Writing on family's behalf. Will be at home until first of October; having lots of fun. Is leaving for a ten-day hunting trip near Big Horn with Roscoe. Douglass handsomer than ever. Would like to demonstrate what good gin cocktails she can make. Hopes to produce a book of essays about the theater next winter. Plans to return to Pittsburgh because of job. Refused offer from the New York Sun that would have meant night work. Has had a happy year. Willa Cather [Stout #50]
Thinking of her on this day of peace. For the first time in all history the sun rose on a world without monarchies. A fulfillment of Ralph Waldo Emerson's prediction that God would one day say He was tired of kings. Wishes Grosvenor had lived to see it, but he is now God's soldier, as the line in Macbeth says. The old is gone for good. Now more than ever the flag belongs in churches. Willie [Stout #440]
May be interested to know Heinemann will publish an English edition of My Ántonia. Perhaps he has friends who could call attention to it? Glad O Pioneers! got Edward Garnett's notice. Willa S. Cather [Stout #457]
Understands that he, too, thinks Joseph Conrad's latest book [ The Arrow of Gold ] weak. Hard to believe how people think it's the real thing. Is working on a new novel. Willa Cather [Stout #463]
Has only one story available [probably "Her Boss," Smart Set October 1919], and it has been declined by Century. He may have it for $100 if he wants it. Looking forward to seeing his book on the American language when she gets back to New York. Interesting that Conrad himself thinks the new book is weak. Willa Cather [Stout #467]
Pleased by his article on "Our National Letters." Earlier in career tried to counter the influence of foreign writers by following Henry James and Edith Wharton; now realizes their conventions took her further into artifice, away from authenticity. Would like to send him an advance copy of new novel when it becomes available. Does not believe it is a sentimental book. Willa Cather [Stout #577]
Sorry, can't commit anything for the first issue of the Mercury. Being treated for neuritis in right arm and has hardly written a thing all summer. Has three new stories planned. Too beautiful here to stay indoors and write anyway. Willa Cather [Stout #698]
Needs to know whether the Baltimore Sun was in publication in 1850. P.S.: His Happy Days makes her wish she had been born sooner and lived only through that period. Willa Cather [Stout #1476]
Received her sad note about a week ago and has kept thinking about her. Remembers her own father's death. When she reached Red Cloud everyone in the family was asleep. Had several hours alone with him. When the sun came up it cast a rosy glow over his face so he looked quite like himself, almost cheerful. Imagines death as something happy, whether there is awareness after it or not. Not easy to convey what she means. Maybe one day can help Zoë understand why she kept herself so isolated this past winter. Willa [Stout #1544]
Sending an amusing clipping from one of the Paris newspapers about Americans during Prohibition. Willa Cather [Stout #1792]
