Glad to hear he is reviewing One of Ours. It will be either a failure or a triumph, and she is glad friends will be deciding which. Hopes to see him next winter. Willa Cather [Stout #607]
Has been very busy this summer. Had to choose a painter for the portrait commissioned by the people of Omaha. Expects to be at home for Christmas. Looks forward to telling her about Isabelle's house and friends. Bakst paints in a modern style that may not produce a perfect likeness. Fears people in Omaha won't be pleased. Willie [Stout #692]
"My love and greetings to the old friends of my own home town who are remembering me today. I think they know I would rather have their friendship than any other reward. When I was a child I loved my own town more than most children do, but I could not show it. I used to hope that some day I could make my town pleased with me. If I have succeeded it makes me very happy." Willa Cather [Stout #717]
Glad he is using My Ántonia in his course on contemporary fiction. First book in which she discarded conventional elements of a novel. Story of a man and woman who are friends, never lovers. Story not made up of the things that usually make up novels. Like the back side of the carpet. Willa Cather [Stout #765]
Friends must get tired of her writing book after book. Fortunately, they aren't all alike. Was in Wyoming this summer, unable to go abroad because of father's illness. Has moved out of Bank Street. Is enjoying being in Jaffrey, but wishes she still had the pleasure of working on something like Archbishop, which she finished there last year. It's hard, losing that pleasure and losing Bank Street at the same time. Willa Cather [Stout #903]
Is attending to Cather's mail while she is at Grand Manan. Is not forwarding letters except from family and close friends, so that she can be free to work. Will show her the letter when she returns. Sarah J. Bloom, Secretary [Stout #940]
Regrets the disappearance of local opera houses in small towns of Nebraska. Remembers the excitement when touring companies came to Red Cloud. With her friends, would go watch the train arrive and the theatrical company get off. Is not sorry there are now motion pictures, but wishes they had not brought demise of live performances. Does not believe movies touch emotions of audience as live performances did, though they are fine entertainment. Willa Cather [Stout #985]
Sorry to have missed her when she was in town. Must have been at the dentist when she phoned. Can only say again what Kent said in Lear. Christmas shopping for old German and Bohemian friends on Nebraska farms. Would feel guilty if she skipped them and they died before next Christmas. Willa S. C. [Stout #994]
Sorry to hear her father died. A hard loss, she knows from experience. Looks forward to the day when she can be with her friends again. Willa Cather [Stout #999]
Not fair of him to have used her praise of Laughing Boy in an ad. Has steadfastly refused to give commendations of books even by old friends, and now he has publicized what she said in private without authorization. Please send a copy of new edition of Ántonia so she can mark some corrections for the English edition. Since she will be leaving about the 20th, could he send March royalty check early? Willa Cather [Stout #1003]
