Lingering at Mesa Verde. Ruins are a marvel. W. S. C. [Stout #319]
Will be in Red Cloud for a month starting September 10. Going to Wyoming first. Is Heinemann bringing out the book in England? P.S.: What is the publication date? W. S. C. Willa Cather [Stout #321]
Good work on the publicity booklet and poster. Thanks for the advance copy. Likes the cover, jacket, and type. Has excellent photos of Mesa Verde provided by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, also of Taos and the pueblos near Santa Fe. Would he still like to have a book about the Southwest? Might be able to travel for free on Santa Fe next summer to gather additional material. Unfortunately, has gained six pounds while climbing and riding. Edith lost weight. W. S. C. [Stout #322]
Just got her letter. Gained five pounds at Mesa Verde. Had a bad time in the worst canyon in Colorado; got some bruises. Has received an advance copy of the book—terrible proofreading. Surely a good proofreader would have caught the errors she missed herself. Has learned a lesson about hurrying a book. Has marvelous photos of the Southwest. Has Elsie seen A Boy's Will [ Frost ]? It's even better than North of Boston. W. [Stout #323]
Paul Reynolds sold the clumsy story she told him about for $600. Is on her way to Taos. Hopes he will remember she still wants to do a book about the Southwest and will not commit to anyone else for one. W. S. C. [Stout #359]
The Columbian Hotel in this wonderful place is pink adobe, the owner a dark Mexicana. Enjoys taking horseback rides and stopping at people's houses. Sorry she didn't invite him another day and arrange for him to bring his friends, but reached the point where she had to leave. Hopes he will visit in the fall. Has taken Paul Reynolds as agent, and he has sold a story she would never have tried to place with a magazine. Willa Cather [Stout #361]
Understands her regret that G. P. has enlisted, but he has always wanted to be in the military and this is his chance. It's a time of return to basics: men carrying guns. For herself, feels proud of him and glad he can go, especially as an officer. Wishes Jack were going. Was sorry not to see her, but the heat was debilitating and she and her friend fled back East. Was too worn out to work for a while, but now is working every morning in a tent about a mile from the inn. Douglass's reports about Mother are disheartening. Wonders if she should go to California to see about her. Address is at Hotel Garfield on O'Farrell Street in San Francisco. Elsie is delighted with her school and with Albuquerque. On the whole, families are pretty good things to have. Willa [Stout #390]
Still doesn't know the amount of the hotel bill Irene paid, and would like to pay her debt. Isabelle sends thanks for the pleasant stay in Omaha. In Chicago, after her [Cather's] speech at the College Club, there was a dinner given by university classmates. Then went with Fanny Butcher to visit major book businesses, very tiring. Will send some good photos taken in Omaha. Willie [Stout #560]
Doesn't remember giving her money for ticket to Lincoln. Is sure she owes more of the hotel bill. Has ordered photos from Omaha. Josephine is back for half days; cooks a French dinner every night and will soon have her ailing stomach better. New doctor admires Ántonia but would rather he paid attention to her intestines. Willa [Stout #565]
Will be at her hotel tomorrow at tea time. W. S. C. [Stout #569]
