The Song of the Lark was fun to write, but shows carelessness. Cut out several chapters set in Germany to keep it focused on the Moonstone perspective. They would have spoiled the unity. A few negative reviewers have wished it were a tragedy rather than a success story. The title is a weakness, it's true. Hasn't been up to starting a new book this winter, with Judge McClung's death, the closing of the house, and prospect of Isabelle's marriage [April 3, 1916]. Doesn't get along well with Jan Hambourg. Loss of Isabelle is a severe one. Also, Annie Fields died last winter. So much misery in the world in general, with the war. Wishes they could have a long talk. Willa [Stout #351]
Controversy about the book ought to boost sales, at any rate. Receives letters equally absolute on both sides. Had tea yesterday with William Allen White—such a pleasant person. He kept trying to encourage her and joked that her elite literary set had abandoned her. Sinclair Lewis there also. Glad she didn't feel irritated with him, because she can never hide it. P.S.: Would like to meet Robert Frost. Willa [Stout #624]
Appreciates his writing about the book. Can't remember ever wanting so much to get a character across as this one. Will hope to see him if she is in Omaha. Willa Cather [Stout #631]
Will sit for a portrait in Paris if the people of Omaha want her to. Is being hounded by reporters since the Pulitzer announced. Sends greetings to the Newbranches. Willa Cather [Stout #686]
Has decided on Leon Bakst for the portrait. He believes he can do it, though he is busy designing sets for Paris Opera. Not sure he will do a good likeness, but it will be an interesting picture. Has agreed to $1,000, the amount Vinsonhaler suggested. Please keep confidential. This has been a difficult matter. Willa Cather [Stout #690]
Bakst wants to begin the sittings on August 6. Expects it to take two to three weeks. Please keep price confidential, as he usually charges twice that much. Willa Cather [Stout #691]
Has received check for $1000 to pay Bakst. Work has been slow. Her health has not been good, and she is very tired; going to Aix-les-Bains to rest. Not sure her parents will want to go to Omaha to unveil the portrait. Would prefer this to be quiet. May Bakst exhibit the portrait in Philadelphia and Boston before sending it to Omaha? Will probably sail for the U.S. in late October and is not eager to get to Omaha, where the aggressive Mrs. Shotwell lurks. The questions she wrote to Bakst are entirely too personal and intrusive! Willa Cather [Stout #693]
Is resting here for a month. Sixteen sittings for the portrait, rather than the ten anticipated. Has the check in a safe deposit box until the painting is finished. Are they willing for Bakst to exhibit it? Not sure she can bring it with her. Are they willing for a photograph of it to be in the New York Times? Mrs. Shotwell's rude letter enclosed. Willa Cather [Stout #700]
Glad to have his confirmation that people in Omaha pay no attention to Mrs. Shotwell. Touched by Harvey Newbranch's column. Glad people of Nebraska are pleased with her article in The Nation. Not sure if she can get painting to Omaha by December 10. Glad to report that A Lost Lady is going into a third printing after only a week. Willa Cather [Stout #702]
After a month in Paris is back in the country. Hasn't been writing letters. Sails on the Berengaria Nov. 17. Will send painting directly to him when she gets to New York. Seems to be a fine painting, though not a particularly good likeness. Willa Cather [Stout #704]
