773. If the stems of tea-grounds come on top of the cup, visitors are coming. Bite one, and if it is hard, it will be a man; if soft, a woman.
New Hampshire.
774. If successful in the attempt to take stems from your tea, a friend is going to visit you.
Alabama.
775. If a tea-stem is on top of the cup, put it in your shoe, and you will have company.
Massachusetts.
776. If a tea-stem floats in the tea, it is a sign you will have a visitor. If it is hard, it is a man; if it is soft, it is a woman. If it is long, the visitor will be tall; if short, the visitor will be short.
New York.
777. To learn about visitors from tea-grounds: Lift the leaf out and press it against the left hand, naming the days of the week. Upon whichever day the leaf chances to cling and rest, company may be expected. To complete the spell, pat the leaf down your neck and wish.
Plymouth, Mass.