All the work on the farm was stopped and every one in the family was dressed in his best. Mari had a fresh white linen kerchief tied under her chin, and also a finely starched apron. Her plump little arms were bare. Her stomacher was worked with bright beads on scarlet cloth. She had embroidered it all herself and she could not help being proud of it. But perhaps you do not know what a stomacher is. It is a piece of cloth worn as an ornament on the waist and over the stomach. Mari's mother wore one also, but hers was sparkling with silver trimmings that had belonged to her great-grandmother. How fine the father looked in his short coat and knee-breeches. He wore a bright red vest, over which hung his long light beard. But Mari's mother was the prettiest sight of all. Her muslin apron was trimmed with three rows of lovely open-work. Her scarlet waist was finished with bands of black velvet, with the beautiful stomacher in front of that. She had loose white linen sleeves, and such an odd cap. You never saw one like it, I am sure. It was made of crimped white muslin with a wide rim over the forehead, with a narrow band beneath that hid her hair. The corners fell down behind nearly to the waist. Her silver ornaments must also be mentioned. They were really beautiful, and were hundreds of years old. [Illustration: THE CHRISTENING.] Ole looked fine, too, in a suit much like his father's and a little round cap, fitting tightly to his head. You would scarcely have known the family in their holiday dress. 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."