If it's true that Irene is going to Red Cloud, might they travel together from Chicago? Will speak in Omaha November 27. They could have a good visit. Hopes to stay through Christmas. Is enjoying Claude's success, though appendicitis attacks have dragged her down. Willa [Stout #637]
Has cancelled the lecture in Omaha, but still hopes to get to Red Cloud by Thanksgiving. Still hopes they can travel from Chicago together. Appreciated her letter. Willa [Stout #639]
Will sit for a portrait in Paris if the people of Omaha want her to. Is being hounded by reporters since the Pulitzer announced. Sends greetings to the Newbranches. Willa Cather [Stout #686]
Has been very busy this summer. Had to choose a painter for the portrait commissioned by the people of Omaha. Expects to be at home for Christmas. Looks forward to telling her about Isabelle's house and friends. Bakst paints in a modern style that may not produce a perfect likeness. Fears people in Omaha won't be pleased. Willie [Stout #692]
Has received check for $1000 to pay Bakst. Work has been slow. Her health has not been good, and she is very tired; going to Aix-les-Bains to rest. Not sure her parents will want to go to Omaha to unveil the portrait. Would prefer this to be quiet. May Bakst exhibit the portrait in Philadelphia and Boston before sending it to Omaha? Will probably sail for the U.S. in late October and is not eager to get to Omaha, where the aggressive Mrs. Shotwell lurks. The questions she wrote to Bakst are entirely too personal and intrusive! Willa Cather [Stout #693]
Is spending a month here getting treatment for neuritis on right arm. Will sail as soon as Bakst finishes portrait, paid for by the city of Omaha. Willa [Stout #701]
Glad to have his confirmation that people in Omaha pay no attention to Mrs. Shotwell. Touched by Harvey Newbranch's column. Glad people of Nebraska are pleased with her article in The Nation. Not sure if she can get painting to Omaha by December 10. Glad to report that A Lost Lady is going into a third printing after only a week. Willa Cather [Stout #702]
Sorry she hadn't understood he expected her to be in Omaha for the unveiling of the portrait. No longer plans to be in Nebraska for Christmas; is working on a new book. Would much rather visit when there is no ceremony going on. Has also declined to give William Vaughn Moody lectures in Chicago. People seem bent on keeping her from writing! Picture will be shipped tomorrow. Willa Cather [Stout #709]
Declines to make public statement about portrait. Willa Cather [Stout #713]
Regrets the disappearance of local opera houses in small towns of Nebraska. Remembers the excitement when touring companies came to Red Cloud. With her friends, would go watch the train arrive and the theatrical company get off. Is not sorry there are now motion pictures, but wishes they had not brought demise of live performances. Does not believe movies touch emotions of audience as live performances did, though they are fine entertainment. Willa Cather [Stout #985]
