Clever Victorians

The fan placed near the heart: “You have won my love”

A closed fan touching the right eye: “When may I be allowed to see you?”

The number of sticks shown answered the question: “At what hour?”

Threatening movements with a fan closed: “Do not be so imprudent”

Half-opened fan pressed to the lips: “You may kiss me”

Hands clasped together holding an open fan: “Forgive me”

Covering the left ear with an open fan: “Do not betray our secret”

Hiding the eyes behind an open fan: “I love you”

Shutting a fully opened fan slowly: “I promise to marry you”

Drawing the fan across the eyes: “I am sorry”

Touching the finger to the tip of the fan: “I wish to speak with you”

Letting the fan rest on the right cheek: “Yes”

Letting the fan rest on the left cheek: “No”

Opening and closing the fan several times: “You are cruel”

Dropping the fan: “We will be friends”

Fanning slowly: “I am married”

Fanning quickly: “I am engaged”

Putting the fan handle to the lips: “Kiss me”

Opening a fan wide: “Wait for me”

Placing the fan behind the head: “Do not forget me”

Placing the fan behind the head with finger extended: “Goodbye”

Fan in right hand in front of face: “Follow me”

Fan in left hand in front of face: “I am desirous of your acquaintance”

Fan held over left ear: “I wish to get rid of you”

Drawing the fan across the forehead: “You have changed”

Twirling the fan in the left hand: “We are being watched”

Twirling the fan in the right hand: “I love another”

Carrying the open fan in the right hand: “You are too willing”

Carrying the open fan in the left hand: “Come and talk to me”

Drawing the fan through the hand: “I hate you!”

Drawing the fan across the cheek: “I love you!”

Presenting the fan shut: “Do you love me?”

I suspect it would be interesting to actually research the facts on this but really I was thinking what an interesting idea to incorporate into a story one day. It has infinite possibilities.