Heidi Part 6: Bedtime Story

Please join me as we continue our journey with the adorable Heidi, who has gone to live with her grandpapa in the Swiss Alps.

Heidi is a beautiful, tender childhood story written by Johanna Spyri.

You can find all the other parts of the story on my profile in my playlists.

Goodnight and sleep well, beautiful souls.

Transcript

Good evening beautiful,

Beautiful souls and welcome to tonight's reading of Heidi.

So just arriving in this space,

Sinking deeply into the mattress beneath you,

Taking a moment to stretch out your body if that feels right for you,

Taking the arms above your head and stretching out through your legs,

Pointing and flexing your toes and allowing your muscles to stretch and relax and ease the tensions of the day.

It is time for you to rest,

To relax,

To take this moment for you,

For your body,

Your mind and your emotional body as you settle in here and allow yourself to be carried off into the world of Heidi as she continues her adventures.

A new chapter with new things.

In a beautiful house in Frankfurt lived a sick child by the name of Clara Seisman.

She was sitting in a comfortable rolling chair which could be pushed from room to room.

Clara spent most of her time in the study where long rows of bookcases lined the walls.

This room was as a living room and here she was also given her lessons.

Clara had a pale thin face with soft blue eyes which at that moment were watching the clock impatiently.

At last she said,

Oh Miss Rottenmeier,

Isn't it time yet?

The lady so addressed was the housekeeper who had lived with Clara since Mrs.

Seisman's death.

Miss Rottenmeier wore a peculiar uniform with a long cape and a high cap on her head.

Clara's father,

Who was away from home a great deal,

Left the entire management of the house to this lady on the condition that his daughter's wishes should always be considered.

While Clara was waiting,

Dieter had arrived at the front door with Heidi.

She was asking the coachman who had brought her if she could go upstairs.

That's not my business,

Grumbled the coachman.

You must ring for the butler.

Sebastian the butler,

A man with large plastic buttons on his coat,

Soon stood before her.

May I see Miss Rottenmeier?

Dieter asked.

That's not my business,

The butler announced.

Ring for Tinette,

The maid.

And with that he disappeared.

Dieter,

Ringing again,

Saw a girl with a brilliant white cap on her head coming down the stairway.

The maid stopped halfway down and asked scornfully,

What do you want?

Dieter repeated her wish again.

Tinette told her to wait while she went upstairs.

But it did not take long before the two were asked to come up.

Following the maid,

They found themselves in the study.

Dieter held on to Heidi's hand and stayed near the door.

Miss Rottenmeier,

Slowly getting up,

Approached the newcomers.

She did not seem pleased with Heidi,

Who wore her hat and shawl,

And was looking up at the lady's headdress with innocent wonder.

What is your name?

The lady asked.

Heidi was the child's clear answer.

What?

Is that a Christian name?

What name did you receive in baptism?

Inquired the lady again.

I don't remember that anymore,

The child replied.

What an answer.

What does that mean?

Said the housekeeper,

Shaking her head.

Is the child ignorant or pert,

Miss Dieter?

I shall speak for the child,

If I may,

Madam,

Dieter said,

After giving Heidi a little blow for her unbecoming answer.

The child has never been in such a fine house and does not know how to behave.

I hope the lady will forgive her manners.

She is called Adelheid,

After her mother,

Who was my sister.

Oh,

Well,

That is better.

But Miss Dieter,

The child seems peculiar for her age.

I thought I told you that Miss Clara's companion would have to be 12 years old,

Like her,

To be able to share her studies.

How old is Adelheid?

I am sorry,

But I am afraid she is somewhat younger than I thought.

I think she is about 10 years old.

Grandfather said I was eight years old,

Said Heidi.

Now,

Dieter gave her another blow.

But as the child had no idea why,

She did not get embarrassed.

Only eight years old,

Miss Rottenmeier exclaimed.

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 Dieter,

How could you bring this child,

Said the housekeeper,

When she was more composed?

Dieter,

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 downstairs.

Miss Rottenmeier followed her and tried to call her back,

For she wanted to ask Dieter 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.

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.

Oh,

No.

But then I am going home again tomorrow,

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 for my yawns,

And 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'll know what he means.

When Miss Rottenmeier found that she was unable to recall Tita,

She came back to the children.

She was in a very excited mood,

For she felt responsible for Heidi's coming,

And did not know how to cancel this unfortunate step.

She soon got up again to go to the dining room,

Criticizing the butler,

And giving orders to the maid.

Sebastian,

Not daring to show his rage otherwise,

Noisily opened the folding doors.

When he went up to Clara's chair,

He saw Heidi watching him intently.

