Heidi: Chapters 13–18

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.

Heidi was dressed in her Sunday frock and stood waiting for further commands.

Tinette had not even told the child, for she thought it beneath her dignity to speak to the vulgar Heidi.

The child could not even swallow a morsel, though she tried to eat out of obedience.

While she was musing over all these things, she fell asleep.

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.

Then, caressing the child's hair and flushed cheeks, she entreated: "Just say one more word, that I may hear your voice."

Brigida at last accepted the gift after a great many remonstrances.

Only when the glow had subsided, was Heidi able to follow the path again.

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?"

The grandmother remained silent, not to mar the happiness of the child.

Heidi looked enraptured at the grandmother's face, which had changed from an old, sorrowful expression to a joyous one.

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.

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.

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.

The nearer they came to the village, the louder and richer the bells resounded.

"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."

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.

She'll be stronger then and much more able to enjoy those excursions than she is now.

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!"

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 to laugh. "Why don't you chide me for being here still? I shall go as quickly as I can, Sesemann."

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.

What was her surprise when this lady showed herself most obliging, and immediately, on being told, brought together all the articles!

What was her surprise when this lady showed herself most obliging, and immediately, on being told, brought together all the articles!

At last a lot of mysterious little parcels and boxes were packed, things that Clara had gathered together for Heidi.

The sun was in its zenith and the wind had ceased.

Then the two would sit together on the child's favorite spot, and Peter, quite subdued, behind them.

Near the church and the parish house lay an old ruin that once had been a spacious building.

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.

The new proprietor did not want to build it up again, so poor people moved in.

Heidi loved to sit there, and as soon as she had entered their new abode, she began to examine the pictures.

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."

But in her excitement she had forgotten her evening prayer, so sitting up in bed, she prayed fervently to God.