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Description of original facsimile: All items in brackets were written by Sigurd Wegener Thomson and are not translator insertions. Sigurd seems to have written in haste, leading to a number of mistakes, missing words, or incomplete sentences, which are noted when practical. The original letter includes notations and underlining in red and sometimes black, which most likely were added by Harthern.

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  • Photographed by Pamela L. Caughie
  • Images prepared by Matthew Gallagher
  • Transcription completed by Kristin Jacobsen
  • Translation completed by Kristin Jacobsen, Maiken Boysen
  • Translation reviewed by Marianne Ølholm
  • Encoding completed by Taylor Brown
  • Encoding assistance and/or XML proofing completed by Rebecca J. Parker, Nikolaus Wasmoen, Darcy Brady, Orion Elrod
  • XML transformed into HTML on 05/26/2023 by Greer Martin
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Transcription

Page 1

SIGURD WEGENER THOMSENSigurd Wegener Thomsen (1905-1953), Einar’s nephew

STUD. MED.

GENTOFTEGADE 14.

GENTOFTE

15.6.31

(01) Kære Red. HarthernErnst Ludwig Harthern (née Jacobson) (1884–1969), German writer and editor of Man into Woman under the pseudonym, Niels Hoyer; Lili’s German friend in the narrative!

(02) Mange tak for sidst – og tak fordi de -@Translator: KEJ vilde låne mig den bog,– som jeg desværre glemte over vor interessante samtale. –

(03) Jeg havde fået det indtryk, at de vilde skrive bogen råt og brutalt – og det glædede mig overordentligt at se, at de ikke vil det – men gøre den ægte, sandfærdig og menneskelig – og
[Page 2]
"germanisere" bogens atmosfære.

(04) Jeg er enig med dem i deres syn på hvordan bogen skulde skrives – og er oprigtig ked af det, at de bunden af et utilfredsstillende grundlag og af personlige hensyn – fordi bogen skal skrives nu. –

(05) Jeg vil gerne hjælpe dem så meget jeg kan – ved at sætte dem ind i hendes reactioner i den første tid hun var her i DanmarkDenmark is a Scandinavian country in northern Europe whose capital is Copenhagen., idet jeg er ganske tryg mht. deres discretion. –

x

(06) Da jeg – som vordende læge, også har interesseret mig meget for det anatomiske og
[Page 3]
fysiologiske, har jeg en del optegnelser vedrørende disse ^ ting -@Translator: KEJ – Da de pointerede, at de ikke var interreserede heri,– springer jeg dem over – eller medtager dem i forkortet form – hvis de bidrager til forståelse af hendes psyche. –

x

(07) 16/8-31.

(08) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 og GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener kom her til formiddag. LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 skal bo her. Hun er her i KøbenhavnCopenhagen (historical), capital of Denmark for at få ansigtshuden feminiseret.

(09) Hendes psyche er ganske kvindelig - -

(10) - - . Det svage punkt er ansigtet. Håret er: paryk! Og underansigtet er endu masculint. –
[Page 4]
De brune øjne er imidlertid decideret kvindelige og ganske smukke, - med pæne øjenbryn og vipper.

(11) Jeg gik en tur i haven – og ned langs med Gentofte søGentofte Lake (historical), near Copenhagen, og fik talt med hende. Hendes menneskelige atmosfære er fuldent feminin.

(12) - - Han og GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener havde jo aldrig sådan været gift: kun været gode kammerater og suppleret hinanden.

(13) [Skildring af EinarsEinar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter; married to Gerda Wegener; died as Lili Elbe in Dresden, 1931 påtænkte selvmord.] – Dette fortalte hun mig i en pjanket tone, men jeg har indtryk af, at det var Be'sEinar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter; married to Gerda Wegener; died as Lili Elbe in Dresden, 1931 alvor. –

Page 5

(14) 18/8

(15) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 og jeg har snakket meget sammen på vore små ture ved Gentofte søGentofte Lake (historical), near Copenhagen – som hun finder "aldeles henrivende".

