But his tenderness fought with his self-righteousness. He looked at her piteous face and his strength almost ebbed away. She looked up into his eyes and affectionate pity almost overwhelmed him. Once or twice she seemed about to say something, but she did not speak, and he said little. Yet it wanted all his resolution not to take her in his arms and comfort her, not to mingle his tears with hers, not to tell her of six months spent in vain in the effort to wipe her out of his heart, not to whisper of cheerless days and of nights made desolate with the repetition of her name. But no, he would be stronger than that. It was not yet too late to walk the path of honour. He would stand no longer between husband and wife. Pete came back, bringing Grannie and Cæsar. The parson arrived soon after them. Kate was sitting with the child in her lap, and brooding over it like a bird above its nest. The child was still sleeping the sleep of health and innocence, but the mother's eyes were wild. “Bogh, bogh!” said Grannie, and she kissed her daughter. Kate made no response. Nancy Joe grew red about the eyelids and began to blow her nose. “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. “Kate,” whispered Pete; “Kate, of coorse.” “Katherine,” said Nancy, and in that name the child was baptized. Dr. Mylechreest came in as the service ended. Grannie held little Katherine up to him, and he controlled his face and looked at her. “There's not much amiss with the child,” he said. “I knew it,” shouted Pete. “But perhaps the mother is a little weak and nervous,” he added quietly. “Coorse she is, the bogh,” cried Pete. “Let her see more company,” said the doctor. “She shall,” said Pete. “If that doesn't do, send her away for awhile.” “I will.”