Why hasn't she written? Is lonely since visit by Dorothy Canfield. Dorothy likes the young doctor who wants to marry her [Cather]. Would be a good match, but doesn't care for him. Magazine is trashy, but is doing her job as instructed. Social life going well, with none of the old problems (short hair, Dr. Tyndale, bohemianism) to mess her up. Willa [Stout #37]
He may find this telegram from her publisher interesting. It's about the new novel. [Encloses copy of telegram from Alfred Knopf praising One of Ours, still in typescript.] Willa Cather [Stout #553]
Heard that some people in the audience thought she used the word "smart" to mean "shrewd." She meant it in the sense of style. Glad she came, because Dr. Tyndale enjoyed it. Willa [Stout #557]
Enclosing ridiculous letter from Hettie Skeen, trying to fake literary awareness. Is almost well from her cold. Will dine at the Knopfs' on Monday with Myra Hess, pianist. "Claude" still selling well. New edition of April Twilights beautifully and expensively done. Willie [Stout #668]
Gladly accepts invitation to Myra Hess recital in February. Thanks for the gift of a credit at Altman's. W. S. C. [Stout #809]
She is probably the only person who has perfectly understood the book. Meant to be showing the basic attraction/repulsion of being in a marriage. Henshawes are intense lovers. Please send another copy of the review. Has enjoyed her stay in Jaffrey and feels proud of the mountain climbing she has done. Archbishop begins in the Forum in January. A completely new form for her. Willa Cather [Stout #857]
P.S.: Obscure Destinies selling well in England. The pianist Myra Hess came by and said her friends were praising it, and reported good words John Galsworthy had asked her to convey. P.S.: Sorry little Bernard is ill, making Christmas sad. W. [Stout #1138]
Has taken on so many social engagements, doesn't have time to write letters. Both Myra Hess and the Menuhins are in town. Is glad to have a home again and to have Josephine back, cooking better food than ever! Edith so busy she can't do much about getting settled. How is Helen Mac's baby? Willie [Stout #1155]
Doesn't believe Lucy Gayheart is one of her best, though the Hambourgs and Myra Hess do. Glad Carrie likes it. Selling well comparatively speaking, but book sales are all slow. Health not very good, probably due to nervous strain during spring and summer. No, can't come home for Christmas. Maybe Carrie would send reviews on to Roscoe? No one else in the family would care. Willie [Stout #1281]
Wishes she were there to cheer a rainy day. Enclosing a letter from Stephen Tennant. At times he lets emotions run away with him. Prefers simple, direct language. English poetry has greater riches and variety than French, but English prose is better plain, with strong emotion kept firmly controlled. Glad to hear she likes Barrie. He can get away with sentiment because he always does it with a hint of a laugh. Was glad to hear from her father and Yehudi on Saturday before they sailed. Sorry she is having respiratory trouble. Suggests she read at night when she is having trouble, to try to take her mind off it. Myra Hess came to tea yesterday and sent her greetings. P.S.: Good that Stephen went to Egypt even if it did cause him to rhapsodize; he needs it for his health. [Tennant was in Egypt in early 1939. That fact, together with the reference to Yaltah's illness, seems to confirm the dating of this letter. On the other hand, the reference to Yehudi's sailing conflicts with the statement that he is in Jaffrey. I conjecture no. 1439 was written later in the day. However, inconsistencies make it unclear.] Aunt Willa [Stout #1438]