(16) Bag det pjankede pigebarnLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931, er der et meget klart tænkende, forstående og følende sjæl. Det er nemlig morChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister vi har drøftet. -@Translator: KEJLiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 synes morsChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister mangler består i

(17) 1. - - - - - - Vil man endelig fortælle om sine sygdomme olig. skal man gøre det livligt og spøgende – og kun én gang! - - - -

(18) 4. -@Translator: KEJ Forsømt sit ydre

Page 6

(19) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 og jeg er bleven meget fine venner, - og jeg sætter mere og mere pris på hende.

(20) 22/8

(21) MorChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister har nu fortalt LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 hele historien – og LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 har tålmodigt ofret den nødvendige eftermiddag. Ovenpå det var hun temmelig ødelagt – og morChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister oprevet. LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 blev uenig med morChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister over en lille biting – og sa havde morChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister sagt, at så måtte LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 hellere flytte.

(22) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 tog det imidlertid roligt – og det kom ikke til brud. –
[Page 7]
- - MorChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister været modstander af operationen – og forfærdet og uforstående overfor det hele - - sorgeligt og tragisk, at hendes brorEinar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter; married to Gerda Wegener; died as Lili Elbe in Dresden, 1931, som hun holdt så meget af,– er bleven et pjanket, forfængeligt væsen.

(23) - - Også navnet "LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931" – finder hun forfærdeligt. Det havde hans morChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister aldrig kaldt ham, hvis han havde begyndt som pige. - -

(24) 23/8

(25) GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener var her. Hun er stadig sløj ovenpå operationen – og bekymringer over LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931.

(26) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 har lavet hende de
[Page 8]
 frygteligste scener over sit udseende, og snakket om selvmord, hvis hun ikke hurtigt kom til at se godt ud.

(27) GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener bad os søge at gøre LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 mindre selvoptaget, og se at få hende til at skrive på sin bog.

(28) 24/8

(29) Talt med LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931. Nu er hun godt i gange med at skrive på sin bog. Lod hende begynde inde hos mig – medens jeg sad og læste anatomi. Arbejdsatmosfæren påvirkede hende – og hun vilde ikke forstyrre mig
[Page 9]
 eller risikere min utilfreshed, hvis hun var doven.

(30) 25/8

(31) MorChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister kom grædende ind til LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 kl 7 og vækkede hende. LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 tabte tålmodigheden og fortalte - -

x

(32) 18/9.

(33) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 bor nu her og skriver på sin bog.

(34) GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener fortæller mig, at alle deres venner søger at få hende til at skilles – ikke alene formelt – men også reelt fra LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931. –
[Page 10]
 Hun er uhyre forfengelig og hævder at "skønhed er en kvindes existens berettigelse"!! -@Editor: ED

(35) Når vi skal gå en tur, spørger hun, om man kan "se noget". -@Editor: ED – I betragtning af den enorme mængde "kosmetik" anvendt,– er dette som regel umuligt. – Svarer jeg -@Translator: KEJ benægtende – tror hun mig ikke – men binder et silke lommetørklæde om underansigtet, som havde hun tandpine. –– -@Editor: ED

(36) Den første tid hun var her – var hun virkelig sky af sig – og holdt ikke af at møde mennesker, – og jeg tog hende derfor ad
[Page 11]
 biveje. – Nu er det bleven mindre – og hun koketterer endog med det! -@Editor: ED

(37) Hun er meget interesseret i mænd – og fortæller med alle tegn på fryd,– hvor "væmmeligt" det er, at de ser efter hende! -@Editor: ED

(38) Hun elsker at tro sig selv en "skælvende due" forfulgt af store, interesserede mandfolk. –

(39) 6/10.

(40) Hun holder ikke på kvindens frigørelse. Hun siger,– at hvis hun bliver gift, vil hun elske sin mand, gøre det hvad han
[Page 12]
siger – og hun tænke på at være så smuk som mulig – glæde ham – og opmuntre ham, når han kommer fra kontoret. – -@Editor: ED

x

(41) Hun holder meget af kærtegn og af at kærtegne. FarThomas Christian Thomsen (1883-1963), married to Einar’s sister, Christiane Thomsen, and father of Einar’s nephew, Sigurd Thomsen tillader hende at kysse ham farvel om morgenen og godnat om aftenen. -@Editor: ED

(42) Jeg vil ikke.

