Let each one present deposit any sum agreed on, or a certain number of
counters; put a complete pack of cards well shuffled in a bag, let the
parties stand in a circle and the bag being handed round, each draw
three; pairs of any kind are supposed to be favorable omens of some
good fortune about to occur to the party and get back from the pool
the sum that each agreed to pay. The king of hearts is here made the
god of love, and claims double, and professes to give a faithful swain
to the fair one who has the good fortune to draw him; if Venus, the
queen of hearts, is with him, it is the conquering prize, and clears
the pool; fives and nines are reckoned crosses and misfortunes, and
pay a forfeit of the sum agreed on to the pool, besides the usual
stipend at each new game; three nines at one draw is supposed to
portend the lady will be an old maid, three fives, a bad husband.