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]
Is pleased that she and Mrs. Fields liked the first part of Mrs. Ward's story; will send the outline of the rest. Mrs. Fields the only person left who evokes the dignity of the New England past. Has been enjoying Fields's poems. She and Edith Lewis liking their apartment. Get their own dinner three evenings a week and go to the Brevoort [Hotel] the other nights. Fears Jewett won't like her story in the December issue. Willa [Stout #140]
Thanks for her letter. Will start back after George Meredith's funeral. Willa Cather [Stout #160]
Apologizes for having caused Mrs. Hueffer the irritation of a complaint from Joseph Conrad about Cather's attempt to see him. Believed Mr. Hueffer [pseud. Ford Madox Ford] had assured her of welcome. Had hoped to obtain something for publication in McClure's. Is leaving for Paris Saturday [the 22nd] but hopes to see her when she returns. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #161]
Has just returned from a long trip in the desert and found his letters. Sorry to hear Mrs. McClure is ill. How can he do magazine work here when she is abroad? Sounds as though finances are another worry. Hopes the problem will be short-term. Did he find prospects for a magazine in London? Hard to believe, with his ability and experience, his career will end. Will do anything she can to help. He can write to her in Red Cloud, though she may be in Colorado or Wyoming for several months. Willa Cather [Stout #233]
Back on old paths, a big, beautiful country, all golden-brown. W. S. C. [Stout #286]
Likes the jacket, but the copy is wrong—Moonstone, Colorado, not Arizona. Also, Thea and Fred go to Mexico, not New Mexico. Wishes it could say something about her artistic growth in the cliff dweller ruins. Actually, not so very happy with the cover. Couldn't it be more like British edition of Pioneers? Henry James seems patronizing in his essay on the Fieldses. Willa Cather [Stout #311]
Will send the epilogue next week. There isn't a prologue. Leaving for Pittsburgh tomorrow, so send proofs to 1180 Murray Hill. Leaving for Colorado and New Mexico on August 6. Please send a sample of the new cover before then. Willa Cather [Stout #314]
Was about to sail for Germany when Judge McClung decided Isabelle must not go. Will start for Durango August 6. Proofs are finished. Even the page proofs needed a lot of correction. Loves North of Boston [Frost], so bare and strong. Knowing real poetry is being written enables her to tolerate even the likes of Witter Bynner. W. S. C. [Stout #317]
New cover is fine. Leaves for Durango on Friday [August 6]. Uncertain where she'll be the next few weeks. Willa Cather [Stout #318]