This had become the routine of his existence and he did it without strain.

But to go outside it was for him always an effort.

He hated town life; but more than this, he hated ceremonies, presentations, receptions in hotels, and all the promiscuous contact of political gatherings.

Nevertheless, when he came to such an occasion no living man acquitted himself better.
Apart from his oratory, he had an admirable manner, a dignified yet friendly courtesy which gained attachment.

In the course of the autumn and winter following the Irish Council Bill he must have met and been seen by a hundred times more of his adherents than in any similar period of his leadership.