Heidi Page #4

If you think that I'm going to stand by,

and see my poor sister's only child...

brought up like some sort of illiterate

peasant then you're wrong.

If I have to take this to court,

I shan't hesitate.

And then, well, God knows what might

come out about you.

Take her, then.

And spoil her.

But don't you ever bring her back

here to me again.

Grandfather.

Go on! Get out of here, the two of you!

Come along now, Heidi.

No.

Now don't be silly, child.

I don't want to go with you,

I want to stay here with grandfather.

After what you've just heard?

I'm sure he didn't really mean it.

Of course he meant it. He's famous

for that violent temper of his.

You do know, don't you,

that he killed a man in a brawl?

Why else do you think he lives alone here,

hiding away on top of a mountain?

I don't believe it.

Believe what you like.

It's what a judge will believe that counts.

And you don't want him thrown

into jail, do you? Or worse?

If I go with you,

I can come back, can't I?

Well, of course you can,

whenever you like.

Now go on, get your things.

Come on now.

Heidi, I will not tell you again.

Heidi, where are you going?

Mind your own business.

Can I not just go in and say goodbye

to grannie first?

We have a train to catch,

there isn't time. Now come along, child.

Grannie'll be so disappointed

that I didn't say goodbye to her.

Well, you can bring her a present

when you come back.

Can I really?

Well, of course you can.

Some of those lovely white rolls that

they sell in Frankfurt.

What's your name, child?

Heidi.

That can't be your proper name, surely.

What were you christened?

I don't remember.

Is the child half-witted?

Or simply impertinent?

No, ma'am.

It's just that she's never been

in a house like this before.

She was christened Adelheid.

How old is she?

To be honest with you,

I can't remember,

but I should think about 10.

I'll soon be 9.

What?

I distinctly remember saying we wanted

someone of Clara's own age. 11.

What books have you read?

None.

None?

I haven't learned to read yet.

Nor has Peter.

He thinks reading is a waste of time.

Peter?

The goatherd.

What have you learned to do, then?

Make cheese.

Really, Detie.

Er, beg pardon,

You did tell me that what you were

looking for was a more...

unusual sort of child.

And Heidi, I mean Adelheid,

is certainly unusual.

If I might presume to make a suggestion.

Why don't I leave her with you

for a few days.

And then if you still think

she's unsuitable,

I'll take her back.

Oh, yes please, let's do that,

Miss Rottenmeier. Just for a few days.

Very well.

Tinette.

Tinette!

Now what?

Have a room prepared for her.

Dinner is at eight o'clock.

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