Still sorry not to have seen her father. Has seen Minnie Maddern Fiske in Hedda Gabler [ Ibsen ], with Isabelle. Has been to many concerts. Can't be up past ten on a school night or won't be any good in the classroom. Many parties for Edith [McClung]. Has written about 40,000 words of a new manuscript; not ready to talk about it yet. Had a happy Thanksgiving dinner last night; Judge McClung away. Willie [Stout #92]
For three days has been on the verge of sailing for Bergen, then to Germany to interview German leaders. Since S. S. McClure was going, there had to be someone else, so Isabelle was going. All off when Judge McClung decided he didn't want her to take the risk. Will get back onto the page proofs. It was a more appealing project financially than the novel will be. Would have needed to be tactful in order to be accurate without being or at least seeming pro-German. Willa Cather [Stout #315]
Was about to sail for Germany when Judge McClung decided Isabelle must not go. Will start for Durango August 6. Proofs are finished. Even the page proofs needed a lot of correction. Loves North of Boston [Frost], so bare and strong. Knowing real poetry is being written enables her to tolerate even the likes of Witter Bynner. W. S. C. [Stout #317]
Enclosing an article for Book News. Isabelle's father has died. Has had to forgo going to Chicago with Fremstad, who seems to like the book. Glad the reviews haven't mentioned her. Hasn't heard from McClure. W. S. C. [Stout #335]
Judge McClung died three weeks ago. Wishes she had reviewed the book. Misses Thea's company. Had feared Fremstad might be angry about the book, but she liked it exceedingly. W. [Stout #340]
Is sending her love on this special day. Since Isabelle McClung has lost her father as well as her mother and this house (which has been almost a home to her [Cather] for fifteen years) is to be sold, it is her last Christmas there. May never feel so secure in any other house. Even her apartment in New York, pleasant as it is, is not a home in the way this was. Has been spending some time with Jack during the school vacation. New book enjoying good sales as well as favorable reviews. Is eager to get to work on a new one. Willa [Stout #343]
The Song of the Lark was fun to write, but shows carelessness. Cut out several chapters set in Germany to keep it focused on the Moonstone perspective. They would have spoiled the unity. A few negative reviewers have wished it were a tragedy rather than a success story. The title is a weakness, it's true. Hasn't been up to starting a new book this winter, with Judge McClung's death, the closing of the house, and prospect of Isabelle's marriage [April 3, 1916]. Doesn't get along well with Jan Hambourg. Loss of Isabelle is a severe one. Also, Annie Fields died last winter. So much misery in the world in general, with the war. Wishes they could have a long talk. Willa [Stout #351]
Mother had a laugh from the picture of Mark Twain dinner. Seems a little better than last year, but still terrible condition. Sister away for a little rest. English nurse has been caring for her for a year and is very good. Has a cottage [at Las Encinas Sanitarium] of her own and is comfortable physically, but life looks bleak. Willa [Stout #1008]
Glad to accept the medal of the International Mark Twain Society. Is proud to think, as Albert Bigelow Paine reports in his biography, that Mark Twain expressed admiration of one of her poems [later letter says "The Palatine"]. P.S.: Sorry to be slow responding, but is just back from northern Canada [?]. Willa Cather [Stout #1208]
Thanks for the copy of Miss Hazen's article. No, has not become a Catholic, though admires the Church and contrary to her Episcopal bishop, believes it the source of all Christian churches. Glad to hear of the postage stamp honoring Mark Twain. Willa Cather [Stout #1212]
