Often times it's people who have risen to their ceiling in the middle of a hierarchy who do the most to hold up the standards of that hierarchy, since it gives them a status they would not otherwise have. Consider Mamie in Gone With the Wind lecturing Scarlett on propriety or old saying that "Generals run the war but the sergeants run the Army".
In this one we see Hudson entertaining his brother's family on a visit from the far reaches of the empire, where he has been a noted bridge-builder. He takes them out to a fancy restaurant. Only to be seen there by his employer, Richard Bellamy, who is there with his own brother, who is appalled that a butler would eat at a fancy restaurant, "with his betters" Hudson is embarrassed to the point of being mortified and expecting to be fired. Richard, being a decent chap, is forgiving and even says that Hudson is free to spend his money, ( actually borrowed from Mrs. Bridges), in any way he likes. Hudson is appalled that his employer doesn't have the same standards he has, (but ultimately relieved that he doesn't and he can keep his job).
In this one we see Hudson entertaining his brother's family on a visit from the far reaches of the empire, where he has been a noted bridge-builder. He takes them out to a fancy restaurant. Only to be seen there by his employer, Richard Bellamy, who is there with his own brother, who is appalled that a butler would eat at a fancy restaurant, "with his betters" Hudson is embarrassed to the point of being mortified and expecting to be fired. Richard, being a decent chap, is forgiving and even says that Hudson is free to spend his money, ( actually borrowed from Mrs. Bridges), in any way he likes. Hudson is appalled that his employer doesn't have the same standards he has, (but ultimately relieved that he doesn't and he can keep his job).
