The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1858-09-04
VoI= U-NO 19. WHOLE NO. II s. = ta..4' g
THE CALICO CLOAK.

aayg THE CALICO CLOAK. g., -. s..~
Have you seen sthe new scholar - asked
Mary Lark, girl Of twelve or fourteen
years, as she ran to4meet n group of school
mates who were coIaing towards the school
house; she cuts the gmost comical looking
Hgure you ever saw. Her cloak is made
out Of calico, and hcs shoes are brogans,
such rs men and boys YEAR. fa .e>'g.,4
sOh, yes, Pve seen her, replied Lucy
Brooks; sshe is the new washerwoman's
daughter. shouldn't have thought Mr..
Brown would have taken her into the
Academy; but suppose he likes the money
that comes through suds as we'll as any,
1t is cleaner of course.' -.
And the air rang with the loud laugh of
the girls. >...... .. 80
Come, let US 90 in and examine her.
continued Mary, as they ascended the steps
OF the chool-house; 81 am thinking she will
make some fun for u.s. II r...., ~. a#
The girls went into the dressing room,
where they found the new scholar. She was
mild, intelligent looking child, but very
poorly, though tidily clad. The girls went
around her whispering and laughing with
each other, while she stood trembling and
| blushing in ono corner Of tho room, with
out venturing to raise her eyes from the
floor. ..a.
When they entered the school, they found
the little girl was far in advance of those of
her age in her studies, and was placed in
classes with those two or three years her
senior. They seemed on tho whole, to
make those girls who were disposed to treat
her unkindly to dislike her the more; and
she, being of retiring disposition, through
their influence had no friends, but went and
returned from school alone.
'And do you really think said Mary
Lark, as she went up to the little girl few
| weeks after she entered the school, sthat YOU
are going to get the medal? 1t will cores
pond nicely with your cloakn
And she caught hold of the cape, and held
it out from her, while the girls around join
I'd in loud laugh.
'Calico Cloak get the medal? Il guess she
will! should like to see Mr.. Brown giving
it to herp said another girl rs she caught
hold Of her arm, and peeped under the
child's bonnet.
The little girl struggled to release herself,
and when she was free ran home as fast as
she could go.
'Oh, mother,' she said, as she entered her
mothers humble kitchen, sdo answer Uncle
Williams letter and tell him we will come to
| New York to liven l don't like to live in
Bridgeville. The girls call mo sCalico Cloak
and 'Brogans,' and you don't know, moth
er, how unkindly they treat me-
Lizzic, my DEAR said her mother, syou
must expect to meet with those who will
treat you unkindly on account of your pow
crty; but YOU must not be discouraged. Do
right, my child, and you will eventually
come off conqucror.'
Although Mrs. Lee tried to encourage her
child, yet she knew that she had to meet
with severe trials for one so young.
'But mother, they are all unkind to mo-
replied Lizzie; 'there isn't one one that loves
me.'
And the child buried her face her hands
and sobbed aloud.
In Bridge6eld Academy there were few
selfish, unprincipled girls and tho others
joined them in teasing the little 'Calico
Cloak as they called her, from thoughtlcss-
ness; and from love Of sport. But they
knew not how deeply each sportive word
pierced the heart of the little stranger, and
how many bitter tears she shed in secret
over their unkindness.
Mrs. Lee, learning that the scholars still
~-..s,nuuu tnv,. u"J"s- =. .~.-.-----. = =
her child, resolved to accept her brothers
invitation, although he was poor man, and
became member Of his family, hoping that,
while there, her child could continue her
studies, and perhaps through his influence,
lead happier life among her shoolmates.
Accordingly at the end of the term, shc left
Bridgeville, and removed to New York
Although Lizzie had been member of the
school but one term, yet she gained the
medal, and it was worn from the Academy
beneath the despised garment.
| Weeks, months, and years glided away
to the students of the Bridgevile Academy,
and the little 'Calico Cloak was forgotten.
Those who were at school with her had left
to enter upon the business of life.
Twelve years after Mrs. Lee and her
daughter left town, Mr.. Maynard, young
clergyman, came into Bridgeville and was
settled rs the pastor of the village church.
1t was reported at tho sewing circle, the
week following his ordination, that it was
expected that he would bring his bride into
town in few weeks. There was great
curiosity to SEQ her, and especially, after it
was reported that she was talented young
authoress.
Soon after, Mr.. Maynard gratifcd their
curiosity by walking into church with his
young wife leaning on his arm. She was a
lady Of great intellectual beauty, and every
body Gas they always are at irst) was deeply
intersected in the young minister and his
wife.
Tho following week the ladies Hocked to
see her, and she promised to meet them at
the next gathering of the sewing circle.
The day arrived, and although it was quite
stormy, Mrs. Deacon Browns parlor was
filled with smiling faces. The Deacon's
carriage was sent to the parsonage after
Mrs. Maynard, and in due time it arrived,
bringing the lady with it. The shaking of
hands that followed her arrival, can only
be imagined by those who have been present
on such an occasion.
slow are you pleased with our village?'
asked Mrs. Britton, after the opening ex-
ercises were over, rs she took a seat beside
Mrs. Maynard.
Il like its appearance very much, it GER
taiuly has improved wonderfully within the
last twelve years.
sWere you ever in Bridgeville before p
asked another lady, as those around looked
somewhat surprised.
81 was here few months when child
replied Mrs. Maynard.
Their curiosity was excited.
sHave you friends here p asked third
after moments silence.
q have not. l resided with my mother,
the widow Lee. We lived in little cottage
which stood upon the corner now occupied
by large store, on the corner OF Pine
street,
'The widow Lee?' repeated Mrs. Britton;
Il we'll remember the cottage, but do not
recollect the name.'
q think | attended school with you at the
Academy replied Mrs. Maynard; you were
Miss Mary Lark, were you not?'
'That was my name,' replied the lady, as
smile passed over her features at being
recognized; but am really quite ashamed
that my memory has proved recrcant.
81 was known in the academy as the little
'Calico Cloak Perhaps you can remember
me by that name.'
The smile faded from Mrs. Britton's face
and deep blush overspread her features,
which in few moments was seen deepening
upon the faces of others present. -,
There was silence for some minutes;
wban Nrs MAYNARD looked I'M. she found