Early the next morning, Heidi awoke to the sound of Grandfather's voice.
"Come along, Heidi!
The sun is up," he said.
"Put on your best dress because we are going to church!"
Heidi was so surprised by her Grandfather's announcement that she dressed quickly with happy anticipation.
When she came down the ladder, she saw a sight she had never seen before.
"Why, Grandfather!" she exclaimed, "I have never seen you dress so nicely!
Look at your handsome coat and silver buttons!"
He tried not to smile and replied,
"I suppose Clara gave you that nice dress.
Well, it makes you look very pretty.
Now come along, we don't want to be late."
They set off hand in hand down the mountain path to the valley below.
The church bells were ringing as they walked through the town.
Inside the church, the townspeople had already taken their seats and the singing had begun when Heidi and her Grandfather entered.
People turned their heads, and whispers spread from pew to pew.
"Do you see Heidi and her Grandfather?" they said.
"It can't be! Grandfather is in church!"
At the end of the service, Grandfather took Heidi's hand, and they walked over to the pastor's house.
The pastor welcomed Heidi and shook hands with Grandfather happily.
"I have come to ask for your help, pastor," said Grandfather.
"I have made up my mind to follow your advice and find a place for us to live in Dorfli for the winter."
"Wonderful," said the pastor. "You are always welcome among us!"
The pastor smiled warmly, and they talked about the different houses that were for rent.
Grandfather thanked him for his advice, and they all walked outside to say good-bye.
The townspeople, who had followed Grandfather to the pastor's house, were gathered outside,
and the pastor wanted them to see that Grandfather was always welcome.
"I look forward to spending many pleasant winter evenings together," said the pastor.
Immediately, the people of Dorfli came up to say hello and shake Grandfather's hand.
"We are so pleased to see you both among us!" some said.
Others exclaimed, "I have been wishing that we could talk together again."
Everywhere he turned, Grandfather was surprised by a friendly welcome.
He had always thought that the people of Dorfli disliked him.
What he didn't know was that Heidi had told the baker, who brought her from the train station, how much she missed Grandfather.
He had told the whole town what a kind man he was to Heidi.
Grandfather explained that he was going to rent a house for the winter in Dorfli, and everyone was very happy to hear it.
On the way home, many new and old friends walked part way up the mountain with Grandfather and Heidi.
When they were climbing the path alone again, Heidi noticed the sunlight shining on Grandfather's face.
"Grandfather, I have never seen you look so happy before," she said.
"Do you think so?" asked Grandfather with a smile, "Well, yes, Heidi.
I am happier today than I thought was possible.
I have been angry with the people of Dorfli for too long.
It is good to be at peace with God and friends again."
He put his arm around Heidi's shoulders.
"God was good to me when he sent you to my hut." Grandfather said.