Is very concerned about mother's cold and thinks she should go to Yuma if it does not improve. Is pleased mother has met nice people at the boarding house; often kind but unfamiliar people are more relaxing companions than family and friends, as one tends to put on a better face for them. Is in bed for a few days with visiting "friend." Dr. Van Etten, to whom she was referred by Dr. Wiener, is helpful, and thinks he might be able to make her monthly bout less difficult over time and, by reducing loss of blood, improve her general health. Is very distraught by the war news, and has written father in detail about it. Bought a black, beaded silk bag for Auntie Sister for $1 at Wannamaker's when there to purchase curtains. Thinks Auntie will think it very classy. Monthly expenses are $50 higher this year; have [she and Edith Lewis] given up opera and most concerts (but do often get free theater tickets). Mrs. Deland solicited a $10 donation for Belgium; had to give it since Deland kept her for three weeks after the Boston operation. Jack is working in Pittsburgh now, but the job isn't likely to last long. He seems very cocky of late, so wrote him a diatribe warning him not to look silly in front of Pittsburgh friends. He'll probably soon get over the boastful mood and be a humble boy again. Will soon mail her the month's magazines and plans to send a Valentine's Day card to West Virginia and a book to Mrs. Letson. Since it is Friday, has to meet guests for tea, but hopes few will arrive today. Likes to use the lunch cloth mother gave her and Isabelle's silver every Friday. Willie
Tell father that sending the book [ Death Comes for the Archbishop ] via air mail was Knopf's extravagance, not her own. Is not leaving on the Berengaria while father is so ill. Edith has been very understanding. Their possessions will be in storage soon, and they may go to New Mexico and Arizona. Edith wishes to avoid an extended vacation in New England, and they would like to see southern Arizona. After packers come on Monday, will be at Pennsylvania hotel, so send correspondence to Knopf. Is glad Helen Louise did not mind Guide Rock too much. Was very negligent not to have realized that there was no train until the evening. It has been a bad summer. Willa
Will autograph book when in New York, but is leaving for Arizona in a couple of weeks. Merry Christmas to her and Forum staff. Willa Cather
Must refer to her as Miss Guiney due to long history of admiration, though such a habit does not mean she feels distant. Returned from travels in the West recently, and is glad to be back. Typically is longing for it, but got her fill during the recent trip. The people seem so fat and overconfident, as if they are trying to meet the expectations of Owen Wister and Remington. The land in Arizona and New Mexico is amazing, though. As Balzac commented, the desert has both all and nothing, God without humankind. That line has to be lived awhile before its profundity sinks in. The spirit gets lonesome in a place where the only history is geologic. Glad she liked "Alexander," but thinks "The Bohemian Girl" is even better. Mrs. Fields did not like it, however, but she just could not get past the crudeness of the characters' behavior. Will Guiney let her and her sister rent the cottage? Did she know Andrew Lang or the unfortunate Mr. Stead [possibly William Thomas Stead, British writer who died when the Titanic sunk in April 1912]? Mrs. Vermocken writes that she loves Guiney's house, and hopes she can see it (and Guiney) soon. Was planning to stay with Mrs. Fields in October, but work is keeping her in the city. Willa
Recently returned from Canada to a large stack of mail. Has not been at 5 Bank Street for months and currently has no address aside from publisher's. Wished they could have met, and please don't think her rude. Is going to Arizona very soon and will spend the winter in the Southwest. Willa Cather
Thank you for the cigarettes and handkerchiefs, and thanks to Virginia for the colorful pictures. She put them up by her desk for many days before sharing them with mother. Has a beautiful miniature orange tree with nine fruits on it; please tell Virginia. When she is older, will send her some fragile sea shells Isabelle mailed from Florida. Did he see her paltry story in Harper's ["A Gold Slipper," Harper's Monthly Magazine, 134 (January 1917): 166-174]? British War Supplies is laying off people, and is afraid Jack will lose his job. But then, after all, life should not be too easy when one is young. Maybe the fact that he did well enough there will spur him to strive for more success. Has mailed $100 to mother for her trip to Tucson, and will send another $100 on March 1. Is pleased Virginia enjoys the beads; it's nerve wracking to try to select anything for her to wear: remember that hat! She is quite particular about her fashion choices. Wishes Virginia could come to visit her, and she must do so when she is older. Please send condolences to Elsie Stewart about her mother. Will soon send Roscoe and Meta a book they ought to read, and hopes they send her some sage this spring. Willa.
Oh, so they are all going to be married soon! He and Meta should make her their child, as she wouldn't leave them. He should definitely take the automobile tour: at Tucson, he should visit the ancient St. Xavier del Bac mission as many times as possible. It is Franciscan and very nearly the most beautiful thing in North America. Will tell him about Lake Placid details soon. Edith belongs to Delta Gamma and sends greetings to her sorority sister. W.
