stefansson-wrangel-09-20-011

Maurer

NoAns

January 23, 1922 -

My Dear Mr. Stefansson:-

At this time I have traveled quite extensively into "The Friendly Arctic", although it has not been nearly finished for I have had great pleasure in going over it slowly and visualizing the many pictures derived from your vivid description. However I have gone far enough to realize that a mere "Thank You" cannot begin to express my appreciation for your kind

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thoughtfulness in presenting it to me and the volume itself is one which I will always preserve among my most cherished possessions.

I hope Mr. Stefansson that at some time I will find a way to show you just how much it meant to me to receive your wonderful work just at this time.

Fred will also be an appreciative reciprocant for many times I have heard him express his deep

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admiration for you and now I am most happy to be privileged in joining him with his heartfelt sentiments.

I regretted exceedingly that I could not stay to dinner with you the evening of the eighteenth, but with the train connections in mind it seemed almost necessary.

Mother and I could have remained in the city over night and had planned to do so - but after your talk at noon, which every one enjoyed and which served as food for

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thought for everyone who heard it, then when I found you so busy during the afternoon, it seemed I detected an expression of weariness. Perhaps I was mistaken. But it was then I decided perhaps you would appreciate that time alone, before your evening's work.

There were only a few things I wished to ask you, for I knew you could not possibly know any more from my husband than I did. Nevertheless your few

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words proved like the gifts of the Magi and ever since I have been greatly satisfied.

From the first page of my book on which I found your autograph, I have found occasion to rest assured that anything I need to know you will tell me at the proper time. It takes only a few words to imply a tremendous value - especially when it is impossible to get in touch with those most dear to us. You have helped me wonderfully, Mr. Stefansson

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and I thank you kindly.

In this phase of existence we are all so human that we cannot help missing those who are away. But aside from this minor difficulty I am only too happy to have my husband be of service to you and on the other hand it was his great desire. I have learned that in this age we have to strive for unselfishness. It isn't a problem in my affair for I am learning the North and finding interest in all the good

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that is inevitable to be the outcome of this seeming separation.

Since November "The World's Work" has been a source of real pleasure to me for therein I have found your articles and with the finis of each one I hasten to pass it on - for I am so eager to assist in all this "unlearning". It is such a misfortune to be so much under the spell of all these mis-informers. It seems we have many Herodotus' to mar one environment.