Has been to Homestead, Pennsylvania, to see Mary Esther Robbins, now engaged to a German professor of science. Was in New York in February; had lunch with Madame [Helena] Modjeska. Willa [Stout #48]
How lucky Mariel is! [See #0053.] Is traveling home the long way, by the Great Lakes, but will be in Lincoln the next Sunday. Is worried about her mother, who has been ill. Willa [Stout #57]
Children not so changed as she expected; mother better than reports had indicated. Very hot; doubts she can work. Mrs. Garber doesn't go out any more. Hopes Mariel is better. Willa [Stout #69]
Has been home about two weeks, feeling tired out. Mother better than in years. Hopes he will read her story in the June New England Magazine. Another to be in August or September Scribner's [?]. Hoping for cooler weather. Willa [Stout #70]
As a result of Dorothy's having written to her [Cather's] mother, has had the first letter from her that she could bear to read in two years. They may yet make peace. Isabelle and Edith away on a fishing trip to West Virginia. Sarah Harris has written denouncing the "animalism" of April Twilights—must be crazy. Is tired from parties and work. Is Mrs. Canfield painting? Has she read "The Better Sort" [volume of short stories by Henry James, pub. 1903]? Very complex and obscure. Willie [Stout #85]
Thanks for sharing what Miss Roseboro' said about the stories. Roseboro's own are a sentimental muddle. Best wishes for Dorothy's doctoral exam in May. Hopes to get to Vermont this summer. Will mainly be in New York near or with Edith Lewis. Hopes to finish novel there. Might take an English course at Columbia, if there is one in the summer. Isabelle still droopy from bad throat. Parents [Cather's] have just moved into a new, roomier house and want her to come help select furnishings, but she needs to finish the novel for McClure. Willie [Stout #97]
Sorry not to have been more sensitive about the doctoral exam, but doesn't understand Ph.D.s. Now realizes it was an ordeal. Expects to be in New York about June 28 and hopes she can come down. Hasn't decided whether the novel is worth rewriting. Hopes to go abroad with Isabelle again next year. May yet go to Red Cloud this summer. Has had two nice visits with the Willards. Exams to begin soon at school, so will be busy. Willie [Stout #98]
Appreciated her long letter. Missed Mr. Gere during her visit to Lincoln. Spent a week in Cheyenne with Douglass and a week camping in the Black Hills with Roscoe, then four weeks in Red Cloud helping her father around the new house. Jessie expecting a baby. Mrs. Garber still charming but sad from missing Mr. Garber, though he was a care. Wishes she could live in the West. Getting settled into school work again. Love to Mrs. Gere and to Ellen and Frances, and greetings to the Joneses and others. Willa [Stout #107]
Thanks for the picture. Isabelle sends greetings. Love to her mother, Frances, and Ellen. Willa [Stout #108]
Sorry not to get home for Christmas, especially when he is ill, but can't desert McClure in this difficulty. Must get the March article out [on Mary Baker Eddy]. Did not work on the January one, began with February. Hopes to be home by New Year's. Willie [Stout #120]
