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]
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]
Has reached Winslow. Is worried about Elsie's news. W. S. C. [Stout #220]
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]
People are ultimately more interesting than scenery. Feels restless when the wind keeps her from going riding. Douglass has been on a run for three days, leaving her with a brakeman named Tooker, who keeps house and goes off drinking at night. A big talker. Has been target-shooting with a pistol and may use Tooker for a target if he doesn't drop the polysyllabics. Mainly enjoying the Mexicans in the area, who live south of the train tracks in a delightful village. Hopes to go to Flagstaff and see cliff dwellings tomorrow. W. S. C. [Stout #224]
Yes, does remember springtime in the South. Has gotten over her loneliness. Won't get to Mexico after all. W. S. C. [Stout #225]
