Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1873-04-04
5elcftr0 MlistrIlanp.
THE CALICO CLOAK.

Have you seen the new cloak 2"
asked Mary Lark, girl of twelve or
fourteen years, as she ran to meet group
of schoolmates who were coming toward
the schoolhousc & She cuts the most
comical looking figure you ever saw. -
Her cloak is made of calico, and her
shoes are brogans, such as men and boys
wear"
"Oh, yes, I've seen her." said Lucy
Brooks; "shc's the new washcrwoman's
daughter. | shouldn't have thought
Mr.. Brown would have taken her into
the academy but | suppose he likes the
money that comes through suds as well
as any; it is cleaner of course"
The air rang with the girls laughter.
Lets 20 in and examine her" con
tinued Mary, as they assembled the steps
of the schoohouse. I'm thinking she
will make fun for us"
The girls went into the dressing-room
where they found the new scholar, a
mild, intelligcnt-looking child, poorly,
though tidily clad The girls went
round her, whispering and laughing with
each other, while she stood trembling
and blushing in the corner of the room,
without venturing to raise her eyes from
the floor. When she entered the school
they found the little girl far in advance of
those of her 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 more she be-
ing of retiring disposition, through her
influence had no friends but went and
returned from school alone.
And do you really think, " said Mary
Lark, as she went up to the little girl a
few weeks after she entered the school
that you are going to get the medal
1t will correspond very nicely with your
cloak 2"
She caught hold of the cape and held
it from her while the girls joined in her
hoarse laugh.
" Calico cloak get the medal?' guess
she will g ] should like to see Mr.
Brown give it to her." said another girl,
as she caught hold of her arm and peep
ed under the child's bonnet. The little
girl struggled to release herself. and as
soon as she was free, ran home as fast
as possible.
"Oh, mother" she said, as she en-
tered her humble kitchen, "do answer
Uncle Williams letter, and VIC will go
to New York, and not live in Bridge
vile. The girls call me calico cloak
and -brogans,' and you do not know,
mother, how unkindly they treat me"
Lizzie" said the mother, you
must expect to meet with those who treat
you unkindly on account of your poverty,
but you must not be discouraged. Do
right, and you will eventually come off
conquerer."
Although Mrs Lee tried to encourage
her child, yet she knew that she had to
meet with very severe trials for one SO
young.
i" But, mother, they are all unkind to
me; there isn't single one that loves
me-"
And the child buried her face in her
hands and sobbed aloud
In Bridgeville academy there were a
few unprincipled girls, and the others
joined them in teasing the little " calico
cloak" as they called her, from sheer
thoughtlessness and love of sport but
they knew not bow deeply each sportive
word pierced the heart Of the little stran-
ger, and how many bitter tears she had
shed over their unkindness.
Mrs. Lee, learning that the scholars
continued their unjust treatment toward
her child, resolved to accept her broth
er's invitation, although he was poor