what is "K.u.K" legend?

It stands for kaiserlich und königlich, in English it means "Imperial and Royal[/i], and at the time that Munro was writing it referred to the Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy. The expression originally referred to the Hapsburg dynasty which ruled Austria. First they ruled as Holy Roman emperors, then, after 1805, as Austrian emperors, and finally, from 1867 until 1918, as the emperors of Austria and the kings of Hungary.

This is an abbreviated vesion of what the author is describing:



Elaine would have seen this, probably in a more colorful and elaborate version, with "K.u.K." underneath, and it would have meant that the establishment she was in had received an imperial and royal seal of approval. It would also have meant snob appeal and high prices.

Thanks for your detailed reply, Setanta. That really helped a lot.

I'm glad to hear it.