If the stranger's short coat and light trousers had not proclaimed his vocation in life, I should have taken it for granted that there had been some mistake, and that we were favored with a visit from a gentleman unknown. He was between dark and light in complexion, with frank clear blue eyes; quiet and intelligent, if appearances were to be trusted; easy in his movements; respectful in his manner, but perfectly free from servility. "I say!" the General blurted out, addressing my aunt confidentially, "_he_ looks as if he would do, doesn't he?" The appearance of the new man seemed to have had the same effect on Lady Claudia which it had produced on me. But she got over her first feeling of surprise sooner than I did. "You know best," she answered, with the air of a woman who declined to trouble herself by giving an opinion. "Step forward, my man," said the General. The groom advanced from the door, bowed, and stopped at the foot of the table--my uncle sitting at the head, with my aunt and myself on either side of him. The inevitable questions began. "What is your name?" "Michael Bloomfield." "Your age?" "Twenty-six." My aunt's want of interest in the proceedings expressed itself by a little weary sigh. She leaned back resignedly in her chair. The General went on with his questions: "What experience have you had as a groom?" "I began learning my work, sir, before I was twelve years old." "Yes! yes! I mean what private families have you served in?" "Two, sir." "How long have you been in your two situations?" "Four years in the first; and three in the second." The General looked agreeably surprised. "Seven years in only two situations is a good character in itself," he remarked. "Who are your references?" The groom laid two papers on the table. "I don't take written references," said the General. "Be pleased to read my papers, sir," answered the groom. My uncle looked sharply across the table. The groom sustained the look with respectful but unshaken composure. The General took up the papers, and seemed to be once more favorably impressed as he read them. "Personal references in each case if required in support of strong written recommendations from both his employers," he informed my aunt. "Copy the addresses, Mina. Very satisfactory, I must say. Don't you think so yourself?" he resumed, turning again to my aunt. Lady Claudia replied by a courteous bend of her head. The General went on with his questions. They related to the management of horses; and they were answered to his complete satisfaction. "Michael Bloomfield, you know your business," he said, "and you have a good character. Leave your address. When I have consulted your references, you shall hear from me."