Is studying Greek and being treated like a goddess. Hasn't seen the Nevins, but they have phoned and he has sent a copy of Shakespeare's sonnets. In Chicago had dinner with Mr. Dooley. He and the Peatties encouraged her to come there to work. Mrs. Peattie's new story in Atlantic ["The Man at the Edge of Things," reviewed by Cather Nov. 4] establishes her as a writer. Was met at the train station by Isabelle, looking beautiful. They have been walking in the hills and going to concerts. Has read all of Dorothy's letters from Paris. Had a nice visit with May Willard last night. P.S.: Will tell her about Alfred next time. Willa [Stout #58]
Please send newspapers that printed letters from France. Will have a volume of poems published in the spring. Would like to borrow a Lincoln directory to get addresses to send advertising circulars. Willa S. Cather [Stout #79]
Thanks for launching her with S. S. McClure. Had a telegram from him and has been to New York to see him. Feeling elated, as if her life is now more valuable than before. McClure to run her stories in the magazine, then publish as a book. Will place for her any he does not use. At the McClure house met wife of Robert Louis Stevenson, who had read the stories. Greatly appreciates his help. Other plans afoot. P.S.: Doesn't seem to be able to reach Sarah Harris. Willa S. Cather [Stout #84]
Is sending a picture, the best she ever had made. Wishing to see everyone at home. Willa [Stout #87]
Typed note by Witter Bynner indicates that Roseboro' gave him the letters. Yes, certainly knows A Shropshire Lad. Don't her own poems show it? Traced Housman in Shropshire, where he seems unknown. Visited him in a boardinghouse in a dreary London suburb. He looked gaunt, seemed bitter, but is the only English poet now active whose work will endure. Though an instructor in Latin, he writes strictly from the level of a country boy. Willa S. Cather [Stout #88]
Hard to believe he [ Housman ] refused the money. What nobility! Still remembers, from when she paid that call along with two American friends, the holes in his shoes and in the carpet, couch with broken springs, his uneasiness. Manner stern and patrician. They all cried on the way back. [Stout #89]
Has just heard about Mr. Gere's death. Can hardly imagine them without him. Shares their bereavement. Willa [Stout #99]
Understands why she did not come with Dorothy last week. Not surprising she would feel angry toward anyone who hurt Dorothy. Willa Cather [Stout #106]
Read her new story along with several friends, and all enjoyed it. The central character is quite compelling. Congratulations. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #111]
It was hard to get away from New York, because Mr. McClure had arrived. Isabelle's mother is very ill, unconscious following a stroke. Has been able to keep from getting tense and nervous so far. Would be glad for her to come to Arizona, but doesn't know when she will leave, how long she will stay with her mother, or anything at all about Winslow. Was just called to Mrs. McClung's side for a brief interval of consciousness. W. S. C. [Stout #216]