never get up any more, it is so
+beautiful."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, grandmama, do you think I can ever go up there?" Clara asked with
+a wild longing in her eyes. "If I could only walk with you, Heidi, and
+climb round everywhere!"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll push you!" Heidi said for comfort. To show how easy it was, she
+pushed the chair at such a rate that it would have tumbled down the
+mountain, if the grandfather had not stopped it at the last moment.</p>
+
+<p>It was time for dinner now. The table was spread near the bench, and
+soon everybody sat down. The grandmother was so overcome by the view
+and the delicious wind that fanned her cheek that she remarked: "What
+a wondrous place this is! I have never seen its like! But what do I
+see?" she continued. "I think you are actually eating your second
+piece of cheese, Clara?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span>"Oh grandmama, it tastes better than all the things we get in Ragatz,"
+replied the child, eagerly eating the savory dish.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't stop, our mountain wind helps along where the cooking is
+faulty!" contentedly said the old man.</p>
+
+<p>During the meal the uncle and the grandmama had soon got into a lively
+conversation. They seemed to agree on many things, and understood each
+other like old friends. A little later the grandmama looked over to
+the west.</p>
+
+<p>"We must soon start, Clara, for the sun is already low; our guides
+will be here shortly."</p>
+
+<p>Clara's face had become sad, and she entreated: "Oh, please let us
+stay here another hour or so. We haven't even seen the hut yet. I wish
+the day were twice as long."</p>
+
+<p>The grandmama assented to Clara's wish to go inside. When the
+rolling-chair was found too broad for the door, the uncle quietly
+lifted Clara in his strong arms and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span>carried her in. Grandmama was
+eagerly looking about her, glad to see everything so neat. Then going
+up the little ladder to the hay-loft, she discovered Heidi's bed. "Is
+that your bed, Heidi? What a delicious perfume! It must be a healthy
+place to sleep," she said, looking out through the window. The
+grandfather, with Clara, was coming up, too, with Heidi following.</p>
+
+<p>Clara was perfectly entranced. "What a lovely place to sleep! Oh,
+Heidi, you can look right up to the sky from your bed. What a good
+smell! You can hear the fir-trees roar here, can't you? Oh, I never
+saw a more delightful bed-room!"</p>
+
+<p>The uncle, looking at the old lady, said now: "I have an idea that it
+would give Clara new strength to stay up here with us a little while.
+Of course, I only mean if you did not object. You have brought so many
+wraps that we can easily make a soft bed for Clara here. My dear lady,
+you can easily leave the care to me. I'll undertake it gladly."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>The children screamed for joy, and grandmama's face was beaming.</p>
+
+<p>"What a fine man you are!" she burst out. "I was just thinking myself
+that a stay here would strengthen the child, but then I thought of the
+care and trouble for you. And now you have offered to do it, as if it
+was nothing at all. How can I thank you enough, uncle?"</p>
+
+<p>After shaking hands many times, the two prepared Clara's bed, which,
+thanks to the old lady's precautions, was soon so soft that the hay
+could not be felt through at all.</p>
+
+<p>The uncle had carried his new patient back to her rolling-chair, and
+there they found her sitting, with Heidi beside her. They were eagerly
+talking of their plans for the coming weeks. When they were told that
+Clara might stay for a month or so, their faces beamed more than ever.</p>
+
+<p>The guide, with the horse, and the carriers of the chair, now
+appeared, but the last two were not needed any more and could be sent
+away.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span>When the grandmother got ready to leave, Clara called gaily to her:
+"Oh grandmama, it won't be long, for you must often come and see us."</p>
+
+<p>While the uncle was leading the horse down the steep incline, the
+grandmama told him that she would go back to Ragatz, for the D&ouml;rfli
+was too lonely for her. She also promised to come back from time to
+time.</p>
+
+<p>Before the grandfather had returned, Peter came racing down to the hut
+with all his goats. Seeing Heidi, they ran up to her in haste, and so
+Clara made the acquaintance of Schw&auml;nli and B&auml;rli and all the others.</p>
+
+<p>Peter, however, kept away, only sending furious looks at the two
+girls. When they bade him good-night, he only ran away, beating the
+air with his stick.</p>
+
+<p>The end of the joyous day had come. The two children were both lying
+in their beds.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Heidi!" Clara exclaimed, "I can see so many glittering stars, and
+I feel as if we were driving in a high carriage straight into the
+sky."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>"Yes, and do you know why the stars twinkle so merrily?" inquired
+Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"No, but tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"Because they know that God in heaven looks after us mortals and we
+never need to fear. See, they twinkle and show us how to be merry,
+too. But Clara, we must not forget to pray to God and ask Him to think
+of us and keep us safe."</p>
+
+<p>Sitting up in bed, they then said their evening prayer. As soon as
+Heidi lay down, she fell asleep. But Clara could not sleep quite yet,
+it was too wonderful to see the stars from her bed.</p>
+
+<p>In truth she had never seen them before, because in Frankfurt all the
+blinds were always down long before the stars came out, and at night
+she had never been outside the house. She could hardly keep her eyes
+shut, and had to open them again and again to watch the twinkling,
+glistening stars, till her eyes closed at last and she saw two big,
+glittering stars in her dream.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XXI" id="XXI"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XXI<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>OF FURTHER EVENTS ON THE ALP</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockr1">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/t1.jpg" alt="T" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />he sun was just rising, and the Alm-Uncle was watching how mountain
+and dale awoke to the new day, and the clouds above grew brighter.</p>
+
+<p>Next, the old man turned to go back into the hut, and softly climbed
+the ladder. Clara, having just a moment ago opened her eyes, looked
+about her in amazement. Bright sunbeams danced on her bed. Where was
+she? But soon she discovered her sleeping friend, and heard the
+grandfather's cheery voice:</p>
+
+<p>"How did you sleep? Not tired?"</p>
+
+<p>Clara, feeling fresh and rested, said that she had never slept better
+in all her life. Heidi was soon awake, too, and lost no time in coming
+down to join Clara, who was already sitting in the sun.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span>A cool morning breeze fanned their cheeks, and the spicy fragrance
+from the fir-trees filled their lungs with every breath. Clara had
+never experienced such well-being in all her life. She had never
+breathed such pure, cool morning air and never felt such warm,
+delicious sunshine on her feet and hands. It surpassed all her
+expectations.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Heidi, I wish I could always stay up here with you!" she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you can see that everything is as beautiful as I told you," Heidi
+replied triumphantly. "Up on the Alp with grandfather is the loveliest
+spot in all the world."</p>
+
+<p>The grandfather was just coming out of the shed with two full bowls of
+steaming, snow-white milk. Handing one to each of the children, he
+said to Clara: "This will do you good, little girl. It comes from
+Schw&auml;nli and will give you strength. To your health! Just drink it!"
+he said encouragingly, for Clara had hesitated a little. But when she
+saw that Heidi's bowl was nearly empty already, she also drank
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>without even stopping. Oh, how good it was! It tasted like cinnamon
+and sugar.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll take two tomorrow," said the grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>After their breakfast, Peter arrived. While the goats were rushing up
+to Heidi, bleating loudly, the grandfather took the boy aside.</p>
+
+<p>"Just listen, and do what I tell you," he said. "From now on you must
+let Schw&auml;nli go wherever she likes. She knows where to get the richest
+herbs, and you must follow her, even if she should go higher up than
+usual. It won't do you any harm to climb a little more, and will do
+all the others good. I want the goats to give me splendid milk,
+remember. What are you looking at so furiously?"</p>
+
+<p>Peter was silent, and without more ado started off, still angrily
+looking back now and then. As Heidi had followed a little way, Peter
+called to her: "You must come along, Heidi, Schw&auml;nli has to be
+followed everywhere."</p>
+
+<p>"No, but I can't," Heidi called back: "I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span>won't be able to come as
+long as Clara is with me. Grandfather has promised, though, to let us
+come up with you once."</p>
+
+<p>With those words Heidi returned to Clara, while the goatherd was
+hurrying onward, angrily shaking his fists.</p>
+
+<p>The children had promised to write a letter to grandmama every day, so
+they immediately started on their task. Heidi brought out her own
+little three-legged stool, her school-books and her papers, and with
+these on Clara's lap they began to write. Clara stopped after nearly
+every sentence, for she had to look around. Oh, how peaceful it was
+with the little gnats dancing in the sun and the rustling of the
+trees! From time to time they could hear the shouting of a shepherd
+re-echoed from many rocks.</p>
+
+<p>The morning had passed, they knew not how, and dinner was ready. They
+again ate outside, for Clara had to be in the open air all day, if
+possible. The afternoon was spent in the cool shadow of the fir-trees.
+Clara had many things to relate of Frankfurt <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span>and all the people that
+Heidi knew. It was not long before Peter arrived with his flock, but
+without even answering the girls' friendly greeting, he disappeared
+with a grim scowl.</p>
+
+<p>While Schw&auml;nli was being milked in the shed, Clara said:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Heidi, I feel as if I could not wait for my milk. Isn't it funny?
+All my life I have only eaten because I had to. Everything always
+tasted to me like cod-liver oil, and I have often wished that I should
+never have to eat. And now I am so hungry!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, I know," Heidi replied. She had to think of the days in
+Frankfurt when her food seemed to stick in her throat.</p>
+
+<p>When at last the full bowls were brought by the old man, Clara,
+seizing hers, eagerly drank the contents in one draught and even
+finished before Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"Please, may I have a little more?" she asked, holding out the bowl.</p>
+
+<p>Nodding, much pleased, the grandfather soon refilled it. This time he
+also brought with him a slice of bread and butter for the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span>children.
+He had gone to Maiensass that afternoon to get the butter, and his
+trouble was well rewarded: they enjoyed it as if it had been the
+rarest dish.</p>
+
+<p>This evening Clara fell asleep the moment she lay down. Two or three
+days passed in this pleasant way. The next brought a surprise. Two
+strong porters came up the Alp, each carrying on his back a fresh,
+white bed. They also brought a letter from grandmama, in which she
+thanked the children for their faithful writing, and told them that
+the beds were meant for them. When they went to sleep that night, they
+found their new beds in exactly the same position as their former ones
+had been.</p>
+
+<p>Clara's rapture in her new life grew greater every day, and she could
+not write enough of the grandfather's kindly care and of Heidi's
+entertaining stories. She told her grandmama that her first thought in
+the morning always was: "Thank God, I am still in the Alm-hut."</p>
+
+<p>Grandmama was highly pleased at those reports, and put her projected
+visit off a little <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span>while, for she had found the ride pretty tiring.</p>
+
+<p>The grandfather took excellent care of his little patient, and no day
+passed on which he did not climb around to find the most savory herbs
+for Schw&auml;nli. The little goat thrived so that everybody could see it
+in the way her eyes were flashing.</p>
+
+<p>It was the third week of Clara's stay. Every morning after the
+grandfather had carried her down, he said to her: "Would my Clara try
+to stand a little?" Clara always sighed, "Oh, it hurts me so!" but
+though she would cling to him, he made her stand a little longer every
+day.</p>
+
+<p>This summer was the finest that had been for years. Day after day the
+sun shone on a cloudless sky, and at night it would pour its purple,
+rosy light down on the rocks and snow-fields till everything seemed to
+glow like fire.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi had told Clara over and over again of all the flowers on the
+pasture, of the masses of golden roses and the blue-flowers that
+covered the ground. She had just been telling it again, when a longing
+seized her, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span>and jumping up she ran over to her grandfather, who was
+busy carving in the shop.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, grandfather," she cried from afar, "won't you come with us to the
+pasture tomorrow? Oh, it's so beautiful up there now."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, I will," he replied; "but tell Clara that she must do
+something to please me; she must try to stand longer this evening for
+me."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi merrily came running with her message. Of course, Clara
+promised, for was it not her greatest wish to go up with Heidi to the
+pasture! When Peter returned this evening, he heard of the plan for
+the morrow. But for answer Peter only growled, nearly hitting poor
+Thistlefinch in his anger.</p>
+
+<p>The children had just resolved to stay awake all night to talk about
+the coming day, when their conversation suddenly ceased and they were
+both peacefully slumbering. In her dreams Clara saw before her a field
+that was thickly strewn with light-blue flowers, while Heidi heard the
+eagle scream to her from above, "Come, come, come!"</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XXII" id="XXII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XXII<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockl2">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/t1.jpg" alt="T" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />he next day dawned cloudless and fair. The grandfather was still with
+the children, when Peter came climbing up; his goats kept at a good
+distance from him, to evade the rod, which was striking right and
+left. The truth was that the boy was terribly embittered and angry by
+the changes that had come. When he passed the hut in the morning,
+Heidi was always busy with the strange child, and in the evening it
+was the same. All summer long Heidi had not been up with him a single
+time; it was too much! And to-day she was coming at last, but again in
+company with this hateful stranger.</p>
+
+<p>It was then that Peter noticed the rolling-chair standing near the
+hut. After <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>carefully glancing about him, he rushed at the hated
+object and pushed it down the incline. The chair fairly flew away and
+had soon disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Peter's conscience smote him now, and he raced up the Alp, not daring
+to pause till he had reached a blackberry bush. There he could hide,
+when the uncle might appear. Looking down, he watched his fallen enemy
+tumbling downwards, downwards.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes it was thrown high up into the air, to crash down again the
+next moment harder than ever. Pieces were falling from it right and
+left, and were blown about. Now the stranger would have to travel home
+and Heidi would be his again! But Peter had forgotten that a bad deed
+always brings a punishment.</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep277" id="imagep277"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep277.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep277.jpg" width="73%" alt="HE WATCHED HIS FALLEN ENEMY TUMBLING DOWNWARDS, DOWNWARDS" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 8%; font-size: 60%;">HE WATCHED HIS FALLEN ENEMY TUMBLING DOWNWARDS,
+DOWNWARDS<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Heidi just now came out of the hut. The grandfather, with Clara,
+followed. Heidi at first stood still, and then, running right and
+left, she returned to the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean? Have you rolled the chair away Heidi?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span>"I am just looking for it everywhere, grandfather. You said it was
+beside the shop door," said the child, still hunting for the missing
+object. A strong wind was blowing, which at this moment violently
+closed the shop-door.</p>
+
+<p>"Grandfather, the wind has done it," exclaimed Heidi eagerly. "Oh
+dear! if it has rolled all the way down to the village, it will be too
+late to go to-day. It will take us a long time to fetch it."</p>
+
+<p>"If it has rolled down there, we shall never get it any more, for it
+will be smashed to pieces," said the old man, looking down and
+measuring the distance from the corner of the hut.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see how it happened," he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"What a shame! now I'll never be able to go up to the pasture,"
+lamented Clara. "I am afraid I'll have to go home now. What a pity,
+what a pity!"</p>
+
+<p>"You can find a way for her to stay, grandfather, can't you?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span>"We'll go up to the pasture to-day, as we have planned. Then we shall
+see what further happens."</p>
+
+<p>The children were delighted, and the grandfather lost no time in
+getting ready. First he fetched a pile of covers, and seating Clara on
+a sunny spot on the dry ground, he got their breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder why Peter is so late to-day," he said, leading his goats out
+of the shed. Then, lifting Clara up on one strong arm, he carried the
+covers on the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, march!" he cried. "The goats come with us."</p>
+
+<p>That suited Heidi, and with one arm round Schw&auml;nli and the other round
+B&auml;rli, she wandered up. Her little companions were so pleased at
+having her with them again that they nearly crushed her with
+affection.</p>
+
+<p>What was their astonishment when, arriving on top, they saw Peter
+already lying on the ground, with his peaceful flock about him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>"What did you mean by going by us like that? I'll teach you!" called
+the uncle to him.</p>
+
+<p>Peter was frightened, for he knew the voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody was up yet," the boy retorted.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you seen the chair?" asked the uncle again.</p>
+
+<p>"Which?" Peter growled.</p>
+
+<p>The uncle said no more. Unfolding the covers, he put Clara down on the
+dry grass. Then, when he had been assured of Clara's comfort, he got
+ready to go home. The three were to stay there till his return in the
+evening. When dinner time had come, Heidi was to prepare the meal and
+see that Clara got Schw&auml;nli's milk.</p>
+
+<p>The sky was a deep blue, and the snow on the peaks was glistening. The
+eagle was floating above the rocky crags. The children felt
+wonderfully happy. Now and then one of the goats would come and lie
+down near them. Tender little Snowhopper came oftener than any and
+would rub her head against their shoulders.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span>They had been sitting quietly for a few hours, drinking in the beauty
+about them, when Heidi suddenly began to long for the spot where so
+many flowers grew. In the evening it would be too late to see them,
+for they always shut their little eyes by then.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Clara," she said hesitatingly, "would you be angry if I went away
+from you a minute and left you alone? I want to see the flowers; But
+wait!&mdash;" Jumping away, she brought Clara some bunches of fragrant
+herbs and put them in her lap. Soon after she returned with little
+Snowhopper.</p>
+
+<p>"So, now you don't need to be alone," said Heidi. When Clara had
+assured her that it would give her pleasure to be left alone with the
+goats, Heidi started on her walk. Clara slowly handed one leaf after
+another to the little creature; it became more and more confiding, and
+cuddling close to the child, ate the herbs out of her hand. It was
+easy to see how happy it was to be away from the boisterous big goats,
+which often annoyed it. Clara felt a sensation of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span>contentment such as
+she had never before experienced. She loved to sit there on the
+mountain-side with the confiding little goat by her. A great desire
+rose in her heart that hour. She longed to be her own master and be
+able to help others instead of being helped by them. Many other
+thoughts and ideas rushed through her mind. How would it be to live up
+here in continual sunshine? The world seemed so joyous and wonderful
+all of a sudden. Premonitions of future undreamt-of happiness made her
+heart beat. Suddenly she threw both arms about the little goat and
+said: "Oh, little Snowhopper how beautiful it is up here! If I could
+always stay with you!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi in the meantime had reached the spot, where, as she had
+expected, the whole ground was covered with yellow rock-roses. Near
+together in patches the bluebells were nodding gently in the breeze.
+But all the perfume that filled the air came from the modest little
+brown flowers that hid their heads between the golden flower-cups.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span>Heidi stood enraptured, drawing in the perfumed air.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly she turned and ran back to Clara, shouting to her from far:
+"Oh, you must come, Clara, it is so lovely there. In the evening it
+won't be so fine any more. Don't you think I could carry you?"</p>
+
+<p>"But Heidi," Clara said, "of course you can't; you are much smaller
+than I am. Oh, I wish I could walk!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi meditated a little. Peter was still lying on the ground. He had
+been staring down for hours, unable to believe what he saw before him.
+He had destroyed the chair to get rid of the stranger, and there she
+was again, sitting right beside his playmate.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi now called to him to come down, but as reply he only grumbled:
+"Shan't come."</p>
+
+<p>"But you must; come quickly, for I want you to help me. Quickly!"
+urged the child.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't want to," sounded the reply.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi hurried up the mountain now and shouted angrily to the boy:
+"Peter, if you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span>don't come this minute, I shall do something that you
+won't like."</p>
+
+<p>Those words scared Peter, for his conscience was not clear. His deed
+had rejoiced him till this moment, when Heidi seemed to talk as if she
+knew it all. What if the grandfather should hear about it! Trembling
+with fear, Peter obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall only come if you promise not to do what you said," insisted
+the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, I won't. Don't be afraid," said Heidi compassionately: "Just
+come along; it isn't so hard."</p>
+
+<p>Peter, on approaching Clara, was told to help raise the lame child
+from the ground on one side, while Heidi helped on the other. This
+went easily enough, but difficulties soon followed. Clara was not able
+to stand alone, and how could they get any further?</p>
+
+<p>"You must take me round the neck," said Heidi, who had seen what poor
+guides they made.</p>
+
+<p>The boy, who had never offered his arm to anybody in his life, had to
+be shown how <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span>first, before further efforts could be made. But it was
+too hard. Clara tried to set her feet forward, but got discouraged.</p>
+
+<p>"Press your feet on the ground more and I am sure it will hurt you
+less," suggested Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think so?" said Clara, timidly.</p>
+
+<p>But, obeying, she ventured a firmer step and soon another, uttering a
+little cry as she went.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it really has hurt me less," she said joyfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Try it again," Heidi urged her. Clara did, and took another step, and
+then another, and another still. Suddenly she cried aloud: "Oh, Heidi,
+I can do it. Oh, I really can. Just look! I can take steps, one after
+another."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi rapturously exclaimed: "Oh, Clara, can you really? Can you walk?
+Oh, can you take steps now? Oh, if only grandfather would come! Now
+you can walk, Clara, now you can walk," she kept on saying joyfully.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span>Clara held on tight to the children, but with every new step she
+became more firm.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you can come up here every day," cried Heidi. "Now we can walk
+wherever we want to and you don't have to be pushed in a chair any
+more. Now you'll be able to walk all your life. Oh, what joy!"</p>
+
+<p>Clara's greatest wish, to be able to be well like other people, had
+been fulfilled at last. It was not very far to the flowering field.
+Soon they reached it and sat down among the wealth of bloom. It was
+the first time that Clara had ever rested on the dry, warm earth. All
+about them the flowers nodded and exhaled their perfume. It was a
+scene of exquisite beauty.</p>
+
+<p>The two children could hardly grasp this happiness that had come to
+them. It filled their hearts brimming full and made them silent. Peter
+also lay motionless, for he had gone to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the hours flew, and the day was long past noon. Suddenly all the
+goats arrived, for they had been seeking the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span>children. They did not
+like to graze in the flowers, and were glad when Peter awoke with
+their loud bleating. The poor boy was mightily bewildered, for he had
+dreamt that the rolling-chair with the red cushions stood again before
+his eyes. On awaking, he had still seen the golden nails; but soon he
+discovered that they were nothing but flowers. Remembering his deed,
+he obeyed Heidi's instructions willingly.</p>
+
+<p>When they came back to their former place, Heidi lost no time in
+setting out the dinner. The bag was very full to-day, and Heidi
+hurried to fulfill her promise to Peter, who with bad conscience had
+understood her threat differently. She made three heaps of the good
+things, and when Clara and she were through, there was still a lot
+left for the boy. It was too bad that all this treat did not give him
+the usual satisfaction, for something seemed to stick in his throat.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after their belated dinner, the grandfather was seen climbing up
+the Alp. Heidi ran to meet him, confusedly telling him of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span>the great
+event. The old man's face shone at this news. Going over to Clara, he
+said: "So you have risked it? Now we have won."</p>
+
+<p>Then picking her up, he put one arm around her waist, and the other
+one he stretched out as support, and with his help she marched more
+firmly than ever. Heidi jumped and bounded gaily by their side. In all
+this excitement the grandfather did not lose his judgment, and before
+long lifted Clara on his arm to carry her home. He knew that too much
+exertion would be dangerous, and rest was needed for the tired girl.</p>
+
+<p>Peter, arriving in the village late that day, saw a large disputing
+crowd. They were all standing about an interesting object, and
+everybody pushed and fought for a chance to get nearest. It was no
+other than the chair.</p>
+
+<p>"I saw it when they carried it up," Peter heard the baker say. "I bet
+it was worth at least five hundred francs. I should just like to know
+how it has happened."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span>"The wind might have blown it down," remarked Barbara, who was staring
+open-mouthed at the beautiful velvet cushions. "The uncle said so
+himself."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a good thing if nobody else has done it," continued the baker.
+"When the gentleman from Frankfurt hears what has happened, he'll
+surely find out all about it, and I should pity the culprit. I am glad
+I haven't been up on the Alm for so long, else they might suspect me,
+as they would anybody who happened to be up there at the time."</p>
+
+<p>Many more opinions were uttered, but Peter had heard enough. He
+quietly slipped away and went home. What if they should find out he
+had done it? A policeman might arrive any time now and they might take
+him away to prison. Peter's hair stood up on end at this alarming
+thought.</p>
+
+<p>He was so troubled when he came home that he did not answer any
+questions and even refused his dish of potatoes. Hurriedly creeping
+into bed, he groaned.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span>"I am sure Peter has eaten sorrel again, and that makes him groan so,"
+said his mother.</p>
+
+<p>"You must give him a little more bread in the morning, Brigida. Take a
+piece of mine," said the compassionate grandmother.</p>
+
+<p>When Clara and Heidi were lying in their beds that night, glancing up
+at the shining stars, Heidi remarked: "Didn't you think to-day, Clara,
+that it is fortunate God does not always give us what we pray for
+fervently, because He knows of something better?"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean, Heidi?" asked Clara.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, when I was in Frankfurt I prayed and prayed to come home
+again, and when I couldn't, I thought He had forgotten me. But if I
+had gone away so soon you would never have come here and would never
+have got well."</p>
+
+<p>Clara, becoming thoughtful, said: "But, Heidi, then we could not pray
+for anything any more, because we would feel that He always knows of
+something better."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span>"But, Clara, we must pray to God every day to show we don't forget
+that all gifts come from Him. Grandmama has told me that God forgets
+us if we forget Him. But if some wish remains unfulfilled we must show
+our confidence in Him, for he knows best."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you ever think of that?" asked Clara.</p>
+
+<p>"Grandmama told me, but I know that it is so. We must thank God to-day
+that He has made you able to walk, Clara."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad that you have reminded me, Heidi, for I have nearly
+forgotten it in my excitement."</p>
+
+<p>The children both prayed and sent their thanks up to heaven for the
+restoration of the invalid.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning a letter was written to grandmama, inviting her to come
+up to the Alp within a week's time, for the children had planned to
+take her by surprise. Clara hoped then to be able to walk alone, with
+Heidi for her guide.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span>The following days were happier still for Clara. Every morning she
+awoke with her heart singing over and over again, "Now I am well! Now
+I can walk like other people!"</p>
+
+<p>She progressed, and took longer walks every day. Her appetite grew
+amazingly, and the grandfather had to make larger slices of the bread
+and butter that, to his delight, disappeared so rapidly. He had to
+fill bowl after bowl of the foaming milk for the hungry children. In
+that way they reached the end of the week that was to bring the
+grandmama.</p>
+
+<div class="img">
+<img border="0" src="images/end2.jpg" width="25%" alt="chapter end art" /><br />
+</div>
+
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="XXIII" id="XXIII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>XXIII<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h2>
+
+<h3>PARTING TO MEET AGAIN</h3>
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+<div class="blockr3">
+<div class="block">
+<p class="noin"><img src="images/a2.jpg" alt="A" style="margin-right: .25em; float: left;" />&nbsp; day before her visit the grandmama had sent a letter to announce her
+coming. Peter brought it up with him next morning. The grandfather was
+already before the hut with the children and his merry goats. His face
+looked proud, as he contemplated the rosy faces of the girls and the
+shining hair of his two goats.</p>
+
+<p>Peter, approaching, neared the uncle slowly. As soon as he had
+delivered the letter, he sprang back shyly, looking about him as if he
+was afraid. Then with a leap he started off.</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to know why Peter behaves like the Big Turk when he is
+afraid of the rod," said Heidi, watching his strange behavior.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span>"Maybe Peter fears a rod that he deserves," said the old man.</p>
+
+<p>All the way Peter was tormented with fear. He could not help thinking
+of the policeman who was coming from Frankfurt to fetch him to prison.</p>
+
+<p>It was a busy morning for Heidi, who put the hut in order for the
+expected visitor. The time went by quickly, and soon everything was
+ready to welcome the good grandmama.</p>
+
+<p>The grandfather also returned from a walk, on which he had gathered a
+glorious bunch of deep-blue gentians. The children, who were sitting
+on the bench, exclaimed for joy when they saw the glowing flowers.</p>
+
+<p>Heidi, getting up from time to time to spy down the path, suddenly
+discovered grandmama, sitting on a white horse and accompanied by two
+men. One of them carried plenty of wraps, for without those the lady
+did not dare to pay such a visit.</p>
+
+<p>The party came nearer and nearer, and soon reached the top.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span>"What do I see? Clara, what is this? Why are you not sitting in your
+chair? How is this possible?" cried the grandmama in alarm,
+dismounting hastily. Before she had quite reached the children she
+threw her arms up in great excitement:</p>
+
+<p>"Clara, is that really you? You have red, round cheeks, my child! I
+hardly know you any more!" Grandmama was going to rush at her
+grandchild, when Heidi slipped from the bench, and Clara, taking her
+arm, they quietly took a little walk. The grandmama was rooted to the
+spot from fear. What was this? Upright and firm, Clara walked beside
+her friend. When they came back their rosy faces beamed. Rushing
+toward the children, the grandmother hugged them over and over again.</p>
+
+<p>Looking over to the bench, she beheld the uncle, who sat there
+smiling. Taking Clara's arm in hers, she walked over to him,
+continually venting her delight. When she reached the old man, she
+took both his hands in hers and said:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span>"My dear, dear uncle! What have we to thank you for! This is your
+work, your care and nursing&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But our Lord's sunshine and mountain air," interrupted the uncle,
+smiling.</p>
+
+<p>Then Clara called, "Yes, and also Schw&auml;nli's good, delicious milk.
+Grandmama, you ought to see how much goat-milk I can drink now; oh, it
+is so good!"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed I can see that from your cheeks," said the grandmama, smiling.
+"No, I hardly recognize you any more. You have become broad and round!
+I never dreamt that you could get so stout and tall! Oh, Clara, is it
+really true? I cannot look at you enough. But now I must telegraph
+your father to come. I shan't tell him anything about you, for it will
+be the greatest joy of all his life. My dear uncle, how are we going
+to manage it? Have you sent the men away?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have, but I can easily send the goatherd."</p>
+
+<p>So they decided that Peter should take the message. The uncle
+immediately <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span>whistled so loud that it resounded from all sides. Soon
+Peter arrived, white with fear, for he thought his doom had come. But
+he only received a paper that was to be carried to the post-office of
+the village.</p>
+
+<p>Relieved for the moment, Peter set out. Now all the happy friends sat
+down round the table, and grandmama was told how the miracle had
+happened. Often the talk was interrupted by exclamations of surprise
+from grandmama, who still believed it was all a dream. How could this
+be her pale, weak little Clara? The children were in a constant state
+of joy, to see how their surprise had worked.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Mr. Sesemann, having finished his business in Paris, was
+also preparing a surprise. Without writing his mother he traveled to
+Ragatz on a sunny summer morning. He had arrived on this very day,
+some hours after his mother's departure, and now, taking a carriage,
+he drove to Mayenfeld.</p>
+
+<p>The long ascent to the Alp from there <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span>seemed very weary and far to
+the traveller. When would he reach the goat-herd's hut? There were
+many little roads branching off in several directions, and sometimes
+Mr. Sesemann doubted if he had taken the right path. But not a soul
+was near, and no sound could be heard except the rustling of the wind
+and the hum of little insects. A merry little bird was singing on a
+larch-tree, but nothing more.</p>
+
+<p>Standing still and cooling his brow, he saw a boy running down the
+hill at topmost speed. Mr. Sesemann called to him, but with no
+success, for the boy kept at a shy distance.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, my boy, can't you tell me if I am on the right path to the hut
+where Heidi lives and the people from Frankfurt are staying?"</p>
+
+<p>A dull sound of terror was the only reply. Peter shot off and rushed
+head over heels down the mountain-side, turning wild somersaults on
+his perilous way. His course resembled the course his enemy had taken
+some days ago.</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep298" id="imagep298"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep298.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep298.jpg" width="73%" alt="PETER SHOT OFF AND RUSHED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN-SIDE" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 60%;">PETER SHOT OFF AND RUSHED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN-SIDE,
+TURNING WILD SOMERSAULTS ON HIS PERILOUS WAY<span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span>"What a funny, bashful mountaineer!" Mr. Sesemann remarked to himself,
+thinking that the appearance of a stranger had upset this simple son
+of the Alps. After watching the downward course of the boy a little
+while, he soon proceeded on his way.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of the greatest effort, Peter could not stop himself, and
+kept rolling on. But his fright and terror were still more terrible
+than his bumps and blows. This stranger was the policeman, that was a
+certain fact! At last, being thrown against a bush, he clutched it
+wildly.</p>
+
+<p>"Good, here's another one!" a voice near Peter said. "I wonder who is
+going to be pushed down tomorrow, looking like a half-open
+potato-bag?" The village baker was making fun of him. For a little
+rest after his weary work, he had quietly watched the boy.</p>
+
+<p>Peter regained his feet and slunk away. How did the baker know the
+chair had been pushed? He longed to go home to bed and hide, for there
+alone he felt safe. But he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span>had to go up to the goats, and the uncle
+had clearly told him to come back as quickly as he could. Groaning, he
+limped away up to the Alp. How could he run now, with his fear and all
+his poor, sore limbs?</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sesemann had reached the hut soon after meeting Peter, and felt
+reassured. Climbing further, with renewed courage, he at last saw his
+goal before him, but not without long and weary exertion. He saw the
+Alm-hut above him, and the swaying fir-trees. Mr. Sesemann eagerly
+hurried to encounter his beloved child. They had seen him long ago
+from the hut, and a treat was prepared for him that he never
+suspected.</p>
+
+<p>As he made the last steps, he saw two forms coming towards him. A tall
+girl, with light hair and rosy face, was leaning on Heidi, whose dark
+eyes sparkled with keen delight. Mr. Sesemann stopped short, staring
+at this vision. Suddenly big tears rushed from his eyes, for this
+shape before him recalled sweet memories. Clara's mother had looked
+exactly like this fair <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span>maiden. Mr. Sesemann at this moment did not
+know if he was awake or dreaming.</p>
+
+<p>"Papa, don't you know me any more?" Clara called with beaming eyes.
+"Have I changed so much?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sesemann rushed up to her, folding her in his arms. "Yes, you
+<i>have</i> changed. How is it possible? Is it really true? Is it really
+you, Clara?" asked the over-joyed father, embracing her again and
+again, and then gazing at her, as she stood tall and firm by his side.</p>
+
+<p>His mother joined them now, for she wanted to see the happiness of her
+son.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you say to this, my son? Isn't our surprise finer than
+yours?" she greeted him. "But come over to our benefactor now,&mdash;I mean
+the uncle."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed, I also must greet our little Heidi," said the gentleman,
+shaking Heidi's hand. "Well? Always fresh and happy on the mountain? I
+guess I don't need to ask, for no Alpine rose can look more blooming.
+Ah, child, what joy this is to me!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span>With beaming eyes the child looked at the kind gentleman who had
+always been so good to her. Her heart throbbed in sympathy with his
+joy. While the two men, who had at last approached each other, were
+conversing, grandmama walked over to the grove. There, under the
+fir-trees, another surprise awaited her. A beautiful bunch of
+wondrously blue gentians stood as if they had grown there.</p>
+
+<p>"How exquisite, how wonderful! What a sight!" she exclaimed, clapping
+her hands. "Heidi, come here! Have you brought me those? Oh, they are
+beautiful!"</p>
+
+<p>The children had joined her, Heidi assuring her that it was another
+person's deed.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh grandmama, up on the pasture it looks just like that," Clara
+remarked. "Just guess who brought you the flowers?"</p>
+
+<p>At that moment a rustle was heard, and they saw Peter, who was trying
+to sneak up behind the trees to avoid the hut. Immediately the old
+lady called to him, for she thought that Peter himself had picked <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span>the
+flowers for her. He must be creeping away out of sheer modesty, the
+kind lady thought. To give him his reward, she called:</p>
+
+<p>"Come here, my boy! don't be afraid."</p>
+
+<p>Petrified with fear, Peter stood still. What had gone before had
+robbed him of his courage. He thought now that all was over with him.
+With his hair standing up on end and his pale face distorted by
+anguish, he approached.</p>
+
+<p>"Come straight to me, boy," the old lady encouraged him. "Now tell me,
+boy, if you have done that."</p>
+
+<p>In his anxiety, Peter did not see the grandmama's finger that pointed
+to the flowers. He only saw the uncle standing near the hut, looking
+at him penetratingly, and beside him the policeman, the greatest
+horror for him in the world. Trembling in every limb, Peter answered,
+"Yes!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, but what are you so frightened about?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because&mdash;because it is broken and can never be mended again," Peter
+said, his knees tottering under him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span>The grandmama now walked over to the hut: "My dear uncle," she asked
+kindly, "is this poor lad out of his mind?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all," was the reply; "only the boy was the wind which blew
+away the wheel-chair. He is expecting the punishment he well
+deserves."</p>
+
+<p>Grandmama was very much surprised, for she vowed that Peter looked far
+from wicked. Why should he have destroyed the chair? The uncle told
+her that he had noticed many signs of anger in the boy since Clara's
+advent on the Alp. He assured her that he had suspected the boy from
+the beginning.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear uncle," the old lady said with animation, "we must not punish
+him further. We must be just. It was very hard on him when Clara
+robbed him of Heidi, who is and was his greatest treasure. When he had
+to sit alone day after day, it roused him to a passion which drove him
+to this wicked deed. It was rather foolish, but we all get so when we
+get angry."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span>The lady walked over to the boy again, who was still quivering with
+fear.</p>
+
+<p>Sitting down on the bench, she began:</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Peter, I'll tell you something. Stop trembling and listen. You
+pushed the chair down, to destroy it. You knew very well that it was
+wicked and deserved punishment. You tried very hard to conceal it, did
+you not? But if somebody thinks that nobody knows about a wicked deed,
+he is wrong; God always knows it. As soon as He finds that a man is
+trying to conceal an evil he has done, He wakens a little watchman in
+his heart, who keeps on pricking the person with a thorn till all his
+rest is gone. He keeps on calling to the evildoer: 'Now you'll be
+found out! Now your punishment is near!'&mdash;His joy has flown, for fear
+and terror take its place. Have you not just had such an experience,
+Peter?"</p>
+
+<p>Peter nodded, all contrite. He certainly had experienced this.</p>
+
+<p>"You have made a mistake," the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span>grandmama continued, "by thinking that
+you would hurt Clara by destroying her chair. It has so happened that
+what you have done has been the greatest good for her. She would
+probably never have tried to walk, if her chair had been there. If she
+should stay here, she might even go up to the pasture every single
+day. Do you see, Peter? God can turn a misdeed to the good of the
+injured person and bring trouble on the offender. Have you understood
+me, Peter? Remember the little watchman when you long to do a wicked
+deed again. Will you do that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I shall," Peter replied, still fearing the policeman, who had
+not left yet.</p>
+
+<p>"So now that matter is all settled," said the old lady in conclusion.
