The time had not yet come when the knowledge that a man's heart was in her keeping would make the pride and joy of her life, and while she waited for that moment she enjoyed the liberty she seemed to have recovered.
Such being her inward state, it much annoyed her to be regarded as a brokenhearted girl and pitied for the loss of her young lover.

She could not explain to all the world, so let it pass, and occupied her mind with the good works which always lie ready to be taken up and carried on.
Having chosen philanthropy as her profession, she felt that it was high time to begin the task too long neglected.
Her projects were excellent, but did not prosper as rapidly as she hoped, for, having to deal with people, not things, unexpected obstacles were constantly arising.

The "Home for Decayed Gentlewomen," as the boys insisted on calling her two newly repaired houses, started finely and it was a pleasant sight to see the comfortable rooms filled with respectable women busy at their various tasks, surrounded by the decencies and many of the comforts which make life endurable.

But, presently, Rose was disturbed to find that the good people expected her to take care of them in a way she had not bargained for.

Buffum, her agent, was constantly reporting complaints, new wants, and general discontent if they were not attended to.