A WELL-TO-DO FORTUNE-TELLER.
CHAPTER V.
Fortune-telling and its Professors.
here is a common saying in Japan that “the fortune-teller cannot tell his own fortune,” and the assurance with which he predicts others’ future fails him when his own destiny is concerned. Many cynic observations have been directed against his profession; but, adages notwithstanding, he thrives, which proves, however, not so much the value and utility of his calling as the folly and credulity of his clients. Even in these progressive post-Restoration days, superstition dies hard; and still extensive is its sway, as may be seen from the throngs of votaries that flock to shrines and temples on fête-days and especially, at the annual festivals of tutelary deities. The fortune-teller’s influence is almost as unbounded over the superstitious. He is consulted by them on every occasion, be it their future lot, their present happiness, their chances of drawing a prize at a lottery, the fluctuations of the ex-
