I at once perceived that the General, although in a house of twenty or more rooms, had not desired the noise and inconvenience of an adjutant's office under his own roof. I answered coldly:—
"I cannot oblige General Sheridan. My house is small. I need it for my own family."
One of the officers rose, crossed the room, and, standing before me, said sternly:—
"Madam, you seem to be unaware that when General Sheridan sees a house that suits him, he knows how to make the terms for it."
"Ah, well," I replied, "I had forgotten that fact for the moment. Do I understand my family must go in the street? How much time can you give me to remove them?"
The officers withdrew into the hall and conferred together. Presently one of them returned, and informed me courteously that they had concluded not to annoy me. He was aware he was addressing Mrs. General Pryor. His own name was Captain Lee, and he had been happy to spare me inconvenience.
The next morning I was awakened soon after dawn by a tremendous hubbub below me, and sending my little maid, Lizzie, to ascertain the cause, she beckoned to me to come to the head of the stairs. I threw on my gown, thrust my feet into my carpet slippers, and peeped over the banister. Captain Lee was standing at the foot of the stair, writing a note on the top of the newel post. Looking up, he saw me, and said: "I was writing to you, Madam. General Sheridan has ordered us to take your house. It is a military necessity. I pray you will try to be patient, and I will do all I can to save you annoyance."
"How soon must I leave?"
"Not at all! We can allow you two rooms—the one you already occupy and the one below it."
I appreciated the concession of the latter room, and busied myself to make of it dining room and sitting room.