| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from The Red Inn by Honore de Balzac: apprehension, much like the flashes of sentiment which constitute
taste. Let us vote."
"Let us vote!" cried all my guests.
I have each two balls, one white, one red. The white, symbol of
virginity, was to forbid the marriage; the red ball sanctioned it. I
myself abstained from voting, out of delicacy.
My friends were seventeen in number; nine was therefore the majority.
Each man put his ball into the wicker basket with a narrow throat,
used to hold the numbered balls when card-players draw for their
places at pool. We were all roused to a more or less keen curiosity;
for this balloting to clarify morality was certainly original.
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Rezanov by Gertrude Atherton: punishing and banishing the worst offenders against
the Company's laws; encouraging the faithful, and
sharing hardships with them that sent memories of
former luxuries and pleasures scurrying off to the
realms of fantasy. But his rule would be incom-
plete and his efforts end in failure if the miserable
Russians and natives in the employ of the Com-
pany were not vitalized by proper food and cheered
with the hope of its permanence.
In Santiago's story of the Russian visitor's
achievements and status there was the common
Rezanov |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Sons of the Soil by Honore de Balzac: incarnate, perfectly charming in manner and ways.
The general explained his position and the fears of his bailiff, and
spoke of the necessity of making an example and enforcing the rights
of property.
The high functionaries listened gravely, making, however, no reply
beyond mere platitudes, such as, "Undoubtedly, the laws must be
upheld"; "Your cause is that of all land-owners"; "We will consider
it; but, situated as we are, prudence is very necessary"; "A monarchy
could certainly do more for the people than the people would do for
itself, even if it were, as in 1793, the sovereign people"; "The
masses suffer, and we are bound to do as much for them as for
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