“Is there no pleasure then in luxury and ease without toil?” I
questioned.
“None,” said the speaker emphatically. “There is pleasure in rest after
labor. It is gratifying to relax when you really need relaxation, to
be weary and be able to rest. But to enjoy anything you must first
feel the need of it. But no more,” he said, putting up his hand
conclusively. “Surely you have enough to make clear what you wish to
know.”
Mr. Choate had talked for ten minutes. His ease of manner, quickness
of reply, smoothness of expression, and incisive diction, were
fascinating beyond description. As I was about to leave, I inquired
if he would object to my making our conversation the subject of an
article, to which he smiled his willingness, waiving objection with a
slight movement of the hand.