I busied myself buttoning my coat, and he spoke again. “Look, it’s been a lot of years since the beef we had back then. We were coming from very different places, and I was just a kid. When you first spoke, you still sounded kind of shaky to me. But you’re here, and according to Fox, you’re coming around to seeing how it really is. I hope you can do the right thing and work to change that place. Bring it to what it could be.”

“Mr. Harper, I assure you that I’m here because I love the school and support Mr. Fox’s efforts to do whatever is necessary to keep it healthy. But I think it has achieved more, much more, than you’re willing to concede. Your own life bears witness to that.”

“I’d have to agree—but don’t you see how much easier it would have been—for both of us—if we’d had some support? Some role models? Each other?”

I looked at him levelly “I’m afraid, even now, that I fail to see why an accident of birth should have bound us together so firmly. You’ve prospered and done well with your education. Just as I have. I see that, and I’m glad. But I don’t see how the fact that we’re the same race gives us some special rights, some special bond. Why it has to determine everything. I’d like us to go beyond that. I believe that that’s what all the struggle has been about.”

Harper’s face, which had worn a conciliatory expression, hardened. “I see I’m wrong about you changing. You’re still just doing your job for the Man.”

I did not reply. He shook his head, slowly regretfully, and did not offer to shake my hand. “Good night, Mr. Washington.” He paused. “Interesting to see you again.” He turned and walked away.

The night had grown cool as Fox and I drove off. Silence prevailed for a number of miles. We left New Haven and entered the enveloping darkness of the chill country highway that led to the school before Fox spoke.

“We did all right back there,” he said evenly. “Raised some good issues, heard some good ideas, even got a few donations.” He paused. “I hope you don’t think I spoke out of turn. Putting words in your mouth. I just gave voice to what I’m sure you’re willing to do for the school. No matter how we might feel about it, the school has got to keep up with the times and diversify. It’s critical to our survival as an institution. We’ve got to make a change. So I’m going to do it the best way I know how.”

I turned to study his face as he peered intently at the road ahead. His expression remained opaque. I said nothing.