They stepped off gaily, and soon reached the village. They arrived at the church just as the christening party reached it.
"Do look at the dear baby, Ole," said Mari. "Isn't he lovely?"
The nurse was carrying him. He was so swaddled in his fine clothes that you would have almost thought he was an Indian pappoose. Only his face could be seen. The swaddling bands were of many colours,—red, green, and white, and there was a large white satin bow, of course. Every Norse baby wears such a bow to its christening.
And now the flock of people followed the minister into the little church. They passed up to the front and gathered around the altar.
"The baby behaves finely, doesn't he?" whispered Ole. "I am real proud of him because he is to have the same name as myself. Did you hear the minister say Ole, Mari?"
"Yes, but look now. The baby's father and mother and his godparents are all going up behind the altar. What is that for?"
"They are laying presents there for the minister. Of course they want to thank him for the christening. I declare, Mari, our baby was christened only last year, and you have forgotten what people do at such times."
"I was so excited then, Ole, I don't believe I noticed it. But come, everybody is going out of the church. Now we shall have the best time, for you know we are invited to the party."