Why don't the girls write? Is lonely, not during work days but at night. Has her own stenographer and entire responsibility for the first issue, even overseeing layout. Is arranging for material for September issue [of Home Monthly]. Wants to do article on Mrs. William Jennings Bryan and Mrs. William McKinley. Please help get personal details about Mrs. Bryan. Magazine not much as literature, but hopes to make a success of it. Is behaving. Willa [Stout #26]
Presbyterian Axtells not so stern as first thought, but not much fun. Their social life limited to fellow church members! Summoned the Baptist minister from next door as soon as they learned the Cathers were Baptists. Has been to an organ recital at Carnegie music hall, which shares a building with library and art museum; theater next door. Between going to church and pretending to know Wild West stories, is losing all standards of truth. Magazine is dull stuff, but is practically the managing editor, with her own desk. Willa [Stout #27]
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]
Sorry for previous letter. Ironic to be called bohemian, considering present hardworking life. Has been on a picnic to Erie and an excursion on the river; returning by moonlight, admired the glow of the steel furnaces and was serenaded by a Princeton boy. Recited college composition on Carlyle at an afternoon tea and was at once welcomed into the social set. Axtells are kind but not warm; resemble the Pounds. Willa [Stout #29]
Will use his article on Richard Wagner. Willa Cather [Stout #30]
Would Friday do this week instead of Thursday? Willa Cather [Stout #32]
Won't be able to come on Thursday, as it is Thanksgiving and already has a commitment. Will visit next week. Willa Cather [Stout #33]
Enclosing check for $6 for his article on the Star of Bethlehem. "A Higher Critic" will be in March issue, also for $6. Willa Cather [Stout #35]
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]
Enjoyed Saturday evening. Probably will not see them again before she leaves. Jack will enjoy the brownies [rubber stamp] being sent by Erna [Seibels' baby]. Willa Cather [Stout #38]
