Is studying Greek and being treated like a goddess. Hasn't seen the Nevins, but they have phoned and he has sent a copy of Shakespeare's sonnets. In Chicago had dinner with Mr. Dooley. He and the Peatties encouraged her to come there to work. Mrs. Peattie's new story in Atlantic ["The Man at the Edge of Things," reviewed by Cather Nov. 4] establishes her as a writer. Was met at the train station by Isabelle, looking beautiful. They have been walking in the hills and going to concerts. Has read all of Dorothy's letters from Paris. Had a nice visit with May Willard last night. P.S.: Will tell her about Alfred next time. Willa [Stout #58]
Sorry not to have been more sensitive about the doctoral exam, but doesn't understand Ph.D.s. Now realizes it was an ordeal. Expects to be in New York about June 28 and hopes she can come down. Hasn't decided whether the novel is worth rewriting. Hopes to go abroad with Isabelle again next year. May yet go to Red Cloud this summer. Has had two nice visits with the Willards. Exams to begin soon at school, so will be busy. Willie [Stout #98]
Envies his being in Italy. Is working on the material about Eddy, after three men failed with it. It drives out every trace of an imaginative idea. Why doesn't he like [Pierre] Loti—afraid of real imagination? He covers up his own with slang and imitations of Kipling. Or maybe he fears being sentimental. McClure has paid $500 for illustrations for "The Valley of the Mills." Was in Pittsburgh a couple of months ago and saw the Willards. Only music saves her in New York. Please ask Mr. Reynolds to send her his work personally. Willa S. Cather [Stout #125]
Sorry not to have been in New York when she came by. Has thought of asking her here for a week, but May Willard is coming in. W. S. C. [Stout #846]
Please tell May Willard she should have stayed and protected her from phone calls from women's clubs. Word has gotten out that she is there. W. [Stout #848]
Leaving Sunday for Wyoming. Noise of the subway is a torture. They are emptying the apartment. Suggests she stay at the New Willard when in Washington. Didn't go to Winchester; to get out of attending a banquet there, told people she would be in Wyoming on May 31. Will probably be in Red Cloud in about a month. Can all meet there and dance the Charleston on the new rug. P.S.: Sending address of Howard Gore. Willa [Stout #887]
Appreciates receiving his radio talk. Glad he likes "Old Mrs. Harris," which she believes better achieved than most of her works. Glad to hear about the Seibels' grandchild. Would enjoy corresponding with him again if he won't publish her letters. Sorry to have become so untrusting. P.S.: Saw May Willard in San Francisco last year. Would like to see anything he has written about Thomas Mann, especially The Magic Mountain. Willa Cather [Stout #1120]
Is grieved to hear of May's death. Knew her even before she knew Isabelle. Edith Lewis phoned Ethel Litchfield, who was so overcome she had to hang up without saying anything. Called back and implored her [i.e., Cather] not to die before she did because couldn't bear another death of a dear friend. Feels that way herself. Such a precious group of friends. Remembers how they enjoyed folk dancing classes. May was the best dancer of the group and the youngest-looking. Hasn't seen Ethel recently. Brother Roscoe ill in Colusa, California with a heart lesion. Don't answer, just wanted to say she shares her grief. Willa Cather [Stout #1540]
Enjoyed the wreath she sent, which brought back many memories. Willa [Stout #1567]
So good of her to keep up May's old custom of sending a Christmas wreath. Tried to send a telegram the day after Christmas, but operator would not accept anything not related to war or business. Had four difficult months following surgery and lost sixteen pounds, but is herself again now. Willa [Stout #1610]
