Enjoyed visit. So happy she has extended hospitality to Mary Virginia. Is enclosing an irritating letter from an English teacher. Merry Christmas. Willa Cather [Stout #814]
What wonderful cakes she sent! Has enjoyed them with tea. But has enjoyed even more the picture of the children. W. S. C. [Stout #815]
Anne Douglas Sedgwick has sent a note written by him praising My Mortal Enemy. Appreciates his favor. Most of her books made out of old memories from which the extraneous has dropped away. Now reading proofs of a book that gave her joy to write, Death Comes for the Archbishop. Willa Cather [Stout #883]
Appreciates the invitation to visit, but cannot. Is going to Nebraska soon. Also, Edith Lewis's mother ill. Enjoyed being in Jaffrey during the fall but has not been well lately. Needs to get away from New York. Enjoyed writing Archbishop, but now that it is out there are too many events and letters. Enjoys letters from Catholics, however. Nephew is enjoying Amherst. Willa Cather [Stout #910]
Meant to spend a few weeks at the Lord Jeffrey after the holidays, but mother has suffered a stroke. Will have to go to California soon, which means abandoning work on which she had enjoyed making a start. Even worse, has to go to Long Beach. San Francisco would be all right. It will be another bad year. Has a little gift for them. Willa Cather [Stout #956]
Had to leave Jaffrey to receive a medal as one of this good-looking group. Probably won't be able to get back this year. Enjoyed his note and hopes they can have a brief visit in New York before he sails. Willa Cather [Stout #1026]
Sorry to have missed her. Was away in Atlantic City recovering from bronchitis. Returned just today. Has been busy getting settled in the new apartment. Is confiding her address, which she gives out to very few. Willa Cather [Stout #1171]
Could he exert his influence to help her get two rooms at the Lord Jeffrey in Amherst for June 17, 18, and 19? Will be there to accept an honorary degree from Smith at the commencement when Virginia graduates. Realizes they would invite her to stay with them, but she doesn't visit friends— especially when receiving honorary degrees! Also, Miss Lewis will be with her. If the Lord Jeffrey is impossible, a room in Springfield would be all right. Hopes to see them. Willa Cather [Stout #1176]
Appreciates their efforts to find her a hotel. Please book the two rooms at South Hadley. Will probably arrive the Friday before commencement. Willa Cather [Stout #1177]
Appreciates her kindness in searching for hotel accommodations, and also her thoughtfulness to have made the reservation in Miss Lewis's name. It's obvious that Smith College is not going to be so thoughtful. The tone of their letters is truly condescending. Perhaps they should plan to have dinner together on Saturday rather than Friday. Maybe West Virginia could come, too. Has lived in such a rush lately, hasn't even written to her. Looks forward to seeing the Frosts as well. Willa Cather [Stout #1180]
