Feels exiled. Why doesn't Mariel write? Cooks sometimes to relieve boredom. Rides bicycle when weather permits. Planned and orchestrated a wedding breakfast for her [Cather's] cousin and Hugh Miner. Looked after the children the previous week while parents went to Hastings. Enjoys playing cards and going visiting with Douglass and Roscoe, when he comes to town. Has been reading Arabian Nights and Alice in Wonderland to James. Willa [Stout #22]
Agrees the story is rather chilly and impersonal, but it doesn't warrant amplification. Looks forward to visit so they can talk. Will try again on The Golden Bowl [James, 1904]. Didn't manage to penetrate it last year. Wonders what new Kipling story is about. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #109]
Sorry she didn't get the invitation to his wedding. Heard he was married, but not that he was in Wisconsin. A good place to teach. McClure's never uses literary articles. Might try Atlantic Monthly. A lot of trash written about Robert Browning, but he remains popular because behind his hectic style are strong ideas fairly near common sentiment. [Breaks off] [Stout #204]
Enjoyed the basket of fruit they sent for her trip. Happy to be at home. Tomorrow is parents' fiftieth wedding anniversary. Nebraska gives her more joy than any other place. Willa Cather [Stout #653]
Is pleased with the idea of doing an edition of Jewett. Will add "The Queen's Twin," "A Dunnet Shepherdess," and "William's Wedding" to the Pointed Firs sketches. Hears from her local librarian that younger readers sometimes think Jewett's books look like children's books. Type and size of volumes should look more modern. P.S.: Movie rights of A Lost Lady have sold for $12,000. Willa Cather [Stout #718]
Between a friend's illness and Josephine's, is driven to distraction, but has started the introduction and will send it to Miss Jewett to see if she accepts. Burton Rascoe caused a lot of mischief. Wants to place "The Queen's Twin" between "A Dunnet Shepherdess" and "William's Wedding." Enclosing a list of stories for second volume. List: (1) "A White Heron" (2) "The Flight of Betsey Lane" (3) "The Dunham Ladies" (4) "Going to Shrewsbury" (5) "The Only Rose" (6) "Miss Tempy's Watchers" (7) "Martha's Lady" (8) "The Guests of Mrs. Timms" (9) "The Town Poor" (10) "The Hiltons' Holiday" (or "Decoration Day"?) (11) "Aunt Cynthia Dallet" Willa Cather [Stout #729]
People are very pleased about Zoë's Pulitzer Prize. Is still very stressed by daily attendance at hospital. Couldn't give any help in preparing for Mary Virginia's wedding except to write checks. P.S.: Try to read Lucy Gayheart in one sitting. Willa [Stout #1258]
Returning Virginia's letter. Mary Virginia's wedding was beautiful. Was at the Little Church Around the Corner, which their father used to like so much when he came to New York. Isabelle insisted on attending. Likes the groom, Dick Mellen, a new M.D. from Harvard beginning internship at Bellevue Hospital. Mary Virginia will continue working at the library. Own plans not clear. P.S. to Carrie: Has the Miner farm been damaged by flooding of the Republican River? [Stout #1263]
Doesn't care for the manuscript; naturalism not Zoë's style. Recommends Anne Parrish's new novel. Is working well and feeling good. Edith Lewis coming tonight for a week. W. S. C. [Stout #1378]
Sorry to have missed her while she was in New York for Yehudi Menuhin's recital, but was in the hospital. Did get to hear the recital, as Yehudi's mother took her and nurse to a private box. Was somewhat disappointed in his playing. Is now at home, but cannot use right hand. Strained the tendon in her thumb. Wants to hear about Stephen's wedding. Willa Cather , by S. J. Bloom, then signed by Willa Cather with left hand. [Stout #1532]
