| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Blix by Frank Norris: on the second of January. On New Year's Day she and Condy were to
take their last walk, were to go out to the lifeboat station, and
then on around the shore to the little amphitheatre of blackberry
bushes--where they had promised always to write one another on the
anniversary of their first visit--and then for the last time climb
the hill, and go across the breezy downs to the city.
Then came the last day of the old year, the last day but one that
they would be together. They spent it in a long ramble along the
water-front, following the line of the shipping even as far as
Meiggs's Wharf. They had come back to the flat for supper, and
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy: drew lots to settle who should make up her set. At Rostov's suggestion
it was agreed that whoever became "King" should have the right to kiss
Mary Hendrikhovna's hand, and that the "Booby" should go to refill and
reheat the samovar for the doctor when the latter awoke.
"Well, but supposing Mary Hendrikhovna is 'King'?" asked Ilyin.
"As it is, she is Queen, and her word is law!"
They had hardly begun to play before the doctor's disheveled head
suddenly appeared from behind Mary Hendrikhovna. He had been awake for
some time, listening to what was being said, and evidently found
nothing entertaining or amusing in what was going on. His face was sad
and depressed. Without greeting the officers, he scratched himself and
 War and Peace |