Often wishes she had time to write her a long letter. Business matters wear her out. Has been struggling to prevent radio broadcasts of her books. Also letters about translations. Would prefer to spend her time producing new work. Knopf indulges her determination to avoid commitments. Happiest part of the season has been the presence of the Menuhin family. Enjoyed reading Shakespeare with the children and sledding with Yehudi on his birthday, followed by a small party with champagne smuggled in by his mother. Enclosing letters from Hephzibah and Yaltah, but she must not show them to anyone. Willie [Stout #1215]
Wishes she could have accompanied them to Marseilles; has always liked it. Isabelle wrote that Yehudi's concert in Paris was a great success. Expects to finish new book before leaving in July for Grand Manan. Hoping hand will be well enough to let her enjoy the rougher life there. Will use splint if it hurts. As Shakespeare writes, "My very chains and I grow friends..." Hopes they can read Shakespeare together again some day. Greetings to all. Aunt Willa [Stout #1225]
With Edith Lewis, is sailing in a few days. Glad to receive her letter from South Africa. Her visit to the cave interesting. As for herself, prefers to stay on the surface. Surprising that she found Lucy Gayheart so far from New York. Isabelle asked that they leave Paris without saying goodbye, and will do so. She is very ill. Must get home and get back to work, to keep a sense of reality. Sorry not to be in Paris for Yehudi's first European recital. Willa Cather [Stout #1276]
Will meet her at noon at the 58th Street door of her hotel for a walk in the park. If she can't go, don't worry, will go on alone. Aunt Willa [Stout #1381]
Will stop by hotel at noon for a walk. Aunt Willa [Stout #1384]
Chrysanthemums arrived looking freshly cut. Reminded her of Remembrance of Things Past, always the smell of chrysanthemums in the drawing room of Odette. Loves the orange marmalade, too. Had a delightful Christmas, with Menuhin children in town. Their presence reassures her that youth can still be wonderful. W. [Stout #1386]
Tried to describe to Isabelle how beautiful a bride she was. Wishes she could have made a quick sketch, as Stephen [Tennant] could have. Has enjoyed knowing her since she was six. Aunt Willa [Stout #1387]
Will come by hotel a little before noon and they can go see Lady Hamilton [painting at Frick Museum]. Aunt Willa [Stout #1390]
Thanks for protecting her from the reporter. Weather too damp to go out, but evening will probably be fine. W. S. C. [Stout #1391]
Thoughts went with her out to sea. Enjoyed the verses she sent. Weather terrible, so has stayed at desk working on new story. Ate a little orange from Yehudi's orange tree yesterday. Very juicy but sour! Aunt Willa [Stout #1399]
