Roscoe has been ill, but needs money worse than he needs her presence. How nice it is to have independence! Life has a lot of variety these days. Mr. Farrar broke his leg but is still capable of fun. Mrs. Canfield and Dorothy visited during Christmas. Turned the tables by introducing them to society. Many parties, including a dinner for Ethelbert Nevin. Has met interesting people—Anthony Hope Hopkins, F. Marion Crawford, Fridtjof Nansen. Went shopping with Nevin today, and he bought her a bunch of violets. Willa [Stout #47]
Has read her letter many times. These past few years has felt confused, tired, drained of energy by the job and has felt cut off from her self. Mr. McClure wants her to become another Ida Tarbell; he doesn't believe she will ever be much of a writer of fiction. Feels as much a beginner in her writing as she ever did, as if she hadn't learned at all. Doesn't even have the feeling of learning about other things, as when she was a teacher. Hectic pace is giving her a bad temperament. Glad to have her salary; needs to help out the family now and then; but could quit now and have enough in the bank to live on for three or four years. Has reread "Martha's Lady," such a beautiful story. Will hope to get up to Boston after Christmas. Willa [Stout #145]
Glad she likes the little book, and will hope to meet her when she is in Boston. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #301]
Appreciates his writing about the book. Can't remember ever wanting so much to get a character across as this one. Will hope to see him if she is in Omaha. Willa Cather [Stout #631]
Many thanks for her good word. Will hope to meet Mr. McNeny in Red Cloud. Willa Cather [Stout #633]
Sorry to have missed her in Paris. Is at Aix for a cure until about October 1. Will hope to see her when she returns to town. Weather is beautiful. Willa Cather [Stout #699]
"My love and greetings to the old friends of my own home town who are remembering me today. I think they know I would rather have their friendship than any other reward. When I was a child I loved my own town more than most children do, but I could not show it. I used to hope that some day I could make my town pleased with me. If I have succeeded it makes me very happy." Willa Cather [Stout #717]
Appreciates invitation for Thanksgiving. Will hope to be there. Willa Cather [Stout #752]
Has had an attack of neuritis and will have to cancel Thanksgiving plans. Unfortunately, active writing brings on these attacks. Does hope to come see Mary Virginia [at Smith College] some time this winter. Willa Cather [Stout #755]
Hasn't answered her letter because so much has happened. Father died March 3, a quick, gentle death. Is staying on to get some repairs done on the house for when her mother comes back from California. Will hope to see her next time she is in Boston. Willa Cather [Stout #929]
