Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-09-02
family Girtle,
THE CALICO CLOAK.

OIL SCuOOlWdL6S VINO were coming LOWdFu
the school house "She cuts the most
comical looking figure you ever saw
Her cloak is made out of calico, and her
shoes are brogans, such as men and boys
wear"
"Oh, yes, I've seen her." replied Lucy
Brooks she is the new washerwoman's
daughter. I shouldn't have thought Mr..
Brown would have taken her into the
academy ; but / suppose that he likes
money that comes through suds as well
as any. 1t is clearer of course"
And the air rang with the loud laugh
of the girls.
Come let's US go in and examine her"
continued Mary, as they assembled the
steps Of the school house g am think
ing she will make some fun for u.s."
The girls went into the dressing-room,
where they found the new scholar. She
was a 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 blnshing in one corner OF
the room, without venturing to raise her
eyes from the floor.
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. This seemed, on the
whole, to make those girls who we're dis.
posed to treat her .unkindly, dislike her
the more ; and she being of a 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
few weeks after 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 her joined in a loud laugh"
Calico cloak get the medal Iguess
she will! | should like to see Mr.. Brown
giving it to herW said another girl as
she caught hold of her arm, and peeped
under the child's bonnet.
The little girl struggled to release her
self, and when she was free, ran home as
fast as she could go.
ooh, mother" she said, as she entered
her mothers humble kitchen, " do an.
swer 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 Brogans, ;
and you don't know mother, how nnkind.
ly they treat me.
Lizzie, 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 discour.
aged. Do right my child, and you will
eventually come off %conqueror."
Although Mrs. Lee tried to encourage
her child, yet she knew that she had tc
meet with severe trials for one so young
But mother, they are all unkind tc
me" replied Lizzie ; there isn't one thai
loves me"
And the child buried her face in hel
hands and sobbed aloud.
In Bridgefeld Academy there were q
few selfish, ~unprincipled girls and the
others joined them in teasing the little
Calico Cloak" as they called her, from
thoughtlessness, and from a love Of sport
But they knew not how deeply each spor
tive 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 continued their unjust treatment to
wards her child, resolved to accept hel
brothers invitation, although he was g
poor man, and become a member Of bis
family, hoping that, while 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 a member Of the school but one
term, yet she gained the medal, and il
was worn beneath the despised garment
Weeks, months, and years, glided away
to the students of the Bridgeyille Acade.
my, and the little " Calico Cloak" was
forgotten. Those who were at school
with her had left to enter upon business
of life.
Twelve years after Mrs. Lee and her
daughter left town, a Mr.. Maynard, a
young clergyman came into Bridgeville,
and was settled as the pastor of the vii.
lage church. 1t was reported it the
sewing circle, the week following his or
dination, that it was expected that be
would bring his bride into town in a few
weeks. There was a great curiosity to
see her, and especially, after it was re,
ported that she was a talented young
authoress.
Soon after Mr.. Maynard'gratifed their
curiosity by walking into the church with
his young wife leaning on his arm. She
was a lady of great intellectual beauty,
and everybody Gas they always are at
irst,) were deeply interested in the young
minister and his wife.
The following week the ladies Rocked
to see her, and she promised to meet them
at the next gathering of the sewing cir
Gle.
The day arrived and although it was
quite stormy, Mrs. Deacon Browns par
Tor was filled with smiling faces. The
deacon's carriage was sent to the parson-
age after Mrs. Maynard, and in due time
1t returned, bringing the lady with it.
The shaking Of hands thatfollowed her
arrival, can only be imagined by those
who haEe been present on such an ocda-
sion.
How are yoa pleased with our village?
asked a Mrs. Britton, after the opening
exercises were over, as she took a seat
beside Mrs. Maynard.
like its appearance very muca 1t
| has certainly imnrnrnd m;+hin 4hn iaat