| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Rezanov by Gertrude Atherton: who might one day symbolize some high and im-
passioned ideal he had cherished in the days before
ideals had been cast aside with the negative virtues
that bred them.
As he coolly studied the good looks of the young
caballeros and the plain intellectual face and slight
little figure of the Bostonian, noted the utter in-
difference with which they were treated by the
Favorita of Presidio and Mission, he felt a sudden
rush of arrogance, a youthful tingling of nerves,
the same prophetic sense of imminent happiness and
Rezanov |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Sarrasine by Honore de Balzac: history of the Lanty family offered a perpetual subject of curiosity,
not unlike that aroused by the novels of Anne Radcliffe.
People of an observing turn, of the sort who are bent upon finding out
where you buy your candelabra, or who ask you what rent you pay when
they are pleased with your apartments, had noticed, from time to time,
the appearance of an extraordinary personage at the fetes, concerts,
balls, and routs given by the countess. It was a man. The first time
that he was seen in the house was at a concert, when he seemed to have
been drawn to the salon by Marianina's enchanting voice.
"I have been cold for the last minute or two," said a lady near the
door to her neighbor.
|
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy: in his usual cold, drawly manner.
"But. . .your guests to-morrow. . ."
"I have prayed your ladyship to offer my humble excuses to His
Royal Highness. You are such a perfect hostess, I do not think I
shall be missed."
"But surely you might have waited for your journey. . .until
after our water-party. . ." she said, still speaking quickly and
nervously. "Surely this business is not so urgent. . .and you said
nothing about it--just now."
"My business, as I had the honour to tell you, Madame, is as
unexpected as it is urgent. . . . May I therefore crave your
The Scarlet Pimpernel |
