Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1858-10-21

child could continue her studies, anc
perhaps through his influence, lead ;
happier life among her schoolmates.-
Accordingly, at the end of the term, she
left Bridgeville and returned to New
York. Although Lizzie had been q
member of the school but one term, yet
she gained the medal, and it was worn
from the school beneath the despised
garment.
Weeks, months and years glided
away to the students of Bridgeville
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, a Mr.. Maynard a
young clergyman, came into Bridge
vile and was settled as pastor of the
village church. 1t was reported 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 a great curiosi-
ty to see her, and especially, after it was
reported that she was a talented young
authorcss.
Soon after, Mr.. Maynard gratifed
their curiosity by walking into church
with his young wife leaning on his arm.
She was lady of great intellectual
beauty, and every body-as they always
are at 6rst-was deeply interested in
the young minister and his wife.
The following week the ladies focked
to see her, and she promised to meet
them at the next meeting of the sewing
circle.
The day arrived, and although it was
quite stormy, Mrs. Deacon Browns S
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 fol-
lowed her arrival, can only be imagined
by those who have been present on such
an oceas ion.
"How arc you pleased with our vii
lager" asked Mrs. Britton, after the
opening exercises were over, as she took
a seat beside Mrs. Maynard.
Il like its appearance very much, it
certainly has improved wonderfully with
in the last twelve years"
"Werc you ever in Bridgeviile be-
fore?' asked another lady, rs those a
round lookad- d-soaexhat- surprised
81 was here a few months when a
child" replied Mrs. Maynard.
TEei' curl, 81 was * tied.
'Have you friends here ~ asked a
third, after a moments silence.
Il have not. resided with my moth
er, the widow Lee. We lived in little
cottage which stood upon the spot now
occupied by large store On tie correr
of inc street"
''The widow Lee?' repeated Mrs.
Britton; Il we'll remember the cottage,
but 1 do not recollect the name"
Il think 1 attended school with you
at the Academy, replied Mrs. Maynard:
you were Miss Mary Lark; were you
not?'
That was my namc,' replied the lady,
a smile passed over her features at being
recognized; ''but am really quite a
shamed that my memory has proved SO
lecreant.
"I was known in the Academy as the
little Calico Cloak Perhaps you can re-
member me by that name
The smile faded from Mrs. Britton S
face and a deep blush overspread her
features, which in a few moments was
segn deepening on the faces Of others
present.
There was a silence for some min
utes when Mrs. Maynard looked up,
she found she had caused considerable
disturbance among the ladies Of her own
age by making herself known.
"Oh! l remember very we'll when the
little Calico Cloak went to the Acade-
my" said an old lady, as she looked up
over her glasses, "and [ think, if my
memory serves me right, some of the
ladies present will owe Mrs. Maynard
an apology"
Il had no intention whatever ladies,
replied Mrs. Maynard, to reprove
any one present by making myself
known; but as it may seem to some
that such was my intention, 1 will add
a few wor Is. Most of the young ladies
present wiIlremember the Calico Cloak,
but no one but the wearer knows how
deeply it pierced the heart that beat be-
meath it. And as l again heard the o
Academy bell ring it brings back fresh
to my mind the sorrows Of fchildhood.-
But let no lady mistake me by suppos
ing I cherish an unkind feeling toward
any one. I know that whatever the
past may have been, you are now my
friends. But, ladies', let me add, ifyou
have children, learn lesson from my
experience and treat kind the poor and
despised. A calico cloak may cover a
heart as warm with affection, and as
sensitive of sorrow as one that beats be-
meath velvet covering. Whenever
you meet a child who shows a disposi-
tion to despise the poor, tell the story
of the Calico Cloak it will carry its
own moral with it"
"That is the shortest but the best SER
mon I ever heard,' said the old lady
again, as she put her Handkerchief under
her glasses; ''and [ do not believe its
moral effects will be lost upon any O.
u.s.
The old lady was right. The story
went from one to another until it founc
its way into the old Academy. At tina
very time little boy was tending schoo
there, whose mother was struggling
with her needle to give him an educa