Hopes to hear she is better. Is going to the Bohemian area to see the wheat harvest next week. Leaving for Pittsburgh in about two weeks. Will work on a story to be called "The White Mulberry Tree" that will alarm Ferris Greenslet. [Enclosure: poem "Prairie Spring"] W. S. C. [Stout #239]
Don't overwork while running a temperature. Glad she likes "The Bohemian Girl." Feels pretty good about it. Is doing a longer story with the same setting; actually, setting is the main character. Saw Arnold Bennett's Milestones in New York. Wishes the office would quit interrupting her work. W. S. C. [Stout #246]
Enjoyed her letter. Has nearly finished new story. Can't write when she is gathering material; the two processes are separate. Recommends Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard. Wants to write more, but very busy with holiday season plus writing the murder in her story. W. S. C. [Stout #249]
Has been getting settled in the new apartment, including floors being painted. Thanks for the Christmas present. Has been hearing a lot of music. New book twice as long as Alexander. Has taken her themes from the long grass, as Dvořák did in the New World Symphony (which was not made from Negro songs as people say). Nervous about the new story, though it is just what she has been wanting to write. Probably very few people will like it. Willa Cather [Stout #250]
Being back in New York and going to the opera makes her want people around. Wishes they could have a good visit. Won't she come for a visit when she gets back? May go to Virginia in May. Sending "Pioneers" for her to read. Be honest. W. S. C. [Stout #252]
Thanks for the letter. Has just finished a new novel, having reduced her work for the magazine by half. Is settling into new apartment, which had to have considerable refurbishing but was worth it, spacious and quiet. Has bought four Persian rugs. The same colored maid as for the past four years is still keeping life in order. Agrees that Alexander is morally flimsy, but goodness in characters does not necessarily make strong fiction. Believes she will like the new novel better. Elsie is enjoying her teaching. Finds that one of the rewards of nearing forty years old is feeling more comfortable with older relatives, who always used to seem rather intimidating. Not so much Aunt Franc and Father as others. Willie [Stout #254]
Would have liked to go to France with her. Proofs of Pioneers coming in. Not so pleased with it as at first. Is getting acquainted with Olive Fremstad, who is rather overwhelming. W. S. C. [Stout #256]
Has not succeeded in getting Outlook to commit to a publication date for her article. Would she please edit the French in Pioneers? So glad she likes it. Understands she would like a more distinct structure, but that wouldn't suit the country. Mr. Greenslet likes it. Still, wishes to do something different. Would like to be able to write what is in Fremstad's mind. Saw her after she had sung Kundry in Parsifal [ Wagner ] yesterday, and she looked exhausted. Isabelle is visiting. Misses her. W [Stout #257]
Is going to Boston to visit Mrs. Fields for a week. Hopes she will come to visit when she gets back [from France]. Pioneers to be out in June. Has been reading proofs and feels happier with it again. Wants to tell her about the Swedish girl who was the model for the frontispiece; also about Fremstad. W. S. C. [Stout #258]
[A review of O Pioneers! enclosed.] Doesn't want to be blamed for this! Willie [Stout #263]