At last,

She said,

Miss Rottenmeier was horrified with this remark,

And sent them all into the dining room.

After Clara was lifted onto her chair,

The housekeeper sat down beside her.

Heidi was motioned to sit opposite the lady.

In that way,

They were placed in the same row.

When Heidi saw a roll on her plate,

She turned to Sebastian and pointing at it,

Asked,

Can I have this?

Heidi had already great confidence in the butler,

Especially on account of the resemblance she had discovered.

The butler nodded.

The butler nodded,

And when he saw Heidi put the bread in her pocket,

Could hardly keep from laughing.

He came to Heidi now with a dish of small baked fishes.

For a long time,

The child did not move.

Then,

Turning her eyes to the butler,

She said,

Must I eat that?

Sebastian nodded.

But another pause ensued.

Why don't you give it to me?

The child quietly asked,

Looking at her plate.

The butler,

Hardly able to keep his continence,

Was told to place the dish on the table and leave the room.

When he was gone,

Miss Rottenmeier explained to Heidi,

With many signs,

How to help herself at table.

She also told her never to speak to Sebastian,

Unless it was important.

After that,

The child was told how to accost the servants and the governess.

When the question came up of how to call Clara,

The older girl said,

Of course,

You shall call me Clara.

A great many rules followed now about behaviour at all times,

About the shutting of doors and about going to bed,

And a hundred other things.

Poor Heidi's eyes were closing,

For she had risen at five that morning,

And leaning against her chair,

She fell asleep.

When Miss Rottenmeier had finished instructions,

She said,

I hope you will remember everything,

I will hide.

Did you understand me?

Heidi went to sleep a long time ago,

Said Clara,

Highly amused.

It is atrocious that I have to bear with this child,

Exclaimed Miss Rottenmeier,

Ringing the bell with all her might.

When the two servants arrived,

They were hardly able to rouse Heidi enough to show her to her bedroom.

Miss Rottenmeier has an uncomfortable day.

When Heidi opened her eyes next morning,

She did not know where she was.

She found herself on a high white bed in a spacious room.

Looking around,

She observed long white curtains before the windows,

Several chairs,

And a sofa covered with a cratone.

In a corner,

She saw a washstand with many curious things standing on it.

Suddenly,

Heidi remembered all the happenings of the previous day.

Jumping out of bed,

She dressed in a great hurry.

She was eager to look at the sky and the ground,

As she had always done at home.

What was her disappointment when she found that the windows were too high for her to see anything except the walls and the windows opposite?

Trying to open them,

She turned from one to the other,

But in vain.

The poor child felt like a little bird that is placed in a glittering cage for the first time.

At last,

She had to resign herself and sat down on a low stool,

Thinking of the melting snow on the slopes and the first flowers of spring that she had hailed with such delight.

Suddenly,

Tenette opened the door and said curtly,

Heidi did not take this for a summons,

For the maid's face was scornful and forbidding.

She was waiting patiently for what would happen next,

When Miss Rottenmeier burst into the room,

Saying,

What is the matter Adelheid,

Didn't you understand?

Come to breakfast.

Heidi immediately followed the lady into the dining room,

Where Clara greeted her with a smile.

She looked much happier than usual,

For she expected new things to happen that day.

When breakfast had passed without disturbance,

The two children were allowed to go into the library together and were soon left alone.

How can I see down to the ground?

Heidi asked.

Open a window and peep out,

Replied Clara,

Replied Clara,

Amused at the question.

But it is impossible to open them,

Heidi said sadly.

Oh no,

You can't do it and I can't help you either,

But if you ask Sebastian,

He'll do it for you.

Heidi was relieved,

The poor child had felt like a prisoner in her room.

Clara now asked Heidi what her home had been like and Heidi told her gladly about her life in the hut.

The tutor had arrived in the meantime,

But he was not asked to go to the study as usual.

Miss Rottenmeier was very much excited about Heidi's coming and all the complications that arose therefrom.

She was really responsible for it,

Having arranged everything herself.

She presented the unfortunate case before the teacher,

For she wanted him to help her to get rid of the child.

Mr.

Candidate,

However,

Was always careful of his judgments and not afraid of teaching beginners.

When the lady saw that he would not side with her,

She let him enter the study alone,

For the ABC held great horrors for her.

While she considered many problems,

A frightful noise as of something falling was heard in the adjoining room,

Followed by a cry to Sebastian for help.

Running in,

She beheld a pile of books and papers on the floor,

With the table cover on top.

A black stream of ink flowed across the length of the room.

Heidi had disappeared.

Miss Rotterman wringing her hands.

