"Excellent. I'm glad to hear," said the minister.

After a minute or two, Tobias came downstairs looking morose. "Mrs. Appleton is feeling too ill to attend," he stated.

"And the name? Have you decided?" the minister asked, eying the farmer with a furrowed brow that brought all the sternness back into his countenance.

Tobias looked at the babe in Iris' arms and held out his hands to take her. "Emma Ruth Appleton," he said.

If Iris handed Tobias the baby, it would begin to cry instantly, frustrated that it was pulled away from the warmth and comfort of Iris' arms. Tobias could not get her to calm down, but still held her during the little service anyway.

The minister didn't take long: a reflection; a short prayer; and then the baptism, during which little Emma, formally christened as such now, began to wail loudly when the water was poured over her head; then another prayer and they were done. Tobias, who had been gently rocking his daughter, handed her back to Iris. "See if you cannot calm her, Mrs. Carpenter," he said.