What does this baptism mean?

[Jang]

I've just found the baptism of Margaret Bennie on 14 Jan 1724 in Glasgow. I've never seen one like this before - what does it mean?

14 Jan 1724 Glasgow
Bennie gratis William Bennie (absent) and Agnes Steven a lawful daughter Margaret. Robert Barr, sponsor wit Thomas Barr and Zacharia Gemmell

Does the "gratis" mean that there was no payment for the baptism? Does the fact that William Bennie was absent mean that he was absent from the ceremony, or Glasgow, or disappeared?

I've also found the following burial on the same day:
14 January 1724 Glasgow
Agnes King, spouse of William Bennie, Coalton?

Is this the same Agnes? Did she die in childbirth?

Any feedback very welcome!
Jan

[Milliepede]

Agnes has 2 different surnames doesn't she - King and Steven - so assume different people 

[Jang]

Yes, that's what I thought but I can't find a marriage for either couple.

[GR2]

The father usually presents the child for baptism. If that isn't possible, a sponsor does it. Do you know what William Bennie's occupation was?

[Jang]

Thanks GR2. Perhaps the sponsor is a family member - I'll follow that up.

I don't know William's occupation - I don't have his baptism, marriage or death info. I do know he had three children with Agnes King, all baptised Glasgow: Isobel 1717, Alexander 1718 and James 1721. When I found A William Bennie and Agnes Steven having Margaret in 1724 and Agnes being buried the same day, I wondered if Agnes Steven and Agnes King were one and the same.

[Jang]

I've just downloaded the baptism of Alexander Bennie, the son of William Benny and Agnes King in 1719. It also says father William Benny (absent). Could it be that William was in the militia or army?

[Jang]

Just noticed that the sponsor for Alexander Benny is also Robert Barr and one of the witnesses is Thomas Barr, the same as for Margaret.