| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from The Mansion by Henry van Dyke: hired man,
in the service of this magnificent mansion--say in training for
father's place as majordomo. I'd like to get out some way,
to feel free--perhaps to do something for others."
The young man's voice hesitated a little. "Yes, it sound like
cant,
I know, but sometimes I feel as if I'd like to do some good in
the world,
if father only wouldn't insist upon God's putting it into the
ledger."
His mother moved uneasily, and a slight look of bewilderment
|
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Blue Flower by Henry van Dyke: nearest neighbour, whose daughter Athenais had been the playmate
of Hermas in the old days.
He had left her a child. He found her a beautiful woman.
What transformation is so magical, so charming, as this? To
see the uncertain lines of youth rounded into firmness and
symmetry, to discover the half-ripe, merry, changing face of
the girl matured into perfect loveliness, and looking at you
with calm, clear, serious eyes, not forgetting the past, but
fully conscious of the changed present--this is to behold a
miracle in the flesh.
"Where have you been, these two years?" said Athenais, as
|
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde: JACK. What?
MERRIMAN. Mr. Ernest's luggage, sir. I have unpacked it and put
it in the room next to your own.
JACK. His luggage?
MERRIMAN. Yes, sir. Three portmanteaus, a dressing-case, two hat-
boxes, and a large luncheon-basket.
ALGERNON. I am afraid I can't stay more than a week this time.
JACK. Merriman, order the dog-cart at once. Mr. Ernest has been
suddenly called back to town.
MERRIMAN. Yes, sir. [Goes back into the house.]
ALGERNON. What a fearful liar you are, Jack. I have not been
|
