Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-01-07
THE CALICO CLOAK


who were coming towards 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 ia the new washer-woman's
daughter. | shouldn't have thought Mr.
Brown would have taken her into the Acade
my; but suppose he likes the money that
comes through the suds as well as any. 1t is
clearer Of course
And the air rang with the lond laugh of
the girls.
"Come, let us go in and examine her, con-
tinued Mary, as she assembled the steps of the
school-house "I'm thinking she make some
fun for us"
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
blushing in one corner Of the room, without
venturing to raise her eyes from the floor.
When they entered the sehool-room, they
found the little girl was far in advance of those
of her age in her studies. aud was placed in
classes with those two or three years her sen
ior. This seemed, on the whole, TO make
those girls who were disposed to treat her
unkindly dislike her the more and she. be-
/ ing Of retiring disposition, through their
influence had no friends, but went and return
ed from school alone.
"And do you really think sad Mary
Lark as she went up to the little girl, few
weeks after she entered the school, "that you
are going to get the medal ; 1t will cores
pond nicely with your cloak y
And she caught hold of the capo, and held
it out from her. while the girls around joined
in her loud laugh
Calico cloak get the medal guess she
will should like to sec Mr. Brown give it
TO her :" said another girl, as she caught bold
of her arm. and peeped under the ohild's bon
net. The little girl struggled to release her
self, and when she was free ran home as fast
as she could
"Oh. mother" said she, 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
Bridgevile. The girls call me calico cloak,
and brogans, and you don't know, mother,
how unkindly they treat me
Lizzie. my dear said her mother. "you
must expect TO meet with those who will treat
YOU unkindy on account OF your poverty,
but you must not be discouraged. 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 to meet with
severe trials for one so young
But, mother. they are all so unkind to
{ me, replied Lizzie, "thcre isn't one that
loves me"
And the child buried hei face in her hands,
and sobbed aloud.
In Bridgeville Academy there were few
selfish, unprincipled girls. and the others
joined them in teasing the little Calico
Cloak. as they called her. from thoughtless-
ness, and from a love of sport. 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 brothers invita-
, ton, although he was poor man, and be-
come member of his family, hoping that
while there her child could continue her s,ad-
les, and perhaps through his influence lead a
I
cordingly. at the end of the term. she left
Bridgeville. and removed to New York. AL
, though Lizzie had been member Of the
e school but one term, yet she gained the medal
d and il was worn from the Academy beneath
5 the despised garment.
Weeks, months and years gided away to
1 the students Of the Bridgeville Academy, and
the little Calico Cloak was forgotten.
Il Al L L. l..
to enter upon the business of life
Twelve years after Mrs. Lee and her
daughter left town, Mr. Maynard, young
r clergyman, came into Bridgeville. and was
settled as the pastor of the village church. Ii
! was reported at the sewing circle, the week
following his ordination, that it was expected
f that he would bring his bride into town in a
: few weeks. There was great curiosity ia
see her, and especially after it was reported
! that she was talented young authorcss.
Soon after, Mr.. Maynard gratifed their Gu
riosity BY walking into church with his young
? wife leaning on his arm. She was a lady oI
great intellectual beauty, and everybody--as
a they always are at frst-was deeply interest
4 ed in the young minister and his wife.
e The following week the young ladies flock
+ ed to see her, and she promised to meet them
c at the next gathering of the sewing circle.
e The day arrived. and, although it was quite
=. stormy Mrs. Deacon Browns parlor was
e filled with smiling faces. The deacon's car
S rage was sent to the parsonage after Mrs
: Maynard, and in due time it arrived, bring
I ing the lady with il. The shaking of hand.
= that followed her arrival can only be imag
ined by those who have been present on such
= an occasion.
I "How are you pleased with our village ?
d asked Mrs. Brtton, after the opening exer.
: cises were over, as she took seat beside
r Mrs. Maynard.
V 81 like its appearance very much it GER
tainly has improved wonderfully within the
e last twelve years"
$ "Were you ever in Bridgeville before :
i asked another lady, as those around looked
& somewhat surprised.
It II was here few months when child,
C replied Mrs. Maynard.
Their curiosity was excited
"Have you friends here ? asked third
! after a moments silence.
\ IL have not. | resided vita my mother
\ the Widow Lee. We lived iD little cottage
- which stood upon the spot how occupied b.
q large store ON the corner of Pine street"
= "Tho Widow Lee;" repeated Mrs. b., :"
~ well remember the cottage, but do not rec
- ollect the name."
"" "" IL think attended school with YOU at tn