“Why, sir,” said the peasant, “you see God has given me a son to rejoice my eyes in youth, to comfort my old age, and to pray for my soul after death. Be so kind as to let your daughter stand godmother to him.”

“And when is the christening?” said the tradesman.

“Tomorrow morning.”

“Very well. Go in peace. She shall be with you at Mass tomorrow morning.”

The next day the godmother came, and the godfather also, and the infant was baptized. Immediately after the christening the godfather went away. They did not know who he was, and never saw him again.