Illustrating the 21-card deal and the expert fortune-teller's method
of constructing a complete and connected reading of the same, which
you are advised to carefully consider, as a guide for your own use in
delivering an intelligent, interesting and coherent oracle in all
cases where you are rendering an interpretation for others.
A man asks the question:
_Shall I Marry the Woman I Love?_
The fortune-teller turns the cards by the 21-card method, with the
resultant layout as shown in the picture, and proceeds to read the
gentleman's answer in the following language:
You desire to learn, sir, whether you will marry the young lady to
whom you are now paying your addresses? You inform me that the lady is
a blonde; still it is necessary for me to inform you that in order to
be able to foresee whether or not the marriage be accomplished
according to your wishes, I am compelled to select as a representative
card of your future wife, a lady of your own color, for such a one is
necessary for the oracle, otherwise our labors go for nothing. You,
sir, are a middling dark man, and therefore would come up as a
_club_; as a representative card of your beloved we will take the
_queen of clubs_, as of your own complexion.
Now, sir, having performed our deal and arranged the oracle, permit
me, in the first place, to call your attention to the fact that you
stand represented by the _knave of clubs_, and in the next to observe
your position in the oracle.
The _eight of hearts_ coming as it does in company with the _eight of
clubs_, gives me satisfactory information that you entertain for the
young lady a most profound and honorable sentiment of affection, which
it appears to me she reciprocates with a no less degree of intensity.
I have chosen to designate your beloved by the _queen of clubs_, and
she is doubtlessly a personage well worthy of your love, as the _eight
of diamonds_, coming before her in conjunction with the _ace of
hearts_, demonstrates her to be a lady of wisdom, intelligence and
prudence. Observe, moreover, that the _nine of hearts_ intervenes
between you both, but is placed nearest the lady. This card predicts a
union, which is much desired by her, while on your part you regard
your intended with a spirit of admiration bordering almost upon
adoration. Such a union will assuredly be followed by domestic
happiness, by peace and concord in your domestic circle, by a reign of
harmony within your household.
I assure you, sir, that, scrutinizing this oracle from every aspect,
I fail to perceive any obstacle which can interpose to prevent your
contemplated marriage. On the other hand, the prognostications are
decidedly in its favor, for you will be pleased to notice that the
_eight of hearts_ and the _eight of clubs_, coming up side by side,
and between you and your intended, predict a success. Remark more,
that there are _three tens_ at your back, which denotes a change in
your estate or an alteration in your manner of life and social
position.
The presence of the _queen of hearts_ in immediate vicinity to the
_seven of diamonds_, indicates not only the receipt of pleasant
intelligence from a relative able to give you assistance, but
permanent prosperity should you continue in her good graces. I
perceive, likewise, from the _seven of hearts_, that you are at this
moment thinking of visiting your intended father-in-law, formally to
demand the hand of his daughter.
Do not hesitate, my dear sir, to do so, for you will risk nothing by
such an act of courtesy, as it will be crowned with the most happy
results. There can be no doubt on that head, as the presence of the
_king_, _queen_ and _knave of hearts_, coming almost together, and
blended with your new estate, assure you of the respect and esteem of
the family. True, the young lady entertains such affection (_seven of
spades_) for her parent that when she comes to be separated (_nine of
diamonds_) from him upon marriage (_king of diamonds_) the native
impulse of her heart will cause her to shed tears (_ten of spades_)
at the thought (_seven of hearts_) of leaving her paternal roof (_ace
of hearts_).
And now, sir, your surprise. It is a letter (_ace of diamonds_),
which, placed upon the last card to the left, which is the _king of
clubs_, announces to you that you will be surprised through receipt of
a most gratifying epistle from your intended father-in-law in relation
to your approaching marriage.