"What!" I cried, feeling myself grow rigid in amazement. "_Yesterday was ten years ago_!" I was undoubtedly wide awake and sensible, but that I was really myself I began to doubt. I struggled to comprehend the situation, but failed. How I came to be in South Africa, the possessor of such a mansion, the husband of such a wife, was a problem beyond solution. I felt light-headed, for the horrible suspense was goading me into a frenzy of madness. "There must be some--some serious mistake," I said calmly. "I've never had the pleasure of setting eyes upon you before this evening, and am utterly at a loss to understand who or what I am." She regarded me with a terrified expression; her face suddenly blanched, and she would have fallen, had I not caught her and placed her upon the settee. Ringing the bell again, a maid-servant answered my summons. "Your mistress has fainted. Call some one to her assistance," I said; and then I proceeded to explore the house. It was a splendid modern mansion, and by the bright moonlight I discerned that it was surrounded by a well-kept lawn and clumps of fine old trees. I was utterly unable to realise that the journey to Paris had been made ten years before; nevertheless, my aged appearance, my beard, the fact of my marriage, and my apparent opulence, all combined to confirm her statement. In vain I tried to recollect the incidents of that memorable night; but, beyond the knowledge that I received a terrible blow, I could remember nothing. Pacing in distraction the broad terrace that ran before the house, I suddenly heard footsteps behind me. Turning, I confronted the man who called himself my secretary. "Griffiths, the manager of Pike's Reef, has just arrived from Pretoria, and wishes to see you on important business, sir." "To see me? What for?" "He desires instructions regarding the Reef. They've struck the lead at last, and the crushings show it to be one of the richest veins in the Randt. Shall I bring him to you?" "No," I replied savagely; "I want to be alone. I haven't the slightest notion of what you're talking about." "Surely you know Griffiths, sir? He used to manage your old mine, the Bellefontaine, and is now in charge at Pike's Reef." "I don't know him, and have no desire to make his acquaintance. Send him away," I said abruptly. The man, who seemed puzzled, hesitated for a moment, and, after muttering some words in an undertone, re-entered the house. For nearly half an hour I had remained alone, until the maid appeared, saying, "Mistress would like to see you in the drawing-room, sir." I obeyed the summons, and on entering the room, found the woman who called me husband seated on a low chair, while near her stood a short, stout old gentleman, in a frock-coat of rather ancient cut, and wearing gold-rimmed pince-nez. "Ah, my dear Medhurst!" exclaimed the man, greeting me effusively. "How are you this evening?"