| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Purse by Honore de Balzac: of shifting politics. Is it not a rare merit to be able to take
the measure of the time? This coat, which the young men of the
present day may conceive to be fabulous, was neither civil nor
military, and might pass for civil or military by turns. Fleurs-
de-lis were embroidered on the lapels of the back skirts. The
gilt buttons also bore fleurs-de-lis; on the shoulders a pair of
straps cried out for useless epaulettes; these military
appendages were there like a petition without a recommendation.
This old gentleman's coat was of dark blue cloth, and the
buttonhole had blossomed into many colored ribbons. He, no doubt,
always carried his hat in his hand--a three cornered cocked hat,
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The fourth excerpt represents the element of Earth. It speaks of physical influences and the impact of the unseen on the visible world, and is drawn from Paz by Honore de Balzac: replied. "I live for myself, or, if you like, for you two."
"But the opinion of the world as to a friend of my husband is not
indifferent to me--"
"Ah, madame, the world will be satisfied if you tell them I am 'an
original.'"
After a moment's silence he added, "Are you going out to-day?"
"Will you come with us to the Bois?"
"Certainly."
So saying, Paz bowed and withdrew.
"What a good soul he is!" said Adam. "He has all the simplicity of a
child."
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