“Would you not be satisfied with Justice of the Supreme Court?” asked Lyons, gayly.

“I should prefer Senator.  If you were Senator, you could probably be appointed to the Supreme Court in case you preferred that place.  I am relying on you, James, to bring me back here some day.”

She whispered this in his ear, as they sat with heads close together looking back at the swiftly receding city.  Selma’s hands were clasped in her lap, and she seemed to her lover to have a dreamy air—­an air suggesting poetry and high ethical resolve such as he liked to associate with her and their scheme of wedded life.  It pleased him that his wife should feel so confident that the future had in store for him this great prize, and he allowed himself to yield to the pathos of the moment and whisper in reply: 

“I will say this, Selma.  My business affairs look more favorable, and, if nothing unforeseen happens, I do not see why we shouldn’t get on reasonably fast.  Nowadays, in order to be a United States Senator comfortably, it is desirable in the first place to have abundant means.”

“Yes.”

“We must be patient and God-fearing, and with your help, dear, and your sympathy, we may live to see what you desire come to pass.  Of course, my ambition is to be Senator, and—­and to take you back to Washington as a Senator’s wife.”

Selma had not chosen to confide to Lyons in set terms her social grievance against the capital of her country.  But she was glad to perceive from his last words that he understood she was not satisfied with the treatment accorded her, and that he also was looking forward to giving her a position which would enable her to rebuke the ungodly and presumptuous.

“Thank you, James,” she answered.  “When that time comes we shall be able to teach them a number of things.  For the present though, I feel that I can be of best service to you and to the truths which we are living for by interesting myself in whatever concerns Benham.  We believe in Benham, and Benham seems inclined to believe in us and our ideas.”

The ensuing year passed uneventfully.  Lyons was able to be at home from the first of April to the reassembling of Congress in the following December.  He was glad to give himself up to the enjoyment of his handsome establishment.  He resumed the tenor of his professional practice, feeling that as a sober-minded, married citizen he had become of more importance to the community, and he was eager to bear witness to his sense of responsibility.  He took a more active part in soliciting contributions for evangelizing benighted countries, and he consented on several occasions to deliver an address on “Success in Life” to struggling young men of Benham and the surrounding towns.  His easy flow of words, his dignity and his sober but friendly mien made him a favorite with audiences, and constantly broadened his circle of acquaintance.