Did not forget her mother's birthday, but had twin nieces visiting and was busy with them. Has had with her at Grand Manan the quilt they made her. Willa Cather [Stout #1321]
Sorry not to have written in so long. Just back from Washington, where an old friend died. Did not know about Margie's death until later. How is Irene? She never answers letters. May have said or done something that offended her. Still gets the Red Cloud newspaper. Heard Evelyn Vesty was there for Louie's funeral. He was one of those who never grow up. Maybe that's the way to be happy. Glad her father did not live to see these hard times. Had hoped to be in Red Cloud for Christmas, but will not be able to get away. Has just received a huge gardenia bush from the Menuhins for her birthday. Would like to go see the Menuhins, but can't rest when she is with them, they are too exciting and she enjoys them too much. Did enjoy the twins' visit this summer. Sorry to be so gloomy, but is feeling tired. Always so much pointless activity when something new is published. Willie [Stout #1335]
Is grieving for Margie and for Mrs. Otis Skinner, who lived only a few blocks away. Didn't see her very often and now regrets not making the effort these last few weeks. Enclosing a birthday gift a week late. Mary Virginia's husband has had a sinus operation and been very ill. Their apartment was burglarized, but Mary Virginia never complains. Finds her such a cheering presence. Willie [Stout #1351]
Brother Douglass died of a heart attack in early June. He had spent her birthday with her last December in New York. Is having trouble getting over it. P.S.: Got a laugh for the first time in a long while from The Laughing Horse [satirical literary magazine published in Taos, N.M., by Witter Bynner's secretary and friend Spud Johnson]. It caught Mary Austin and Mabel herself quite well. Willa Cather [Stout #1411]
Douglass, the brother she most loved, died in June of a sudden heart attack. He had spent her birthday with her last December. Only four months later, on October 10, Isabelle died. Wrote many letters to inform people— the only service she could give Isabelle. Feels emotionally numb. Regrets Yehudi's wife takes such bad pictures. She is Scotch, not Jewish. Feels confident it is a good marriage. Was happy to see them. Then Douglass died the next week. P.S.: No, does not like Hephzibah's mother-in-law. Willa [Stout #1423]
Has not been writing many letters recently, except to family and to friends of Isabelle. In December 1937 brother Douglass came to New York to spend her birthday with her. He died on June 13, 1938, age fifty-two, the only joyful and attractive member of the family. On October 10 Isabelle died in Sorrento of nephritis after four-year illness, during which her loving though unreliable husband cared for her. This has been the hardest year of her life. Is enclosing a letter from Jan Hambourg. Please return it, but don't write back. Is worn out with letters about Isabelle. Enjoyed [the picture of ?] Dorothy's two granddaughters. Enjoyed having her two nieces with her at Grand Manan in the summers of 1936 and 1937. Both married this year—as well as three Menuhins! Likes Yehudi's wife. Appreciates receiving Dorothy's new book and will read it soon. Eyes giving her trouble, but what is worse is the trouble of keeping people away who want to come and comfort her. Doesn't want them; wants quiet for reflection. Willa [Stout #1440]
Is sending a book she meant to send at Christmas, about several modern writers [apparently including herself]. Recommends she read chapter in School of Femininity, by Margaret Lawrence. Only Carrie and Mary, among people in Red Cloud, would read it without feeling spiteful. Has heard someone in Red Cloud claims to be the original of Lucy Gayheart, but Carrie knows who the skater was. Does she remember for sure the color of Sadie Becker's eyes? Hasn't been writing letters; still can't get over grieving for Douglass. They had such a joyful time when he came for her birthday. Will never be the same since losing both him and Isabelle. Only the affection of the Menuhins cheered her this past year. Enjoys knowing Yehudi's wife P.S.: Sorry to have missed seeing Father Fitzgerald; was in New Hampshire. Leaving for Canada soon. Willie [Stout #1455]
Enjoyed the birthday letter, but hopes she did it only on impulse, not from duty. As Edith has already written, Yehudi and Nola brought the baby for her to see. Saw the three of them in the park the day of Yehudi's recital at Carnegie Hall. Has sent Yaltah's mother some books. Aunt Willa [Stout #1464]
Glad to receive letter and birthday wishes. Was surprised the book was released on her birthday. Can still remember teaching at that grimy school. Enjoyed teaching and might have continued if S. S. McClure hadn't called her away. Willa Cather [Stout #1508]
Enclosing a letter from an attorney in Pittsburgh who asks about a story she had in a Christmas volume a few years ago, called "Double Birthday." Please send a copy of the book if any available, then return letter. Going to hospital tomorrow. Hopes 1941 will be better than expected. Willa Cather [Stout #1520]
