October 25, 2024 • 36 mins
Heidi by Johanna Spyri - Chapter 23 - Parting To Meet Again
STORYTIME FRIDAY
The final chapter in Heidi's story.
Heidi is a story of goats and a young childs resilience and adventures in the Mountains. It was written in 1880 by Johanna Spyri who was born and lived in Switzerland. A timeless Classic enjoyed by children and adults alike. Echoes from the Mountain is a podcast by Gracious Mountain Therapies
Echoes from the Mountain YouTube Channel can be found here
Music by Chris Collins, Indie Music
Ready to climb your own personal mountain and looking for help? Loraine is an accredited BWRT practitioner, clinical Hypnotherapist and Advanced EFT practitioner. Book an initial consultation at https://www.graciousmountain.co.uk/book-online
If you would like to support my podcast and YouTube channel I do have a buy me a coffee page https://www.buymeacoffee.com/echoesfromthemountain
STORYTIME FRIDAY
The final chapter in Heidi's story.
Heidi is a story of goats and a young childs resilience and adventures in the Mountains. It was written in 1880 by Johanna Spyri who was born and lived in Switzerland. A timeless Classic enjoyed by children and adults alike. Echoes from the Mountain is a podcast by Gracious Mountain Therapies
Echoes from the Mountain YouTube Channel can be found here
Music by Chris Collins, Indie Music
Ready to climb your own personal mountain and looking for help? Loraine is an accredited BWRT practitioner, clinical Hypnotherapist and Advanced EFT practitioner. Book an initial consultation at https://www.graciousmountain.co.uk/book-online
If you would like to support my podcast and YouTube channel I do have a buy me a coffee page https://www.buymeacoffee.com/echoesfromthemountain
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Heidi by Joanna Spury, chapter twenty three, parting to meet again.
A day before her visit, the Grandmamma had sent a
letter to announce her coming. Peter brought it up with him.
Next morning, the grandfather was already before the hut with
(00:25):
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,
(00:46):
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
(01:09):
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 Fankfort to fetch him
to prison. It was a busy morning for Heidi, who
put the hut in order for the expected visitor. The
(01:32):
time went by quickly, and soon everything was ready to
welcome the good Grandmamma. The grandfather also returned from a
walk on which he had gathered a glorious bunch of
deep blue genchens. The children, who were sitting on the bench,
(01:53):
exclaimed for joy when they saw the glowing flowers. Heidi,
getting up from time to time to spy down the path,
suddenly discovered Grandmamma sitting on a white horse and accompanied
by two men. One of them carried plenty of wraps,
(02:14):
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're not sitting in your chair?
How is this possible? Cried the grandmamma in alarm, dismounting
(02:37):
hastily before she had quite reached the children, she threw
her arms up in great excitement.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
Clara, is that really you? You have read round cheeks, my child.
I hardly know you any more. Grandmamma was going to
rush at her grandchild when Heidi slipped from the bench,
and Clara taking her arm, they quietly took a little walk.
(03:11):
The Grandmamma 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.
(03:38):
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
(04:01):
and said, my dear dear uncle, what have we to
thank you for? This is your work, your care and nursing.
But our lord sunshine and mountain air, interrupted the uncle, smiling.
Then Clara called, yes, and and also Schanley's good delicious milk. Grandmamma,
(04:28):
you ought to see how much goat milk I can
drink now.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Oh it is so good. Indeed I can see that
from your cheeks, said the grandmamma, smiling. No, I hardly
recognize you anymore. You have become broad and round. I
never dreamt that you could get so stout and tall. Oh, Clara,
(04:53):
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
(05:14):
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
(05:38):
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 Grandmamma was told how the miracle had happened, and
(06:02):
often the talk was interrupted by exclamations of surprise from Grandmamma,
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, mister Seesman, having finished his business
(06:29):
in Paris, was also preparing a surprise. Without writing his mother,
he traveled to Rigats 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 Meeenfeld.
(06:54):
The long ascent to the elp from there seemed very
weary and far to the traveler. When would he reach
the goatherd's hut. There were many little roads branching off
in several directions, and sometimes mister Seiesman doubted if he
had taken the right path. But not a soul was near,
(07:19):
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
(07:40):
running down the hill at topmost speed. Mister Seiesman 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 Heidie lives and the people from fankvert to staying.
