Selma was genuinely carried away by the character of his oratory.  His sentiments were so completely in accord with her own ideas that she felt he had left nothing unsaid, and had put the case grandly.  Here at last was a man who shared with her the convictions with which her brain was seething—­a man who was not afraid to give public expression to his views, and who possessed a splendid gift of statement.  She had felt sure that she would meet sympathy and kindred spirits in Benham, but her experience in New York had so far depressed her that she had not allowed herself to expect such a thorough-going champion.  What a contrast his solid, devotional, yet business-like aspect was to the quizzical lightness of the men in New York she had been told were clever, like Dr. Page and Mr. Dennison!  He possessed Wilbur’s ardor and reverence, with a robustness of physique and a practical air which Wilbur had lacked—­lacked to his and her detriment.  If Wilbur had been as vigorous in body as he ought to have been, would he have died?  She had read somewhere lately that physical delicacy was apt to react on the mind and make one’s ideas too fine-spun and unsubstantial.  Here was the advantage which a man like Mr. Lyons had over Wilbur.  He was strong and thickset, and looked as though he could endure hard work without wincing.  So could she.  It was a great boon, an essential of effective manhood or womanhood.  These thoughts followed in the wake of the enthusiasm his personality had aroused in her at the close of his address.  She scarcely heard the remarks of the next speaker, the last on the programme.  Her eyes kept straying wistfully in the direction of Mr. Lyons, and she wondered if there would be an opportunity when the meeting was over to let him know how much she approved of what he had said, and how necessary she felt the promulgation, of such ideas was for the welfare of the country.

She was aroused from contemplation by the voice of Mrs. Earle, who, now that everybody was standing up preliminary to departure, bent over her front bench on the platform to whisper, “Wasn’t Mr. Lyons splendid?”

“Yes, indeed,” said Selma.  “I should like so much to make his acquaintance, to compare notes with him and thank him for his brave, true words.”

“I know he’d be pleased to meet you.  I’ll try to catch his eye.  I wish some of those Reform Club people could have heard what he thought of them.  There!  He’s looking this way.  I’m going to attract his attention.”  Whereupon Mrs. Earle began to nod in his direction energetically.  “He sees us now, and has noticed you.  I shouldn’t wonder if he has recognized you.  Follow me close, Selma, and we’ll be able to shake hands with him.”