Has been in this grimy city only a few hours. Began feeling happier when she got east of Chicago and started seeing hills and clear streams and trees. Conductor asked if she was going home. Was met by Mr. Axtell. For now, is staying at the Axtells' gloomy house, where the only ornament is a drawing of someone's grandfather. At least their library has some novels (tame ones), and Mrs. Axtell has Harper's magazine. Using daughter's room while she is away; room has three Bibles and an E. P. Roe novel. Willa [Stout #25]
Why don't the girls write? Is lonely, not during work days but at night. Has her own stenographer and entire responsibility for the first issue, even overseeing layout. Is arranging for material for September issue [of Home Monthly]. Wants to do article on Mrs. William Jennings Bryan and Mrs. William McKinley. Please help get personal details about Mrs. Bryan. Magazine not much as literature, but hopes to make a success of it. Is behaving. Willa [Stout #26]
Presbyterian Axtells not so stern as first thought, but not much fun. Their social life limited to fellow church members! Summoned the Baptist minister from next door as soon as they learned the Cathers were Baptists. Has been to an organ recital at Carnegie music hall, which shares a building with library and art museum; theater next door. Between going to church and pretending to know Wild West stories, is losing all standards of truth. Magazine is dull stuff, but is practically the managing editor, with her own desk. Willa [Stout #27]
Has received letter. How could she believe she [Cather] was really a bohemian? Only visits in Bohemia, doesn't live there. Plans to abash her enemies by showing she can succeed. Only wildness these days is racing streetcars on bicycle. Believes more firmly than ever that the one God is Art. Likes her work, though hard. Editor of Cosmopolitan admired "The Count of Crow's Nest," but must use it in Home Monthly. P.S.: Has her own stenographer. Willa [Stout #28]
Is Katharine[Weston?] still in Montana, or has she come home? Hasn't heard from her since August 1. Willa [Stout #31]
Won't be able to send material for newspaper until next week. Has met C. L. Magee, managing editor of two Pittsburgh newspapers and political boss of the city. Had a letter of introduction from an actress friend. Magee's office crowded with people, but he had a kind word for each, gave letters to several to help them get jobs. It was hard to ask a stranger for a job, but he encouraged her to come back. Asked her into his private office, said he would take some articles and there might be a job coming open on the evening paper. Willa Cather [Stout #34]
Would like to stop off in Lincoln before going on home. So much to tell! P.S.: Will be at the Canfields' in Columbus on the way. Willa [Stout #39]
Probably will not go back to Pittsburgh until September. Magazine has been sold. Will try to get a newspaper job. Afraid Mr. Seibel has not been paid. Jack enjoying the brownies [rubber] stamp. Is going hunting with older brother in August. Is sending Erna [Seibels' baby] a spoon. P.S.: Has been reading Charles Lamb's Dramatic Essays. Willa Cather [Stout #40]
Has just that day been hired by the Pittsburgh Leader at $75 a month. To report next week. Has been writing stories, but must take this opportunity. Socializes too much in Pittsburgh, but can't resist [Emma] Calvé and [Sarah] Bernhardt. [Stout #42]
Has been called back to Pittsburgh by the Leader. Will be in Lincoln Friday to Tuesday. Willa [Stout #43]