Has been working well. Expects to be in Pittsburgh until Christmas. Jack doing well at school; sees him often. War occupies all conversation. A friend from Belgium, Mme Flahant, is in New York and says her family members in Brussels are starving. The Belgian Relief Committee in London says that only the U.S. can sustain Belgium through the winter. Germans allow no food in that comes through England or France. Will donate to the relief fund instead of sending Christmas presents. America will have to answer to history if it fails Belgium. Willie [Stout #289]
Just reached Red Cloud after a summer in New Mexico and Wyoming. Enjoyed Roscoe and his family, especially the twins. Made a talk about The Bent Twig [Canfield Fisher's novel, 1915] to a bridge club. Interesting that they both used the same kind of treatment for such different material. Sympathizes with the character who fled moral restrictions. The mother reminds her of a stalwart woman who came to visit Fremstad when she was in Maine—such wisdom. They have different groups of readers in Lincoln. Dorothy's think Cather immoral, and her own think Dorothy boring. All of Dorothy's readers want to believe Thea didn't live with Fred out of wedlock. Willa [Stout #366]
French maid has been ill. Has been working on "Ántonia" with one hand and cooking with the other. Signed contract enclosed. Willa Cather [Stout #409]
So glad to have her letter. Theirs is a lifelong friendship. Proud to hear of her work for the Red Cross. Has had a hard winter, with fuel shortage and illnesses, and the book will be delayed. Olive Fremstad helped get her through an attack of bronchitis; she wasn't working because there were no German operas this year. Is getting along well with Isabelle's husband now, having learned to like him. Was at the Wieners' house often before Mr. Wiener's death. A gracious family, unlike many wealthy Jews. Edith sends regards. Winter was hard on her, too, but of course worst on the poor people of the city. Willie [Stout #414]
Knows she must be thanking God for a son who could make them all so proud with his courageous deeds, showing he was a true man and not an inferior one. She and Uncle George are the only ones who deserve the glory he has brought to the family [referring to a newspaper notice of G. P.'s death on the parapet of a trench]. Willie [Stout #418]
Proofs have now arrived. Hambourgs have taken a cottage at Scarsdale, N.Y., and Josephine is there with them. W. S. C. [Stout #428]
Please don't send any more mail to Hambourgs' address in Toronto. They have closed the house and are moving to Paris. Willa Cather [Stout #556]
Hopes they had a nice Thanksgiving. Had hers at home. Please tell Margie the French woman, Josephine, is back working for her part-time; she is an artist of housekeeping. Cook their own breakfast and have to carry in the ice to the icebox, which is pretty heavy. Would appreciate a couple of aprons for Christmas. Hasn't heard from Isabelle yet. Sorry to have been so testy this summer. Willie [Stout #563]
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]
Has read her thick book [ Rough Hewn ]. Liked the French part best. Family very well done; the shameful mother accurate of a national type but original in fiction. Marise very well done without excess, but Neale would have been better with less said. He's too familiar, whereas the father is strongly felt but still a puzzle. Is planning to visit Dorothy's mother. Willa [Stout #635]
