HEIDI
mountain home where she had been happier than ever in her life before. Heidi did her best to comfort her. “Summer will be here again in no time,” she said, “and then you will come again, and it will be nicer still, for you will be able to walk about from the beginning. We can then go out every day with the goats up to where the flowers grow, and enjoy ourselves from the moment you arrive.”
Herr Sesemann had come as arranged to fetch his little daughter away, and was just now standing and talking with Uncle, for they had much to say to one another. Clara felt somewhat consoled by Heidi’s words, and wiped away her tears.
“Be sure you say good-bye for me to Peter and the goats, and especially to Little Swan. I wish I could give Little Swan a present, for she has helped so much to make me strong.”
“Well, you can if you like,” replied Heidi, “send her a little salt; you know how she likes to lick some out of grandfather’s hand when she comes home at night.”
Clara was delighted at this idea. “Oh, then I shall send a hundred pounds of salt from Frankfurt, for I want her to have something as a remembrance of me.”
Herr Sesemann now beckoned to the children as it was time to be off. Grandmamma’s white horse had been brought up for Clara, as she was no longer obliged to be carried in a chair.
Heidi ran to the far edge of the slope and continued to wave her hand to Clara until the last glimpse of horse and rider had disappeared.
And now the bed has arrived, and grandmother is sleeping so soundly all night that she is sure to grow stronger.
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