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. THE ITALIAN METHOD Take the pack of thirty-two selected cards, shuffle them well, and either cut or have them cut for you, according to whether you are acting for yourself or another person. Turn up the cards by threes, and when the triplet is composed of cards of the same suit, lay it aside; when of three different suits, pass it by without withdrawing any of the three; but when composed of two of one suit and one of another, withdraw the higher card of the two. When you have come to the end of the pack, gather up all the cards except those you have withdrawn; shuffle, cut, and again turn up by threes. Repeat this operation until you have obtained fifteen cards, which must then be spread out before you, from left to right, in the order in which they come to hand. Care must, however, be taken that the card representing the person making the essay is among them; if not, the whole operation must be recommenced until the desired result is obtained. We will suppose it to be some dark lady--represented by the queen of clubs--who is anxious to make the attempt for herself, and that the cards are laid out in the following order, from left to right: Ten of diamonds, queen of clubs, eight of hearts, ace of diamonds, ten of hearts, seven of clubs, king of spades, nine of hearts, jack of spades, ace of clubs, seven of spades, ten of spades, seven of diamonds, ace of spades, jack of hearts.