+"Now tell me if you have a wish, my boy, for I am going to give you
+something by which to remember your friends from Frankfurt. What is
+it? What would you like to have?"</p>
+
+<p>Peter, lifting his head, stared at the grandmama with round,
+astonished eyes. He was confused by this sudden change of prospect.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span>Being again urged to utter a wish, he saw at last that he was saved
+from the power of the terrible man. He felt as if the most crushing
+load had fallen off him. He knew now that it was better to confess at
+once, when something had gone wrong, so he said: "I have also lost the
+paper."</p>
+
+<p>Reflecting a while, the grandmama understood and said: "That is right.
+Always confess what is wrong, then it can be settled. And now, what
+would you like to have?"</p>
+
+<p>So Peter could choose everything in the world he wished. His brain got
+dizzy. He saw before him all the wonderful things in the fair in
+Mayenfeld. He had often stood there for hours, looking at the pretty
+red whistles and the little knives; unfortunately Peter had never
+possessed more than half what those objects cost.</p>
+
+<p>He stood thinking, not able to decide, when a bright thought struck
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"Ten pennies," said Peter with decision.</p>
+
+<p>"That certainly is not too much," the old lady said with a smile,
+taking out of her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span>pocket a big, round thaler, on top of which she
+laid twenty pennies. "Now I'll explain this to you. Here you have as
+many times ten pennies as there are weeks in the year. You'll be able
+to spend one every Sunday through the year."</p>
+
+<p>"All my life?" Peter asked quite innocently.</p>
+
+<p>The grandmama began to laugh so heartily at this that the two men came
+over to join her.</p>
+
+<p>Laughingly she said: "You shall have it my boy; I will put it in my
+will and then you will do the same, my son. Listen! Peter the goatherd
+shall have a ten-penny piece weekly as long as he lives."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sesemann nodded.</p>
+
+<p>Peter, looking at his gift, said solemnly: "God be thanked!" Jumping
+and bounding, he ran away. His heart was so light that he felt he
+could fly.</p>
+
+<p>A little later the whole party sat round the table holding a merry
+feast. After dinner, Clara, who was lively as never before, said to
+her father:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span>"Oh, Papa, if you only knew all the things grandfather did for me. It
+would take many days to tell you; I shall never forget them all my
+life. Oh, if we could please him only half as much as what he did for
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"It is my greatest wish, too, dear child," said her father; "I have
+been trying to think of something all the time. We have to show our
+gratitude in some way."</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly Mr. Sesemann walked over to the old man, and began: "My
+dear friend, may I say one word to you. I am sure you believe me when
+I tell you that I have not known any real joy for years. What was my
+wealth to me when I could not cure my child and make her happy! With
+the help of the Lord you have made her well. You have given her a new
+life. Please tell me how to show my gratitude to you. I know I shall
+never be able to repay you, but what is in my power I shall do. Have
+you any request to make? Please let me know."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span>The uncle had listened quietly and had looked at the happy father.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Sesemann, you can be sure that I also am repaid by the great joy
+I experience at the recovery of Clara," said the uncle firmly. "I
+thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Sesemann. As long as I live I have
+enough for me and the child. But I have one wish. If this could be
+fulfilled, my life would be free of care."</p>
+
+<p>"Speak, my dear friend," urged Clara's father.</p>
+
+<p>"I am old," continued the uncle, "and shall not live many years. When
+I die I cannot leave Heidi anything. The child has no relations except
+one, who even might try to take advantage of her if she could. If you
+would give me the assurance, Mr. Sesemann, that Heidi will never be
+obliged to go into the world and earn her bread, you would amply repay
+me for what I was able to do for you and Clara."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear friend, there is no question of that," began Mr. Sesemann;
+"the child <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span>belongs to us! I promise at once that we shall look after
+her so that there will not be any need of her ever earning her bread.
+We all know that she is not fashioned for a life among strangers.
+Nevertheless, she has made some true friends, and one of them will be
+here very shortly. Dr. Classen is just now completing his last
+business in Frankfurt. He intends to take your advice and live here.
+He has never felt so happy as with you and Heidi. The child will have
+two protectors near her, and I hope with God's will, that they may be
+spared a long, long time."</p>
+
+<p>"And may it be God's will!" added the grandmama, who with Heidi had
+joined them, shaking the uncle tenderly by the hand. Putting her arms
+around the child, she said: "Heidi, I want to know if you also have a
+wish?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes indeed, I have," said Heidi, pleased.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me what it is, child!"</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to have my bed from Frankfurt with the three high
+pillows and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span>the thick, warm cover. Then grandmother will be able to
+keep warm and won't have to wear her shawl in bed. Oh, I'll be so
+happy when she won't have to lie with her head lower than her heels,
+hardly able to breathe!"</p>
+
+<p>Heidi had said all this in one breath, she was so eager.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh dear, I had nearly forgotten what I meant to do. I am so glad you
+have reminded me, Heidi. If God sends us happiness we must think of
+those who have many privations. I shall telegraph immediately for the
+bed, and if Miss Rottenmeier sends it off at once, it can be here in
+two days. I hope the poor blind grandmother will sleep better when it
+comes."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi, in her happiness, could hardly wait to bring the old woman the
+good news. Soon it was resolved that everybody should visit the
+grandmother, who had been left alone so long. Before starting,
+however, Mr. Sesemann revealed his plans. He proposed to travel
+through Switzerland with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span>his mother and Clara. He would spend the
+night in the village, so as to fetch Clara from the Alm next morning
+for the journey. From there they would go first to Ragatz and then
+further. The telegram was to be mailed that night.</p>
+
+<p>Clara's feelings were divided, for she was sorry to leave the Alp, but
+the prospect of the trip delighted her.</p>
+
+<p>When everything was settled, they all went down, the uncle carrying
+Clara, who could not have risked the lengthy walk. All the way down
+Heidi told the old lady of her friends in the hut; the cold they had
+to bear in winter and the little food they had.</p>
+
+<p>Brigida was just hanging up Peter's shirt to dry, when the whole
+company arrived. Rushing into the house, she called to her mother:
+"Now they are all going away. Uncle is going, too, carrying the lame
+child."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, must it really be?" sighed the grandmother. "Have you seen
+whether they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span>took Heidi away? Oh, if she only could give me her hand
+once more! Oh, I long to hear her voice once more!"</p>
+
+<p>The same moment the door was flung open and Heidi held her tight.</p>
+
+<p>"Grandmother, just think. My bed with the three pillows and the thick
+cover is coming from Frankfurt. Grandmama has said that it will be
+here in two days."</p>
+
+<p>Heidi thought that grandmother would be beside herself with joy, but
+the old woman, smiling sadly, said:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what a good lady she must be! I know I ought to be glad she is
+taking you with her, Heidi, but I don't think I shall survive it
+long."</p>
+
+<p>"But nobody has said so," the grandmama, who had overheard those
+words, said kindly. Pressing the old woman's hand, she continued: "It
+is out of the question. Heidi will stay with you and make you happy.
+To see Heidi again, we will come up every year to the Alm, for we have
+many reasons to thank the Lord there."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span>Immediately the face of the grandmother lighted up, and she cried
+tears of joy.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what wonderful things God is doing for me!" said the grandmother,
+deeply touched. "How good people are to trouble themselves about such
+a poor old woman as I. Nothing in this world strengthens the belief in
+a good Father in Heaven more than this mercy and kindness shown to a
+poor, useless little woman, like me."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear grandmother," said Mrs. Sesemann, "before God in Heaven we
+are all equally miserable and poor; woe to us, if He should forget
+us!&mdash;But now we must say good-bye; next year we shall come to see you
+just as soon as we come up the Alp. We shall never forget you!" With
+that, Mrs. Sesemann shook her hand. It was some time before she was
+allowed to leave, however, because the grandmother thanked her over
+and over again, and invoked all Heaven's blessings on her and her
+house.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sesemann and his mother went on <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span>down, while Clara was carried up
+to spend her last night in the hut.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning, Clara shed hot tears at parting from the beloved place,
+where such gladness had been hers. Heidi consoled her with plans for
+the coming summer, that was to be even more happy than this one had
+been. Mr. Sesemann then arrived, and a few last parting words were
+exchanged.</p>
+
+<p>Clara, half crying, suddenly said: "Please give my love to Peter and
+the goats, Heidi! Please greet Schw&auml;nli especially from me, for she
+has helped a great deal in making me well. What could I give her?"</p>
+
+<p>"You can send her salt, Clara. You know how fond she is of that,"
+advised little Heidi.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I will surely do that," Clara assented. "I'll send her a hundred
+pounds of salt as a remembrance from me."</p>
+
+<p>It was time to go now, and Clara was able to ride proudly beside her
+father. Standing on the edge of the slope, Heidi <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span>waved her hand, her
+eyes following Clara till she had disappeared.</p>
+
+<br />
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+<br />
+
+<p>The bed has arrived. Grandmother sleeps so well every night now, that
+before long she will be stronger than ever. Grandmama has not
+forgotten the cold winter on the Alp and has sent a great many warm
+covers and shawls to the goatherd's hut. Grandmother can wrap herself
+up now and will not have to sit shivering in a corner.</p>
+
+<p>In the village a large building is in progress. The doctor has arrived
+and is living at present in his old quarters. He has taken the uncle's
+advice and has bought the old ruins that sheltered Heidi and her
+grandfather the winter before. He is rebuilding for himself the
+portion with the fine apartment already mentioned. The other side is
+being prepared for Heidi and her grandfather. The doctor knows that
+his friend is an independent man and likes to have his own dwelling.
+B&auml;rli and Schw&auml;nli, of course, are not forgotten; they will spend <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span>the
+winter in a good solid stable that is being built for them.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor and the Alm-Uncle become better friends every day. When
+they overlook the progress of the building, they generally come to
+speak of Heidi. They both look forward to the time when they will be
+able to move into the house with their merry charge. They have agreed
+to share together the pleasure and responsibility that Heidi brings
+them. The uncle's heart is filled with gratitude too deep for any
+words when the doctor tells him that he will make ample provision for
+the child. Now her grandfather's heart is free of care, for if he is
+called away, another father will take care of Heidi and love her in
+his stead.</p>
+
+<p>At the moment when our story closes, Heidi and Peter are sitting in
+grandmother's hut. The little girl has so many interesting things to
+relate and Peter is trying so hard not to miss anything, that in their
+eagerness they are not aware that they are near the happy
+grandmother's chair. All <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span>summer long they have hardly met, and very
+many wonderful things have happened. They are all glad at being
+together again, and it is hard to tell who is the happiest of the
+group. I think Brigida's face is more radiant than any, for Heidi has
+just told her the story of the perpetual ten-penny piece. Finally the
+grandmother says: "Heidi, please read me a song of thanksgiving and
+praise. I feel that I must praise and thank the Lord for the blessings
+He has brought to us all!"</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h3>The End.</h3>
+
+<div class="img">
+<a href="images/heidi.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/heidi.jpg" width="65%" alt="Fly Cover, Heidi" /></a><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="img">
+<a href="images/peter.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/peter.jpg" width="65%" alt="Fly Cover, Peter" /></a><br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<div class="tr">
+<p class="cen"><a name="TN" id="TN"></a>Typographical errors corrected in text:</p>
+<br />
+Page 227: &nbsp;freindly replaced with friendly<br />
+Page 251: &nbsp;tham replaced with than<br />
+
+<p>In this edition, the poem on page 246, is missing the lines for G, H, I, J, and K.</p>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+</div>
+</div> <!-- ending margin block div -->
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Heidi, by Johanna Spyri
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+</body>
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@@ -0,0 +1,6770 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Heidi, by Johanna Spyri
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Heidi
+       (Gift Edition)
+
+Author: Johanna Spyri
+
+Commentator: Charles Wharton Stork
+
+Illustrator: Maria Kirk
+
+Translator: Elisabeth Stork
+
+Release Date: March 9, 2007 [EBook #20781]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HEIDI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jason Isbell, Emma Morgan Isbell, Jeannie Howse
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net. This file is gratefully uploaded to
+the PG collection in honor of Distributed Proofreaders
+having posted over 10,000 ebooks.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +-----------------------------------------------------------+
+    | Transcriber's Note:                                       |
+    |                                                           |
+    | This document reproduces the text for the Gift Edition of |
+    | Heidi, if you would like to see the illustrations, margin |
+    | art, and decorations, the html version is recommended.    |
+    |                                                           |
+    | Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has     |
+    | been preserved.                                           |
+    |                                                           |
+    | Obvious typographical errors have been corrected in this  |
+    | text. For a complete list, please see the end of this     |
+    | document.                                                 |
+    |                                                           |
+    +-----------------------------------------------------------+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+                            HEIDI
+
+                        JOHANNA SPYRI
+
+
+                   [Illustration: (Heidi)]
+
+                   [Illustration: (Peter)]
+
+
+
+
+                            HEIDI
+
+                         GIFT EDITION
+
+
+   [Illustration: WAVING HER HAND AND LOOKING AFTER HER DEPARTING
+   FRIEND TILL HE SEEMED NO BIGGER THAN A LITTLE DOT
+   _Page 228_]
+
+
+
+
+                            HEIDI
+
+                              BY
+                        JOHANNA SPYRI
+
+                        TRANSLATED BY
+                      ELISABETH P. STORK
+
+                  _WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY_
+              CHARLES WHARTON STORK, A.M., PH.D.
+
+                _14 ILLUSTRATIONS IN COLOR BY_
+                        MARIA L. KIRK
+
+                         GIFT EDITION
+
+                   PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON
+                   J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
+                             1919
+
+
+
+
+         COPYRIGHT, 1915. BY J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
+
+           ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS AND DECORATIONS
+         COPYRIGHT, 1919, BY J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
+
+
+              PRINTED BY J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
+                AT THE WASHINGTON SQUARE PRESS
+                     PHILADELPHIA, U.S.A.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+Unassuming in plot and style, "Heidi" may none the less lay claim to
+rank as a world classic. In the first place, both background and
+characters ring true. The air of the Alps is wafted to us in every
+page; the house among the pines, the meadows, and the eagle poised
+above the naked rocks form a picture that no one could willingly
+forget. And the people, from the kindly towns-folk to the quaint and
+touching peasant types, are as real as any representation of human
+nature need be. Every goat even, has its personality. As for the
+little heroine, she is a blessing not only to everyone in the story,
+but to everyone who reads it. The narrative merits of the book are too
+apparent to call for comment.
+
+As to the author, Johanna Spyri, she has so entirely lost herself in
+her creation that we may pass over her career rather rapidly. She was
+born in Switzerland in 1829, came of a literary family, and devoted
+all her talent to the writing of books for and about children.
+
+Since "Heidi" has been so often translated into English it may well be
+asked why there is any need for a new version. The answer lies partly
+in the conventional character of the previous translations. Now, if
+there is any quality in "Heidi" that gives it a particular charm, that
+quality is freshness, absolute spontaneity. To be sure, the story is
+so attractive that it could never be wholly spoiled; but has not the
+reader the right to enjoy it in English at least very nearly as much
+as he could in German? The two languages are so different in nature
+that anything like a literal rendering of one into the other is sure
+to result in awkwardness and indirectness. Such a book must be not
+translated, but re-lived and re-created.
+
+To perform such a feat the writer must, to begin with, be familiar
+with the mountains, and able to appreciate with Wordsworth
+
+    The silence that is in the starry sky,
+    The sleep that is among the lonely hills.
+
+The translator of the present version was born and reared in a region
+closely similar to that of the story. Her home was originally in the
+picturesque town of Salzburg, and her father, Franz von Pausinger, was
+one of the greatest landscape painters of his country and generation.
+Another equally important requisite is knowledge of children. It
+happens that this translator has a daughter just the age of the
+heroine, who moreover loves to dress in Tyrolese costume. To translate
+"Heidi" was for her therefore a labor of love, which means that the
+love contended with and overcame the labor.
+
+The English style of the present version is, then, distinctive. It has
+often been noticed that those who acquire a foreign language often
+learn to speak it with unusual clearness and purity. For illustration
+we need go no further than Joseph Conrad, a Pole, probably the
+greatest master of narrative English writing to-day; or to our own
+fellow-citizen Carl Schurz. In the present case, the writer has lived
+seven years in America and has strengthened an excellent training with
+a wide reading of the best English classics.
+
+Many people say that they read without noticing the author's style.
+This is seldom quite true; unconsciously every one is impressed in
+some way or other by the style of every book, or by its lack of style.
+Children are particularly sensitive in this respect and should,
+therefore, as much as is practicable, read only the best. In the new
+translation of "Heidi" here offered to the public I believe that most
+readers will notice an especial flavor, that very quality of delight
+in mountain scenes, in mountain people and in child life generally,
+which is one of the chief merits of the German original. The phrasing
+has also been carefully adapted to the purpose of reading aloud--a
+thing that few translators think of. In conclusion, the author,
+realising the difference between the two languages, has endeavored to
+write the story afresh, as Johanna Spyri would have written it had
+English been her native tongue. How successful the attempt has been
+the reader will judge.
+
+                                    CHARLES WHARTON STORK
+                            Assistant Professor of English at the
+                                   University of Pennsylvania
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+PART I
+
+HEIDI'S YEARS OF LEARNING AND TRAVEL
+
+CHAPTER                                                      PAGE
+    I. GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE                               17
+
+   II. WITH THE GRANDFATHER                                    38
+
+  III. ON THE PASTURE                                          50
+
+   IV. IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT                                67
+
+    V. TWO VISITORS                                            83
+
+   VI. A NEW CHAPTER WITH NEW THINGS                           95
+
+  VII. MISS ROTTENMEIER HAS AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY              104
+
+ VIII. GREAT DISTURBANCES IN THE SESEMANN HOUSE               119
+
+   IX. THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE HEARS OF STRANGE DOINGS        129
+
+    X. A GRANDMAMA                                            136
+
+   XI. HEIDI GAINS IN SOME RESPECTS AND LOSES IN OTHERS       146
+
+  XII. THE SESEMANN HOUSE IS HAUNTED                          153
+
+ XIII. UP THE ALP ON A SUMMER EVENING                         165
+
+  XIV. ON SUNDAY WHEN THE CHURCH BELLS RING                   183
+
+
+PART II
+
+HEIDI MAKES USE OF HER EXPERIENCE
+
+   XV. PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY                             199
+
+  XVI. A GUEST ON THE ALP                                     207
+
+ XVII. RETALIATION                                            219
+
+XVIII. WINTER IN THE VILLAGE                                  229
+
+  XIX. WINTER STILL CONTINUES                                 243
+
+   XX. NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS                              252
+
+  XXI. ON FURTHER EVENTS ON THE ALP                           268
+
+ XXII. SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS                           276
+
+XXIII. PARTING TO MEET AGAIN                                  293
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+                                                             PAGE
+WAVING HER HAND AND LOOKING AFTER HER DEPARTING
+  FRIEND TILL HE LOOKED NO BIGGER THAN A LITTLE
+  DOT                                              _Frontispiece_
+
+SHE UNDID THE HEAVY SHAWL AND THE TWO LITTLE DRESSES           30
+
+HERE A NEAT LITTLE BED WAS PREPARED                            41
+
+SHE HANDED HIM ALSO THE WHOLE SLICE OF CHEESE                  57
+
+OFF THEY STARTED AT SUCH A PACE THAT HEIDI SHOUTED FOR
+  JOY                                                          71
+
+WHEN HEIDI HEARD THAT SHE STRUGGLED TO GET FREE                92
+
+OFF THEY STARTED, AND SOON HEIDI WAS PULLING THE
+  DOOR-BELL                                                   116
+
+THERE SHE WOULD REMAIN, EATING HER HEART AWAY WITH
+  LONGING                                                     152
+
+THROWING HERSELF IN HER GRANDFATHER'S ARMS, SHE HELD HIM
+  TIGHT                                                       179
+
+WITH HEIDI'S HAND IN HIS THEY WANDERED DOWN TOGETHER          192
+
+THEY ARE COMING, OH, THE DOCTOR IS COMING FIRST               211
+
+THE TWO CHILDREN WERE ALREADY FLYING DOWN THE ALP             241
+
+HE WATCHED HIS FALLEN ENEMY TUMBLING DOWNWARDS,
+  DOWNWARDS                                                   277
+
+PETER SHOT OFF AND RUSHED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN-SIDE,
+  TURNING WILD SOMERSAULTS ON HIS PERILOUS WAY                298
+
+
+
+
+Part I
+
+Heidi's Years of Learning and Travel
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+HEIDI
+
+
+I
+
+GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE
+
+
+The little old town of Mayenfeld is charmingly situated. From it a
+footpath leads through green, well-wooded stretches to the foot of the
+heights which look down imposingly upon the valley. Where the footpath
+begins to go steeply and abruptly up the Alps, the heath, with its
+short grass and pungent herbage, at once sends out its soft perfume to
+meet the wayfarer.
+
+One bright sunny morning in June, a tall, vigorous maiden of the
+mountain region climbed up the narrow path, leading a little girl by
+the hand. The youngster's cheeks were in such a glow that it showed
+even through her sun-browned skin. Small wonder though! for in spite
+of the heat, the little one, who was scarcely five years old, was
+bundled up as if she had to brave a bitter frost. Her shape was
+difficult to distinguish, for she wore two dresses, if not three, and
+around her shoulders a large red cotton shawl. With her feet encased
+in heavy hob-nailed boots, this hot and shapeless little person toiled
+up the mountain.
+
+The pair had been climbing for about an hour when they reached a
+hamlet half-way up the great mountain named the Alm. This hamlet was
+called "Im Doerfli" or "The Little Village." It was the elder girl's
+home town, and therefore she was greeted from nearly every house;
+people called to her from windows and doors, and very often from the
+road. But, answering questions and calls as she went by, the girl did
+not loiter on her way and only stood still when she reached the end of
+the hamlet. There a few cottages lay scattered about, from the
+furthest of which a voice called out to her through an open door:
+"Deta, please wait one moment! I am coming with you, if you are going
+further up."
+
+When the girl stood still to wait, the child instantly let go her hand
+and promptly sat down on the ground.
+
+"Are you tired, Heidi?" Deta asked the child.
+
+"No, but hot," she replied.
+
+"We shall be up in an hour, if you take big steps and climb with all
+your little might!" Thus the elder girl tried to encourage her small
+companion.
+
+A stout, pleasant-looking woman stepped out of the house and joined
+the two. The child had risen and wandered behind the old
+acquaintances, who immediately started gossiping about their friends
+in the neighborhood and the people of the hamlet generally.
+
+"Where are you taking the child, Deta?" asked the newcomer. "Is she
+the child your sister left?"
+
+"Yes," Deta assured her; "I am taking her up to the Alm-Uncle and
+there I want her to remain."
+
+"You can't really mean to take her there Deta. You must have lost your
+senses, to go to him. I am sure the old man will show you the door and
+won't even listen to what you say."
+
+"Why not? As he's her grandfather, it is high time he should do
+something for the child. I have taken care of her until this summer
+and now a good place has been offered to me. The child shall not
+hinder me from accepting it, I tell you that!"
+
+"It would not be so hard, if he were like other mortals. But you know
+him yourself. How could he _look_ after a child, especially such a
+little one? She'll never get along with him, I am sure of that!--But
+tell me of your prospects."
+
+"I am going to a splendid house in Frankfurt. Last summer some people
+went off to the baths and I took care of their rooms. As they got to
+like me, they wanted to take me along, but I could not leave. They
+have come back now and have persuaded me to go with them."
+
+"I am glad I am not the child!" exclaimed Barbara with a shudder.
+"Nobody knows anything about the old man's life up there. He doesn't
+speak to a living soul, and from one year's end to the other he keeps
+away from church. People get out of his way when he appears once in a
+twelve-month down here among us. We all fear him and he is really just
+like a heathen or an old Indian, with those thick grey eyebrows and
+that huge uncanny beard. When he wanders along the road with his
+twisted stick we are all afraid to meet him alone."
+
+"That is not my fault," said Deta stubbornly. "He won't do her any
+harm; and if he should, he is responsible, not I."
+
+"I wish I knew what weighs on the old man's conscience. Why are his
+eyes so fierce and why does he live up there all alone? Nobody ever
+sees him and we hear many strange things about him. Didn't your sister
+tell you anything, Deta?"
+
+"Of course she did, but I shall hold my tongue. He would make me pay
+for it if I didn't."
+
+Barbara had long been anxious to know something about the old uncle
+and why he lived apart from everybody. Nobody had a good word for him,
+and when people talked about him, they did not speak openly but as if
+they were afraid. She could not even explain to herself why he was
+called the Alm-Uncle. He could not possibly be the uncle of all the
+people in the village, but since everybody spoke of him so, she did
+the same. Barbara, who had only lived in the village since her
+marriage, was glad to get some information from her friend. Deta had
+been bred there, but since her mother's death had gone away to earn
+her livelihood.
+
+She confidentially seized Deta's arm and said: "I wish you would tell
+me the truth about him, Deta; you know it all--people only gossip.
+Tell me, what has happened to the old man to turn everybody against
+him so? Did he always hate his fellow-creatures?"
+
+"I cannot tell you whether he always did, and that for a very good
+reason. He being sixty years old, and I only twenty-six, you can't
+expect me to give you an account of his early youth. But if you'll
+promise to keep it to yourself and not set all the people in Praetiggan
+talking, I can tell you a good deal. My mother and he both came from
+Domleschg."
+
+"How can you talk like that, Deta?" replied Barbara in an offended
+tone. "People do not gossip much in Praetiggan, and I always can keep
+things to myself, if I have to. You won't repent of having told me, I
+assure you!"
+
+"All right, but keep your word!" said Deta warningly. Then she looked
+around to see that the child was not so close to them as to overhear
+what might be said; but the little girl was nowhere to be seen. While
+the two young women had talked at such a rate, they had not noticed
+her absence; quite a while must have elapsed since the little girl had
+given up following her companions. Deta, standing still, looked about
+her everywhere, but no one was on the path, which--except for a few
+curves--was visible as far down as the village.
+
+"There she is! Can't you see her there?" exclaimed Barbara, pointing
+to a spot a good distance from the path. "She is climbing up with the
+goatherd Peter and his goats. I wonder why he is so late to-day. I
+must say, it suits us well enough; he can look after the child while
+you tell me everything without being interrupted."
+
+"It will be very easy for Peter to watch her," remarked Deta; "she is
+bright for her five years and keeps her eyes wide open. I have often
+noticed that and I am glad for her, for it will be useful with the
+uncle. He has nothing left in the whole wide world, but his cottage
+and two goats!"
+
+"Did he once have more?" asked Barbara.
+
+"I should say so. He was heir to a large farm in Domleschg. But
+setting up to play the fine gentleman, he soon lost everything with
+drink and play. His parents died with grief and he himself
+disappeared from these parts. After many years he came back with a
+half-grown boy, his son, Tobias, that was his name, became a carpenter
+and turned out to be a quiet, steady fellow. Many strange rumors went
+round about the uncle and I think that was why he left Domleschg for
+Doerfli. We acknowledged relationship, my mother's grandmother being a
+cousin of his. We called him uncle, and because we are related on my
+father's side to nearly all the people in the hamlet they too all
+called him uncle. He was named 'Alm-Uncle' when he moved up to the
+Alm."
+
+"But what happened to Tobias?" asked Barbara eagerly.
+
+"Just wait. How can I tell you everything at once?" exclaimed Deta.
+"Tobias was an apprentice in Mels, and when he was made master, he
+came home to the village and married my sister Adelheid. They always
+had been fond of each other and they lived very happily as man and
+wife. But their joy was short. Two years afterwards, when Tobias was
+helping to build a house, a beam fell on him and killed him. Adelheid
+was thrown into a violent fever with grief and fright, and never
+recovered from it. She had never been strong and had often suffered
+from queer spells, when we did not know whether she was awake or
+asleep. Only a few weeks after Tobias's death they buried poor
+Adelheid.
+
+"People said that heaven had punished the uncle for his misdeeds.
+After the death of his son he never spoke to a living soul. Suddenly
+he moved up to the Alp, to live there at enmity with God and man.
+
+"My mother and I took Adelheid's little year-old baby, Heidi, to live
+with us. When I went to Ragatz I took her with me; but in the spring
+the family whose work I had done last year came from Frankfurt and
+resolved to take me to their town-house. I am very glad to get such a
+good position."
+
+"And now you want to hand over the child to this terrible old man. I
+really wonder how you can do it, Deta!" said Barbara with reproach in
+her voice.
+
+"It seems to me I have really done enough for the child. I do not know
+where else to take her, as she is too young to come with me to
+Frankfurt. By the way, Barbara, where are you going? We are half-way
+up the Alm already."
+
+Deta shook hands with her companion and stood still while Barbara
+approached the tiny, dark-brown mountain hut, which lay in a hollow a
+few steps away from the path.
+
+Situated half-way up the Alm, the cottage was luckily protected from
+the mighty winds. Had it been exposed to the tempests, it would have
+been a doubtful habitation in the state of decay it was in. Even as it
+was, the doors and windows rattled and the old rafters shook when the
+south wind swept the mountain side. If the hut had stood on the Alm
+top, the wind would have blown it down the valley without much ado
+when the storm season came.
+
+Here lived Peter the goatherd, a boy eleven years old, who daily
+fetched the goats from the village and drove them up the mountain to
+the short and luscious grasses of the pastures. Peter raced down in
+the evening with the light-footed little goats. When he whistled
+sharply through his fingers, every owner would come and get his or her
+goat. These owners were mostly small boys and girls and, as the goats
+were friendly, they did not fear them. That was the only time Peter
+spent with other children, the rest of the day the animals were his
+sole companions. At home lived his mother and an old blind
+grandmother, but he only spent enough time in the hut to swallow his
+bread and milk for breakfast and the same repast for supper. After
+that he sought his bed to sleep. He always left early in the morning
+and at night he came home late, so that he could be with his friends
+as long as possible. His father had met with an accident some years
+ago; he also had been called Peter the goatherd. His mother, whose
+name was Brigida, was called "Goatherd Peter's wife" and his blind
+grandmother was called by young and old from many miles about just
+"grandmother."
+
+Deta waited about ten minutes to see if the children were coming up
+behind with the goats. As she could not find them anywhere, she
+climbed up a little higher to get a better view down the valley from
+there, and peered from side to side with marks of great impatience on
+her countenance.
+
+The children in the meantime were ascending slowly in a zigzag way,
+Peter always knowing where to find all sorts of good grazing places
+for his goats where they could nibble. Thus they strayed from side to
+side. The poor little girl had followed the boy only with the greatest
+effort and she was panting in her heavy clothes. She was so hot and
+uncomfortable that she only climbed by exerting all her strength. She
+did not say anything but looked enviously at Peter, who jumped about
+so easily in his light trousers and bare feet. She envied even more
+the goats that climbed over bushes, stones, and steep inclines with
+their slender legs. Suddenly sitting down on the ground the child
+swiftly took off her shoes and stockings. Getting up she undid the
+heavy shawl and the two little dresses. Out she slipped without more
+ado and stood up in only a light petticoat. In sheer delight at the
+relief, she threw up her dimpled arms, that were bare up to her short
+sleeves. To save the trouble of carrying them, her aunt had dressed
+her in her Sunday clothes over her workday garments. Heidi arranged
+her dresses neatly in a heap and joined Peter and the goats. She was
+now as light-footed as any of them. When Peter, who had not paid much
+attention, saw her suddenly in her light attire, he grinned. Looking
+back, he saw the little heap of dresses on the ground and then he
+grinned yet more, till his mouth seemed to reach from ear to ear; but
+he said never a word.
+
+The child, feeling free and comfortable, started to converse with
+Peter, and he had to answer many questions. She asked him how many
+goats he had, and where he led them, what he did with them when he got
+there, and so forth.
+
+   [Illustration: SHE UNDID THE HEAVY SHAWL AND THE TWO LITTLE
+   DRESSES]
+
+At last the children reached the summit in front of the hut. When Deta
+saw the little party of climbers she cried out shrilly: "Heidi, what
+have you done? What a sight you are! Where are your dresses and your
+shawl? Are the new shoes gone that I just bought for you, and the new
+stockings that I made myself? Where are they all, Heidi?"
+
+The child quietly pointed down and said "There."
+
+The aunt followed the direction of her finger and descried a little
+heap with a small red dot in the middle, which she recognized as the
+shawl.
+
+"Unlucky child!" Deta said excitedly. "What does all this mean? Why
+have you taken your things all off?"
+
+"Because I do not need them," said the child, not seeming in the least
+repentant of her deed.
+
+"How can you be so stupid, Heidi? Have you lost your senses?" the aunt
+went on, in a tone of mingled vexation and reproach. "Who do you think
+will go way down there to fetch those things up again? It is
+half-an-hour's walk. Please, Peter, run down and get them. Do not
+stand and stare at me as if you were glued to the spot."
+
+"I am late already," replied Peter, and stood without moving from the
+place where, with his hands in his trousers' pockets, he had witnessed
+the violent outbreak of Heidi's aunt.
+
+"There you are, standing and staring, but that won't get you further,"
+said Deta. "I'll give you this if you go down." With that she held a
+five-penny-piece under his eyes. That made Peter start and in a great
+hurry he ran down the straightest path. He arrived again in so short a
+time that Deta had to praise him and gave him her little coin without
+delay. He did not often get such a treasure, and therefore his face
+was beaming and he laughingly dropped the money deep into his pocket.
+
+"If you are going up to the uncle, as we are, you can carry the pack
+till we get there," said Deta. They still had to climb a steep ascent
+that lay behind Peter's hut. The boy readily took the things and
+followed Deta, his left arm holding the bundle and his right swinging
+the stick. Heidi jumped along gaily by his side with the goats.
+
+After three quarters of an hour they reached the height where the hut
+of the old man stood on a prominent rock, exposed to every wind, but
+bathed in the full sunlight. From there you could gaze far down into
+the valley. Behind the hut stood three old fir-trees with great shaggy
+branches. Further back the old grey rocks rose high and sheer. Above
+them you could see green and fertile pastures, till at last the stony
+boulders reached the bare, steep cliffs.
+
+Overlooking the valley the uncle had made himself a bench, by the side
+of the hut. Here he sat, with his pipe between his teeth and both
+hands resting on his knees. He quietly watched the children climbing
+up with the goats and Aunt Deta behind them, for the children had
+caught up to her long ago. Heidi reached the top first, and
+approaching the old man she held out her hand to him and said: "Good
+evening, grandfather!"
+
+"Well, well, what does that mean?" replied the old man in a rough
+voice. Giving her his hand for only a moment, he watched her with a
+long and penetrating look from under his bushy brows. Heidi gazed back
+at him with an unwinking glance and examined him with much curiosity,
+for he was strange to look at, with his thick, grey beard and shaggy
+eyebrows, that met in the middle like a thicket.
+
+Heidi's aunt had arrived in the meantime with Peter, who was eager to
+see what was going to happen.
+
+"Good-day to you, uncle," said Deta as she approached. "This is
+Tobias's and Adelheid's child. You won't be able to remember her,
+because last time you saw her she was scarcely a year old."
+
+"Why do you bring her here?" asked the uncle, and turning to Peter he
+said: "Get away and bring my goats. How late you are already!"
+
+Peter obeyed and disappeared on the spot; the uncle had looked at him
+in such a manner that he was glad to go.
+
+"Uncle, I have brought the little girl for you to keep," said Deta. "I
+have done my share these last four years and now it is your turn to
+provide for her."
+
+The old man's eyes flamed with anger. "Indeed!" he said. "What on
+earth shall I do, when she begins to whine and cry for you? Small
+children always do, and then I'll be helpless."
+
+"You'll have to look out for that!" Deta retorted. "When the little
+baby was left in my hands a few years ago, I had to find out how to
+care for the little innocent myself and nobody told me anything. I
+already had mother on my hands and there was plenty for me to do. You
+can't blame me if I want to earn some money now. If you can't keep the
+child, you can do with her whatever you please. If she comes to harm
+you are responsible and I am sure you do not want to burden your
+conscience any further."
+
+Deta had said more in her excitement than she had intended, just
+because her conscience was not quite clear. The uncle had risen during
+her last words and now he gave her such a look that she retreated a
+few steps. Stretching out his arm in a commanding gesture, he said to
+her: "Away with you! Begone! Stay wherever you came from and don't
+venture soon again into my sight!"
+
+Deta did not have to be told twice. She said "Good-bye" to Heidi and
+"Farewell" to the uncle, and started down the mountain. Like steam her
+excitement seemed to drive her forward, and she ran down at a
+tremendous rate. The people in the village called to her now more than
+they had on her way up, because they all were wondering where she had
+left the child. They were well acquainted with both and knew their
+history. When she heard from door and windows: "Where is the child?"
+"Where have you left her, Deta?" and so forth, she answered more and
+more reluctantly: "Up with the Alm-Uncle,--with the Alm-Uncle!" She
+became much provoked because the women called to her from every side:
+"How could you do it?" "The poor little creature!" "The idea of
+leaving such a helpless child up there!" and, over and over again:
+"The poor little dear!" Deta ran as quickly as she could and was glad
+when she heard no more calls, because, to tell the truth, she herself
+was uneasy. Her mother had asked her on her deathbed to care for
+Heidi. But she consoled herself with the thought that she would be
+able to do more for the child if she could earn some money. She was
+very glad to go away from people who interfered in her affairs, and
+looked forward with great delight to her new place.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+WITH THE GRANDFATHER
+
+
+After Deta had disappeared, the Uncle sat down again on the bench,
+blowing big clouds of smoke out of his pipe. He did not speak, but
+kept his eyes fastened on the ground. In the meantime Heidi looked
+about her, and discovering the goat-shed, peeped in. Nothing could be
+seen inside. Searching for some more interesting thing, she saw the
+three old fir-trees behind the hut. Here the wind was roaring through
+the branches and the tree-tops were swaying to and fro. Heidi stood
+still to listen. After the wind had ceased somewhat, she walked round
+the hut back to her grandfather. She found him in exactly the same
+position, and planting herself in front of the old man, with arms
+folded behind her back, she gazed at him. The grandfather, looking up,
+saw the child standing motionless before him. "What do you want to do
+now?" he asked her.
+
+"I want to see what's in the hut," replied Heidi.
+
+"Come then," and with that the grandfather got up and entered the
+cottage.
+
+"Take your things along," he commanded.
+
+"I do not want them any more," answered Heidi.
