Is sending her love on this special day. Since Isabelle McClung has lost her father as well as her mother and this house (which has been almost a home to her [Cather] for fifteen years) is to be sold, it is her last Christmas there. May never feel so secure in any other house. Even her apartment in New York, pleasant as it is, is not a home in the way this was. Has been spending some time with Jack during the school vacation. New book enjoying good sales as well as favorable reviews. Is eager to get to work on a new one. Willa [Stout #343]
Father so enjoyed listening to Will Andrews's new Victrola that they stayed too late to get by Bladen before going home. It was almost dark when they got back to Red Cloud. Will come to visit next week, before Jack has to leave. Willie [Stout #389]
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]
Sorry Elsie had to order a copy of the novel; should have remembered to send one. Enjoyed a recent visit with the William Allen Whites; he teased her about being abandoned by the more literary reviewers. Debate about the book in magazines and newspapers very lively. Nothing interesting in New York on the literary scene except John Galsworthy's new play, Loyalties, on a Jewish theme. After seeing him at the theater jammed between two Jewish matrons on a hot evening, wonders if he's having second thoughts. Beyond the royalties it will bring, feels One of Ours advanced her in her writing. W. S. C. [Stout #625]
Hopes she enjoys her summer at the Bread Loaf Inn. There are too many people she [Cather] knows in Paris just now; is going away to Aix and Switzerland. Willa Cather [Stout #689]
Glad she is getting to have the year in Europe she was wanting when they talked in Jaffrey, but regrets they won't be able to see each other. Will be in Aix until early September and plans to sail for Quebec on September 20. Expects to be in Jaffrey again in October. P.S.: Hambourgs are in Austria. Willa Cather [Stout #697]
Sorry to have missed her in Paris. Is at Aix for a cure until about October 1. Will hope to see her when she returns to town. Weather is beautiful. Willa Cather [Stout #699]
Has been at Ville d'Avray two days. Could she and the boys come to tea Sunday? And could she and Mr. Whicher come to an art opening tomorrow to meet the artists? Willa Cather [Stout #703]
If she can come alone for tea tomorrow, please do. Would hate not to see her. Willa Cather [Stout #705]
Would like to come to Bread Loaf again, but is going to Nebraska in April and will not return until fall. Enjoyed seeing the Whichers and Dorothy Canfield while in Paris. Willa Cather [Stout #721]
