Why did Mariel buy the disreputable Sappho? Kit and Mr. Myres flirting. Is feeling lonely but takes refuge in French history, George Eliot, and long horseback rides. Was at Mrs. Garber's on Sunday. Kit loaned her copy of Sappho to a church woman—how depraved! Is doing vivisection on frogs. Mariel could set up lab at newspaper office. Willa Cather [Stout #4]
Is sending clipping from the Auburn Granger, so scathing she may never be able to go to Brownsville again. Pictures were excellent, especially those of the Episcopal church after they piled the prayer benches into the aisle. Such fun! School grind starting again soon. Will be in Lincoln about September 20. Willa Cather [Stout #18]
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 Erna's picture. Is impressed that Mr. Seibel has acquired a complete set of Hugo, but they will envy her "Thistle" Stevenson. Has not yet retrieved manuscripts from Axtell and Orr. Beware of Christians! But is attending church with her family. Leaving on hunting trip today. Has a cold. Willa Cather [Stout #41]
Wishing her a belated happy New Year. Has been managing the magazine by herself since returning to New York in the fall. Has been unwell, so has had not only little time but little energy. Isabelle McClung with her from early November through Christmas; helped a great deal with shopping and the training of a new maid, so the apartment is now very pleasant. Always feels homesick at Christmas; seems everyone in New York suffers from homesickness then. Last year went to the children's service at Trinity Church on Christmas Eve and people were crying all around her. Probably wishing to be back at some small town. Is glad Jack and Elsie put out holly and evergreens in the cemetery for her at Christmas. Both such nice children. Elsie will be nicer when she gets older and not so sure of herself. Enjoys thinking of Bessie [Elizabeth Seymour] and Auntie [Sarah Andrews, sister of Mary Virginia Cather] being together and less burdened by care. Used to find it so hard not being able to do anything for them. Mother seems in better spirits lately. Is anticipating a Grand Jury investigation as a result of McClure's articles on Tammany and prostitution. Expects to go to London again in a few months but hopes to get back to Nebraska in the summer. Hopes to have as nice a visit as this past summer, when Mother did not seem to begrudge her visiting in the country. Please let her known if Bess and Auntie need anything. Sends love and best wishes. Willie [Stout #168]
Has been seeing the wheat harvest in the French and Bohemian country. Attended French mass at the Church of Saint Anne. Must get to work when she gets to Pittsburgh. Feeling well. Willa [Stout #240]
Just over a bad case of influenza. Edith was gone to her mother's funeral. Please send the measurements for father's window [at Grace Episcopal Church, Red Cloud, Nebraska]. Willie [Stout #937]
Has had bronchitis. Sorry not to have come for Christmas. Likes design for stained glass window, but with mother's illness can't deal with it. How is Dr. Creighton? P.S.: Enclosing check for church. Willie [Stout #957]
Wants inscription on window to read simply "In memory of Charles F. Cather, who loved this church." [Stout #970]
Not going to Oberammergau after all, but may see her in Paris. Doesn't know what her banker will be, to receive mail. Will have to wait for consecration of father's window at the church. Maybe at Christmas, when Elsie will be there. Paying for it herself, as care of mother is a strain for everyone. Sanitarium is best possible, but can't make paralysis anything but miserable. Comes away feeling very low every time she is there. P.S.: Hopes Evelyn Brodstone is better. Willie [Stout #1011]
