15 A Visit at Last

CHAPTER 15 A Visit at Last Unfortunately, poor health kept Clara from making the journey to the mountain. As disappointed as she was, she did try to do the next best thing. She and her father agreed that sending the doctor for a little vacation would be good not only for Heidi, but for the old doctor as well. The poor gentleman's wife had died some time ago, and his daughter had recently died as well. The doctor had simply not been the same since. When Mr. Sesemann asked if he would go

to the mountains, the doctor said he would be honored. He would take all of the wonderful things Clara had packed for her friends and make sure they got to everyone safely. Clara had chosen gifts for Grandmother and Grandfather and even for Peter. Meanwhile at Heidi's home, the young girl woke up early every morning. She dressed herself as quickly as she could and went outside to wait. She peered down the mountain as far as she could see. This had been her routine every morning for a week now. She was expecting Clara and Grandmamma any day and she wanted to be ready when they got there. But instead of Clara, she heard Peter's whistle. "Can you come out with me today?" he asked. Heidi told her friend that she could not. She was waiting for company. Peter was

disappointed, but this morning the wait was worth it. Grandfather! Come, come!" Heidi called out. "They are coming! They are coming and the doctor is in front of them!" Heidi rushed forward to welcome her old friend. The doctor held out his hands to greet her. When she reached him, she clung to his outstretched arms. Then with joy in her heart she said, "Good morning, Doctor, and thank you ever so many times."

"God bless you, child! What have you got to thank me for?" asked the doctor, smiling. "For sending me home to my grandfather," the child explained. The doctor's face brightened like a ray of sunshine had passed across it. He thought the young girl would have forgotten him by now. Instead her eyes were dancing for joy. She was full of thanks and clinging to the arm of

her old friend. "Take me to your grandfather, child," the old man said. "But where are Clara and Grandmamma?" "I am so sorry, Heidi, but I have come alone. Clara was very ill and could not travel. Grandmamma stayed behind to take care of her. But they will come next spring when the days are warm and long again." Heidi stood still for a second, allowing the sad news to sink in. "Come along, Doctor," Heidi said. "Let's find Grandfather." The two men became friends at once. They shared the day on the mountain, planning out the doctor's vacation for the next several weeks. As they sat down to a lunch of milk and toasted cheese, they saw a man coming up the path carrying a large package on his back. "Ah, the package from Clara," the doctor said and smiled at Heidi.

The young girl's eyes grew bright. "Open your treasures, Heidi," the doctor said. He pushed the large package toward her. One by one Heidi pulled out the items Clara had packed so carefully. Cakes and a shawl for Grandmother, some new tools for Grandfather, sausage for Peter, and clothing for herself. The only thing that made Heidi happier than the gifts was seeing the pleasure on the doctor's face. He truly enjoyed seeing Heidi so well and happy again.