| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Bucky O'Connor by William MacLeod Raine: He was very clear about one thing. He must not let her know that
he knew her for a girl. To him she must still be a boy, or their
relation would become impossible. She had trusted in her power to
keep her secret from him. On no other terms would she have come
with him; of so much he was sure, even while his mind groped for
a sufficient reason to account for an impulse that might have
impelled her. If she found out that he knew, the knowledge would
certainly drive her at once from him. For he knew that not the
least charm of the extraordinary fascination she had for him lay
in her sweet innocence of heart, a fresh innocence that consisted
with this gay Romany abandon, and even with a mental experience
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Betty Zane by Zane Grey: Two hours later, while Annie was serving breakfast to Betty and Myeerah, Col.
Zane strode into the room.
"Well, one has to eat whatever happens," he said, his clouded face brightening
somewhat. "Betty, there's been bad work, bad work. When I got to Clarke's room
I found him lying on the bed with a knife sticking in him. As it is we are
doubtful about pulling him through."
"May I see him?" whispered Betty, with pale lips.
"If the worst comes to the worst I'll take you over. But it would do no good
now and would surely unnerve you. He still has a fighting chance."
"Did they fight, or was Mr. Clarke stabbed in his sleep?"
"Miller climbed into Clarke's window and knifed him in the dark. As I came
Betty Zane |
