Through the interstices of the ceiling strains of music filtered down from musicians hidden somewhere above, which sounded curiously soothing and far away.
The Chancellor bowed and drank every few minutes to the health of the Earl and his brother across the board, while the tutor sat smiling upon all with the polish of a professional courtier.

In his high seat at the table end the little King chatted incessantly of the times when he could do as he pleased, and when he and his cousin of Douglas would ride together to battle and tourney, or feast together in hall.
"Be sure, then, I will not keep all these grey-beard sorners about me," he said, lowering his voice cautiously; "I will only have young gallant men like you and David there.

But what comes here ?" There was a stir among the servitors at the upper end of the room.
Sholto, who stood behind his master's chair, heard the skirl of the war-pipes approach nearer.

It grew louder, more insistent, finally almost oppressive.

The doors at either end were filled with armed men.