Mrs. G. (Stamping her foot.) I'm the most reasonable woman in the world—when I'm treated properly.
Capt. G. And since when have I been treating you improperly?
Mrs. G. Always—and since the beginning. You know you have.
Capt. G. I don't; but I'm willing to be convinced.
Mrs. G. (Pointing to saddlery.) There!
Capt. G. How do you mean?
Mrs. G. What does all that mean? Why am I not to be told? Is it so precious?
Capt. G. I forget its exact Government value just at present. It means that it is a great deal too heavy.
Mrs. G. Then why do you touch it?
Capt. G. To make it lighter. See here, little love, I've one notion and Jack has another, but we are both agreed that all this equipment is about thirty pounds too heavy. The thing is how to cut it down without weakening any part of it, and, at the same time, allowing the trooper to carry everything he wants for his own comfort—socks and shirts and things of that kind.