The Portland daily press., 1863-12-05
MISCELLANY.
The Calico Cloak.

'sHave you seen the new scholar" asked
Mary Lark, girl of twelve or fourteen years,
as she ran in to meet a group OF schoolmates;
'She cut the most comical-looking figure
you ever saw. Her cloak is made out of cal
leo, and her shoes are brogans, such as men
and boys wear"
"Oh yes, Pvc seen her." said Lucy Brooks,
'she's the new washerwoman's daughter. l
shouldn't have thought Mr.. Brown would
have taken her into the Academy; but sup
pose he likes the money that comes through
suds as well as any.
1t Is cleaner Of course"
And the air rung with girls laughter.
.I.et us go in and examine her." continued
Mary, as they assembled the school-house steps
Pm thinking she will make fun for u.s."
The girls went into the dressing-ro ON
where they found the new scholar. She was
a very mild intelligent looking child, but
poorly, though tidily clad. The girls went
around her, whispering and laughing with
each other, while she stood trembling and
bushing in one corner of the room, without
raising her eyes from the floor. When she
entered the school they found the little girl
far in advance of those of her own age, in her
studies, and she was placed In classes of those
two or three years her senior. This seemed,
on the whole, TO make those girls who were
disposed to treat her unkindly, dislike her the
more ; and she being Of a retiring disposition,
had no friends but went and returned to school
alone.
"And do you really Think said Mary Lark,
as she went up to the little girl few weeks
after she entered the school, shat 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 joined in her
loud laugh.
''Calico cloak get the medal? guess she
will /! should like to see Mr.. Brown give it
10 her." said another girl, as she caught hold
of her arm and peeped under the child's bon
net. The little girl struggled to release herself
and when she was free, she ran home as fast
as possible.
aOh MOTHER she said as she entered her
humble Kitchen "do answer 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 how unkindly they do
treat me-
'.Lizzie my DEAR. said the mother, "you
must expect to meet with those who will treat
you unkindly on account of your poverty, but
you must not be discouraged Do right, and
you will eventually come off conqueror."
Although Mrs. Lee tried to encourage her
child, yet she knew she had to meet with Sc
we're trials for one SO young.
But mother they are all unkind to me
there isn't one that loves me-"
And the child buried her face ia her hands
and sobed aloud.
In Bridgeville Academy there were few I'M
principled girls, and the Others joined them
teasing the little "Calco Cloak" as they
called her, from thoughtlessness and 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 continu-
ed their unjust treatment toward her child,
resolved to except her brothers invitation, al
though he was a poor man, and perhaps
through his influence she might lead happier
life than among her schoolmates. According
ly at the end Of the term she left Bridgevlle.
and removed to New York.
Although Lizzie had been member of the
: school but one term, she had gained the medal
and 1t was worn from the Academy beneath
her despised garment.
Weeks months and years glded 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 left the town,
Mr.. Maynard, young clergyman, came into
Bridgeville, and was settled as pastor of the
village church. II was reported at the sew
ing circle, the week following ordination, that
it was expected he would bring his bride into
town in few weeks. There was great GU
riosity to see her, and especially after it was
reported that she was talented young auth
eress. Soon after, Mr.. Maynard gratifed
their curiosity by walking into church with
his young wife leaning on his arm. She wasIa
lady of great intellectual beauty land every
body was interested in the young minister and
his wife. The following week the young ladys
focked 10 see her, and she promised TO meet
them at the next gathering Of the sewing cir
Gle.
The day arrived, and although it was stormy
Mrs. Deacon Browns parlor was filled with
smiling faces. The Deacon's carriage was
sent TO the parsonage after Mrs. Maynard, and
in due time 1t arrived bringing the lady with
it. The shaking hands that followed her ar
rival can only be imagined by those who
have been present on such occasions,
"How are you pleased with our village?:
asked Mrs Britton after the opening exer-
cises were over, as she took a seat beside Mrs,
Maynard.
Il like its appearance very much ; it has i'm
proved wonderfully within the last twelve
years.
"Were you ever in Bridgeville before ?n ask
ed another lady, as those around her looked
somewhat surprised.
Il was here few months when child,' re-
piled Mrs. Maynard.
"Haye you friends here P" asked third az
ter moments silence.
II have not. resided with my mother the
widow Lee. We lived in little cottage which
stood ON the spot now occupied by a large
store on the corner of Pine street."
"The widow Lee?" repeated Mrs. Britton;
Il well remember the cottage, but don't re-
collect the name.'
81 think l attended school with you at the
Academy" replied Mrs. Maynard; you were
Miss Lark, were you not?"
"That was my name" replied the lady as a
smile passed over her features at being recog-
nized but i am really quite ashamed that my
memory has proved SO recreant."
II was known in the Academy as the little
"Calico Cloak" Perhaps you can remember
me by that name.'
The smile faded from the face of Mrs. Brit
ton and deep blush overspread her features,
which in a few moments was seen deepen
ing on the faces of others present. There
was silence for some minutes. When Mrs.
Maynard looked up she found that she had
caused considerable disturbance among the
ladies OF her own age by making herself
known.
"Oh remember very well when the little
st(falioo Cloakr went In the ACADEMY said