Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1858-08-06
THE CALICO CLOAK.

"Have you seen the new scholar" asked
Mary Lark, girl of twelve or fourteen years,
as she ran to meet group of schoolmates who
were coming towards the school house; "she
cuts the most cOmieal looking figure you ever
saw. Her cloak is made out Of calico, and her
shoes are brogans, such as men and boys wear. q"
"Oh, yes, I've seen her, replied Lucy Brooks;
"she is the new washer-wOman'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 well
as any. Ii is clearer Of course"
And the air rang with the loud laus h Of the
girls.
"COme, let US go in and examine her," con-
tinued Mary, as they ascended the steps Of the
school house; 81 am thinking she will make
some fun for u.s."
The girls went int5 the dressing-room, where
they found the new scholar. She was mild.
intelligent looking child, but very poorly though
tidily clad. The girls went arou nd her whisper
ing and laughing with each other, while she
slood trembling and blushing in one corner of
the room, without yenturing to raise her eyes
from the floor.
When they entered school, they found the lit
tie 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 This SEEM
ed, on the whole, to make those girls who were
disposed to treat her unkindly 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 a f.Er upsALs -f
she entered school, "that you are going to
get the medal 1t will correspond nicely with
your cloak"
And she caught hold of the cape, and held it
out from her, while the girls around Joined in
her loud laugh.
"CaIco cloak get the medal guess she will
| should like TO see Mr.. Brown giving it to herl'
said another girl as she caught hold of her arm,
and peePed under the childs 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, 'do answer Uncle
Williams letter and tell him we will come to
New York to live! don't like to live in
Bridgeville. The girls call me calico cloak
and 'BrOgsns,' and you don't know, mother,
how unkindly they treat me.
"Lizzb, my dear" said her mother, "you
must expect TO meet with those who will treat
you unkindly on account of your poverty but
you must not be discouraged Do night, my
child, and you will eventually come of CON
queror"
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 me-" re-
piled Lizzie "there isn't one that loves me-"
And the child buried her face in her hands
and sobbed aloud
In Bndgeheld Academy there were a few sell
fish, unPnneiPled girls; and the others Joined
fhar in,
they called her, from thOughtlessness; and from
a love OF sport. But they knew not how deep
y each spOrtiye 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 con-
tinued their unjust treatment towards her child
resolved to accept her brothers invitation, al
though he was poor man, and become a mem
Der Of his family, hoping that, while there her
child could continue her studies, and perhaps
through his influence lead a happier life among
her schOolmates. Accordingly at the end Of
the term, she left Bridgeville, and removed to
New York. Although Lizzie had been men,
Der Of the school bat 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 Brdgeville Academy, and the
little "Calico Cloak was forgotten Those
who were at school with her had left to enter
upon the business Of hfe.
Twelve years after Mrs Lee and her daugh-
ter left town, Mr.. Maynard, young clergy
man, came into Bridgevllle and was settled as
the pastor Of the village church. It was re-
ported at the sewing circle, the week following
his ordination, that it was expected that he
would bring his bride into town in a few weeks
There was q great curiosity to see her, and es-
pecially, after it was reported that she was
talented young auihoress.
Soon after, Mr.. MAYNARD grstifed their curl
osity by walking into the church with his
young wife leaning on his arm. She was a
lady of great intellectual beauty, and every
body las they always are at frst,) were
deeply interested in the young minister and
his wife.
The following week the ladies' aocked 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 flled
with smiling faces. The deacon's carriage was
sent to the parsonage after Mrs. Maynard, and
in due time it returned, bringing the lady with
il The shaking Of hands that followed her ar
rival, can only be imagined by those who have
been present on such an occasion.
How are you pleased with our village
asked Mrs. BnttOn. after the opening exercises
were over, as she took seat beside Mrs. May
nsrd.
al lie its appearance very much; it certain
ly has improved wonderfully within the last
twelve years.
"Were you ever in Bridgeville before ~ ask
ed another lady, as those around looked some
what surprised
al was here a few months when child, " re-
piled Mrs. Maynard
Their curiosity was excited
{" Have you friends here % asked third,
after moments silenee
a. have not. resided with my mother the
widow Lee. We lived in a little cottage which
stood upon the spot now occupied by large
store, on the corner Of Pine street"
" The widow Lee 7" repeated Mira Britton
4" well remember the cottage, but do not re-
collect the name"
I" think | attended school with you at the
Academy, replied Mrs. Maynard "you were
Miss Mary Lark, were you not 7" "
That was my name" replied the lady, as
smile passed over her features at being recoq-
uized 81 bat l am really quite ashamed that my
memory has proved so recreant"
" / 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
a crimson blush overspread her features, which
in few moments was seen deepening upon the
faces Of others present.
There was a silence for some minutes when