Part 12

FOURTHLY.--The connections of the letters with each other must be judged. If the connecting stroke is long, it shows some facility in talking and expression, the power of using words well, not talkativeness.

Letters ingeniously connected show constructiveness, but should they be separate, we get perception and intuition.

Any eccentricity indicates that the person's career has not been ordinary. Marked originality, especially of capitals, shows unusual taste. Tremulous tendency resulting neither from illness nor old age--Irritability. Highly restrained, small--Refractory disposition, difficult to live with. Regular and well-placed lines, followed by those careless and irregular--A mind quick to embark on an enterprise, but lacking perseverance. Back-handed less susceptible than inclined--The head ruling the heart.

Generally the body of the letter or specimen gives the present character, the signature the past.

CROTCHETS.--Egotism, self-satisfaction (a return upon self.)

HARPOONS (HOOKS).--Tenacity, united perhaps with weak will.

DASHES.--Perfectly straight--Persistence.

Undulating.--Art, levity.

Undulating, beginning or finishing with a crotchet or ungraceful flourish.--Lack of taste, slight vulgarity.

Light.--Writer attaches little idea to things expressed.

Ending Thickly.--Resolution, desires ideas to carry weight.

Curved Ascendingly.--Versatility; slight inconsistency; speaks without thought.

Tremulous.--Timidity, hesitation.

Placed at end of line or paragraph.--Lack of self-assertion.

Ending abruptly, thick and hard.--Distrust, reserve.

Sharply elongated.--Impulsive nature; prudence taught by experience.

Used instead of "full stops."--Cultivated caution.

CAPITAL LETTERS.--Large and well-formed.--Pride.

Print-like in shape.--Dignity.

Thin strokes.--Boasting.

Exaggerated in height.--Love of ceremonial.

The angle very pointed.--Acuteness, penetrative, leadership.

Large and badly-formed.--Egomania.

Large upper hall.--Self-assertion.

Large bases.--Self-confidence.

The capital letter of Christian names larger than that of surname.--Love of home.

The capital letter of surname larger.--Love of position.

Small capitals.--Lack of self-assertion.