I tried to push away the stool, and the foot moved.

That is all." Aristarchi's jaw dropped a little as he looked up at her.
"Do you say prayers every night ?" he asked in wonder.
"Of course I do.

Do you never say a prayer ?" "No." He was still staring at her.
"That is very wrong," she said, in the earnest tone a mother might use to her little child.

"Some harm will befall us, if you do not say your prayers." A slow smile crossed the ruffian's face as he realised that this evil woman who was ready to commit the most atrocious deeds out of love for him, was still half a child..