Then the witch slept, and Vasilissa could again ask her friend for help. The next day, she and the doll accomplished everything while Baba Yaga was away. And when the witch returned, she could find nothing to complain about. So Baba Yoga summoned her servants to press the poppy seeds and make oil. The three pairs of hands appeared and removed the seeds.

Baba Yaga sat down to eat and then turned to Vasilissa, who stood silently by. “Do you have no tongue?” she snapped. “Why don’t you speak?”

“I dare not,” said the girl. “But if I may, by your leave, I would ask a question.”

“Ask,” said the crone. “But not every question brings good. Those who know too much grow old too soon.”

“I wish only to understand what I have seen,” said Vasilissa. "Coming to your house, I saw three strange horsemen. Whoever could they be?”

“One is my day, so light,” said the witch. “One is my sun, so bright. And the last is my darkest night. All are my servants.”

Vasilissa heard this in silence. She remembered the three strange pairs of hands, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

“Have you no more questions?” inquired the witch.

“That is all,” said the girl. “As you said, grandmother, those who know too much grow old too soon.”

Baba Yaga considered the girl for a moment. “It is well that you ask about what you have seen outside my house and not what you see inside,” she said. “I cannot tolerate a gossip in my home. I eat those who are too inquisitive.

“But now, I have a question for you. How can you do all the things that I have asked you to do?”

“My mother’s blessing helps me,” answered the girl.

“Ah! That’s it!” cried the witch. “Leave, leave now, blessed daughter! I want no blessed person here.”