Delighted to see the good review in yesterday's Times [of Déclassée, which opened at the Empire Theatre on October 6 with Ethel Barrymore in the lead]. Seems a triumph—a word that can only be used for the theater since the advent of trench warfare. Confident the play has real quality, is not just what is usually popular. Will go see it as soon as she gets back to New York. Willa Cather [Stout #477]
Can't they get into the Times Book Supplement a notice such as this one about Hergesheimer? Understands there will be a Czech translation of Ántonia. Still trying to get a phone. Willa Cather [Stout #483]
Dorothy Canfield leaving for Italy on Saturday [24th]. She has done so much for the book, including arranging to review it for the New York Times. Sinclair Lewis to review it for the New York Evening Post. Might he consider doing so? Knopf will send an advance copy in August. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #603]
Is resting here for a month. Sixteen sittings for the portrait, rather than the ten anticipated. Has the check in a safe deposit box until the painting is finished. Are they willing for Bakst to exhibit it? Not sure she can bring it with her. Are they willing for a photograph of it to be in the New York Times? Mrs. Shotwell's rude letter enclosed. Willa Cather [Stout #700]
Hasn't seen the New York Times review [of My Mortal Enemy] and will avoid it. Maybe the advertising should not call it a novel but just a story. Returning soon. W. S. C. [Stout #854]
Enjoyed her letter. She shouldn't regret being away from New York; terrible weather and no good plays. Is sending The Time of Man [ Roberts ], which is being much talked of. Doesn't find it interesting herself. Willa Cather [Stout #874]
Is enjoying beautiful weather and long walks on the cliffs. Receiving many letters about new book, though secretary handles most of them in New York. Sorry about bad picture on the cover of Time. Interesting that the same reviewers who panned Archbishop now call it a classic. P.S. to Elsie and Douglass: Please read her the review. Willie [Stout #1066]
Feels very happy about her letter. There were not so many serious admirations in one's life, and has long felt such admiration for Undset. Glad she had felt it in return. The fact that they care for the same things is a strong foundation for friendship. Sorry her handwriting is not clear. P.S.: So glad the good news from Russia! [The New York Times of Dec. 2, 1941, reports that the German Army had been driven out of Rostov in a "rout."] [Stout #1560]
What a heartwarming little book! [Undset's memoir for children Happy Times in Norway, published by Knopf in 1942] It flooded her with memories of days when the world was free, and the beautiful, variegated pattern of different countries lay under a sky undarkened by death. Spent a dreary summer drearily, hospitalized four weeks for removal of gall bladder. Has had a slow recuperation, which has tried her patience. Has been here in the Berkshires a few weeks, and has enjoyed the quiet. Will leave for Boston tomorrow. [Stout #1594]
Enjoyed her article in the New York Times Book Review about the lost books of childhood. Would like to see her. Could she come to dinner at seven on Saturday? If she can, please telephone between one and two o'clock; the number is Regent 4-8354. [Stout #1646]
