The disagreeable Meyerses, whom they met at Taos, turned up at La Fonda! Is sending some cigarettes. Not very good quality, but no good ones available. These are at any rate fresh. Is receiving letters from people who liked "Tom Outland" in Collier's. Still tracking down old priests. Going to Laguna on Wednesday. Willa Cather [Stout #790]
Is pleased to have the book by Father Saljointi [?] and appreciates his bothering to send it. He and the staff at the Denver Library were most kind. Willa Cather [Stout #793]
Appreciates the book he and Mr. Howlett sent. Hopes to see him at the Denver Library again next summer. Leaves for New York tomorrow. Willa Cather [Stout #794]
Appreciates receiving the bibliography about cliff dwellers done by Miss Gerber and has enjoyed seeing her in New York. Willa Cather [Stout #821]
Has no photographs of Nebraska in 1885 or 1895. Understands from Professor Pupin [?] of Columbia that it resembled the plains of Russia. Otto Fuchs not a representation of a specific person but a composite of many, as are most minor characters. Blind d'Arnault modeled on Blind Boone. Has also heard of a similar Blind Tom and Blind Noah. Actress Jim sees in Camille based on Clara Morris. Many relics such as the Spanish sword have been found in southwest Kansas. Good reading does not come from factual information, however, but from cultivated taste. Does not approve of required reading of contemporary writers in English courses, which should center on great English writers of the past and on Latin writers. Wishes his students were reading Kidnapped [ Stevenson ] or Vanity Fair [ Thackeray ] rather than My Ántonia. Willa Cather [Stout #1306]
Gives permission to quote from anything in Not Under Forty and conditional permission to quote from letter to Pat Knopf explaining reasons for structure of The Professor's House. Prefers the distinct separations of that form to the mixture of unexpressed feelings typical of modern fiction, though it could have been done that way. Outland's life had become as real to the professor as his own; he became part of the old house. Glad Pat is studying with him. Willa Cather [Stout #1433]
Doesn't remember Blind Tom. Her character is a composite of several musicians, including Blind Boone. Willa Cather [Stout #1807]
Likes the review of her book, largely because it is well written. Willa Cather. [Stout #1812]
Thinks Elsie has gotten a lot done this summer.�Appreciates her asking about the small house, but will be visiting not working when in Red Cloud.� Sorry Elsie had to deal with the Auld problems.� They made their own mess, and they will have to deal with it themselves.� Jess should have saved the money she got from Bess, and she needs to learn that people must earn their money by working.� Tom, Charles, and Virginia should support Jessica, not her siblings.� Urges Elsie to consult Howard Foe about the note given to Bess.� If Tom is that kind of person, it's best that they're aware of it.� Jim [James Cather, brother?] would not have done that.� All this has kept her awake—as it did Elsie; dishonor like this shows how important honor is.� Please buy Bess a new coat and send the bill, and write if she needs expense money for house maintenance.� August 30 is anniversary of their mother's death.� Thinks she is beginning to understand mother, and thinks shortly before her stroke mother began to understand herself.� Mother gave her some old pictures to keep, but the "sweet sixteen" photograph Elsie wanted not among them.� Thinks Jessie probably took it.� Attempting to stay focused on work and resist interruptions. Willie
It would be cruel even to consider surgery for Bess.� Has spoken with her own doctor about it by telephone, and he says even young people do not recover from that operation.� Elsie should not take on Bessie's care.� It will get worse, and then she should be taken to the Mary Lanning [hospital] in Hastings.� She will need the care of nurses and doctors who will give her codeine for the pain. Will cover the expenses, along with Douglass.� Is enclosing a check to cover Elsie's expenses on Bess.� Sent William Andrews $25.� Has Will Auld paid interest on what he got from Bess for Tom?� Howard Foe should look into it. Will Auld shouldn't get off all the time.� Feels bad for Elsie, too, for missing vacation to Grand Manan.� Elsie should send Bessie to the hospital before she is exhausted.� Is leaving for Grand Manan the 16th.� Will send another hundred dollars when needed.� Would be glad to pay for hiring a girl to help Elsie out.� Bessie would like the Hastings hospital after a few days.� Does Will Andrews need any more help now?� Can type only with one hand, so must stop. Willie
