Mrs. McClung had a relapse on Saturday that seems serious. Has been taking refuge in Michelet; just finished the third volume. Recommends Richard Wagner's autobiography; it is so honest and direct. W. S. C. [Stout #219]
Wrote to him from New Mexico, but he may not have received letters. Sorry to hear about Mrs. McClure's illness and his business troubles. People should be as generous to him as he has always been to others. Contracts have been changed so much it is hard to know what his share of the company now is. Will help with autobiography without charge for friendship's sake. Hopes she can write the articles as he wants them. He will recall that she couldn't hit what he wanted in some parts of the Christian Science series. Hasn't written a bit since she left New York, but is suntanned and healthy and in good humor again. Hopes people will forget how cross she was. It was from fatigue. Will never let little things bother her so much again. Willa Cather [Stout #235]
Enjoyed reading her one-act play and her sonnets, but doesn't really like poems about artistic endeavor. "Rain, Rain!" and "Amen" are very good. Was in New York in October working on an article on the play openings. W. S. C. [Stout #247]
Thanks for the letter. Has just finished a new novel, having reduced her work for the magazine by half. Is settling into new apartment, which had to have considerable refurbishing but was worth it, spacious and quiet. Has bought four Persian rugs. The same colored maid as for the past four years is still keeping life in order. Agrees that Alexander is morally flimsy, but goodness in characters does not necessarily make strong fiction. Believes she will like the new novel better. Elsie is enjoying her teaching. Finds that one of the rewards of nearing forty years old is feeling more comfortable with older relatives, who always used to seem rather intimidating. Not so much Aunt Franc and Father as others. Willie [Stout #254]
True, the story suggests Lillian Nordica, though there are only two specifics that resemble her life, the shipwreck and the dispute over the will. Yes, her last husband, George Young, is still alive. Let her know by mail if he is going to be in town, as she has had her telephone disconnected. P.S.: Truly doesn't see how Young could object to the story. Willa S. Cather [Stout #358]
Sorry not to have anything to send him yet. Will get back to New York in November and start to work. Glad to see the story in McClure's ["The Diamond Mine," Oct. 1916], but they should have let her cut it as she did "My Little Sister" [by Elizabeth Robins, pub. Dec. 1912 and Jan. 1913]. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #367]
Has set aside "The Blue Mesa" to work on a novel with western setting about the same length as O Pioneers!. Is about half through the first draft. How late could she get manuscript in to have a fall publication date? May have it by end of May or middle of June. If a fall publication this year not possible, will probably set it aside and do more stories. Reynolds can get $700 each for them. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #382]
Will try to finish the manuscript in time for fall publication. Doesn't want illustrations unless she can find just the right person. Would like a cover of dark blue with perhaps a bright yellow jacket. Willa Cather [Stout #383]
Will be glad to help with Albertieri's book about dance, but doubts he will split the manuscript into two. Rather than the illustrators he suggested, believes Benda might do something for the new book. Willa S. Cather [Stout #384]
Will be back to Bank Street Oct. 10. Making good progress on the novel. Houghton Mifflin urging her to hurry. Sending a rough first draft of a story called "Explosives." Willa S. Cather [Stout #393]
