Her article on Lawrence captures him better than anyone else has done. So glad to hear that Jeffers liked Archbishop. Admires his "Roan Stallion" and "Night." Paris has deteriorated, more like New York now. Wouldn't have come except to see a seriously ill friend. Misses New Mexico and is tired of festivities. Willa [Stout #1014]
Very much admires Lorenzo in Taos [published in 1932; she must have seen manuscript or proof]. It equals the Buffalo section of Intimate Memories. Whether one agrees or not with the views of the people, they are well presented. Lawrence himself is caught better than anyone else has ever caught him, down to his giggle, or snicker. Country itself has its own life, and Tony's car takes on real significance. Edith away for a week, but read it, too. Is leaving for California before long. Mother about the same. Hopes to go to Mexico City before long. Willa Cather [Stout #1036]
Will write a proper letter after Yehudi Menuhin sails next week. Was sick with influenza all of February and since then trying to catch up on all sorts of things. Has a copy of Lorenzo and will write about it soon. Willa [Stout #1107]
She and Edith have leased an apartment and are decorating it. Almost ready to move in. Edith very busy at work; hopes she will resign soon. What about Mary Austin's book [Earth Horizon]? So full of special pleading and self-pity. Not true Archbishop was written in Austin's house—didn't even want to go to the house, but had to, to be polite. Couldn't help it the archbishop was French. Houghton Mifflin had to make deletions [from Earth Horizon] after some 30,000 copies were sold, under threat of lawsuit by H. G. Wells. Has she read Hemingway's fine new book [Death in the Afternoon]? Would like to go to Mexico this winter, but must get settled first. Has heard lots of people talking about Lorenzo in Taos. Willa [Stout #1135]
Found her letter waiting when she returned from New Hampshire. Glad she is having her portrait done. Enjoyed being lazy all summer, but worked hard during the fall. Anticipates a good musical season in New York and is looking forward to the Menuhins' arrival in January. Does she know where Elsie Sergeant is? Willa [Stout #1204]
Sorry to have missed her. Wish she had stayed at the Grosvenor while she was in town. Hand out of splints but not useful yet. Enjoyed Four Saints [in Three Acts; New York premiere on February 20, 1934]. Willa [Stout #1224]
Enjoyed her Christmas card, with its sprig of sage. Spent a very pleasant time in Italy latter part of summer after wearing herself out caring for a sick friend. Returned shortly before Christmas. Enjoyed the rough passage, but Edith so sick she had to be carried off the boat. Still hasn't caught up on her letters. Doesn't she like the Anne Lindbergh book! Willa [Stout #1295]
Was glad to receive her letter, but it creates a problem. Would be glad to contribute to the hospital, but is already contributing heavily to old friends in Nebraska who are in absolute penury from drought. Is cutting back on Christmas presents to do all she can for these people. Government relief seems to go only to those who won't work, and the New Deal has cut into her income from investments. Hope things not as bad in New Mexico as in Nebraska. Willa [Stout #1340]
Brother Douglass died of a heart attack in early June. He had spent her birthday with her last December in New York. Is having trouble getting over it. P.S.: Got a laugh for the first time in a long while from The Laughing Horse [satirical literary magazine published in Taos, N.M., by Witter Bynner's secretary and friend Spud Johnson]. It caught Mary Austin and Mabel herself quite well. Willa Cather [Stout #1411]
Cather has undergone surgery for removal of gall bladder and appendix. Will be at Presbyterian Hospital until August 15. Registered under Edith Lewis's name, so no letters should be sent there and she does not want flowers, as she finds it distressing to see them neglected. [Stout #1585]
