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]
Sorry they have had a misunderstanding. Sorry to be so often cross and ungracious; behaved badly two years ago in Europe. Felt inferior, not understanding French. Teaching wears on her disposition. Has not written a line of poetry in months. Others say she has become unfeeling. Has been to a doctor to see if there is a physical cause. Is paying now for not tearing away from happiness in Pittsburgh four years ago. Appreciates comments on "A Wagner Matinee" [Everybody's Magazine, Feb. 1904]. Spirits low; escapes by working. Please wait until these low spirits are gone before eloping with a tenor, if that's what she wants! Sorry to have written such a self-revealing letter all about feelings, but is trying to be honest. P.S.: Can't talk about the McClung household, of course, but it is wearing, too. Willie [Stout #94]
Sorry the proofs went astray, but proofed the article thoroughly herself. Can't use more than one article about the Labor Congress. Emphasis should be on developments abroad for protection of workers. Can pay $150 for article and photographs. If Sergeant gets to Berlin might visit Permanent Exposition for the Welfare of Workingmen and feature some of the exhibits there. Miss Wyatt preparing article on the working girl, so not sure they could use another on French working girls. Seems as if the whole city is being demolished and rebuilt these days. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #179]
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]
Has not succeeded in getting Outlook to commit to a publication date for her article. Would she please edit the French in Pioneers? So glad she likes it. Understands she would like a more distinct structure, but that wouldn't suit the country. Mr. Greenslet likes it. Still, wishes to do something different. Would like to be able to write what is in Fremstad's mind. Saw her after she had sung Kundry in Parsifal [ Wagner ] yesterday, and she looked exhausted. Isabelle is visiting. Misses her. W [Stout #257]
Weather has been very hot since she left. New Hampshire must be better. Enjoyed their two days together. Was not able to describe Elsie's French clothes adequately to Isabelle. Plans to take Kronstall's wardrobe from advertisements. W. S. C. [Stout #260]
Went to Maine June 7 and returned home yesterday. Had a wonderful time with Fremstad and then visited Mary Jewett. With Fremstad, was active every minute, fishing, rowing, hiking, and cooking. What a vigorous woman! Thornton Oakley would do good illustrations for a book on Provence. Scribner's would be a good publisher for it. Going to Wyoming soon. Isabelle will probably go to Italy during that time. W. [Stout #284]
Just back from two weeks in the French and Bohemian area watching the harvest. Saw some old friends, like fictional characters whose story she [Cather] keeps reading. Weather very hot. Surely she will not go abroad with the Kaiser acting like another Napoleon. Will get back to work in about a month in Pittsburgh. W. S. C. [Stout #285]
Mother has been ill since September 1. Has been keeping house and cooking. Has a dear servant [ Marjorie ] who helps but doesn't cook. Has finally learned to make good pastry. Will go to Arizona in two weeks. Glad to hear she went to Walnut Canyon. Has read her "French Perspectives" and found it very pleasing. Still distressed about poor proofreading in Lark. Maybe they will see each other in New York after Christmas. W. S. C. [Stout #372]
Enclosing the best war book she has read, by a woman from Poland. Honest account of the terrible things she witnessed and experienced. Easy to see why the French fear German domination so. Willie [Stout #385]