A dull sound of terror was the only reply. Peter
(08:04):
shot off and rushed head over heels down the mountainside,
turning wild sum assaults on his perilous way. His course
resembled the course his enemy had taken some days ago.
What a funny, bashful mountaineer, mister Seiesman remarked to himself,
thinking that the appearance of a stranger had upset this
(08:27):
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.
(08:50):
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
(09:14):
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,
(09:35):
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 elp how could he run now with his fear
and all his poor sore limbs. Mister Seesman had reached
(09:55):
the hut soon after meeting Peter and felt reass short.
Climbing further with renewed courage, he at last saw his
goal before him, but not without long and weary exertion.
He saw the elm hut above him and the swaying
(10:17):
fir trees. Mister Seiesman 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
(10:37):
coming towards him. A tall girl with light hair and
rosy face was leaning on Heidi, whose dark eyes sparkled
with keen delight. Mister Seisman stopped short, staring at this vision. Suddenly,
big tears rushed from his eyes. For this shape before
(11:02):
him recalled sweet memories. Clara's mother had looked exactly like
this fair maiden. Mister Seesman at this moment did not
know if he was awake or dreaming. Papa, don't you
know me anymore? Clara called, with beaming eyes. Have I
(11:27):
changed so much. Mister Seesman 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 overjoyed father, embracing her again and again,
(11:50):
and then gazing at her as she stood tall and
firm by his side. His mother joined 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
(12:14):
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
(12:34):
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
(12:56):
who had at last approached each other were conversing, Grandmamma
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,
(13:21):
how wonderful, What a sight, she exclaimed, clapping her hands. Heidi,
come here, have you brought me those?
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (13:30):
They are beautiful. The children had joined her hide, assuring
her that it was another person's deed. Oh, Grandmamma, up
on the pasture, it looks just like that, Clara remarked,
Just guess who brought you the flowers. At that moment,
(13:52):
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,
(14:16):
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
(14:36):
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 Grandmamma's finger that pointed to the flowers. He
only saw the uncle standing near the hut, looking at him,
(14:59):
pen nuttingly, 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,
(15:21):
his knees tottering under him. The Grandmamma 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 wheelchair. He is expecting the punishment he
(15:43):
well deserves. Grandmamma 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
(16:05):
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 hidie who he is, and
was his greatest treasure. When he had to sit alone
(16:27):
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,
(16:56):
I'll tell you something. Stop trembling and listen. You push
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
(17:17):
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 awakens a little watchman in his heart, who keeps
on pricking the person with a thorn till all his
(17:38):
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 takes its place.
Have you not just had such an experience? Peter nodded,
(18:00):
or contrite, He certainly had experienced this. You have made
a mistake, the Grandmamma 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
(18:24):
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
(18:47):
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. So now that
matter is all settled, said the old lady in conclusion.
(19:08):
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 Frankfort.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
What is it?
Speaker 1 (19:18):
What would you like to have? Peter, lifting his head,
stared at the Grandmamma 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
(19:39):
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 Grandmamma
(20:01):
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 Minefeld.
(20:24):
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
(20:45):
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 taylor, on
top of which she laid twenty pennies. Now, I'll explain
(21:07):
this to you.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
Here.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
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 Grandmamma began to laugh so heartily at
(21:33):
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 goater shall have
a tenpenny piece weekly as long as he lives. Mister
(21:56):
Seiesman nodded. Peter looked, 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
(22:18):
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,
(22:39):
it would take many days to tell you. I shall
never forget them.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
All my life.
Speaker 1 (22:46):
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, mister Caesman
(23:08):
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,
(23:31):
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.
(23:53):
The uncle had listened quietly and had looked at the
happy father. Mister Siesman, 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
(24:14):
you for your kind offer, mister Seesman. 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
(24:37):
shall not live many years when I die. I cannot
leave hide 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, mister Seesman,
that Heidi will never be obliged to go into the
(24:58):
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
mister Seasman. The child belongs to us. I promise at
once that we shall look after her so that there
(25:19):
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. Doctor
Clarssen is just now completing his last business in Frankfort.
