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 She clung to the old woman, saying, “Hasn’t it all come about, grandmother, just like the hymn I read to you last time? Isn’t the bed from Frankfurt sent to make you well?”

“Yes, Heidi, and many, many other good things too, which God has sent me,” said the grandmother, deeply moved. “I did not think it possible that there were so many kind people, ready to trouble themselves about a poor old woman and to do so much for her. Nothing strengthens our belief in a kind heavenly Father who never forgets even the least of His creatures so much as to know that there are such people, full of goodness and pity for a poor useless creature such as I am.”

“My good grandmother,” said Frau Sesemann, interrupting her, “we are all equally poor and helpless in the eyes of God, and all have equal need that He should not forget us. But now we must say good-bye, but only till we meet again, for when we pay our next year’s visit to the Alm you will be the first person we shall come and see; meanwhile we shall not forget you.” And Frau Sesemann took grandmother’s hand again and shook it in farewell.

But grandmother would not let her off even then without more words of gratitude, and without calling down on her benefactress and all belonging to her every blessing that God had to bestow.

At last Herr Sesemann and his mother were able to continue their journey downwards, while Uncle carried Clara back home, with Heidi beside him, so full of joy of what was coming for grandmother that every step was a jump.

But there were many tears shed the following morning by the departing Clara, who wept to say good-bye to the beautiful