“Here's the prazon, darling,” whispered Pete, and Kate rose to her feet. The company rose with her, and stood in a half-circle before the fire. It was now between daylight and dark, and the firelight flashed in their faces.
“Are the godfather and godmothers present?” the parson asked.
“Mr. Christian will stand godfather, parzon; and Nancy and Grannie will be godmothers.”
Nancy took the child out of Kate's arms, and the service for private baptism began with the tremendous words, “Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in si——”
The parson stopped. Kate had staggered and almost fallen. Pete put his arm around her to keep her up, and then the service went on.
Presently the parson turned to Philip with a softening voice and an inclination of the head.
“Dost thou, in the name of this child, renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of 'the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow nor be led by them?”
And Philip answered, in a firm, low voice, “I renounce them all.”
The parson took the child from Nancy. “Name this child.”
Nancy looked at Kate, but Kate, who was breathing violently, gave no sign.