CHAPTER LVI
TELLING FORTUNES BY CARDS, DICE, DOMINOES, ETC.
What the Future has in Store
There is no more amusing diversion for a frivolous half-hour’s entertainment than that of fortune-telling by cards. Young or old enjoy it, and with a ready tongue the combinations presented may be so varied that quite surprisingly good predictions can be made.
Surround the whole business with as much mystery as possible. Insist that all shuffling be done by the subject himself, and that cutting is always carried out with the left hand.
Learn the meanings of the cards by heart. This is not difficult, and by doing so one is enabled to tell a fortune quickly: always a more impressive proceeding than telling it card by card.
These are the generally accepted meanings of the cards:—
Clubs
Ace of Clubs, wealth and prosperity. King of Clubs, upright, affectionate. Queen of Clubs, deeply in love. Knave of Clubs, generous and sincere. Ten of Clubs, a fortune from an unexpected quarter. Nine of Clubs, obstinacy; disputes with friends. Eight of Clubs, a love of money. Seven of Clubs, fortune and great happiness. Six of Clubs, a lucrative partnership. Five of Clubs, marriage with a wealthy person. Four of Clubs, inconstancy. Three of Clubs, a second or third marriage. Two of Clubs, opposition.