But it was impossible to recognise the Pidorka of former days.

No blushes, no smiles: she was thin and worn with grief, and had wept her bright eyes away.

Once some one who took pity on her advised her to go to the witch who dwelt in the Bear's ravine, and enjoyed the reputation of being able to cure every disease in the world.

She determined to try that last remedy: and finally persuaded the old woman to come to her.

This was on St.John's Eve, as it chanced.