| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Weir of Hermiston by Robert Louis Stevenson: they were rarely so much together by day. Archie had Hermiston to
attend to, multifarious activities in the hills, in which he did not
require, and had even refused, Frank's escort. He would be off
sometimes in the morning and leave only a note on the breakfast table to
announce the fact; and sometimes, with no notice at all, he would not
return for dinner until the hour was long past. Innes groaned under
these desertions; it required all his philosophy to sit down to a
solitary breakfast with composure, and all his unaffected good-nature to
be able to greet Archie with friendliness on the more rare occasions
when he came home late for dinner.
"I wonder what on earth he finds to do, Mrs. Elliott?" said he one
|
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Underdogs by Mariano Azuela: both brave men. I am deeply grieved not to be able to
tell Blondie how sincerely and heartily I congratulate
him for the only noble and beautiful thing he ever did
in his whole life: to have shot himself!
Dear Venancio, although you may have enough money
to purchase a degree, I am afraid you won't find it
very easy to become a doctor in this country. You know
I like you very much, Venancio; and I think you de-
serve a better fate. But I have an idea which may prove
profitable to both of us and which may improve your
social position, as you desire. We could do a fine busi-
The Underdogs |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The American by Henry James: I simply think, if you want to know, that I'm as good as the best.
Who the best are, I don't pretend to say. I have never thought much
about that either. To tell the truth, I have always had rather
a good opinion of myself; a man who is successful can't help it.
But I will admit that I was conceited. What I don't say yes to is that I
don't stand high--as high as any one else. This is a line of speculation
I should not have chosen, but you must remember you began it yourself.
I should never have dreamed that I was on the defensive, or that I
had to justify myself; but if your people will have it so, I will
do my best."
"But you offered, a while ago, to make your court as we say,
|
