One day a brisk discussion arose concerning careers for women . Mrs Jo had read something on the subject and asked each of the dozen girls sitting about the room , what she intended to do on leaving college . The answers were as usual : ' I shall teach , help mother , study medicine , art , ' etc. ; but nearly all ended with : 'Till I marry . ' ` But if you do n't marry , what then ? ' asked Mrs Jo , feeling like a girl again as she listened to the answers , and watched the thoughtful , gay , or eager faces . ` Be old maids , I suppose . Horrid , but inevitable , since there are so many superfluous women , ' answered a lively lass , too pretty to fear single blessedness unless she chose it . ` It is well to consider that fact , and fit yourselves to be useful , not superfluous women . 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 XXXXX after day with no reward but the thanks of the needy , the love and honour of the rich who make Saint Matilda their almoner .
Brooke Jo Meg Nightingale Phelps blessedness day labour maidenhood years