Hopes it is all right, autographed book to him rather than to Mark Twain Society. Cannot write even a short piece about G. K. Chesterton for their quarterly. Has promised Knopf not to do any incidental writing. Maintaining this as a general rule saves many problems. Willa Cather [Stout #1362]
Doesn't care to join clubs. Has lived in eight different states, each with its own writers' club, state historical society, and so on. Has friends in each. Only way not to offend is to keep from joining any. Did weaken and join the Mark Twain Society on the understanding that her name would not be on the letterhead, and it was put there anyway. Willa Cather [Stout #1443]
Thanks for the letter about the baby [probably Mary Virginia Auld, niece, born November 11, 1905], who likely had a rich Christmas. Had a good trip to New York, but unfortunately was too busy to see the Wieners. Will someday show Bess the beautiful dress she bought for the dinner [Cather attended a dinner at Delmonico's in New York celebrating the 70th birthday of Mark Twain in December 1905]. Auntie Gore's letter said that Douglass Clark has nine children, that Perry's kids are living in Winchester and Walter works at a bank, and Howard Gore's wife is wintering in Switzerland and sending Sidney to school there. Auntie doesn't seem to enjoy their living abroad. Was good of Alec Bentley to visit his father. Is Mrs. Governor Garber still in Red Cloud? Sends affection to everyone, particularly the baby. Tell Mollie hello and please write and get Jess to write, too. PS: Is wearing garters Jess gave her. Received many Christmas gifts, including silk stockings, a leather bag, a pin, hand-embroidered clothing, and books. Willie
