| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Moran of the Lady Letty by Frank Norris: silent, reserved, looking vaguely seaward through the night.
Moran spoke again, her scowl thickening:
"What makes you think the beach-combers want our schooner?"
"Him catch um schooner sure! Him want um boat to go home. No can
get."
"Let's put off to-night--right away," said Wilbur.
"Low tide," answered Moran; "and besides--Charlie, did you see
them close? Were you near them?"
"No go muchee close."
"Did they have something with them, reeved up in a hammock--
something that smelled sweet?"
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Chance by Joseph Conrad: looking at people. He said to me: 'My sister does not put herself
out much for us. We had better keep each other company. I have
read every book there is in that cottage.' I walked on. He did not
leave me. I thought he ought to. But he didn't. He didn't seem to
notice that I would not talk to him."
She was now perfectly still. The wretched little parasol hung down
against her dress from her joined hands. I was rigid with
attention. It isn't every day that one culls such a volunteered
tale on a girl's lips. The ugly street-noises swelling up for a
moment covered the next few words she said. It was vexing. The
next word I heard was "worried."
 Chance |