Sorry she and her family saw such a terrible accident. Enclosing a review just in from Chicago [by Floyd Dell]. W. [Stout #261]
Has been working well. Expects to be in Pittsburgh until Christmas. Jack doing well at school; sees him often. War occupies all conversation. A friend from Belgium, Mme Flahant, is in New York and says her family members in Brussels are starving. The Belgian Relief Committee in London says that only the U.S. can sustain Belgium through the winter. Germans allow no food in that comes through England or France. Will donate to the relief fund instead of sending Christmas presents. America will have to answer to history if it fails Belgium. Willie [Stout #289]
Just reached Red Cloud after a summer in New Mexico and Wyoming. Enjoyed Roscoe and his family, especially the twins. Made a talk about The Bent Twig [Canfield Fisher's novel, 1915] to a bridge club. Interesting that they both used the same kind of treatment for such different material. Sympathizes with the character who fled moral restrictions. The mother reminds her of a stalwart woman who came to visit Fremstad when she was in Maine—such wisdom. They have different groups of readers in Lincoln. Dorothy's think Cather immoral, and her own think Dorothy boring. All of Dorothy's readers want to believe Thea didn't live with Fred out of wedlock. Willa [Stout #366]
So glad to have her letter. Theirs is a lifelong friendship. Proud to hear of her work for the Red Cross. Has had a hard winter, with fuel shortage and illnesses, and the book will be delayed. Olive Fremstad helped get her through an attack of bronchitis; she wasn't working because there were no German operas this year. Is getting along well with Isabelle's husband now, having learned to like him. Was at the Wieners' house often before Mr. Wiener's death. A gracious family, unlike many wealthy Jews. Edith sends regards. Winter was hard on her, too, but of course worst on the poor people of the city. Willie [Stout #414]
Knows she must be thanking God for a son who could make them all so proud with his courageous deeds, showing he was a true man and not an inferior one. She and Uncle George are the only ones who deserve the glory he has brought to the family [referring to a newspaper notice of G. P.'s death on the parapet of a trench]. Willie [Stout #418]
Please don't send any more mail to Hambourgs' address in Toronto. They have closed the house and are moving to Paris. Willa Cather [Stout #556]
Has read her thick book [ Rough Hewn ]. Liked the French part best. Family very well done; the shameful mother accurate of a national type but original in fiction. Marise very well done without excess, but Neale would have been better with less said. He's too familiar, whereas the father is strongly felt but still a puzzle. Is planning to visit Dorothy's mother. Willa [Stout #635]
Has sold the serial rights to The Professor's House for $10,000, but don't tell family because they will expect things. Could she please send tablets for washing ecru curtains? Is cleaning house for Virginia's Easter visit. Willie [Stout #773]
Were delayed at Lamy for three days because of flooding at Trinidad. Delayed at New Laguna [the new pueblo of Laguna was built by religious traditionalists after the original Laguna was successfully evangelized by Christians] for three days before a driver would take them to Acoma. Raining every afternoon. Have been in Denver since July 31. Mother is there and going to theater and for rides. Going to Red Cloud August 12, then to Grand Manan. [Continuation Aug. 8] Letter sent to New York has been forwarded. Liked the quotation from Plotinus [Roman comic playwright] but doesn't know who he is. Likes how first volume of memoir is developing. Weeks at Taos were memorable. Brother and family have arrived. P.S.: Edith Lewis went back to New York on Monday the 3rd. Willa Cather [Stout #792]
Can't make any engagements during the Christmas season as three family members will be with her. To be honest, will not make any engagements until March. Was lazy during the summer but is working well now and must avoid interruptions. Spontaneous things are all right, but planned engagements clutter her calendar and her mind. Maybe they can meet for tea when she is out for a walk in Central Park? Willa Cather [Stout #810]
