The Tiffin tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1868-1887, 1874-11-26
The Calico Cloak.

| nOlndu u6uEDLGIs L L law
thought Mr.. Brown would have takeT
her into the academy but L supposl
be likes the money that comes through
suds as well as any. It Is cleaner, o
course"
And the air rang with the loud
laughter of the girls.
'Come, let US 90 in and examine
her," continued Mary, as they ascend
ed the steps of the school house. "I'n
thinking she will make some fun fol
us.n
The girls went into the dressing.
room, where they found the new scbol.
ar. She was q mild, intelligent LOOK.
ing child, but very poorly, though ii.
dily clad. The girls went around her
whispering and laughing with each
other, while she stood trembling in
cne corner of the room, without ven-
turing to raise her eyes from the floor
When the entered the school they
found the little girl-was far in advance
of those of her age in her studies, and
was placed in classes with those some
years her seniors. This seemed, on
the whole, to make those girls who
We're disposed to treat her unkiDdly
dislike her more and she being of a
retiring disposition, through their in
huence had no friends, but went and
returned from school alone.
"And SO you really think, !" said Ma
ry Lark, as she went up to the little
girl q few weeks after she entered
school, "that you are going to get the
medal? 1t will correspond nieely
with your cloak
And she caught hold of the cape and
held it out from her, while the girls
around her Joined in her loud laugh.
Calico cloak get the medal! guess
she will / should like to see Mr..
Brown giving it to heTl" said another
girl as she caught hold of her arm,
and peeped under the child's bonnet.
The little girl struggled to release
herself and wnen she was free ran
home Is fast as she could go.
30 mother" she saidias she "entered
her mothers humble Kitchen, do ans
wer Uncle Williams letter, and tell
livei / don't like to live in Bridge
vile. The girls call me "Calico
Cluak," and "Brcgans," and you
don't know how unkindly they treat
me-"
"Lizzie, my dear" said her mother,
''you must expect to meet with some
who'll treat you unkindly on account
Of your poverty; but you must not be
discouraged. Do right, my child, and
you will eventually come off conquer
err
Although Mrs I-ea tried to encour-
age her child, yet she knew that she
had to meet with severe trials for one
so young,
"But, mother they are all unkind to
me-" replied Lizzie; "there isn't one
who loves me-" And the child bur-
led her face In her hands and Sob
bed alouc.
In Bridgeville Academy there were
few selfish, unprincipled girls, and
the Others Joined them in teasing the
little HCaiico Cloak" as they called
her, from thoughtlessness, and
from a love of sport. But they
knew not how deeply each spor-
tive word pierced the heart of the
little stranger, and how many bitter
tears she shed in secret over their IN
kindness.
Mrs. L., learning that the schol-
ars still continued their unjust
treatment, resolved to accept her
! brothers. invitation, although he
was u poor man, aud become mem
Der of his family, hoping that while
there her child could continue her
studies, and perhaps, through his in
| fiuenee, lead happier life among her
school-mates. Accordingly, at the
end OF the term, she left Bridgeville,
and removed to New York. Al
though Lizzie had been q member of
the school but one term, get she
gained the medal and il was worn
from the academy beneath the de-
spised garment.
Weeks, months and years glided
away to the students at Bridgeville
Academy, and the little "Cslico
Cloakn was forgotten. Those who
were at school with her had left, to
enter upon the business of life.
Twelve years after Mrs. Lee aud her
| daughter left town, Mr.. Maynard, a
young clergyman came into Bridge
vile, and WAS settled there as the
pastor of the village church. 1t was
reported at the sewing circle, the
week following his ordination, that
| it was expected 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 author
ess.
A few weeks after, Mr.. Maynard
gratified their curiosity by walking
into church with his young wife Lean
ing on his arm. She was lady of
great intellectual beauty and every
body las they always are at first) was
deeply interested in the young min
lister and his wife. The following
week the ladies fiocked to see her,
and she promised to meet with them
at the next gathering Of the sewing
circle.
The day arrived, and although it
was quite stormy, Mrs. Deacon
Browns parlor was filled with smil-
ing faces. The D-acOn's carriage
was sent to the parsonage after Mrs.
Maynard, and 10 due time it arrived,
bringing the lady with it.
The shaking of hands that followed
can only be imagined by those who
have been present on such an ocea-
sion:
"How are you pleased with our
village ?" asked Mrs. BrittOn, after
the opening exercises were over, as
she took a seat beside Mrs. Maynard.
''I like its appearance very much ;
it certainly has improved wonder
| fully within the last twelve years.
"Were you ever at Bridgev1lle be-
fore ?'i asked another lady, as those
around looked somewhat surprised.
81 was here some months when q
child,n replied Mrs. Maynard
Their curiosity was excited
"Have you friends here ?" asked
the third after moments silence.
"I have not. / resided with my
mother, the widow Lee We lived ia
q little cottage which stood upon the
spot now occupied by large store, on
the corner of Pine street-p
"rhe widow Lee" repeated Mrs.
Britton ''I well remember the cot
tage, bat do not recOllect the name. u
81 think attended school with you
at the academy" replied Mrs.. May
nard lyon were Miss Mary Lark
were you not ?'
"That was my name," replied the
lady, as smile passed over her fea-
lures at being recognized "bgt I am
really quite ashamed that my MEM
ory has proved so recreant.n
'I was known in the academy as
the little Calico Cloak Perhaps
you can remember me 6y that name. u
The smile faded from Mrs. BrittOn's
face, and deep blush overspread her
features, which in a few moments
was seen deepening upon the faces Of
Others present. -.--A --------.-- Z
There was silence OF some minutes,
when Mrs. Maynard looked up, she
found she had caused considerable dis
turbanee among the ladies of her own