Extends sympathy for painful sore. Remembers the infected place on back of her head when she was working on The Song of the Lark. Kept putting off going to the hospital; took codeine for the pain and kept writing; was finally put into the hospital after she went into delirium. Didn't write sooner because uncle was ill in Maryland [probably James Howard Gore, Cather's cousin who was more than twenty years older than her], and niece has been distraught with husband's pneumonia. In addition, has been preparing for a subscription edition from Houghton Mifflin. Willa Cather [Stout #1379]
Has received two letters from John J. Walsh about his thesis. Is not a Catholic, though published reports have said so. Please tell this student he can't always believe what he reads in books. Is sorry people write things about her that are not true. Willa Cather [Stout #1471]
Sorry she hasn't written, but it is tiring to return home after being gone so long. Thankfully, Edith arrived two weeks earlier and, with Mrs. Winn, cleaned the apartment better than ever. Even the rugs and curtains were cleaned. Had to hire a new maid, since Montana returned to the south—Mattie, a lovely mulatto gal from Baltimore. Likes her a lot. Hopes she doesn't return south the way so many do. Trained her last week and together put up five quarts of wonderful quince preserves. Is worried about parents over the winter. Wishes they could go to wonderful place in Winchester she knows about. Is writing daily, but slowed by housekeeping needs. Hopes mother enjoys staying with Mrs. Wolfe. Mary Virginia's school sent invitation to Thanksgiving, but unsure if she can go. Willie
