Then, too, Mr. Lyons’s political prospects were flattering.  The thought that a marriage with him would put her in a position to control the social tendencies of Benham was alluring.  As the wife of Hon. James O. Lyons, Member of Congress, she believed that she would be able to look down on and confound those who had given her the cold shoulder.  What would Flossy say when she heard it?  What would Pauline?  This was a form of distinction which would put her beyond the reach of conspiracy and exclusiveness; for, as the wife of a representative, selected by the people to guard their interests and make their laws, would not her social position be unassailable?  And apart from these considerations, a political future seemed to her peculiarly attractive.  Was not this the real opportunity for which she had been waiting?  Would she be justified in giving it up?  In what better way could her talents be spent than as the helpmate and intellectual companion of a public man—­a statesman devoted to the protection and development of American ideas?  Her own individuality need not, would not be repressed.  She had seen enough of Mr. Lyons to feel sure that their views on the great questions of life were thoroughly in harmony.  They held the same religious opinions.  Who could foretell the limit of their joint progress?  He was still a young man—­strong, dignified, and patriotic—­endowed with qualities which fitted him for public service.  It might well be that a brilliant future was before him—­before them, if she were his wife.  If he were to become prominent in the councils of the nation—­Speaker of the House—­Governor—­even President, within the bounds of possibility, what a splendid congenial scope his honors would afford her own versatility!  As day by day she dwelt on these points of recommendation, Selma became more and more disposed to smile on the aspirations of Mr. Lyons in regard to herself, and to feel that her life would develop to the best advantage by a union with him.  Until the words asking her to be his wife were definitely spoken she could not be positive of his intentions, but his conduct left little room for doubt, and moreover, was marked by a deferential soberness of purpose which indicated to her that his views regarding marriage were on a higher plane than those of any man she had known.  He referred frequently to the home as the foundation on which American civilization rested, and from which its inspiration was largely derived, and spoke feelingly of the value to a public man of a stimulating and dignifying fireside.  It became his habit to join her after morning service and to accompany her home, carrying her hymn-books, and he sent her from time to time, through the post, quotations which had especially struck his fancy from the speeches he was collecting for his “Watchwords of Patriotism.”