(25:41):
He intends to take your advice and live here. He
has never felt so happy as with you and I
d 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,
(26:02):
added the grandmamma, who with Heidi had joined them, shaking
the uncle tenderly by the hand. Putting her arms around
the child, she said, Hide, I want to know if
you also have a wish. Yes, indeed, I have said, Heidi, pleased,
(26:24):
tell me what it is, child. I should like to
have my bed from Frankfort, 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. Heidie has said all this in
(26:47):
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, Heide. If God sends us
happiness us think of those who have many privations. I
shall telegraph immediately for the bed, and if Miss ROTTENMEI
(27:07):
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
(27:29):
had been left alone for so long. Before starting, however,
mister Seesman 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 elm next morning for the journey. From there, they
(27:50):
would go first to Rigats 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,
(28:12):
they all went down, the uncle carrying Clara, who could
not have risked the lengthy walk. All the way down,
Hide 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
(28:34):
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 to carrying the lame child.
Oh must it really be sighed the grandmother? Have you
seen whether they took Hidie away. Oh, if she only
(28:54):
could give me her hand once more. Oh, I longed
to hear her voice once more. The same moment, the
door was flung open, and Hide held her tight. Grandmother,
Just think, my bed with the three pillows and the
thick cover is coming from Frankfort. Grandmamma has said that
it will be here in two days. Hide thought that
(29:16):
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, Heidie. But I don't think I shall
survive it long. But nobody has said so. The grandmother,
who had overheard those words, say, kindly, pressing the old
(29:39):
woman's hand, she continued, it is out of the question.
Hidy will stay with you and make you happy to
see Hidee again. We will come up every year to
the Elm, for we have many reasons to thank the
Lord here. Immediately the face of the grandmother lighted up
(30:01):
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
(30:23):
his mercy and kindness shown to a poor, useless little
woman like me. My dear grandmother, said missus Seesman. Before
God in heaven, we are all equally miserable and poor.
Woe to us if he should forget us. But now
we must say goodbye. Next year we shall come to
(30:47):
see you just as soon as we come up the alp.
We shall never forget you. With that, missus Seesman 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
(31:09):
her house. Mister Seesman and his mother went on down,
while Clara was carried up to spend her last night
in the heart. Next morning, Clara shed hot tears at
parting from the beloved place where such gladness had been hers.
(31:32):
Heidi consoled her with plans for the coming summer that
was to be even more happy than this one had been.
Mister Seiesman then arrived, and a few last parting words
were exchanged. Clara half crying, suddenly said, please give my
(31:52):
love to Peter and the goats. Heidie, please greet Franny
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 vistle, Hidie. Oh, I will surely do that.
(32:15):
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 bird
(32:42):
has arrived. Grandmother sleeps so well every night now that
before long she will be stronger than ever. Grandmamma 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
(33:03):
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 Hidie and her grandfather the winter before.
(33:27):
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.
(33:48):
Barley and Shanley, 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.
(34:12):
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
(34:33):
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
(34:55):
our story closes, Heidi and Peter are sitting in grandmother's house.
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
(35:17):
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
(35:39):
tenpenny 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.
Speaker 2 (35:58):
All the end
Heidi by Joanna Spury, chapter twenty three, parting to meet again.
A day before her visit, the Grandmamma had sent a
letter to announce her coming. Peter brought it up with him.
Next morning, the grandfather was already before the hut with
(00:25):
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,
(00:46):
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
(01:09):
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 Fankfort to fetch him
to prison. It was a busy morning for Heidi, who
put the hut in order for the expected visitor. The
(01:32):
time went by quickly, and soon everything was ready to
welcome the good Grandmamma. The grandfather also returned from a
walk on which he had gathered a glorious bunch of
deep blue genchens. The children, who were sitting on the bench,
(01:53):
exclaimed for joy when they saw the glowing flowers. Heidi,
getting up from time to time to spy down the path,
suddenly discovered Grandmamma sitting on a white horse and accompanied
by two men. One of them carried plenty of wraps,
(02:14):
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're not sitting in your chair?
How is this possible? Cried the grandmamma in alarm, dismounting
(02:37):
hastily before she had quite reached the children, she threw
her arms up in great excitement.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
Clara, is that really you? You have read round cheeks, my child.
I hardly know you any more. Grandmamma was going to
rush at her grandchild when Heidi slipped from the bench,
and Clara taking her arm, they quietly took a little walk.
(03:11):
The Grandmamma 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.
