| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Manon Lescaut by Abbe Prevost: only by his affection for me, he came one day to reveal his
thoughts. `Chevalier,' said he to me, `it has been hitherto my
intention to make you bear the Cross of Malta: I now see that
your inclinations do not bend that way. You are an admirer of
beauty. I shall be able to find you a wife to your taste. Let
me candidly know how you feel upon the subject.'
"I answered that I could never again see the slightest
difference amongst women, and that after the misfortune I had
experienced, I detested them all equally. `I will find you one,'
replied my father, smiling, `who shall resemble Manon in beauty,
but who shall be more faithful.' `Ah! if you have any mercy,'
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini: deputy-suppleant mounted the tribune for the purpose of taking part
in the debate on the constitution of the legislative assemblies,
or for the purpose of pronouncing a funeral oration upon the
departed deputy Lagron?"
This time it was the Blacks who gave way to mirth, until checked
by the deputy-suppleant.
"That laughter is obscene!" In this truly Gallic fashion he flung
his glove into the face of Privilege, determined, you see, upon no
half measures; and the rippling laughter perished on the instant
quenched in speechless fury.
Solemnly he proceeded.
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Study of a Woman by Honore de Balzac: but there came into her head a fancy--which all virtuous women will
readily understand--to see how a man who began a letter in that style
could possibly end it. When she had turned the fourth page and read
it, she let her arms drop like a person much fatigued.
"Caroline, go and ask who left this letter."
"Madame, I received it myself from the valet of Monsieur le Baron de
Rastignac."
After that there was silence for some time.
"Does Madame intend to dress?" asked Caroline at last.
"No-- He is certainly a most impertinent man," reflected the marquise.
I request all women to imagine for themselves the reflections of which
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