May quote from the essay she referred to. Believes sketch of Nat Wheeler in One of Ours better than the one of Godfrey St. Peter in The Professor's House. The right readers understand her books instinctually. The wrong ones never understand, but that's all right. Willa Cather [Stout #943]
No, Piercy must not state that the passage about Nat Wheeler is Cather's favorite passage from her own writing, because that is not true. Meant only to suggest that it would be better than the passage she was proposing to quote. No, she may not quote any part of the letter. Apparently was not guarded enough when she wrote it. If she needs to address her in future, it should be in care of A. A. Knopf. Willa Cather [Stout #962]
Cather has gone to California and will not return for some time. Piercy may quote from "The Novel Démeublé" and (if Knopf gives permission) from The Professor's House but not from her letter. Should remind her, quoting from a letter without permission is illegal. Ellen Burns, Sec'y. [Stout #964]
Had hoped to have a talk with her, but must rush off to California. Liked her book [Pilgrims of '48: One Man's Part in the Austrian Revolution of 1848, and a Family Migration to America, 1930]. Enjoyed the presentation of the Brandeis family as well as the Goldmarks. Has enjoyed knowing immigrant families in Nebraska and seeing how their lives flowered. Willa Cather [Stout #1043]
Beautiful potted apple tree arrived Christmas Eve and is still blooming. The wonderful Josephine is back! Still a wonderful cook. Has decided many of the details in Shadows on the Rock came from Josephine. Wishes Zoë were beginning the new year with Hugo, but remember, our personal lives aren't measured by time. Willa [Stout #1146]
Sorry to hear he began a German translation of Death Comes for the Archbishop without her agreement or a publisher. Arranging for translations is very complicated and time-consuming. Mr. Knopf handles it all for her. Interesting that he knows Mrs. Brandeis. Once knew Judge Brandeis fairly well, and his sisters Pauline and Josephine Goldmark are dear friends. Can't help find a publisher for his translation. Willa Cather [Stout #1150]
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]
Enjoyed their Christmas letters and rereads them when feeling down. Wishes they could come see her and Edith's apartment. Furniture prices low these days, so they have added some good new pieces to go with the old. Enjoying it very much. Went to celebration for Yehudi Menuhin's sixteenth birthday last week. Must stop and go help Josephine defrost the refrigerator. Willa [Stout #1159]
Could she and Josephine [Goldmark] come to tea on Saturday the 22nd at five? Willa Cather [Stout #1172]
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]
