Several of the pupils came up to consult him on one point or another, and he received them all with that pleasant manner which throughout his life was characteristic of him.

To one and another he gave a hint or a suggestion, based upon his knowledge of their character and abilities.

One of the boys said: "Do you think I'd better study grammar, Jimmy--I mean Mr.Garfield ?" James smiled.

He knew the slip was unintentional.

Of course it would not do for him to allow himself to be addressed in school by a pupil as Jimmy.
"Yes," he answered, "unless you think you know all about it already." "I don't know the first thing about it." "Then, of course, you ought to study it.