hodox persuasion in theology. But he was equally
at ease with Tories and Home Rulers, Roman Catholics and Agnostics; and
his cheery, cordial manners put him at once on the best understanding
with everybody. There was something contagious in the enthusiasm of a
young man who seemed so heartily to appreciate the simple joy of living.
Perhaps his weakness was to be a little too versatile in his sympathies
and interests.

After taking his degree, James spent some time in Germany and France. He
was elected to a fellowship at King's College in 1885, and as a
candidate wrote dissertations upon 'Political Science' and
'International Law.'[200] He was elected, it is said, as much upon the
strength of his general ability as for any special performance.

He was called to the bar in 1884, and naturally employed his spare time
upon journalism. He wrote a good deal for Mr. Greenwood in the 'St.
James's Gazette,' and had extraordinary facility as a writer. Mr.
Reginald Smith tells me how James once wrote a leading article in the
train between Paddington and Maidenhead. Many of the little poems which
he contributed to periodicals were improvised. He was famous for wit and
readiness as an after-dinner speaker; and showed an oratorical power in
electioneering speeches which gave the highest hopes of parliamentary
success. Indeed, from all that I have heard, I think that his powers in
this direction made the greatest impression upon his friends, and
convinced them that if he could once obtain an opening, he would make a
conspicuous mark in public life.

At the end of 1886 he had an accident, the effects of which were far
more serious than appeared at the time. He was staying at Felixstowe,
and while looking (December 29, 1886) at an engine employed in pumping
water he received a terrible blow upon the head. He returned to his work
before long, but it was noticed that for some time he seemed to have
lost his usual ease in composition. He was supposed, however, to have
recovered completely from the effects of the blow. In the early part of
1888 he astonished his friends by producing a small weekly paper called
the 'Reflector.' It appeared from January 1 to April 21, 1888. He
received help from many friends, but wrote the chief part of it himself.
The articles show the versatility of his interests, and include many
thoughtful discussions of politics and politicians, besides excursions
into literature. Perhaps its most remarkable quality wa