+
+The old man, turning about, threw a penetrating glance at her. The
+child's black eyes were sparkling in expectation of all the things to
+come. "She is not lacking in intelligence," he muttered to himself.
+Aloud he added: "Why don't you need them any more?"
+
+"I want to go about like the light-footed goats!"
+
+"All right, you can; but fetch the things and we'll put them in the
+cupboard." The child obeyed the command. The old man now opened the
+door, and Heidi followed him into a fairly spacious room, which took
+in the entire expanse of the hut. In one corner stood a table and a
+chair, and in another the grandfather's bed. Across the room a large
+kettle was suspended over the hearth, and opposite to it a large door
+was sunk into the wall. This the grandfather opened. It was the
+cupboard, in which all his clothes were kept. In one shelf were a few
+shirts, socks and towels; on another a few plates, cups and glasses;
+and on the top shelf Heidi could see a round loaf of bread, some bacon
+and cheese. In this cupboard the grandfather kept everything that he
+needed for his subsistence. When he opened it, Heidi pushed her things
+as far behind the grandfather's clothes as she could reach. She did
+not want them found again in a hurry. After looking around attentively
+in the room, she asked, "Where am I going to sleep, grandfather?"
+
+"Wherever you want to," he replied. That suited Heidi exactly. She
+peeped into all the corners of the room and looked at every little
+nook to find a cosy place to sleep. Beside the old man's bed she saw a
+ladder. Climbing up, she arrived at a hayloft, which was filled with
+fresh and fragrant hay. Through a tiny round window she could look far
+down into the valley.
+
+   [Illustration: HERE A NEAT LITTLE BED WAS PREPARED]
+
+"I want to sleep up here," Heidi called down. "Oh, it is lovely here.
+Please come up, grandfather, and see it for yourself."
+
+"I know it," sounded from below.
+
+"I am making the bed now," the little girl called out again, while she
+ran busily to and fro. "Oh, do come up and bring a sheet, grandfather,
+for every bed must have a sheet."
+
+"Is that so?" said the old man. After a while he opened the cupboard
+and rummaged around in it. At last he pulled out a long coarse cloth
+from under the shirts. It somewhat resembled a sheet, and with this he
+climbed up to the loft. Here a neat little bed was already prepared.
+On top the hay was heaped up high so that the head of the occupant
+would lie exactly opposite the window.
+
+The grandfather was well pleased with the arrangement. To prevent the
+hard floor from being felt, he made the couch twice as thick. Then he
+and Heidi together put the heavy sheet on, tucking the ends in well.
+Heidi looked thoughtfully at her fresh, new bed and said,
+"Grandfather, we have forgotten something."
+
+"What?" he asked.
+
+"I have no cover. When I go to bed I always creep in between the sheet
+and the cover."
+
+"What shall we do if I haven't any?" asked the grandfather.
+
+"Never mind, I'll just take some more hay to cover me," Heidi
+reassured him, and was just going to the heap of hay when the old man
+stopped her.
+
+"Just wait one minute," he said, and went down to his own bed. From it
+he took a large, heavy linen bag and brought it to the child.
+
+"Isn't this better than hay?" he asked.
+
+Heidi pulled the sack to and fro with all her might, but she could not
+unfold it, for it was too heavy for her little arms. The grandfather
+put the thick cover on the bed while Heidi watched him. After it was
+all done, she said: "What a nice bed I have now, and what a splendid
+cover! I only wish the evening was here, that I might go to sleep in
+it."
+
+"I think we might eat something first," said the grandfather. "Don't
+you think so?"
+
+Heidi had forgotten everything else in her interest for the bed; but
+when she was reminded of her dinner, she noticed how terribly hungry
+she really was. She had had only a piece of bread and a cup of thin
+coffee very early in the morning, before her long journey. Heidi said
+approvingly: "I think we might, grandfather!"
+
+"Let's go down then, if we agree," said the old man, and followed
+close behind her. Going up to the fireplace, he pushed the big kettle
+aside and reached for a smaller one that was suspended on a chain.
+Then sitting down on a three-legged stool, he kindled a bright fire.
+When the kettle was boiling, the old man put a large piece of cheese
+on a long iron fork, and held it over the fire, turning it to and fro,
+till it was golden-brown on all sides. Heidi had watched him eagerly.
+Suddenly she ran to the cupboard. When her grandfather brought a pot
+and the toasted cheese to the table, he found it already nicely set
+with two plates and two knives and the bread in the middle. Heidi had
+seen the things in the cupboard and knew that they would be needed for
+the meal.
+
+"I am glad to see that you can think for yourself," said the
+grandfather, while he put the cheese on top of the bread, "but
+something is missing yet."
+
+Heidi saw the steaming pot and ran back to the cupboard in all haste.
+A single little bowl was on the shelf. That did not perplex Heidi
+though, for she saw two glasses standing behind. With those three
+things she returned to the table.
+
+"You certainly can help yourself! Where shall you sit, though?" asked
+the grandfather, who occupied the only chair himself, Heidi flew to
+the hearth, and bringing back the little stool, sat down on it.
+
+"Now you have a seat, but it is much too low. In fact, you are too
+little to reach the table from my chair. Now you shall have something
+to eat at last!" and with that the grandfather filled the little bowl
+with milk. Putting it on his chair, he pushed it as near to the stool
+as was possible, and in that way Heidi had a table before her. He
+commanded her to eat the large piece of bread and the slice of golden
+cheese. He sat down himself on a corner of the table and started his
+own dinner. Heidi drank without stopping, for she felt exceedingly
+thirsty after her long journey. Taking a long breath, she put down her
+little bowl.
+
+"How do you like the milk?" the grandfather asked her.
+
+"I never tasted better," answered Heidi.
+
+"Then you shall have more," and with that the grandfather filled the
+little bowl again. The little girl ate and drank with the greatest
+enjoyment. After she was through, both went out into the goat-shed.
+Here the old man busied himself, and Heidi watched him attentively
+while he was sweeping and putting down fresh straw for the goats to
+sleep on. Then he went to the little shop alongside and fashioned a
+high chair for Heidi, to the little girl's greatest amazement.
+
+"What is this?" asked the grandfather.
+
+"This is a chair for me. I am sure of it because it is so high. How
+quickly it was made!" said the child, full of admiration and wonder.
+
+"She knows what is what and has her eyes on the right place," the
+grandfather said to himself, while he walked around the hut, fastening
+a nail or a loose board here and there. He wandered about with his
+hammer and nails, repairing whatever was in need of fixing. Heidi
+followed him at every step and watched the performance with great
+enjoyment and attention.
+
+At last the evening came. The old fir-trees were rustling and a mighty
+wind was roaring and howling through the tree-tops. Those sounds
+thrilled Heidi's heart and filled it with happiness and joy. She
+danced and jumped about under the trees, for those sounds made her
+feel as if a wonderful thing had happened to her. The grandfather
+stood under the door, watching her, when suddenly a shrill whistle was
+heard. Heidi stood still and the grandfather joined her outside. Down
+from the heights came one goat after another, with Peter in their
+midst. Uttering a cry of joy, Heidi ran into the middle of the flock,
+greeting her old friends. When they had all reached the hut, they
+stopped on their way and two beautiful slender goats came out of the
+herd, one of them white and the other brown. They came up to the
+grandfather, who held out some salt in his hands to them, as he did
+every night. Heidi tenderly caressed first one and then the other,
+seeming beside herself with joy.
+
+"Are they ours, grandfather? Do they both belong to us? Are they going
+to the stable? Are they going to stay with us?" Heidi kept on asking
+in her excitement. The grandfather hardly could put in a "yes, yes,
+surely" between her numerous questions. When the goats had licked up
+all the salt, the old man said, "Go in, Heidi, and fetch your bowl
+and the bread."
+
+Heidi obeyed and returned instantly. The grandfather milked a full
+bowl from the white goat, cut a piece of bread for the child, and told
+her to eat. "Afterwards you can go to bed. If you need some shirts and
+other linen, you will find them in the bottom of the cupboard. Aunt
+Deta has left a bundle for you. Now good-night, I have to look after
+the goats and lock them up for the night."
+
+"Good-night, grandfather! Oh, please tell me what their names are,"
+called Heidi after him.
+
+"The white one's name is Schwaenli and the brown one I call Baerli," was
+his answer.
+
+"Good-night, Schwaenli! Good-night, Baerli," the little girl called
+loudly, for they were just disappearing in the shed. Heidi now sat
+down on the bench and took her supper. The strong wind nearly blew her
+from her seat, so she hurried with her meal, to be able to go inside
+and up to her bed. She slept in it as well as a prince on his royal
+couch.
+
+Very soon after Heidi had gone up, before it was quite dark, the old
+man also sought his bed. He was always up in the morning with the sun,
+which rose early over the mountain-side in those summer days. It was a
+wild, stormy night; the hut was shaking in the gusts and all the
+boards were creaking. The wind howled through the chimney and the old
+fir-trees shook so strongly that many a dry branch came crashing down.
+In the middle of the night the grandfather got up, saying to himself:
+"I am sure she is afraid." Climbing up the ladder, he went up to
+Heidi's bed. The first moment everything lay in darkness, when all of
+a sudden the moon came out behind the clouds and sent his brilliant
+light across Heidi's bed. Her cheeks were burning red and she lay
+peacefully on her round and chubby arms. She must have had a happy
+dream, for she was smiling in her sleep. The grandfather stood and
+watched her till a cloud flew over the moon and left everything in
+total darkness. Then he went down to seek his bed again.
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+ON THE PASTURE
+
+
+Heidi was awakened early next morning by a loud whistle. Opening her
+eyes, she saw her little bed and the hay beside her bathed in golden
+sunlight. For a short while she did not know where she was, but when
+she heard her grandfather's deep voice outside, she recollected
+everything. She remembered how she had come up the mountain the day
+before and left old Ursula, who was always shivering with cold and sat
+near the stove all day. While Heidi lived with Ursula, she had always
+been obliged to keep in the house, where the old woman could see her.
+Being deaf, Ursula was afraid to let Heidi go outdoors, and the child
+had often fretted in the narrow room and had longed to run outside.
+She was therefore delighted to find herself in her new home and hardly
+could wait to see the goats again. Jumping out of bed, she put on her
+few things and in a short time went down the ladder and ran outside.
+Peter was already there with his flock, waiting for Schwaenli and
+Baerli, whom the grandfather was just bringing to join the other goats.
+
+"Do you want to go with him to the pasture?" asked the grandfather.
+
+"Yes," cried Heidi, clapping her hands.
+
+"Go now, and wash yourself first, for the sun will laugh at you if he
+sees how dirty you are. Everything is ready there for you," he added,
+pointing to a large tub of water that stood in the sun. Heidi did as
+she was told, and washed and rubbed herself till her cheeks were
+glowing. In the meanwhile the grandfather called to Peter to come into
+the hut and bring his bag along. The boy followed the old man, who
+commanded him to open the bag in which he carried his scanty dinner.
+The grandfather put into the bag a piece of bread and a slice of
+cheese, that were easily twice as large as those the boy had in the
+bag himself.
+
+"The little bowl goes in, too," said the Uncle, "for the child does
+not know how to drink straight from the goat, the way you do. She is
+going to stay with you all day, therefore milk two bowls full for her
+dinner. Look out that she does not fall over the rocks! Do you hear?"
+
+Just then Heidi came running in. "Grandfather, can the sun still laugh
+at me?" she asked. The child had rubbed herself so violently with the
+coarse towel which the grandfather had put beside the tub that her
+face, neck and arms were as red as a lobster. With a smile the
+grandfather said: "No, he can't laugh any more now; but when you come
+home to-night you must go into the tub like a fish. When one goes
+about like the goats, one gets dirty feet. Be off!"
+
+They started merrily up the Alp. A cloudless, deep-blue sky looked
+down on them, for the wind had driven away every little cloud in the
+night. The fresh green mountain-side was bathed in brilliant sunlight,
+and many blue and yellow flowers had opened. Heidi was wild with joy
+and ran from side to side. In one place she saw big patches of fine
+red primroses, on another spot blue gentians sparkled in the grass,
+and everywhere the golden rock-roses were nodding to her. In her
+transport at finding such treasures, Heidi even forgot Peter and his
+goats. She ran far ahead of him and then strayed away off to one side,
+for the sparkling flowers tempted her here and there. Picking whole
+bunches of them to take home with her, she put them all into her
+little apron.
+
+Peter, whose round eyes could only move about slowly, had a hard time
+looking out for her. The goats were even worse, and only by shouting
+and whistling, especially by swinging his rod, could he drive them
+together.
+
+"Heidi, where are you now?" he called quite angrily.
+
+"Here," it sounded from somewhere. Peter could not see her, for she
+was sitting on the ground behind a little mound, which was covered
+with fragrant flowers. The whole air was filled with their perfume,
+and the child drew it in, in long breaths.
+
+"Follow me now!" Peter called out. "The grandfather has told me to
+look out for you, and you must not fall over the rocks."
+
+"Where are they?" asked Heidi without even stirring.
+
+"Way up there, and we have still far to go. If you come quickly, we
+may see the eagle there and hear him shriek."
+
+That tempted Heidi, and she came running to Peter, with her apron full
+of flowers.
+
+"You have enough now," he declared. "If you pick them all to-day,
+there won't be any left to-morrow." Heidi admitted that, besides which
+she had her apron already full. From now on she stayed at Peter's
+side. The goats, scenting the pungent herbs, also hurried up without
+delay.
+
+Peter generally took his quarters for the day at the foot of a high
+cliff, which seemed to reach far up into the sky. Overhanging rocks on
+one side made it dangerous, so that the grandfather was wise to warn
+Peter.
+
+After they had reached their destination, the boy took off his bag,
+putting it in a little hollow in the ground. The wind often blew in
+violent gusts up there, and Peter did not want to lose his precious
+load. Then he lay down in the sunny grass, for he was very tired.
+
+Heidi, taking off her apron, rolled it tightly together and put it
+beside Peter's bag. Then, sitting down beside the boy, she looked
+about her. Far down she saw the glistening valley; a large field of
+snow rose high in front of her. Heidi sat a long time without
+stirring, with Peter asleep by her side and the goats climbing about
+between the bushes. A light breeze fanned her cheek and those big
+mountains about her made her feel happy as never before. She looked up
+at the mountain-tops till they all seemed to have faces, and soon they
+were familiar to her, like old friends. Suddenly she heard a loud,
+sharp scream, and looking up she beheld the largest bird she had ever
+seen, flying above her. With outspread wings he flew in large circles
+over Heidi's head.
+
+"Wake up, Peter!" Heidi called. "Look up, Peter, and see the eagle
+there!"
+
+Peter got wide wake, and then they both watched the bird breathlessly.
+It rose higher and higher into the azure, till it disappeared at last
+behind the mountain-peak.
+
+"Where has it gone?" Heidi asked.
+
+"Home to its nest," was Peter's answer.
+
+"Oh, does it really live way up there? How wonderful that must be! But
+tell me why it screams so loud?" Heidi inquired.
+
+"Because it has to," Peter replied.
+
+"Oh, let's climb up there and see its nest!" implored Heidi, but
+Peter, expressing decided disapproval in his voice, answered: "Oh
+dear, Oh dear, not even goats could climb up there! Grandfather has
+told me not to let you fall down the rocks, so we can't go!"
+
+Peter now began to call loudly and to whistle, and soon all the goats
+were assembled on the green field. Heidi ran into their midst, for she
+loved to see them leaping and playing about.
+
+Peter in the meantime was preparing dinner for Heidi and himself, by
+putting her large pieces on one side and his own small ones on the
+other. Then he milked Baerli and put the full bowl in the middle. When
+he was ready, he called to the little girl. But it took some time
+before she obeyed his call.
+
+   [Illustration: SHE HANDED HIM ALSO THE WHOLE SLICE OF CHEESE]
+
+"Stop jumping, now," said Peter, "and sit down; your dinner is ready."
+
+"Is this milk for me?" she inquired.
+
+"Yes it is; those large pieces also belong to you. When you are
+through with the milk, I'll get you some more. After that I'll get
+mine."
+
+"What milk do you get?" Heidi inquired.
+
+"I get it from my own goat, that speckled one over there. But go ahead
+and eat!" Peter commanded again. Heidi obeyed, and when the bowl was
+empty, he filled it again. Breaking off a piece of bread for herself,
+she gave Peter the rest, which was still bigger than his own portion
+had been. She handed him also the whole slice of cheese, saying: "You
+can eat that, I have had enough!"
+
+Peter was speechless with surprise, for it would have been impossible
+for him ever to give up any of his share. Not taking Heidi in earnest,
+he hesitated till she put the things on his knees. Then he saw she
+really meant it, and he seized his prize. Nodding his thanks to her,
+he ate the most luxurious meal he had ever had in all his life. Heidi
+was watching the goats in the meantime, and asked Peter for their
+names.
+
+The boy could tell them all to her, for their names were about the
+only thing he had to carry in his head. She soon knew them, too, for
+she had listened attentively. One of them was the Big Turk, who tried
+to stick his big horns into all the others. Most of the goats ran away
+from their rough comrade. The bold Thistlefinch alone was not afraid,
+and running his horns three or four times into the other, so
+astonished the Turk with his great daring that he stood still and gave
+up fighting, for the Thistlefinch had sharp horns and met him in the
+most warlike attitude. A small, white goat, called Snowhopper, kept up
+bleating in the most piteous way, which induced Heidi to console it
+several times. Heidi at last went to the little thing again, and
+throwing her arms around its head, she asked, "What is the matter with
+you, Snowhopper? Why do you always cry for help?" The little goat
+pressed close to Heidi's side and became perfectly quiet. Peter was
+still eating, but between the swallows he called to Heidi: "She is so
+unhappy, because the old goat has left us. She was sold to somebody in
+Mayenfeld two days ago."
+
+"Who was the old goat?"
+
+"Her mother, of course."
+
+"Where is her grandmother?"
+
+"She hasn't any."
+
+"And her grandfather?"
+
+"Hasn't any either."
+
+"Poor little Snowhopper!" said Heidi, drawing the little creature
+tenderly to her. "Don't grieve any more; see, I am coming up with you
+every day now, and if there is anything the matter, you can come to
+me."
+
+Snowhopper rubbed her head against Heidi's shoulder and stopped
+bleating. When Peter had finally finished his dinner, he joined Heidi.
+
+The little girl had just been observing that Schwaenli and Baerli were
+by far the cleanest and prettiest of the goats. They evaded the
+obtrusive Turk with a sort of contempt and always managed to find the
+greenest bushes for themselves. She mentioned it to Peter, who
+replied: "I know! Of course they are the prettiest, because the uncle
+washes them and gives them salt. He has the best stable by far."
+
+All of a sudden Peter, who had been lying on the ground, jumped up and
+bounded after the goats. Heidi, knowing that something must have
+happened, followed him. She saw him running to a dangerous abyss on
+the side. Peter had noticed how the rash Thistlefinch had gone nearer
+and nearer to the dangerous spot. Peter only just came in time to
+prevent the goat from falling down over the very edge. Unfortunately
+Peter had stumbled over a stone in his hurry and was only able to
+catch the goat by one leg. The Thistlefinch, being enraged to find
+himself stopped in his charming ramble, bleated furiously. Not being
+able to get up, Peter loudly called for help. Heidi immediately saw
+that Peter was nearly pulling off the animal's leg. She quickly picked
+some fragrant herbs and holding them under the animal's nose, she said
+soothingly: "Come, come, Thistlefinch, and be sensible. You might fall
+down there and break your leg. That would hurt you horribly."
+
+The goat turned about and devoured the herbs Heidi held in her hand.
+When Peter got to his feet, he led back the runaway with Heidi's help.
+When he had the goat in safety, he raised his rod to beat it for
+punishment. The goat retreated shyly, for it knew what was coming.
+Heidi screamed loudly: "Peter, no, do not beat him! look how scared he
+is."
+
+"He well deserves it," snarled Peter, ready to strike. But Heidi,
+seizing his arm, shouted, full of indignation: "You mustn't hurt him!
+Let him go!"
+
+Heidi's eyes were sparkling, and when he saw her with her commanding
+mien, he desisted and dropped his rope. "I'll let him go, if you give
+me a piece of your cheese again to-morrow," he said, for he wanted a
+compensation for his fright.
+
+"You may have it all to-morrow and every day, because I don't need
+it," Heidi assured him. "I shall also give you a big piece of bread,
+if you promise never to beat any of the goats."
+
+"I don't care," growled Peter, and in that way he gave his promise.
+
+Thus the day had passed, and the sun was already sinking down behind
+the mountains. Sitting on the grass, Heidi looked at the bluebells and
+the wild roses that were shining in the last rays of the sun. The
+peaks also started to glow, and Heidi suddenly called to the boy: "Oh,
+Peter, look! everything is on fire. The mountains are burning and the
+sky, too. Oh, look! the moon over there is on fire, too. Do you see
+the mountains all in a glow? Oh, how beautiful the snow looks! Peter,
+the eagle's nest is surely on fire, too. Oh, look at the fir-trees
+over there!"
+
+Peter was quietly peeling his rod, and looking up, said to Heidi:
+"This is no fire; it always looks like that."
+
+"But what is it then?" asked Heidi eagerly, gazing about her
+everywhere.
+
+"It gets that way of itself," explained Peter.
+
+"Oh look! Everything is all rosy now! Oh, look at this mountain over
+there with the snow and the sharp peaks. What is its name?"
+
+"Mountains have no names," he answered.
+
+"Oh, see, how beautiful! It looks as if many, many roses were growing
+on those cliffs. Oh, now they are getting grey. Oh dear! the fire has
+gone out and it is all over. What a terrible shame!" said Heidi quite
+despondently.
+
+"It will be the same again tomorrow," Peter reassured her. "Come now,
+we have to go home."
+
+When Peter had called the goats together, they started downwards.
+
+"Will it be like that every day when we are up?" asked Heidi, eagerly.
+
+"It usually is," was the reply.
+
+"What about tomorrow?" she inquired.
+
+"Tomorrow it will be like that, I am sure," Peter affirmed.
+
+That made Heidi feel happy again. She walked quietly by Peter's side,
+thinking over all the new things she had seen. At last, reaching the
+hut, they found the grandfather waiting for them on a bench under the
+fir-trees. Heidi ran up to him and the two goats followed, for they
+knew their master. Peter called to her: "Come again tomorrow!
+Good-night!"
+
+Heidi gave him her hand, assuring him that she would come, and finding
+herself surrounded by the goats, she hugged Snowhopper a last time.
+
+When Peter had disappeared, Heidi returned to her grandfather. "Oh
+grandfather! it was so beautiful! I saw the fire and the roses on the
+rocks! And see the many, many flowers I am bringing you!" With that
+Heidi shook them out of her apron. But oh, how miserable they looked!
+Heidi did not even know them any more.
+
+"What is the matter with them, grandfather? They looked so different!"
+Heidi exclaimed in her fright.
+
+"They are made to bloom in the sun and not to be shut up in an apron,"
+said the grandfather.
+
+"Then I shall never pick them any more! Please, grandfather, tell me
+why the eagle screeches so loudly," asked Heidi.
+
+"First go and take a bath, while I go into the shed to get your milk.
+Afterwards we'll go inside together and I'll tell you all about it
+during supper-time."
+
+They did as was proposed, and when Heidi sat on her high chair before
+her milk, she asked the same question as before.
+
+"Because he is sneering at the people down below, who sit in the
+villages and make each other angry. He calls down to them:--'If you
+would go apart to live up on the heights like me, you would feel much
+better!'" The grandfather said these last words with such a wild
+voice, that it reminded Heidi of the eagle's screech.
+
+"Why do the mountains have no names, grandfather?" asked Heidi.
+
+"They all have names, and if you tell me their shape I can name them
+for you."
+
+Heidi described several and the old man could name them all. The child
+told him now about all the happenings of the day, and especially about
+the wonderful fire. She asked how it came about.
+
+"The sun does it," he exclaimed. "Saying good-night to the mountains,
+he throws his most beautiful rays to them, that they may not forget
+him till the morning."
+
+Heidi was so much pleased with this explanation, that she could hardly
+wait to see the sun's good-night greetings repeated. It was time now
+to go to bed, and Heidi slept soundly all night. She dreamt that the
+little Snowhopper was bounding happily about on the glowing mountains
+with many glistening roses blooming round her.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT
+
+
+Next morning Peter came again with his goats, and Heidi went up to the
+pasture with them. This happened day after day, and in this healthy
+life Heidi grew stronger, and more sunburnt every day. Soon the autumn
+came and when the wind was blowing across the mountainside, the
+grandfather would say: "You must stay home to-day, Heidi; for the wind
+can blow such a little thing as you down into the valley with a single
+gust."
+
+It always made Peter unhappy when Heidi did not come along, for he saw
+nothing but misfortunes ahead of him; he hardly knew how to pass his
+time, and besides, he was deprived of his abundant dinner. The goats
+were so accustomed to Heidi by this time, that they did not follow
+Peter when she was not with him.
+
+Heidi herself did not mind staying at home, for she loved nothing
+better than to watch her grandfather with his saw and hammer.
+Sometimes the grandfather would make small round cheeses on those
+days, and there was no greater pleasure for Heidi than to see him stir
+the butter with his bare arms. When the wind would howl through the
+fir-trees on those stormy days, Heidi would run out to the grove,
+thrilled and happy by the wondrous roaring in the branches. The sun
+had lost its vigor, and the child had to put on her shoes and
+stockings and her little dress.
+
+The weather got colder and colder, and when Peter came up in the
+morning, he would blow into his hands, he was so frozen. At last even
+Peter could not come any more, for a deep snow had fallen over night.
+Heidi stood at the window, watching the snow falling down. It kept on
+snowing till it reached the windows; still it did not stop, and soon
+the windows could not be opened, and they were all shut in. When it
+had lasted for several days, Heidi thought that it would soon cover
+up the cottage. It finally stopped, and the grandfather went out to
+shovel the snow away from the door and windows, piling it up high here
+and there. In the afternoon the two were sitting near the fire when
+noisy steps were heard outside and the door was pushed open. It was
+Peter, who had come up to see Heidi. Muttering, "Good-evening," he
+went up to the fire. His face was beaming, and Heidi had to laugh when
+she saw little waterfalls trickling down from his person, for all the
+ice and snow had melted in the great heat.
+
+The grandfather now asked Peter how he got along in school. Heidi was
+so interested that she asked him a hundred questions. Poor Peter, who
+was not an easy talker, found himself in great difficulty answering
+the little girl's inquiries, but at least it gave him leisure to dry
+his clothes.
+
+During this conversation the grandfather's eyes had been twinkling,
+and at last he said to the boy: "Now that you have been under fire,
+general, you need some strengthening. Come and join us at supper."
+
+With that the old man prepared a meal which amply satisfied Peter's
+appetite. It had begun to get dark, and Peter knew that it was time to
+go. He had said good-bye and thank you, when turning to Heidi he
+remarked:
+
+"I'll come next Sunday, if I may. By the way, Heidi, grandmother asked
+me to tell you that she would love to see you."
+
+Heidi immediately approved of this idea, and her first word next
+morning was: "Grandfather, I must go down to grandmother. She is
+expecting me."
+
+Four days later the sun was shining and the tight-packed frozen snow
+was crackling under every step. Heidi was sitting at the dinner-table,
+imploring the old man to let her make the visit then, when he got up,
+and fetching down her heavy cover, told her to follow him. They went
+out into the glistening snow; no sound was heard and the snow-laden
+fir-trees shone and glittered in the sun. Heidi in her transport was
+running to and fro: "Grandfather, come out! Oh, look at the trees!
+They are all covered with silver and gold," she called to the
+grandfather, who had just come out of his workshop with a wide sled.
+Wrapping the child up in her cover, he put her on the sled, holding
+her fast. Off they started at such a pace that Heidi shouted for joy,
+for she seemed to be flying like a bird. The sled had stopped in front
+of Peter's hut, and grandfather said: "Go in. When it gets dark, start
+on your way home." When he had unwrapped her, he turned homewards with
+his sled.
+
+[Illustration: OFF THEY STARTED AT SUCH A PACE THAT HEIDI SHOUTED FOR
+JOY]
+
+Opening the door, Heidi found herself in a tiny, dark kitchen, and
+going through another door, she entered a narrow chamber. Near a table
+a woman was seated, busy with mending Peter's coat, which Heidi had
+recognized immediately. A bent old woman was sitting in a corner, and
+Heidi, approaching her at once, said: "How do you do, grandmother? I
+have come now, and I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long!"
+
+Lifting her head, the grandmother sought for Heidi's hand. Feeling it
+thoughtfully, she said: "Are you the little girl who lives up with the
+uncle? Is your name Heidi?"
+
+"Yes," Heidi replied. "The grandfather just brought me down in the
+sled."
+
+"How is it possible? Your hands are as warm as toast! Brigida, did the
+uncle really come down with the child?"
+
+Brigida, Peter's mother, had gotten up to look at the child. She said:
+"I don't know if he did, but I don't think so. She probably doesn't
+know."
+
+Heidi, looking up, said quite decidedly: "I know that grandfather
+wrapped me up in a cover when we coasted down together."
+
+"Peter was right after all," said the grandmother. "We never thought
+the child would live more than three weeks with him. Brigida, tell me
+what she looks like."
+
+"She has Adelheid's fine limbs and black eyes, and curly hair like
+Tobias and the old man. I think she looks like both of them."
+
+While the women were talking, Heidi had been taking in everything.
+Then she said: "Grandmother, look at the shutter over there. It is
+hanging loose. If grandfather were here, he would fasten it. It will
+break the window-pane! Just look at it."
+
+"What a sweet child you are," said the grandmother tenderly. "I can
+hear it, but I cannot see it, child. This cottage rattles and creaks,
+and when the wind blows, it comes in through every chink. Some day the
+whole house will break to pieces and fall on top of us. If only Peter
+knew how to mend it! We have no one else."
+
+"Why, grandmother, can't you see the shutter?" asked Heidi.
+
+"Child, I cannot see anything," lamented the old woman.
+
+"Can you see it when I open the shutter to let in the light?"
+
+"No, no, not even then. Nobody can ever show me the light again."
+
+"But you can see when you go out into the snow, where everything is
+bright. Come with me, grandmother, I'll show you!" and Heidi, taking
+the old woman by the hand, tried to lead her out. Heidi was frightened
+and got more anxious all the time.
+
+"Just let me stay here, child. Everything is dark for me, and my poor
+eyes can neither see the snow nor the light."
+
+"But grandmother, does it not get light in the summer, when the sun
+shines down on the mountains to say good-night, setting them all
+aflame?"
+
+"No, child, I can never see the fiery mountains any more. I have to
+live in darkness, always."
+
+Heidi burst out crying now and sobbed aloud. "Can nobody make it light
+for you? Is there nobody who can do it, grandmother? Nobody?"
+
+The grandmother tried all possible means to comfort the child; it
+wrung her heart to see her terrible distress. It was awfully hard for
+Heidi to stop crying when she had once begun, for she cried so seldom.
+The grandmother said: "Heidi, let me tell you something. People who
+cannot see love to listen to friendly words. Sit down beside me and
+tell me all about yourself. Talk to me about your grandfather, for it
+has been long since I have heard anything about him. I used to know
+him very well."
+
+Heidi suddenly wiped away her tears, for she had had a cheering
+thought. "Grandmother, I shall tell grandfather about it, and I am
+sure he can make it light for you. He can mend your little house and
+stop the rattling."
+
+The old woman remained silent, and Heidi, with the greatest vivacity,
+began to describe her life with the grandfather. Listening
+attentively, the two women would say to each other sometimes: "Do you
+hear what she says about the uncle? Did you listen?"
+
+Heidi's tale was interrupted suddenly by a great thumping on the door;
+and who should come in but Peter. No sooner had he seen Heidi, than he
+smiled, opening his round eyes as wide as possible. Heidi called,
+"Good-evening, Peter!"
+
+"Is it really time for him to come home!" exclaimed Peter's
+grandmother. "How quickly the time has flown. Good-evening, little
+Peter; how is your reading going?"
+
+"Just the same," the boy replied.
+
+"Oh, dear, I was hoping for a change at last. You are nearly twelve
+years old, my boy."
+
+"Why should there be a change?" inquired Heidi with greatest interest.
+
+"I am afraid he'll never learn it after all. On the shelf over there
+is an old prayer-book with beautiful songs. I have forgotten them all,
+for I do not hear them any more. I longed that Peter should read them
+to me some day, but he will never be able to!"
+
+Peter's mother got up from her work now, saying, "I must make a light.
+The afternoon has passed and now it's getting dark."
+
+When Heidi heard those words, she started, and holding out her hand to
+all, she said: "Good-night. I have to go, for it is getting dark." But
+the anxious grandmother called out: "Wait, child, don't go up alone!
+Go with her, Peter, and take care that she does not fall. Don't let
+her get cold, do you hear? Has Heidi a shawl?"
+
+"I haven't, but I won't be cold," Heidi called back, for she had
+already escaped through the door. She ran so fast that Peter could
+hardly follow her. The old woman frettingly called out: "Brigida, run
+after her. Get a warm shawl, she'll freeze in this cold night. Hurry
+up!" Brigida obeyed. The children had hardly climbed any distance,
+when they saw the old man coming and with a few vigorous steps he
+stood beside them.
+
+"I am glad you kept your word, Heidi," he said; and packing her into
+her cover, he started up the hill, carrying the child in his arms.
+Brigida had come in time to see it, and told the grandmother what she
+had witnessed.
+
+"Thank God, thank God!" the old woman said. "I hope she'll come again;
+she has done me so much good! What a soft heart she has, the darling,
+and how nicely she can talk." All evening the grandmother said to
+herself, "If only he lets her come again! I have something to look
+forward to in this world now, thank God!"
+
+Heidi could hardly wait before they reached the cottage. She had tried
+to talk on the way, but no sound could be heard through the heavy
+cover. As soon as they were inside the hut she began: "Grandfather, we
+must take some nails and a hammer down tomorrow; a shutter is loose in
+grandmother's house and many other places shake. Everything rattles in
+her house."
+
+"Is that so? Who says we must?"
+
+"Nobody told me, but I know," Heidi replied. "Everything is loose in
+the house, and poor grandmother told me she was afraid that the house
+might tumble down. And grandfather, she cannot see the light. Can you
+help her and make it light for her? How terrible it must be to be
+afraid in the dark and nobody there to help you! Oh, please,
+grandfather, do something to help her! I know you can."
+
+Heidi had been clinging to her grandfather and looking up to him with
+trusting eyes. At last he said, glancing down: "All right, child,
+we'll see that it won't rattle any more. We can do it tomorrow."
+
+Heidi was so overjoyed at these words that she danced around the room
+shouting: "We'll do it tomorrow! We can do it tomorrow!"
+
+The grandfather, keeping his word, took Heidi down the following day
+with the same instructions as before. After Heidi had disappeared, he
+went around the house inspecting it.
+
+The grandmother, in her joy at seeing the child again, had stopped the
+wheel and called: "Here is the child again! She has come again!"
+Heidi, grasping her outstretched hands, sat herself on a low stool at
+the old woman's feet and began to chat. Suddenly violent blows were
+heard outside; the grandmother in her fright nearly upset the
+spinning-wheel and screamed: "Oh, God, it has come at last. The hut is
+tumbling down!"
+
+"Grandmother, don't be frightened," said the child, while she put her
+arms around her. "Grandfather is just fastening the shutter and fixing
+everything for you."
+
+"Is it possible? Has God not forgotten us after all? Brigida, have you
+heard it? Surely that is a hammer. Ask him to come in a moment, if it
+is he, for I must thank him."
+
+When Brigida went out, she found the old man busy with putting a new
+beam along the wall. Approaching him, she said: "Mother and I wish you
+a good-afternoon. We are very much obliged to you for doing us such a
+service, and mother would like to see you. There are few that would
+have done it, uncle, and how can we thank you?"
+
+"That will do," he interrupted. "I know what your opinion about me is.
+Go in, for I can find what needs mending myself."
+
+Brigida obeyed, for the uncle had a way that nobody could oppose. All
+afternoon the uncle hammered around; he even climbed up on the roof,
+where much was missing. At last he had to stop, for the last nail was
+gone from his pocket. The darkness had come in the meantime, and
+Heidi was ready to go up with him, packed warmly in his arms.
+
+Thus the winter passed. Sunshine had come again into the blind woman's
+life, and made her days less dark and dreary. Early every morning she
+would begin to listen for Heidi's footsteps, and when the door was
+opened and the child ran in, the grandmother exclaimed every time more
+joyfully: "Thank God, she has come again!"
+
+Heidi would talk about her life, and make the grandmother smile and
+laugh, and in that way the hours flew by. In former times the old
+woman had always sighed: "Brigida, is the day not over yet?" but now
+she always exclaimed after Heidi's departure: "How quickly the
+afternoon has gone by. Don't you think so, too, Brigida?" Her daughter
+had to assent, for Heidi had long ago won her heart. "If only God will
+spare us the child!" the grandmother would often say. "I hope the
+uncle will always be kind, as he is now."--"Does Heidi look well,
+Brigida?" was a frequent question, which always got a reassuring
+answer.
+
+Heidi also became very fond of the old grandmother, and when the
+weather was fair, she visited her every day that winter. Whenever the
+child remembered that the grandmother was blind, she would get very
+sad; her only comfort was that her coming brought such happiness. The
+grandfather soon had mended the cottage; often he would take down big
+loads of timber, which he used to good purpose. The grandmother vowed
+that no rattling could be heard any more, and that, thanks to the
+uncle's kindness, she slept better that winter than she had done for
+many a year.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+TWO VISITORS
+
+
+Two winters had nearly passed. Heidi was happy, for the spring was
+coming again, with the soft delicious wind that made the fir-trees
+roar. Soon she would be able to go up to the pasture, where blue and
+yellow flowers greeted her at every step. She was nearly eight years
+old, and had learned to take care of the goats, who ran after her like
+little dogs. Several times the village teacher had sent word by Peter
+that the child was wanted in school, but the old man had not paid any
+attention to the message and had kept her with him as before. It was a
+beautiful morning in March. The snow had melted on the slopes, and was
+going fast. Snowdrops were peeping through the ground, which seemed to
+be getting ready for spring. Heidi was running to and fro before the
+door, when she suddenly saw an old gentleman, dressed in black,
+standing beside her. As she appeared frightened, he said kindly: "You
+must not be afraid of me, for I love children. Give me your hand,
+Heidi, and tell me where your grandfather is."
