Looking forward to seeing him and to the dinner. Mother in very sad condition. Hard to get good care for someone in a situation like this, in such a place as California. Willa Cather [Stout #973]
Likes her book [ Short As Any Dream ]. Likes its treatment of blood inheritance much better than Orlando [ Woolf ]. Likes its balance between somber facts and positive mood. One weakness is introducing the writer herself. They must talk about this. But she really captured the way life rushes by with no regard for persons. P.S.: Appreciated her letter from California. Has considered moving to San Francisco, but is fearful of doing so. Willa [Stout #981]
Had a hard winter in California but a wonderful, restful summer on Grand Manan. Willa Cather [Stout #987]
Is pleased to learn she has been elected to the Institute. Letter was slow reaching her because of incorrect address; also, has been in Canada. Is mostly in California, due to mother's illness. Very pleased to accept membership. Will hope to see him again soon. Willa Cather [Stout #990]
Won't be able to get to Portage; must go to Pasadena soon after Christmas. Keeps wanting to quote Kent in King Lear: "Fortune, turn thy wheel." Read Gale's book with grim humor. Impossible to live in isolation but impossible to avoid harming others if one isn't isolated. Has been wanting to talk with her about a particular matter. Will she be in New York before Christmas? [Stout #991]
Commercial stationery reflects her life just now, very unsettled. Going to California again in January. Appreciated letter from Spain; received it at Grand Manan. Had a good rest, both there and in New Hampshire. New York has worn her out again. Yes, remembers Lizzie Hudson Collier, cousin of Wilkie Collins; an actress in Pittsburgh. Would like to have kept in touch with her. Has sent off eight Christmas boxes to farm women in Nebraska. Has loved them, and they her, for many years. Hears mother has improved a little. Still, a quick death would be much better. Sorry the letter seems blue, but is feeling homesick. Willa [Stout #997]
What a beautiful crucifix she sent! It speaks of the Southwest. Will be in California in February. Leaving now for Quebec for a week and will toast her with champagne. Willa [Stout #998]
Please send a statement of royalties paid in 1929. Will leave for California soon and needs to do income tax early. P.S.: Likes Laughing Boy [ LaFarge ] a great deal. Willa Cather [Stout #1002]
Appreciates her telegram. So glad Carrie is going to Europe. Expects to sail May 14 on the Berengaria, but needs to get to California first. Probably will take route through Chicago so she can see Roscoe in Wyoming. Mary Virginia working hard and getting by on little money. Sends her groceries now and then. Can't go to Red Cloud; too hard emotionally. P.S.: Please keep information about Mary Virginia secret. Willie [Stout #1004]
Has deposited the check. Is sending Heinemann several corrections, which she hopes he will also make. On p. 121, "Austrians" should be changed to "Prussians." Leaving Monday for California. Willa Cather [Stout #1007]
