Just as the ball at Alt Aussee was designed for the
taste of Joseph, the parting feast at Attadale was ordered in every
particular to the taste of Murdoch the Keeper. Fleeming was not
one of the common, so-called gentlemen, who take the tricks of
their own coterie to be eternal principles of taste. He was aware,
on the other hand, that rustic people dwelling in their own places,
follow ancient rules with fastidious precision, and are easily
shocked and embarrassed by what (if they used the word) they would
have to call the vulgarity of visitors from town. And he, who was
so cavalier with men of his own class, was sedulous to shield the
more tender feelings of the peasant; he, who could be so trying in
a drawing-room, was even punctilious in the cottage. It was in all
respects a happy virtue. It renewed his life, during these
holidays, in all particulars. It often entertained him with the
discovery of strange survivals; as when, by the orders of Murdoch,
Mrs. Jenkin must publicly taste of every dish before it was set
before her guests.
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