Glad to hear Fritz Westermann has gone off to the [Spanish-American] war. Has been writing headlines about the blockade of Santiago Harbor. Sorry not to come to her commencement. Dorothy [Canfield] will be visiting in early July. Has been in Washington with her cousin Professor Gore, who was preparing for a polar expedition. His Norwegian wife, Lillian Thekla Brandthall, is glamorous and impressive. Looking forward to getting back to Nebraska. Willa [Stout #49]
Has just returned from a week in the Apennines. Spent two days in Pompeii and is enjoying the Pompeiian collection at the Naples Museum, also the beautiful Bay of Naples. The classical world seems close at hand. Has regained enough Latin to read Tacitus and Suetonius. Remembers seeing a picture of the bust of Caesar in a textbook when Mr. Goudy was her teacher, and now has seen it at the museum. Farmers working their fields just as in Virgil's Georgics. Goes on to Rome next week. Willa [Stout #137]
Swedish cousin has died in Paris. Spent a few days in Washington with her cousin's husband after he returned bringing the body. Is settling back into the apartment. Did about 28,000 words on new novel while in Pittsburgh. Has she seen the article about singers in the December McClure's? Fremstad likes it. Has been invited to Boston to visit Mrs. Fields, but can't go until after Christmas. Wishes she [ Sergeant ] were there to go to the ballet tonight. P.S.: Mrs. Fields's primness about a nude figure on the magazine cover is funny. W. S. C. [Stout #270]
True, the story suggests Lillian Nordica, though there are only two specifics that resemble her life, the shipwreck and the dispute over the will. Yes, her last husband, George Young, is still alive. Let her know by mail if he is going to be in town, as she has had her telephone disconnected. P.S.: Truly doesn't see how Young could object to the story. Willa S. Cather [Stout #358]
Came up to Wyoming from New Mexico two weeks ago. Hard to advise her where to go in the West. Taos probably the best. Will be off to Red Cloud in about two weeks. Hasn't done any writing. Has sold the Nordica story to McClure's for a good price. W. [Stout #363]
If he weren't a friend from school, would refuse his request for biographical information. Suggests he talk with Mrs. Alice E. D. Goudy in Auburn, Nebraska, who was her high school teacher and knew her all through college. P.S.: Very proud of Newbranch's editorial. Prefers he not mention the McClure autobiography. Willa Cather [Stout #636]
Can hardly do any writing for fending off people inviting her to speak. Has been here to rest in a lovely setting. D. H. Lawrence and wife have been there, marvelous company. Expects to go home in a few days. So few people at the inn, hasn't been bothered by them at all. Appreciates invitation to visit, but that is something she just doesn't do. P.S.: Ethel Litchfield can tell her why. Does visit Mary Jewett in Maine occasionally, but that's really the only person. Willa Cather [Stout #727]
Will have to miss going to the theater with her. Is going to the country on Monday [the 11th] to work. Willa Cather [Stout #818]
"The Bohemian Girl" was never published as a book; withdrew it from book publication because judged it unworthy. The only copy of The Troll Garden she has belonged to Sarah Orne Jewett, with Jewett's marginal notes. Never lends it. Unreprinted stories are without merit—such as "A Death in the Desert," such a weak story! P.S.: Will be interested in seeing his book. Doesn't agree this is a great period in literature in English. Willa Cather [Stout #851]
Is not related to Catherine D. Cather. Please inform the editor of Onward that she should not make such an assertion again. Willa Cather [Stout #859]
