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]
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]
Enclosing ridiculous letter from Hettie Skeen, trying to fake literary awareness. Is almost well from her cold. Will dine at the Knopfs' on Monday with Myra Hess, pianist. "Claude" still selling well. New edition of April Twilights beautifully and expensively done. Willie [Stout #668]
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]
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]
Her article on Lawrence captures him better than anyone else has done. So glad to hear that Jeffers liked Archbishop. Admires his "Roan Stallion" and "Night." Paris has deteriorated, more like New York now. Wouldn't have come except to see a seriously ill friend. Misses New Mexico and is tired of festivities. Willa [Stout #1014]
Very much admires Lorenzo in Taos [published in 1932; she must have seen manuscript or proof]. It equals the Buffalo section of Intimate Memories. Whether one agrees or not with the views of the people, they are well presented. Lawrence himself is caught better than anyone else has ever caught him, down to his giggle, or snicker. Country itself has its own life, and Tony's car takes on real significance. Edith away for a week, but read it, too. Is leaving for California before long. Mother about the same. Hopes to go to Mexico City before long. Willa Cather [Stout #1036]
Mary Virginia there vacationing. Wonderful weather. Worries Elsie won't keep up the yard at home. Some time wants to tell them about D. H. Lawrence, whom she knew well. Very fine writer, but full of extreme views. Willie [Stout #1118]
Has sent a telegram asking that Helen telegraph her father; secretary neglected to pack her family address book.� Is including an amusing newspaper clipping sent by someone probably associated with an Indianapolis newspaper.� The end of it has a word from S. S. McClure, who published her first short story [Cather had actually published thirty-two stories—including a few in widely-circulating periodicals—before publishing in McClure's in 1905] and her first volume of stories.� Hopes she hasn't seen it; it wasn't very good.� Worked hard at the magazine for three years [actually she worked in the editorial offices for over five years, from 1906-1911].� Has not kept in touch with McClure as she should, but recently wrote him a letter and will see him soon.� Sending her the clipping because there is no one else left who would appreciate it. �Has never met Jack's daughters [Ella and Catherine Cather]; they are not very tactful and once sent poems composed by their high school teacher evidently hoping she would get them published. W.S.C. [Stout #1738]
