Great to hear from her. Enjoyed the story about the droll Negroes—a people rich in imagination. Can't use the poems. Wonders when Zoë will settle down to serious work for theater. Her own interest in theater has waned. Best wishes in her work, whatever it is. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #151]
Sorry for the tactless letter. Still not used to having to reject things. Glad she likes April Twilights. Thinks "The Palatine," published in McClure's the previous summer, is better than poems in the book. Suggests Zoë study Miss Guiney's work as a model of richness combined with restraint. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #152]
Hasn't received her book of poetry. Has been in the hospital. Now with Margaret Deland, reading proofs flat in bed. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #211]
Both copies of Zoë's poems have arrived. Appreciates the inscription. Sorry to have been cross at times, but was worn out. Will never let herself be so worn down again. Likes "City and Country" best, also "Where Joy Passed By" and "Ask Me No More." Hates the pictures for "Alexander." The book will look better. Hopes she will like "The Bohemian Girl," a much better story though probably few will like it as well. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #218]
Don't overwork while running a temperature. Glad she likes "The Bohemian Girl." Feels pretty good about it. Is doing a longer story with the same setting; actually, setting is the main character. Saw Arnold Bennett's Milestones in New York. Wishes the office would quit interrupting her work. W. S. C. [Stout #246]
Enjoyed reading her one-act play and her sonnets, but doesn't really like poems about artistic endeavor. "Rain, Rain!" and "Amen" are very good. Was in New York in October working on an article on the play openings. W. S. C. [Stout #247]
Will be there until July 15. W. S. C [Stout #259]
Has been in Boston. Doesn't like her story, which seems to have been written only to be clever. It has no feeling. Zoë can't work up to her potential until she gets out of this manner. W. S. C. [Stout #272]
Sorry to have missed her. Was getting her head x-rayed. Is having a temperature every afternoon and head pains. Doctors can't seem to find what is wrong. Thanks for the flowers. Could Zoë come by Monday for tea? W. S. C. [Stout #274]
Going to Washington for a week, then to New York by February 12. Novel has reached 200,000 words. W. S. C. [Stout #293]
