There are exceptions, however, to these general
rules. A man, no matter what his complexion, if he wear uniform,
even if he be the negro cymbal-player in a regimental band, can
be represented by the king of diamonds:-- note, the dress of
policemen and volunteers is not considered as uniform. On the
other hand, a widow, even if she be an albiness, can be
represented only by the queen of spades.
'The ace of hearts always denoting the house of the person
consulting the decrees of fate, some general rules are applicable
to it. Thus the ace of clubs signifying a letter, its position,
either before or after the ace of hearts, shows whether the
letter is to be sent to or from the house. The ace of diamonds
when close to the ace of hearts foretells a wedding in the house;
but the ace of spades betokens sickness and death.
'The knaves represent the thoughts of their respective kings and
queens, and consequently the thoughts of the persons whom those
kings and queens represent, in accordance with their complexions.
For instance, a young lady of a rather but not decidedly dark
complexion, represented by the queen of clubs, when consulting
the cards, may be shocked to find her fair lover (the king of
diamonds) flirting with a wealthy widow (the queen of spades,
attended by the ten of diamonds), but she will be reassured
by finding his thoughts (the knave of diamonds) in combination
with a letter (ace of clubs), a wedding ring (ace of diamonds),
and her house (the ace of hearts); clearly signifying that,
though he is actually flirting with the rich widow, he is,
nevertheless, thinking of sending a letter, with an offer of
marriage, to the young lady herself.
Pages:
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351