Enclosing letters from Mrs. [Peorianna] Sill. Needs to go visit her. Willie [Stout #353]
Please try to find her a copy of Turgenev's letters. Tent has arrived. W. S. C. [Stout #472]
Believes they can be friends again. Regrets being so stubborn about a bad story. Dorothy's letters about her books have meant a great deal. Looks forward to sharing their lives again. Willa. P.S.: Leaving tonight for Toronto. [Stout #537]
Pleased by his article on "Our National Letters." Earlier in career tried to counter the influence of foreign writers by following Henry James and Edith Wharton; now realizes their conventions took her further into artifice, away from authenticity. Would like to send him an advance copy of new novel when it becomes available. Does not believe it is a sentimental book. Willa Cather [Stout #577]
Sorry she is not at home and can't provide letters from ordinary readers. Willa Cather [Stout #611]
Has just returned from New Brunswick. Very glad she likes "Claude." People seem not to read it as a story but only as a statement about war. Pacifists keep writing her accusing letters. People don't seem able to separate political issues from art. P.S. [written at top left corner]: Just found this note written yesterday, after having written another today, so will send both. W—. Willa. [Stout #619]
Returned from New Brunswick yesterday. Sorry to have missed her. Glad she likes "Claude." It was exhausting to do, simply took over her life, but she now feels lonely for its company. Keeps getting accusing letters from pacifists who think the book extols war. Actually her only concern was its impact on her character. If she had titled it simply "Claude," as she wanted to, the point would be clearer. But does feel proud of it as a work of fiction. W. S. C. [Stout #620]
Controversy about the book ought to boost sales, at any rate. Receives letters equally absolute on both sides. Had tea yesterday with William Allen White—such a pleasant person. He kept trying to encourage her and joked that her elite literary set had abandoned her. Sinclair Lewis there also. Glad she didn't feel irritated with him, because she can never hide it. P.S.: Would like to meet Robert Frost. Willa [Stout #624]
After a month in Paris is back in the country. Hasn't been writing letters. Sails on the Berengaria Nov. 17. Will send painting directly to him when she gets to New York. Seems to be a fine painting, though not a particularly good likeness. Willa Cather [Stout #704]
Traveling and can't answer letters. Won't give lectures next winter. Willa Cather [Stout #785]
