Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-05-06
Gales ano Sketfbfs.
THREE CALICO GOWNS.


Nothing more was said. The two girls
went down into the assembly room when
the bell rang, and found the girls stand
ing around in groups, waiting for the as
sistant teacher to lead them to church.
''Look, will you?" whispered Miss Gay
to the miss next to her. If size isn't
going to church in that old calico,''
Miss Pleasant frowned, bat Clara smiled.
She had conquered her pride that morning
on her knees. She was resolved not to be
made unhappy by what she could not help
The assistant entered the same room
with rustic and trail BETTING her sta
ton. She looked the young ladies over
with sweeping glance, and peremptorily
ordered Miss Clinton to her room.
Miss Pleasant whispered word in that
lady's ear: Miss Clara was recalled, and
the procession was formed. II was very
vexatious that all the gentlemen these
young ladies passed seemed to look only
at the calico dress. 1t was very odd, see
ing lady going to church in print. From
the dress they looked into the face: and
such pretty face it was, too-so bright
all thinking of the oddity Of the attire, and
wondering who the young lady could be.
1t was not long before Clara became
known as the young lady in calico. Old
Mr.. Vennet, the wealthiest and most in
fiueDtial gentleman in town, having had
his attention called to her by her peculiar
dress. made the discovery that her father
had been dear and intimate friend in
college. He was self-made himself, and
he and Judge Clinton had walked hand
and glove in the thorny ways of poverty.
Mr.. Vennet, at the first opportunity
10 ar MIL
his family, and told her many stories, of
which Judge Clinton was the hero, and
was evidently proud ofhis pretty daughter
Afierward he from time to time sent bou-
quets from his rare exotics, besides such an
abundance of fruit, taking her to ride with
his family, so that the young ladies were
almost in state of envy. Finally, as If
to drive the young ladies to distraction.
the Nennets gave party to which the
wealthiest and most influential families i'm
the country were alone invited. Even the
principal of the institution was overlooked
To this reception Miss Clara was borne
in her calico dress bv Inverted servants.
Old Mr.. Nennet was so proud of her pluck,
and so delighted that she did not appear in
tulle and silks, that he devoted himself to
her much of the evening. introducing her
W VI MS Will
ing expressions of admiration. She was
finally taken to supper by young Mr.. Ven
net, who evidently thought more of her
cheerful conversation than all the satins,
laees and diamonds in the drawing room.
As might be expected, Miss Clinton
from that evening was quite belle. No
one could slight n young lady to whom
the Fennets had been so attentive
Besides there WAS something quite novel
in having a beautiful young creature from
the country. who had rich father, and
wore the calico because she was not poor
The young ladies petted her because they
had nothing to be jealous of; the old ladies
patronized her as an example for their
daughters; the Young men respected her
for her pretty ways, independence OF
character and ready w.t. and the old men
put their thumbs in the arms of their
vests and gravely announced that she was
quite an exemplary young lady, and
they wished there We're more like her.
Indeed, the only trouble was that Judge
Clinton's calico dresses didn't prove his
daughters ruin.
The long school session was to close
with public examination, on which oc-
casion the Young ladies were required to
wear white satin sashes, and rosette
upon the left shoulder. The principal
had an eye to effect, and she would admit
nothing that disturbed harmony.
Miss Clinton's calico gown was vetoed
at once. at might do for Mr.. Vennet's
party, but it would not do for school ex-
animation" So Judge Clinton received
polite note from the formidable lady re-
questing him frigid and unmistakable
terms ITO allow his daughter white null -
IL the principal had designed to make
Judge Clinton the happiest of men, which
she didn't. and to render it forever out of
Miss Clara's power to wear white null
she could not more effectually have ac-
complished her purpose than by writing
this note.
Judge Clinton of Clintonville declare
that he was not to be dictated to by any
woman-not he; and precisely because il
would oblige her to have Clara dressed in
white, it would disoblige him to do so.
His rather impolte reply was: HE
sent his daughter to school to study books,
not dress. If she wanted his daughter to
wear white she was at liberty to provide
that garment for her. For his part he
did not see what right teachers had to de
eide what color or goods their pupils
should wear. IL she was not willing his
daughter should appear in prints she
should say so. and he would remove her
at once from school,
The principal, rs may be supposed, was
as indignant as principal could well be-
But what would the Vennets say, and the
wealthy people whom they could infiu-
ence. if Miss Clara was banished for
wearing dress they had been pleased TO
honor
Besides, Miss Clara was the best writer.
the best singer. and the dialogue maker of
the whole school. She was necessary to
the brilliancy of the anniversary.
The principal decided to adopt the
Judges suggestion and provide the outfit
ut her own expense.
But no sooner WAS this decided on. than
the Judge wrote letter by express. pro-
testing that his daughter should not wear
white at all. and that he was coming in
person to see that she didn't violate his
commands.
The result was that the Judge carried
his point, and Clara was the odd bird in
the whole flock OF pigeons.
Among all the queens of the swiss and
null, the rustic belle was the observed of
ali observers. She was really the hand
soonest. merriest and most sparkling
creature in the whole room.
III Al