The narrative moves to Frankfurt, where Clara anxiously awaits Heidi’s arrival and pesters the housekeeper, Frau Rottenmeier, with questions. When Rottenmeier sees the child, she is quite disappointed with her age and appearance. She also refuses to call her Heidi and insists that she go by her christened name, Adelheid. Clara is 12, and her father wishes for her companion to be closer to her age. Dete lies and states Heidi is 10, but she corrects her aunt and says she is seven. Rottenmeier is further incensed when she learns Heidi has no education and cannot even read. She claims the arrangement will not work, but Dete says she will leave Heidi with them for a few days and bolts from the flat.

Clara tells Heidi about her boring tutor that comes each day. When Heidi says she will be returning to her grandfather soon, Clara laughs and says she is supposed to stay with her as a companion. Heidi meets the family’s other servant, Sebastian, and thinks that he looks like Peter. At dinner, Heidi hides her roll in her pocket for

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