He had begged to be baptized by the English version of his name; the
Spanish one had grown up by a sort of accident, and had always been
regretted by his father. He had wished much to take the name of
Felix, but they were so certain that this would not be approved, that
they had persuaded him out of it. He was soon set down again by
Geraldine's side, and she put out her hand and squeezed his hard,
looking up into his face with tearful eyes of welcome.
When the last sounds of the voluntary had died away, and the
congregation had gone, she ventured again to look up at him and say,
'I am so glad!'
'Why did you never tell me it was like this?' he said. 'I should
never have hung back one moment. Now nothing can touch me, since I
belong to _this_.'
'Nothing can _really_,' said Geraldine softly. 'Above all, when it is
sealed to us to-morrow.'
Then there came a movement from the vestry, and the Rector and Mr.
Audley were seen following the Bishop, who came down to where the two
lame children still sat together, and putting his hand upon
Ferdinand's head with the hair still wet, gave him his blessing
before he spoke further. It was only a word or two of congratulation,
but such as to go very deep; and then, seeing that the boy looked not
excited, but worn and wearied, he added, 'You are going home to rest.
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