| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Rezanov by Gertrude Atherton: "It is true," he replied. "I suppose I never really
believed you would marry Raimundo or Ignacio or
any of the caballeros. They think and talk of noth-
ing but horse-racing, gambling, cock-fighting, love
and cigaritos. I thought of you always here, where
at least I could look at you or read with you. But
one must admit that this Russian is no ordinary
man. I hate him, yet like him more than any I have
ever met. Last night I stayed to punch with him,
and we talked English for an hour. That is to say,
he did; I could have listened to him till morning.
Rezanov |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Tapestried Chamber by Walter Scott: "That is very extraordinary," answered the young nobleman. "You
seemed quite disengaged yesterday, and you cannot have had a
summons to-day, for our post has not come up from the town, and
therefore you cannot have received any letters."
General Browne, without giving any further explanation, muttered
something about indispensable business, and insisted on the
absolute necessity of his departure in a manner which silenced
all opposition on the part of his host, who saw that his
resolution was taken, and forbore all further importunity.
"At least, however," he said, "permit me, my dear Browne, since
go you will or must, to show you the view from the terrace, which
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