If the inquisitive Yankee has chosen you as his victim, you cannot protect yourself from his questions, even if you flatly refuse to answer. He will fall silent for a minute, but only to change tactics.
“Forgive me, dear stranger,” he will begin again after a moment’s respite. “If you only knew how difficult it is for a true Yankee to restrain his innate curiosity.” Don't get angry, answer just a few questions. What's your name? Where do you live, what is your occupation? I hope you're happy with both, so you have no reason to keep it a secret? -
One witty passenger in a road carriage heading to New York, in response to a hail of questions raining down on him, rose from his seat, straightened his powerful shoulders as far as the height of the carriage would allow, and blurted out in one voice:
— My name is General Andrew Thomson. I live in Mississippi. Without specific activities, but I am glad to inform you, with decent funds. I have heard a lot about the city of New York and am about to take a look at it, and if it lives up to my expectations, I intend to buy it.
There was a friendly laugh in the carriage, and no more questions followed.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru