` 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 day and be an angel ; but you have to take your chance , and get nothing for your pains , perhaps . I never do , ' said the Westerner , who had a hard time with small means and large aspirations . ` Do n't do it for the reward ; but be sure it will come , though not in the shape you expect . I worked hard for fame and money one winter ; but I got neither , and was much disappointed . A year afterwards I found I had earned two prizes : skill with my pen , and Professor Bhaer . ' Mrs Jo 's laugh was echoed blithely by the girls , who liked to have these conversations enlivened by illustrations from life . ` You are a very lucky woman , ' began the discontented damsel , whose soul soared above new hats , welcome as they were , but did not quite know where to steer .
` Yet her name used to be `` Luckless Jo '' , and she never had what she wanted till she had given up hoping for it , ' XXXXX Mrs Meg .
begs echoed get keep make picks puts said sing worked