+
+"He is inside, making round wooden spoons," the child replied, opening
+the door while she spoke.
+
+It was the old pastor of the village, who had known the grandfather
+years ago. After entering, he approached the old man, saying:
+"Good-morning, neighbor."
+
+The old man got up, surprised, and offering a seat to the visitor,
+said: "Good-morning, Mr. Parson. Here is a wooden chair, if it is good
+enough."
+
+Sitting down, the parson said: "It is long since I have seen you,
+neighbor. I have come to-day to talk over a matter with you. I am sure
+you can guess what it is about."
+
+The clergyman here looked at Heidi, who was standing near the door.
+
+"Heidi, run out to see the goats," said the grandfather, "and bring
+them some salt; you can stay till I come."
+
+Heidi disappeared on the spot. "The child should have come to school a
+year ago," the parson went on to say. "Didn't you get the teacher's
+warning? What do you intend to do with the child?"
+
+"I do not want her to go to school," said the old man, unrelentingly.
+
+"What do you want the child to be?"
+
+"I want her to be free and happy as a bird!"
+
+"But she is human, and it is high time for her to learn something. I
+have come now to tell you about it, so that you can make your plans.
+She must come to school next winter; remember that."
+
+"I shan't do it, pastor!" was the reply.
+
+"Do you think there is no way?" the clergyman replied, a little hotly.
+"You know the world, for you have travelled far. What little sense you
+show!"
+
+"You think I am going to send this delicate child to school in every
+storm and weather!" the old man said excitedly. "It is a two hours'
+walk, and I shall not let her go; for the wind often howls so that it
+chokes me if I venture out. Did you know Adelheid, her mother? She was
+a sleep-walker, and had fainting-fits. Nobody shall compel me to let
+her go; I will gladly fight it out in court."
+
+"You are perfectly right," said the clergyman kindly. "You could not
+send her to school from here. Why don't you come down to live among us
+again? You are leading a strange life here; I wonder how you can keep
+the child warm in winter."
+
+"She has young blood and a good cover. I know where to find good wood,
+and all winter I keep a fire going. I couldn't live in the village,
+for the people there and I despise each other; we had better keep
+apart."
+
+"You are mistaken, I assure you! Make your peace with God, and then
+you'll see how happy you will be."
+
+The clergyman had risen, and holding out his hand, he said cordially:
+"I shall count on you next winter, neighbor. We shall receive you
+gladly, reconciled with God and man."
+
+But the uncle replied firmly, while he shook his visitor by the hand:
+"Thank you for your kindness, but you will have to wait in vain."
+
+"God be with you," said the parson, and left him sadly.
+
+The old man was out of humor that day, and when Heidi begged to go to
+the grandmother, he only growled: "Not to-day." Next day they had
+hardly finished their dinner, when another visitor arrived. It was
+Heidi's aunt Deta; she wore a hat with feathers and a dress with such
+a train that it swept up everything that lay on the cottage floor.
+While the uncle looked at her silently, Deta began to praise him and
+the child's red cheeks. She told him that it had not been her
+intention to leave Heidi with him long, for she knew she must be in
+his way. She had tried to provide for the child elsewhere, and at
+last she had found a splendid chance for her. Very rich relations of
+her lady, who owned the largest house in Frankfurt, had a lame
+daughter. This poor little girl was confined to her rolling-chair and
+needed a companion at her lessons. Deta had heard from her lady that a
+sweet, quaint child was wanted as playmate and schoolmate for the
+invalid. She had gone to the housekeeper and told her all about Heidi.
+The lady, delighted with the idea, had told her to fetch the child at
+once. She had come now, and it was a lucky chance for Heidi, "for one
+never knew what might happen in such a case, and who could tell--"
+
+"Have you finished?" the old man interrupted her at last.
+
+"Why, one might think I was telling you the silliest things. There is
+not a man in Praetiggan who would not thank God for such news."
+
+"Bring them to somebody else, but not to me," said the uncle, coldly.
+
+Deta, flaming up, replied: "Do you want to hear what I think? Don't I
+know how old she is; eight years old and ignorant of everything. They
+have told me that you refuse to send her to church and to school. She
+is my only sister's child, and I shall not bear it, for I am
+responsible. You do not care for her, how else could you be
+indifferent to such luck. You had better give way or I shall get the
+people to back me. If I were you, I would not have it brought to
+court; some things might be warmed up that you would not care to hear
+about."
+
+"Be quiet!" the uncle thundered with flaming eyes. "Take her and ruin
+her, but do not bring her before my sight again. I do not want to see
+her with feathers in her hat and wicked words like yours."
+
+With long strides he went out.
+
+"You have made him angry!" said Heidi with a furious look.
+
+"He won't be cross long. But come now, where are your things?" asked
+Deta.
+
+"I won't come," Heidi replied.
+
+"What?" Deta said passionately. But changing her tone, she continued
+in a more friendly manner: "Come now; you don't understand me. I am
+taking you to the most beautiful place you have ever seen." After
+packing up Heidi's clothes she said again, "Come, child, and take your
+hat. It is not very nice, but we can't help it."
+
+"I shall not come," was the reply.
+
+"Don't be stupid and obstinate, like a goat. Listen to me. Grandfather
+is sending us away and we must do what he commands, or he will get
+more angry still. You'll see how fine it is in Frankfurt. If you do
+not like it, you can come home again and by that time grandfather will
+have forgiven us."
+
+"Can I come home again to-night?" asked Heidi.
+
+"Come now, I told you you could come back. If we get to Mayenfeld
+today, we can take the train to-morrow. That will make you fly home
+again in the shortest time!"
+
+Holding the bundle, Deta led the child down the mountain. On their
+way they met Peter, who had not gone to school that day. The boy
+thought it was a more useful occupation to look for hazel-rods than to
+learn to read, for he always needed the rods. He had had a most
+successful day, for he carried an enormous bundle on his shoulder.
+When he caught sight of Heidi and Deta, he asked them where they were
+going.
+
+"I am going to Frankfurt with Aunt Deta," Heidi replied; "but first I
+must see grandmother, for she is waiting."
+
+"Oh no, it is too late. You can see her when you come back, but not
+now," said Deta, pulling Heidi along with her, for she was afraid that
+the old woman might detain the child.
+
+Peter ran into the cottage and hit the table with his rods. The
+grandmother jumped up in her fright and asked him what that meant.
+
+"They have taken Heidi away," Peter said with a groan.
+
+"Who has, Peter? Where has she gone?" the unhappy grandmother asked.
+Brigida had seen Deta walking up the footpath a short while ago and
+soon they guessed what had happened. With a trembling hand the old
+woman opened a window and called out as loudly as she could: "Deta,
+Deta, don't take the child away. Don't take her from us."
+
+When Heidi heard that she struggled to get free, and said: "I must go
+to grandmother; she is calling me."
+
+But Deta would not let her go. She urged her on by saying that she
+might return soon again. She also suggested that Heidi might bring a
+lovely present to the grandmother when she came back.
+
+Heidi liked this prospect and followed Deta without more ado. After a
+while she asked: "What shall I bring to the grandmother?"
+
+"You might bring her some soft white rolls, Heidi. I think the black
+bread is too hard for poor grandmother to eat."
+
+"Yes, I know, aunt, she always gives it to Peter," Heidi confirmed
+her. "We must go quickly now; we might get to Frankfurt today and
+then I can be back tomorrow with the rolls."
+
+   [Illustration: WHEN HEIDI HEARD THAT SHE STRUGGLED TO GET FREE]
+
+Heidi was running now, and Deta had to follow. She was glad enough to
+escape the questions that people might ask her in the village. People
+could see that Heidi was pulling her along, so she said: "I can't
+stop. Don't you see how the child is hurrying? We have still far to
+go," whenever she heard from all sides: "Are you taking her with you?"
+"Is she running away from the uncle?" "What a wonder she is still
+alive!" "What red cheeks she has," and so on. Soon they had escaped
+and had left the village far behind them.
+
+From that time on the uncle looked more angry than ever when he came
+to the village. Everybody was afraid of him, and the women would warn
+their children to keep out of his sight.
+
+He came down but seldom, and then only to sell his cheese and buy his
+provisions. Often people remarked how lucky it was that Heidi had left
+him. They had seen her hurrying away, so they thought that she had
+been glad to go.
+
+The old grandmother alone stuck to him faithfully. Whenever anybody
+came up to her, she would tell them what good care the old man had
+taken of Heidi. She also told them that he had mended her little
+house. These reports reached the village, of course, but people only
+half believed them, for the grandmother was infirm and old. She began
+her days with sighing again. "All happiness has left us with the
+child. The days are so long and dreary, and I have no joy left. If
+only I could hear Heidi's voice before I die," the poor old woman
+would exclaim, day after day.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+A NEW CHAPTER WITH NEW THINGS
+
+
+In a beautiful house in Frankfurt lived a sick child by the name of
+Clara Sesemann. She was sitting in a comfortable rolling-chair, which
+could be pushed from room to room. Clara spent most of her time in the
+study, where long rows of bookcases lined the walls. This room was
+used as a living-room, and here she was also given her lessons.
+
+Clara had a pale, thin face with soft blue eyes, which at that moment
+were watching the clock impatiently. At last she said: "Oh Miss
+Rottenmeier, isn't it time yet?"
+
+The lady so addressed was the housekeeper, who had lived with Clara
+since Mrs. Sesemann's death. Miss Rottenmeier wore a peculiar uniform
+with a long cape, and a high cap on her head. Clara's father, who was
+away from home a great deal, left the entire management of the house
+to this lady, on the condition that his daughter's wishes should
+always be considered.
+
+While Clara was waiting, Deta had arrived at the front door with
+Heidi. She was asking the coachman who had brought her if she could go
+upstairs.
+
+"That's not my business," grumbled the coachman; "you must ring for
+the butler."
+
+Sebastian, the butler, a man with large brass buttons on his coat,
+soon stood before her.
+
+"May I see Miss Rottenmeier?" Deta asked.
+
+"That's not my business," the butler announced. "Ring for Tinette, the
+maid." With that, he disappeared.
+
+Deta, ringing again, saw a girl with a brilliant white cap on her
+head, coming down the stairway. The maid stopped half-way down and
+asked scornfully: "What do you want?"
+
+Deta repeated her wish again. Tinette told her to wait while she went
+upstairs, but it did not take long before the two were asked to come
+up.
+
+Following the maid, they found themselves in the study. Deta held on
+to Heidi's hand and stayed near the door.
+
+Miss Rottenmeier, slowly getting up, approached the newcomers. She did
+not seem pleased with Heidi, who wore her hat and shawl and was
+looking up at the lady's headdress with innocent wonder.
+
+"What is your name?" the lady asked.
+
+"Heidi," was the child's clear answer.
+
+"What? Is that a Christian name? What name did you receive in
+baptism?" inquired the lady again.
+
+"I don't remember that any more," the child replied.
+
+"What an answer! What does that mean?" said the housekeeper, shaking
+her head. "Is the child ignorant or pert, Miss Deta?"
+
+"I shall speak for the child, if I may, madam," Deta said, after
+giving Heidi a little blow for her unbecoming answer. "The child has
+never been in such a fine house and does not know how to behave. I
+hope the lady will forgive her manners. She is called Adelheid after
+her mother, who was my sister."
+
+"Oh well, that is better. But Miss Deta, the child seems peculiar for
+her age. I thought I told you that Miss Clara's companion would have
+to be twelve years old like her, to be able to share her studies. How
+old is Adelheid?"
+
+"I am sorry, but I am afraid she is somewhat younger than I thought. I
+think she is about ten years old."
+
+"Grandfather said that I was eight years old," said Heidi now. Deta
+gave her another blow, but as the child had no idea why, she did not
+get embarrassed.
+
+"What, only eight years old!" Miss Rottenmeier exclaimed indignantly.
+"How can we get along? What have you learned? What books have you
+studied?"
+
+"None," said Heidi.
+
+"But how did you learn to read?"
+
+"I can't read and Peter can't do it either," Heidi retorted.
+
+"For mercy's sake! you cannot read?" cried the lady in her surprise.
+"How is it possible? What else have you studied?"
+
+"Nothing," replied Heidi, truthfully.
+
+"Miss Deta, how could you bring this child?" said the housekeeper,
+when she was more composed.
+
+Deta, however, was not easily intimidated, and said: "I am sorry, but
+I thought this child would suit you. She _is_ small, but older
+children are often spoilt and not like her. I must go now, for my
+mistress is waiting. As soon as I can, I'll come to see how the child
+is getting along." With a bow she was outside and with a few quick
+steps hurried down-stairs.
+
+Miss Rottenmeier followed her and tried to call her back, for she
+wanted to ask Deta a number of questions.
+
+Heidi was still standing on the same spot. Clara had watched the
+scene, and called to the child now to come to her.
+
+Heidi approached the rolling-chair.
+
+"Do you want to be called Heidi or Adelheid?" asked Clara.
+
+"My name is Heidi and nothing else," was the child's answer.
+
+"I'll call you Heidi then, for I like it very much," said Clara. "I
+have never heard the name before. What curly hair you have! Was it
+always like that?"
+
+"I think so."
+
+"Did you like to come to Frankfurt?" asked Clara again.
+
+"Oh, no, but then I am going home again to-morrow, and shall bring
+grandmother some soft white rolls," Heidi explained.
+
+"What a curious child you are," said Clara. "You have come to
+Frankfurt to stay with me, don't you know that? We shall have our
+lessons together, and I think it will be great fun when you learn to
+read. Generally the morning seems to have no end, for Mr. Candidate
+comes at ten and stays till two. That is a long time, and he has to
+yawn himself, he gets so tired. Miss Rottenmeier and he both yawn
+together behind their books, but when I do it, Miss Rottenmeier makes
+me take cod-liver oil and says that I am ill. So I must swallow my
+yawns, for I hate the oil. What fun it will be now, when you learn to
+read!"
+
+Heidi shook her head doubtfully at these prospects.
+
+"Everybody must learn to read, Heidi. Mr. Candidate is very patient
+and will explain it all to you. You won't know what he means at first,
+for it is difficult to understand him. It won't take long to learn,
+though, and then you will know what he means."
+
+When Miss Rottenmeier found that she was unable to recall Deta, she
+came back to the children. She was in a very excited mood, for she
+felt responsible for Heidi's coming and did not know how to cancel
+this unfortunate step. She soon got up again to go to the dining-room,
+criticising the butler and giving orders to the maid. Sebastian, not
+daring to show his rage otherwise, noisily opened the folding doors.
+When he went up to Clara's chair, he saw Heidi watching him intently.
+At last she said: "You look like Peter."
+
+Miss Rottenmeier was horrified with this remark, and sent them all
+into the dining-room. After Clara was lifted on to her chair, the
+housekeeper sat down beside her. Heidi was motioned to sit opposite
+the lady. In that way they were placed at the enormous table. When
+Heidi saw a roll on her plate, she turned to Sebastian, and pointing
+at it, asked, "Can I have this?" Heidi had already great confidence in
+the butler, especially on account of the resemblance she had
+discovered. The butler nodded, and when he saw Heidi put the bread in
+her pocket, could hardly keep from laughing. He came to Heidi now with
+a dish of small baked fishes. For a long time the child did not move;
+then turning her eyes to the butler, she said: "Must I eat that?"
+Sebastian nodded, but another pause ensued. "Why don't you give it to
+me?" the child quietly asked, looking at her plate. The butler, hardly
+able to keep his countenance, was told to place the dish on the table
+and leave the room.
+
+When he was gone, Miss Rottenmeier explained to Heidi with many signs
+how to help herself at table. She also told her never to speak to
+Sebastian unless it was important. After that the child was told how
+to accost the servants and the governess. When the question came up of
+how to call Clara, the older girl said, "Of course you shall call me
+Clara."
+
+A great many rules followed now about behavior at all times, about the
+shutting of doors and about going to bed, and a hundred other things.
+Poor Heidi's eyes were closing, for she had risen at five that
+morning, and leaning against her chair she fell asleep. When Miss
+Rottenmeier had finished instructions, she said: "I hope you will
+remember everything, Adelheid. Did you understand me?"
+
+"Heidi went to sleep a long time ago," said Clara, highly amused.
+
+"It is atrocious what I have to bear with this child," exclaimed Miss
+Rottenmeier, ringing the bell with all her might. When the two
+servants arrived, they were hardly able to rouse Heidi enough to show
+her to her bed-room.
+
+
+
+
+VII
+
+MISS ROTTENMEIER HAS AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY
+
+
+When Heidi opened her eyes next morning, she did not know where she
+was. She found herself on a high white bed in a spacious room. Looking
+around she observed long white curtains before the windows, several
+chairs, and a sofa covered with cretonne; in a corner she saw a
+wash-stand with many curious things standing on it.
+
+Suddenly Heidi remembered all the happenings of the previous day.
+Jumping out of bed, she dressed in a great hurry. She was eager to
+look at the sky and the ground below, as she had always done at home.
+What was her disappointment when she found that the windows were too
+high for her to see anything except the walls and windows opposite.
+Trying to open them, she turned from one to the other, but in vain.
+The poor child felt like a little bird that is placed in a glittering
+cage for the first time. At last she had to resign herself, and sat
+down on a low stool, thinking of the melting snow on the slopes and
+the first flowers of spring that she had hailed with such delight.
+
+Suddenly Tinette opened the door and said curtly: "Breakfast's ready."
+
+Heidi did not take this for a summons, for the maid's face was
+scornful and forbidding. She was waiting patiently for what would
+happen next, when Miss Rottenmeier burst into the room, saying: "What
+is the matter, Adelheid? Didn't you understand? Come to breakfast!"
+
+Heidi immediately followed the lady into the dining-room, where Clara
+greeted her with a smile. She looked much happier than usual, for she
+expected new things to happen that day. When breakfast had passed
+without disturbance, the two children were allowed to go into the
+library together and were soon left alone.
+
+"How can I see down to the ground?" Heidi asked.
+
+"Open a window and peep out," replied Clara, amused at the question.
+
+"But it is impossible to open them," Heidi said, sadly.
+
+"Oh no. You can't do it and I can't help you, either, but if you ask
+Sebastian he'll do it for you."
+
+Heidi was relieved. The poor child had felt like a prisoner in her
+room. Clara now asked Heidi what her home had been like, and Heidi
+told her gladly about her life in the hut.
+
+The tutor had arrived in the meantime, but he was not asked to go to
+the study as usual. Miss Rottenmeier was very much excited about
+Heidi's coming and all the complications that arose therefrom. She was
+really responsible for it, having arranged everything herself. She
+presented the unfortunate case before the teacher, for she wanted him
+to help her to get rid of the child. Mr. Candidate, however, was
+always careful of his judgments, and not afraid of teaching beginners.
+
+When the lady saw that he would not side with her, she let him enter
+the study alone, for the A,B,C held great horrors for her. While she
+considered many problems, a frightful noise as of something falling
+was heard in the adjoining room, followed by a cry to Sebastian for
+help. Running in, she beheld a pile of books and papers on the floor,
+with the table-cover on top. A black stream of ink flowed across the
+length of the room. Heidi had disappeared.
+
+"There," Miss Rottenmeier exclaimed, wringing her hands. "Everything
+drenched with ink. Did such a thing ever happen before? This child
+brings nothing but misfortunes on us."
+
+The teacher was standing up, looking at the devastation, but Clara was
+highly entertained by these events, and said: "Heidi has not done it
+on purpose and must not be punished. In her hurry to get away she
+caught on the table-cover and pulled it down. I think she must never
+have seen a coach in all her life, for when she heard a carriage
+rumbling by, she rushed out like mad."
+
+"Didn't I tell you, Mr. Candidate, that she has no idea whatever about
+behavior? She does not even know that she has to sit quiet at her
+lessons. But where has she gone? What would Mr. Sesemann say if she
+should run away?"
+
+When Miss Rottenmeier went down-stairs to look for the child, she saw
+her standing at the open door, looking down the street.
+
+"What are you doing here? How can you run away like that?" scolded
+Miss Rottenmeier.
+
+"I heard the fir-trees rustle, but I can't see them and do not hear
+them any more," replied Heidi, looking in great perplexity down the
+street. The noise of the passing carriage had reminded her of the
+roaring of the south-wind on the Alp.
+
+"Fir-trees? What nonsense! We are not in a wood. Come with me now to
+see what you have done." When Heidi saw the devastation that she had
+caused, she was greatly surprised, for she had not noticed it in her
+hurry.
+
+"This must never happen again," said the lady sternly. "You must sit
+quiet at your lessons; if you get up again I shall tie you to your
+chair. Do you hear me?"
+
+Heidi understood, and gave a promise to sit quietly during her lessons
+from that time on. After the servants had straightened the room, it
+was late, and there was no more time for studies. Nobody had time to
+yawn that morning.
+
+In the afternoon, while Clara was resting, Heidi was left to herself.
+She planted herself in the hall and waited for the butler to come
+up-stairs with the silver things. When he reached the head of the
+stairs, she said to him: "I want to ask you something." She saw that
+the butler seemed angry, so she reassured him by saying that she did
+not mean any harm.
+
+"All right, Miss, what is it?"
+
+"My name is not Miss, why don't you call me Heidi?"
+
+"Miss Rottenmeier told me to call you Miss."
+
+"Did she? Well then, it must be so. I have three names already,"
+sighed the child.
+
+"What can I do for you?" asked Sebastian now.
+
+"Can you open a window for me?"
+
+"Certainly," he replied.
+
+Sebastian got a stool for Heidi, for the window-sill was too high for
+her to see over. In great disappointment, Heidi turned her head away.
+
+"I don't see anything but a street of stone. Is it the same way on the
+other side of the house?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where do you go to look far down on everything?"
+
+"On a church-tower. Do you see that one over there with the golden
+dome? From there you can overlook everything."
+
+Heidi immediately stepped down from the stool and ran down-stairs.
+Opening the door, she found herself in the street, but she could not
+see the tower any more. She wandered on from street to street, not
+daring to accost any of the busy people. Passing a corner, she saw a
+boy who had a barrel-organ on his back and a curious animal on his
+arm. Heidi ran to him and asked: "Where is the tower with the golden
+dome?"
+
+"Don't know," was the reply.
+
+"Who can tell me?"
+
+"Don't know."
+
+"Can you show me another church with a tower?"
+
+"Of course I can."
+
+"Then come and show me."
+
+"What are you going to give me for it?" said the boy, holding out his
+hand. Heidi had nothing in her pocket but a little flower-picture.
+Clara had only given it to her this morning, so she was loath to part
+with it. The temptation to look far down into the valley was too
+great for her, though, and she offered him the gift. The boy shook his
+head, to Heidi's satisfaction.
+
+"What else do you want?"
+
+"Money."
+
+"I have none, but Clara has some. How much must I give you?"
+
+"Twenty pennies."
+
+"All right, but come."
+
+While they were wandering down the street, Heidi found out what a
+barrel-organ was, for she had never seen one. When they arrived before
+an old church with a tower, Heidi was puzzled what to do next, but
+having discovered a bell, she pulled it with all her might. The boy
+agreed to wait for Heidi and show her the way home if she gave him a
+double fee.
+
+The lock creaked now from inside, and an old man opened the door. In
+an angry voice, he said: "How do you dare to ring for me? Can't you
+see that it is only for those who want to see the tower?"
+
+"But I do," said Heidi.
+
+"What do you want to see? Did anybody send you?" asked the man.
+
+"No; but I want to look down from up there."
+
+"Get home and don't try it again." With that the tower-keeper was
+going to shut the door, but Heidi held his coat-tails and pleaded with
+him to let her come. The tower-keeper looked at the child's eyes,
+which were nearly full of tears.
+
+"All right, come along, if you care so much," he said, taking her by
+the hand. The two climbed up now many, many steps, which got narrower
+all the time. When they had arrived on top, the old man lifted Heidi
+up to the open window.
+
+Heidi saw nothing but a sea of chimneys, roofs and towers, and her
+heart sank. "Oh, dear, it's different from the way I thought it would
+be," she said.
+
+"There! what could such a little girl know about a view? We'll go down
+now and you must promise never to ring at my tower any more."
+
+On their way they passed an attic, where a large grey cat guarded her
+new family in a basket. This cat caught half-a-dozen mice every day
+for herself, for the old tower was full of rats and mice. Heidi gazed
+at her in surprise, and was delighted when the old man opened the
+basket.
+
+"What charming kittens, what cunning little creatures!" she exclaimed
+in her delight, when she saw them crawling about, jumping and
+tumbling.
+
+"Would you like to have one?" the old man asked.
+
+"For me? to keep?" Heidi asked, for she could not believe her ears.
+
+"Yes, of course. You can have several if you have room for them," the
+old man said, glad to find a good home for the kittens.
+
+How happy Heidi was! Of course there was enough room in the huge
+house, and Clara would be delighted when she saw the cunning things.
+
+"How can I take them with me?" the child asked, after she had tried in
+vain to catch one.
+
+"I can bring them to your house, if you tell me where you live," said
+Heidi's new friend, while he caressed the old cat, who had lived with
+him many years.
+
+"Bring them to Mr. Sesemann's house; there is a golden dog on the
+door, with a ring in his mouth."
+
+The old man had lived in the tower a long time and knew everybody;
+Sebastian also was a special friend of his.
+
+"I know," he said. "But to whom shall I send them? Do you belong to
+Mr. Sesemann?"
+
+"No. Please send them to Clara; she will like them, I am sure."
+
+Heidi could hardly tear herself away from the pretty things, so the
+old man put one kitten in each of her pockets to console her. After
+that she went away.
+
+The boy was waiting patiently for her, and when she had taken leave of
+the tower-keeper, she asked the boy: "Do you know where Mr. Sesemann's
+house is?"
+
+"No," was the reply.
+
+She described it as well as she could, till the boy remembered it. Off
+they started, and soon Heidi found herself pulling the door-bell. When
+Sebastian arrived he said: "Hurry up." Heidi went in, and the boy was
+left outside, for Sebastian had not even seen him.
+
+"Come up quickly, little Miss," he urged. "They are all waiting for
+you in the dining-room. Miss Rottenmeier looks like a loaded cannon.
+How could you run away like that?"
+
+Heidi sat down quietly on her chair. Nobody said a word, and there was
+an uncomfortable silence. At last Miss Rottenmeier began with a severe
+and solemn voice: "I shall speak with you later, Adelheid. How can you
+leave the house without a word? Your behavior was very remiss. The
+idea of walking about till so late!"
+
+"Meow!" was the reply.
+
+"I didn't," Heidi began--"Meow!"
+
+Sebastian nearly flung the dish on the table, and disappeared.
+
+"This is enough," Miss Rottenmeier tried to say, but her voice was
+hoarse with fury. "Get up and leave the room."
+
+[Illustration: OFF THEY STARTED, AND SOON HEIDI WAS PULLING THE
+DOOR-BELL]
+
+Heidi got up. She began again. "I made--" "Meow! meow! meow!--"
+
+"Heidi," said Clara now, "why do you always say 'meow' again, if you
+see that Miss Rottenmeier is angry?"
+
+"I am not doing it, it's the kittens," she explained.
+
+"What? Cats? Kittens?" screamed the housekeeper. "Sebastian, Tinette,
+take the horrible things away!" With that she ran into the study,
+locking herself in, for she feared kittens beyond anything on earth.
+When Sebastian had finished his laugh, he came into the room. He had
+foreseen the excitement, having caught sight of the kittens when Heidi
+came in. The scene was a very peaceful one now; Clara held the little
+kittens in her lap, and Heidi was kneeling beside her. They both
+played happily with the two graceful creatures. The butler promised to
+look after the new-comers and prepared a bed for them in a basket.
+
+A long time afterwards, when it was time to go to bed, Miss
+Rottenmeier cautiously opened the door. "Are they away?" she asked.
+"Yes," replied the butler, quickly seizing the kittens and taking them
+away.
+
+The lecture that Miss Rottenmeier was going to give Heidi was
+postponed to the following day, for the lady was too much exhausted
+after her fright. They all went quietly to bed, and the children were
+happy in the thought that their kittens had a comfortable bed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+VIII
+
+GREAT DISTURBANCES IN THE SESEMANN HOUSE
+
+
+A short time after the tutor had arrived next morning, the door-bell
+rang so violently that Sebastian thought it must be Mr. Sesemann
+himself. What was his surprise when a dirty street-boy, with a
+barrel-organ on his back, stood before him!
+
+"What do you mean by pulling the bell like that?" the butler said.
+
+"I want to see Clara."
+
+"Can't you at least say 'Miss Clara', you ragged urchin?" said
+Sebastian harshly.
+
+"She owes me forty pennies," said the boy.
+
+"You are crazy! How do you know Miss Clara lives here?"
+
+"I showed her the way yesterday and she promised to give me forty
+pennies."
+
+"What nonsense! Miss Clara never goes out. You had better take
+yourself off, before I send you!"
+
+The boy, however, did not even budge, and said: "I saw her. She has
+curly hair, black eyes and talks in a funny way."
+
+"Oh," Sebastian chuckled to himself, "that was the little Miss."
+
+Pulling the boy into the house, he said: "All right, you can follow
+me. Wait at the door till I call you, and then you can play something
+for Miss Clara."
+
+Knocking at the study-door, Sebastian said, when he had entered: "A
+boy is here who wants to see Miss Clara."
+
+Clara, delighted at his interruption, said: "Can't he come right up,
+Mr. Candidate?"
+
+But the boy was already inside, and started to play. Miss Rottenmeier
+was in the adjoining room when she heard the sounds. Where did they
+come from? Hurrying into the study, she saw the street-boy playing to
+the eager children.
+
+"Stop! stop!" she called, but in vain, for the music drowned her
+voice. Suddenly she made a big jump, for there, between her feet,
+crawled a black turtle. Only when she shrieked for Sebastian could her
+voice be heard. The butler came straight in, for he had seen
+everything behind the door, and a great scene it had been! Glued to a
+chair in her fright, Miss Rottenmeier called: "Send the boy away! Take
+them away!"
+
+Sebastian obediently pulled the boy after him; then he said: "Here are
+forty pennies from Miss Clara and forty more for playing. It was well
+done, my boy."
+
+With that he closed the door behind him. Miss Rottenmeier found it
+wiser now to stay in the study to prevent further disturbances.
+Suddenly there was another knock at the door. Sebastian appeared with
+a large basket, which had been brought for Clara.
+
+"We had better have our lesson before we inspect it," said Miss
+Rottenmeier. But Clara, turning to the tutor, asked: "Oh, please, Mr.
+Candidate, can't we just peep in, to see what it is?"
+
+"I am afraid that you will think of nothing else," the teacher began.
+Just then something in the basket, which had been only lightly
+fastened, moved, and one, two, three and still more little kittens
+jumped out, scampering around the room with the utmost speed. They
+bounded over the tutor's boots and bit his trousers; they climbed up
+on Miss Rottenmeier's dress and crawled around her feet. Mewing and
+running, they caused a frightful confusion. Clara called out in
+delight: "Oh, look at the cunning creatures; look how they jump!
+Heidi, look at that one, and oh, see the one over there?"
+
+Heidi followed them about, while the teacher shook them off. When the
+housekeeper had collected her wits after the great fright, she called
+for the servants. They soon arrived and stored the little kittens
+safely in the new bed.
+
+No time had been found for yawning that day, either!
+
+When Miss Rottenmeier, who had found out the culprit, was alone with
+the children in the evening, she began severely:
+
+"Adelheid, there is only one punishment for you. I am going to send
+you to the cellar, to think over your dreadful misdeeds, in company
+with the rats."
+
+A cellar held no terrors for Heidi, for in her grandfather's cellar
+fresh milk and the good cheese had been kept, and no rats had lodged
+there.
+
+But Clara shrieked: "Oh, Miss Rottenmeier, you must wait till Papa
+comes home, and then he can punish Heidi."
+
+The lady unwillingly replied: "All right, Clara, but I shall also
+speak a few words to Mr. Sesemann." With those words she left the
+room. Since the child's arrival everything had been upset, and the
+lady often felt discouraged, though nothing remarkable happened for a
+few days.
+
+Clara, on the contrary, enjoyed her companion's society, for she
+always did funny things. In her lesson she could never get her letters
+straight. They meant absolutely nothing to her, except that they would
+remind her of goats and eagles. The girls always spent their evenings
+together, and Heidi would entertain her friend with tales of her
+former life, till her longing grew so great that she added: "I have to
+go home now. I must go tomorrow."
+
+Clara's soothing words and the prospect of more rolls for the
+grandmother kept the child. Every day after dinner she was left alone
+in her room for some hours. Thinking of the green fields at home, of
+the sparkling flowers on the mountains, she would sit in a corner till
+her desire for all those things became too great to bear. Her aunt had
+clearly told her that she might return, if she wished to do so, so one
+day she resolved to leave for the Alm-hut. In a great hurry she packed
+the bread in the red shawl, and putting on her old straw hat, started
+off. The poor child did not get very far. At the door she encountered
+Miss Rottenmeier, who stared at Heidi in mute surprise.
+
+"What are you up to?" she exploded. "Haven't I forbidden you to run
+away? You look like a vagabond!"
+
+"I was only going home," whispered the frightened child.
+
+"What, you want to run away from this house? What would Mr. Sesemann
+say? What is it that does not suit you here? Don't you get better
+treatment than you deserve? Have you ever before had such food,
+service and such a room? Answer!"
+
+"No," was the reply.
+
+"Don't I know that?" the furious lady proceeded. "What a thankless
+child you are, just idle and good-for-nothing!"
+
+But Heidi could not bear it any longer. She loudly wailed: "Oh, I want
+to go home. What will poor Snowhopper do without me? Grandmother is
+waiting for me every day. Poor Thistlefinch gets blows if Peter gets
+no cheese, and I must see the sun again when he says good-night to the
+mountains. How the eagle would screech if he saw all the people here
+in Frankfurt!"
+
+"For mercy's sake, the child is crazy!" exclaimed Miss Rottenmeier,
+running up the stairs. In her hurry she had bumped into Sebastian,
+who was just then coming down.
+
+"Bring the unlucky child up!" she called to him, rubbing her head.
+
+"All right, many thanks," answered the butler, rubbing his head, too,
+for he had encountered something far harder than she had.
+
+When the butler came down, he saw Heidi standing near the door with
+flaming eyes, trembling all over. Cheerfully he asked: "What has
+happened, little one? Do not take it to heart, and cheer up. She
+nearly made a hole in my head just now, but we must not get
+discouraged. Oh, no!--Come, up with you; she said so!"
+
+Heidi walked up-stairs very slowly. Seeing her so changed, Sebastian
+said:
+
+"Don't give in! Don't be so sad! You have been so courageous till now;
+I have never heard you cry yet. Come up now, and when the lady's away
+we'll go and look at the kittens. They are running round like wild!"
+
+Nodding cheerlessly, the child disappeared in her room.
+
+That night at supper Miss Rottenmeier watched Heidi constantly, but
+nothing happened. The child sat as quiet as a mouse, hardly touching
+her food, except the little roll.
+
+Talking with the tutor next morning, Miss Rottenmeier told him her
+fears about Heidi's mind. But the teacher had more serious troubles
+still, for Heidi had not even learned her A,B,C in all this time.
+
+Heidi was sorely in need of some clothes, so Clara had given her some.
+Miss Rottenmeier was just busy arranging the child's wardrobe, when
+she suddenly returned.
+
+"Adelheid," she said contemptuously, "what do I find? A big pile of
+bread in your wardrobe! I never heard the like. Yes, Clara, it is
+true." Then, calling Tinette, she ordered her to take away the bread
+and the old straw hat she had found.
+
+"No, don't! I must keep my hat! The bread is for grandmother," cried
+Heidi in despair.
+
+"You stay here, while we take the rubbish away," said the lady
+sternly.
+
+Heidi threw herself down now on Clara's chair and sobbed as if her
+heart would break.
+
+"Now I can't bring grandmother any rolls! Oh, they were for
+grandmother!" she lamented.
+
+"Heidi, don't cry any more," Clara begged. "Listen! When you go home
+some day, I am going to give you as many rolls as you had, and more.
+They will be much softer and better than those stale ones you have
+kept. Those were not fit to eat, Heidi. Stop now, please, and don't
+cry any more!"
+
+Only after a long, long time did Heidi become quiet. When she had
+heard Clara's promise, she cried: "Are you really going to give me as
+many as I had?"
+
+At supper, Heidi's eyes were swollen and it was still hard for her to
+keep from crying. Sebastian made strange signs to her that she did not
+understand. What did he mean?
+
+Later, though, when she climbed into her high bed, she found her old
+beloved straw hat hidden under her cover. So Sebastian had saved it
+for her and had tried to tell her! She crushed it for joy, and
+wrapping it in a handkerchief, she hid it in the furthest corner of
+her wardrobe.
+
+
+
+
+IX
+
+THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE HEARS OF STRANGE DOINGS
+
+
+A few days afterwards there was great excitement in the Sesemann
+residence, for the master of the house had just arrived. The servants
+were taking upstairs one load after another, for Mr. Sesemann always
+brought many lovely things home with him.
+
+When he entered his daughter's room, Heidi shyly retreated into a
+corner. He greeted Clara affectionately, and she was equally delighted
+to see him, for she loved her father dearly. Then he called to Heidi:
+"Oh, there is our little Swiss girl. Come and give me your hand!
+That's right. Are you good friends, my girls, tell me now? You don't
+fight together, what?"
+
+"Oh, no, Clara is always kind to me," Heidi replied.
+
+"Heidi has never even tried to fight, Papa," Clara quickly remarked.
+
+"That's good, I like to hear that," said the father rising. "I must
+get my dinner now, for I am hungry. I shall come back soon and show
+you what I have brought home with me."
+
+In the dining-room he found Miss Rottenmeier surveying the table with
+a most tragic face. "You do not look very happy at my arrival, Miss
+Rottenmeier. What is the matter? Clara seems well enough," he said to
+her.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Sesemann, we have been terribly disappointed," said the lady.
+
+"How do you mean?" asked Mr. Sesemann, calmly sipping his wine.
+
+"We had decided, as you know, to have a companion for Clara. Knowing
+as I did that you would wish me to get a noble, pure child, I thought
+of this Swiss child, hoping she would go through life like a breath of
+pure air, hardly touching the earth."
