| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Little Rivers by Henry van Dyke: is a treasure which no decent man would borrow; but with that
exception the best in their store is at the service of an
accredited brother. One of the Ristigouche proprietors I remember,
whose name bespoke him a descendant of Caledonia's patron saint.
He was fishing in front of his own door when we came up, with our
splashing horses, through the pool; but nothing would do but he
must up anchor and have us away with him into the house to taste
his good cheer. And there were his daughters with their books and
needlework, and the photographs which they had taken pinned up on
the wooden walls, among Japanese fans and bits of bright-coloured
stuff in which the soul of woman delights, and, in a passive,
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Europeans by Henry James: "What are you doing, then?" her sister demanded, with a short laugh.
"I am pleading for Mr. Brand--reminding you of all you owe him."
"I have given it all back," said Gertrude, still with her little laugh.
"He can take back the virtue he imparted! I want to be wicked again."
Her sister made her stop in the path, and fixed upon her,
in the darkness, a sweet, reproachful gaze. "If you talk this
way I shall almost believe it. Think of all we owe Mr. Brand.
Think of how he has always expected something of you.
Think how much he has been to us. Think of his beautiful
influence upon Clifford."
"He is very good," said Gertrude, looking at her sister.
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