| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from My Aunt Margaret's Mirror by Walter Scott: Paduan Doctor was understood to receive the visits of those who
came to consult with him--the two ladies left their apartments in
the Canongate of Edinburgh, having their dress arranged like that
of women of an inferior description, and their plaids disposed
around their faces as they were worn by the same class; for in
those days of aristocracy the quality of the wearer was generally
indicated by the manner in which her plaid was disposed, as well
as by the fineness of its texture. It was Lady Bothwell who had
suggested this species of disguise, partly to avoid observation
as they should go to the conjurer's house, and partly in order to
make trial of his penetration, by appearing before him in a
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from A Start in Life by Honore de Balzac: and reminded him in a gentle but grieved voice of the benefits they
had so constantly received from the steward of Presles. She told him
that they had lived, especially for the last six years, on the
delicate charity of Monsieur Moreau; and that Monsieur Clapart's
salary, also the "demi-bourse," or scholarship, by which he (Oscar)
had obtained an education, was due to the Comte de Serizy. Most of
this would now cease. Monsieur Clapart, she said, had no claim to a
pension,--his period of service not being long enough to obtain one.
On the day when he was no longer able to keep his place, what would
become of them?
"For myself," she said, "by nursing the sick, or living as a
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