Angle of Repose

In June 1882, Susan writes to Augusta from a house “built by a missionary Jesuit since called to other fields” (381). In the drab town, Susan is writing another Leadville novel but lacks “stimulation or excitement” (381). Oliver’s idea has made them “people of consequence” (382) and is going well. Susan invites Thomas and Augusta to buy property in the area and help alleviate her boredom. Despite this, the country is beautiful and unspoiled. Oliver is setting up his work and has invited Frank to join him. She bids farewell to Augusta and worries that she will need to write a lot “before we have brought this valley into the civilized world” (385).

Lyman describes the effort of shifting through many documents before finding anything useful or interesting. Determined not to complain too much, she “chatters a good deal during her first year in Boise” (386). Lyman finds traces of a novel, a miscarriage, illness, and a letter to Augusta in which she describes being made to move house after Oliver’s backers have suffered a reverse in fortunes. New backers are being sought. They have help from Nellie, a young friend of the family, in their “primitive” (388) camp.