| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Maid Marian by Thomas Love Peacock: an occult quality, which can only act in the stationary waters of a lake,
being neutralised by the rapid transition of those of a stream."
"And why is the trout shyer for that?" asked Sir Ralph.
"Do you not see?" said brother Michael. "The virtues of both
lovers diffuse themselves through the lake. The infusion
of masculine valour makes the fish active and sanguineous:
the infusion of maiden modesty makes him coy and hard to win:
and you shall find through life, the fish which is most
easily hooked is not the best worth dishing. But yonder are
the towers of Arlingford."
The little friar stopped. He seemed suddenly struck with an awful thought,
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Bunner Sisters by Edith Wharton: department," Ann Eliza stammered, overswept by a sudden doubt.
"That was probably a slight exaggeration. But I can tell you
about him by referring to our books. The name again?"
"Ramy--Herman Ramy."
There ensued a long silence, broken only by the flutter of
leaves as Mr. Loomis turned over his ledgers. Presently he looked
up, keeping his finger between the pages.
"Here it is--Herman Ramy. He was one of our ordinary workmen,
and left us three years and a half ago last June."
"On account of sickness?" Ann Eliza faltered.
Mr. Loomis appeared to hesitate; then he said: "I see no
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Fables by Robert Louis Stevenson: "Well, that's pretty much my thought," said Captain Smollett. "The
Author has to get a story; that's what he wants; and to get a
story, and to have a man like the doctor (say) given a proper
chance, he has to put in men like you and Hands. But he's on the
right side; and you mind your eye ! You're not through this story
yet; there's trouble coming for you."
"What'll you bet?" asked John.
"Much I care if there ain't," returned the Captain. "I'm glad
enough to be Alexander Smollett, bad as he is; and I thank my stars
upon my knees that I'm not Silver. But there's the ink-bottle
opening. To quarters!"
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