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.