She is a sport to go fishing with Greenslet. Henry James's latest book, "Brothers and Son" [Notes of a Son and Brother, 1914], is too mannered, with too little substance, to be worth reading. Tortured with afterthoughts and retraction. Hears from Greenslet that Elsie is not going to marry a cubist after all—he seems to have taken the joke seriously. Glad to be away from New York. Will probably go visit Fremstad in Maine some time in June. Is not pushing herself. Enjoying the weather and resting a lot. W. [Stout #282]
Just got her letter. Gained five pounds at Mesa Verde. Had a bad time in the worst canyon in Colorado; got some bruises. Has received an advance copy of the book—terrible proofreading. Surely a good proofreader would have caught the errors she missed herself. Has learned a lesson about hurrying a book. Has marvelous photos of the Southwest. Has Elsie seen A Boy's Will [ Frost ]? It's even better than North of Boston. W. [Stout #323]
Isabelle's marriage still hard to accept, but the world looks brighter now. Is enjoying being with Roscoe and his wife in the mountains. Glad that Elsie is working well on her book. Will be in Red Cloud by the end of August. Recommends she go to Taos, though there is a good dude ranch near here in Wyoming. [Stout #364]
Can't suggest anything new to read. Most new books disappointing. Elsie might try Mary Austin's The Ford. Came to Nebraska to receive an honorary doctorate. Edith Abbott, Jane Addams's assistant, awarded honorary degree at the same time, the first given by the University of Nebraska to women. Then more than a week of visiting, until tea parties became repetitious and tiresome. Nebraska is in a heat wave plus burning with patriotism. Is going to Wyoming soon. W. S. C. [Stout #387]
Understands her regret that G. P. has enlisted, but he has always wanted to be in the military and this is his chance. It's a time of return to basics: men carrying guns. For herself, feels proud of him and glad he can go, especially as an officer. Wishes Jack were going. Was sorry not to see her, but the heat was debilitating and she and her friend fled back East. Was too worn out to work for a while, but now is working every morning in a tent about a mile from the inn. Douglass's reports about Mother are disheartening. Wonders if she should go to California to see about her. Address is at Hotel Garfield on O'Farrell Street in San Francisco. Elsie is delighted with her school and with Albuquerque. On the whole, families are pretty good things to have. Willa [Stout #390]
Sending a letter from Elsie she will enjoy. P.S.: Will be home on Bank Street about Oct. 1. Willa [Stout #392]
Not interested in doing the book of short stories after all. Has begun two other new books . P.S.: Terrible about Elsie Sergeant's injury. Please send review copy of Ántonia to the New York Globe. W. S. C. [Stout #442]
Thanks for relaying what Mary Austin wrote. Glad to have her esteem. Still hoping for an English edition. Elsie Sergeant writes that she is on crutches and hopes to be dismissed from the hospital soon. W. S. C. [Stout #451]
Shocked that he would attribute the reports from Chicago to "investigators." They were people she knew. Will read Miss Singmaster's book when she can, but has seen many of her manuscripts in the past and they never had any particular interest. Willa Cather [Stout #499]
Thanks for Elsie Sergeant's book. Overwhelmed with things to do. Will write to him soon about Mr. Llona, who wants to do a translation. W. S. C. [Stout #518]
