| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Maitre Cornelius by Honore de Balzac: nineteenth century understand how such commonplace events could be
turned into anything supernatural, and to make them share the alarms
of that olden time, it is necessary to interrupt the course of this
narrative and cast a rapid glance on the preceding life and adventures
of Maitre Cornelius.
CHAPTER II
THE TORCONNIER
Cornelius Hoogworst, one of the richest merchants in Ghent, having
drawn upon himself the enmity of Charles, Duke of Burgundy, found
refuge and protection at the court of Louis XI. The king was conscious
of the advantages he could gain from a man connected with all the
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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 Dynamiter by Robert Louis Stevenson and Fanny Van De Grift Stevenson: had since I was born; for that hag of a mulatto was no less a
person than my wife.' He sat down upon a tar-barrel, as if
unmanned by joy. 'Dear me,' said he, 'I declare this tempts
me to believe in Providence. And what,' he added, 'can I do
for you?'
'Sir George,' said I, 'I am already rich: all that I ask is
your protection.'
'Understand one thing,' he said, with great energy. 'I will
never marry.'
'I had not ventured to propose it,' I exclaimed, unable to
restrain my mirth; 'I only seek to be conveyed to England,
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