“Yes, dear.  It is very complimentary, isn’t it?”

“But what does it mean?  Are you to be Governor?  Did you know of it, James?”

“I knew that my name, with others, had been mentioned by those who were looking for a candidate whom we can elect.  But this nomination of the Sentinel comes from a clear sky.  Would you like to have me Governor, Selma?”

“Yes, indeed.  If the chance is offered you, James, you will surely accept it.  It would please me immensely to see you Governor.  We should not be separated then part of the year, and—­and I should be able here in Benham to help you as your wife ought to help you.  I know,” she added, “that you have been looking forward to the next session of Congress, in the hope of distinguishing yourself, but isn’t this a finer opportunity?  Doesn’t it open the door to splendid possibilities?”

Lyons nodded.  His wife’s eager presentation of the case confirmed his own conclusions.  “It is an important decision to make,” he said, with gravity.  “If I am not elected, I shall have lost my place in the Congressional line, and may find difficulty in recovering it later.  But if the party needs me, if the State needs me, I must not think of that.  I cannot help being gratified, encouraged by the suggestion that my fellow-citizens of my political faith are turning to me as their standard-bearer at this time when great public issues are involved.  If I can serve God and my country in this way, and at the same time please you, my wife, what can I ask better?”

He spoke with genuine feeling and reverence, for it was in keeping with his religious tendencies to recognize in advance the solemn responsibilities of high office, and to picture himself as the agent of the heavenly powers.  This attitude of mind always found Selma sympathetic and harmonious.  Her eyes kindled with enthusiasm, and she replied: 

“You view the matter as I would have you view it, James.  If this trust is committed to us by Providence, it is our duty to accept it as lovers of our country and promoters of true progress.”

“It would seem so.  And in some ways,” he said, as though he felt the impulse to be reasonably frank toward Providence in his acceptance of the trust, “my election as Governor would be advantageous to my political and business interests.  I have not sought the office,” he added with dignified unction, “but my knowledge of local conditions leads me to believe that this action of the Sentinel signifies that certain powerful influences are working in my favor.  I shall be able to tell you more accurately in regard to this before long.”

Lyons happened to know that the Benham Sentinel had enlarged its plant two years previous, and that Horace Elton was still the holder of its notes for borrowed money.  The transaction had passed through his bank, and in the course of his mental search for reasons to account for the sudden flat-footed stand of the newspaper, the thought came into his mind and dwelt there that Elton was at the bottom of it.  If so, what was Elton’s reason?  Why should Elton, a Republican, desire his nomination?  Surely not to compass his defeat.