Probably will have only one day in Lincoln after speaking in Omaha, then on to Chicago. Has enjoyed being at home, where old friends are so supportive. Willa Cather [Stout #555]
Has heard she has been ill. Should rest for a while and enjoy the proceeds from The Brimming Cup [1921], maybe go to the Southwest for the winter. Enjoyed visiting in Red Cloud and Omaha but is very tired. Willa [Stout #558]
Still doesn't know the amount of the hotel bill Irene paid, and would like to pay her debt. Isabelle sends thanks for the pleasant stay in Omaha. In Chicago, after her [Cather's] speech at the College Club, there was a dinner given by university classmates. Then went with Fanny Butcher to visit major book businesses, very tiring. Will send some good photos taken in Omaha. Willie [Stout #560]
Glad Ántonia is selling well. Can talk about Alexander's Bridge when he is in town. Thanks for the good display of books in Omaha. Sending some clippings for him to show his publicity department. P.S.: Made calls on major book stores in Chicago, besides lecturing. Willa Cather [Stout #561]
Doesn't remember giving her money for ticket to Lincoln. Is sure she owes more of the hotel bill. Has ordered photos from Omaha. Josephine is back for half days; cooks a French dinner every night and will soon have her ailing stomach better. New doctor admires Ántonia but would rather he paid attention to her intestines. Willa [Stout #565]
Has heard from Omaha that My Ántonia is not available. Can get tincture of sweet orange peel these days only with a prescription! W. S. C. [Stout #571]
New book will be called a war novel. Would never have written such a thing if she hadn't simply had to before she could go on to anything else. Sprang from her cousin Grosvenor, who wanted to escape the farm and fulfilled his wish by enlisting, only to die at Cantigny on May 27, 1918. Has eliminated her usual pictorial mode in order to approximate the central character's way of looking at the world. He didn't see things as clear pictures. Willa [Stout #589]
Hopes they can have a good talk when Dorothy comes back from Italy. They seem to be living in a different world than the one they used to know. Has sent the proofs to her home for use in writing the review. Enjoyed last night's party. Likes [Donald] Harcourt. Willa [Stout #601]
Appreciates his writing about the book. Can't remember ever wanting so much to get a character across as this one. Will hope to see him if she is in Omaha. Willa Cather [Stout #631]
If it's true that Irene is going to Red Cloud, might they travel together from Chicago? Will speak in Omaha November 27. They could have a good visit. Hopes to stay through Christmas. Is enjoying Claude's success, though appendicitis attacks have dragged her down. Willa [Stout #637]
