Would it advance or sidetrack him in the career he had outlined for himself?
Lyman wanted to be something better than District Attorney, better than Mayor, than State Senator, or even than member of the United States Congress.

He wanted to be, in fact, what his father was only in name--to succeed where Magnus had failed.

He wanted to be governor of the State.

He had put his teeth together, and, deaf to all other considerations, blind to all other issues, he worked with the infinite slowness, the unshakable tenacity of the coral insect to this one end.
After luncheon was over, Lyman ordered cigars and liqueurs, and with the three others returned to the main room of the club.

However, their former place in the round window was occupied.