The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-06-03


dinghy, at the end of the term, she left Bridge
vile, and removed to the western part Of N.
York. Although Lizzie had been a member
of the school but one term, yet she gained the
medal, and il was worn from the Academy be-
meath the despised garment.
Weeks, months and years gl;ded to the stu
dents Of Bridgeville Academy, and the little
sCalico Cloak was- forgotten. Those who
were at school with her, had left to enter up
on the business of life. ..s..
Twelve years after Mrs. Lee and her daugh-
ter left town, a Mr.. MAYNARD, young clergy
man, came into Bridgeville, and was settled
as the pastor of the village church. 1t was
reported at the sewing circle, the week fol-
lowing his ordination, that it was expected he
would bring his bride into town in few
weeks. There was a great curiosity to see
her; and. especially, after it was reported she
was a talented young authoress.
A few weeks after, Mr.. Maynard gratifed
their curiosity by walking to church with his
young wife leaning on bis arm. She was
lady of great intellectual beauty and every
body, Gas they always are at frs, } was deeply
interested in the young minister and his fair
wife. ... ......... ......- .........
The following week, the ladies focked to
see her, and she promised to meet with them
at the next gathering of the sewing circle.
The day arrived, and although it was quite
stormy, Mrs. Deacon Browns parlor was fill
ed 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.
"How are you pleased with our vlllage?;'.
asked a Mrs. Britton, after the opening exer-
cises were over, as she took a seat beside Mrs.
Maynard. .......... .........
"l like its appearance very much; it certain
ly has improved wonderfully within the last
twelve years."
"Were you ever in Bridgevlle before?'' ask
ed another lady, as those around looked some
what surprised. -. z.s... ... ..
"I was here few months, when a child"
replied Mrs. Maynard.
1neir curiosity was excited. .. .
"Have you friends here?" asked a third. af-
ter moments silence. ' ,.
81 have not. resided here with my moth
er, the Widow Lee. We lived in little cot
tage which stood upon the spot now occupied
by the large store, on the corner of Pine
street. ...r .. .. e .# ..... .....
s'The Widow Lee!, replied Mrs. Britton;
II well remember the cottage; bu. I do not
recollect the name.o ...... ..
81 think attended school with y,u, one
term, at the academy" replied Mrs. Maynard;
''yon were Miss Mary Lark. were you not?''
"That was my name,'' replied the lady, as
| smile passed over her features at being so
readily recognized; s'but I am really quite
ashamed tina! my memory has proved so rec
reanf"
81 was known in the academy as the little
'Calico Cloak Perhaps you can remember
me by that namc."
The smile faded from Mrs. Brtton's face,
and a deep blush overspread her features,
| which, in few moments after, was seen
deepening upon the faces of others presen'.
There was silence for some minutes.
when Mrs. Maynard looked up, and found
she had caused considerable disturbance
among the ladies. of her own age, by making
herself known.
| "Oh! remember very well wien the little
sCalico Cloak went to the academy,o said an
old lady, as she looked up over her glasses;
( Sand think. IL my memory serves me right,
some Of the ladies present will owe Mrs. May
nard an apology.''
| "I 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, will
add few words. Most of the Younger la
dies present will remember the little Calico
Cloak;' but no one but the wearer knew how
deeply each ,nkind word pierced the little
hear the old academy bell ring, it brings back
fresh to my memory the sorrows Of my child
hood. But let no lady mistake me, by suppos-
ing cherish an ankind feeling towards any
one; know that, whatever the past may have
been, you are row my friends. But, ladies,
| iSt tHc you IcdTU uIcui
lesson from my experience, and teach them to
treat kindly the poor and despised. A calico
cloak may cover heart as warm with affec-
| ton, and as sensitive to sorrow, as one that
beats beneath a velvet covering. Whenever
you meet child who shows disposition to
despise the poor, tell it the story of the scalco
cloak;' it will carry its own moral with it.'
"That is the shortest, but the best sermon
ever heard" said the old lady, again. as she
put her handkerchief under glasses; ''and I do
not believe its moral effect will be lost upon
| any Of us.o
The old lady was right. The story went
| from one 10 another, until II found its way in
to the old academy. At that very time, lit
tie boy was attending school there, whose
mother was struggling with her needle to give
him an education. The boys often made
sport OF his patched knees and elbows, and he
would run sobbing home to his mother. But
when the story of the .scalico cloak reached
the scholars, the little boy, (for he was natur-
ally noble-hearted child, became very popn-
lar in school; and the children, from that time,
were very kind to "Little Patchey," as be had
always been called.
Wbop Mro Ma,,.rl ho,.J tha otor,, ~