Has read the tariff articles while at home with a cold and was surprised to find them interesting. Truly important magazine writing.[Tarbell's tariff articles appeared in American Magazine from 1906–1911; in book form 1911.] Willa Cather [Stout #124]
Has just returned from a week in the Apennines. Spent two days in Pompeii and is enjoying the Pompeiian collection at the Naples Museum, also the beautiful Bay of Naples. The classical world seems close at hand. Has regained enough Latin to read Tacitus and Suetonius. Remembers seeing a picture of the bust of Caesar in a textbook when Mr. Goudy was her teacher, and now has seen it at the museum. Farmers working their fields just as in Virgil's Georgics. Goes on to Rome next week. Willa [Stout #137]
Is sending a present for Peter Rabbit. Don't open until Christmas! Will send books for Mary Virginia as soon as she and Miss Lewis (with whom she is partners in housekeeping) have read them. Found these nice children's books from England in a local book shop. Willie [Stout #144]
Has read her letter many times. These past few years has felt confused, tired, drained of energy by the job and has felt cut off from her self. Mr. McClure wants her to become another Ida Tarbell; he doesn't believe she will ever be much of a writer of fiction. Feels as much a beginner in her writing as she ever did, as if she hadn't learned at all. Doesn't even have the feeling of learning about other things, as when she was a teacher. Hectic pace is giving her a bad temperament. Glad to have her salary; needs to help out the family now and then; but could quit now and have enough in the bank to live on for three or four years. Has reread "Martha's Lady," such a beautiful story. Will hope to get up to Boston after Christmas. Willa [Stout #145]
Had hoped to be there for commencement, but is leaving for London on business. Has kept up with Red Cloud schools through brothers and sisters. Remembers with love Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Goudy and Mr. and Mrs. O. C. Case. Mrs. Case, then Miss King, was principal when she first entered the school. Remembers her first teacher and some of her fellow pupils. Always tried to please Miss King, who helped and advised her all through high school—even tried to teach her algebra, an impossibility. Hard to believe it has been nineteen years since she graduated. Best wishes to the new graduates. They should try to live up to their teachers' goals for them. Willa Cather [Stout #159]
So glad to get Fanny's letter and to hear she is opening a book shop. Would be pleased to have her [Cather's] picture displayed in it. Going abroad in late spring, but must go see parents first. Knows handwriting is hard to read, but wanted to send a personal message. P.S.: Will come by to see the shop if possible. Willa Cather [Stout #212]
Has been knocking about the West for two weeks. Sorry to hear she is ill. Hopes she will rest up so she can get back to writing. The West so big it is almost frightening. Used to fear she would never escape it. Visited the Bohemian area while in Red Cloud and believes the story catches it just right. Winslow is unattractive; not so nice as New Mexico. Houses are flimsy, her brother's is tiny. Can't write there. Believes she [Cather] could work in Albuquerque. Please try to write clearly when she writes. It is often hard to read her script. Willa S. C. [Stout #221]
Being back in New York and going to the opera makes her want people around. Wishes they could have a good visit. Won't she come for a visit when she gets back? May go to Virginia in May. Sending "Pioneers" for her to read. Be honest. W. S. C. [Stout #252]
Somehow got a painful infection from a scratch on the back of the head. Now has a poultice on it, is bandaged up, and is taking morphine. So addled she can scarcely read a letter. W. S. C. [Stout #276]
Has just read her essay on Provence in Century. Is busy with proofs. Jack is off in Maine. A musical critic is reading galleys and is enthusiastic, especially about the singing lessons. Would have felt bad if those hadn't been right! Has she seen Henry James's article about Mrs. Fields in the June Atlantic? Isn't she disappointed in Owen Wister's novel? [Pentecost of Calamity, 1915] P.S.: Loves her khaki outfit for the cliff dwellings— reminds her of Kurt's outfit in Fidelio [ Beethoven ]. Willa [Stout #310]
