The valet entered, his sinister countenance resembling a white mask made visible in the gloom. "These lamps have gone out,"--said his master--"It's very odd that civilized humanity has not yet learned the complete management of the electric light. Can you put them in order, Amiel?" "Yes, your excellency." And in a few moments, by some dexterous manipulation which I did not understand and could not see, the crystal-cased jets shone forth again with renewed brilliancy. Another peal of thunder crashed overhead, followed by a downpour of rain. "Really remarkable weather for January,"--said Rimânez, again giving me his hand--"Good-night my friend! Sleep well." "If the anger of the elements will permit!" I returned, smiling. "Oh, never mind the elements. Man has nearly mastered them or soon will do so, now that he is getting gradually convinced there is no Deity to interfere in his business. Amiel, show Mr Tempest to his room." Amiel obeyed, and crossing the corridor, ushered me into a large, luxurious apartment, richly furnished, and lit up by the blaze of a bright fire. The comforting warmth shone welcome upon me as I entered, and I who had not experienced such personal luxury since my boyhood's days, felt more than ever overpowered by the jubilant sense of my sudden extraordinary good fortune. Amiel waited respectfully, now and then furtively glancing at me with an expression which to my fancy had something derisive in it. "Is there anything I can do for you sir?" he inquired. "No thank you,"--I answered, endeavouring to throw an accent of careless condescension into my voice--for somehow I felt this man must be kept strictly in his place--"you have been very attentive,--I shall not forget it." A slight smile flickered over his features. "Much obliged to you, sir. Good-night." And he retired, leaving me alone. I paced the room up and down more dreamily than consciously, trying to think,--trying to set in order the amazing events of the day, but my brain was still dazed and confused, and the only image of actual prominence in my mind was the striking and remarkable personality of my new friend Rimânez. His extraordinary good looks, his attractive manner, his curious cynicism which was so oddly mixed with some deeper sentiment to which I could not give a name, all the trifling yet uncommon peculiarities of his bearing and humour haunted me and became indissolubly mingled as it were with myself and all the circumstances concerning me. I undressed before the fire, listening drowsily to the rain, and the thunder which was now dying off into sullen echoes.