James had not been connected with the school but a few months before his studies were the same as those of Miss Booth, and they were in the same classes. “I was far behind Miss Booth in mathematics and the physical sciences,” he once said; “but we were nearly in the same place in Greek and Latin.” She could render him essential aid in his studies, and she delighted to do it. Their studies were nearly the same until he ceased to be a member of the school. The librarian kept text-books for sale, and the following are his memoranda of sales to them:

“January, 1852. Latin Grammar and Cæsar.

March, 1852. Greek Grammar.

April, 1852. French Grammar.

August, 1852. German Grammar and Reader.

November, 1852. Xenophon’s Memorabilia and Greek Testament.”

All this in a single year.

“August, 1853. Sophocles and Herodotus.

November, 1853. Homer’s Iliad.”

During the fall term of 1853, Miss Booth and James read about one hundred pages of Herodotus, and one hundred of Livy. They met two of the professors, also, on two evenings of each week, to make a joint translation of the book of Romans. His diary has this record for December 15, 1853: “Translation society sat three hours at Miss Booth’s room, and agreed upon the translation of nine verses.” The record shows that these studies were pursued critically, and therefore slowly.

Miss Booth was more or less familiar with the standard authors of English literature, both prose and poetry; and she aided James greatly in the selection of books many of which they read together, discussing their merits, and making notes. In a tribute to her memory, a few years since, General Garfield said: “The few spare hours which schoolwork left us were devoted to such pursuits as each preferred, but much study was done in common. I can name twenty or thirty books, which will be doubly precious to me because they were read and discussed in company with her. I can still read between the lines the memories of her first impressions, of the page, and her judgment of its merits. She was always ready to aid any friend with her best efforts.”

James was appointed to prepare a thesis for an exhibition day. One evening he repaired to the room of Miss Booth.

“I want your help, Miss Booth,” he said. “I am afraid that I shall make a botch of it without your assistance.”

“I will risk you,” Miss Booth replied; “but I will render you all the assistance in my power.”

“That will be all I shall need,” remarked James, facetiously; “and I hardly see how I can get along with less. I like to talk over subjects before I write; it is a great help to me.”

“It is an essential help to everybody,” answered Miss Booth. “Two heads may be better than one in canvassing any subject. Discussion awakens thought, sharper and more original; and it often directs the inquirer to new and fresher sources of information. I am at leisure to discuss your thesis at length.”

So James opened the subject by stating some of his difficulties, and making inquiries. Both were soon absorbed in the subject before them, so thoroughly absorbed as to take no note of time, nor dream that the night was gliding away, until surprised by the morning light coming in at the window.