Natasha nodded uncertainly. The idea of dividing the enchantment into "three stages" seemed inappropriate somehow- especially coming from this woman in this apartment…

"The second thing… Your rival's child must never be born. If it is, you won't be able to keep your man. You'll have to commit a great sin, destroy an innocent child in the womb…"

"What are you talking about!" Natasha said with a shudder. "I'm not going to end up in court!"

"I'm not talking about poison, Natashenka. I'll make a pass with my hands,"-and the seer really did make a pass with her open palms-"and then clap them… And the job's done, the sin's committed. No court involved."

Natasha didn't say anything.

"Only I won't take that sin on myself," said Darya, crossing herself frenziedly. "I'll help you if you like, but then you'll have to answer to God!"

Evidently taking the silence as consent, she continued:

"The third thing… You'll have a child yourself. I'll help with that too. You'll have a beautiful, clever daughter who'll be a help to you and a joy to your husband. Then all your troubles will be over."

"Are you serious about all this?" Natasha asked in a quiet voice. "You can do all this…"

"I'll tell you how it is," said Darya, standing up. "You say 'yes," and it will all happen. Your husband will come back tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, your rival will miscarry. And I won't take any money from you until you get pregnant. But afterward I will-and I'll take a lot. I tell you that now, I swear by Christ the Lord."

Natasha gave a crooked smile.

"And what if I cheat you and don't bring you the money? After everything's already been done…"

She stopped short. The seer was looking at her sternly, without speaking. With an air of gentle sympathy, like a mother looking at a foolish daughter. "You won't cheat me, Natashenka. Just think for a moment and you'll realize it's not worth trying."