+
+"I think that even Swiss children are made to touch the earth,
+otherwise they would have to have wings."
+
+"I think you understand what I mean. I have been terribly
+disappointed, for this child has brought the most frightful animals
+into the house. Mr. Candidate can tell you!"
+
+"The child does not look very terrible. But what do you mean?"
+
+"I cannot explain it, because she does not seem in her right mind at
+times."
+
+Mr. Sesemann was getting worried at last, when the tutor entered.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Candidate, I hope you will explain. Please take a cup of
+coffee with me and tell me about my daughter's companion. Make it
+short, if you please!"
+
+But this was impossible for Mr. Candidate, who had to greet Mr.
+Sesemann first. Then he began to reassure his host about the child,
+pointing out to him that her education had been neglected till then,
+and so on. But poor Mr. Sesemann, unfortunately, did not get his
+answer, and had to listen to very long-winded explanations of the
+child's character. At last Mr. Sesemann got up, saying: "Excuse me,
+Mr. Candidate, but I must go over to Clara now."
+
+He found the children in the study. Turning to Heidi, who had risen at
+his approach, he said: "Come, little one, get me--get me a glass of
+water."
+
+"Fresh water?"
+
+"Of course, fresh water," he replied. When Heidi had gone, he sat down
+near Clara, holding her hand. "Tell me, little Clara," he asked,
+"please tell me clearly what animals Heidi has brought into the house;
+is she really not right in her mind?"
+
+Clara now began to relate to her father all the incidents with the
+kittens and the turtle, and explained Heidi's speeches that had so
+frightened the lady. Mr. Sesemann laughed heartily and asked Clara if
+she wished Heidi to remain.
+
+"Of course, Papa. Since she is here, something amusing happens every
+day; it used to be so dull, but now Heidi keeps me company."
+
+"Very good, very good, Clara; Oh! Here is your friend back again. Did
+you get nice fresh water?" asked Mr. Sesemann.
+
+Heidi handed him the glass and said: "Yes, fresh from the fountain."
+
+"You did not go to the fountain yourself, Heidi?" said Clara.
+
+"Certainly, but I had to get it from far, there were so many people at
+the first and at the second fountain. I had to go down another street
+and there I got it. A gentleman with white hair sends his regards to
+you, Mr. Sesemann."
+
+Clara's father laughed and asked: "Who was the gentleman?"
+
+"When he passed by the fountain and saw me there with a glass, he
+stood still and said: 'Please give me to drink, for you have a glass;
+to whom are you bringing the water?' Then I said: 'I am bringing it to
+Mr. Sesemann.' When he heard that he laughed very loud and gave me his
+regards for you, with the wish that you would enjoy your drink."
+
+"I wonder who it was? What did the gentleman look like?"
+
+"He has a friendly laugh and wears a gold pendant with a red stone on
+his thick gold chain; there is a horsehead on his cane."
+
+"Oh, that was the doctor--" "That was my old doctor," exclaimed father
+and daughter at the same time.
+
+In the evening, Mr. Sesemann told Miss Rottenmeier that Heidi was
+going to remain, for the children were very fond of each other and he
+found Heidi normal and very sweet. "I want the child to be treated
+kindly," Mr. Sesemann added decidedly. "Her peculiarities must not be
+punished. My mother is coming very soon to stay here, and she will
+help you to manage the child, for there is nobody in this world that
+my mother could not get along with, as you know, Miss Rottenmeier."
+
+"Of course, I know that, Mr. Sesemann," replied the lady, but she was
+not very much pleased at the prospect.
+
+Mr. Sesemann only stayed two weeks, for his business called him back
+to Paris. He consoled his daughter by telling her that his mother was
+coming in a very few days. Mr. Sesemann had hardly left, when the
+grandmother's visit was announced for the following day.
+
+Clara was looking forward to this visit, and told Heidi so much about
+her dear grandmama that Heidi also began to call her by that name, to
+Miss Rottenmeier's disapproval, who thought that the child was not
+entitled to this intimacy.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+X
+
+A GRANDMAMA
+
+
+The following evening great expectation reigned in the house. Tinette
+had put on a new cap, Sebastian was placing footstools in front of
+nearly every armchair, and Miss Rottenmeier walked with great dignity
+about the house, inspecting everything.
+
+When the carriage at last drove up, the servants flew downstairs,
+followed by Miss Rottenmeier in more measured step. Heidi had been
+sent to her room to await further orders, but it was not long before
+Tinette opened the door and said brusquely: "Go into the study!"
+
+The grandmama, with her kind and loving way, immediately befriended
+the child and made her feel as if she had known her always. To the
+housekeeper's great mortification, she called the child Heidi,
+remarking to Miss Rottenmeier: "If somebody's name is Heidi, I call
+her so."
+
+The housekeeper soon found that she had to respect the grandmother's
+ways and opinions. Mrs. Sesemann always knew what was going on in the
+house the minute she entered it. On the following afternoon Clara was
+resting and the old lady had shut her eyes for five minutes, when she
+got up again and went into the dining-room. With a suspicion that the
+housekeeper was probably asleep, she went to this lady's room,
+knocking loudly on the door. After a while somebody stirred inside,
+and with a bewildered face Miss Rottenmeier appeared, staring at the
+unexpected visitor.
+
+"Rottenmeier, where is the child? How does she pass her time? I want
+to know," said Mrs. Sesemann.
+
+"She just sits in her room, not moving a finger; she has not the
+slightest desire to do something useful, and that is why she thinks of
+such absurd things that one can hardly mention them in polite
+society."
+
+"I should do exactly the same thing, if I were left alone like that.
+Please bring her to my room now, I want to show her some pretty books
+I have brought with me."
+
+"That is just the trouble. What should she do with books? In all this
+time she has not even learned the A,B,C for it is impossible to instil
+any knowledge into this being. If Mr. Candidate was not as patient as
+an angel, he would have given up teaching her long ago."
+
+"How strange! The child does not look to me like one who cannot learn
+the A,B,C," said Mrs. Sesemann. "Please fetch her now; we can look at
+the pictures anyway."
+
+The housekeeper was going to say more, but the old lady had turned
+already and gone to her room. She was thinking over what she had heard
+about Heidi, making up her mind to look into the matter.
+
+Heidi had come and was looking with wondering eyes at the splendid
+pictures in the large books, that Grandmama was showing her. Suddenly
+she screamed aloud, for there on the picture she saw a peaceful flock
+grazing on a green pasture. In the middle a shepherd was standing,
+leaning on his crook. The setting sun was shedding a golden light over
+everything. With glowing eyes Heidi devoured the scene; but suddenly
+she began to sob violently.
+
+The grandmama took her little hand in hers and said in the most
+soothing voice: "Come, child, you must not cry. Did this remind you of
+something? Now stop, and I'll tell you the story to-night. There are
+lovely stories in this book, that people can read and tell. Dry your
+tears now, darling, I must ask you something. Stand up now and look at
+me! Now we are merry again!"
+
+Heidi did not stop at once, but the kind lady gave her ample time to
+compose herself, saying from time to time: "Now it's all over. Now
+we'll be merry again."
+
+When the child was quiet at last, she said: "Tell me now how your
+lessons are going. What have you learnt, child, tell me?"
+
+"Nothing," Heidi sighed; "but I knew that I never could learn it."
+
+"What is it that you can't learn?"
+
+"I can't learn to read; it is too hard."
+
+"What next? Who gave you this information?"
+
+"Peter told me, and he tried over and over again, but he could not do
+it, for it is too hard."
+
+"Well, what kind of boy is he? Heidi, you must not believe what Peter
+tells you, but try for yourself. I am sure you had your thoughts
+elsewhere when Mr. Candidate showed you the letters."
+
+"It's no use," Heidi said with such a tone as if she was resigned to
+her fate.
+
+"I am going to tell you something, Heidi," said the kind lady now.
+"You have not learnt to read because you have believed what Peter
+said. You shall believe me now, and I prophesy that you will learn it
+in a very short time, as a great many other children do that are like
+you and not like Peter. When you can read, I am going to give you this
+book. You have seen the shepherd on the green pasture, and then you'll
+be able to find out all the strange things that happen to him. Yes,
+you can hear the whole story, and what he does with his sheep and his
+goats. You would like to know, wouldn't you, Heidi?"
+
+Heidi had listened attentively, and said now with sparkling eyes: "If
+I could only read already!"
+
+"It won't be long, I can see that. Come now and let us go to Clara."
+With that they both went over to the study.
+
+Since the day of Heidi's attempted flight a great change had come over
+the child. She had realized that it would hurt her kind friends if she
+tried to go home again. She knew now that she could not leave, as her
+Aunt Deta had promised, for they all, especially Clara and her father
+and the old lady, would think her ungrateful. But the burden grew
+heavier in her heart and she lost her appetite, and got paler and
+paler. She could not get to sleep at night from longing to see the
+mountains with the flowers and the sunshine, and only in her dreams
+she would be happy. When she woke up in the morning, she always found
+herself on her high white bed, far away from home. Burying her head in
+her pillow, she would often weep a long, long time.
+
+Mrs. Sesemann had noticed the child's unhappiness, but let a few days
+pass by, hoping for a change. But the change never came, and often
+Heidi's eyes were red even in the early morning. So she called the
+child to her room one day and said, with great sympathy in her voice:
+"Tell me, Heidi, what is the matter with you? What is making you so
+sad?"
+
+But as Heidi did not want to appear thankless, she replied sadly: "I
+can't tell you."
+
+"No? Can't you tell Clara perhaps?"
+
+"Oh, no, I can't tell anyone," Heidi said, looking so unhappy that the
+old lady's heart was filled with pity.
+
+"I tell you something, little girl," she continued. "If you have a
+sorrow that you cannot tell to anyone, you can go to Our Father in
+Heaven. You can tell Him everything that troubles you, and if we ask
+Him He can help us and take our suffering away. Do you understand me,
+child? Don't you pray every night? Don't you thank Him for all His
+gifts and ask Him to protect you from evil?"
+
+"Oh no, I never do that," replied the child.
+
+"Have you never prayed, Heidi? Do you know what I mean?"
+
+"I only prayed with my first grandmother, but it is so long ago, that
+I have forgotten."
+
+"See, Heidi, I understand now why you are so unhappy. We all need
+somebody to help us, and just think how wonderful it is, to be able to
+go to the Lord, when something distresses us and causes us pain. We
+can tell Him everything and ask Him to comfort us, when nobody else
+can do it. He can give us happiness and joy."
+
+Heidi was gladdened by these tidings, and asked: "Can we tell Him
+everything, everything?"
+
+"Yes, Heidi, everything."
+
+The child, withdrawing her hand from the grandmama, said hurriedly,
+"Can I go now?"
+
+"Yes, of course," was the reply, and with this Heidi ran to her room.
+Sitting down on a stool she folded her hands and poured out her heart
+to God, imploring Him to help her and let her go home to her
+grandfather.
+
+About a week later, Mr. Candidate asked to see Mrs. Sesemann, to tell
+her of something unusual that had occurred. Being called to the lady's
+room, he began: "Mrs. Sesemann, something has happened that I never
+expected," and with many more words the happy grandmama was told that
+Heidi had suddenly learned to read with the utmost correctness, most
+rare with beginners.
+
+"Many strange things happen in this world," Mrs. Sesemann remarked,
+while they went over to the study to witness Heidi's new
+accomplishment. Heidi was sitting close to Clara, reading her a story;
+she seemed amazed at the strange, new world that had opened up before
+her. At supper Heidi found the large book with the beautiful pictures
+on her plate, and looking doubtfully at grandmama, she saw the old
+lady nod. "Now it belongs to you, Heidi," she said.
+
+"Forever? Also when I am going home?" Heidi inquired, confused with
+joy.
+
+"Certainly, forever!" the grandmama assured her. "Tomorrow we shall
+begin to read it."
+
+"But Heidi, you must not go home; no, not for many years," Clara
+exclaimed, "especially when grandmama goes away. You must stay with
+me."
+
+Heidi still looked at her book before going to bed that night, and
+this book became her dearest treasure. She would look at the beautiful
+pictures and read all the stories aloud to Clara. Grandmama would
+quietly listen and explain something here and there, making it more
+beautiful than before. Heidi loved the pictures with the shepherd best
+of all; they told the story of the prodigal son, and the child would
+read and re-read it till she nearly knew it all by heart. Since Heidi
+had learned to read and possessed the book, the days seemed to fly,
+and the time had come near that the grandmama had fixed for her
+departure.
+
+
+
+
+XI
+
+HEIDI GAINS IN SOME RESPECTS AND LOSES IN OTHERS
+
+
+The grandmama sent for Heidi every day after dinner, while Clara was
+resting and Miss Rottenmeier disappeared into her room. She talked to
+Heidi and amused her in various ways, showing her how to make clothes
+for pretty little dolls that she had brought. Unconsciously Heidi had
+learned to sew, and made now the sweetest dresses and coats for the
+little people out of lovely materials the grandmama would give her.
+Often Heidi would read to the old lady, for the oftener she read over
+the stories the dearer they became to her. The child lived everything
+through with the people in the tales and was always happy to be with
+them again. But she never looked really cheerful and her eyes never
+sparkled merrily as before.
+
+In the last week of Mrs. Sesemann's stay, Heidi was called again to
+the old lady's room. The child entered with her beloved book under her
+arm. Mrs. Sesemann drew Heidi close to her, and laying the book aside,
+she said: "Come, child, and tell me why you are so sad. Do you still
+have the same sorrow?"
+
+"Yes," Heidi replied.
+
+"Did you confide it to Our Lord?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Do you pray to Him every day that He may make you happy again and
+take your affliction away?"
+
+"Oh no, I don't pray any more."
+
+"What do I hear, Heidi? Why don't you pray?"
+
+"It does not help, for God has not listened. I don't wonder," she
+added, "for if all the people in Frankfurt pray every night, He cannot
+listen to them all. I am sure He has not heard me."
+
+"Really? Why are you so sure?"
+
+"Because I have prayed for the same thing many, many weeks and God has
+not done what I have asked Him to."
+
+"That is not the way, Heidi. You see, God in heaven is a good Father
+to all of us, who knows what we need better than we do. When something
+we ask for is not very good for us, He gives us something much better,
+if we confide in Him and do not lose confidence in His love. I am sure
+what you asked for was not very good for you just now; He has heard
+you, for He can hear the prayers of all the people in the world at the
+same time, because He is God Almighty and not a mortal like us. He
+heard your prayers and said to Himself: 'Yes, Heidi shall get what she
+is praying for in time.' Now, while God was looking down on you to
+hear your prayers, you lost confidence and went away from Him. If God
+does not hear your prayers any more, He will forget you also and let
+you go. Don't you want to go back to Him, Heidi, and ask His
+forgiveness? Pray to Him every day, and hope in Him, that He may bring
+cheer and happiness to you."
+
+Heidi had listened attentively; she had unbounded confidence in the
+old lady, whose words had made a deep impression on her. Full of
+repentance, she said: "I shall go at once and ask Our Father to pardon
+me. I shall never forget Him any more!"
+
+"That's right, Heidi; I am sure He will help you in time, if you only
+trust in Him," the grandmother consoled her. Heidi went to her room
+now and prayed earnestly to God that He would forgive her and fulfill
+her wish.
+
+The day of departure had come, but Mrs. Sesemann arranged everything
+in such a way that the children hardly realized she was actually
+going. Still everything was empty and quiet when she had gone, and the
+children hardly knew how to pass their time.
+
+Next day, Heidi came to Clara in the afternoon and said: "Can I
+always, always read to you now, Clara?"
+
+Clara assented, and Heidi began. But she did not get very far, for the
+story she was reading told of a grandmother's death. Suddenly she
+cried aloud: "Oh, now grandmother is dead!" and wept in the most
+pitiful fashion. Whatever Heidi read always seemed real to her, and
+now she thought it was her own grandmother at home. Louder and louder
+she sobbed: "Now poor grandmother is dead and I can never see her any
+more; and she never got one single roll!"
+
+Clara attempted to explain the mistake, but Heidi was too much upset.
+She pictured to herself how terrible it would be if her dear old
+grandfather would die too while she was far away. How quiet and empty
+it would be in the hut, and how lonely she would be!
+
+Miss Rottenmeier had overheard the scene, and approaching the sobbing
+child she said impatiently: "Adelheid, now you have screamed enough.
+If I hear you again giving way to yourself in such a noisy fashion, I
+shall take your book away forever!"
+
+Heidi turned pale at that, for the book was her greatest treasure.
+Quickly drying her tears, she choked down her sobs. After that Heidi
+never cried again; often she could hardly repress her sobs and was
+obliged to make the strangest faces to keep herself from crying out.
+Clara often looked at her, full of surprise, but Miss Rottenmeier did
+not notice them and found no occasion to carry out her threat.
+However, the poor child got more cheerless every day, and looked so
+thin and pale that Sebastian became worried. He tried to encourage her
+at table to help herself to all the good dishes, but listlessly she
+would let them pass and hardly touch them. In the evening she would
+cry quietly, her heart bursting with longing to go home.
+
+Thus the time passed by. Heidi never knew if it was summer or winter,
+for the walls opposite never changed. They drove out very seldom, for
+Clara was only able to go a short distance. They never saw anything
+else than streets, houses and busy people; no grass, no fir-trees and
+no mountains. Heidi struggled constantly against her sorrow, but in
+vain. Autumn and winter had passed, and Heidi knew that the time was
+coming when Peter would go up the Alp with his goats, where the
+flowers were glistening in the sunshine and the mountains were all
+afire. She would sit down in a corner of her room and put both hands
+before her eyes, not to see the glaring sunshine on the opposite wall.
+There she would remain, eating her heart away with longing, till Clara
+would call for her to come.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration: THERE SHE WOULD REMAIN, EATING HER HEART AWAY WITH
+LONGING]
+
+
+
+
+XII
+
+THE SESEMANN HOUSE IS HAUNTED
+
+
+For several days Miss Rottenmeier had been wandering silently about
+the house. When she went from room to room or along the corridors, she
+would often glance back as if she were afraid that somebody was
+following her. If she had to go to the upper floor, where the gorgeous
+guest-rooms were, or to the lower story, where the big ball-room was
+situated, she always told Tinette to come with her. The strange thing
+was, that none of the servants dared to go anywhere alone and always
+found an excuse to ask each other's company, which requests were
+always granted. The cook, who had been in the house for many years,
+would often shake her head and mutter: "That I should live to see
+this!"
+
+Something strange and weird was happening in the house. Every
+morning, when the servants came down-stairs, they found the front door
+wide open. At first everybody had thought that the house must have
+been robbed, but nothing was missing. Every morning it was the same,
+despite the double locks that were put on the door. At last John and
+Sebastian, taking courage, prepared themselves to watch through a
+night to see who was the ghost. Armed and provided with some
+strengthening liquor, they repaired to a room down-stairs. First they
+talked, but soon, getting sleepy, they leaned silently back in their
+chairs. When the clock from the old church tower struck one, Sebastian
+awoke and roused his comrade, which was no easy matter. At last,
+however, John was wide awake, and together they went out into the
+hall. The same moment a strong wind put out the light that John held
+in his hand. Rushing back, he nearly upset Sebastian, who stood behind
+him, and pulling the butler back into the room, he locked the door in
+furious haste. When the light was lit again, Sebastian noticed that
+John was deadly pale and trembling like an aspen leaf. Sebastian, not
+having seen anything, asked anxiously: "What is the matter? What did
+you see?"
+
+"The door was open and a white form was on the stairs; it went up and
+was gone in a moment," gasped John. Cold shivers ran down the butler's
+back. They sat without moving till the morning came, and then,
+shutting the door, they went upstairs to report to the housekeeper
+what they had seen. The lady, who was waiting eagerly, heard the tale
+and immediately sat down to write to Mr. Sesemann. She told him that
+fright had paralyzed her fingers and that terrible things were
+happening in the house. Then followed a tale of the appearance of the
+ghost. Mr. Sesemann replied that he could not leave his business, and
+advised Miss Rottenmeier to ask his mother to come to stay with them,
+for Mrs. Sesemann would easily despatch the ghost. Miss Rottenmeier
+was offended with the tone of the letter, which did not seem to take
+her account seriously. Mrs. Sesemann also replied that she could not
+come, so the housekeeper decided to tell the children all about it.
+Clara, at the uncanny tale, immediately exclaimed that she would not
+stay alone another moment and that she wished her father to come home.
+The housekeeper arranged to sleep with the frightened child, while
+Heidi, who did not know what ghosts were, was perfectly unmoved.
+Another letter was despatched to Mr. Sesemann, telling him that the
+excitement might have serious effects on his daughter's delicate
+constitution, and mentioning several misfortunes that might probably
+happen if he did not relieve the household from this terror.
+
+This brought Mr. Sesemann. Going to his daughter's room after his
+arrival, he was overjoyed to see her as well as ever. Clara was also
+delighted to see her father.
+
+"What new tricks has the ghost played on you, Miss Rottenmeier?" asked
+Mr. Sesemann with a twinkle in his eye.
+
+"It is no joke, Mr. Sesemann," replied the lady seriously. "I am sure
+you will not laugh tomorrow. Those strange events indicate that
+something secret and horrible has happened in this house in days gone
+by."
+
+"Is that so? this is new to me," remarked Mr. Sesemann. "But will you
+please not suspect my venerable ancestors? Please call Sebastian; I
+want to speak to him alone."
+
+Mr. Sesemann knew that the two were not on good terms, so he said to
+the butler:
+
+"Come here, Sebastian, and tell me honestly, if you have played the
+ghost for Miss Rottenmeier's pastime?"
+
+"No, upon my word, master; you must not think that," replied Sebastian
+frankly. "I do not like it quite myself."
+
+"Well, I'll show you and John what ghosts look like by day. You ought
+to be ashamed of yourselves, strong young men like you! Now go at once
+to my old friend, Dr. Classen, and tell him to come to me at nine
+o'clock to-night. Tell him that I came from Paris especially to
+consult him, and that I want him to sit up all night with me. Do you
+understand me, Sebastian?"
+
+"Yes indeed! I shall do as you say, Mr. Sesemann." Mr. Sesemann then
+went up to Clara's room to quiet and comfort her.
+
+Punctually at nine o'clock the doctor arrived. Though his hair was
+grey, his face was still fresh, and his eyes were lively and kind.
+When he saw his friend, he laughed aloud and said: "Well, well, you
+look pretty healthy for one who needs to be watched all night."
+
+"Have patience, my old friend," replied Mr. Sesemann. "I am afraid the
+person we have to sit up for will look worse, but first we must catch
+him."
+
+"What? Then somebody _is_ sick in this house? What do you mean?"
+
+"Far worse, doctor, far worse. A ghost is in the house. My house is
+haunted."
+
+When the doctor laughed, Mr. Sesemann continued: "I call that
+sympathy; I wish my friend Miss Rottenmeier could hear you. She is
+convinced that an old Sesemann is wandering about, expiating some
+dreadful deed."
+
+"How did she make his acquaintance?" asked the doctor, much amused.
+
+Mr. Sesemann then explained the circumstances. He said that the matter
+was either a bad joke which an acquaintance of the servants was
+playing in his absence, or it was a gang of thieves, who, after
+intimidating the people, would surely rob his house by and by.
+
+With these explanations they entered the room where the two servants
+had watched before. A few bottles of wine stood on the table and two
+bright candelabra shed a brilliant light. Two revolvers were ready for
+emergencies.
+
+They left the door only partly open, for too much light might drive
+the ghost away. Then, sitting down comfortably, the two men passed
+their time by chatting, taking a sip now and then.
+
+"The ghost seems to have spied us and probably won't come to-day,"
+said the doctor.
+
+"We must have patience. It is supposed to come at one," replied his
+friend.
+
+So they talked till one o'clock. Everything was quiet, and not a sound
+came from the street. Suddenly the doctor raised his finger.
+
+"Sh! Sesemann, don't you hear something?"
+
+While they both listened, the bar was unfastened, the key was turned,
+and the door flew open. Mr. Sesemann seized his revolver.
+
+"You are not afraid, I hope?" said the doctor, getting up.
+
+"Better be cautious!" whispered Mr. Sesemann, seizing the candelabrum
+in the other hand. The doctor followed with his revolver and the
+light, and so they went out into the hall.
+
+On the threshhold stood a motionless white form, lighted up by the
+moon.
+
+"Who is there?" thundered the doctor, approaching the figure. It
+turned and uttered a low shriek. There stood Heidi, with bare feet and
+in her white night-gown, looking bewildered at the bright light and
+the weapons. She was shaking with fear, while the two men were looking
+at her in amazement.
+
+"Sesemann, this seems to be your little water carrier," said the
+doctor.
+
+"Child, what does this mean?" asked Mr. Sesemann. "What did you want
+to do? Why have you come down here?"
+
+Pale from fright, Heidi said: "I do not know."
+
+The doctor came forward now. "Sesemann, this case belongs to my field.
+Please go and sit down while I take her to bed."
+
+Putting his revolver aside, he led the trembling child up-stairs.
+
+"Don't be afraid; just be quiet! Everything is all right; don't be
+frightened."
+
+When they had arrived in Heidi's room, the doctor put the little girl
+to bed, covering her up carefully. Drawing a chair near the couch, he
+waited till Heidi had calmed down and had stopped trembling. Then
+taking her hand in his, he said kindly: "Now everything is all right
+again. Tell me where you wanted to go?"
+
+"I did not want to go anywhere," Heidi assured him; "I did not go
+myself, only I was there all of a sudden."
+
+"Really! Tell me, what did you dream?"
+
+"Oh, I have the same dream every night. I always think I am with my
+grandfather again and can hear the fir-trees roar. I always think how
+beautiful the stars must be, and then I open the door of the hut, and
+oh, it is so wonderful! But when I wake up I am always in Frankfurt."
+Heidi had to fight the sobs that were rising in her throat.
+
+"Does your back or your head hurt you, child?"
+
+"No, but I feel as if a big stone was pressing me here."
+
+"As if you had eaten something that disagreed with you?"
+
+"Oh no, but as if I wanted to cry hard."
+
+"So, and then you cry out, don't you?"
+
+"Oh no, I must never do that, for Miss Rottenmeier has forbidden it."
+
+"Then you swallow it down? Yes? Do you like to be here?"
+
+"Oh yes," was the faint, uncertain reply.
+
+"Where did you live with your grandfather?"
+
+"Up on the Alp."
+
+"But wasn't it a little lonely there?"
+
+"Oh no, it was so beautiful!"--But Heidi could say no more. The
+recollection, the excitement of the night and all the restrained
+sorrow overpowered the child. The tears rushed violently from her eyes
+and she broke out into loud sobs.
+
+The doctor rose, and soothing her, said: "It won't hurt to cry; you'll
+go to sleep afterward, and when you wake up everything will come
+right." Then he left the room.
+
+Joining his anxious friend down-stairs, he said: "Sesemann, the little
+girl is a sleep-walker, and has unconsciously scared your whole
+household. Besides, she is so home-sick that her little body has
+wasted away. We shall have to act quickly. The only remedy for her is
+to be restored to her native mountain air. This is my prescription,
+and she must go tomorrow."
+
+"What, sick, a sleep-walker, and wasted away in my house! Nobody even
+suspected it! You think I should send this child back in this
+condition, when she has come in good health? No, doctor, ask
+everything but that. Take her in hand and prescribe for her, but let
+her get well before I send her back."
+
+"Sesemann," the doctor replied seriously, "just think what you are
+doing. We cannot cure her with powders and pills. The child has not a
+strong constitution, and if you keep her here, she might never get
+well again. If you restore her to the bracing mountain air to which
+she is accustomed, she probably will get perfectly well again."
+
+When Mr. Sesemann heard this he said, "If that is your advice, we must
+act at once; this is the only way then." With these words Mr. Sesemann
+took his friend's arm and walked about with him to talk the matter
+over. When everything was settled, the doctor took his leave, for the
+morning had already come and the sun was shining in through the door.
+
+
+
+
+XIII
+
+UP THE ALP ON A SUMMER EVENING
+
+
+Mr. Sesemann, going upstairs in great agitation, knocked at the
+housekeeper's door. He asked her to hurry, for preparations for a
+journey had to be made. Miss Rottenmeier obeyed the summons with the
+greatest indignation, for it was only half-past four in the morning.
+She dressed in haste, though with great difficulty, being nervous and
+excited. All the other servants were summoned likewise, and one and
+all thought that the master of the house had been seized by the ghost
+and that he was ringing for help. When they had all come down with
+terrified looks, they were most surprised to see Mr. Sesemann fresh
+and cheerful, giving orders. John was sent to get the horses ready and
+Tinette was told to prepare Heidi for her departure while Sebastian
+was commissioned to fetch Heidi's aunt. Mr. Sesemann instructed the
+housekeeper to pack a trunk in all haste for Heidi.
+
+Miss Rottenmeier experienced an extreme disappointment, for she had
+hoped for an explanation of the great mystery. But Mr. Sesemann,
+evidently not in the mood to converse further, went to his daughter's
+room. Clara had been wakened by the unusual noises and was listening
+eagerly. Her father told her of what had happened and how the doctor
+had ordered Heidi back to her home, because her condition was serious
+and might get worse. She might even climb the roof, or be exposed to
+similar dangers, if she was not cured at once.
+
+Clara was painfully surprised and tried to prevent her father from
+carrying out his plan. He remained firm, however, promising to take
+her to Switzerland himself the following summer, if she was good and
+sensible now. So the child, resigning herself, begged to have Heidi's
+trunk packed in her room. Mr. Sesemann encouraged her to get together
+a good outfit for her little friend.
+
+Heidi's aunt had arrived in the meantime. Being told to take her niece
+home with her, she found no end of excuses, which plainly showed that
+she did not want to do it; for Deta well remembered the uncle's
+parting words. Mr. Sesemann dismissed her and summoned Sebastian. The
+butler was told to get ready for travelling with the child. He was to
+go to Basle that day and spend the night at a good hotel which his
+master named. The next day the child was to be brought to her home.
+
+"Listen, Sebastian," Mr. Sesemann said, "and do exactly as I tell you.
+I know the Hotel in Basle, and if you show my card they will give you
+good accommodations. Go to the child's room and barricade the windows,
+so that they can only be opened by the greatest force. When Heidi has
+gone to bed, lock the door from outside, for the child walks in her
+sleep and might come to harm in the strange hotel. She might get up
+and open the door; do you understand?"
+
+"Oh!--Oh!--So it was she?" exclaimed the butler.
+
+"Yes, it was! You are a coward, and you can tell John he is the same.
+Such foolish men, to be afraid!" With that Mr. Sesemann went to his
+room to write a letter to Heidi's grandfather.
+
+Sebastian, feeling ashamed, said to himself that he ought to have
+resisted John and found out alone.
+
+Heidi was dressed in her Sunday frock and stood waiting for further
+commands.
+
+Mr. Sesemann called her now. "Good-morning, Mr. Sesemann," Heidi said
+when she entered.
+
+"What do you think about it, little one?" he asked her. Heidi looked
+up to him in amazement.
+
+"You don't seem to know anything about it," laughed Mr. Sesemann.
+Tinette had not even told the child, for she thought it beneath her
+dignity to speak to the vulgar Heidi.
+
+"You are going home to-day."
+
+"Home?" Heidi repeated in a low voice. She had to gasp, so great was
+her surprise.
+
+"Wouldn't you like to hear something about it?" asked Mr. Sesemann
+smiling.
+
+"Oh yes, I should like to," said the blushing child.
+
+"Good, good," said the kind gentleman. "Sit down and eat a big
+breakfast now, for you are going away right afterwards."
+
+The child could not even swallow a morsel, though she tried to eat out
+of obedience. It seemed to her as if it was only a dream.
+
+"Go to Clara, Heidi, till the carriage comes," Mr. Sesemann said
+kindly.
+
+Heidi had been wishing to go, and now she ran to Clara's room, where a
+huge trunk was standing.
+
+"Heidi, look at the things I had packed for you. Do you like them?"
+Clara asked.
+
+There were a great many lovely things in it, but Heidi jumped for joy
+when she discovered a little basket with twelve round white rolls for
+the grandmother. The children had forgotten that the moment for
+parting had come, when the carriage was announced. Heidi had to get
+all her own treasures from her room yet. The grandmama's book was
+carefully packed, and the red shawl that Miss Rottenmeier had
+purposely left behind. Then putting on her pretty hat, she left her
+room to say good-bye to Clara. There was not much time left to do so,
+for Mr. Sesemann was waiting to put Heidi in the carriage. When Miss
+Rottenmeier, who was standing on the stairs to bid farewell to her
+pupil, saw the red bundle in Heidi's hand, she seized it and threw it
+on the ground. Heidi looked imploringly at her kind protector, and Mr.
+Sesemann, seeing how much she treasured it, gave it back to her. The
+happy child at parting thanked him for all his goodness. She also sent
+a message of thanks to the good old doctor, whom she suspected to be
+the real cause of her going.
+
+While Heidi was being lifted into the carriage, Mr. Sesemann assured
+her that Clara and he would never forget her. Sebastian followed with
+Heidi's basket and a large bag with provisions. Mr. Sesemann called
+out: "Happy journey!" and the carriage rolled away.
+
+Only when Heidi was sitting in the train did she become conscious of
+where she was going. She knew now that she would really see her
+grandfather and the grandmother again, also Peter and the goats. Her
+only fear was that the poor blind grandmother might have died while
+she was away.
+
+The thing she looked forward to most was giving the soft white rolls
+to the grandmother. While she was musing over all these things, she
+fell asleep. In Basle she was roused by Sebastian, for there they were
+to spend the night.
+
+The next morning they started off again, and it took them many hours
+before they reached Mayenfeld. When Sebastian stood on the platform of
+the station, he wished he could have travelled further in the train
+rather than have to climb a mountain. The last part of the trip might
+be dangerous, for everything seemed half-wild in this country. Looking
+round, he discovered a small wagon with a lean horse. A
+broad-shouldered man was just loading up large bags, which had come by
+the train. Sebastian, approaching the man, asked some information
+concerning the least dangerous ascent to the Alp. After a while it was
+settled that the man should take Heidi and her trunk to the village
+and see to it that somebody would go up with her from there.
+
+Not a word had escaped Heidi, until she now said, "I can go up alone
+from the village. I know the road." Sebastian felt relieved, and
+calling Heidi to him, presented her with a heavy roll of bills and a
+letter for the grandfather. These precious things were put at the
+bottom of the basket, under the rolls, so that they could not possibly
+get lost.
+
+Heidi promised to be careful of them, and was lifted up to the cart.
+The two old friends shook hands and parted, and Sebastian, with a
+slightly bad conscience for having deserted the child so soon, sat
+down on the station to wait for a returning train.
+
+The driver was no other than the village baker, who had never seen
+Heidi but had heard a great deal about her. He had known her parents
+and immediately guessed she was the child who had lived with the
+Alm-Uncle. Curious to know why she came home again, he began a
+conversation.
+
+"Are you Heidi, the child who lived with the Alm-Uncle?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why are you coming home again? Did you get on badly?"
+
+"Oh no; nobody could have got on better than I did in Frankfurt."
+
+"Then why are you coming back?"
+
+"Because Mr. Sesemann let me come."
+
+"Pooh! why didn't you stay?"
+
+"Because I would rather be with my grandfather on the Alp than
+anywhere on earth."
+
+"You may think differently when you get there," muttered the baker.
+"It is strange though, for she must know," he said to himself.
+
+They conversed no more, and Heidi began to tremble with excitement
+when she recognized all the trees on the road and the lofty peaks of
+the mountains. Sometimes she felt as if she could not sit still any
+longer, but had to jump down and run with all her might. They arrived
+at the village at the stroke of five. Immediately a large group of
+women and children surrounded the cart, for the trunk and the little
+passenger had attracted everybody's notice. When Heidi had been lifted
+down, she found herself held and questioned on all sides. But when
+they saw how frightened she was, they let her go at last. The baker
+had to tell of Heidi's arrival with the strange gentleman, and assured
+all the people that Heidi loved her grandfather with all her heart,
+let the people say what they would about him.
+
+Heidi, in the meantime, was running up the path; from time to time she
+was obliged to stop, for her basket was heavy and she lost her
+breath. Her one idea was: "If only grandmother still sits in her
+corner by her spinning wheel!--Oh, if she should have died!" When the
+child caught sight of the hut at last, her heart began to beat. The
+quicker she ran, the more it beat, but at last she tremblingly opened
+the door. She ran into the middle of the room, unable to utter one
+tone, she was so out of breath.
+
+"Oh God," it sounded from one corner, "our Heidi used to come in like
+that. Oh, if I just could have her again with me before I die. Who has
+come?"
+
+"Here I am! grandmother, here I am!" shouted the child, throwing
+herself on her knees before the old woman. She seized her hands and
+arms and snuggling up to her did not for joy utter one more word. The
+grandmother had been so surprised that she could only silently caress
+the child's curly hair over and over again. "Yes, yes," she said at
+last, "this is Heidi's hair, and her beloved voice. Oh my God, I thank
+Thee for this happiness." Out of her blind eyes big tears of joy fell
+down on Heidi's hand. "Is it really you, Heidi? Have you really come
+again?"
+
+"Yes, yes, grandmother," the child replied. "You must not cry, for I
+have come and will never leave you any more. Now you won't have to eat
+hard black bread any more for a little while. Look what I have brought
+you."
+
+Heidi put one roll after another into the grandmother's lap.
+
+"Ah, child, what a blessing you bring to me!" the old woman cried.
+"But you are my greatest blessing yourself, Heidi!" Then, caressing
+the child's hair and flushed cheeks, she entreated: "Just say one more
+word, that I may hear your voice."
+
+While Heidi was talking, Peter's mother arrived, and exclaimed in her
+amazement: "Surely, this is Heidi. But how can that be?"
+
+The child rose to shake hands with Brigida, who could not get over
+Heidi's splendid frock and hat.
+
+"You can have my hat, I don't want it any more; I have my old one
+still," Heidi said, pulling out her old crushed straw hat. Heidi had
+remembered her grandfather's words to Deta about her feather hat; that
+was why she had kept her old hat so carefully. Brigida at last
+accepted the gift after a great many remonstrances. Suddenly Heidi
+took off her pretty dress and tied her old shawl about her. Taking the
+grandmother's hand, she said: "Good-bye, I must go home to grandfather
+now, but I shall come again tomorrow. Good-night, grandmother."
