His father and grandfather had been butlers before him and even though they had been slaves, they had instilled in him a pride in his work.
He had a sixth sense for his duties. Somehow, he was always there when he was wanted.
He stepped aside to let me enter.
"Hello, Master Cord." He greeted me in his soft Creole English.
"Hello, Robair," I said, turning to him as he closed the door. "Come with me."
He followed me silently into my father's study. His face impassive, he closed the door behind him.
"Yes, Mr. Cord?"
It was the first time he had called me Mister, instead of Master.
I looked at him.
"My father is dead," I said.
"I know," he said. "Mr. Denby called."
"Do the others know?" I asked.
He shook his head.
"I told Mr. Denby that Mrs. Cord was out and I haven't said anything to the other servants."
There was a faint sound outside the closed door.
Robair continued speaking as he moved swiftly toward it.
"I figured you would want to break the sad news yourself." He threw the door open.
There was no one there.
He stepped quickly out the door. I followed him.
A figure was hurrying up the long staircase that curved around the entrance hall to the upper floor.
Robair's voice was low but held the whip of authority.
"Louise!"
The figure stopped.
It was Rina's personal maid.
"Come down here," he commanded.
Louise came down the steps hesitantly.
I could see the terrified look on her face as she approached.
"Yes, Mr. Robair?" Her voice was frightened, too.
For the first time, Robair let me see how he kept the servants in line.
He moved almost lazily but his hand met her face with the impact of a pistol shot.
His voice was filled with contempt. "How many times do I tell you not to listen at doors?"
She stood holding her hand to her face. The tears began to run down her cheeks.
"Now you get back to the kitchen.
I’ll deal with you later."
She ran toward the kitchen, still holding her face.
Robair turned back to me.
"I apologize for her, Mr. Cord," he said, his voice once more deep and soft. "Ordinarily, my servants don't do such a thing, but that one is pretty hard to keep in her place."
I took out a cigarette and almost before I had it in my mouth, Robair struck a match and held it for me.
I dragged deep.
"That's all right, Robair.
I don't think she'll be with us much longer."
Robair put out the match and carefully deposited it in an ash tray.
"Yes, sir."
I looked at the staircase speculatively.
Oddly enough, I hesitated.
Robair's voice came over my shoulder.
"Mrs. Cord is in her room."
I looked at him.
His face was an impenetrable butler's mask.
"Thank you, Robair.