ersonal
friends from the Scandinavian countries were assembled, among whom may
be mentioned the eminent Swedish journalist Hedlund, the Danish poet
Drachmann, and the Norwegian author Kristofer Janson. Over Aulestad,
which was handsomely decorated, floated Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, and
American flags. There was a great banquet, at which speeches and poems
were not wanting. Mr. Bjoernson received a number of valuable presents
and countless telegrams from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France,
Italy, England, and America.

This volume closes the present series of translations of Bjoernson's
works. The seven volumes[1] now published contain all the novels and
short stories that Bjoernson has written. His other works are, as shown
in the biographical introduction to "Synnoeve Solbakken," chiefly dramas.

Being thus about to send my last Bjoernson manuscript to the publishers,
I desire to express my hearty thanks to the press and to the public for
the generous reception they have given these stories as they have
appeared one by one. Those who are acquainted with Bjoernson's original
and idiomatic style can appreciate the many difficulties his translators
have had to contend with. I am fully conscious of my shortcomings and am
particularly aware of my failure to transmit the peculiar national
flavor of Bjoernson's style, but I have done my best, and have turned his
phrases into as good English as I could command. Others might have been
more successful, but they could not have taken more pains, nor could
they have derived more pleasure from the work than I have found in it.
To Auber Forestier, who has kindly assisted me in the translation of the
whole series, I once more extend my hearty thanks. Without her able help
the work could not have progressed so rapidly. Finally, I commend
"Magnhild" to the tender mercy of the critic and to the good-will of the
reader, and say adieu!

RASMUS B. ANDERSON.

ASGARD, MADISON, WISCONSIN.
_November, 1882._

[1] The first edition of Bjoernson's writings, from which the present
edition is arranged, was in seven volumes. "Magnhild" formed the
seventh volume, and the present preface is reprinted as it there
stood.

MAGNHILD.

CHAPTER I.

The landscape has high, bold mountains, above which are just passing the
remnants of a storm. The valley is narrow and continually winding.
Co