Glad to hear Fritz Westermann has gone off to the [Spanish-American] war. Has been writing headlines about the blockade of Santiago Harbor. Sorry not to come to her commencement. Dorothy [Canfield] will be visiting in early July. Has been in Washington with her cousin Professor Gore, who was preparing for a polar expedition. His Norwegian wife, Lillian Thekla Brandthall, is glamorous and impressive. Looking forward to getting back to Nebraska. Willa [Stout #49]
Another busy winter. Elsie made her first visit to New York at Christmas; they had a wonderful time except for worrying about Mother, who'd hurt herself in a fall. Elsie liked the apartment and the colored maid, who has taken over all housekeeping cares. Health is better this winter, though working all summer while Mr. McClure was ill in Europe wore her down. Had some time away to recuperate in the fall. Saw Mr. Wiener a few weeks ago; he is still himself, in spite of having made so much money. Isabelle visiting and sends her greeting. Hears from Howard Gore that he is going to the coronation of the king of Siam, whom he knew years ago. Wishes he wouldn't pursue aristocrats, but vanity seems endemic to Washington. Hears that Bessie and Auntie are well, and that she and Uncle George are too. May have to go to England in April. Hopes to receive a letter from her before going. Willie [Stout #188]
Swedish cousin has died in Paris. Spent a few days in Washington with her cousin's husband after he returned bringing the body. Is settling back into the apartment. Did about 28,000 words on new novel while in Pittsburgh. Has she seen the article about singers in the December McClure's? Fremstad likes it. Has been invited to Boston to visit Mrs. Fields, but can't go until after Christmas. Wishes she [ Sergeant ] were there to go to the ballet tonight. P.S.: Mrs. Fields's primness about a nude figure on the magazine cover is funny. W. S. C. [Stout #270]
True, the story suggests Lillian Nordica, though there are only two specifics that resemble her life, the shipwreck and the dispute over the will. Yes, her last husband, George Young, is still alive. Let her know by mail if he is going to be in town, as she has had her telephone disconnected. P.S.: Truly doesn't see how Young could object to the story. Willa S. Cather [Stout #358]
Came up to Wyoming from New Mexico two weeks ago. Hard to advise her where to go in the West. Taos probably the best. Will be off to Red Cloud in about two weeks. Hasn't done any writing. Has sold the Nordica story to McClure's for a good price. W. [Stout #363]
Sends greetings from Howard Gore, whom she saw in May 1917. Does not want to be interviewed. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #417]
Will have to miss going to the theater with her. Is going to the country on Monday [the 11th] to work. Willa Cather [Stout #818]
"The Bohemian Girl" was never published as a book; withdrew it from book publication because judged it unworthy. The only copy of The Troll Garden she has belonged to Sarah Orne Jewett, with Jewett's marginal notes. Never lends it. Unreprinted stories are without merit—such as "A Death in the Desert," such a weak story! P.S.: Will be interested in seeing his book. Doesn't agree this is a great period in literature in English. Willa Cather [Stout #851]
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]
Is leaving Monday [16th] to go to Washington, D.C., where a relative is ill. Probably will not be back by Wednesday when he is there. Willa S. Cather Signed by S. J. Bloom, Secretary. [Stout #1333]
