We cannot deny that one of the great questions of the day among
tradespeople is how to get their bills paid. Neither can we deny that we
have all been over-extravagant. This little story (which is really a
satire) contains its moral.
One bright morning Mr. Dobson, an American gentleman in excellent
circumstances, and yet (quite singular to relate of any American
gentleman!) constantly harried by his bills, conceived of a brilliant
idea. Thereupon he said to Mrs. Dobson:
"My dear, let us pay cash for one day."
"How absurd!"
"It may seem so, but you must admit that it is a brand-new idea, and
therefore worth while for you, as a modern woman, to try."
This was the only possible way in which the astute Mr. Dobson could have
persuaded his wife to try his ideas. They both agreed, and he gave her a
hundred dollars in bright, new bills. Taking the same amount himself, he
began his day.
It would be easily possible for us to make a story out of this by
recording the incidents of that day. But they would be too painful for
modern readers, who insist upon being amused. Sufficient is it to
observe that at night the Dobsons met each other face to face.
"I have been grossly insulted by four people," said Mrs. Dobson, who
looked very much the worse for wear. "By a saleswoman in a department
store, my milliner, my shoemaker, and my glovemaker. I offered them all
cash, and it will take years to reinstate myself with them again."
"I got in wrong with my haberdasher and my hatter," said Dobson, "and
then quit for the day. I didn't have the courage to attempt to buy
anything more. Your people, by the way, sent collectors to collect last
month's bills. Also, I calculated this afternoon that if we should pay
cash for everything, it would cost me twice my income."
"How much does it cost now?"
"I don't know--that's the strange part of it. But, my dear, isn't it
worthwhile to learn something, even by making such a mistake?"
At this point Mrs. Dobson, who had been softly shedding tears, braced up
and impulsively put her arms about her erring husband's neck.
"Never mind, dear," she said, "we must face this together. We are
probably ruined, but we are both comparatively young, and we will live
it down side by side."