‘All kinds of things. She could cure illness, heal toothache, put a spell on a mine, pray over any one who was bitten by a mad dog or a snake, she could find out treasure trove.... It is impossible to tell one everything.’
‘You know, Olyessia, you must forgive me, but I don’t believe it all. Be frank with me. I shan’t tell anybody; but surely this is all a pretence in order to mystify people?’
She shrugged her shoulders indifferently.
‘Think what you like. Of course, it’s easy to mystify a woman from the village, but I wouldn’t deceive you.’
‘You really believe in witchcraft, then?’
‘How could I disbelieve? Charms are in our destiny. I can do a great deal myself.’
‘Olyessia, darling, ... if you only knew how interested I was.... Won’t you really show me anything?’
‘I’ll show you, if you like.’ Olyessia readily consented. ‘Would you like me to do it now?’
‘Yes, at once, if possible.’
‘You won’t be afraid?’