" It’s ever so kind of you to take the trouble,” she said. She turned to her father. “Dad, this gentleman’s mended my iron, and it works beautifully.” She used her normal language without thinking anything about it, but each Negro within hearing caught the word “gentleman” and stiffened for a moment in wonder. They certainly were in a foreign country, a long ways from home. "

― Nevil Shute , The Chequer Board