In the meantime the Aim-Uncle had approached
the pastor's study door and knocked. The pastor
opened it and met the guest, not in any way sur-
prised, as he might have been, but just as if he were
expecting him. His unusual appearance in the
church could not have escaped him. He grasped
the old man's band, shook it repeatedly with the
greatest intimacy, and the Aim-Uncle stood there



212 HEIDI.
in silence, and could not utter a word, for he was
not prepared for such a hearty reception. Then he
composed himself and said :

" I have come to ask the "pastor to forget the
words which I said to him on the Aim, and he so
kind as not to bear me ill-will for my having obsti-
nately refused his well-meant advice. The pastor
was right in everything and I was wrong, but 1 will
now follow his advice, and next winter move into a
house in Doerfli again, for the cold season is not
good for the child up there ; she is too delicate.
And even if the people down here should look at me
askance as one who is not to be trusted, I deserve
nothing better. The pastor of course will not do so."

The pastor's friendly eyes shone for joy. He took
the old man's hand once more and pressed it in his
own and said with emotion :

" l^eighbor, you have been in the right church
before you came down to mine, I am glad of it.
