"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."