(03:38):
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
(04:01):
and said, my dear dear uncle, what have we to
thank you for? This is your work, your care and nursing.
But our lord sunshine and mountain air, interrupted the uncle, smiling.
Then Clara called, yes, and and also Schanley's good delicious milk. Grandmamma,
(04:28):
you ought to see how much goat milk I can
drink now.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Oh it is so good. Indeed I can see that
from your cheeks, said the grandmamma, smiling. No, I hardly
recognize you anymore. You have become broad and round. I
never dreamt that you could get so stout and tall. Oh, Clara,
(04:53):
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
(05:14):
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
(05:38):
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 Grandmamma was told how the miracle had happened, and
(06:02):
often the talk was interrupted by exclamations of surprise from Grandmamma,
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, mister Seesman, having finished his business
(06:29):
in Paris, was also preparing a surprise. Without writing his mother,
he traveled to Rigats 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 Meeenfeld.
(06:54):
The long ascent to the elp from there seemed very
weary and far to the traveler. When would he reach
the goatherd's hut. There were many little roads branching off
in several directions, and sometimes mister Seiesman doubted if he
had taken the right path. But not a soul was near,
(07:19):
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
(07:40):
running down the hill at topmost speed. Mister Seiesman 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 Heidie lives and the people from fankvert to staying.
A dull sound of terror was the only reply. Peter
(08:04):
shot off and rushed head over heels down the mountainside,
turning wild sum assaults on his perilous way. His course
resembled the course his enemy had taken some days ago.
What a funny, bashful mountaineer, mister Seiesman remarked to himself,
thinking that the appearance of a stranger had upset this
(08:27):
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.
(08:50):
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
(09:14):
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,
(09:35):
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 elp how could he run now with his fear
and all his poor sore limbs. Mister Seesman had reached
(09:55):
the hut soon after meeting Peter and felt reass short.
Climbing further with renewed courage, he at last saw his
goal before him, but not without long and weary exertion.
He saw the elm hut above him and the swaying
(10:17):
fir trees. Mister Seiesman 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
(10:37):
coming towards him. A tall girl with light hair and
rosy face was leaning on Heidi, whose dark eyes sparkled
with keen delight. Mister Seisman stopped short, staring at this vision. Suddenly,
big tears rushed from his eyes. For this shape before
(11:02):
him recalled sweet memories. Clara's mother had looked exactly like
this fair maiden. Mister Seesman at this moment did not
know if he was awake or dreaming. Papa, don't you
know me anymore? Clara called, with beaming eyes. Have I
(11:27):
changed so much. Mister Seesman 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 overjoyed father, embracing her again and again,
(11:50):
and then gazing at her as she stood tall and
firm by his side. His mother joined 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
(12:14):
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
(12:34):
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
(12:56):
who had at last approached each other were conversing, Grandmamma
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,
(13:21):
how wonderful, What a sight, she exclaimed, clapping her hands. Heidi,
come here, have you brought me those?
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (13:30):
They are beautiful. The children had joined her hide, assuring
her that it was another person's deed. Oh, Grandmamma, up
on the pasture, it looks just like that, Clara remarked,
Just guess who brought you the flowers. At that moment,
(13:52):
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,
(14:16):
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
(14:36):
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 Grandmamma's finger that pointed to the flowers. He
only saw the uncle standing near the hut, looking at him,
(14:59):
pen nuttingly, 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,
(15:21):
his knees tottering under him. The Grandmamma 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 wheelchair. He is expecting the punishment he
(15:43):
well deserves. Grandmamma 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
(16:05):
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 hidie who he is, and
was his greatest treasure. When he had to sit alone
(16:27):
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,
(16:56):
I'll tell you something. Stop trembling and listen. You push
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
(17:17):
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 awakens a little watchman in his heart, who keeps
on pricking the person with a thorn till all his
(17:38):
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 takes its place.
Have you not just had such an experience? Peter nodded,
(18:00):
or contrite, He certainly had experienced this. You have made
a mistake, the Grandmamma 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
(18:24):
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
(18:47):
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. So now that
matter is all settled, said the old lady in conclusion.
(19:08):
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 Frankfort.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
What is it?
Speaker 1 (19:18):
What would you like to have? Peter, lifting his head,
stared at the Grandmamma 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
(19:39):
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 Grandmamma
(20:01):
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 Minefeld.
