| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Baby Mine by Margaret Mayo: Not willing to await the return of his stenographer, or to
acquaint her with his personal affairs, Alfred drew pen and paper
toward him and sat helplessly before it. How could he inquire
about Zoie without appearing to invite a reconciliation with her?
While he was trying to answer this vexed question, a sharp knock
came at the door. He turned to see a uniformed messenger holding
a telegram toward him. Intuitively he felt that it contained
some word about Zoie. His hand trembled so that he could
scarcely sign for the message before opening it.
A moment later the messenger boy was startled out of his lethargy
by a succession of contradictory exclamations.
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Damnation of Theron Ware by Harold Frederic: he foresaw a great future for the church, and so felt
moved to give another $25, there was general amazement.
Moved by a common instinct, all eyes were turned upon
Levi Gorringe, and he, without the slightest hesitation,
stood up and said he would give $100. There was something
in his tone which must have annoyed Brother Winch, for he shot
up like a dart, and called out, "Put me down for fifty more;
"and that brought Gorringe to his feet with an added $50,
and then the two went on raising each other till the
assemblage was agape with admiring stupefaction.
This gladiatorial combat might have been going on till now,
The Damnation of Theron Ware |
