| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Vendetta by Honore de Balzac: hers, and she seemed to have decided to say nothing. At the moment
when Roguin ceased speaking, the scene had become so terrifying that
the men who were there as witnesses trembled; never, perhaps, had they
known so awful a silence. The notaries looked at each other, as if in
consultation, and finally rose and walked to the window.
"Did you ever meet people born into the world like that?" asked Roguin
of his brother notary.
"You can't get anything out of him," replied the younger man. "In your
place, I should simply read the summons. That old fellow isn't a
comfortable person; he is furious, and you'll gain nothing whatever by
arguing with him."
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Poor and Proud by Oliver Optic: in relation to the meaning of the words she had so often repeated
that afternoon.
The poor girl felt as she had never felt before. Upon her
devolved the responsibility of providing for her mother. She had
no other friend, and that day seemed to open a new era in her
existence. She felt strong for the work before her, and resolved
to lose not a single day in putting her resolution into
operation. The teachings of her mother, breathing a spirit of
piety and resignation, were grateful to her heart, and added new
strength to her arm.
There was still food enough in the house for Katy's supper, for
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