A NEW CHAPTER ABOUT NEW THINGS
a child unlike all other children, and I could find no other to suit, for the greater number I know are not peculiar, but one very much the same as the other, and I thought this child seemed as if made for the place. But I must go now, for my mistress will be waiting for me; if the lady will permit I will come again soon and see how she is getting on.” And with a bow Dete quickly left the room and ran downstairs. Fräulein Rottenmeier stood for a moment taken aback and then ran after Dete. If the child was to stop she had many things yet to say and ask about her, and there the child was, and what was more, Dete, as she plainly saw, meant to leave her there.
Heidi remained by the door where she had been standing since she first came in. Clara had looked on during the interview without speaking; now she beckoned to Heidi and said, “Come here!”
Heidi went up to her.
“Would you rather be called Heidi or Adelaide?” asked Clara.
“I am never called anything but Heidi,” was the child’s prompt answer.
“Then I shall always call you by that name,” said Clara, “it suits you. I have never heard it before, but neither have I ever seen a child like you before. Have you always had that short curly hair?”
“Yes, I think so,” said Heidi.
“Are you pleased to come to Frankfurt?” went on Clara.
“No, but I shall go home to-morrow and take grandmother a white loaf,” explained Heidi.
“Well, you are a funny child!” exclaimed Clara. “You
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