The young man's [?] business proposal has destroyed her concentration on a day when she was beginning a new story. Please keep an eye out; will get her lawyer onto it if he makes another move. Why can't people leave her alone? [Several words blotted out.] P.S.: So terrible about the Lindberghs. Willie [Stout #1101]
Weather has been cold since she got back, but once she got over the flu has been going to concerts and operas. Sees Virginia about once a week. Despairing about the Lindberghs' baby! Police don't seem to be doing anything, and no one respects their privacy. When her child arrives, don't smother him with motherly doting. That ruins children. Willa Cather [Stout #1102]
Please write and tell her all about the baby. Lindberghs' ordeal only seems to get worse. What disgusting deception of them! Has been enjoying their quiet cabin and the cool, foggy weather. [signature illegible] [Stout #1114]
Arrived last week after a rough voyage that she enjoyed. Isabelle will never improve, but was feeling somewhat better than in the summer. Likes Anne Morrow Lindbergh's book [North to the Orient, 1935]. P.S.: Please send a copy of the Cape edition of The Song of the Lark. Willa Cather [Stout #1278]
Enjoyed her Christmas card, with its sprig of sage. Spent a very pleasant time in Italy latter part of summer after wearing herself out caring for a sick friend. Returned shortly before Christmas. Enjoyed the rough passage, but Edith so sick she had to be carried off the boat. Still hasn't caught up on her letters. Doesn't she like the Anne Lindbergh book! Willa [Stout #1295]
Doesn't care for the manuscript; naturalism not Zoë's style. Recommends Anne Parrish's new novel. Is working well and feeling good. Edith Lewis coming tonight for a week. W. S. C. [Stout #1378]
Has described events in a letter to mother, and asked that it be forwarded to him. Inform Margaret and Elizabeth that she sat next to Charles Lindbergh at the [Princeton University] president's dinner party, and that she had lunch with the Lindberghs the day following. Willie.
Has been busy, so hasn't written to the lonely Margaret as intended. Went to Virginia with Edith to ease struggle with bronchitis, and when she returned had many messages from the Menuhins. Last week Edith was injured in a car accident and has been bedridden since. Her lip will have a significant scar, but not as disfiguring as initially thought. Met Sidney Ehrman when she received an honorary doctorate from the University of California-Berkeley. He was President of the Board of Regents then, and they sat together at the alumni dinner. Though Yehudi's name didn't come up on that occasion, he and his father soon came to California and stayed with Mr. Ehrman. Saw them while there. Mr. Ehrman supported the Menuhins financially when they had very little, and he knows music himself. Mr. Ehrman committed to support Yehudi when the boy was only six years old, and he sent the family to France for Yehudi's education when he was ten. Though the Menuhins repaid the money some time back, they still feel indebted to Mr. Ehrman. He was a stalwart supporter for four years and really started Yehudi on his professional path. Though many praised Yehudi, Mr. Ehrman was the only one to back it up with his money. As to the current circumstances, was glad to get Roscoe's letter. Is consoled that Mr. Ehrman shares her opinion of these marriages; he knows them as well as anybody. Is particularly worried about the girls. Hepzibah and Yaltah write friendly, open-hearted letters, but they don't seem to understand the situation! They write as if getting married were like an exciting excursion. What does it mean? Is not as concerned about Yehudi, however. Even if his fiancée is the wrong woman, he won't be too affected. He is, at his core, pure music. Even if he could not play, the music would be with him always as a consolation. Music is within him the way great scenes from Shakespeare are within her: she feels every line as potently as if she recited it out loud. Yehudi thinks profoundly, though he doesn't show it off. She knew him for three years but did not understand the depth of his mind until they formed their Shakespeare Club. But he thinks about the world in the best way: he takes pleasure in small things. Naturally, Roscoe must keep these thoughts to himself. The newspapers love the Menuhins more than anybody, save the Lindberghs, and she worries that if she utters a word about them, she will read about it in the New York Times. Will write to Margaret soon. Hopes she doesn't marry before they can travel together. All of her young friends are leaving her! Willie.
