Has been feeling depressed. Has written a story about a tippling prima donna. Doubts Louise read letter sent with poem [see #0009] carefully, if at all. As to Louise's question about the word "bassoon," got it out of Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Poems of Passion. The school year was a trial. Interesting times around Red Cloud recently, with murders and suicides. Has tried a translation of "Wallenstein" [as follows; from Friedrich Schiller]. Glad Mariel and sisters are coming to visit, to cheer her up. Still disappointed Louise didn't come and will put off the Gere sisters if she might. Has been writing papers on Shakespeare. P.S.: Has received her note. If she does not come, things will be different next year. It has been too one-sided anyway. Please come and show forgiveness or else it is goodbye. Willa Cather [Stout #13]
Dorothy Canfield is the "Real Thing." [allusion to story by Henry James.] [Stout #54]
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]
Has been home about two weeks, feeling tired out. Mother better than in years. Hopes he will read her story in the June New England Magazine. Another to be in August or September Scribner's [?]. Hoping for cooler weather. Willa [Stout #70]
Sorry to cancel visit, but must keep at work on stories, then going to New York to try to arrange book publication. Still regrets misunderstanding in the fall. Some of the stories good, but "Paul's Case" shows haste and "Pilgrim Joy" has to be discarded and replaced. Cycle will be two painter stories, one actor, one sculptor, one musician, one musical study, one writer, and one case of an artistic temperament without talent, and Fulvia. Title to be The Troll Garden, with epigraph from Charles Kingsley to explain. So wishes to come see her. Please apologize to parents. Wants her and Mrs. Canfield to read Phaedra story. P.S.: Mrs. McClung has been ill. Has scarcely had an evening to herself to work. Willie [Stout #80]
Why didn't she tell her Dr. Canfield was in town? Has been shut in with a cold. Enjoys teaching but would prefer lower-class students who were used to working. When will Dorothy's children's story be published? Is her brother's new baby a boy or a girl? Edith [Isabelle's sister] is having coming-out parties. Willie [Stout #91]
Comments about "A Wagner Matinee" in his column were biting. Family is offended by the story, too. Didn't mean to disparage Nebraska. Story reflects past times and a particular mood. The Troll Garden won't be out until fall. Willa S. Cather [Stout #95]
Generous of her to say she understands that incoherent letter. Likes the first part of Dorothy's boy story better than the last, where it spells things out too much. "A Wagner Matinee" has stirred up a hornet's nest, led by Will Jones. Will write another and make them even madder. Willie [Stout #96]
Can't withdraw the story without canceling the entire volume, which is already in type. Doubts Miss Osborne will ever see it, let alone take it to heart. Does not agree it is a portrait of her. Isabelle, who has a strong moral sense, does not see anything wrong. This has spoiled the pleasure in her first book of fiction. Wouldn't ask such a thing of anyone. Is very hurt by Dorothy's attitude. Willa [Stout #101]
Appreciates his writing about her story. A volume is being published. (Miss) Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #102]
