Please drop by her room alone on Wednesday evening. Willa Cather [Stout #7]
Enclosing essay on an intriguing English industry ["The Strangest Tribe of Darkest England," Pittsburgh Gazette, 31 August 1902, magazine section, p. 4], and has included photographs, though they aren't of very good quality due to her poor camera. Having a delightful trip and will write Mrs. Seibel from Paris. Willa Cather [Stout #74]
Has been called to Portland, Maine, so will have to miss seeing her. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #198]
So glad she liked the stories. They now seem distant and ill tempered. But appreciates the good words. Here, can forget the present and its troubles. Returning tomorrow. Willa Cather [Stout #199]
Postcards from London are plenty. Has moved into the ideal apartment at no. 5 Bank Street. But wishes she [Cather] were in London. W. S. C. [Stout #244]
Appreciates his letter with comments about Alexander's Bridge. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #248]
Has been getting settled in the new apartment, including floors being painted. Thanks for the Christmas present. Has been hearing a lot of music. New book twice as long as Alexander. Has taken her themes from the long grass, as Dvořák did in the New World Symphony (which was not made from Negro songs as people say). Nervous about the new story, though it is just what she has been wanting to write. Probably very few people will like it. Willa Cather [Stout #250]
When is she coming home? Hopes she will like the apartment. W. S. C. [Stout #251]
Being back in New York and going to the opera makes her want people around. Wishes they could have a good visit. Won't she come for a visit when she gets back? May go to Virginia in May. Sending "Pioneers" for her to read. Be honest. W. S. C. [Stout #252]
Thanks for the letter. Has just finished a new novel, having reduced her work for the magazine by half. Is settling into new apartment, which had to have considerable refurbishing but was worth it, spacious and quiet. Has bought four Persian rugs. The same colored maid as for the past four years is still keeping life in order. Agrees that Alexander is morally flimsy, but goodness in characters does not necessarily make strong fiction. Believes she will like the new novel better. Elsie is enjoying her teaching. Finds that one of the rewards of nearing forty years old is feeling more comfortable with older relatives, who always used to seem rather intimidating. Not so much Aunt Franc and Father as others. Willie [Stout #254]