IN^UISITIVENESS. 



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politics, religion, &ic. &:c. which generally consumes 

 two hours. If I can escape with an hour's audi- 

 ence of this kind, I think myself well off — and all 

 this is managed in a style so truly diplomatic and 

 respectful, that it is impossible to take offence. 

 A direct interrogatory is rarely put, and I some- 

 times amuse myself by baffling the question, and 

 increasing the impatience of unsatisfied curiosity. 

 For instance, I frequently apply a negative to 

 every question. Did you come from France, sir ? 

 No. From Holland? No. From England.^ No. 

 From Scotland? No. From Ireland? I can't say. 

 From the West Indies ? I don't know. From Mas- 

 sachusetts? No. From Nantucket ? No. From 

 Cape Cod ? No. Then, exclaimed the impatient 

 inquirer, where in the world did you come from ? 

 From beyond the Atlantic, sir. This silenced 

 the man for some time — but again he rallied his 

 forces, and presented his questions in another 

 shape. Let me see, said he, you have somewhat 

 of the tone of a Yorkshire man, or a Scotchman, 

 May be, sir. Is it true, said he, that the potatoes 

 of your country, Ireland, are better than ours ? 

 Humph — said I. How long were you coming from 

 Cork, sir? Humph — said I. Is your sovereign, 

 George 4th, as wise as his father ? Go and see. Did 

 you see counsellor Sampson, your countryman, in 

 New-York ? Yes, said I, but I do not admit that I 

 am an Irishman. Do you know Gideon Granger 



