On either side the pavilion were placed folding couches of rosy silk,
and in the corner, draped with rich blue hangings, glimmered the
lady's bed, its fair white linen half revealed. Two embroidered
pillows were at the foot, and on a little table beside it a crystal
ball on a black platter.

No crucifix or _prie-dieu_, such as in those days was in every lady's
bower, could be discerned anywhere about the pavilion.

So soon as the tent-flap had fallen with a soft rustle behind him, the
Earl William abandoned himself to the strange enchantment of his
surroundings. He did not stop to ask himself how it was possible that
such dainty providings had been brought into the midst of his wide,
wild realm of Galloway. Nor yet why this errant damsel should in the
darksome night-time find herself alone on this hilltop with the tents
of her retinue standing empty and silent about. The present sufficed
him. The soft radiance of dark eyes fell upon him, and all the
quick-running, inconsiderate Douglas blood rushed and sang in his
veins, responsive to that subtle shining.

He was with a fair woman, and she not unwilling to be kind. That was
ever enough for all the race of the Black Douglas. What the Red
Douglas loved is another matter. Their ambitions were more reputable,
but greatly less generous.

"My lord," said the lady, giving him her hand, "will you lead me to
the table? I cannot offer you the refreshment of any elaborate
toilet, but here, at least, is wheaten bread to eat and wine of a good
vintage to drink."