| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Madame Firmiani by Honore de Balzac: faded complexion, handsome eyes, flat figure, contralto voice worn
out, much dressed, rather rouged, charming manners; in short, my dear
fellow, the remains of a pretty woman who is still worth the trouble
of a passion." This remark is from the species Fop, who has just
breakfasted, doesn't weigh his words, and is about to mount his horse.
At that particular moment Fops are pitiless.
"Magnificent collection of pictures in her house; go and see them by
all means," answers another. "Nothing finer." You have questioned one
of the species Connoisseur. He leaves you to go to Perignon's or
Tripet's. To him, Madame Firmiani is a collection of painted canvases.
A Woman: "Madame Firmiani? I don't wish you to visit her>" This remark
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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 Secrets of the Princesse de Cadignan by Honore de Balzac: particularly suited to our nation, Michel's system would lead to the
suppression of war in this old world, and its reconstruction on bases
other than those of conquest, which formerly feudalized it. From this
point of view the republicans came nearest to his idea. That is why he
lent them his arm in July, and was killed at Saint-Merri. Though
completely apart in opinion, he and I were closely bound together as
friends."
"That is noble praise for both natures," said Madame de Cadignan,
timidly.
"During the last four years of his life," continued Daniel, "he made
to me alone a confidence of his love for you, and this confidence
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Riverman by Stewart Edward White: toward the river. There he sat on a pile for nearly an hour, quite
oblivious to the keen wind of latter November which swept up over
the scum ice from the Lake. At length he hopped down and made his
way to the office of the Welton Lumber Co.
"Look here, Welton," he demanded abruptly when he had reached that
operator's private office, "how much of a cut are you going to make
this year?"
"About twenty million," replied Welton. "Why?"
"Just figuring on the drive," said Orde, nodding a farewell.
He had the team harnessed, and, assuming his buffalo-fur coat, drove
to the offices of all the men owning timber up and down the river.
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The fourth excerpt represents the element of Earth. It speaks of physical influences and the impact of the unseen on the visible world, and is drawn from The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu by Sax Rohmer: the yellow face from the pointed chin to the top of the great domed brow,
and formed deep shadow pools in the hollows beneath his eyes.
At last we had triumphed.
I could not determine the depth of his obscene trance; and mastering
some of my repugnance, and forgetful of Karamaneh's warning, I was about
to step forward into the room, loaded with its nauseating opium fumes,
when a soft breath fanned my cheek.
"Do not go in!" came Karamaneh's warning voice--hushed--trembling.
Her little hand grasped my arm. She drew Smith and myself back
from the door.
"There is danger there!" she whispered.
The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu |
