Not fair to accuse her of keeping her address a secret. Had not expected to be daytime telegraph editor when she accepted the Leader job, but when it became available applied and got it, despite youth and sex. Work is like running a race, but hours are short. Hard to write distinctive headlines for a dozen suicides at a time. Has received A Portrait of a Lady [ James ]. Mr. Farrar has come to call, so must break off. Willa Cather [Stout #46]
Elsie enjoying studies, but learned more with her. Please visit if in town. What does Louise think of Arnold Bennett? He may be overly documentary, but is at any rate substantial. Willa Cather [Stout #190]
Sorry to hear of her loss [ Louise Pound's father, Stephen B. Pound, died in 1911 ]. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #196]
Hasn't answered her letter because traveling. Spent two adventurous months with Douglass. Probably won't get to Lincoln. Needs to return to New York as soon as possible after her brother Roscoe comes to visit. Was ill most of the winter but quite well now. She shouldn't bother reading "Alexander," but may like "The Bohemian Girl." Willa Cather [Stout #238]
Was not offended, but expected Louise to follow customary practice and contact her when she was in town, as others did [Cather was in Lincoln, Nebraska, in October 1915]. Sarah Dorris kept her very busy, anyway. Regrets if Louise is angry, but she could have stopped by. Always enjoys seeing her and admires her mind tremendously, and thinks students do not treat her with proper respect. PS: Is sending Mr. Bates a wonderful Christmas gift. W.
As one displeased with the poets of the Spoon River school, wishes to thank him for producing the only recent American poetry that has captured her interest. The emergence of his distinctive voice is an important event. Wishes she could enjoy all the poets listed by Mr. Bynner and Miss Rittenhouse, but if Ezra Pound and Mr. Masters can be called "poets," how can Frost be? Is embarrassed by her lack of interest in "new" poetry and by her tendency to mock it, so takes special pleasure in Frost's work, which, though "new," is rich with classic poetic elements. Willa Sibert Cather
Has neglected to answer his letter with story of Virginia's tooth, which she told to all of her New York friends. Quickly came west because the University of Nebraska presented her an honorary Doctor of Letters on their fiftieth anniversary commencement. Edith Abbott, who works with Jane Addams, also got one. The two of them were the first women ever to receive such degrees from the University. John Neihardt also received the award, and the Doctor of Laws was given to Theodore Roosevelt, Roscoe Pound, and General John J. Pershing. Elsie was already there, but father drove to Lincoln for the sole purpose of attending the ceremony. So sweet of him! Barnard McNeny also attended. Was happy to see her old teachers so proud of her. Only twelve or so women have received honorary degrees in the U.S., most of them educators, like Alice Freeman Palmer and Jane Addams. Any chance there would be someplace to rent in Lander between July 15 and August 15? She and Edith Lewis are thinking that when Edith comes west, they may go to Wyoming. Couldn't stay with at his house, as Edith doesn't like visiting. At $5 a day the Amoretti ranch seems overpriced. Unfortunately, getting the degree meant that she never was able to shop for new dresses for the twins as she intended. Will get them New York dresses soon. P.S. Father and Elsie are doing well. Willie.
