Chapter 17 News from Far Away Friends It was a long winter, but finally May came.
With Heidi's help, Peter had learned to read quite well.
Grandmother now had the joy of hearing a hymn every day.
Peter felt good about his learning and decided to go to school more regularly.
Heidi had made a difference for both Grandmother and Peter.
The sunshine had also made quite a difference.
When the first signs of spring appeared, Heidi and Grandfather moved back to the mountain.
The young girl and her grandfather began to prepare for their springtime company at once.
It wasn't long before the letter from Clara arrived.
It would be at least six weeks, but the visitors were coming.
Clara and Grandmama could hardly wait.
The time until Clara's visit moved slowly, but finally it passed.
Then came the day when a strange-looking parade was seen making its way up the mountain.
In front were two men carrying a chair.
A girl wrapped in shawls sat on the chair.
Behind her was a woman on a horse with a guide walking beside her.
Next was a chair being pushed by another man.
Finally, there was a gentleman with such a bundle of shawls and furs on his back that it rose well above his head.
"'Here they come!
Here they come!' shouted Heidi.
She jumped for joy.
It was indeed the guests from Frankfurt.
Clara and Grandmama finally reached the hut and were introduced to Grandfather.
Before long, the four acted like old friends.
While Grandfather and Grandmama prepared the milk and toasted cheese for their meal, Heidi pushed Clara's chair to every spot she had ever described.
Finally, the group sat down to eat.
Do I really see you taking a second piece of toasted cheese, Clara?
Grandmama asked with surprise.
Oh, it does taste so nice, Grandmama.
Better than all the dishes we have at home.
It's the mountain air, said Grandfather.
Everything seems better here.
After the meal, Heidi showed off the inside of the hut.
She saved her bedroom for last.
It's delightful here, Heidi, Grandmama said.
From your bed you can look straight into the sky.
Outside the fir trees are waving and there is such a delicious smell around you.
I have never seen such a pleasant, cheerful bedroom.
I have been thinking, Grandfather said, that if you were willing, Clara might remain up here.
I am sure she would grow stronger.
We would look after her well.
You are indeed kind.
I thank you with my whole heart.
Grandmama took his hand and gave it a long and grateful shake.
For the next half hour, there was much excitement.
Grandmama and Grandfather worked to get things ready.
The shawls and blankets that the visitors had brought along made a perfect topping for the hay in Clara's bed.
Clara and Heidi were almost too excited to speak.
They giggled and watched as the two grown-ups worked carefully to make everything right.
A short while later, Grandmama was up on her horse.
She waved goodbye to the girls and promised to see them soon.
That night, as Clara lay in the hayloft, she looked through the round window and right into the middle of a shining cluster of stars.
Heidi, it's just as if we were in a high carriage and we were going to drive straight into heaven.
The stars twinkle because they live up in heaven and are happy, Heidi answered.
Then the stars nod at us because they want us to be happy too.
You know, God fixes everything so we don't need to worry.
All things will be fine in the end.
The two children sat up, said their prayers, and put their heads down to rest.
Clara lay awake for a long time, unable to believe the wonder of the day.
She thanked God over and over again for making this day so fine.
