Part 23 (1/2)

XX

NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS

May had come. Warm suns.h.i.+ne 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 gra.s.s,” 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 pus.h.i.+ng 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.”