+
+"Oh, please come again to-morrow, Heidi," implored the old woman,
+while she held her fast.
+
+"Why did you take your pretty dress off?" asked Brigida.
+
+"I'd rather go to grandfather that way, or else he might not know me
+any more, the way you did."
+
+Brigida accompanied the child outside and said mysteriously: "He would
+have known you in your frock; you ought to have kept it on. Please be
+careful, child, for Peter tells us that the uncle never says a word
+to anyone and always seems so angry." But Heidi was unconcerned, and
+saying good-night, climbed up the path with the basket on her arm. The
+evening sun was shining down on the grass before her. Every few
+minutes Heidi stood still to look at the mountains behind her.
+Suddenly she looked back and beheld such glory as she had not even
+seen in her most vivid dream. The rocky peaks were flaming in the
+brilliant light, the snow-fields glowed and rosy clouds were floating
+overhead. The grass was like an expanse of gold, and below her the
+valley swam in golden mist. The child stood still, and in her joy and
+transport tears ran down her cheeks. She folded her hands, and looking
+up to heaven, thanked the Lord that He had brought her home again. She
+thanked Him for restoring her to her beloved mountains,--in her
+happiness she could hardly find words to pray. Only when the glow had
+subsided, was Heidi able to follow the path again.
+
+[Illustration: THROWING HERSELF IN HER GRANDFATHER'S ARMS, SHE HELD
+HIM TIGHT]
+
+She climbed so fast that she could soon discover, first the tree-tops,
+then the roof, finally the hut. Now she could see her grandfather
+sitting on his bench, smoking a pipe. Above the cottage the fir-trees
+gently swayed and rustled in the evening breeze. At last she had
+reached the hut, and throwing herself in her grandfather's arms, she
+hugged him and held him tight. She could say nothing but "Grandfather!
+grandfather! grandfather!" in her agitation.
+
+The old man said nothing either, but his eyes were moist, and
+loosening Heidi's arms at last, he sat her on his knee. When he had
+looked at her a while, he said: "So you have come home again, Heidi?
+Why? You certainly do not look very cityfied! Did they send you away?"
+
+"Oh no, you must not think that, grandfather. They all were so good to
+me; Clara, Mr. Sesemann and grandmama. But grandfather, sometimes I
+felt as if I could not bear it any longer to be away from you! I
+thought I should choke; I could not tell any one, for that would have
+been ungrateful. Suddenly, one morning Mr. Sesemann called me very
+early, I think it was the doctor's fault and--but I think it is
+probably written in this letter;" with that Heidi brought the letter
+and the bank-roll from her basket, putting them on her grandfather's
+lap.
+
+"This belongs to you," he said, laying the roll beside him. Having
+read the letter, he put it in his pocket.
+
+"Do you think you can still drink milk with me, Heidi?" he asked,
+while he stepped into the cottage. "Take your money with you, you can
+buy a bed for it and clothes for many years."
+
+"I don't need it at all, grandfather," Heidi assured him; "I have a
+bed and Clara has given me so many dresses that I shan't need any more
+all my life."
+
+"Take it and put it in the cupboard, for you will need it some day."
+
+Heidi obeyed, and danced around the hut in her delight to see all the
+beloved things again. Running up to the loft, she exclaimed in great
+disappointment: "Oh grandfather, my bed is gone."
+
+"It will come again," the grandfather called up from below; "how could
+I know that you were coming back? Get your milk now!"
+
+Heidi, coming down, took her old seat. She seized her bowl and emptied
+it eagerly, as if it was the most wonderful thing she had ever tasted.
+"Grandfather, our milk is the best in all the world."
+
+Suddenly Heidi, hearing a shrill whistle, rushed outside, as Peter and
+all his goats came racing down. Heidi greeted the boy, who stopped,
+rooted to the spot, staring at her. Then she ran into the midst of her
+beloved friends, who had not forgotten her either. Schwaenli and Baerli
+bleated for joy, and all her other favorites pressed near to her.
+Heidi was beside herself with joy, and caressed little Snowhopper and
+patted Thistlefinch, till she felt herself pushed to and fro among
+them.
+
+"Peter, why don't you come down and say good-night to me?" Heidi
+called to the boy.
+
+"Have you come again?" he exclaimed at last. Then he took Heidi's
+proffered hand and asked her, as if she had been always there: "Are
+you coming up with me to-morrow?"
+
+"No, to-morrow I must go to grandmother, but perhaps the day after."
+
+Peter had a hard time with his goats that day, for they would not
+follow him. Over and over again they came back to Heidi, till she
+entered the shed with Baerli and Schwaenli and shut the door.
+
+When Heidi went up to her loft to sleep, she found a fresh, fragrant
+bed waiting for her; and she slept better that night than she had for
+many, many months, for her great and burning longing had been
+satisfied. About ten times that night the grandfather rose from his
+couch to listen to Heidi's quiet breathing. The window was filled up
+with hay, for from now on the moon was not allowed to shine on Heidi
+any more. But Heidi slept quietly, for she had seen the flaming
+mountains and had heard the fir-trees roar.
+
+
+
+
+XIV
+
+ON SUNDAY WHEN THE CHURCH BELLS RING
+
+
+Heidi was standing under the swaying fir-trees, waiting for her
+grandfather to join her. He had promised to bring up her trunk from
+the village while she went in to visit the grandmother. The child was
+longing to see the blind woman again and to hear how she had liked the
+rolls. It was Saturday, and the grandfather had been cleaning the
+cottage. Soon he was ready to start. When they had descended and Heidi
+entered Peter's hut, the grandmother called lovingly to her: "Have you
+come again, child?"
+
+She took hold of Heidi's hand and held it tight. Grandmother then told
+the little visitor how good the rolls had tasted, and how much
+stronger she felt already. Brigida related further that the
+grandmother had only eaten a single roll, being so afraid to finish
+them too soon. Heidi had listened attentively, and said now:
+"Grandmother, I know what I shall do. I am going to write to Clara and
+she'll surely send me a whole lot more."
+
+But Brigida remarked: "That is meant well, but they get hard so soon.
+If I only had a few extra pennies, I could buy some from our baker. He
+makes them too, but I am hardly able to pay for the black bread."
+
+Heidi's face suddenly shone. "Oh, grandmother, I have an awful lot of
+money," she cried. "Now I know what I'll do with it. Every day you
+must have a fresh roll and two on Sundays. Peter can bring them up
+from the village."
+
+"No, no, child," the grandmother implored. "That must not be. You must
+give it to grandfather and he'll tell you what to do with it."
+
+But Heidi did not listen but jumped gaily about the little room,
+calling over and over again: "Now grandmother can have a roll every
+day. She'll get well and strong, and," she called with fresh delight,
+"maybe your eyes will see again, too, when you are strong and well."
+
+The grandmother remained silent, not to mar the happiness of the
+child. Seeing the old hymn-book on the shelf, Heidi said:
+
+"Grandmother, shall I read you a song from your book now? I can read
+quite nicely!" she added after a pause.
+
+"Oh yes, I wish you would, child. Can you really read?"
+
+Heidi, climbing on a chair, took down the dusty book from a shelf.
+After she had carefully wiped it off, she sat down on a stool.
+
+"What shall I read, grandmother?"
+
+"Whatever you want to," was the reply. Turning the pages, Heidi found
+a song about the sun, and decided to read that aloud. More and more
+eagerly she read, while the grandmother, with folded arms, sat in her
+chair. An expression of indescribable happiness shone in her
+countenance, though tears were rolling down her cheeks. When Heidi
+had repeated the end of the song a number of times, the old woman
+exclaimed: "Oh, Heidi, everything seems bright to me again and my
+heart is light. Thank you, child, you have done me so much good."
+
+Heidi looked enraptured at the grandmother's face, which had changed
+from an old, sorrowful expression to a joyous one.
+
+She seemed to look up gratefully, as if she could already behold the
+lovely, celestial gardens told of in the hymn.
+
+Soon the grandfather knocked on the window, for it was time to go.
+Heidi followed quickly, assuring the grandmother that she would visit
+her every day now; on the days she went up to the pasture with Peter,
+she would return in the early afternoon, for she did not want to miss
+the chance to make the grandmother's heart joyful and light. Brigida
+urged Heidi to take her dress along, and with it on her arm the child
+joined the old man and immediately told him what had happened.
+
+On hearing of her plan to purchase rolls for the grandmother every
+day, the grandfather reluctantly consented.
+
+At this the child gave a bound, shouting: "Oh grandfather, now
+grandmother won't ever have to eat hard, black bread any more. Oh,
+everything is so wonderful now! If God Our Father had done immediately
+what I prayed for, I should have come home at once and could not have
+brought half as many rolls to grandmother. I should not have been able
+to read either. Grandmama told me that God would make everything much
+better than I could ever dream. I shall always pray from now on, the
+way grandmama taught me. When God does not give me something I pray
+for, I shall always remember how everything has worked out for the
+best this time. We'll pray every day, grandfather, won't we, for
+otherwise God might forget us."
+
+"And if somebody should forget to do it?" murmured the old man.
+
+"Oh, he'll get on badly, for God will forget him, too. If he is
+unhappy and wretched, people don't pity him, for they will say: 'he
+went away from God, and now the Lord, who alone can help him, has no
+pity on him'."
+
+"Is that true, Heidi? Who told you so?"
+
+"Grandmama explained it all to me."
+
+After a pause the grandfather said: "Yes, but if it has happened, then
+there is no help; nobody can come back to the Lord, when God has once
+forgotten him."
+
+"But grandfather, everybody can come back to Him; grandmama told me
+that, and besides there is the beautiful story in my book. Oh,
+grandfather, you don't know it yet, and I shall read it to you as soon
+as we get home."
+
+The grandfather had brought a big basket with him, in which he carried
+half the contents of Heidi's trunk; it had been too large to be
+conveyed up the steep ascent. Arriving at the hut and setting down his
+load, he had to sit beside Heidi, who was ready to begin the tale.
+With great animation Heidi read the story of the prodigal son, who
+was happy at home with his father's cows and sheep. The picture showed
+him leaning on his staff, watching the sunset. "Suddenly he wanted to
+have his own inheritance, and be able to be his own master. Demanding
+the money from his father, he went away and squandered all. When he
+had nothing in the world left, he had to go as servant to a peasant,
+who did not own fine cattle like his father, but only swine; his
+clothes were rags, and for food he only got the husks on which the
+pigs were fed. Often he would think what a good home he had left, and
+when he remembered how good his father had been to him and his own
+ungratefulness, he would cry from repentance and longing. Then he said
+to himself: 'I shall go to my father and ask his forgiveness.' When he
+approached his former home, his father came out to meet him--"
+
+"What do you think will happen now?" Heidi asked. "You think that the
+father is angry and will say: 'Didn't I tell you?' But just listen:
+'And his father saw him and had compassion and ran and fell on his
+neck. And the son said: Father, I have sinned against Heaven and in
+Thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son. But the father
+said to his servants: Bring forth the best robe and put it on him; and
+put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet; and bring hither the
+fatted calf and kill it; and let us eat and be merry: For this my son
+was dead and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they
+began to be merry."
+
+"Isn't it a beautiful story, grandfather?" asked Heidi, when he sat
+silently beside her.
+
+"Yes, Heidi, it is," said the grandfather, but so seriously that Heidi
+quietly looked at the pictures. "Look how happy he is," she said,
+pointing to it.
+
+A few hours later, when Heidi was sleeping soundly, the old man
+climbed up the ladder. Placing a little lamp beside the sleeping
+child, he watched her a long, long time. Her little hands were folded
+and her rosy face looked confident and peaceful. The old man now
+folded his hands and said in a low voice, while big tears rolled down
+his cheeks: "Father, I have sinned against Heaven and Thee, and am no
+more worthy to be Thy son!"
+
+The next morning found the uncle standing before the door, looking
+about him over valley and mountain. A few early bells sounded from
+below and the birds sang their morning anthems.
+
+Re-entering the house, he called: "Heidi, get up! The sun is shining!
+Put on a pretty dress, for we are going to church!"
+
+That was a new call, and Heidi obeyed quickly. When the child came
+downstairs in her smart little frock, she opened her eyes wide. "Oh,
+grandfather!" she exclaimed, "I have never seen you in your Sunday
+coat with the silver buttons. Oh, how fine you look!"
+
+The old man, turning to the child, said with a smile: "You look nice,
+too; come now!" With Heidi's hand in his they wandered down together.
+The nearer they came to the village, the louder and richer the bells
+resounded. "Oh grandfather, do you hear it? It seems like a big, high
+feast," said Heidi.
+
+When they entered the church, all the people were singing. Though they
+sat down on the last bench behind, the people had noticed their
+presence and whispered it from ear to ear. When the pastor began to
+preach, his words were a loud thanksgiving that moved all his hearers.
+After the service the old man and the child walked to the parsonage.
+The clergyman had opened the door and received them with friendly
+words. "I have come to ask your forgiveness for my harsh words," said
+the uncle. "I want to follow your advice to spend the winter here
+among you. If the people look at me askance, I can't expect any
+better. I am sure, Mr. Pastor, you will not do so."
+
+   [Illustration: WITH HEIDI'S HAND IN HIS THEY WANDERED DOWN
+   TOGETHER]
+
+The pastor's friendly eyes sparkled, and with many a kind word he
+commended the uncle for this change, and putting his hand on Heidi's
+curly hair, ushered them out. Thus the people, who had been all
+talking together about this great event, could see that their
+clergyman shook hands with the old man. The door of the parsonage was
+hardly shut, when the whole assembly came forward with outstretched
+hands and friendly greetings. Great seemed to be their joy at the old
+man's resolution; some of the people even accompanied him on his
+homeward way. When they had parted at last, the uncle looked after
+them with his face shining as with an inward light. Heidi looked up to
+him and said: "Grandfather, you have never looked so beautiful!"
+
+"Do you think so, child?" he said with a smile. "You see, Heidi, I am
+more happy than I deserve; to be at peace with God and men makes one's
+heart feel light. God has been good to me, to send you back."
+
+When they arrived at Peter's hut, the grandfather opened the door and
+entered. "How do you do, grandmother," he called out. "I think we
+must start to mend again, before the fall wind comes."
+
+"Oh my God, the uncle!" exclaimed the grandmother in joyous surprise.
+"How happy I am to be able to thank you for what you have done, uncle!
+Thank you, God bless you for it."
+
+With trembling joy the grandmother shook hands with her old friend.
+"There is something else I want to say to you, uncle," she continued.
+"If I have ever hurt you in any way, do not punish me. Do not let
+Heidi go away again before I die. I cannot tell you what Heidi means
+to me!" So saying, she held the clinging child to her.
+
+"No danger of that, grandmother, I hope we shall all stay together now
+for many years to come."
+
+Brigida now showed Heidi's feather hat to the old man and asked him to
+take it back. But the uncle asked her to keep it, since Heidi had
+given it to her.
+
+"What blessings this child has brought from Frankfurt," Brigida said.
+"I often wondered if I should not send our little Peter too. What do
+you think, uncle?"
+
+The uncle's eyes sparkled with fun, when he replied: "I am sure it
+would not hurt Peter; nevertheless I should wait for a fitting
+occasion before I sent him."
+
+The next moment Peter himself arrived in great haste. He had a letter
+for Heidi, which had been given to him in the village. What an event,
+a letter for Heidi! They all sat down at the table while the child
+read it aloud. The letter was from Clara Sesemann, who wrote that
+everything had got so dull since Heidi left. She said that she could
+not stand it very long, and therefore her father had promised to take
+her to Ragatz this coming fall. She announced that Grandmama was
+coming too, for she wanted to see Heidi and her grandfather.
+Grandmama, having heard about the rolls, was sending some coffee, too,
+so that the grandmother would not have to eat them dry. Grandmama
+also insisted on being taken to the grandmother herself when she came
+on her visit.
+
+Great was the delight caused by this news, and what with all the
+questions and plans that followed, the grandfather himself forgot how
+late it was. This happy day, which had united them all, caused the old
+woman to say at parting: "The most beautiful thing of all, though, is
+to be able to shake hands again with an old friend, as in days gone
+by; it is a great comfort to find again, what we have treasured. I
+hope you'll come soon again, uncle. I am counting on the child for
+tomorrow."
+
+This promise was given. While Heidi and her grandfather were on their
+homeward path, the peaceful sound of evening bells accompanied them.
+At last they reached the cottage, which seemed to glow in the evening
+light.
+
+
+
+
+Part II
+
+Heidi Makes Use of Her Experience
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XV
+
+PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY
+
+
+The kind doctor who had sent Heidi home to her beloved mountains was
+approaching the Sesemann residence on a sunny day in September.
+Everything about him was bright and cheerful, but the doctor did not
+even raise his eyes from the pavement to the blue sky above. His face
+was sad and his hair had turned very gray since spring. A few months
+ago the doctor had lost his only daughter, who had lived with him
+since his wife's early death. The blooming girl had been his only joy,
+and since she had gone from him the ever-cheerful doctor was bowed
+down with grief.
+
+When Sebastian opened the door to the physician he bowed very low, for
+the doctor made friends wherever he went.
+
+"I am glad you have come doctor," Mr. Sesemann called to his friend as
+he entered. "Please let us talk over this trip to Switzerland again.
+Do you still give the same advice, now that Clara is so much better?"
+
+"What must I think of you, Sesemann?" replied the doctor, sitting
+down. "I wish your mother was here. Everything is clear to her and
+things go smoothly then. This is the third time to-day that you have
+called me, and always for the same thing!"
+
+"It is true, it must make you impatient," said Mr. Sesemann. Laying
+his hand on his friend's shoulder, he continued: "I cannot say how
+hard it is for me to refuse Clara this trip. Haven't I promised it to
+her and hasn't she looked forward to it for months? She has borne all
+her suffering so patiently, just because she had hoped to be able to
+visit her little friend on the Alp. I hate to rob her of this
+pleasure. The poor child has so many trials and so little change."
+
+"But, Sesemann, you must do it," was the doctor's answer. When his
+friend remained silent, he continued: "Just think what a hard summer
+Clara has had! She never was more ill and we could not attempt this
+journey without risking the worst consequences. Remember, we are in
+September now, and though the weather may still be fine on the Alp, it
+is sure to be very cool. The days are getting short, and she could
+only spend a few hours up there, if she had to return for the night.
+It would take several hours to have her carried up from Ragatz. You
+see yourself how impossible it is! I shall come in with you, though,
+to talk to Clara, and you'll find her sensible. I'll tell you of my
+plan for next May. First she can go to Ragatz to take the baths. When
+it gets warm on the mountain, she can be carried up from time to time.
+She'll be stronger then and much more able to enjoy those excursions
+than she is now. If we hope for an improvement in her condition, we
+must be extremely cautious and careful, remember that!"
+
+Mr. Sesemann, who had been listening with the utmost submission, now
+said anxiously: "Doctor, please tell me honestly if you still have
+hope left for any change?"
+
+With shrugging shoulders the doctor replied: "Not very much. But think
+of me, Sesemann! Have you not a child, who loves you and always
+welcomes you? You don't have to come back to a lonely house and sit
+down alone at your table. Your child is well taken care of, and if she
+has many privations, she also has many advantages. Sesemann, you do
+not need to be pitied! Just think of my lonely home!"
+
+Mr. Sesemann had gotten up and was walking round the room, as he
+always did when something occupied his thoughts. Suddenly he stood
+before his friend and said: "Doctor, I have an idea. I cannot see you
+sad any longer. You must get away. You shall undertake this trip and
+visit Heidi in our stead."
+
+The doctor had been surprised by this proposal, and tried to object.
+But Mr. Sesemann was so full of his new project that he pulled his
+friend with him into his daughter's room, not leaving him time for any
+remonstrances. Clara loved the doctor, who had always tried to cheer
+her up on his visits by bright and funny tales. She was sorry for the
+change that had come over him and would have given much to see him
+happy again. When he had shaken hands with her, both men pulled up
+their chairs to Clara's bedside. Mr. Sesemann began to speak of their
+journey and how sorry he was to give it up. Then he quickly began to
+talk of his new plan.
+
+Clara's eyes had filled with tears. But she knew that her father did
+not like to see her cry, and besides she was sure that her papa would
+only forbid her this pleasure because it was absolutely necessary to
+do so.
+
+So she bravely fought her tears, and caressing the doctor's hand,
+said:
+
+"Oh please, doctor, do go to Heidi; then you can tell me all about
+her, and can describe her grandfather to me, and Peter, with his
+goats,--I seem to know them all so well. Then you can take all the
+things to her that I had planned to take myself. Oh, please doctor,
+go, and then I'll be good and take as much cod-liver oil as ever you
+want me to."
+
+Who can tell if this promise decided the doctor? At any rate he
+answered with a smile: "Then I surely must go, Clara, for you will get
+fat and strong, as we both want to see you. Have you settled yet when
+I must go?"
+
+"Oh, you had better go tomorrow morning, doctor," Clara urged.
+
+"She is right," the father assented; "the sun is shining and you must
+not lose any more glorious days on the Alp."
+
+The doctor had to laugh. "Why don't you chide me for being here still?
+I shall go as quickly as I can, Sesemann."
+
+Clara gave many messages to him for Heidi. She also told him to be
+sure to observe everything closely, so that he would be able to tell
+her all about it when he came back. The things for Heidi were to be
+sent to him later, for Miss Rottenmeier, who had to pack them, was out
+on one of her lengthy wanderings about town.
+
+The doctor promised to comply with all Clara's wishes and to start the
+following day.
+
+Clara rang for the maid and said to her, when she arrived: "Please,
+Tinette, pack a lot of fresh, soft coffee-cake in this box." A box
+had been ready for this purpose many days. When the maid was leaving
+the room she murmured: "That's a silly bother!"
+
+Sebastian, who had happened to overhear some remarks, asked the
+physician when he was leaving to take his regards to the little Miss,
+as he called Heidi.
+
+With a promise to deliver this message the doctor was just hastening
+out, when he encountered an obstacle. Miss Rottenmeier, who had been
+obliged to return from her walk on account of the strong wind, was
+just coming in. She wore a large cape, which the wind was blowing
+about her like two full sails. Both had retreated politely to give way
+to each other. Suddenly the wind seemed to carry the housekeeper
+straight towards the doctor, who had barely time to avoid her. This
+little incident, which had ruffled Miss Rottenmeier's temper very
+much, gave the doctor occasion to soothe her, as she liked to be
+soothed by this man, whom she respected more than anybody in the
+world. Telling her of his intended visit, he entreated her to pack the
+things for Heidi as only she knew how.
+
+Clara had expected some resistance from Miss Rottenmeier about the
+packing of her presents. What was her surprise when this lady showed
+herself most obliging, and immediately, on being told, brought
+together all the articles! First came a heavy coat for Heidi, with a
+hood, which Clara meant her to use on visits to the grandmother in the
+winter. Then came a thick warm shawl and a large box with coffee-cake
+for the grandmother. An enormous sausage for Peter's mother followed,
+and a little sack of tobacco for the grandfather. At last a lot of
+mysterious little parcels and boxes were packed, things that Clara had
+gathered together for Heidi. When the tidy pack lay ready on the
+ground, Clara's heart filled with pleasure at the thought of her
+little friend's delight.
+
+Sebastian now entered, and putting the pack on his shoulder, carried
+it to the doctor's house without delay.
+
+
+
+
+XVI
+
+A GUEST ON THE ALP
+
+
+The early dawn was tinging the mountains and a fresh morning-breeze
+rocked the old fir-trees to and fro. Heidi opened her eyes, for the
+rustling of the wind had awakened her. These sounds always thrilled
+her heart, and now they drew her out of bed. Rising hurriedly, she
+soon was neatly dressed and combed.
+
+Coming down the little ladder and finding the grandfather's bed empty,
+she ran outside. The old man was looking up at the sky to see what the
+weather was going to be like that day. Rosy clouds were passing
+overhead, but gradually the sky grew more blue and deep, and soon a
+golden light passed over the heights, for the sun was rising in all
+his glory.
+
+"Oh, how lovely! Good-morning, grandfather," Heidi exclaimed.
+
+"Are your eyes bright already?" the grandfather retorted, holding out
+his hand.
+
+Heidi then ran over to her beloved fir-trees and danced about, while
+the wind was howling in the branches.
+
+After the old man had washed and milked the goats, he brought them out
+of the shed. When Heidi saw her friends again, she caressed them
+tenderly, and they in their turn nearly crushed her between them.
+Sometimes when Baerli got too wild, Heidi would say: "But Baerli, you
+push me like the Big Turk," and that was enough to quiet the goat.
+
+Soon Peter arrived with the whole herd, the jolly Thistlefinch ahead
+of all the others. Heidi, being soon in the mist of them, was pushed
+about among them. Peter was anxious to say a word to the little girl,
+so he gave a shrill whistle, urging the goats to climb ahead. When he
+was near her he said reproachfully: "You really might come with me
+to-day!"
+
+"No, I can't, Peter," said Heidi. "They might come from Frankfurt any
+time. I must be home when they come."
+
+"How often you have said that," grumbled the boy.
+
+"But I mean it," replied Heidi. "Do you really think I want to be away
+when they come from Frankfurt? Do you really think that, Peter?"
+
+"They could come to uncle," Peter growled.
+
+Then the grandfather's strong voice was heard: "Why doesn't the army
+go forward? Is it the field-marshal's fault, or the fault of the
+troop?"
+
+Peter immediately turned about and led his goats up the mountain
+without more ado.
+
+Since Heidi had come home again to her grandfather she did many things
+that had never occurred to her before. For instance, she would make
+her bed every morning, and run about the hut, tidying and dusting.
+With an old rag she would rub the chairs and table till they all
+shone, and the grandfather would exclaim: "It is always Sunday with us
+now; Heidi has not been away in vain."
+
+On this day after breakfast, when Heidi began her self-imposed task,
+it took her longer than usual, for the weather was too glorious to
+stay within. Over and over again a bright sunbeam would tempt the busy
+child outside. How could she stay indoors, when the glistening
+sunshine was pouring down and all the mountains seemed to glow? She
+had to sit down on the dry, hard ground and look down into the valley
+and all about her. Then, suddenly remembering her little duties, she
+would hasten back. It was not long, though, till the roaring fir-trees
+tempted her again. The grandfather had been busy in his little shop,
+merely glancing over at the child from time to time. Suddenly he heard
+her call: "Oh grandfather, come!"
+
+He was frightened and came out quickly He saw her running down the
+hill crying: "They are coming, they are coming. Oh, the doctor is
+coming first."
+
+   [Illustration: THEY ARE COMING, OH, THE DOCTOR IS COMING FIRST]
+
+When Heidi at last reached her old friend, he held out his hand, which
+Heidi immediately seized. In the full joy of her heart, she exclaimed:
+"How do you do, doctor? And I thank you a thousand times!"
+
+"How are you, Heidi? But what are you thanking me for already?" the
+doctor asked, with a smile.
+
+"Because you let me come home again," the child explained.
+
+The gentleman's face lit up like sunshine. He had certainly not
+counted on such a reception on the Alp. On the contrary! Not even
+noticing all the beauty around him, he had climbed up sadly, for he
+was sure that Heidi probably would not know him any more. He thought
+that he would be far from welcome, being obliged to cause her a great
+disappointment. Instead, he beheld Heidi's bright eyes looking up at
+him in gratefulness and love. She was still holding his arm, when he
+said: "Come now, Heidi, and take me to your grandfather, for I want
+to see where you live."
+
+Like a kind father he had taken her hand, but Heidi stood still and
+looked down the mountain-side.
+
+"But where are Clara and grandmama?" she asked.
+
+"Child, I must tell you something now which will grieve you as much as
+it grieves me," replied the doctor. "I had to come alone, for Clara
+has been very ill and could not travel. Of course grandmama has not
+come either; but the spring will soon be here, and when the days get
+long and warm, they will surely visit you."
+
+Heidi was perfectly amazed; she could not understand how all those
+things that she had pictured to herself so clearly would not happen
+after all. She was standing perfectly motionless, confused by the
+blow.
+
+It was some time before Heidi remembered that, after all, she had come
+down to meet the doctor. Looking up at her friend, she was struck by
+his sad and cheerless face. How changed he was since she had seen
+him! She did not like to see people unhappy, least of all the good,
+kind doctor. He must be sad because Clara and grandmama had not come,
+and to console him she said: "Oh, it won't last long till spring comes
+again; then they will come for sure; they'll be able to stay much
+longer then, and that will please Clara. Now we'll go to grandfather."
+
+Hand in hand she climbed up with her old friend. All the way she tried
+to cheer him up by telling him again and again of the coming summer
+days. After they had reached the cottage, she called out to her
+grandfather quite happily:
+
+"They are not here yet, but it won't be very long before they are
+coming!"
+
+The grandfather warmly welcomed his guest, who did not seem at all a
+stranger, for had not Heidi told him many things about the doctor?
+They all three sat down on the bench before the door, and the doctor
+told of the object of his visit. He whispered to the child that
+something was coming up the mountain very soon which would bring her
+more pleasure than his visit. What could it be?
+
+The uncle advised the doctor to spend the splendid days of autumn on
+the Alp, if possible, and to take a little room in the village instead
+of in Ragatz; then he could easily walk up every day to the hut, and
+from there the uncle could take him all around the mountains. This
+plan was accepted.
+
+The sun was in its zenith and the wind had ceased. Only a soft
+delicious breeze fanned the cheeks of all.
+
+The uncle now got up and went into the hut, returning soon with a
+table and their dinner.
+
+"Go in, Heidi, and set the table here. I hope you will excuse our
+simple meal," he said, turning to his guest.
+
+"I shall gladly accept this delightful invitation; I am sure that
+dinner will taste good up here," said the guest, looking down over the
+sun-bathed valley.
+
+Heidi was running to and fro, for it gave her great joy to be able to
+wait on her kind protector. Soon the uncle appeared with the steaming
+milk, the toasted cheese, and the finely-sliced, rosy meat that had
+been dried in the pure air. The doctor enjoyed his dinner better than
+any he had ever tasted.
+
+"Yes, we must send Clara up here. How she could gather strength!" he
+said; "If she would have an appetite like mine to-day, she couldn't
+help getting nice and fat."
+
+At this moment a man could be seen walking up with a large sack on his
+shoulders. Arriving on top, he threw down his load, breathing in the
+pure, fresh air.
+
+Opening the cover, the doctor said: "This has come for you from
+Frankfurt, Heidi. Come and look what is in it."
+
+Heidi timidly watched the heap, and only when the gentleman opened the
+box with the cakes for the grandmother she said joyfully: "Oh, now
+grandmother can eat this lovely cake." She was taking the box and the
+beautiful shawl on her arm and was going to race down to deliver the
+gifts, when the men persuaded her to stay and unpack the rest. What
+was her delight at finding the tobacco and all the other things. The
+men had been talking together, when the child suddenly planted herself
+in front of them and said: "These things have not given me as much
+pleasure as the dear doctor's coming." Both men smiled.
+
+When it was near sunset, the doctor rose to start on his way down. The
+grandfather, carrying the box, the shawl and the sausage, and the
+guest holding the little girl by the hand, they wandered down the
+mountain-side. When they reached Peter's hut, Heidi was told to go
+inside and wait for her grandfather there. At parting she asked:
+"Would you like to come with me up to the pasture to-morrow, doctor?"
+
+"With pleasure. Good-bye, Heidi," was the reply. The grandfather had
+deposited all the presents before the door, and it took Heidi long to
+carry in the huge box and the sausage. The shawl she put on the
+grandmother's knee.
+
+Brigida had silently watched the proceedings, and could not open her
+eyes wide enough when she saw the enormous sausage. Never in her life
+had she seen the like, and now she really possessed it and could cut
+it herself.
+
+"Oh grandmother, don't the cakes please you awfully? Just look how
+soft they are!" the child exclaimed. What was her amazement when she
+saw the grandmother more pleased with the shawl, which would keep her
+warm in winter.
+
+"Grandmother, Clara has sent you that," Heidi said.
+
+"Oh, what kind good people they are to think of a poor old woman like
+me! I never thought I should ever own such a splendid wrap."
+
+At this moment Peter came stumbling in.
+
+"The uncle is coming up behind me, and Heidi must--" that was as far
+as he got, for his eyes had fastened on the sausage. Heidi, however,
+had already said good-bye, for she knew what he had meant. Though her
+uncle never went by the hut any more without stepping in, she knew it
+was too late to-day. "Heidi, come, you must get your sleep," he called
+through the open door. Bidding them all good-night, he took Heidi by
+the hand and under the glistening stars they wandered home to their
+peaceful cottage.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XVII
+
+RETALIATION
+
+
+Early the next morning the doctor climbed up the mountain in company
+with Peter and his goats. The friendly gentleman made several attempts
+to start a conversation with the boy, but as answer to his questions
+he got nothing more than monosyllables. When they arrived on top, they
+found Heidi already waiting, fresh and rosy as the early dawn.
+
+"Are you coming?" asked Peter as usual.
+
+"Of course I shall, if the doctor comes with us," replied the child.
+
+The grandfather, coming out of the hut, greeted the newcomer with
+great respect. Then he went up to Peter, and hung on his shoulder the
+sack, which seemed to contain more than usual that day.
+
+When they had started on their way, Heidi kept urging forward the
+goats, which were crowding about her. When at last she was walking
+peacefully by the doctor's side, she began to relate to him many
+things about the goats and all their strange pranks, and about the
+flowers, rocks and birds they saw. When they arrived at their
+destination, time seemed to have flown. Peter all the time was sending
+many an angry glance at the unconscious doctor, who never even noticed
+it.
+
+Heidi now took the doctor to her favorite spot. From there they could
+hear the peaceful-sounding bells of the grazing cattle below. The sky
+was deep blue, and above their heads the eagle was circling with
+outstretched wings. Everything was luminous and bright about them, but
+the doctor had been silent. Suddenly looking up, he beheld Heidi's
+radiant eyes.
+
+"Heidi, it is beautiful up here," he said. "But how can anybody with a
+heavy heart enjoy the beauty? Tell me!"
+
+"Oh," exclaimed Heidi, "one never has a sad heart here. One only gets
+unhappy in Frankfurt."
+
+A faint smile passed over the doctor's face. Then he began: "But if
+somebody has brought his sorrow away with him, how would you comfort
+him?"
+
+"God in Heaven alone can help him."
+
+"That is true, child," remarked the doctor. "But what can we do when
+God Himself has sent us the affliction?"
+
+After meditating a moment, Heidi replied: "One must wait patiently,
+for God knows how to turn the saddest things to something happy in the
+end. God will show us what He has meant to do for us. But He will only
+do so if we pray to Him patiently."
+
+"I hope you will always keep this beautiful belief, Heidi," said the
+doctor. Then looking up at the mighty cliffs above, he continued:
+"Think how sad it would make us not to be able to see all these
+beautiful things. Wouldn't that make us doubly sad? Can you understand
+me, child?"
+
+A great pain shot through Heidi's breast. She had to think of the poor
+grandmother. Her blindness was always a great sorrow to the child, and
+she had been struck with it anew. Seriously she replied:
+
+"Oh yes, I can understand it. But then we can read grandmother's
+songs; they make us happy and bright again."
+
+"Which songs, Heidi?"
+
+"Oh, those of the sun, and of the beautiful garden, and then the last
+verses of the long one. Grandmother loves them so that I always have
+to read them over three times," said Heidi.
+
+"I wish you would say them to me, child, for I should like to hear
+them," said the doctor.
+
+Heidi, folding her hands, began the consoling verses. She stopped
+suddenly, however, for the doctor did not seem to listen. He was
+sitting motionless, holding his hand before his eyes. Thinking that he
+had fallen asleep, she remained silent. But the verses had recalled
+his childhood days; he seemed to hear his mother and see her loving
+eyes, for when he was a little boy she had sung this song to him. A
+long time he sat there, till he discovered that Heidi was watching
+him.
+
+"Heidi, your song was lovely," he said with a more joyful voice. "We
+must come here another day and then you can recite it to me again."
+
+During all this time Peter had been boiling with anger. Now that Heidi
+had come again to the pasture with him, she did nothing but talk to
+the old gentleman. It made him very cross that he was not even able to
+get near her. Standing a little distance behind Heidi's friend, he
+shook his fist at him, and soon afterwards both fists, finally raising
+them up to the sky, as Heidi and the doctor remained together.
+
+When the sun stood in its zenith and Peter knew that it was noon, he
+called over to them with all his might: "Time to eat."
+
+When Heidi was getting up to fetch their dinner, the doctor just asked
+for a glass of milk, which was all he wanted. The child also decided
+to make the milk her sole repast, running over to Peter and informing
+him of their resolution.
+
+When the boy found that the whole contents of the bag was his, he
+hurried with his task as never in his life before. But he felt guilty
+on account of his former anger at the kind gentleman. To show his
+repentance he held his hands up flat to the sky, indicating by his
+action that his fists did not mean anything any more. Only after that
+did he start with his feast.
+
+Heidi and the doctor had wandered about the pasture till the gentleman
+had found it time to go. He wanted Heidi to remain where she was, but
+she insisted on accompanying him. All the way down she showed him many
+places where the pretty mountain flowers grew, all of whose names she
+could tell him. When they parted at last, Heidi waved to him. From
+time to time he turned about, and seeing the child still standing
+there, he had to think of his own little daughter who used to wave to
+him like that when he went away from home.
+
+The weather was warm and sunny that month. Every morning the doctor
+came up to the Alp, spending his day very often with the old man. Many
+a climb they had together that took them far up, to the bare cliffs
+near the eagle's haunt. The uncle would show his guest all the herbs
+that grew on hidden places and were strengthening and healing. He
+could tell many strange things of the beasts that lived in holes in
+rock or earth, or in the high tops of trees.
+
+In the evening they would part, and the doctor would exclaim: "My dear
+friend, I never leave you without having learned something."
+
+But most of his days he spent with Heidi. Then the two would sit
+together on the child's favorite spot, and Peter, quite subdued,
+behind them. Heidi had to recite the verses, as she had done the first
+day, and entertain him with all the things she knew.
+
+At last the beautiful month of September was over. One morning the
+doctor came up with a sadder face than usual. The time had come for
+him to go back to Frankfurt, and great was the uncle's sadness at that
+news. Heidi herself could hardly realize that her loving friend, whom
+she had been seeing every day, was really leaving. The doctor himself
+was loath to go, for the Alp had become as a home to him. But it was
+necessary for him to go, and shaking hands with the grandfather, he
+said good-bye, Heidi going along with him a little way.
