(_The Suit of Evil Omen and of Unwelcome Influences_.)
_The Ace_.
As Master-Card, the Ace figures a special Misfortune, Unhappiness,
or Hurt to one's life, by no means avoidable, and perhaps not
discernible at once. Influenced by the King of its like suit,
sudden: by the Queen, long continuing ere complete; by the Knave,
Fortune through Persons; by the ten, through concurrence of sundry
events. By any other spade, sudden. By a Heart, Ill-Fortune in
the Affection. By the Diamond, in the eye of Others, in society,
money or art. By a Club, to our fear.
_The King_.
As Master-Card is figured a particular Man, our enemy, resolute
and powerful. Influenced by its suit, it signifies News of a Death:
or of misfortune to others. By a Heart, it involves abuse of Trust or
Affection. By a Diamond, is figured a Man of social station and
wealth or talents. By a Club, a Man cautious and reserved, and
hence perhaps unsuspected for his real Malevolency.
_The Queen_.
As Master-Card, a Female Enemy, evil wishing or evil-working.
Influenced by the like suit, known or soon to be shown as such to
you, and the work. By a Diamond, comely and clever or gifted. By
a Club, intellectual and audacious. By a Heart, her enmity arises in
jealousy or vanity or in revengefulness or natural malice.
_The Knave_.
As Master-Card, a Man having no love for you and inclined
to wrong and hurt you; but happily limited in Opportunity.
Influenced by like suit, often seen of you. By a Heart, abusing
your Trust, smaller or greater. By a Diamond, adroit rather than
bold. By a Club, cruel and slanderous.
_Ten_.
As a Master-Card, an Event or Project to your disadvantage and
regret. Influenced by the like suit, a Disgrace. By a Heart, a
Quarrel. By a Diamond, a Cheat. By a Club, a Hindrance.
_Nine_.
As Master-Card, a Lie, or an unwelcome Meeting or Visit.
Influenced by like suit, if a high card a Lie; if a low, a piece of
undesired News or Letter. By a Heart, a sudden Alarm or Anxiety.
By a Club, a Broken Promise: or a Secret told.
_Eight_.
As Master-Card, an Illness. By a high influencing card of the suit,
a long Illness: by a lower, a shorter one. By a Heart, an illness to
Another dear to one. By a Diamond, a Misfortune in an affair. By
a Club, an Accident.
_Seven_.
As Master-Card, a tempting Proposal that must be declined. By the
like suit, a Sharp Quarrel. By a Diamond, a Risk not welcome. By
a Club, a Disappointment in a person or thing or event. By a Club,
one arrives just too late for a certain Pleasure or Good.
_Six_.
As Master-Card, a Disappointment. Influenced by its own suit, a
Journey not of pleasure, or else unpleasant. By a Diamond, a fall.
By a Heart, a mistake of inconvenience. By a Club, must be read
an unfavorable Sign.
_Five_.
As Master-Card, an Expense. Influenced by its own suit, a
Neglect. By a Heart, a Worriment or Grief. By a Diamond, a
doubtful Success. By a Club, a Death heard of.
_Four_.
An unfavorable Master-Card, affecting some near Concern to the
Querist; belike it shall end less well than was hoped. Influenced by
like suit, a Separation not welcome. By a Heart, a capricious
Change of inclination. By a Diamond, a Perplexity. By a Club, a
Loss.
_Three_.
As Master-Card, a suddenly changed Plan, a Discomfiture.
Influenced by its like suit, a loss. By a Heart, a sudden Failure, a
Doubt or Fear. By a Diamond, a Breach or Quarrel. By a Club, a
sheer Folly, not to be warned away by a friend.
_Two_.
As Master-Card, you must say "NO," when you would say "YES."
Influenced by its like suit, a Displeasure. By a Heart, an Evil Habit
to burden. By a Club, a Strong Effort of no use. By a Diamond, a
Folly, or a Mare's Nest.
--
In this evil suit of Spades there be many other special
Significancies; but they are not pertinent to this method.