Feels reassured by his letter [of Apr. 29]. He was right about the tide in Venice. Wishes he could have been there for the dinner party she gave for Olive Fremstad. W. S. C. [Stout #302]
Can't let him use the snapshot of her with Olive Fremstad, but has had some new photos taken. Should capitalize on current interest in cliff dwellings in advertising the book. Willa Cather [Stout #312]
She should try to see Fremstad as Isolde later this month. Willie [Stout #333]
Enclosing an article for Book News. Isabelle's father has died. Has had to forgo going to Chicago with Fremstad, who seems to like the book. Glad the reviews haven't mentioned her. Hasn't heard from McClure. W. S. C. [Stout #335]
Judge McClung died three weeks ago. Wishes she had reviewed the book. Misses Thea's company. Had feared Fremstad might be angry about the book, but she liked it exceedingly. W. [Stout #340]
Just reached Red Cloud after a summer in New Mexico and Wyoming. Enjoyed Roscoe and his family, especially the twins. Made a talk about The Bent Twig [Canfield Fisher's novel, 1915] to a bridge club. Interesting that they both used the same kind of treatment for such different material. Sympathizes with the character who fled moral restrictions. The mother reminds her of a stalwart woman who came to visit Fremstad when she was in Maine—such wisdom. They have different groups of readers in Lincoln. Dorothy's think Cather immoral, and her own think Dorothy boring. All of Dorothy's readers want to believe Thea didn't live with Fred out of wedlock. Willa [Stout #366]
People she knows from Sweden and Norway have indicated possible interest there in translations of O Pioneers! and The Song of the Lark. Could he take it up with publishers, perhaps enclosing a copy of Edward Garnett's article in last February's Atlantic? Is enclosing a list of the best people to write. He can get their attention by mentioning that reviewers have thought Thea Kronborg was modeled after Olive Fremstad. Please send three dozen copies of the advertising booklet for her to send to people who inquire. Finishing some short stories for Reynolds to place, but will start on the next book soon. Hopes he can come to New York to discuss the Scandinavian possibilities. Will have a phone in soon and send him the number. Might he be there next Thursday [Dec. 21] for dinner with the Hambourgs, S. S. McClure, and Harry Dwight? McClure will tell everyone about the war. Willa S. C. [Stout #375]
Glad he is back from London. Has been socializing with Fremstad and with the Hambourgs lately, so not much writing. W. S. C. [Stout #386]
So glad to have her letter. Theirs is a lifelong friendship. Proud to hear of her work for the Red Cross. Has had a hard winter, with fuel shortage and illnesses, and the book will be delayed. Olive Fremstad helped get her through an attack of bronchitis; she wasn't working because there were no German operas this year. Is getting along well with Isabelle's husband now, having learned to like him. Was at the Wieners' house often before Mr. Wiener's death. A gracious family, unlike many wealthy Jews. Edith sends regards. Winter was hard on her, too, but of course worst on the poor people of the city. Willie [Stout #414]
Saturday afternoon will be all right if he can come then; she has excused herself from going to Fremstad's recital. W. S. C. [Stout #492]
