Is writing after midnight, having left her for the last time before summer vacation. Felt overcome by the sight of Louise in her new dress. After much thought, chose the Rubáiyát [of Omar Khayyám, in popular translation by Edward FitzGerald] as a going-away gift. Reason she was not very sociable was prospect of parting. Wanted to make the traditional gesture of goodbye but feared Louise might be revolted. Not fair that friendships between women are regarded as not natural. Letter may be even more foolish than one left unsent in March. William [Stout #10]
Has been visiting Katharine and her brother. Please send trunk keys she left. Why no letters? [Breaks off.] [Stout #20]
Enjoyed visiting Katharine and her brother, who is more charming than ever. Quoted Ella Wheeler Wilcox to each other. Attended New Year's dance with Douglass—a rustic event. Could Mariel retrieve her [Cather's] copy of Daudet's Sapho from Sarah Harris? Doesn't know when she will be back in Lincoln. Here in the country might as well be dead. Is indifferent to everything, even suicide. Willa [Stout #21]
Has received letter. How could she believe she [Cather] was really a bohemian? Only visits in Bohemia, doesn't live there. Plans to abash her enemies by showing she can succeed. Only wildness these days is racing streetcars on bicycle. Believes more firmly than ever that the one God is Art. Likes her work, though hard. Editor of Cosmopolitan admired "The Count of Crow's Nest," but must use it in Home Monthly. P.S.: Has her own stenographer. Willa [Stout #28]
Children not so changed as she expected; mother better than reports had indicated. Very hot; doubts she can work. Mrs. Garber doesn't go out any more. Hopes Mariel is better. Willa [Stout #69]
Thanks for launching her with S. S. McClure. Had a telegram from him and has been to New York to see him. Feeling elated, as if her life is now more valuable than before. McClure to run her stories in the magazine, then publish as a book. Will place for her any he does not use. At the McClure house met wife of Robert Louis Stevenson, who had read the stories. Greatly appreciates his help. Other plans afoot. P.S.: Doesn't seem to be able to reach Sarah Harris. Willa S. Cather [Stout #84]
Sorry not to have been more sensitive about the doctoral exam, but doesn't understand Ph.D.s. Now realizes it was an ordeal. Expects to be in New York about June 28 and hopes she can come down. Hasn't decided whether the novel is worth rewriting. Hopes to go abroad with Isabelle again next year. May yet go to Red Cloud this summer. Has had two nice visits with the Willards. Exams to begin soon at school, so will be busy. Willie [Stout #98]
Will not return to the school in the fall, though expected to when she told them goodbye. Is going to New York to engage in work she enjoys even more than teaching. Wishes them well in their senior year. Willa Cather [Stout #112]
Liked "The Valley of the Mills" enough to buy it, but believes his work can be stronger. Would like to talk with him about some descriptive articles on the Mediterranean. Going to Pittsburgh on Friday [Oct. 12] to stay until November 1. Will be living at no. 60 South Washington Square upon return. Please drop by the office. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #116]
S. S. McClure has reread "The Valley of the Mills" and hopes to see more work from him. Please send his address so she won't have to write through Reynolds. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #118]
