| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Mansion by Henry van Dyke: not hopeless, succeeding by a miracle of courage in her single
aim,
never to complain, but always to impart a bit of joy and peace to
every one who came near her. All these, and other persons like
them,
people of little consideration in the world, but now seemingly
all full of
great contentment and an inward gladness that made their steps
light,
were in the company that passed along the road, talking together
of
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Emma McChesney & Co. by Edna Ferber: McChesney, just before she closed the door, saw a little spasm
cross Buck's face. It was gone so quickly, and a radiant smile
sat there so reassuringly, that she wondered if she had not been
mistaken, after all. He had advanced, hand outstretched, with:
"Miss Sweeney! It--it's wonderful to see you again! You're
looking----"
The closed door stifled the rest. Emma McChesney, in her office
across the way, stood a moment in the center of the room, her
hand covering her eyes. The hardy chrysanthemums still glowed
sunnily from their vase. The little room was very quiet except
for the ticking of the smart, leather-encased clock on the desk.
Emma McChesney & Co. |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Emma by Jane Austen: "Well, Mrs. Weston," said Emma triumphantly when he left them,
"what do you say now to Mr. Knightley's marrying Jane Fairfax?"
"Why, really, dear Emma, I say that he is so very much occupied
by the idea of not being in love with her, that I should not wonder
if it were to end in his being so at last. Do not beat me."
CHAPTER XVI
Every body in and about Highbury who had ever visited Mr. Elton,
was disposed to pay him attention on his marriage. Dinner-parties and
evening-parties were made for him and his lady; and invitations
flowed in so fast that she had soon the pleasure of apprehending
they were never to have a disengaged day.
Emma |
The fourth excerpt represents the element of Earth. It speaks of physical influences and the impact of the unseen on the visible world, and is drawn from The Red Seal by Natalie Sumner Lincoln: McIntyre did not look his age of forty-seven years. His hair,
prematurely gray, had a most attractive wave to it, and his erect
and finely proportioned figure showed to advantage in his well-cut
dress suit. Barbara's heart swelled with pride - her dear and
handsome father! Then she transferred her regard to Margaret
Brewster; she had been such a satisfactory friend - why oh, why did
she wish to become her step-mother? The twins, with the unerring
instinct of womanhood, had decided ten days before that Weller's
warning to his son was timely - Mrs. Brewster was a most dangerous
widow.
"How is your sister?" inquired Clymer, breaking the silence which
The Red Seal |
