CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE BLACK BULL'S HEAD The banqueting-hall of Edinburgh Castle, but lately out of artificers' hands, was a noble oblong chamber reaching from side to side of the south-looking keep, begun by James I.It was decorated in the French manner with oak ceilings and panellings, all bossed and cornered with massive silver-gilt mouldings.
Save in the ordering of the repast itself there was a marked absence of ostentation.

Only a soldier or two could be seen, mostly on guard at the outer gates, and Sholto, who till now had been uneasy and fearful for his master, became gradually more reassured when he saw with what care every want of the Earl and his brother was attended to, and if possible even forestalled.
The young King was in jubilant spirits, and could scarcely be persuaded to let the brothers Douglas remain a moment alone.

He was resolved, he said, to have his bed brought into their chamber that he might talk to them all night of tourneys and noble deeds of arms.
Never had he met with any whom he loved so much, and on their part the young Lords of Douglas became boys again, in this atmosphere of frank and boyish admiration.
It was a state banquet to which they sat down.

That is, there was no hungry crowd of hangers-on clustered below the salt.

To each gentleman was allotted a silver trenchard for his own use, instead of one betwixt two as was the custom.