(20:24):
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
(20:45):
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 taylor, on
top of which she laid twenty pennies. Now, I'll explain
(21:07):
this to you.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
Here.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
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 Grandmamma began to laugh so heartily at
(21:33):
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 goater shall have
a tenpenny piece weekly as long as he lives. Mister
(21:56):
Seiesman nodded. Peter looked, 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
(22:18):
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,
(22:39):
it would take many days to tell you. I shall
never forget them.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
All my life.
Speaker 1 (22:46):
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, mister Caesman
(23:08):
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,
(23:31):
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.
(23:53):
The uncle had listened quietly and had looked at the
happy father. Mister Siesman, 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
(24:14):
you for your kind offer, mister Seesman. 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
(24:37):
shall not live many years when I die. I cannot
leave hide 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, mister Seesman,
that Heidi will never be obliged to go into the
(24:58):
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
mister Seasman. The child belongs to us. I promise at
once that we shall look after her so that there
(25:19):
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. Doctor
Clarssen is just now completing his last business in Frankfort.
(25:41):
He intends to take your advice and live here. He
has never felt so happy as with you and I
d 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,
(26:02):
added the grandmamma, who with Heidi had joined them, shaking
the uncle tenderly by the hand. Putting her arms around
the child, she said, Hide, I want to know if
you also have a wish. Yes, indeed, I have said, Heidi, pleased,
(26:24):
tell me what it is, child. I should like to
have my bed from Frankfort, 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. Heidie has said all this in
(26:47):
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, Heide. If God sends us
happiness us think of those who have many privations. I
shall telegraph immediately for the bed, and if Miss ROTTENMEI
(27:07):
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
(27:29):
had been left alone for so long. Before starting, however,
mister Seesman 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 elm next morning for the journey. From there, they
(27:50):
would go first to Rigats 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,
(28:12):
they all went down, the uncle carrying Clara, who could
not have risked the lengthy walk. All the way down,
Hide 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
(28:34):
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 to carrying the lame child.
Oh must it really be sighed the grandmother? Have you
seen whether they took Hidie away. Oh, if she only
(28:54):
could give me her hand once more. Oh, I longed
to hear her voice once more. The same moment, the
door was flung open, and Hide held her tight. Grandmother,
Just think, my bed with the three pillows and the
thick cover is coming from Frankfort. Grandmamma has said that
it will be here in two days. Hide thought that
(29:16):
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, Heidie. But I don't think I shall
survive it long. But nobody has said so. The grandmother,
who had overheard those words, say, kindly, pressing the old
(29:39):
woman's hand, she continued, it is out of the question.
Hidy will stay with you and make you happy to
see Hidee again. We will come up every year to
the Elm, for we have many reasons to thank the
Lord here. Immediately the face of the grandmother lighted up
(30:01):
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
(30:23):
his mercy and kindness shown to a poor, useless little
woman like me. My dear grandmother, said missus Seesman. Before
God in heaven, we are all equally miserable and poor.
Woe to us if he should forget us. But now
we must say goodbye. Next year we shall come to
(30:47):
see you just as soon as we come up the alp.
We shall never forget you. With that, missus Seesman 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
(31:09):
her house. Mister Seesman and his mother went on down,
while Clara was carried up to spend her last night
in the heart. Next morning, Clara shed hot tears at
parting from the beloved place where such gladness had been hers.
(31:32):
Heidi consoled her with plans for the coming summer that
was to be even more happy than this one had been.
Mister Seiesman then arrived, and a few last parting words
were exchanged. Clara half crying, suddenly said, please give my
(31:52):
love to Peter and the goats. Heidie, please greet Franny
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 vistle, Hidie. Oh, I will surely do that.
(32:15):
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 bird
(32:42):
has arrived. Grandmother sleeps so well every night now that
before long she will be stronger than ever. Grandmamma 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
(33:03):
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 Hidie and her grandfather the winter before.
(33:27):
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.
(33:48):
Barley and Shanley, 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.
(34:12):
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
(34:33):
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
(34:55):
our story closes, Heidi and Peter are sitting in grandmother's house.
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
(35:17):
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
(35:39):
tenpenny 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.
Speaker 2 (35:58):
All the end
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