Everything is drenched with ink.

Did such a thing ever happen before?

This child brings nothing but misfortune on us.

This child brings nothing but misfortune on us.

The teacher was standing up looking at the devastation,

But Clara was highly entertained by these events and said,

Heidi has not done it on purpose and must not be punished.

In her hurry to get away,

She caught on the table cover and pulled it down.

I think she must never have seen a coach in all her life,

For when she heard a carriage rumbling by,

She rushed out like mad.

Didn't I tell you,

Mr.

Candidate,

That she has no idea whatever about behaviour?

She does not even know that she has to sit quiet at her lessons.

But where has she gone?

What would Mr.

Seisman say if she should run away?

When Miss Rottenmeier went downstairs to look for the child,

She saw her standing at the open door,

Looking down the street.

What are you doing here?

How can you run away like that?

How can you run away like that?

Scolded Miss Rottenmeier.

I heard the fir trees rustle,

But I can't see them and do not hear them anymore,

Replied Heidi,

Looking in great perplexity down the street.

The noise of the passing carriage had reminded her of the roaring of the south wind on the Alp.

Fir trees?

What nonsense!

We are not in a wood.

Come with me now to see what you have done.

When Heidi saw the devastation that she had caused,

She was greatly surprised,

For she had not noticed it in her hurry.

This must never happen again,

Said the lady sternly.

You must sit quiet at your lessons.

If you get up again,

I shall tie you to your chair.

Do you hear me?

Heidi understood and gave a promise to sit quietly during her lessons from that time on.

After the servants had straightened the room,

It was late and there was no more time for studies.

Nobody had time to yawn that morning.

In the afternoon,

While Clara was resting,

Heidi was left to herself.

Heidi was left to herself.

She planted herself in the hall and waited for the butler to come upstairs with the silver things.

When he reached the head of the stairs,

She said to him,

I want to ask you something.

She saw that the butler seemed angry,

So she reassured him by saying that she did not mean any harm.

All right,

Miss,

What is it?

My name is not miss.

Why don't you call me Heidi?

Miss Rottenmeier told me to call you miss.

Did she?

Well,

Then it must be so.

I have three names already,

Sighed the child.

What can I do for you?

Asked Sebastian now.

Can you open a window for me?

Certainly,

He replied.

Sebastian got a stall for Heidi,

For the windowsill was too high for her to see over.

In great disappointment,

Heidi turned her head away.

I don't see anything but a street of stone.

Is it the same way on the other side of the house?

Yes.

Where do you go to look far down on everything?

On a church tower.

Do you see that one over there with the golden dome?

From there you can overlook everything.

Heidi immediately stepped down from the stall and ran downstairs.

Opening the door,

She found herself in the street.

But she could not see the tower anymore.

She wandered on from street to street,

Not daring to accost any of the busy people.

Passing a corner,

She saw a boy who had a bowel organ on his back and a curious animal on his arm.

Heidi ran to him and asked,

Where is the tower with the golden dome?

Don't know,

Was the reply.

Who can tell me?

Don't know.

Can you show me another church with a tower?

Of course I can.

Of course I can.

Then come and show me.

And what are you going to give me for it?

Said the boy,

Holding out his hand.

Heidi had nothing in her pocket but a little flower picture.

Clara had only given it to her this morning,

So she was loath to part with it.

The temptation to look far down into the valley was too great for her though,

And so she offered him the gift.

The boy shook his head to Heidi's satisfaction.

Well,

What else do you want?

Money?

I have none,

I have none,

But Clara has some.

How much must I give you?

Twenty pennies.

All right,

But come.

While they were wandering down the street,

Heidi found out what a bowel organ was,

For she had never seen one.

When they arrived before an old church with a tower,

Heidi was puzzled what to do next,

But having discovered a bowel,

She pushed it with all her might.

The boy agreed to wait for Heidi and show her the way home if she gave him a double fee.

The lock creaked now from inside and an old man opened the door.

In an angry voice he said,

How do you dare to ring for me?

Can't you see that it is only for those who want to see the tower?

But I do,

Said Heidi.

What do you want to see?

Did anybody send you?

Asked the man.

No,

But I want to look down from up there.

Get home and don't try it again.

With that the tower keeper was going to shut the door,

But Heidi held his coattails and pleaded with him to let her come.

The tower keeper looked at the child's eyes,

Which were nearly full of tears.

All right,

Come along if you care so much,

He said,

Taking her by the hand.

The two climbed up now many,

Many steps,

Which got narrower all the time.

When they had arrived on top,

The old man lifted Heidi up to the open window.

