Hasn't heard from her in a long time. Mary Virginia is proving her mettle and says Irene is a good driver of a car. Willie [Stout #1000]
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]
Mary Virginia kept trying to take over the green jacket Zoë sent for Christmas, but can't have it. Wore it the day she finished the last chapter of new novel. No, doesn't like the new play much [The Greeks Had a Word for It, running since Sept. 25, 1930], mainly because of the lead actress but also because it shuts one into a dreary world with no way out. Will go back to California about the end of March. So tired of being unsettled! Willa [Stout #1034]
Has not written sooner because of influenza soon after getting back. Went to a concert given by Yehudi Menuhin and out to supper with him and has felt unwell ever since. And secretary went away on vacation! Keeps thinking about happy weeks in Red Cloud and visits with Carrie and Mary. Probably it was run-in with Will Auld that has unsettled her. Isn't even sleeping well. He still won't give her the facts on whether the mortgage in question has been recorded. Willie [Stout #1097]
Weather has been cold since she got back, but once she got over the flu has been going to concerts and operas. Sees Virginia about once a week. Despairing about the Lindberghs' baby! Police don't seem to be doing anything, and no one respects their privacy. When her child arrives, don't smother him with motherly doting. That ruins children. Willa Cather [Stout #1102]
Read proofs of "Two Friends" [Woman's Home Companion July 1932] before she left New York. Sorry about the terrible illustrations, done by a ninny who knows nothing about the West. Hates publishing in magazines, but they pay well. Elsie reports house and yard look good. Cabin here very pleasant, even without indoor plumbing. Everything such a nice green this year. Mary Virginia coming to spend a month; will stay at inn where they take their meals. Please tell Helen Mac how she enjoyed the letter about the baby, Bernard. Hopes she and Mary weren't bothered by anything in "Two Friends." Willie [Stout #1115]
Mary Virginia there vacationing. Wonderful weather. Worries Elsie won't keep up the yard at home. Some time wants to tell them about D. H. Lawrence, whom she knew well. Very fine writer, but full of extreme views. Willie [Stout #1118]
Appreciates her kindness in searching for hotel accommodations, and also her thoughtfulness to have made the reservation in Miss Lewis's name. It's obvious that Smith College is not going to be so thoughtful. The tone of their letters is truly condescending. Perhaps they should plan to have dinner together on Saturday rather than Friday. Maybe West Virginia could come, too. Has lived in such a rush lately, hasn't even written to her. Looks forward to seeing the Frosts as well. Willa Cather [Stout #1180]
Has had a wonderful two weeks watching the wild flowers bloom. Received a note from Pat yesterday. Niece is here, as well as Edith, but usually she takes her walks alone. May get to work soon. Willa Cather [Stout #1187]
Has had various problems since she was there—appendicitis in mid-March, Mary Virginia's operation soon afterward, and Isabelle McClung Hambourg's arrival on March 27, very ill. Isabelle now in a hospital. Jan and his brothers away on concert tour to raise money. Has full responsibility for Isabelle. Also, Josephine Bourda and family returning to France in May to stay. (Josephine never received the dog she [Zoë] was sending her.) Another bout of appendicitis April 7. Sent her proofs of Lucy Gayheart last week; please read to see what the book is like, don't just go by the serial version. Glad to see splendid success of The Old Maid. Was progressing well on new work when all this trouble hit. So glad to have Alfred Knopf as a supportive friend. P.S.: Yes, early part of Lucy Gayheart resembles the mood of The Master Builder [ Ibsen ], but hopes she will agree the last part, which is the best, is very much in her own manner. Willa [Stout #1257]
