| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Melmoth Reconciled by Honore de Balzac: of faithfulness to their husbands; women who would make excellent
mothers, keepers of household accounts, and menders of household
linen. This longing springs from a sentiment so laudable, that society
should take it into consideration. But society, incorrigible as ever,
will assuredly persist in regarding the married woman as a corvette
duly authorized by her flag and papers to go on her own course, while
the woman who is a wife in all but name is a pirate and an outlaw for
lack of a document. A day came when Mme. de la Garde would fain have
signed herself "Mme. Castanier." The cashier was put out by this.
"So you do not love me well enough to marry me?" she said.
Castanier did not answer; he was absorbed by his thoughts. The poor
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Catriona by Robert Louis Stevenson: my mind the recollection of the clothes that I had bought for her; and
I thought this contrast of poverty and prodigality bore an ill
appearance.
He looked all about the chamber for a seat, and finding nothing else to
his purpose except my bed, took a place upon the side of it; where,
after I had closed the door, I could not very well avoid joining him.
For however this extraordinary interview might end, it must pass if
possible without waking Catriona; and the one thing needful was that we
should sit close and talk low. But I can scarce picture what a pair we
made; he in his great coat which the coldness of my chamber made
extremely suitable; I shivering in my shirt and breeks; he with very
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