Got the books off to White. People from Boni and Liveright and from Collier's and Ladies' Home Journal came to tea and brought copies of the Tribune article by Mrs. Norris. Will send Mary Austin a copy of The Troll Garden if he didn't already. If Austin is bothering to use her big intellect on writing an article, she ought to have everything. W. S. C. [Stout #487]
Sending quotation from William Allen White. Please return it. Miss Lewis has had a relapse and they couldn't get a nurse. What is the doctor calling the bug he has? Sorry he didn't see Knopf. Viola Roseboro' has been telling her she can't find a copy of Ántonia. Stores in Chicago have been unable to get copies, and Brentano's says its order hasn't been filled. Willa Cather [Stout #495]
Has been ill, or would have written sooner. Has obtained a passport and will sail on May 19. Hopes Hoover will be nominated while she is away. Willa Cather [Stout #505]
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]
Controversy about the book ought to boost sales, at any rate. Receives letters equally absolute on both sides. Had tea yesterday with William Allen White—such a pleasant person. He kept trying to encourage her and joked that her elite literary set had abandoned her. Sinclair Lewis there also. Glad she didn't feel irritated with him, because she can never hide it. P.S.: Would like to meet Robert Frost. Willa [Stout #624]
Sorry Elsie had to order a copy of the novel; should have remembered to send one. Enjoyed a recent visit with the William Allen Whites; he teased her about being abandoned by the more literary reviewers. Debate about the book in magazines and newspapers very lively. Nothing interesting in New York on the literary scene except John Galsworthy's new play, Loyalties, on a Jewish theme. After seeing him at the theater jammed between two Jewish matrons on a hot evening, wonders if he's having second thoughts. Beyond the royalties it will bring, feels One of Ours advanced her in her writing. W. S. C. [Stout #625]
Appreciates his good words, though they may make the highbrow critics all the more hostile. Is certain the novel is her best technically, and is certain she knew Claude through and through. Hopes he and Mrs. White will visit again when they are in New York. Willa Cather [Stout #629]
Glad he likes A Lost Lady. Especially pleases her when midwestern people like her books. Going to Aix-les-Bains soon. P.S.: Saw Mr. McClure two weeks ago. Willa Cather [Stout #688]
Was delightful of Dorothy to come to the station when she was leaving for France. Had a lovely summery crossing. Now that she's back, has been in bed with a cold and back problems, but also to keep people away. Hopes to start some work next week. Best wishes for a lovely winter. P.S.: Likes Dorothy's yellow and white cat. Willa [Stout #706]
Between a friend's illness and Josephine's, is driven to distraction, but has started the introduction and will send it to Miss Jewett to see if she accepts. Burton Rascoe caused a lot of mischief. Wants to place "The Queen's Twin" between "A Dunnet Shepherdess" and "William's Wedding." Enclosing a list of stories for second volume. List: (1) "A White Heron" (2) "The Flight of Betsey Lane" (3) "The Dunham Ladies" (4) "Going to Shrewsbury" (5) "The Only Rose" (6) "Miss Tempy's Watchers" (7) "Martha's Lady" (8) "The Guests of Mrs. Timms" (9) "The Town Poor" (10) "The Hiltons' Holiday" (or "Decoration Day"?) (11) "Aunt Cynthia Dallet" Willa Cather [Stout #729]