(43) Hun gør stadig, spøgende tilløb til det,– og kilder mig katteagtigt op ad armen. Men jeg afværger venligt og fast. – og det respekterer hun – og kalder mig
[Page 13]
 "den strenge Hr. DoktorSigurd Wegener Thomsen (1905-1953), Einar’s nephew" –

x

(44) Overfor farThomas Christian Thomsen (1883-1963), married to Einar’s sister, Christiane Thomsen, and father of Einar’s nephew, Sigurd Thomsen og jeg er hun skikkelig: – GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener laver hun ofte hysteriske scener – med hysterisk tøsestemme – og ender med at tude. –

(45) Nå – ovenpå hvad hun har ha -@Translator: KEJ gået igennem, er det ikke så mærkeligt -@Editor: ED – at hendes sind er vanskeligt.

x -@Editor: ED

(46) 6/10. -@Editor: ED I dag blev GerdasGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener og LilisLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 ægteskab omstødt.

(47) Jeg spurgte LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931:

(48) – Var det civilretten?

(49) – Ja, sagde LilliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931.

(50) – Hvor ved du det fra?

(51) – Dommeren var i civil! -@Translator: KEJ

x

Page 14

(52) Hun omtaler ofte sig selv som "stakkels lille LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931" – og ønsker at blive trøstet og kælet for - - - . Men i det store og hele er hun i godt humør. og gouterer en vittighed – selvom den går ud over hende selv – når blot den er god! -@Editor: ED

(53) Hun er rar og venlig og optager alt i bedste mening.

x

(54) Den ene dag taler hun om at gå i kloster. Den næste om at gå -@Editor: ED i harem. – Lige efter operationen havde hun en "nonneperiode" siger hun. –

Page 15

(55) Hun er meget forfængelig af sin figur og ben – og mangler i nogen grad blufærdighed – der dog vist delvis skyldes hendes mangel på øvelse i at sidde – etc. – i kvindetøj. – -@Editor: ED

x

(56) Psykisk – som kvinde -@Translator: KEJ, har hun to aldre. – Når hun kan bruge den viden som EinarEinar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter; married to Gerda Wegener; died as Lili Elbe in Dresden, 1931 havde – og det af hans karakter, – der er almenmenneskeligt – er hun en godmodig, klog og vittig kvinde – godt op i fyrrene! – men når hun taler om "mænd" eller "klæder". – er hun en pjanket pige på sejsten! -@Translator: KEJ –

x

Page 16

(57) NB! -@Editor: ED

(58) 13/6

(59) Tænker jeg tilbage – og skal sige noget om hendes udvikling siden operationen, – må det være dette. –

(60) Hendes skyhed overfor mennesker i almindelighed og mænd i særdeleshed er total forsvunden, – og hendes glæde over den opsigt hun vækker hos mændene, er lidt pralende – og henføres til en "mystisk tiltrækning kraft" – og ikke til hendes umådeholdne brug af pudder. og rødt – o.s.v. –

(61) I begyndelsen var hun slankere, virkede næsten mere feminin sjæleligt end
[Page 17]
 nu, – hvor så meget er forceret og uægte, – og besad virkelig en egen indtagende "jomfruelighed" – der nu desværre ganske er forsvunden. -@Editor: ED

(62) At hendes venner har svigtet hende, har gjort hende ondt – men ikke bitter, – de hun har en så venlig -@Editor: ED ^ forstående -@Translator: KEJ natur.

x

(63) Jeg håber at de kan have nogen fornøjelse af dette.

(64) En dag jeg er inde i byen, vil jeg gerne have lov til at hente den bog de var så venlig at tilbyde at låne mig. – Jeg ringer i forvejen.

(65) Igen tak for sidst.

(66) deres -@Translator: KEJ ærbødige.

Sigurd ThomsenSigurd Wegener Thomsen (1905-1953), Einar’s nephew

Translation

Page 1

SIGURD WEGENER THOMSENSigurd Wegener Thomsen (1905-1953), Einar’s nephew

STUD. MED.

GENTOFTEGADE 14.

GENTOFTE

15.6.31

(01) Dear Ed. HarthernErnst Ludwig Harthern (née Jacobson) (1884–1969), German writer and editor of Man into Woman under the pseudonym, Niels Hoyer; Lili’s German friend in the narrative!

