Glad to hear Fritz Westermann has gone off to the [Spanish-American] war. Has been writing headlines about the blockade of Santiago Harbor. Sorry not to come to her commencement. Dorothy [Canfield] will be visiting in early July. Has been in Washington with her cousin Professor Gore, who was preparing for a polar expedition. His Norwegian wife, Lillian Thekla Brandthall, is glamorous and impressive. Looking forward to getting back to Nebraska. Willa [Stout #49]
Wanted to ask about her future plans, but never had a chance to talk freely. Please explain to Mr. McNeny why she has been so little at his office— because wanted to spend as much time as possible with family. Willa [Stout #52]
Canfield: Willa has been ill with grippe but is better, her cough not so deep. Has also been sick herself. Expects to graduate in June. Cather: Took refuge with the Canfields because of prolonged grippe and overwork. Leaving tomorrow for Pittsburgh. Canfield: Family sends regards. Mrs. Flavia Canfield: Seconds Dorothy's invitation for Mariel to join them in Europe next year. Cather: Dorothy's brother has just left to take his fiancée home. Will write again from Pittsburgh. [Stout #53]
Dorothy Canfield is the "Real Thing." [allusion to story by Henry James.] [Stout #54]
Enjoyed Thanksgiving visit to Columbus. Canfields away, leaving house to Dorothy, Jim and fiancée, and herself. Many parties. Is spending much of her leisure time with Ethelbert Nevin, a lovable man. Has been reading Kipling's poetry, as she used to at the university. [Stout #55]
How lucky Mariel is! [See #0053.] Is traveling home the long way, by the Great Lakes, but will be in Lincoln the next Sunday. Is worried about her mother, who has been ill. Willa [Stout #57]
Is studying Greek and being treated like a goddess. Hasn't seen the Nevins, but they have phoned and he has sent a copy of Shakespeare's sonnets. In Chicago had dinner with Mr. Dooley. He and the Peatties encouraged her to come there to work. Mrs. Peattie's new story in Atlantic ["The Man at the Edge of Things," reviewed by Cather Nov. 4] establishes her as a writer. Was met at the train station by Isabelle, looking beautiful. They have been walking in the hills and going to concerts. Has read all of Dorothy's letters from Paris. Had a nice visit with May Willard last night. P.S.: Will tell her about Alfred next time. Willa [Stout #58]
Has finished first month of teaching, but may quit and go home to Red Cloud. So much effort, if one is serious about it, for so little pay. The "letters" have been rejected [projected book of open letters to actors]. Just as well; they were overwritten and not of lasting interest. Maybe some can be placed in the Critic, with Dorothy's help. "Jack-a-Boy" in the Saturday Evening Post with good illustrations. Has been reading Lemaître. McClungs have moved into new house. Would like to discuss the Pittsburgh novel. [Two poems are enclosed: "Caliban" and "The Inexorable."] Willie [Stout #68]
Children not so changed as she expected; mother better than reports had indicated. Very hot; doubts she can work. Mrs. Garber doesn't go out any more. Hopes Mariel is better. Willa [Stout #69]
Has been there four weeks; meant to write sooner. She and Isabelle like the Sibuts, at whose pension they are staying. Disagree as to whether they like Mlle Céline [Sibut]. Dorothy spent three weeks with them in London and accompanied them to Paris but now has gone back to Scotland. Went to Barbizon with a school friend of Dorothy's. Will soon leave for a walking tour of Provence and the Mediterranean coast. Enjoyed a walking tour to the Oise Valley. Willa [Stout #76]
