Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1858-10-21
THE CALICO CLOAK.

Mary Lark, girl Of II or IA years, as she
ran to meet a group of schoolmates who
we're coming toward the school house 'she
cut the most comical figure you ever saw.
Her cloak is made out Of calico, and her
shoes are brogans, such as men and boys
wear"
ooh. yes, I've seen her," replied Lucy
Brooks; ''she is the new washerwoman' S
daughter. shouldn't have thought Mr..
Brown would have taken her into the acad-
emy; but suppose he likes the money that
comes through suds as we'll as any. It is
cleaner of course"
And the air rang with the loud laugh of
the girls.
"Come, let's go in and examine her, -
continued Mary, as they ascended the steps
of the school house 'I'm thinking she will
make some fun for u.s."
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 flushing in one corner of the room,
without venturing to raise her eyes from the
floor.
When they entered the school, they found
the -litt,e. girl was far in advance of those of
her age m her stuoties, and was placed in
classes with those two or three years her
senior. This seemed, on the whole, to make
those girls who were disposed to treat her
unkindy, dislike her the more and she, be-
ing of retiring disposition, through their
influence had no friends, but went and re-
turned from school alone.
"And so you really think" said Mary
Lark, as she went up to the little girl few
weeks after she entered school, ''that you
are going to get the medal? It will COR
respond with your cloakv'
And she caught hold of the cape, and
held it out from her, while the girls around
joined in her loud laugh.
"Calico cloak get the medal! I guess she
will. should like to see Mr.. Brown CIV
ing it to herp said another girl, as she
ught 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 answer
Uncle Williams letter, and tell him we will
come to New York to live! I don't like to
live in Bridgeville. The girls call me Cal
leo Cloak" and 'Brogans,' and you don't
know, mother, how unkindly they treat tme. :"
''Lizzie, my dear" /" said her mother, ''you
must expect to meet with some who will
treat you unkindly on account of your pow
erty; but you must not be discouraged. Do
right. my child, and you will eventually
come off conquerer.'
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- replied Lizzie, ''there isn't one who
loves me-"
And the child buried her face in her hands,
and sobbed aloud.
In Bridgeville Accademy there were a
few selfish, unprincipled girls; and the 9th
ers joined them in teasing the little ''Calico
Cloak" as they called her, from thought
lessness and from love ofsport. 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
continued their unjust treatment towards
her child, resolved to accept her brother
invitation, although he was poor man, and
become member of his family, hoping that
while there, her child could continue her
studies, and perhaps through his influence
lead happier life among her schoolmates
accordingly, at the end of the term, she left
Bridgeville, and removed to New York
Although Lizzie had been member Of the
school but one term, yet she gained the med
al, and it was worn from the academy be-
meath the despised garment.
Weeks, months, and years glided away to
the students of Bridgeville Academy, and
the little calico Cloak was forgotten. -