Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1873-04-04


Der of the school but one term, she had
gained the medal, and 1t was taken from
the academy beneath the despised gar
ments
Weeks, months and years glided away
to the students of the Bridgeville acade-
my, and the little "calico cloak" was
forgotten. Those who were at school
with her left to enter upon the business
of life.
Twelve years after Mrs. Lee had left
town, Mr.. Maynard, young clergyman,
came to Bridgeville, and was settled as
pastor of the village church 1t was re-
ported at the sewing circle the week fol-
lowing his ordination, that it was ex-
pected he would bring his bride into town
in few weeks.
There was great curiosity to see her,
and especially after it was reported that
she was talented young authoress
Soon after Mr. Maynard gratifed their
curiosity by walking into church with
his young wife learning on his arm; she
was a lady of great intellectual beauty,
and every body was deeply interested in
the young minister and his wife. The
following week the young ladies' hocked
in to see her, and she promised to meet
them at the next gathering of the sewing
circle.
The day arrived, and although it was
quite stormy, Mrs. Deacon Browns par
lor was filled with smiling faces. The
deacon's carriage was sent to the parson-
age after Mrs. Maynard, and in due time
it arrived, bearing the lady in it. The
shaking of hands that followed her arri-
val can only be imagined by those who
have been present on festive occasions.
GLOW are you pleased with our little
village ?" asked Mrs Britton after the
opening exercises were over, as she took
seat beside Mrs Maynard
Il like its appearance much /; it has
improved wonderfully within the last
twelve years
Were you ever in Bridgeville bcforc?'
asked another lady, as those around
looked somewhat surprised at her.
Il was here a few months, when n
child, " replied Mrs. Maynard.
Their curiosity was excited.
Have you friends here ?" asked a
third.
Il have not / resided with my mo-
ther. the widow Lee we lived in a little
cottage which stood upon the spot now
occupied by a large store on the corner
of Pine street"
The widow Lcep p exclaimed Mrs.
Britton: II well remember the cottage,
but | do not recolcct the name"
81 think attended school with you
at the academy" replied Mrs. Maynard;
you were Miss Mary Lark, were you
not 2"
chat was my name," replied Mrs
Britton, as a smile passed over her fca-
lures, at being recognized "but ] am
really ashamed that my memory is SO re-
creant."
81 was known in the academy as the
little calico cloak Perhaps you can re-
member me by that name"
The smile faded from the face Of Mrs
Britton and deep blush oversprcad her
features, which in few moments were
seen deepening upon the faces of others
present There was silence for some
minutes When Mrs Maynard looked
up she found she had caused considera-
bic disturbance among the ladies of her
age by making herself suddenly known.
ooh, / remember very well when the
little calico cloak went to the academy"
said an old lady, as she looked over her
glasses "and [ think, if my memory
serves me right, some of the ladies pres
cDt owe Mrs. Maynard very humble
apology"
II had no intention whatever ladies, "
replied Mrs. Maynard. ''to rcprove any
one present by making myself known !;
but as it may seem 50 to some, that such
was my intention, | will add a few more
words "
"Most of the young ladies will remem-
Der the little calico cloak but no one
but the wearer knew how deeply each
unkind word pierced the little heart that
beat beneath it, As | again hear the old
academy bell ring, it brings back to my
mind the sorrows Of childhood. But let
no lady mistake me, by supposing that /
cherish an unkind feeling towards any
one"
but ladies', let me add, if you have
children, teach them a lesson from my
experience, and treat kindly the poor and
despised. A calico cloak may cover
heart as warm with affection and as SEN
sitivc with sorrow, as one that beats be-
meath velvet covering Wherever you
meet child that shows disposition to
despisc the poor, tell the story of the
calico cloak, it will carry its own moral
THAT is the shortest but the best SER
mon I ever heard" said the old lady
again, as she put her handkerchief I'M
der her glasses, ''and / don't believe it
will be lost by any of us"
The old lady was right The story
went from one to another, until it found
its way into the academy. At that very
time little boy was attending school
there, whose mother was struggling with
her needle to give him an education ~
The boys often made cruel sport of his
patched knees and elbows, and he would
run home TO his mother But when the
calico cloak reached the scholars, the
little boys, for he was naturally noble
hearted child, became very kind to little
Patchey.
When Mrs Maynard heard the story
D 4 f.T Il L. 4. IL t,t Il. ,raes