| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart: Thomas claimed it was Mr. Bailey, whom he had seen on the foot-
path, and who owned the pearl cuff-link.
Why did Arnold Armstrong come back after he had left the house
the night he was killed?
No answer. Was it on the mission Louise had mentioned?
Who admitted him?
Gertrude said she had looked the east entry. There was no key on
the dead man or in the door. He must have been admitted from
within.
Who had been locked in the clothes chute?
Some one unfamiliar with the house, evidently. Only two people
The Circular Staircase |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Mistress Wilding by Rafael Sabatini: might, indeed - and with greater justice - have been levelled against
His Majesty," said he and his calm was almost terrible.
His lordship grew pale at the obvious allusion to Monmouth's mild
treatment of him for his cowardice at Bridport, and his eyes were as
baleful as Wilding's own at that moment. But before he could speak,
Monmouth had already answered Mr. Wilding.
"You are wanting in respect to us, sir," he admonished him.
Mr. Wilding bowed to the rebuke in a submission that seemed ironical.
The blood mounted slowly to Monmouth's cheeks.
"Perhaps," put in Wade, who was anxious for peace, Mr. Wilding has some
explanation to offer us of his failure."
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