"Grandfather said that I was eight years old," said Heidi now. Deta gave her another blow, but as the child had no idea why, she did not get embarrassed. "What, only eight years old!" Miss Rottenmeier exclaimed indignantly. "How can we get along? What have you learned? What books have you studied?" "None," said Heidi. "But how did you learn to read?" "I can't read and Peter can't do it either," Heidi retorted. "For mercy's sake! you cannot read?" cried the lady in her surprise. "How is it possible? What else have you studied?" "Nothing," replied Heidi, truthfully. "Miss Deta, how could you bring this child?" said the housekeeper, when she was more composed. Deta, however, was not easily intimidated, and said: "I am sorry, but I thought this child would suit you. She _is_ small, but older children are often spoilt and not like her. I must go now, for my mistress is waiting. As soon as I can, I'll come to see how the child is getting along." With a bow she was outside and with a few quick steps hurried down-stairs. Miss Rottenmeier followed her and tried to call her back, for she wanted to ask Deta a number of questions. Heidi was still standing on the same spot. Clara had watched the scene, and called to the child now to come to her. Heidi approached the rolling-chair. "Do you want to be called Heidi or Adelheid?" asked Clara. "My name is Heidi and nothing else," was the child's answer. "I'll call you Heidi then, for I like it very much," said Clara. "I have never heard the name before. What curly hair you have! Was it always like that?" "I think so." "Did you like to come to Frankfurt?" asked Clara again. "Oh, no, but then I am going home again to-morrow, and shall bring grandmother some soft white rolls," Heidi explained. "What a curious child you are," said Clara. "You have come to Frankfurt to stay with me, don't you know that? We shall have our lessons together, and I think it will be great fun when you learn to read. Generally the morning seems to have no end, for Mr. Candidate comes at ten and stays till two. That is a long time, and he has to yawn himself, he gets so tired. Miss Rottenmeier and he both yawn together behind their books, but when I do it, Miss Rottenmeier makes me take cod-liver oil and says that I am ill. So I must swallow my yawns, for I hate the oil. What fun it will be now, when you learn to read!" Heidi shook her head doubtfully at these prospects. "Everybody must learn to read, Heidi. Mr. Candidate is very patient and will explain it all to you. You won't know what he means at first, for it is difficult to understand him. It won't take long to learn, though, and then you will know what he means."