(02) Thank you for last time – and thank you for letting me borrow your book,– which I unfortunately forgot as a result of our interesting conversation. -

(03) I had gotten the impression that you wanted to write the book rough and crude – and it made me extraordinarily happy to see that you do not want that – but make it real, true, and human – and
[Page 2]
 "Germanize" the book's atmosphere.

(04) I agree with you in your thinking about how the book should be written – and am sincerely sorry that you are bound by an unsatisfactory reason and by personal regard – because the book should be written now. –

(05) I would like to help you as much as I can – by explaining her reactions during the first time she was here in DenmarkDenmark is a Scandinavian country in northern Europe whose capital is Copenhagen., because I am quite sure about your discretion. –

x

(06) Because I – as a doctor in waiting, have a great interest in the anatomical and
[Page 3]
 physiological, I have some notes concerning these matters – Since you pointed out that you were not interested herein,– I will skip over them – or include them in an abbreviated form – if they will contribute to understanding her psyche. –

x

(07) 16/8-31.

(08) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 and GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener came here this morning. LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 will live here. She is here in CopenhagenCopenhagen (historical), capital of Denmark to get her facial skin feminized.

(09) Her psyche is quite womanly - -

(10) - -. A weak point is her face. Her hair is: a wig! And her lower face is still masculine. –
[Page 4]
 However, the brown eyes are decidedly womanly and quite beautiful, – with pretty eyebrows and lashes.

(11) I took a walk in the garden – and along Gentofte LakeGentofte Lake (historical), near Copenhagen, and talked with her. Her human atmosphere is fully feminine.

(12) - - He and GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener had never really been married: only been good friends and complemented each other.

(13) [The description of Einar'sEinar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter; married to Gerda Wegener; died as Lili Elbe in Dresden, 1931 planned suicide.] – This she told me in a silly tone, but I have the impression that BéEinar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter; married to Gerda Wegener; died as Lili Elbe in Dresden, 1931 was serious.–

Page 5

(14) 18/8.

(15) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 and I have talked a lot together on our little walks by Gentofte LakeGentofte Lake (historical), near Copenhagen – which she finds "utterly adorable".

(16) Behind the silly girlLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931, there is a very clearly thinking, understanding and feeling soul. It is namely motherChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister we have discussed. LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 thinks mother'sChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister deficiencies consist of

(17) 1. - - - - - - If one really wants to tell about one’s sickness and so on, one should do it lively and jokingly – and only one time! - - - -

(18) 4. Neglected her appearance

Page 6

(19) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 and I have become very fine friends, – and I value her more and more.

(20) 22/8

(21) MotherChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister has now told LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 the whole story – and LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 has patiently sacrificed the necessary afternoon. Afterwards she was quite destroyed – and motherChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister upset. LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 quarreled with motherChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister about a little detail – and then motherChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister had said that LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 had better move.

(22) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 took it, however, quietly – and it did not come to a break up.–
[Page 7]
- - MotherChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister was an opponent of the operation – and terrified and uncomprehending about it all - - sad and tragic that her brotherEinar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter; married to Gerda Wegener; died as Lili Elbe in Dresden, 1931, whom she loved so much, – has become a giddy, vain creature.

(23) - - Also the name "LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931" - she finds terrible. His motherChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister would never have called him this, if he had started as a girl. - -

(24) 23/8

(25) GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener was here. She is still not feeling well after the operation – and worries about LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931.

(26) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 has made the
[Page 8]
 most horrible scenes over her appearance, and talked about suicide, if she could not look good quickly.

(27) GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener asked us to try to help LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 be less self-absorbed, and get her to write on her book.

(28) 24/8

(29) Talked with LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931. Now she is doing well with writing on her book. I let her begin at my house – while I studied anatomy. The work atmosphere affected her – and she did not want to disturb me
[Page 9]
 or to risk my discontent, if she was lazy.

(30) 25/8

(31) MotherChristiane Wegener Thomsen (1881–1954), Einar Wegener’s only sister came crying to Lili'sLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 room at 7 o’clock and woke her. LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 lost her patience and told - -

x

(32) 18/9.

(33) LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 lives here now and writes on her book.

