Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott

constantly reporting complaints, new wants, and general discontent

if they were not attended to. Things were very neglected, water

pipes froze and burst, drains got out of order, yards were in a mess,

and rents behind-hand. Worst of all, outsiders, instead of

sympathizing, only laughed and said, “We told you so,” which is a

most discouraging remark to older and wiser workers than Rose.

Uncle Alec, however, stood by her staunchly and helped her out of

many of her woes by good advice and an occasional visit of

inspection, which did much to impress upon the dwellers there the

fact that, if they did not do their part, their leases would be short

ones.

“I didn’t expect to make anything out of it, but I did think they

would be grateful,” said Rose on one occasion when several

complaints had come in at once and Buffum had reported great

difficulty in collecting the low rents.

“If you do this thing for the sake of the gratitude, then it is a failure

but if it is done for the love of helping those who need help, it is a

success, for in spite of their worry every one of these women feel

what privileges they enjoy and value them highly,” said Dr. Alec as

they went home after one of these unsatisfactory calls.

“Then the least they can do is to say ‘thank you.’ I’m afraid I have

thought more of the gratitude than the work, but if there isn’t any, I

must make up my mind to go without,” answered Rose, feeling

defrauded of her due.

“Favors often separate instead of attracting people nearer to one

another, and I’ve seen many a friendship spoilt by the obligation

being all on one side. Can’t explain it, but it is so, and I’ve come to

the conclusion that it is as hard to give in the right spirit as it is to

receive. Puzzle it out, my dear, while you are learning to do good

for its own sake.?

“I know one sort of people who are grateful and I’m going to

devote my mind to them. They thank me in many ways, and

helping them is all pleasure and no worry. Come into the hospital

and see the dear babies, or the Asylum, and carry oranges to

Phebe’s orphans they don’t complain and fidget one’s life out, bless

their hearts!” cried Rose, cheering up suddenly.

After that she left Buffum to manage the “Retreat,” and devoted

her energies to the little folks, always so ready to receive the

smallest gift and repay the giver with their artless thanks. Here she

found plenty to do, and did it with such sweet goodwill that she

won her way like sunshine, making many a little heart dance over

splendid dolls, gay picture books, and pots of flowers, as well as

food, fire, and clothes for the small bodies pinched with want and

pain.

As spring came new plans sprang up as naturally as dandelions.

The poor children longed for the country; and, as the green fields

could not come to them, Rose carried them to the green fields.

Down on the Point stood an old farmhouse, often used by the

Campbell tribe for summer holidays. That spring it was set to

rights unusually early, several women installed as housekeeper,

cook, and nurses, and when the May days grew bright and warm,

squads of pale children came to toddle in the grass, run over the

rocks, and play upon the smooth sands of the beach. A pretty sight,

and one that well repaid those who brought it to pass.

Everyone took an interest in the “Rose Garden,” as Mac named it,

and the womenfolk were continually driving over to the Point for

something for the “poor dears.” Aunt Plenty sowed gingerbread

broadcast; Aunt Jessie made pinafores by the dozen while Aunt

Jane “kept her eye” on the nurses, and Aunt Myra supplied

medicines so liberally that the mortality would have been awful if

Dr. Alec had not taken them in charge. To him this was the most

delightful spot in the world and well it might be, for he suggested

the idea and gave Rose all the credit of it. He was often there, and

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