Roscoe has been ill, but needs money worse than he needs her presence. How nice it is to have independence! Life has a lot of variety these days. Mr. Farrar broke his leg but is still capable of fun. Mrs. Canfield and Dorothy visited during Christmas. Turned the tables by introducing them to society. Many parties, including a dinner for Ethelbert Nevin. Has met interesting people—Anthony Hope Hopkins, F. Marion Crawford, Fridtjof Nansen. Went shopping with Nevin today, and he bought her a bunch of violets. Willa [Stout #47]
Wondering where Omar is. Please send it. Willa S. Cather [Stout #63]
Has finished first month of teaching, but may quit and go home to Red Cloud. So much effort, if one is serious about it, for so little pay. The "letters" have been rejected [projected book of open letters to actors]. Just as well; they were overwritten and not of lasting interest. Maybe some can be placed in the Critic, with Dorothy's help. "Jack-a-Boy" in the Saturday Evening Post with good illustrations. Has been reading Lemaître. McClungs have moved into new house. Would like to discuss the Pittsburgh novel. [Two poems are enclosed: "Caliban" and "The Inexorable."] Willie [Stout #68]
Typed note by Witter Bynner indicates that Roseboro' gave him the letters. Yes, certainly knows A Shropshire Lad. Don't her own poems show it? Traced Housman in Shropshire, where he seems unknown. Visited him in a boardinghouse in a dreary London suburb. He looked gaunt, seemed bitter, but is the only English poet now active whose work will endure. Though an instructor in Latin, he writes strictly from the level of a country boy. Willa S. Cather [Stout #88]
Still sorry not to have seen her father. Has seen Minnie Maddern Fiske in Hedda Gabler [ Ibsen ], with Isabelle. Has been to many concerts. Can't be up past ten on a school night or won't be any good in the classroom. Many parties for Edith [McClung]. Has written about 40,000 words of a new manuscript; not ready to talk about it yet. Had a happy Thanksgiving dinner last night; Judge McClung away. Willie [Stout #92]
Sorry they have had a misunderstanding. Sorry to be so often cross and ungracious; behaved badly two years ago in Europe. Felt inferior, not understanding French. Teaching wears on her disposition. Has not written a line of poetry in months. Others say she has become unfeeling. Has been to a doctor to see if there is a physical cause. Is paying now for not tearing away from happiness in Pittsburgh four years ago. Appreciates comments on "A Wagner Matinee" [Everybody's Magazine, Feb. 1904]. Spirits low; escapes by working. Please wait until these low spirits are gone before eloping with a tenor, if that's what she wants! Sorry to have written such a self-revealing letter all about feelings, but is trying to be honest. P.S.: Can't talk about the McClung household, of course, but it is wearing, too. Willie [Stout #94]
Generous of her to say she understands that incoherent letter. Likes the first part of Dorothy's boy story better than the last, where it spells things out too much. "A Wagner Matinee" has stirred up a hornet's nest, led by Will Jones. Will write another and make them even madder. Willie [Stout #96]
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]
Has received her telegram about "The Profile." Character resembles Miss Osborne only in that she has a scar, not uncommon. Miss Osborne shouldn't take it as a reference to herself. Sorry Dorothy is upset. Willa [Stout #100]
Can't withdraw the story without canceling the entire volume, which is already in type. Doubts Miss Osborne will ever see it, let alone take it to heart. Does not agree it is a portrait of her. Isabelle, who has a strong moral sense, does not see anything wrong. This has spoiled the pleasure in her first book of fiction. Wouldn't ask such a thing of anyone. Is very hurt by Dorothy's attitude. Willa [Stout #101]