(34) GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener tells me that all their friends seek to get her to get a divorce – not just formally – but also in actual fact from LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931. –
[Page 10]
 She is extremely vain and claims that "beauty is a woman’s reason for existence"!!

(35) When we go for a walk, she asks if one can "see something". – In consideration of the enormous amount of "cosmetics" used, – this is usually impossible. – If I answer negatively – she does not believe me – but binds a silk handkerchief around her lower face as if she had a toothache. ––

(36) In the beginning when she was here – she was really shy – and was uncomfortable meeting people, – and that’s why I took her along
[Page 11]
 the side roads. – Now it is less – and she even flirts with it!

(37) She is very interested in men – and tells me with all signs of joy,– how "nasty" it is that they look at her!

(38) She loves to think herself a "trembling dove" persecuted by big, interested menfolk. –

(39) 6/10.

(40) She does not agree with women’s liberation. She says, – that if she gets married, she will love her husband, do everything that he
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 says – and only think of being as beautiful as possible – making him happy – and cheering him up, when he comes from the office. –

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(41) She likes caresses and to caress. FatherThomas Christian Thomsen (1883-1963), married to Einar’s sister, Christiane Thomsen, and father of Einar’s nephew, Sigurd Thomsen allows her to kiss him goodbye in the morning and goodnight in the evening.

(42) I don’t want that.

(43) She continues to jokingly make attempts,– and tickles me catlike up my arm. But I fend her off kindly and firmly. – and she respects that – and calls me
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 "the strict Mr. DoctorSigurd Wegener Thomsen (1905-1953), Einar’s nephew" –

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(44) Towards fatherThomas Christian Thomsen (1883-1963), married to Einar’s sister, Christiane Thomsen, and father of Einar’s nephew, Sigurd Thomsen and me she is good natured: -towards GerdaGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener she often makes hysterical scenes – with hysterical girly voice – and ends with crying. –

(45) Well – after what she has gone through, it is not so odd – that her mind is difficult.

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(46) Today Gerda'sGerda Maria Frederikke Gottlieb Wegener (1885-1940), an art deco painter and illustrator; married to Einar Wegener and Lili'sLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931 marriage was revoked.

(47) I asked LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931:

(48) – Was it the civil court?

(49) – Yes, said LilliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931.

(50) – How do you know that?

(51) – The judge was in civil!

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(52) She often refers to herself as "poor little LiliLili Elbe (fictional and historical), legal name Lili Ilse Elvenes; born Einar Wegener (1882), died in Dresden, 1931" – and wishes to be comforted and cuddled - - - . But overall she is in good humor. And appreciates a joke – even though it is at her expense – as long as it is good!

(53) She is nice and friendly and takes everything in the best way.

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(54) One day she talks about going to a convent. The next about going to a harem. – Just after the operation she said she had a "nun period." –

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(55) She is very vain about her figure and legs – and to some degree lacks modesty – partially owing to her lack of practice in sitting – etc. – in woman’s clothing.

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(56) Mentally – as a woman, she has two ages . – When she can use the knowledge that EinarEinar Magnus Andreas Wegener (b. 1882), a Danish painter; married to Gerda Wegener; died as Lili Elbe in Dresden, 1931 had – and that of his character, – that is only human – she is a good-natured, smart and witty woman – well up in her forties! – but when she talks about "men" or "clothes".– she is a giddy girl of sixteen! –

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(57) NB!

(58) 13/6

(59) When I think back – and should say something about her development since the operation, – it must be this.

(60) Her shyness towards people in general and men in particular has totally disappeared, – and her joy over the stir she causes among the men, is a little boastful – and is being attributed to a "mysterious power of attraction" – and not to her excessive use of powder. and rouge – and so on –

(61) In the beginning she was slimmer, seemed almost more feminine mentally than
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 now, where so much is forced and fake, – and she really possessed her own endearing “virginity” – which unfortunately has quite gone.

(62) That her friends have betrayed her, has caused her pain – but not bitterness, – as she has such a friendly, understanding nature.

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(63) I hope that you can have some pleasure of this.

(64) One day when I am in town, I would like to pick up the book you were so kind to offer to lend me. – I will call beforehand.

(65) Again, thank you for last time.

(66) Yours sincerely.

Sigurd ThomsenSigurd Wegener Thomsen (1905-1953), Einar’s nephew