| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs: "Are these imprints similar to mine or Monsieur Tarzan's
or can you say that they are identical with either?"
The officer drew a powerful glass from his desk and
examined all three specimens carefully, making notations
meanwhile upon a pad of paper.
Tarzan realized now what was the meaning of their visit to
the police officer.
The answer to his life's riddle lay in these tiny marks.
With tense nerves he sat leaning forward in his chair, but
suddenly he relaxed and dropped back, smiling.
D'Arnot looked at him in surprise.
Tarzan of the Apes |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The School For Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan: the Letter I found of her's--evidently intended for Charles?
ROWLEY. A mere forgery, Sir Peter--laid in your way on Purpose--
this is one of the Points which I intend Snake shall give you
conviction on--
SIR PETER. I wish I were once satisfied of that--She looks this
way----what a remarkably elegant Turn of the Head she has!
Rowley I'll go to her--
ROWLEY. Certainly--
SIR PETER. Tho' when it is known that we are reconciled, People
will laugh at me ten times more!
ROWLEY. Let--them laugh--and retort their malice only by
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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 Secrets of the Princesse de Cadignan by Honore de Balzac: "Excepting yourself--judging by the excellent opinion you seem to have
of the princess--all the other guests are said to have been in her
good graces."
"I can assure you that such an accusation is absolutely false," said
Daniel.
"And yet, here is Monsieur d'Esgrignon of an old family of Alencon,
who completely ruined himself for her some twelve years ago, and, if
all is true, came very near going to the scaffold."
"I know the particulars of that affair," said d'Arthez. "Madame de
Cadignan went to Alencon to save Monsieur d'Esgrignon from a trial
before the court of assizes; and this is how he rewards her to-day!"
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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 A Prince of Bohemia by Honore de Balzac: bottom of her heart she loves me!' "
The Marquise could not help smiling.
"Ah, madame," said Nathan, looking keenly at her, "only women and
prophets know how to turn faith to account.--Du Bruel would have me go
home with him," he continued, "and we went slowly back. It was three
o'clock. Before he appeared, he heard a stir in the kitchen, saw
preparations going forward, and glanced at me as he asked the cook the
reason of this.
" 'Madame ordered dinner,' said the woman. 'Madame dressed and ordered
a cab, and then she changed her mind and ordered it again for the
theatre this evening.'
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