Heidi saw nothing but a sea of chimneys,

Roofs and towers and her heart sank.

Oh dear,

It's different from the way I thought it would be.

Oh dear,

It's different from the way I thought it would be,

She said.

There,

What could such a little girl know about a view?

We'll go down now and you must promise never to ring at my tower anymore.

On their way,

They passed an attic where a large grey cat guarded her new family in a basket.

This cat caught half a dozen mice every day for herself,

For the old tower was full of rats and mice.

Heidi gazed at her in surprise and was delighted when the old man opened the basket.

What charming kittens,

What cunning little creatures,

She exclaimed in her delight when she saw them crawling about,

Jumping and tumbling.

Would you like to have one?

The old man asked.

For me?

To keep?

Heidi asked,

Heidi asked,

For she could not believe her ears.

Yes,

Of course,

You can have several if you have room for them,

The old man said,

Glad to find a good home for the kittens.

How happy Heidi was,

Of course there was enough room in the huge house and Clara would be delighted when she saw the cunning things.

How can I take them with me?

The child asked after she had tried in vain to catch one.

I can bring them to your house if you tell me where you live,

Said Heidi's new friend,

While he caressed the old cat who had lived with him for many years.

Bring them to Mr.

Seisman's house,

There is a golden dog on the door with a ring in his mouth.

The old man had lived in the tower a long time and knew everybody.

Sebastian also was a special friend of his.

I know,

He said,

But to whom shall I send them?

Do you belong to Mr.

Seisman?

No,

No.

Please send them to Clara,

She will like them,

I am sure.

Heidi could hardly tear herself away from the pretty things,

So the old man put one kitten in each of her pockets to console her.

After that she went away.

The boy was patiently waiting for her and when she had taken leave of the tower keeper,

She asked the boy,

Do you know where Mr.

Seisman's house is?

No,

Was the reply.

She described it as well as she could,

Till the boy remembered it.

Off they started and soon Heidi found herself pulling the door bell.

When Sebastian arrived,

He said,

Hurry up.

Heidi went in,

Heidi went in and the boy was left outside,

For Sebastian had not even seen him.

Come up quickly,

Little miss,

He urged.

They are all waiting for you in the dining room.

Miss Rottenmeier looks like a loaded cannon,

How could you run away like that?

Heidi sat down quietly on her chair.

Nobody said a word and there was an uncomfortable silence.

At last,

Miss Rottenmeier began with a severe and solemn voice.

I shall speak with you later,

Adelheid.

How can you leave the house without a word?

Your behaviour was very remiss.

The idea of walking about till so late.

Meow,

Was the reply.

I didn't,

Heidi began.

Meow.

Sebastian nearly flung the dish on the table and disappeared.

This is enough,

Miss Rottenmeier tried to say,

But her voice was hoarse with fury.

Get up and leave the room.

Heidi got up.

She began again.

I made meow,

Meow,

Meow.

Heidi said Clara now.

Why do you always say meow,

If you can see that Miss Rottenmeier is angry?

I am not doing it.

It's the kittens,

She explained.

What?

Cats?

Kittens?

Screamed the housekeeper.

Sebastian,

Tinette,

Take the horrible things away.

With that,

She ran into the study,

Locking herself in,

For she feared kittens beyond anything on earth.

When Sebastian had finished his laugh,

He came into the room.

He had foreseen the excitement,

Having caught sight of the kittens when Heidi came in.

The scene was a very peaceful one now.

Clara held the little kittens in her lap and Heidi was kneeling beside her.

They both played happily with the two graceful creatures.

The butler promised to look after the newcomers and prepared a bed for them in a basket.

A long time afterwards,

When it was time to go to bed,

Miss Rottenmeier cautiously opened the door.

Are they away?

She asked.

Yes,

Replied the butler,

Quickly seizing the kittens and taking them away.

The lecture that Miss Rottenmeier was going to give Heidi was postponed to the following day,

For the lady was too much exhausted after her fight.

They all went quietly to bed and the children were happy in the thought that their kittens had a comfortable bed for the night.

Reviews

So good that Clara is sweet and Sebastian is at least kind… can’t help but think of grandfather…
Great reading ❤️🙏🏼

Please give us the next part of Heidi! I am so enjoying this childhood classic. What a beautiful voice you have. Thank you for sharing your gift if listening to Heidi.

This chapter several times but I always fall asleep about the time Heidi falls asleep at the dining room table. This morning I made a point of listening all the way through.
I'm caught between the delight of the story and the sadness of Heidi's homesickness for grandfather. 😢 I can't wait for chapter 7. Thank you.

Love your voice and I love these old stories!💖
Brings back memories