Has had an attack of neuritis and will have to cancel Thanksgiving plans. Unfortunately, active writing brings on these attacks. Does hope to come see Mary Virginia [at Smith College] some time this winter. Willa Cather [Stout #755]
Appreciated message from the ship and hopes she is enjoying Paris. Leaves for Bowdoin College tomorrow to give an address, then on to Mary Jewett's house in South Berwick, Maine. Then to Wellesley, Massachusetts, to visit Mary Virginia [where she attended Dana Hall]. Leaves for Arizona May 30. Is about halfway through proofs. Willa [Stout #782]
Has just returned from Maine and found her letter waiting. Going to Grand Canyon, then to ranch at Española. May not get to Taos at all, but if it appears she can, will check and see whether there is a house available. Would like to see her house there. Saw Elsie Sergeant yesterday. Sorry to hear Amy Lowell died. Willa [Stout #783]
Has just returned, having been away since May. Cannot accept his invitation. Must finish new novel; serialization begins in December [sic]. Can't take time to come to Chicago. Willa Cather [Stout #860]
Yes, is a woman; can't explain name. In the South, however, it was common to feminize the name of a male relative. Wish they had just left it William. Glad he likes the book. It stays very close to fact. Willa Cather [Stout #939]
Has been called out of town and therefore slow to answer her letter. Appreciated it and sends condolences. Willa Cather [Stout #1104]
Will consider placing Jewett's letters there when ready to place them at all. They are personal letters and mean a great deal to her. Allowed Mrs. Fields to use letters that seemed to have a public interest, because she was convinced they provided good advice to any young writer. Willa Cather [Stout #1556]
Very pleased to receive the article about Bishop Beecher. Is leaving next week for Maine, a place on the ocean north of Portland. Needs to escape business details of new editions coming out in England. Can't go to Grand Manan because food so restricted now. Has lost back to 112 pounds. Wishes Mary Virginia were still here. Willie [Stout #1635]
Please do not send any of her letters on to her brothers and sisters, who usually seem to misunderstand her. [Stout #1636]
Enclosing two letters from Mary Virginia to explain why she cannot come to Red Cloud. Felt energetic while in the cool climate of Maine, but returned to New York to find summer heat lingering on and the apartment a mess. Without a good maid to take over, wore herself out cleaning the place. Has lost five pounds again. Also, found that travel is very difficult these days. Very sorry not to be coming to visit. Did she receive the long letter about Ántonia? Sorry to hear about Willard Crowell's accident. Please don't tire herself out with Red Cross work, and maybe they can have some time together before long. Willie [Stout #1638]
