strange fatality of things than by their own
wilful actions. Nevertheless, such infelicities might be very unpleasant
for their employer, especially if he has more heart than brains.

The third finger, if extremely long and straight, indicates an
extraordinary desire for glory, celebrity, publicity and the like; and
although this might be an extremely good quality in the case of an actor,
preacher, politician or public man, it may be most undesirable if such a
person is to occupy the position of a private secretary, or the
confidential clerk to some family lawyer.

If this finger is crooked as well as very long, all the above qualities
will be intensified and exaggerated. The love of spending money and
fondness for show will also be more marked, the gambling tendencies very
pronounced. No position involving the handling of money, should be
entrusted to the possessor of such a finger.

The fourth, or little finger, if long (passing the nail joint of the
third) is indicative of power of speech and subtlety in choice of
language--the saying "to twist a person round one's little finger"
originated from this very sign. Such people have a marvellous gift of
speech, eloquence and flow of language, valuable gifts, of course, for
orators and public persons, but not desirable qualities in a wife if a
man is fond of sleep.

A short "little finger" denotes the reverse of the above. Such persons
find the greatest difficulty in expressing what they want to say, but
they can write better than speak and should be encouraged to do so.

These individuals have, however, not much power over others and the
shorter the "little finger" is, the more timid and sensitive they are in
the presence of strangers. If this finger is crooked, then these
weaknesses are all the more emphasised, but if formed _crooked and long_
the power of eloquence is also crooked. Such people will tell any "fairy
tale" to suit their purpose--they are natural born liars and the position
of President of the Ananias Club is their rightful inheritance.

The first and third fingers absolutely of equal length is the best sign
of _an equally balanced mind_, but such a sign is rather rare to find.

When the fingers are very supple in the joints and turn backwards or
outwards from the palm, it is an indication of a quick wit and clever
brain; but such persons lack continuity of purpose. They have no "hold,"
as it were, on any one thing.

Fingers slightly curved inwards