The English style of the present version is, then, distinctive. It has often been noticed that those who acquire a foreign language often learn to speak it with unusual clearness and purity. For illustration we need go no further than Joseph Conrad, a Pole, probably the greatest master of narrative English writing to-day; or to our own fellow-citizen Carl Schurz. In the present case, the writer has lived seven years in America and has strengthened an excellent training with a wide reading of the best English classics. Many people say that they read without noticing the author's style. This is seldom quite true; unconsciously every one is impressed in some way or other by the style of every book, or by its lack of style. Children are particularly sensitive in this respect and should, therefore, as much as is practicable, read only the best. In the new translation of "Heidi" here offered to the public I believe that most readers will notice an especial flavor, that very quality of delight in mountain scenes, in mountain people and in child life generally, which is one of the chief merits of the German original. The phrasing has also been carefully adapted to the purpose of reading aloud--a thing that few translators think of. In conclusion, the author, realising the difference between the two languages, has endeavored to write the story afresh, as Johanna Spyri would have written it had English been her native tongue. How successful the attempt has been the reader will judge. CHARLES WHARTON STORK Assistant Professor of English at the University of Pennsylvania [Illustration] CONTENTS PART I HEIDI'S YEARS OF LEARNING AND TRAVEL CHAPTER PAGE I. GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE 17 II. WITH THE GRANDFATHER 38 III. ON THE PASTURE 50 IV. IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT 67 V. TWO VISITORS 83 VI. A NEW CHAPTER WITH NEW THINGS 95 VII. MISS ROTTENMEIER HAS AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY 104 VIII. GREAT DISTURBANCES IN THE SESEMANN HOUSE 119 IX. THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE HEARS OF STRANGE DOINGS 129 X. A GRANDMAMA 136 XI. HEIDI GAINS IN SOME RESPECTS AND LOSES IN OTHERS 146 XII. THE SESEMANN HOUSE IS HAUNTED 153 XIII. UP THE ALP ON A SUMMER EVENING 165 XIV. ON SUNDAY WHEN THE CHURCH BELLS RING 183 PART II HEIDI MAKES USE OF HER EXPERIENCE XV. PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY 199 XVI. A GUEST ON THE ALP 207