That class , by the way , is largely made up of widows , I find ; so do n't consider it a slur on maidenhood . ' ` That 's a comfort ! Old maids are n't sneered at half as much as they used to be , since some of them have grown famous and proved that woman is n't a half but a whole human being , and can stand alone . ' ` Do n't like it all the same . We ca n't all be like Miss Nightingale , Miss Phelps , and the rest . ' So what can we do but sit in a corner and look on ? ' asked a plain girl with a dissatisfied expression . ` Cultivate cheerfulness and content , if nothing else . But there are so many little odd jobs waiting to be done that nobody need `` sit idle and look on '' , unless she chooses , ' said Mrs Meg , with a smile , laying on the girl 's head the new hat she had just trimmed . ` Thank you very much . Yes , Mrs Brooke , I see ; it 's a little job , but it makes me neat and happy -- and grateful , ' she added , looking up with brighter eyes as she accepted the labour of love and the lesson as sweetly as they were given . ` One of the best and most beloved women I know has been doing odd jobs for the Lord for years , and will keep at it till her dear hands are folded in her coffin . All sorts of things she does -- picks up neglected children and puts them in safe homes , saves lost girls , nurses poor women in trouble , sews , knits , trots , begs , works for the poor day after day with no reward but the thanks of the needy , the love and honour of the rich who make Saint Matilda their almoner . That 's a life worth living ; and I think that quiet little woman will get a higher seat in Heaven than many of those of whom the world has heard . ' ' I know it 's lovely , Mrs Bhaer ; but it 's dull for young folks . We do want a little fun before we buckle to , ' said a Western girl with a wide-awake face . ` Have your fun , my dear ; but if you must earn your bread , try to make it sweet with cheerfulness , not bitter with the daily regret that it is n't cake . I used to think mine was a very hard fate because I had to amuse a somewhat fretful old lady ; but the books I read in that lonely library have been of immense use to me since , and the dear old soul bequeathed me Plumfield for my `` cheerful service and affectionate care '' . I did n't deserve it , but I did use to try to be jolly and kind , and get as much honey out of duty as I could , thanks to my dear mother 's help and advice . ' ` Gracious !
if I could earn a place like this , I 'd sing all XXXXX and be an angel ; but you have to take your chance , and get nothing for your pains , perhaps .
Bhaer Saint Western almoner day knits labour maidenhood trots years