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#1972: Willa Cather to Mary Virginia Boak Cather, February 21 [1921]

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⬩W⬩S⬩C⬩ My Dear Mother1;

I have just a few moments before and English journalist arrives to interview me for the London Daily Mail3. I met him at a tea at Lady Spyer's4 on Thursday, and he told me many nice things about my growing popularity in London5.

No, I have not had influenza, and I don't think I shall, f for Edith6 was in bed ten days with it here in the house7 and I did not catch it. I had made all arrangements to be in the hospital this week, but Dr. Patterson8 has begun to give me X-ray treatments and thinks I may be able to avoid an operation9. I do hope so, for I hate them. I saw vby the paper10 that the Baby11 is at home12, and I've not hurried to write, for I knew that with little "Jesus13 is calling" you wouldn't be very lonely. Several nice boys who admire my books sent me beautiful flowers for my Valentine. The house was full of them. We had such a nice tea on Friday; a lot of interesting English people and a Spanish tenor from the Opera, and a bunch of young writers. No other one thing gives me so much satisfaction as the fact that so many of the promising young writers are so friendly to me and care about my work so much.

Josephine14 takes splendid care of me and pampers my 'tummy' no end. I hope you told Bess15 and Auntie16 how much we enjoyed the fresh butter they sent me at Christmas. I never get time to write them. We had a fine blizzard last week, and I broke all my engagements and ran away from everything so that I could walk in the Park and enjoy it.

What a romance about Mrs. Meyers17! I told you she was too romantic for me. I've worn the dress she made over a lot, though, and please tell Miss Blumer18 that the ones she made for me have given me splendid service. I have not bought a single new dress this winter, but wear them all the time.

Please give my love to Ethel19 and the baby.

With a great deal of love to you, dear Mother, Willie

This letter enclosed20 is for Virginia21 when she comes over to see you.