The shorter and simpler star method surrounds the card representing
the person trying his or her fortune with a less number of cards. The
cards are shuffled and cut as before described, and the topmost one
withdrawn. We will suppose the center card to be the jack of clubs,
representing a dark young man. The first topmost one proves to be the
ace of clubs and is placed above the head of the jack. The second, the
eight of hearts, is placed at his feet; the third, the jack of
diamonds, at his right; the fourth, the queen of spades, at his left.
These are now read: Ace of clubs--"you will soon receive a letter
which will give you great pleasure"--eight of hearts--"from a fair
girl"--jack of diamonds--"a man in uniform"--queen of spades--"and a
malicious widow will seek to injure you on that very account."