Saw Dr. Fordyce, the skin specialist, yesterday, and he diagnosed problem as ringworm; said she must have been in contact with an animal that had it. Cut ten pieces of skin away and sent to a laboratory, and they found ringworm fungus in every piece. First noticed the blisters about two months ago when she was in France. Dog there had seemed to have mange but had recovered several weeks before she noticed the places. Doctor said it takes six weeks to two months to incubate. Has had x-ray treatments and will probably have three more; using iodine and a zinc lotion. Was able to go to the theatre last night wearing long sleeves and gloves. Colored maid is working out well; cooks lunch, does all the cleaning and washing, and manages well with all the shopping and errands; is happy to do that for $20 a week. Happy holidays to everyone. [unsigned; possibly a last page missing] [Stout #708]
Pleased to accept check in payment for the essay [reprinting of "The Novel Démeublé"]. Willa Cather [Stout #720]
Just getting into some new work and is staying in hiding until it gets further along. Not accepting invitations until after January 1. Please send last part of manuscript and she will get it ready for typesetting. Willa Cather [Stout #758]
Carnelians are beautiful. Had a lovely Christmas. Willa Cather [Stout #764]
Thanks for returning her overshoes and umbrella. W. S. C. [Stout #767]
What has she done to upset her so? Hasn't sent anything to Bess [prob. Elizabeth Seymour] or Auntie [Sarah Andrews] since she returned to New York. Hasn't written because she knew Douglass was there. Certainly did not mean to cause discord between her and father about the newspaper story about Margie [Argus, October 30, 1924; apparently following a story in one of the city newspapers in Nebraska]. It caused gossip, but isn't angry about it. Hasn't felt really angry toward her since they quarreled about Mrs. Garber. They've been growing closer and mustn't ruin that now. Hopes she and father will let her buy the house so they can pay Elsie to come live with them and look after them. Willa [Stout #771]
What she is sending is late but was carefully done and seems to be good [essay "Katherine Mansfield"]. Please send proofs. W. S. C. [Stout #784]
Spent three days in Boston and talked with Greenslet about selling her books to Knopf. Please send a copy of the limited edition to her mother and send her [Cather] their fall list. Needs reading material. W. S. C. [Stout #796]
Is giving lectures at University of Chicago November 17 through 19, so can't accept the University Club in New York. Will be back to Bank Street in a week. "Archbishop" doing well. W. S. C. [Stout #799]
Coat left behind was Edith Lewis's. Please send on to New York. Bishops are going along, but historical facts cramp the writing. Was invited to lecture at Smith College this winter but declined. Would like to buy baby a coat. Enclosing review. People saying The Professor's House is her best book. Can't understand it. W—. [Stout #800]
