of righteous indignation that appeared to surround the altar. But she
did it. With downcast looks and hesitating steps she approached and
stood at the font--alone--the target of every pair of eyes in the
congregation. Only a moment she stood thus, when a countryman, with a
start, left one of the side benches and came and stood by her side.

It was Reuben Gray, who, standing by her, whispered:

"Hannah, woman, why didn't you let me know? I would have come and sat in
the pew with you and carried the child."

"Oh, Reuben, why will you mix yourself up with me and my miseries?"
sighed Hannah.

"'Cause we are one, my dear woman, and so I can't help it," murmured the
man.

There was no time for more words. The minister began the services.
Reuben Gray offered himself as sponsor with Hannah, who had no right to
refuse this sort of copartnership.

The child was christened Ishmael Worth, thus receiving both given and
surname at the altar.

When the afternoon worship was concluded and they left the church,
Reuben Gray walked beside Hannah, begging for the privilege of carrying
the child--a privilege Hannah grimly refused.

Reuben, undismayed, walked by her side all the way from Baymouth church
to the hut on the hill, a distance of three miles. And taking advantage