+
+Hand in hand they wandered down, till the doctor stood still. Then
+caressing Heidi's curly hair, he said: "Now I must go, Heidi! I wish I
+could take you along with me to Frankfurt; then I could keep you."
+
+At those words, all the rows and rows of houses and streets, Miss
+Rottenmeier and Tinette rose before Heidi's eyes. Hesitating a little,
+she said: "I should like it better if you would come to see us again."
+
+"I believe that will be better. Now farewell!" said the friendly
+gentleman. When they shook hands his eyes filled with tears. Turning
+quickly he hurried off.
+
+Heidi, standing on the same spot, looked after him. What kind eyes he
+had! But they had been full of tears. All of a sudden she began to cry
+bitterly, and ran after her friend, calling with all her might, but
+interrupted by her sobs:
+
+"Oh doctor, doctor!"
+
+Looking round he stood still and waited till the child had reached
+him. Her tears came rolling down her cheeks while she sobbed: "I'll
+come with you to Frankfurt and I'll stay as long as ever you want me
+to. But first I must see grandfather."
+
+"No, no, dear child," he said affectionately, "not at once. You must
+remain here, I don't want you to get ill again. But if I should get
+sick and lonely and ask you to come to me, would you come and stay
+with me? Can I go away and think that somebody in this world still
+cares for me and loves me?"
+
+"Yes, I shall come to you the same day, for I really love you as much
+as grandfather," Heidi assured him, crying all the time.
+
+Shaking hands again, they parted. Heidi stayed on the same spot,
+waving her hand and looking after her departing friend till he seemed
+no bigger than a little dot. Then he looked back a last time at Heidi
+and the sunny Alp, muttering to himself: "It is beautiful up there.
+Body and soul get strengthened in that place and life seems worth
+living again."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XVIII
+
+WINTER IN THE VILLAGE
+
+
+The snow lay so deep around the Alm-hut that the windows seemed to
+stand level with the ground and the house-door had entirely
+disappeared. Round Peter's hut it was the same. When the boy went out
+to shovel the snow, he had to creep through the window; then he would
+sink deep into the soft snow and kick with arms and legs to get free.
+Taking a broom, the boy would have to clear away the snow from the
+door to prevent its falling into the hut.
+
+The uncle had kept his word; when the first snow had fallen, he had
+moved down to the village with Heidi and his goats. Near the church
+and the parish house lay an old ruin that once had been a spacious
+building. A brave soldier had lived there in days gone by; he had
+fought in the Spanish war, and coming back with many riches, had
+built himself a splendid house. But having lived too long in the noisy
+world to be able to stand the monotonous life in the little town, he
+soon went away, never to come back. After his death, many years later,
+though the house was already beginning to decay, a distant relation of
+his took possession of it. The new proprietor did not want to build it
+up again, so poor people moved in. They had to pay little rent for the
+house, which was gradually crumbling and falling to pieces. Years ago,
+when the uncle had come to the village with Tobias, he had lived
+there. Most of the time it had been empty, for the winter lasted long,
+and cold winds would blow through the chinks in the walls. When poor
+people lived there, their candles would be blown out and they would
+shiver with cold in the dark. But the uncle, had known how to help
+himself. In the fall, as soon as he had resolved to live in the
+village, he came down frequently, fitting up the place as best he
+could.
+
+On approaching the house from the back, one entered an open room,
+where nearly all the walls lay in ruins. On one side the remains of a
+chapel could be seen, now covered with the thickest ivy. A large hall
+came next, with a beautiful stone floor and grass growing in the
+crevices. Most of the walls were gone and part of the ceiling also. If
+a few thick pillars had not been left supporting the rest, it would
+undoubtedly have tumbled down. The uncle had made a wooden partition
+here for the goats, and covered the floor with straw. Several
+corridors, most of them half decayed, led finally to a chamber with a
+heavy iron door. This room was still in good condition and had dark
+wood panelling on the four firm walls. In one corner was an enormous
+stove, which nearly reached up to the ceiling. On the white tiles were
+painted blue pictures of old towers surrounded by high trees, and of
+hunters with their hounds. There also was a scene with a quiet lake,
+where, under shady oak-trees, a fisherman was sitting. Around the
+stove a bench was placed. Heidi loved to sit there, and as soon as she
+had entered their new abode, she began to examine the pictures.
+Arriving at the end of the bench, she discovered a bed, which was
+placed between the wall and the stove. "Oh grandfather, I have found
+my bed-room," exclaimed the little girl. "Oh, how fine it is! Where
+are you going to sleep?"
+
+"Your bed must be near the stove, to keep you warm," said the old man.
+"Now come and look at mine."
+
+With that the grandfather led her into his bed-room. From there a door
+led into the hugest kitchen Heidi had ever seen. With a great deal of
+trouble the grandfather had fitted up this place. Many boards were
+nailed across the walls and the door had been fastened with heavy
+wires, for beyond, the building lay in ruins. Thick underbrush was
+growing there, sheltering thousands of insects and lizards. Heidi was
+delighted with her new home, and when Peter arrived next day, she did
+not rest till he had seen every nook and corner of the curious
+dwelling-place.
+
+Heidi slept very well in her chimney corner, but it took her many days
+to get accustomed to it. When she woke up in the morning and could not
+hear the fir-trees roar, she would wonder where she was. Was the snow
+too heavy on the branches? Was she away from home? But as soon as she
+heard her grandfather's voice outside, she remembered everything and
+would jump merrily out of bed.
+
+After four days had gone by, Heidi said to her grandfather: "I must go
+to grandmother now, she has been alone so many days."
+
+But the grandfather shook his head and said: "You can't go yet, child.
+The snow is fathoms deep up there and is still falling. Peter can
+hardly get through. A little girl like you would be snowed up and lost
+in no time. Wait a while till it freezes and then you can walk on top
+of the crust."
+
+Heidi was very sorry, but she was so busy now that the days flew by.
+Every morning and afternoon she went to school, eagerly learning
+whatever was taught her. She hardly ever saw Peter there, for he did
+not come very often. The mild teacher would only say from time to
+time: "It seems to me, Peter is not here again! School would do him
+good, but I guess there is too much snow for him to get through." But
+when Heidi came home towards evening, Peter generally paid her a
+visit.
+
+After a few days the sun came out for a short time at noon, and the
+next morning the whole Alp glistened and shone like crystal. When
+Peter was jumping as usual into the snow that morning, he fell against
+something hard, and before he could stop himself he flew a little way
+down the mountain. When he had gained his feet at last, he stamped
+upon the ground with all his might. It really was frozen as hard as
+stone. Peter could hardly believe it, and quickly running up and
+swallowing his milk, and putting his bread in his pocket, he
+announced: "I must go to school to-day!"
+
+"Yes, go and learn nicely," answered his mother.
+
+Then, sitting down on his sled, the boy coasted down the mountain like
+a shot. Not being able to stop his course when he reached the village,
+he coasted down further and further, till he arrived in the plain,
+where the sled stopped of itself. It was already late for school, so
+the boy took his time and only arrived in the village when Heidi came
+home for dinner.
+
+"We've got it!" announced the boy, on entering.
+
+"What, general?" asked the uncle.
+
+"The snow," Peter replied.
+
+"Oh, now I can go up to grandmother!" Heidi rejoiced. "But Peter, why
+didn't you come to school? You could coast down to-day," she continued
+reproachfully.
+
+"I went too far on my sled and then it was too late," Peter replied.
+
+"I call that deserting!" said the uncle. "People who do that must
+have their ears pulled; do you hear?"
+
+The boy was frightened, for there was no one in the world whom he
+respected more than the uncle.
+
+"A general like you ought to be doubly ashamed to do so," the uncle
+went on. "What would you do with the goats if they did not obey you
+any more?"
+
+"Beat them," was the reply.
+
+"If you knew of a boy that was behaving like a disobedient goat and
+had to get spanked, what would you say?"
+
+"Serves him right."
+
+"So now you know it, goat-general: if you miss school again, when you
+ought to be there, you can come to me and get your due."
+
+Now at last Peter understood what the uncle had meant. More kindly,
+the old man then turned to Peter and said, "Come to the table now and
+eat with us. Then you can go up with Heidi, and when you bring her
+back at night, you can get your supper here."
+
+This unexpected change delighted Peter. Not losing any time, he soon
+disposed of his full plate. Heidi, who had given the boy most of her
+dinner, was already putting on Clara's new coat. Then together they
+climbed up, Heidi chatting all the time. But Peter did not say a
+single word. He was preoccupied and had not even listened to Heidi's
+tales. Before they entered the hut, the boy said stubbornly: "I think
+I had rather go to school than get a beating from the uncle." Heidi
+promptly confirmed him in his resolution.
+
+When they went into the room, Peter's mother was alone at the table
+mending. The grandmother was nowhere to be seen. Brigida now told
+Heidi that the grandmother was obliged to stay in bed on those cold
+days, as she did not feel very strong. That was something new for
+Heidi. Quickly running to the old woman's chamber, she found her lying
+in a narrow bed, wrapped up in her grey shawl and thin blanket.
+
+"Thank Heaven!" the grandmother exclaimed when she heard her
+darling's step. All autumn and winter long a secret fear had been
+gnawing at her heart, that Heidi would be sent for by the strange
+gentleman of whom Peter had told her so much. Heidi had approached the
+bed, asking anxiously: "Are you very sick, grandmother?"
+
+"No, no, child," the old woman reassured her, "the frost has just gone
+into my limbs a little."
+
+"Are you going to be well again as soon as the warm weather comes?"
+inquired Heidi.
+
+"Yes, yes, and if God wills, even sooner. I want to go back to my
+spinning-wheel and I nearly tried it to-day. I'll get up to-morrow,
+though," the grandmother said confidently, for she had noticed how
+frightened Heidi was.
+
+The last speech made the child feel more happy. Then, looking
+wonderingly at the grandmother, she said: "In Frankfurt people put on
+a shawl when they go out. Why are you putting it on in bed,
+grandmother?"
+
+"I put it on to keep me warm, Heidi. I am glad to have it, for my
+blanket is very thin."
+
+"But, grandmother, your bed is slanting down at your head, where it
+ought to be high. No bed ought to be like that."
+
+"I know, child, I can feel it well." So saying, the old woman tried to
+change her position on the pillow that lay under her like a thin
+board. "My pillow never was very thick, and sleeping on it all these
+years has made it flat."
+
+"Oh dear, if I had only asked Clara to give me the bed I had in
+Frankfurt!" Heidi lamented. "It had three big pillows on it; I could
+hardly sleep because I kept sliding down from them all the time. Could
+you sleep with them, grandmother?"
+
+"Of course, because that would keep me warm. I could breathe so much
+easier, too," said the grandmother, trying to find a higher place to
+lie on. "But I must not talk about it any more, for I have to be
+thankful for many things. I get the lovely roll every day and have
+this beautiful warm shawl. I also have you, my child! Heidi, wouldn't
+you like to read me something to-day?"
+
+Heidi immediately fetched the book and read one song after another.
+The grandmother in the meantime was lying with folded hands; her face,
+which had been so sad a short time ago, was lit up with a happy smile.
+
+Suddenly Heidi stopped.
+
+"Are you well again, grandmother?" she asked.
+
+"I feel very much better, Heidi. Please finish the song, will you?"
+
+The child obeyed, and when she came to the last words,
+
+    When mine eyes grow dim and sad,
+      Let Thy love more brightly burn,
+    That my soul, a wanderer glad,
+      Safely homeward may return.
+
+"Safely homeward may return!" she exclaimed: "Oh, grandmother, I know
+what it is like to come home." After a while she said: "It is getting
+dark, grandmother, I must go home now. I am glad that you feel
+better again."
+
+   [Illustration: THE TWO CHILDREN WERE ALREADY FLYING DOWN THE ALP]
+
+The grandmother, holding the child's hand in hers, said: "Yes, I am
+happy again, though I have to stay in bed. Nobody knows how hard it is
+to lie here alone, day after day. I do not hear a word from anybody
+and cannot see a ray of sunlight. I have very sad thoughts sometimes,
+and often I feel as if I could not bear it any longer. But when I can
+hear those blessed songs that you have read to me, it makes me feel as
+if a light was shining into my heart, giving me the purest joy."
+
+Shaking hands, the child now said good-night, and pulling Peter with
+her, ran outside. The brilliant moon was shining down on the white
+snow, light as day. The two children were already flying down the Alp,
+like birds soaring through the air.
+
+After Heidi had gone to bed that night, she lay awake a little while,
+thinking over everything the grandmother had said, especially about
+the joy the songs had given her. If only poor grandmother could hear
+those comforting words every day! Heidi knew that it might be a week
+or two again before she could repeat her visit. The child became very
+sad when she thought how uncomfortable and lonely the old woman would
+be. Was there no way for help? Suddenly Heidi had an idea, and it
+thrilled her so that she felt as if she could not wait till morning
+came to put her plan in execution. But in her excitement she had
+forgotten her evening prayer, so sitting up in bed, she prayed
+fervently to God. Then, falling back into the fragrant hay, she soon
+slept peacefully and soundly still the bright morning came.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XIX
+
+WINTER STILL CONTINUES
+
+
+Peter arrived punctually at school next day. He had brought his lunch
+with him in a bag, for all the children that came from far away ate in
+school, while the others went home. In the evening Peter as usual paid
+his visit to Heidi.
+
+The minute he opened the door she ran up to him, saying: "Peter, I
+have to tell you something."
+
+"Say it," he replied.
+
+"You must learn to read now," said the child.
+
+"I have done it already."
+
+"Yes, yes, Peter, but I don't mean it that way," Heidi eagerly
+proceeded; "you must learn so that you really know how afterwards."
+
+"I can't," Peter remarked.
+
+"Nobody believes you about that any more, and I won't either," Heidi
+said resolutely. "When I was in Frankfurt, grandmama told me that it
+wasn't true and that I shouldn't believe you."
+
+Peter's astonishment was great.
+
+"I'll teach you, for I know how; when you have learnt it, you must
+read one or two songs to grandmother every day."
+
+"I shan't!" grumbled the boy.
+
+This obstinate refusal made Heidi very angry. With flaming eyes she
+planted herself before the boy and said: "I'll tell you what will
+happen, if you don't want to learn. Your mother has often said that
+she'll send you to Frankfurt. Clara showed me the terrible, large
+boys' school there, where you'll have to go. You must stay there till
+you are a man, Peter! You mustn't think that there is only one teacher
+there, and such a kind one as we have here. No, indeed! There are
+whole rows of them, and when they are out walking they have high
+black hats on their heads. I saw them myself, when I was out driving!"
+
+Cold shivers ran down Peter's back.
+
+"Yes, you'll have to go there, and when they find out that you can't
+read or even spell, they'll laugh at you!"
+
+"I'll do it," said Peter, half angry and half frightened.
+
+"Oh, I am glad. Let us start right away!" said Heidi joyfully, pulling
+Peter over to the table. Among the things that Clara had sent, Heidi
+had found a little book with the A,B,C and some rhymes. She had chosen
+this for the lessons. Peter, having to spell the first rhyme, found
+great difficulty, so Heidi said, "I'll read it to you, and then you'll
+be able to do it better. Listen:
+
+    "If A, B, C you do not know,
+    Before the school board you must go."
+
+"I won't go," said Peter stubbornly.
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Before the court."
+
+"Hurry up and learn the three letters, then you won't have to!"
+
+Peter, beginning again, repeated the three letters till Heidi said:
+
+"Now you know them."
+
+Having observed the good result of the first rhyme, she began to read
+again:
+
+    D, E, F you then must read,
+    Or of misfortune take good heed!
+
+    Who over L and M doth stumble,
+    Must pay a penance and feel humble.
+
+    There's trouble coming; if you knew,
+    You'd quickly learn N, O, P, Q.
+
+    If still you halt on R, S, T,
+    You'll suffer for it speedily.
+
+Heidi, stopping, looked at Peter, who was so frightened by all these
+threats and mysterious horrors that he sat as still as a mouse.
+Heidi's tender heart was touched, and she said comfortingly: "Don't be
+afraid, Peter; if you come to me every day, you'll soon learn all the
+letters and then those things won't happen. But come every day, even
+when it snows. Promise!"
+
+Peter did so, and departed. Obeying Heidi's instructions, he came
+daily to her for his lesson.
+
+Sometimes the grandfather would sit in the room, smoking his pipe;
+often the corners of his mouth would twitch as if he could hardly keep
+from laughing.
+
+He generally invited Peter to stay to supper afterwards, which
+liberally rewarded the boy for all his great exertions.
+
+Thus the days passed by. In all this time Peter had really made some
+progress, though the rhymes still gave him difficulty.
+
+When they had come to U, Heidi read:
+
+    Whoever mixes U and V,
+    Will go where he won't want to be!
+
+and further,
+
+    If W you still ignore,
+    Look at the rod beside the door.
+
+Often Peter would growl and object to those measures, but nevertheless
+he kept on learning, and soon had but three letters left.
+
+The next few days the following rhymes, with their threats, made Peter
+more eager than ever.
+
+      If you the letter X forget
+      For you no supper will be set.
+
+    If you still hesitate with Y,
+    For shame you'll run away and cry.
+
+When Heidi read the last,
+
+    And he who makes his Z with blots,
+    Must journey to the Hottentots,
+
+Peter sneered: "Nobody even knows where they are!"
+
+"I am sure grandfather does," Heidi retorted, jumping up. "Just wait
+one minute and I shall ask him. He is over with the parson," and with
+that she had opened the door.
+
+"Wait!" shrieked Peter in great alarm, for he saw himself already
+transported to those dreadful people. "What is the matter with you?"
+said Heidi, standing still.
+
+"Nothing, but stay here. I'll learn," he blubbered. But Heidi,
+wanting to know something about the Hottentots herself, could only be
+kept back by piteous screams from Peter. So at last they settled down
+again, and before it was time to go, Peter knew the last letter, and
+had even begun to read syllables. From this day on he progressed more
+quickly.
+
+It was three weeks since Heidi had paid her last visit to the
+grandmother, for much snow had fallen since. One evening, Peter,
+coming home, said triumphantly:
+
+"I can do it!"
+
+"What is it you can do, Peter?" asked his mother, eagerly.
+
+"Read."
+
+"What, is it possible? Did you hear it, grandmother?" exclaimed
+Brigida.
+
+The grandmother also was curious to learn how this had happened.
+
+"I must read a song now; Heidi told me to," Peter continued. To the
+women's amazement, Peter began. After every verse his mother would
+exclaim, "Who would have ever thought it!" while the grandmother
+remained silent.
+
+One day later, when it happened that it was Peter's turn to read in
+school, the teacher said:
+
+"Peter, must I pass you by again, as usual? Or do you want to try--I
+shall not say to read, but to stammer through a line?"
+
+Peter began and read three lines without stopping.
+
+In dumb astonishment, the teacher, putting down his book, looked at
+the boy.
+
+"What miracle has happened to you?" he exclaimed. "For a long time I
+tried to teach you with all my patience, and you were not even able to
+grasp the letters, but now that I had given you up as hopeless, you
+have not only learnt how to spell, but even to read. How did this
+happen, Peter?"
+
+"It was Heidi," the boy replied.
+
+In great amazement, the teacher looked at the little girl. Then the
+kind man continued:
+
+"I have noticed a great change in you, Peter. You used to stay away
+from school, sometimes more than a week, and lately you have not even
+missed a day. Who has brought about this change?"
+
+"The uncle."
+
+Every evening now Peter on his return home read one song to his
+grandmother, but never more. To the frequent praises of Brigida, the
+old woman once replied: "I am glad he has learnt something, but
+nevertheless I am longing for the spring to come. Then Heidi can visit
+me, for when she reads, the verses sound so different. I cannot always
+follow Peter, and the songs don't thrill me the way they do when Heidi
+says them!"
+
+And no wonder! For Peter would often leave out long and difficult
+words,--what did three or four words matter! So it happened sometimes
+that there were hardly any nouns left in the hymns that Peter read.
+
+
+
+
+XX
+
+NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS
+
+
+May had come. Warm sunshine was bathing the whole Alp in glorious
+light, and having melted the last snow, had brought the first spring
+flowers to the surface. A merry spring wind was blowing, drying up the
+damp places in the shadow. High above in the azure heaven the eagle
+floated peacefully.
+
+Heidi and her grandfather were back on the Alp. The child was so happy
+to be home again that she jumped about among the beloved objects. Here
+she discovered a new spring bud, and there she watched the gay little
+gnats and beetles that were swarming in the sun.
+
+The grandfather was busy in his little shop, and a sound of hammering
+and sawing could be heard. Heidi had to go and see what the
+grandfather was making. There before the door stood a neat new chair,
+while the old man was busy making a second.
+
+"Oh, I know what they are for," said Heidi gaily. "You are making them
+for Clara and grandmama. Oh, but we need a third--or do you think that
+Miss Rottenmeier won't come, perhaps?"
+
+"I really don't know," said grandfather: "but it is safer to have a
+chair for her, if she should come."
+
+Heidi, thoughtfully looking at the backless chairs, remarked:
+"Grandfather, I don't think she would sit down on those."
+
+"Then we must invite her to sit down on the beautiful green lounge of
+grass," quietly answered the old man.
+
+While Heidi was still wondering what the grandfather had meant, Peter
+arrived, whistling and calling. As usual, Heidi was soon surrounded by
+the goats, who also seemed happy to be back on the Alp. Peter, angrily
+pushing the goats aside, marched up to Heidi, thrusting a letter into
+her hand.
+
+"Did you get a letter for me on the pasture?" Heidi said, astonished.
+
+"No."
+
+"Where did it come from?"
+
+"From my bag."
+
+The letter had been given to Peter the previous evening; putting it in
+his lunch-bag, the boy had forgotten it there till he opened the bag
+for his dinner. Heidi immediately recognized Clara's handwriting, and
+bounding over to her grandfather, exclaimed: "A letter has come from
+Clara. Wouldn't you like me to read it to you, grandfather?"
+
+Heidi immediately read to her two listeners, as follows:--
+
+    DEAR HEIDI:--
+
+    We are all packed up and shall travel in two or three days. Papa
+    is leaving, too, but not with us, for he has to go to Paris
+    first. The dear doctor visits us now every day, and as soon as
+    he opens the door, he calls, 'Away to the Alp!' for he can
+    hardly wait for us to go. If you only knew how he enjoyed being
+    with you last fall! He came nearly every day this winter to tell
+    us all about you and the grandfather and the mountains and the
+    flowers he saw. He said that it was so quiet in the pure,
+    delicious air, away from towns and streets, that everybody has
+    to get well there. He is much better himself since his visit,
+    and seems younger and happier. Oh, how I look forward to it all!
+    The doctor's advice is, that I shall go to Ragatz first for
+    about six weeks, then I can go to live in the village, and from
+    there I shall come to see you every fine day. Grandmama, who is
+    coming with me, is looking forward to the trip too. But just
+    think, Miss Rottenmeier does not want to go. When grandmama
+    urges her, she always declines politely. I think Sebastian must
+    have given her such a terrible description of the high rocks and
+    fearful abysses, that she is afraid. I think he told her that it
+    was not safe for anybody, and that only goats could climb such
+    dreadful heights. She used to be so eager to go to Switzerland,
+    but now neither Tinette nor she wants to take the risk. I can
+    hardly wait to see you again!
+
+    Good-bye, dear Heidi, with much love from grandmama,
+
+                    I am your true friend,
+                              CLARA.
+
+
+
+When Peter heard this, he swung his rod to right and left. Furiously
+driving the goats before him, he bounded down the hill.
+
+Heidi visited the grandmother next day, for she had to tell her the
+good news. Sitting up in her corner, the old woman was spinning as
+usual. Her face looked sad, for Peter had already announced the near
+visit of Heidi's friends, and she dreaded the result.
+
+After having poured out her full heart, Heidi looked at the old woman.
+"What is it, grandmother?" said the child. "Are you not glad?"
+
+"Oh yes, Heidi, I am glad, because you are happy."
+
+"But, grandmother, you seem so anxious. Do you still think Miss
+Rottenmeier is coming?"
+
+"Oh no, it is nothing. Give me your hand, for I want to be sure that
+you are still here. I suppose it will be for the best, even if I shall
+not live to see the day!"
+
+"Oh, but then I would not care about this coming," said the child.
+
+The grandmother had hardly slept all night for thinking of Clara's
+coming. Would they take Heidi away from her, now that she was well and
+strong? But for the sake of the child she resolved to be brave.
+
+"Heidi," she said, "please read me the song that begins with 'God will
+see to it.'"
+
+Heidi immediately did as she was told; she knew nearly all the
+grandmother's favorite hymns by now and always found them quickly.
+
+"That does me good, child," the old woman said. Already the expression
+of her face seemed happier and less troubled. "Please read it a few
+times over, child," she entreated.
+
+Thus evening came, and when Heidi wandered homewards, one twinkling
+star after another appeared in the sky. Heidi stood still every few
+minutes, looking up to the firmament in wonder. When she arrived home,
+her grandfather also was looking up to the stars, murmuring to
+himself: "What a wonderful month!--one day clearer than the other.
+The herbs will be fine and strong this year."
+
+The blossom month had passed, and June, with the long, long days, had
+come. Quantities of flowers were blooming everywhere, filling the air
+with perfume. The month was nearing its end, when one morning Heidi
+came running out of the hut, where she had already completed her
+duties. Suddenly she screamed so loud that the grandfather hurriedly
+came out to see what had happened.
+
+"Grandfather! Come here! Look, look!"
+
+A strange procession was winding up the Alm. First marched two men,
+carrying an open sedan chair with a young girl in it, wrapped up in
+many shawls. Then came a stately lady on horseback, who, talking with
+a young guide beside her, looked eagerly right and left. Then an empty
+rolling-chair, carried by a young fellow, was followed by a porter who
+had so many covers, shawls and furs piled up on his basket that they
+towered high above his head.
+
+"They are coming! they are coming!" cried Heidi in her joy, and soon
+the party had arrived at the top. Great was the happiness of the
+children at seeing each other again. When grandmama had descended from
+her horse, she tenderly greeted Heidi first, and then turned to the
+uncle, who had approached the group. The two met like two old friends,
+they had heard so much about each other.
+
+After the first words were exchanged, the grandmother exclaimed: "My
+dear uncle, what a wonderful residence you have. Who would have ever
+thought it! Kings could envy you here! Oh, how well my Heidi is
+looking, just like a little rose!" she continued, drawing the child
+closely to her side and patting her cheeks. "What glory everywhere!
+Clara, what do you say to it all?"
+
+Clara, looking about her rapturously, cried: "Oh, how wonderful, how
+glorious! I have never dreamt it could be as beautiful as that. Oh
+grandmama, I wish I could stay here!"
+
+The uncle had busied himself in the meantime with getting Clara's
+rolling-chair for her. Then, going up to the girl, he gently lifted
+her into her seat. Putting some covers over her knees, he tucked her
+feet in warmly. It seemed as if the grandfather had done nothing else
+all his life than nurse lame people.
+
+"My dear uncle," said the grandmama, surprised, "please tell me where
+you learned that, for I shall send all the nurses I know here
+immediately."
+
+The uncle smiled faintly, while he replied: "It comes more from care
+than study."
+
+His face became sad. Before his eyes had risen bygone times. For that
+was the way he used to care for his poor wounded captain, whom he had
+found in Sicily after a violent battle. He alone had been allowed to
+nurse him till his death, and now he would take just as good care of
+poor, lame Clara.
+
+When Clara had looked a long time at the cloudless sky above and all
+the rocky crags, she said longingly: "I wish I could walk round the
+hut to the fir-trees. If I only could see all the things you told me
+so much about!"
+
+Heidi pushed with all her might, and behold! the chair rolled easily
+over the dry grass. When they had come into the little grove, Clara
+could not see her fill of those splendid trees that must have stood
+there so many, many years. Although the people had changed and
+vanished, they had remained the same, ever looking down into the
+valley.
+
+When they passed the empty goat-shed, Clara said pitifully: "Oh
+grandmama, if I could only wait up here for Schwaenli and Baerli! I am
+afraid I shan't see Peter and his goats, if we have to go away so soon
+again."
+
+"Dear child, enjoy now what you can," said the grandmama, who had
+followed.
+
+"Oh, what wonderful flowers!" exclaimed Clara again; "whole bushes of
+exquisite, red blossoms. Oh, if I could only pick some of those
+bluebells!"
+
+Heidi, immediately gathering a large bunch, put them in Clara's lap.
+
+"Clara, this is really nothing in comparison with the many flowers in
+the pasture. You must come up once and see them. There are so many
+that the ground seems golden with them. If you ever sit down among
+them, you will feel as if you could never get up any more, it is so
+beautiful."
+
+"Oh, grandmama, do you think I can ever go up there?" Clara asked with
+a wild longing in her eyes. "If I could only walk with you, Heidi, and
+climb round everywhere!"
+
+"I'll push you!" Heidi said for comfort. To show how easy it was, she
+pushed the chair at such a rate that it would have tumbled down the
+mountain, if the grandfather had not stopped it at the last moment.
+
+It was time for dinner now. The table was spread near the bench, and
+soon everybody sat down. The grandmother was so overcome by the view
+and the delicious wind that fanned her cheek that she remarked: "What
+a wondrous place this is! I have never seen its like! But what do I
+see?" she continued. "I think you are actually eating your second
+piece of cheese, Clara?"
+
+"Oh grandmama, it tastes better than all the things we get in Ragatz,"
+replied the child, eagerly eating the savory dish.
+
+"Don't stop, our mountain wind helps along where the cooking is
+faulty!" contentedly said the old man.
+
+During the meal the uncle and the grandmama had soon got into a lively
+conversation. They seemed to agree on many things, and understood each
+other like old friends. A little later the grandmama looked over to
+the west.
+
+"We must soon start, Clara, for the sun is already low; our guides
+will be here shortly."
+
+Clara's face had become sad, and she entreated: "Oh, please let us
+stay here another hour or so. We haven't even seen the hut yet. I wish
+the day were twice as long."
+
+The grandmama assented to Clara's wish to go inside. When the
+rolling-chair was found too broad for the door, the uncle quietly
+lifted Clara in his strong arms and carried her in. Grandmama was
+eagerly looking about her, glad to see everything so neat. Then going
+up the little ladder to the hay-loft, she discovered Heidi's bed. "Is
+that your bed, Heidi? What a delicious perfume! It must be a healthy
+place to sleep," she said, looking out through the window. The
+grandfather, with Clara, was coming up, too, with Heidi following.
+
+Clara was perfectly entranced. "What a lovely place to sleep! Oh,
+Heidi, you can look right up to the sky from your bed. What a good
+smell! You can hear the fir-trees roar here, can't you? Oh, I never
+saw a more delightful bed-room!"
+
+The uncle, looking at the old lady, said now: "I have an idea that it
+would give Clara new strength to stay up here with us a little while.
+Of course, I only mean if you did not object. You have brought so many
+wraps that we can easily make a soft bed for Clara here. My dear lady,
+you can easily leave the care to me. I'll undertake it gladly."
+
+The children screamed for joy, and grandmama's face was beaming.
+
+"What a fine man you are!" she burst out. "I was just thinking myself
+that a stay here would strengthen the child, but then I thought of the
+care and trouble for you. And now you have offered to do it, as if it
+was nothing at all. How can I thank you enough, uncle?"
+
+After shaking hands many times, the two prepared Clara's bed, which,
+thanks to the old lady's precautions, was soon so soft that the hay
+could not be felt through at all.
+
+The uncle had carried his new patient back to her rolling-chair, and
+there they found her sitting, with Heidi beside her. They were eagerly
+talking of their plans for the coming weeks. When they were told that
+Clara might stay for a month or so, their faces beamed more than ever.
+
+The guide, with the horse, and the carriers of the chair, now
+appeared, but the last two were not needed any more and could be sent
+away.
+
+When the grandmother got ready to leave, Clara called gaily to her:
+"Oh grandmama, it won't be long, for you must often come and see us."
+
+While the uncle was leading the horse down the steep incline, the
+grandmama told him that she would go back to Ragatz, for the Doerfli
+was too lonely for her. She also promised to come back from time to
+time.
+
+Before the grandfather had returned, Peter came racing down to the hut
+with all his goats. Seeing Heidi, they ran up to her in haste, and so
+Clara made the acquaintance of Schwaenli and Baerli and all the others.
+
+Peter, however, kept away, only sending furious looks at the two
+girls. When they bade him good-night, he only ran away, beating the
+air with his stick.
+
+The end of the joyous day had come. The two children were both lying
+in their beds.
+
+"Oh, Heidi!" Clara exclaimed, "I can see so many glittering stars, and
+I feel as if we were driving in a high carriage straight into the
+sky."
+
+"Yes, and do you know why the stars twinkle so merrily?" inquired
+Heidi.
+
+"No, but tell me."
+
+"Because they know that God in heaven looks after us mortals and we
+never need to fear. See, they twinkle and show us how to be merry,
+too. But Clara, we must not forget to pray to God and ask Him to think
+of us and keep us safe."
+
+Sitting up in bed, they then said their evening prayer. As soon as
+Heidi lay down, she fell asleep. But Clara could not sleep quite yet,
+it was too wonderful to see the stars from her bed.
+
+In truth she had never seen them before, because in Frankfurt all the
+blinds were always down long before the stars came out, and at night
+she had never been outside the house. She could hardly keep her eyes
+shut, and had to open them again and again to watch the twinkling,
+glistening stars, till her eyes closed at last and she saw two big,
+glittering stars in her dream.
+
+
+
+
+XXI
+
+OF FURTHER EVENTS ON THE ALP
+
+
+The sun was just rising, and the Alm-Uncle was watching how mountain
+and dale awoke to the new day, and the clouds above grew brighter.
+
+Next, the old man turned to go back into the hut, and softly climbed
+the ladder. Clara, having just a moment ago opened her eyes, looked
+about her in amazement. Bright sunbeams danced on her bed. Where was
+she? But soon she discovered her sleeping friend, and heard the
+grandfather's cheery voice:
+
+"How did you sleep? Not tired?"
+
+Clara, feeling fresh and rested, said that she had never slept better
+in all her life. Heidi was soon awake, too, and lost no time in coming
+down to join Clara, who was already sitting in the sun.
+
+A cool morning breeze fanned their cheeks, and the spicy fragrance
+from the fir-trees filled their lungs with every breath. Clara had
+never experienced such well-being in all her life. She had never
+breathed such pure, cool morning air and never felt such warm,
+delicious sunshine on her feet and hands. It surpassed all her
+expectations.
+
+"Oh, Heidi, I wish I could always stay up here with you!" she said.
+
+"Now you can see that everything is as beautiful as I told you," Heidi
+replied triumphantly. "Up on the Alp with grandfather is the loveliest
+spot in all the world."
+
+The grandfather was just coming out of the shed with two full bowls of
+steaming, snow-white milk. Handing one to each of the children, he
+said to Clara: "This will do you good, little girl. It comes from
+Schwaenli and will give you strength. To your health! Just drink it!"
+he said encouragingly, for Clara had hesitated a little. But when she
+saw that Heidi's bowl was nearly empty already, she also drank
+without even stopping. Oh, how good it was! It tasted like cinnamon
+and sugar.
+
+"We'll take two tomorrow," said the grandfather.
+
+After their breakfast, Peter arrived. While the goats were rushing up
+to Heidi, bleating loudly, the grandfather took the boy aside.
+
+"Just listen, and do what I tell you," he said. "From now on you must
+let Schwaenli go wherever she likes. She knows where to get the richest
+herbs, and you must follow her, even if she should go higher up than
+usual. It won't do you any harm to climb a little more, and will do
+all the others good. I want the goats to give me splendid milk,
+remember. What are you looking at so furiously?"
+
+Peter was silent, and without more ado started off, still angrily
+looking back now and then. As Heidi had followed a little way, Peter
+called to her: "You must come along, Heidi, Schwaenli has to be
+followed everywhere."
+
+"No, but I can't," Heidi called back: "I won't be able to come as
+long as Clara is with me. Grandfather has promised, though, to let us
+come up with you once."
+
+With those words Heidi returned to Clara, while the goatherd was
+hurrying onward, angrily shaking his fists.
+
+The children had promised to write a letter to grandmama every day, so
+they immediately started on their task. Heidi brought out her own
+little three-legged stool, her school-books and her papers, and with
+these on Clara's lap they began to write. Clara stopped after nearly
+every sentence, for she had to look around. Oh, how peaceful it was
+with the little gnats dancing in the sun and the rustling of the
+trees! From time to time they could hear the shouting of a shepherd
+re-echoed from many rocks.
+
+The morning had passed, they knew not how, and dinner was ready. They
+again ate outside, for Clara had to be in the open air all day, if
+possible. The afternoon was spent in the cool shadow of the fir-trees.
+Clara had many things to relate of Frankfurt and all the people that
+Heidi knew. It was not long before Peter arrived with his flock, but
+without even answering the girls' friendly greeting, he disappeared
+with a grim scowl.
+
+While Schwaenli was being milked in the shed, Clara said:
+
+"Oh, Heidi, I feel as if I could not wait for my milk. Isn't it funny?
+All my life I have only eaten because I had to. Everything always
+tasted to me like cod-liver oil, and I have often wished that I should
+never have to eat. And now I am so hungry!"
+
+"Oh yes, I know," Heidi replied. She had to think of the days in
+Frankfurt when her food seemed to stick in her throat.
+
+When at last the full bowls were brought by the old man, Clara,
+seizing hers, eagerly drank the contents in one draught and even
+finished before Heidi.
+
+"Please, may I have a little more?" she asked, holding out the bowl.
+
+Nodding, much pleased, the grandfather soon refilled it. This time he
+also brought with him a slice of bread and butter for the children.
+He had gone to Maiensass that afternoon to get the butter, and his
+trouble was well rewarded: they enjoyed it as if it had been the
+rarest dish.
+
+This evening Clara fell asleep the moment she lay down. Two or three
+days passed in this pleasant way. The next brought a surprise. Two
+strong porters came up the Alp, each carrying on his back a fresh,
+white bed. They also brought a letter from grandmama, in which she
+thanked the children for their faithful writing, and told them that
+the beds were meant for them. When they went to sleep that night, they
+found their new beds in exactly the same position as their former ones
+had been.
