It was a bare room with heavily timbered ceiling and narrow windows high up from the ground; for the house was built for purposes of defence, like most Scottish residences in those days.

The floor was thickly strewn with rushes.

Arms and trophies of the chase hung on the walls, and a bright fire blazing on the hearth gave it a warm and cheerful aspect.

As his guests entered the room Graheme presented them with a large silver cup of steaming liquor.
"Drain this," he said, "to begin with.

I will warrant me a draught of spiced wine will drive the cold of the Nith out of your bones." The travellers drank off the liquor.
"'Tis a famous drink," Hume said, "and there is nowhere I enjoy it so much as in Scotland, for the cold here seems to have a knack of getting into one's very marrow, though I will say there have been times in the Low Countries when we have appreciated such a draught.