The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: "I will write home directly," said she, and if they do
not object, as I dare say they will not--"
General Tilney was not less sanguine, having already
waited on her excellent friends in Pulteney Street,
and obtained their sanction of his wishes. "Since they
can consent to part with you," said he, "we may expect
philosophy from all the world."
Miss Tilney was earnest, though gentle, in her
secondary civilities, and the affair became in a few
minutes as nearly settled as this necessary reference
to Fullerton would allow.
 Northanger Abbey |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Arrow of Gold by Joseph Conrad: Instantly she shot out a hand towards me. The edges of the fur
cloak fell apart. A wave of the faintest possible scent floated
into my nostrils.
"Let me have it," she said imperiously.
"You can't have it. It's all in my head. No woman will read it.
I suspect it was something that could never have been written. But
what a farewell! And now I suppose we shall say good-bye without
even a handshake. But you are safe! Only I must ask you not to
come out of this room till I tell you you may."
I was extremely anxious that Senor Ortega should never even catch a
glimpse of Dona Rita, never guess how near he had been to her. I
 The Arrow of Gold |