Chapter 7 A New Family Clara Sessemon was lying on the couch.
The girl's legs were weak and it was too hard for her to walk about on her own.
Just now she was in the study.
This was the room where the family usually gathered.
It was easy to see that this was also where Clara took her lessons.
A handsome bookcase with glass doors held everything the young girl would need.
At the moment, though, she was simply wishing for something to do.
Just then she heard visitors at the door.
Her little face was thin and pale.
Her soft blue eyes went from the clock to the woman in the room.
Mrs. Rottenmeier, Clara asked softly.
She listened for voices in the front hallway.
The lady she was speaking to sat quite still at a small work table.
The housekeeper had been in charge of the girl's care since her mother had died many years before.
She was the one Data had spoken to about Heidi.
Clara was about to ask her question again when Data and Heidi arrived at the door of the study.
Mrs. Rottenmeier looked at Heidi for some minutes.
"'What is your name?' she asked.
"'Heidi,' said the youngster softly.
Data quickly stepped up to change her answer.
"'Her baptized name is Adelheid, after her mother, who is now dead.'
Mrs. Rottenmeier took a step closer.
I must tell you, Data, that I am surprised to see a child so young.
I told you that I wanted a girl Clara's age.
Clara is twelve.
How old is Adelheid?
I have lost count, Data answered, trying to hide the truth.
I can't say for sure, but I think she's ten or just about that.
Grandfather told me I was eight, Heidi chimed in.
Data gave her a poke in the back with her finger.
What?
Mrs. Rottenmeier screamed.
Only eight?
Four years younger.
What good will she be?
We wanted someone to share school lessons and read books with Clara.
What have you even read, child?
Nothing, said Heidi.
What?
I never learned to read, Heidi said.
Mercy, the old woman cried.
Cute.
Know how to read?
Data, how could you bring me a child like this?
You didn't tell me what she was like.
Please, Data answered warmly.
She is a sweet girl, just the kind of companion Clara should have.
I must go now, but you will see how wonderfully they get along.
With a bow, Data left the room and ran downstairs.
Mrs. Rottenmeier stood for a moment, not knowing what to do.
Then she ran down the steps after the woman.
She had too many questions about the child to just let her leave like that.
Heidi stayed behind the door.
Clara motioned her over and the two began to talk.
Have you always had that short curly hair?
Clara asked.
Yes, I think so, said Heidi.
Are you happy about coming here?
Clara went on.
No, but I'm going home tomorrow, Heidi said.
I'm taking Grandmother a gift.
I think I will take her a loaf of white bread.
Data says that would be a nice surprise for her.
You're a funny child, laughed Clara.
You were sent here to live with me and share my lessons, and now I find out you don't even read.
We shall have fun with this.
My tutor is nice.
He will like teaching you as well.
Heidi shook her head and began to say something, but Mrs. Rottenmeier came back up into the room.
She had not been able to catch up to Data, and the look on her face let Heidi and Clara know she was still angry about it.
"'It's time for dinner,' she said.
Sebastian the butler took the girls to the table.
While they ate, Tenette, the maid, freshened up the guest room for Heidi."
Mrs Rottenmeier arrived at the table just in time to hear Heidi having a very simple conversation with Sebastian.
Adelheid, I must make you understand that you are not to speak to any of the help unless you have an order for them.
She took the girl's chin and turned it harshly toward her.
Never let me hear you talk to Sebastian in that way again.
As Mrs Rottenmeier went on with a list of rules that Heidi was to follow in the house, the young girl's eyes slowly closed.
She had been up since five o'clock in the morning and had had a long trip through the day.
She leaned back in her chair and fell fast asleep.
When Mrs Rottenmeier finally came to the end of her speech, she said 'Now remember what I have said, Adelheid'.
You understand everything.
Heidi has been asleep for a long time, said Clara, with a huge smile on her face.
She couldn't remember when she had had so much fun at dinner time.