+
+Clara's rapture in her new life grew greater every day, and she could
+not write enough of the grandfather's kindly care and of Heidi's
+entertaining stories. She told her grandmama that her first thought in
+the morning always was: "Thank God, I am still in the Alm-hut."
+
+Grandmama was highly pleased at those reports, and put her projected
+visit off a little while, for she had found the ride pretty tiring.
+
+The grandfather took excellent care of his little patient, and no day
+passed on which he did not climb around to find the most savory herbs
+for Schwaenli. The little goat thrived so that everybody could see it
+in the way her eyes were flashing.
+
+It was the third week of Clara's stay. Every morning after the
+grandfather had carried her down, he said to her: "Would my Clara try
+to stand a little?" Clara always sighed, "Oh, it hurts me so!" but
+though she would cling to him, he made her stand a little longer every
+day.
+
+This summer was the finest that had been for years. Day after day the
+sun shone on a cloudless sky, and at night it would pour its purple,
+rosy light down on the rocks and snow-fields till everything seemed to
+glow like fire.
+
+Heidi had told Clara over and over again of all the flowers on the
+pasture, of the masses of golden roses and the blue-flowers that
+covered the ground. She had just been telling it again, when a longing
+seized her, and jumping up she ran over to her grandfather, who was
+busy carving in the shop.
+
+"Oh, grandfather," she cried from afar, "won't you come with us to the
+pasture tomorrow? Oh, it's so beautiful up there now."
+
+"All right, I will," he replied; "but tell Clara that she must do
+something to please me; she must try to stand longer this evening for
+me."
+
+Heidi merrily came running with her message. Of course, Clara
+promised, for was it not her greatest wish to go up with Heidi to the
+pasture! When Peter returned this evening, he heard of the plan for
+the morrow. But for answer Peter only growled, nearly hitting poor
+Thistlefinch in his anger.
+
+The children had just resolved to stay awake all night to talk about
+the coming day, when their conversation suddenly ceased and they were
+both peacefully slumbering. In her dreams Clara saw before her a field
+that was thickly strewn with light-blue flowers, while Heidi heard the
+eagle scream to her from above, "Come, come, come!"
+
+
+
+
+XXII
+
+SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS
+
+
+The next day dawned cloudless and fair. The grandfather was still with
+the children, when Peter came climbing up; his goats kept at a good
+distance from him, to evade the rod, which was striking right and
+left. The truth was that the boy was terribly embittered and angry by
+the changes that had come. When he passed the hut in the morning,
+Heidi was always busy with the strange child, and in the evening it
+was the same. All summer long Heidi had not been up with him a single
+time; it was too much! And to-day she was coming at last, but again in
+company with this hateful stranger.
+
+   [Illustration: HE WATCHED HIS FALLEN ENEMY TUMBLING DOWNWARDS,
+   DOWNWARDS]
+
+It was then that Peter noticed the rolling-chair standing near the
+hut. After carefully glancing about him, he rushed at the hated
+object and pushed it down the incline. The chair fairly flew away and
+had soon disappeared.
+
+Peter's conscience smote him now, and he raced up the Alp, not daring
+to pause till he had reached a blackberry bush. There he could hide,
+when the uncle might appear. Looking down, he watched his fallen enemy
+tumbling downwards, downwards.
+
+Sometimes it was thrown high up into the air, to crash down again the
+next moment harder than ever. Pieces were falling from it right and
+left, and were blown about. Now the stranger would have to travel home
+and Heidi would be his again! But Peter had forgotten that a bad deed
+always brings a punishment.
+
+Heidi just now came out of the hut. The grandfather, with Clara,
+followed. Heidi at first stood still, and then, running right and
+left, she returned to the old man.
+
+"What does this mean? Have you rolled the chair away Heidi?" he
+asked.
+
+"I am just looking for it everywhere, grandfather. You said it was
+beside the shop door," said the child, still hunting for the missing
+object. A strong wind was blowing, which at this moment violently
+closed the shop-door.
+
+"Grandfather, the wind has done it," exclaimed Heidi eagerly. "Oh
+dear! if it has rolled all the way down to the village, it will be too
+late to go to-day. It will take us a long time to fetch it."
+
+"If it has rolled down there, we shall never get it any more, for it
+will be smashed to pieces," said the old man, looking down and
+measuring the distance from the corner of the hut.
+
+"I don't see how it happened," he remarked.
+
+"What a shame! now I'll never be able to go up to the pasture,"
+lamented Clara. "I am afraid I'll have to go home now. What a pity,
+what a pity!"
+
+"You can find a way for her to stay, grandfather, can't you?"
+
+"We'll go up to the pasture to-day, as we have planned. Then we shall
+see what further happens."
+
+The children were delighted, and the grandfather lost no time in
+getting ready. First he fetched a pile of covers, and seating Clara on
+a sunny spot on the dry ground, he got their breakfast.
+
+"I wonder why Peter is so late to-day," he said, leading his goats out
+of the shed. Then, lifting Clara up on one strong arm, he carried the
+covers on the other.
+
+"Now, march!" he cried. "The goats come with us."
+
+That suited Heidi, and with one arm round Schwaenli and the other round
+Baerli, she wandered up. Her little companions were so pleased at
+having her with them again that they nearly crushed her with
+affection.
+
+What was their astonishment when, arriving on top, they saw Peter
+already lying on the ground, with his peaceful flock about him.
+
+"What did you mean by going by us like that? I'll teach you!" called
+the uncle to him.
+
+Peter was frightened, for he knew the voice.
+
+"Nobody was up yet," the boy retorted.
+
+"Have you seen the chair?" asked the uncle again.
+
+"Which?" Peter growled.
+
+The uncle said no more. Unfolding the covers, he put Clara down on the
+dry grass. Then, when he had been assured of Clara's comfort, he got
+ready to go home. The three were to stay there till his return in the
+evening. When dinner time had come, Heidi was to prepare the meal and
+see that Clara got Schwaenli's milk.
+
+The sky was a deep blue, and the snow on the peaks was glistening. The
+eagle was floating above the rocky crags. The children felt
+wonderfully happy. Now and then one of the goats would come and lie
+down near them. Tender little Snowhopper came oftener than any and
+would rub her head against their shoulders.
+
+They had been sitting quietly for a few hours, drinking in the beauty
+about them, when Heidi suddenly began to long for the spot where so
+many flowers grew. In the evening it would be too late to see them,
+for they always shut their little eyes by then.
+
+"Oh, Clara," she said hesitatingly, "would you be angry if I went away
+from you a minute and left you alone? I want to see the flowers; But
+wait!--" Jumping away, she brought Clara some bunches of fragrant
+herbs and put them in her lap. Soon after she returned with little
+Snowhopper.
+
+"So, now you don't need to be alone," said Heidi. When Clara had
+assured her that it would give her pleasure to be left alone with the
+goats, Heidi started on her walk. Clara slowly handed one leaf after
+another to the little creature; it became more and more confiding, and
+cuddling close to the child, ate the herbs out of her hand. It was
+easy to see how happy it was to be away from the boisterous big goats,
+which often annoyed it. Clara felt a sensation of contentment such as
+she had never before experienced. She loved to sit there on the
+mountain-side with the confiding little goat by her. A great desire
+rose in her heart that hour. She longed to be her own master and be
+able to help others instead of being helped by them. Many other
+thoughts and ideas rushed through her mind. How would it be to live up
+here in continual sunshine? The world seemed so joyous and wonderful
+all of a sudden. Premonitions of future undreamt-of happiness made her
+heart beat. Suddenly she threw both arms about the little goat and
+said: "Oh, little Snowhopper how beautiful it is up here! If I could
+always stay with you!"
+
+Heidi in the meantime had reached the spot, where, as she had
+expected, the whole ground was covered with yellow rock-roses. Near
+together in patches the bluebells were nodding gently in the breeze.
+But all the perfume that filled the air came from the modest little
+brown flowers that hid their heads between the golden flower-cups.
+Heidi stood enraptured, drawing in the perfumed air.
+
+Suddenly she turned and ran back to Clara, shouting to her from far:
+"Oh, you must come, Clara, it is so lovely there. In the evening it
+won't be so fine any more. Don't you think I could carry you?"
+
+"But Heidi," Clara said, "of course you can't; you are much smaller
+than I am. Oh, I wish I could walk!"
+
+Heidi meditated a little. Peter was still lying on the ground. He had
+been staring down for hours, unable to believe what he saw before him.
+He had destroyed the chair to get rid of the stranger, and there she
+was again, sitting right beside his playmate.
+
+Heidi now called to him to come down, but as reply he only grumbled:
+"Shan't come."
+
+"But you must; come quickly, for I want you to help me. Quickly!"
+urged the child.
+
+"Don't want to," sounded the reply.
+
+Heidi hurried up the mountain now and shouted angrily to the boy:
+"Peter, if you don't come this minute, I shall do something that you
+won't like."
+
+Those words scared Peter, for his conscience was not clear. His deed
+had rejoiced him till this moment, when Heidi seemed to talk as if she
+knew it all. What if the grandfather should hear about it! Trembling
+with fear, Peter obeyed.
+
+"I shall only come if you promise not to do what you said," insisted
+the boy.
+
+"No, no, I won't. Don't be afraid," said Heidi compassionately: "Just
+come along; it isn't so hard."
+
+Peter, on approaching Clara, was told to help raise the lame child
+from the ground on one side, while Heidi helped on the other. This
+went easily enough, but difficulties soon followed. Clara was not able
+to stand alone, and how could they get any further?
+
+"You must take me round the neck," said Heidi, who had seen what poor
+guides they made.
+
+The boy, who had never offered his arm to anybody in his life, had to
+be shown how first, before further efforts could be made. But it was
+too hard. Clara tried to set her feet forward, but got discouraged.
+
+"Press your feet on the ground more and I am sure it will hurt you
+less," suggested Heidi.
+
+"Do you think so?" said Clara, timidly.
+
+But, obeying, she ventured a firmer step and soon another, uttering a
+little cry as she went.
+
+"Oh, it really has hurt me less," she said joyfully.
+
+"Try it again," Heidi urged her. Clara did, and took another step, and
+then another, and another still. Suddenly she cried aloud: "Oh, Heidi,
+I can do it. Oh, I really can. Just look! I can take steps, one after
+another."
+
+Heidi rapturously exclaimed: "Oh, Clara, can you really? Can you walk?
+Oh, can you take steps now? Oh, if only grandfather would come! Now
+you can walk, Clara, now you can walk," she kept on saying joyfully.
+
+Clara held on tight to the children, but with every new step she
+became more firm.
+
+"Now you can come up here every day," cried Heidi. "Now we can walk
+wherever we want to and you don't have to be pushed in a chair any
+more. Now you'll be able to walk all your life. Oh, what joy!"
+
+Clara's greatest wish, to be able to be well like other people, had
+been fulfilled at last. It was not very far to the flowering field.
+Soon they reached it and sat down among the wealth of bloom. It was
+the first time that Clara had ever rested on the dry, warm earth. All
+about them the flowers nodded and exhaled their perfume. It was a
+scene of exquisite beauty.
+
+The two children could hardly grasp this happiness that had come to
+them. It filled their hearts brimming full and made them silent. Peter
+also lay motionless, for he had gone to sleep.
+
+Thus the hours flew, and the day was long past noon. Suddenly all the
+goats arrived, for they had been seeking the children. They did not
+like to graze in the flowers, and were glad when Peter awoke with
+their loud bleating. The poor boy was mightily bewildered, for he had
+dreamt that the rolling-chair with the red cushions stood again before
+his eyes. On awaking, he had still seen the golden nails; but soon he
+discovered that they were nothing but flowers. Remembering his deed,
+he obeyed Heidi's instructions willingly.
+
+When they came back to their former place, Heidi lost no time in
+setting out the dinner. The bag was very full to-day, and Heidi
+hurried to fulfill her promise to Peter, who with bad conscience had
+understood her threat differently. She made three heaps of the good
+things, and when Clara and she were through, there was still a lot
+left for the boy. It was too bad that all this treat did not give him
+the usual satisfaction, for something seemed to stick in his throat.
+
+Soon after their belated dinner, the grandfather was seen climbing up
+the Alp. Heidi ran to meet him, confusedly telling him of the great
+event. The old man's face shone at this news. Going over to Clara, he
+said: "So you have risked it? Now we have won."
+
+Then picking her up, he put one arm around her waist, and the other
+one he stretched out as support, and with his help she marched more
+firmly than ever. Heidi jumped and bounded gaily by their side. In all
+this excitement the grandfather did not lose his judgment, and before
+long lifted Clara on his arm to carry her home. He knew that too much
+exertion would be dangerous, and rest was needed for the tired girl.
+
+Peter, arriving in the village late that day, saw a large disputing
+crowd. They were all standing about an interesting object, and
+everybody pushed and fought for a chance to get nearest. It was no
+other than the chair.
+
+"I saw it when they carried it up," Peter heard the baker say. "I bet
+it was worth at least five hundred francs. I should just like to know
+how it has happened."
+
+"The wind might have blown it down," remarked Barbara, who was staring
+open-mouthed at the beautiful velvet cushions. "The uncle said so
+himself."
+
+"It is a good thing if nobody else has done it," continued the baker.
+"When the gentleman from Frankfurt hears what has happened, he'll
+surely find out all about it, and I should pity the culprit. I am glad
+I haven't been up on the Alm for so long, else they might suspect me,
+as they would anybody who happened to be up there at the time."
+
+Many more opinions were uttered, but Peter had heard enough. He
+quietly slipped away and went home. What if they should find out he
+had done it? A policeman might arrive any time now and they might take
+him away to prison. Peter's hair stood up on end at this alarming
+thought.
+
+He was so troubled when he came home that he did not answer any
+questions and even refused his dish of potatoes. Hurriedly creeping
+into bed, he groaned.
+
+"I am sure Peter has eaten sorrel again, and that makes him groan so,"
+said his mother.
+
+"You must give him a little more bread in the morning, Brigida. Take a
+piece of mine," said the compassionate grandmother.
+
+When Clara and Heidi were lying in their beds that night, glancing up
+at the shining stars, Heidi remarked: "Didn't you think to-day, Clara,
+that it is fortunate God does not always give us what we pray for
+fervently, because He knows of something better?"
+
+"What do you mean, Heidi?" asked Clara.
+
+"You see, when I was in Frankfurt I prayed and prayed to come home
+again, and when I couldn't, I thought He had forgotten me. But if I
+had gone away so soon you would never have come here and would never
+have got well."
+
+Clara, becoming thoughtful, said: "But, Heidi, then we could not pray
+for anything any more, because we would feel that He always knows of
+something better."
+
+"But, Clara, we must pray to God every day to show we don't forget
+that all gifts come from Him. Grandmama has told me that God forgets
+us if we forget Him. But if some wish remains unfulfilled we must show
+our confidence in Him, for he knows best."
+
+"How did you ever think of that?" asked Clara.
+
+"Grandmama told me, but I know that it is so. We must thank God to-day
+that He has made you able to walk, Clara."
+
+"I am glad that you have reminded me, Heidi, for I have nearly
+forgotten it in my excitement."
+
+The children both prayed and sent their thanks up to heaven for the
+restoration of the invalid.
+
+Next morning a letter was written to grandmama, inviting her to come
+up to the Alp within a week's time, for the children had planned to
+take her by surprise. Clara hoped then to be able to walk alone, with
+Heidi for her guide.
+
+The following days were happier still for Clara. Every morning she
+awoke with her heart singing over and over again, "Now I am well! Now
+I can walk like other people!"
+
+She progressed, and took longer walks every day. Her appetite grew
+amazingly, and the grandfather had to make larger slices of the bread
+and butter that, to his delight, disappeared so rapidly. He had to
+fill bowl after bowl of the foaming milk for the hungry children. In
+that way they reached the end of the week that was to bring the
+grandmama.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XXIII
+
+PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
+
+
+A day before her visit the grandmama had sent a letter to announce her
+coming. Peter brought it up with him next morning. The grandfather was
+already before the hut with the children and his merry goats. His face
+looked proud, as he contemplated the rosy faces of the girls and the
+shining hair of his two goats.
+
+Peter, approaching, neared the uncle slowly. As soon as he had
+delivered the letter, he sprang back shyly, looking about him as if he
+was afraid. Then with a leap he started off.
+
+"I should like to know why Peter behaves like the Big Turk when he is
+afraid of the rod," said Heidi, watching his strange behavior.
+
+"Maybe Peter fears a rod that he deserves," said the old man.
+
+All the way Peter was tormented with fear. He could not help thinking
+of the policeman who was coming from Frankfurt to fetch him to prison.
+
+It was a busy morning for Heidi, who put the hut in order for the
+expected visitor. The time went by quickly, and soon everything was
+ready to welcome the good grandmama.
+
+The grandfather also returned from a walk, on which he had gathered a
+glorious bunch of deep-blue gentians. The children, who were sitting
+on the bench, exclaimed for joy when they saw the glowing flowers.
+
+Heidi, getting up from time to time to spy down the path, suddenly
+discovered grandmama, sitting on a white horse and accompanied by two
+men. One of them carried plenty of wraps, for without those the lady
+did not dare to pay such a visit.
+
+The party came nearer and nearer, and soon reached the top.
+
+"What do I see? Clara, what is this? Why are you not sitting in your
+chair? How is this possible?" cried the grandmama in alarm,
+dismounting hastily. Before she had quite reached the children she
+threw her arms up in great excitement:
+
+"Clara, is that really you? You have red, round cheeks, my child! I
+hardly know you any more!" Grandmama was going to rush at her
+grandchild, when Heidi slipped from the bench, and Clara, taking her
+arm, they quietly took a little walk. The grandmama was rooted to the
+spot from fear. What was this? Upright and firm, Clara walked beside
+her friend. When they came back their rosy faces beamed. Rushing
+toward the children, the grandmother hugged them over and over again.
+
+Looking over to the bench, she beheld the uncle, who sat there
+smiling. Taking Clara's arm in hers, she walked over to him,
+continually venting her delight. When she reached the old man, she
+took both his hands in hers and said:
+
+"My dear, dear uncle! What have we to thank you for! This is your
+work, your care and nursing--"
+
+"But our Lord's sunshine and mountain air," interrupted the uncle,
+smiling.
+
+Then Clara called, "Yes, and also Schwaenli's good, delicious milk.
+Grandmama, you ought to see how much goat-milk I can drink now; oh, it
+is so good!"
+
+"Indeed I can see that from your cheeks," said the grandmama, smiling.
+"No, I hardly recognize you any more. You have become broad and round!
+I never dreamt that you could get so stout and tall! Oh, Clara, is it
+really true? I cannot look at you enough. But now I must telegraph
+your father to come. I shan't tell him anything about you, for it will
+be the greatest joy of all his life. My dear uncle, how are we going
+to manage it? Have you sent the men away?"
+
+"I have, but I can easily send the goatherd."
+
+So they decided that Peter should take the message. The uncle
+immediately whistled so loud that it resounded from all sides. Soon
+Peter arrived, white with fear, for he thought his doom had come. But
+he only received a paper that was to be carried to the post-office of
+the village.
+
+Relieved for the moment, Peter set out. Now all the happy friends sat
+down round the table, and grandmama was told how the miracle had
+happened. Often the talk was interrupted by exclamations of surprise
+from grandmama, who still believed it was all a dream. How could this
+be her pale, weak little Clara? The children were in a constant state
+of joy, to see how their surprise had worked.
+
+Meanwhile Mr. Sesemann, having finished his business in Paris, was
+also preparing a surprise. Without writing his mother he traveled to
+Ragatz on a sunny summer morning. He had arrived on this very day,
+some hours after his mother's departure, and now, taking a carriage,
+he drove to Mayenfeld.
+
+The long ascent to the Alp from there seemed very weary and far to
+the traveller. When would he reach the goat-herd's hut? There were
+many little roads branching off in several directions, and sometimes
+Mr. Sesemann doubted if he had taken the right path. But not a soul
+was near, and no sound could be heard except the rustling of the wind
+and the hum of little insects. A merry little bird was singing on a
+larch-tree, but nothing more.
+
+Standing still and cooling his brow, he saw a boy running down the
+hill at topmost speed. Mr. Sesemann called to him, but with no
+success, for the boy kept at a shy distance.
+
+"Now, my boy, can't you tell me if I am on the right path to the hut
+where Heidi lives and the people from Frankfurt are staying?"
+
+A dull sound of terror was the only reply. Peter shot off and rushed
+head over heels down the mountain-side, turning wild somersaults on
+his perilous way. His course resembled the course his enemy had taken
+some days ago.
+
+[Illustration: PETER SHOT OFF AND RUSHED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN-SIDE,
+TURNING WILD SOMERSAULTS ON HIS PERILOUS WAY]
+
+"What a funny, bashful mountaineer!" Mr. Sesemann remarked to himself,
+thinking that the appearance of a stranger had upset this simple son
+of the Alps. After watching the downward course of the boy a little
+while, he soon proceeded on his way.
+
+In spite of the greatest effort, Peter could not stop himself, and
+kept rolling on. But his fright and terror were still more terrible
+than his bumps and blows. This stranger was the policeman, that was a
+certain fact! At last, being thrown against a bush, he clutched it
+wildly.
+
+"Good, here's another one!" a voice near Peter said. "I wonder who is
+going to be pushed down tomorrow, looking like a half-open
+potato-bag?" The village baker was making fun of him. For a little
+rest after his weary work, he had quietly watched the boy.
+
+Peter regained his feet and slunk away. How did the baker know the
+chair had been pushed? He longed to go home to bed and hide, for there
+alone he felt safe. But he had to go up to the goats, and the uncle
+had clearly told him to come back as quickly as he could. Groaning, he
+limped away up to the Alp. How could he run now, with his fear and all
+his poor, sore limbs?
+
+Mr. Sesemann had reached the hut soon after meeting Peter, and felt
+reassured. Climbing further, with renewed courage, he at last saw his
+goal before him, but not without long and weary exertion. He saw the
+Alm-hut above him, and the swaying fir-trees. Mr. Sesemann eagerly
+hurried to encounter his beloved child. They had seen him long ago
+from the hut, and a treat was prepared for him that he never
+suspected.
+
+As he made the last steps, he saw two forms coming towards him. A tall
+girl, with light hair and rosy face, was leaning on Heidi, whose dark
+eyes sparkled with keen delight. Mr. Sesemann stopped short, staring
+at this vision. Suddenly big tears rushed from his eyes, for this
+shape before him recalled sweet memories. Clara's mother had looked
+exactly like this fair maiden. Mr. Sesemann at this moment did not
+know if he was awake or dreaming.
+
+"Papa, don't you know me any more?" Clara called with beaming eyes.
+"Have I changed so much?"
+
+Mr. Sesemann rushed up to her, folding her in his arms. "Yes, you
+_have_ changed. How is it possible? Is it really true? Is it really
+you, Clara?" asked the over-joyed father, embracing her again and
+again, and then gazing at her, as she stood tall and firm by his side.
+
+His mother joined them now, for she wanted to see the happiness of her
+son.
+
+"What do you say to this, my son? Isn't our surprise finer than
+yours?" she greeted him. "But come over to our benefactor now,--I mean
+the uncle."
+
+"Yes, indeed, I also must greet our little Heidi," said the gentleman,
+shaking Heidi's hand. "Well? Always fresh and happy on the mountain? I
+guess I don't need to ask, for no Alpine rose can look more blooming.
+Ah, child, what joy this is to me!"
+
+With beaming eyes the child looked at the kind gentleman who had
+always been so good to her. Her heart throbbed in sympathy with his
+joy. While the two men, who had at last approached each other, were
+conversing, grandmama walked over to the grove. There, under the
+fir-trees, another surprise awaited her. A beautiful bunch of
+wondrously blue gentians stood as if they had grown there.
+
+"How exquisite, how wonderful! What a sight!" she exclaimed, clapping
+her hands. "Heidi, come here! Have you brought me those? Oh, they are
+beautiful!"
+
+The children had joined her, Heidi assuring her that it was another
+person's deed.
+
+"Oh grandmama, up on the pasture it looks just like that," Clara
+remarked. "Just guess who brought you the flowers?"
+
+At that moment a rustle was heard, and they saw Peter, who was trying
+to sneak up behind the trees to avoid the hut. Immediately the old
+lady called to him, for she thought that Peter himself had picked the
+flowers for her. He must be creeping away out of sheer modesty, the
+kind lady thought. To give him his reward, she called:
+
+"Come here, my boy! don't be afraid."
+
+Petrified with fear, Peter stood still. What had gone before had
+robbed him of his courage. He thought now that all was over with him.
+With his hair standing up on end and his pale face distorted by
+anguish, he approached.
+
+"Come straight to me, boy," the old lady encouraged him. "Now tell me,
+boy, if you have done that."
+
+In his anxiety, Peter did not see the grandmama's finger that pointed
+to the flowers. He only saw the uncle standing near the hut, looking
+at him penetratingly, and beside him the policeman, the greatest
+horror for him in the world. Trembling in every limb, Peter answered,
+"Yes!"
+
+"Well, but what are you so frightened about?"
+
+"Because--because it is broken and can never be mended again," Peter
+said, his knees tottering under him.
+
+The grandmama now walked over to the hut: "My dear uncle," she asked
+kindly, "is this poor lad out of his mind?"
+
+"Not at all," was the reply; "only the boy was the wind which blew
+away the wheel-chair. He is expecting the punishment he well
+deserves."
+
+Grandmama was very much surprised, for she vowed that Peter looked far
+from wicked. Why should he have destroyed the chair? The uncle told
+her that he had noticed many signs of anger in the boy since Clara's
+advent on the Alp. He assured her that he had suspected the boy from
+the beginning.
+
+"My dear uncle," the old lady said with animation, "we must not punish
+him further. We must be just. It was very hard on him when Clara
+robbed him of Heidi, who is and was his greatest treasure. When he had
+to sit alone day after day, it roused him to a passion which drove him
+to this wicked deed. It was rather foolish, but we all get so when we
+get angry."
+
+The lady walked over to the boy again, who was still quivering with
+fear.
+
+Sitting down on the bench, she began:
+
+"Come, Peter, I'll tell you something. Stop trembling and listen. You
+pushed the chair down, to destroy it. You knew very well that it was
+wicked and deserved punishment. You tried very hard to conceal it, did
+you not? But if somebody thinks that nobody knows about a wicked deed,
+he is wrong; God always knows it. As soon as He finds that a man is
+trying to conceal an evil he has done, He wakens a little watchman in
+his heart, who keeps on pricking the person with a thorn till all his
+rest is gone. He keeps on calling to the evildoer: 'Now you'll be
+found out! Now your punishment is near!'--His joy has flown, for fear
+and terror take its place. Have you not just had such an experience,
+Peter?"
+
+Peter nodded, all contrite. He certainly had experienced this.
+
+"You have made a mistake," the grandmama continued, "by thinking that
+you would hurt Clara by destroying her chair. It has so happened that
+what you have done has been the greatest good for her. She would
+probably never have tried to walk, if her chair had been there. If she
+should stay here, she might even go up to the pasture every single
+day. Do you see, Peter? God can turn a misdeed to the good of the
+injured person and bring trouble on the offender. Have you understood
+me, Peter? Remember the little watchman when you long to do a wicked
+deed again. Will you do that?"
+
+"Yes, I shall," Peter replied, still fearing the policeman, who had
+not left yet.
+
+"So now that matter is all settled," said the old lady in conclusion.
+"Now tell me if you have a wish, my boy, for I am going to give you
+something by which to remember your friends from Frankfurt. What is
+it? What would you like to have?"
+
+Peter, lifting his head, stared at the grandmama with round,
+astonished eyes. He was confused by this sudden change of prospect.
+
+Being again urged to utter a wish, he saw at last that he was saved
+from the power of the terrible man. He felt as if the most crushing
+load had fallen off him. He knew now that it was better to confess at
+once, when something had gone wrong, so he said: "I have also lost the
+paper."
+
+Reflecting a while, the grandmama understood and said: "That is right.
+Always confess what is wrong, then it can be settled. And now, what
+would you like to have?"
+
+So Peter could choose everything in the world he wished. His brain got
+dizzy. He saw before him all the wonderful things in the fair in
+Mayenfeld. He had often stood there for hours, looking at the pretty
+red whistles and the little knives; unfortunately Peter had never
+possessed more than half what those objects cost.
+
+He stood thinking, not able to decide, when a bright thought struck
+him.
+
+"Ten pennies," said Peter with decision.
+
+"That certainly is not too much," the old lady said with a smile,
+taking out of her pocket a big, round thaler, on top of which she
+laid twenty pennies. "Now I'll explain this to you. Here you have as
+many times ten pennies as there are weeks in the year. You'll be able
+to spend one every Sunday through the year."
+
+"All my life?" Peter asked quite innocently.
+
+The grandmama began to laugh so heartily at this that the two men came
+over to join her.
+
+Laughingly she said: "You shall have it my boy; I will put it in my
+will and then you will do the same, my son. Listen! Peter the goatherd
+shall have a ten-penny piece weekly as long as he lives."
+
+Mr. Sesemann nodded.
+
+Peter, looking at his gift, said solemnly: "God be thanked!" Jumping
+and bounding, he ran away. His heart was so light that he felt he
+could fly.
+
+A little later the whole party sat round the table holding a merry
+feast. After dinner, Clara, who was lively as never before, said to
+her father:
+
+"Oh, Papa, if you only knew all the things grandfather did for me. It
+would take many days to tell you; I shall never forget them all my
+life. Oh, if we could please him only half as much as what he did for
+me."
+
+"It is my greatest wish, too, dear child," said her father; "I have
+been trying to think of something all the time. We have to show our
+gratitude in some way."
+
+Accordingly Mr. Sesemann walked over to the old man, and began: "My
+dear friend, may I say one word to you. I am sure you believe me when
+I tell you that I have not known any real joy for years. What was my
+wealth to me when I could not cure my child and make her happy! With
+the help of the Lord you have made her well. You have given her a new
+life. Please tell me how to show my gratitude to you. I know I shall
+never be able to repay you, but what is in my power I shall do. Have
+you any request to make? Please let me know."
+
+The uncle had listened quietly and had looked at the happy father.
+
+"Mr. Sesemann, you can be sure that I also am repaid by the great joy
+I experience at the recovery of Clara," said the uncle firmly. "I
+thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Sesemann. As long as I live I have
+enough for me and the child. But I have one wish. If this could be
+fulfilled, my life would be free of care."
+
+"Speak, my dear friend," urged Clara's father.
+
+"I am old," continued the uncle, "and shall not live many years. When
+I die I cannot leave Heidi anything. The child has no relations except
+one, who even might try to take advantage of her if she could. If you
+would give me the assurance, Mr. Sesemann, that Heidi will never be
+obliged to go into the world and earn her bread, you would amply repay
+me for what I was able to do for you and Clara."
+
+"My dear friend, there is no question of that," began Mr. Sesemann;
+"the child belongs to us! I promise at once that we shall look after
+her so that there will not be any need of her ever earning her bread.
+We all know that she is not fashioned for a life among strangers.
+Nevertheless, she has made some true friends, and one of them will be
+here very shortly. Dr. Classen is just now completing his last
+business in Frankfurt. He intends to take your advice and live here.
+He has never felt so happy as with you and Heidi. The child will have
+two protectors near her, and I hope with God's will, that they may be
+spared a long, long time."
+
+"And may it be God's will!" added the grandmama, who with Heidi had
+joined them, shaking the uncle tenderly by the hand. Putting her arms
+around the child, she said: "Heidi, I want to know if you also have a
+wish?"
+
+"Yes indeed, I have," said Heidi, pleased.
+
+"Tell me what it is, child!"
+
+"I should like to have my bed from Frankfurt with the three high
+pillows and the thick, warm cover. Then grandmother will be able to
+keep warm and won't have to wear her shawl in bed. Oh, I'll be so
+happy when she won't have to lie with her head lower than her heels,
+hardly able to breathe!"
+
+Heidi had said all this in one breath, she was so eager.
+
+"Oh dear, I had nearly forgotten what I meant to do. I am so glad you
+have reminded me, Heidi. If God sends us happiness we must think of
+those who have many privations. I shall telegraph immediately for the
+bed, and if Miss Rottenmeier sends it off at once, it can be here in
+two days. I hope the poor blind grandmother will sleep better when it
+comes."
+
+Heidi, in her happiness, could hardly wait to bring the old woman the
+good news. Soon it was resolved that everybody should visit the
+grandmother, who had been left alone so long. Before starting,
+however, Mr. Sesemann revealed his plans. He proposed to travel
+through Switzerland with his mother and Clara. He would spend the
+night in the village, so as to fetch Clara from the Alm next morning
+for the journey. From there they would go first to Ragatz and then
+further. The telegram was to be mailed that night.
+
+Clara's feelings were divided, for she was sorry to leave the Alp, but
+the prospect of the trip delighted her.
+
+When everything was settled, they all went down, the uncle carrying
+Clara, who could not have risked the lengthy walk. All the way down
+Heidi told the old lady of her friends in the hut; the cold they had
+to bear in winter and the little food they had.
+
+Brigida was just hanging up Peter's shirt to dry, when the whole
+company arrived. Rushing into the house, she called to her mother:
+"Now they are all going away. Uncle is going, too, carrying the lame
+child."
+
+"Oh, must it really be?" sighed the grandmother. "Have you seen
+whether they took Heidi away? Oh, if she only could give me her hand
+once more! Oh, I long to hear her voice once more!"
+
+The same moment the door was flung open and Heidi held her tight.
+
+"Grandmother, just think. My bed with the three pillows and the thick
+cover is coming from Frankfurt. Grandmama has said that it will be
+here in two days."
+
+Heidi thought that grandmother would be beside herself with joy, but
+the old woman, smiling sadly, said:
+
+"Oh, what a good lady she must be! I know I ought to be glad she is
+taking you with her, Heidi, but I don't think I shall survive it
+long."
+
+"But nobody has said so," the grandmama, who had overheard those
+words, said kindly. Pressing the old woman's hand, she continued: "It
+is out of the question. Heidi will stay with you and make you happy.
+To see Heidi again, we will come up every year to the Alm, for we have
+many reasons to thank the Lord there."
+
+Immediately the face of the grandmother lighted up, and she cried
+tears of joy.
+
+"Oh, what wonderful things God is doing for me!" said the grandmother,
+deeply touched. "How good people are to trouble themselves about such
+a poor old woman as I. Nothing in this world strengthens the belief in
+a good Father in Heaven more than this mercy and kindness shown to a
+poor, useless little woman, like me."
+
+"My dear grandmother," said Mrs. Sesemann, "before God in Heaven we
+are all equally miserable and poor; woe to us, if He should forget
+us!--But now we must say good-bye; next year we shall come to see you
+just as soon as we come up the Alp. We shall never forget you!" With
+that, Mrs. Sesemann shook her hand. It was some time before she was
+allowed to leave, however, because the grandmother thanked her over
+and over again, and invoked all Heaven's blessings on her and her
+house.
+
+Mr. Sesemann and his mother went on down, while Clara was carried up
+to spend her last night in the hut.
+
+Next morning, Clara shed hot tears at parting from the beloved place,
+where such gladness had been hers. Heidi consoled her with plans for
+the coming summer, that was to be even more happy than this one had
+been. Mr. Sesemann then arrived, and a few last parting words were
+exchanged.
+
+Clara, half crying, suddenly said: "Please give my love to Peter and
+the goats, Heidi! Please greet Schwaenli especially from me, for she
+has helped a great deal in making me well. What could I give her?"
+
+"You can send her salt, Clara. You know how fond she is of that,"
+advised little Heidi.
+
+"Oh, I will surely do that," Clara assented. "I'll send her a hundred
+pounds of salt as a remembrance from me."
+
+It was time to go now, and Clara was able to ride proudly beside her
+father. Standing on the edge of the slope, Heidi waved her hand, her
+eyes following Clara till she had disappeared.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The bed has arrived. Grandmother sleeps so well every night now, that
+before long she will be stronger than ever. Grandmama has not
+forgotten the cold winter on the Alp and has sent a great many warm
+covers and shawls to the goatherd's hut. Grandmother can wrap herself
+up now and will not have to sit shivering in a corner.
+
+In the village a large building is in progress. The doctor has arrived
+and is living at present in his old quarters. He has taken the uncle's
+advice and has bought the old ruins that sheltered Heidi and her
+grandfather the winter before. He is rebuilding for himself the
+portion with the fine apartment already mentioned. The other side is
+being prepared for Heidi and her grandfather. The doctor knows that
+his friend is an independent man and likes to have his own dwelling.
+Baerli and Schwaenli, of course, are not forgotten; they will spend the
+winter in a good solid stable that is being built for them.
+
+The doctor and the Alm-Uncle become better friends every day. When
+they overlook the progress of the building, they generally come to
+speak of Heidi. They both look forward to the time when they will be
+able to move into the house with their merry charge. They have agreed
+to share together the pleasure and responsibility that Heidi brings
+them. The uncle's heart is filled with gratitude too deep for any
+words when the doctor tells him that he will make ample provision for
+the child. Now her grandfather's heart is free of care, for if he is
+called away, another father will take care of Heidi and love her in
+his stead.
+
+At the moment when our story closes, Heidi and Peter are sitting in
+grandmother's hut. The little girl has so many interesting things to
+relate and Peter is trying so hard not to miss anything, that in their
+eagerness they are not aware that they are near the happy
+grandmother's chair. All summer long they have hardly met, and very
+many wonderful things have happened. They are all glad at being
+together again, and it is hard to tell who is the happiest of the
+group. I think Brigida's face is more radiant than any, for Heidi has
+just told her the story of the perpetual ten-penny piece. Finally the
+grandmother says: "Heidi, please read me a song of thanksgiving and
+praise. I feel that I must praise and thank the Lord for the blessings
+He has brought to us all!"
+
+
+The End.
+
+   [Illustration: (Heidi)]
+
+   [Illustration: (Peter)]
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +-----------------------------------------------------------+
+    | Typographical errors corrected in text:                   |
+    |                                                           |
+    | Page 227: freindly replaced with friendly                 |
+    | Page 251: tham replaced with than                         |
+    |                                                           |
+    | In this edition, the poem on page 246, is missing the     |
+    | lines for G, H, I, J, and K.                              |
+    +-----------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Heidi, by Johanna Spyri
+
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