| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Virginian by Owen Wister: complete, because you admire her so particularly."
This consignment of literature reached Bear Creek about a week
before Christmas time.
By New Year's Day, the Virginian had begun his education.
"Well, I have managed to get through 'em," he said, as he entered
Molly's cabin in February. And he laid two volumes upon her
table.
"And what do you think of them?" she inquired.
"I think that I've cert'nly earned a good long ride to-day."
"Georgie Taylor has sprained his ankle."
"No, I don't mean that kind of a ride. I've earned a ride with
 The Virginian |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Maid Marian by Thomas Love Peacock: old hospitality and the shouts of his Nottinghamshire vassals,
who were wont to make the rafters of his ancient hall re-echo
to their revelry; but principally from being parted from his son,
who had long been the better half of his flask and pasty.
The arrival of our visitors cheered him up; and finding that
the baron was to remain with him, he testified his delight
and the cordiality of his welcome by pegging him in the ribs
till he made him roar.
Robin and Marian took an affectionate leave of the baron and the old knight;
and before they quitted the vicinity of Barnsdale, deeming it prudent
to return in a different disguise, they laid aside their pilgrim's attire,
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