A high prize is like a present from God; it is money falling from Heaven.

This people know that no human power can oblige three particular numbers to come out together; so they rely on the divine mercy alone.

They apply to the Capuchin friars for lucky numbers; they recite special prayers for so many days; they humbly call for the inspiration of Heaven before going to bed; they see in dreams the Madonna stuck all over with figures; they pay for masses at the Churches; they offer the priest money if he will put three numbers under the chalice at the moment of the consecration.

Not less humbly did the courtiers of Louis XIV.

range themselves in the antechamber he was to pass through, in the hope of obtaining a look or a favour.