[name blotted out; possibly Thomas Masaryk] has just sent some nice pictures of Bohemia. Is sending some for her and Irene and several to be framed for Annie Pavelka. Enclosing a check to buy some tulips for mother. Enjoyed Mary Virginia's visit. Willie [Stout #820]
Sending her publisher's pamphlet with biographical information and a list of books with information about her and her work. Has marked the two best. Hard to answer his question about French influence. From adolescence and for many years thereafter read and liked French prose writers from Hugo to Maupassant. Read all of Balzac more than once before the age of twenty, though not much now. Doesn't believe she ever imitated any French writer, but did admire them more than their English contemporaries because of freer experimentation and greater thematic range. Tone of British writers of that period, before Hardy, sometimes mechanical or patronizing, though it doesn't really bother her. Believes French language itself more exciting to her than English when she was younger. Now prefers Prosper Merimée to the others. Likes his reserve, as well as other qualities. P.S.: Suggests he read "The Novel Démeublé." Willa Cather [Stout #988]
Did not forget their commencement. Has shown their pictures to friends in Pasadena and New York as examples of the fine Bohemian boys in Nebraska. Has had a commencement of her own—honorary degree at Princeton. Met the Lindberghs. Sorry not to stop when she came through, but will be there before another year goes by. Willa Cather [Stout #1058]
Trip to Chicago was a lucky charm, bringing nice letters from Douglass and Elsie. Is feeling better about things and willing to go more than half way with them if only they will be honest with her. Also had some cheering news from McNeny [about being able to save Pavelka farm from foreclosure]. Has ordered Irene a dress like the one she admired. It will be $69.50. Enjoyed their visit. Appreciates Irene's tolerance of her failings and still being her friend. Willie [Stout #1127]
Appreciates the candy. Is sending Hugo's latest letter. He seems in a little better spirits.[With letter from Hugo Pavelka dated October 24, thanking her for referring him to Bernard McNeny for advice.] Willie [Stout #1129]
Shocked to hear of Hugo's death. At least they had a little time. After one is forty-five death seems to rain down, and after fifty it becomes a storm. Should let her daily routine carry her along, and avoid alcohol for now. Would like to come to California to be with her, but has an eye infection. Also, has just signed a lease on an apartment—570 Park Avenue. Hang on, and time will restore her. Willa [Stout #1132]
She and Edith have had one problem after another since moving in, including broken water pipe. Visiting niece is staying in hotel. Her last letter talks about Hugo's good points and her own faults. He must have been very good for her, helping her suppress her southern vagaries and try to be accurate and honest. Glad she married him, even though it was brief. Willa [Stout #1142]
Beautiful potted apple tree arrived Christmas Eve and is still blooming. The wonderful Josephine is back! Still a wonderful cook. Has decided many of the details in Shadows on the Rock came from Josephine. Wishes Zoë were beginning the new year with Hugo, but remember, our personal lives aren't measured by time. Willa [Stout #1146]
Many thanks for the pictures of her home and of herself and of Hugo. Many people in town now, no chance of working. Regrets the news about Sara Teasdale. Why didn't she find anything to live for? Off to a concert with the Menuhins! Willa [Stout #1163]
Please have Mrs. Burden [storekeeper] pack up a box of Christmas groceries for Mrs. Lambrecht and purchase some good coffee for Annie Pavelka. Has sent Annie a check and some discarded clothes. Is sending a check to [name blocked out]. But the spectacle of poverty may be even harsher in the city. Willie [Stout #1205]
