"That is what I asked you."
"Then nothing," he replied, "nothing but the north wind. Now about Carfax—"
Advice given on the subject of all dealings with Carfax, the adviser rose to take his leave. Mrs. Selden removed her spectacles and laid them in her key-basket. It was a sign with her that she was about to speak her mind.
"Lewis," she said, "I was a good friend to you once."
"Do I not know that?" he answered. "The best friend a poor boy ever had."
"No, not quite that—except, perhaps, to help you a little with Jacqueline. Mr. Jefferson was the best friend a poor boy ever had."
Rand winced. "You say true. The best friend a boy could have. Give me another glass of wine, and then I'll go."
"A man like that during youth and a woman like Jacqueline for your manhood—you have had much to prop your life."
"Yes. Very much."
"Then," she said sharply, "don't let it fall. Grow upward, Lewis, like the vine that gave its strength to make this generous wine! If you don't, you'll disappoint your Maker, to say nothing of some poor earthly friends! Don't fall—don't run upon the earth like poison oak. You're meant for noble uses—to help your kind, and to rejoice the heart of the Maker of strong men. Don't you fail and fall, Lewis Rand!"