nearly eight o'clock before
Gertie had a strenuous time of it , in spite of the Major 's frequently expressed opinion that women had no idea what work was . For , first , there was the almost unending labor of providing food and cooking it as well as possible ; there was almost a standing engagement of mending and washing clothes ; there were numerous arguments to be conducted , on terms of comparative equality , if possible , with landladies or farmers ' wives -- Gertie always wore a brass wedding-ring and showed it sometimes a little ostentatiously ; and , finally , when the company was on the march , it was only fair that she should carry the heavier half of the luggage , in order to compensate for her life of luxury and ease at other times . Gertie , then , was usually dog-tired , and slept whenever she could get a chance . It was nearly eight o'clock before she was awakened again by sharp knocking on her door ; and on opening it , found the landlady ' standing there , examining a letter with great attention . -LRB- It had already been held up to the light against the kitchen window . -RRB- `` For one of your folks , is n't it , Mrs. -- er -- '' Gertie took it . It was written on excellent paper , and directed in a man 's handwriting to Mr. Gregory : `` Thank you , Mrs. -- er -- '' said Gertie .