Sorry for previous letter. Ironic to be called bohemian, considering present hardworking life. Has been on a picnic to Erie and an excursion on the river; returning by moonlight, admired the glow of the steel furnaces and was serenaded by a Princeton boy. Recited college composition on Carlyle at an afternoon tea and was at once welcomed into the social set. Axtells are kind but not warm; resemble the Pounds. Willa [Stout #29]
Is sending a present for Peter Rabbit. Don't open until Christmas! Will send books for Mary Virginia as soon as she and Miss Lewis (with whom she is partners in housekeeping) have read them. Found these nice children's books from England in a local book shop. Willie [Stout #144]
So glad she liked the stories. They now seem distant and ill tempered. But appreciates the good words. Here, can forget the present and its troubles. Returning tomorrow. Willa Cather [Stout #199]
Appreciates her invitation to submit a poem or poems for Poetry, but does not have anything to send at present. Looks forward to seeing the first issue. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #243]
Has been getting settled in the new apartment, including floors being painted. Thanks for the Christmas present. Has been hearing a lot of music. New book twice as long as Alexander. Has taken her themes from the long grass, as Dvořák did in the New World Symphony (which was not made from Negro songs as people say). Nervous about the new story, though it is just what she has been wanting to write. Probably very few people will like it. Willa Cather [Stout #250]
Feels inadequate to write, but wants her to know that her loss [of Grosvenor] is present in her thoughts. Everything else seemed to fade into unreality when she saw G. P.'s name in the newspaper under the heading "killed in action"—a title that sets men apart in glory. Now feels she carries a name of honor because it was his name. It was Isabelle who showed her the newspaper notice. Somehow, had not believed he would be harmed in the war. Knows she must be glad he found his mission in life. Remembers talking with him about the war news in August, 1914. He was not content on the farm; this great endeavor was the kind of effort he needed and craved. Very few men have both the courage and the ability to serve the country in this great challenge as he did. Sends love and sympathy. Willie [Stout #419]
Meant to say, would he want such a book of stories for spring, given present economic conditions? W. S. C. [Stout #431]
Has found out the location of Grosvenor's grave. Please let Aunt Franc know. It is registered by the Society for the Care of the American Dead. He is buried in Grave No. 2, Plot B, in the American Cemetery at Villiers Tournelle. From all reports of how the dead at Cantigny were handled, there can be no uncertainty that it is G. P. Will go there next week and take a picture. Isabelle and Jan will go along. Will stay overnight in a home, as there are no hotels. Feeling a little homesick and eager to return to her own country and her own people, although this country and people are wonderful. Willie [Stout #511]
Enclosing preface. P.S.: Has escaped surgery for the present. W. S. C. [Stout #618]
Appreciates his comments on the book in Issues of To-Day [?]. Would like to send a copy to Isabelle McClung. Glad he perceived her effort to present Claude equitably. Willa Cather [Stout #628]
