A picture of New England children with pumpkins. Isabelle helping her fix up her house [?]. Aunt Willie [Stout #164]
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]
Another busy winter. Elsie made her first visit to New York at Christmas; they had a wonderful time except for worrying about Mother, who'd hurt herself in a fall. Elsie liked the apartment and the colored maid, who has taken over all housekeeping cares. Health is better this winter, though working all summer while Mr. McClure was ill in Europe wore her down. Had some time away to recuperate in the fall. Saw Mr. Wiener a few weeks ago; he is still himself, in spite of having made so much money. Isabelle visiting and sends her greeting. Hears from Howard Gore that he is going to the coronation of the king of Siam, whom he knew years ago. Wishes he wouldn't pursue aristocrats, but vanity seems endemic to Washington. Hears that Bessie and Auntie are well, and that she and Uncle George are too. May have to go to England in April. Hopes to receive a letter from her before going. Willie [Stout #188]
Thanks for the box of candy. Someone from Hull House was at the office and said Miss Wyatt is obsessed with white slavery these days. Too bad she can't see anything amusing in humanity. Miss McClung to be in town soon and Miss Goldmark not long after. Wishes Sergeant could be there to meet Isabelle, who also dislikes people obsessed with social reform. Willa Cather [Stout #195]
Glad Miss McClung was able to clear up misunderstanding caused by her [Cather's] earlier letter. Willa Cather [Stout #207]
Enjoyed her long letter. Hopes voyage will be restful. Enjoyed reading her paper about France in Scribner's. Glad to be back from the West; feeling worn out by its vastness. Couldn't exchange all of civilization for Julio. Reading vol. 9 of Michelet with Isabelle. W. [Stout #241]
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]
Will go to New York next week, then back here. Has been reading phone directories from various cities—L, K, and O in Minneapolis. Isabelle's sister Edith getting married. W. S. C. [Stout #266]
Has received her two letters, but had such lassitude, couldn't write. Sees the doctor every other day. Is trying to work a little. Has been to the opera twice; missing hair not so conspicuous at night. Isabelle stayed almost a month. Willa [Stout #279]
