San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1896-01-27
THE AXONBACHELORS
By EFFIE W. MERRIMAN.
Copyright, 1895, by the Author.l
CHAPTER I


possible. 1t was due on the first day of
the new year, and Miss Alice Griggs
had rejected him early in May. 1t was
now the middle of November, and as more
than six months had elapsed since that
rejection he knew it would not be rec
ognized in the eyes Of the law as a suffi-
Gent reason why he should not be taxed.
He had given no other young lady an
opportunity to say "No," an oversight
which he regretted now.
In the state where he lived there was
law to the effect that every bachelor
should be taxed who could not show
written rejection or in other ways give
proof that he had proposed matrimony
to some eligible young lady and had
been refused within period of six
months. 1t was determined to resort to
every lawful means to break up the I'M
married condition which forced so many
women to compete with men in the
labor market. Taxes were levied in ac-
cordance with the eligibility of the
bachelor, and the money derived there
from was used in the support of unpro-
tected women.
Tom Wainwright, being 80 years Of
age, handsome, prosperous and in every
way able to care for a wife, had for five
years been obliged to pay tax which
he considered out of all reason. Not
only that, but he knew that for the next
ten years the tax would be steadily in
creased. He had on several occasions
evaded it by engaging himself to some
attractive maiden, then, when the dan
ger of taxation was past for that year,
causing a quarrel which resulted in his
dismissal, but the authorities had be-
come suspicious, and Tom had reason
to believe that another such event would
be closely Investigated. Clearly he must
find some new and yet plausible way to
evade the tax on bachelors this year or
deprive himself of many luxuries which
he was sure he could not do without.
Down at his clubhouse his friends
were entertaining guest from abroad,
and Tom ought to have shed the light
Of his cheerful smile on the scene. He
knew very well that the fellows never
enjoyed themselves quite SO well when
he was absent, but he felt in no mood
for merrymaking tonight. He donned
dressing gown and slippers, set box OF
choice cigars on the table, which he push
ed close beside the open CRATE; then,
throwing himself into his most inviting
easy chair, gave himself to the problem
which confronted him. He had thought
Of no feasible solution when, the guest
from abroad having been sufficiently
entertained, Tom was joined by Sander
Ridgway, his most intimate club friend.
whats up, old fellow" asked
Sander, helping himself to an easy
chair and cigar. "We missed you at
the club.
IT was too stupid to make a decent
appearance, so preferred to remain at
home Have good timer"
"Tiptopl wish you could have met
that fellow, Tom. What ails you, any
how? You look decidedly morbid. "
81 feel morbid. Business has been
dull the past year, and it is almost time
for that COMPOUNDED matrimonial tax. "
"You must have big one to pay to
make you look like this. "
be heavier this. Confound such a law,
anyhow believe it would be better to
let women scratch for themselves, as
they used to do in the good old days of
our grandmothers. "
"Oh, 1 don't know about that
Women's work cheapens labor, you
know. That is one reason why the mat
rimonial tax became law. And, after
all, you would not like to see women
obliged to care for themselves. 1t would
look very bad for the men,"
81 know it, Sander. presume I'm
selfish, but, really, this tax is as hard
to pay as a doctors bill "
"Then why don't you marry? You
could support wife on s., 900 year. "
81 have not yet seen any one who
was worth the price of my freedom.
No, thank you, Sander. I'd rather pay
the money and live alone. But don't
see Just where the money is to come
from. There's the rub. l shall be oblig-
ed to take a cheaper room, discharge my
valet, take meals at a second class res
taurant and smoke centers. "
THAT'S where the law gets in its
work, my boy. By steadily increasing
pressure of self denial it hopes
"It is outrageous"
"It gives You a choice. For my part
prefer matrimony."
"Is that fact?"
ut is.
"Who is the young ladyr'
Miss Alice Griggs."
"O-h-h-h! Ahemi Is that's that
why she refused meF'
II presume it had something to do
with it, my boy. She is a very sensible
Young LADY,"