This pretty cat could scratch.
"I'm afraid, dear madam, you are wrong again.

My detachment is on foraging duty.

It is not a pleasant task--but our army is in need of horses and supplies, and by the rules of war, I must take what I can find." "Even by force ?" came the quiet inquiry.
"Yes, even force," he answered, reddening.

"With its proper limitations.
I rob you, it is true, but by virtue of necessity.

In return I can only offer, as I would to every other woman of the South, all courtesy and protection at my command," and Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison, for the second time, took off his hat.
The Southern woman swept him a curtsey filled with graceful mockery.
"I thank you.