Another busy winter. Elsie made her first visit to New York at Christmas; they had a wonderful time except for worrying about Mother, who'd hurt herself in a fall. Elsie liked the apartment and the colored maid, who has taken over all housekeeping cares. Health is better this winter, though working all summer while Mr. McClure was ill in Europe wore her down. Had some time away to recuperate in the fall. Saw Mr. Wiener a few weeks ago; he is still himself, in spite of having made so much money. Isabelle visiting and sends her greeting. Hears from Howard Gore that he is going to the coronation of the king of Siam, whom he knew years ago. Wishes he wouldn't pursue aristocrats, but vanity seems endemic to Washington. Hears that Bessie and Auntie are well, and that she and Uncle George are too. May have to go to England in April. Hopes to receive a letter from her before going. Willie [Stout #188]
Has just seen a report of G. P.'s accident in the Red Cloud newspaper. It appears he is out of danger but must be in a lot of pain. Has always been afraid of automobiles, and gasoline seems inherently dangerous. Only a week ago an explosion a couple of blocks away caused several apartment buildings to burn down. G. P. is a very strong young man, but this is a terrible ordeal. Elsie is enjoying Northampton. Hopes to see her next week during a trip to Boston. Willie [Stout #194]
Thanks for the box of candy. Someone from Hull House was at the office and said Miss Wyatt is obsessed with white slavery these days. Too bad she can't see anything amusing in humanity. Miss McClung to be in town soon and Miss Goldmark not long after. Wishes Sergeant could be there to meet Isabelle, who also dislikes people obsessed with social reform. Willa Cather [Stout #195]
So glad she liked the stories. They now seem distant and ill tempered. But appreciates the good words. Here, can forget the present and its troubles. Returning tomorrow. Willa Cather [Stout #199]
Sorry not to be sending Christmas gifts to the children. Has only some little handkerchiefs for Mary Virginia. Nothing to buy here. Hears from mother that the new baby is pretty. Willie [Stout #210]
Has sold the Bohemian Girl story for $500. Was offered $750, but that was too much. How can she [Cather] leave McClure's when they are so nice to her? Mr. Mackenzie already wanting to advertise the opera singer story, when she hasn't even written it. Thinks she caught the germ of selling manuscripts from her! It was a good one to catch. Is staying in town for the dinner for William Dean Howells. W. S. C. [Stout #213]
Wishes she were there to go on top of a bus with her to the park. A fine day. Enjoyed last Saturday. Enclosing a note from Mrs. Fields. W. S. C. [Stout #214]
Sorry she has had bad news. Mr. McClure turned up unexpectedly last week. Leaving for Pittsburgh tomorrow. Elsie Sergeant saved her sanity while she [Cather] was in Boston. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #215]
It was hard to get away from New York, because Mr. McClure had arrived. Isabelle's mother is very ill, unconscious following a stroke. Has been able to keep from getting tense and nervous so far. Would be glad for her to come to Arizona, but doesn't know when she will leave, how long she will stay with her mother, or anything at all about Winslow. Was just called to Mrs. McClung's side for a brief interval of consciousness. W. S. C. [Stout #216]
Mrs. McClung had a relapse on Saturday that seems serious. Has been taking refuge in Michelet; just finished the third volume. Recommends Richard Wagner's autobiography; it is so honest and direct. W. S. C. [Stout #219]
