But the great centre of his force held steady, a magnificent pride to him, at the base of his spine.
They arrived at a large block of buildings, went up in a lift, and presently a door was being opened for them by a Hindu.

Gerald looked in surprise, wondering if he were a gentleman, one of the Hindus down from Oxford, perhaps.

But no, he was the man-servant.
'Make tea, Hasan,' said Halliday.
'There is a room for me ?' said Birkin.
To both of which questions the man grinned, and murmured.
He made Gerald uncertain, because, being tall and slender and reticent, he looked like a gentleman.
'Who is your servant ?' he asked of Halliday.

'He looks a swell.' 'Oh yes--that's because he's dressed in another man's clothes.

He's anything but a swell, really.