Sorry for previous letter. Ironic to be called bohemian, considering present hardworking life. Has been on a picnic to Erie and an excursion on the river; returning by moonlight, admired the glow of the steel furnaces and was serenaded by a Princeton boy. Recited college composition on Carlyle at an afternoon tea and was at once welcomed into the social set. Axtells are kind but not warm; resemble the Pounds. Willa [Stout #29]
Has finished first month of teaching, but may quit and go home to Red Cloud. So much effort, if one is serious about it, for so little pay. The "letters" have been rejected [projected book of open letters to actors]. Just as well; they were overwritten and not of lasting interest. Maybe some can be placed in the Critic, with Dorothy's help. "Jack-a-Boy" in the Saturday Evening Post with good illustrations. Has been reading Lemaître. McClungs have moved into new house. Would like to discuss the Pittsburgh novel. [Two poems are enclosed: "Caliban" and "The Inexorable."] Willie [Stout #68]
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]
Why didn't she tell her Dr. Canfield was in town? Has been shut in with a cold. Enjoys teaching but would prefer lower-class students who were used to working. When will Dorothy's children's story be published? Is her brother's new baby a boy or a girl? Edith [Isabelle's sister] is having coming-out parties. Willie [Stout #91]
Generous of her to say she understands that incoherent letter. Likes the first part of Dorothy's boy story better than the last, where it spells things out too much. "A Wagner Matinee" has stirred up a hornet's nest, led by Will Jones. Will write another and make them even madder. Willie [Stout #96]
People seem to prefer lying to telling the truth. Knew Oley Iverson in Bladen as a hired boy for uncle George Cather. He was married then. Willie [Stout #122]
Hopes Knopf will reduce the anticipated price of the book. Sorry Dorothy will be having to write a review while she is at sea, when she should be resting. Already looking forward to her return. Memory helps one see who were the really important people in one's life. Thanks for her help with One of Ours. It looked like a failure for a while. She rescued the boy. Willa [Stout #602]
Please send a statement of royalties paid in 1929. Will leave for California soon and needs to do income tax early. P.S.: Likes Laughing Boy [ LaFarge ] a great deal. Willa Cather [Stout #1002]
Not fair of him to have used her praise of Laughing Boy in an ad. Has steadfastly refused to give commendations of books even by old friends, and now he has publicized what she said in private without authorization. Please send a copy of new edition of Ántonia so she can mark some corrections for the English edition. Since she will be leaving about the 20th, could he send March royalty check early? Willa Cather [Stout #1003]
Is glad to answer his questions, but has very little time to see friends. Yes, is working on another book, but unsettlement of present life is impeding it. P.S.: Recommends he read Laughing Boy [LaFarge] Willa Cather [Stout #1005]
