TWO VISITS AND WHAT CAME OF THEM
good things that you never dreamed of.” Then she went to the cupboard and taking out Heidi’s things rolled them up in a bundle. “Come along now, there’s your hat; it is very shabby but will do for the present; put it on and let us make haste off.”
“I am not coming,” repeated Heidi.
“Don’t be so stupid and obstinate, like a goat; I suppose it’s from the goats you have learnt to be so. Listen to me: you saw your grandfather was angry and heard what he said, that he did not wish to see us ever again; he wants you now to go away with me and you must not make him angrier still. You can’t think how nice it is at Frankfurt, and what a lot of things you will see, and if you do not like it you can come back again; your grandfather will be in a good temper again by that time.”
“Can I return at once and be back home again here this evening?” asked Heidi.
“What are you talking about, come along now! I tell you that you can come back here when you like. To-day we shall go as far as Mayenfeld, and early to-morrow we shall start in the train, and that will bring you home again in no time when you wish it, for it goes as fast as the wind.”
Dete had now got the bundle under her arm and the child by the hand, and so they went down the mountain together.
As it was still too early in the year to take his goats out, Peter continued to go to school at Dörfli, but now and again he stole a holiday, for he could see no use in learning to read, while to wander about a bit and look for stout sticks which might be wanted some day he thought a far better employment.
[93]
