Legal and Tender (Details)
citation: Good Housekeeping, February 1955, 140(2):52-53, 120-122
alias: None
teaser: If there's a man in your life, and you own a five-dollar bill with a picture of Lincoln on it, the editor advises you not to read this. It's likely to drive you crazy.
summary: While her husband Ben lies on a nearby davenport reading, Ruth Callandar sits sewing, planning the day's errands. She asks Ben to remind her to bring a swatch of davenport material to match with new drapes. Anxious to get going, Ruth's a little annoyed with Ben's jokes and antics.
Ben complains it's his day off, and poses Ruth a riddle from the magazine he's reading. When Ruth doesn't know the answer, Ben draws out the explanation until Ruth realizes he's stalling for time.
Ben continues stalling. Looking in his wallet, he realizes they'll need
to cash a check. He suggests they use the money for drinks,
lunch and a boat cruise of the Bay. Ruth implores Ben to get dressed,
but he marvels at an inscription on his money that reads, This
note is legal tender for all debts, public and private, and is redeemable
in lawful money at the United States Treasury, or at any Federal Reserve
Bank.
If five-dollar bills are not legal tender, Ben wonders, what is?
What would he receive as lawful money in exchange for this legal
tender?
Finally in San Francisco, they go to Ben's bank to cash a check. To Ruth's surprise, When Ben reaches the front of the line he does not write a check, but asks the teller for lawful money in exchange for his five-dollar bill. The teller is confused, and Ruth embarassed.
The teller offers Ben several alternatives, none of which Ben finds acceptable. Making an internal telephone call, the teller refers Ben and Ruth to Mr. Hinkle, on the other side of the room.
With an embarassed Ruth distancing herself on a nearby bench, Ben explains the problem to Mr. Hinkle who's as mystified with Ben's request as the teller. Ben calls Ruth over to meet Mr. Hinkle. Ben eventually concedes the bank can't help him, and he leaves with Ruth.
Outside, Ruth is mortified. When Ben starts his explanation up again, she cuts him short, then laughs at the situation. Ben suggests they go for drinks at the Top of the Mark.
Ruth reverts her attention to their errands. Ben notes a year ago, before they were married, they enjoyed their free time. He questions why a marriage certificate changed all that.
When Ruth discovers she's forgotten the swatch of material she needs
to pick out drapes, she's angry with Ben for not reminding her to bring
it. Ben puts the blame on her. He explains that although he's fully aware
of the responsibilities of marriage, the biggest responsibility
of all … is to see that the fun doesn't drift out of it.
Ruth agrees: Ben
don't ever let us get so married we forget why we are married!
They resolve to spend their unlawful money on drinks, lunch and a Bay cruise.
words: 4,562
genre: None
similar: None
people: Benjamin Callandar, Ruth Callandar, Carlson, Mr. Hinkle
places: San Francisco, CA: Top of the Mark, the Fairmont, Montgomery Street, The Mark Hopkins
notes: Forthcoming