North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1865-06-21
Sd&tt S torp.
THE CALICO CLOAK.

"Have you seen the new scholar 2" asked
Mary Lark, CIR! of twelve or fourteen year
as she ran to meet group of schoolmate
who were coming towards the schoolhouse
''she cuts the most comical looking figure yol
ever saw. Her cloak is cut of calico, and he
shoes are brogans-such as men and boys
wear.
sob, yes, I've seen her." said Lucy Brooks
"she's the new washeTwoman's daug ghter -
/ 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 we'll as any,"
"It is cleaner of course"
And the air rang with girls laughter.
LET us 60 in and examine her." contin-
ued Mary, as they ascended the schoolhouse
steps. 'I'm thinking she will make fun for
u.s."
The girls went into the dressing room
where they found the new scholar She
was a mild intelligent chld-but poorly
though tidily clad. The girls went around
whispering and laughing with each other,
while she stood trembling in one corner of
the room, without even venturlDg to raise
her eyes from the floor. When she entered
the school they found the little girl far in ad-
vance of those of her age in her studies-as
she was placed in classes with those of two
or three years her senior. This seemed on
| tho " h0lp N m Ea fbnro -
posed to treat her unkindiy, dislike her the
more; and she being of a retiring disposition
had no friends, but was compelled to go and
return from 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 2 1t will
correspond nicely with your cloak !"
And she caught hold of the cape, and held
it out from her, when tie girls joined in her
loud laugh.
"Calco cloak get the medal would like
to see Mr., Brown give it to her." said anoth-
er girl as she caught hold of her arm and
peeped under the chld's bonnet
The little girl struggled to release herself
and when she was free, ran home as fast as
possible.
cob, mother!" she exclaimed as she en-
sered the humble kitchen, edo answer Uncle
Williams letter, and tell him VIC will come
| to New York to live. don't like to live in
Brdgevile. The girls call me calico cloak
I'll = IL
kindly they treat me-"
'Lzzie, my dear" said the mother, "you
must expect to meet with those who will
treat yon unkindly on account of your pow
erty. but you must not get discouraged. Do
right and you will eventually come off con-
querer.
Although Mrs. Lee tried to encou rage her
child, vet she knew that she had to meet
with severe trials for one SO young.
but, mother, they are unkind to me-
There isn't one that loves me-"
The child buried her face in her hands,
apd sobbed aloud.
In Bridgevile Academy there were few
unprincipled girls and the others joined
them in teasing the lit tie '"Calico Cloak" as
they called her from thoughtlessness or
love of sport But they knew not how deep.
ly each sportive word pierced the heart of
the little stranger, nor how many bitter tears
she had shed in secret over their unkindness.
Mrs Lee learning that the sch GLARS contin-
ued their unjust treatment towards her
Q lid resolved to accept her brothers. invita-
ton, although he was poor man, and thro'
his influence Lizzie might perhaps lead
happier life among new Schoolmates. Ac
cordingIy at the end Of the term she left
Bridgevile and removed to New York.
Although Lizzie had been a member of the
school but one term, she had gained the med
al, and it was worn from the Acadamy be-
meath the despised garment.
Weeks, aud months, and years glded
away to the students of the Bridgeville Acad
emy-and the little "Calico Cloak" twas for
gotten. Those who had been at school with
her, had left to enter soon the business OF
life.
Twelve years after Mrs. Lee left the town
Mr. Maynord, young clergyman, came into
BridgevilIe, and was settled as pastor of the
village church. 1t was reported at the sew
ing circle, the week following ordination, that
it was expected that he would bring his bride
in town in a week. There was great curios-
ity to see her, especially after il was report
ed that she was talented young authoress.
Soon after Mr.. Maynard gratifed their curl
osity, by walking into church with bis young
wife leaning on his arm. She was lady of
great intellectual beauty, and everybody was
deeply interested in the young minister and
| his wife.
The following week the young ladies flock
ed to soc her, and she promised to meat
them at the next gathering Of the sewing cir
Il