The governess, her sister, and staff all speak of a young, native woman of sizable proportion who seems to visit periodically. They relate that she never gives a name, but seems to have a vast knowledge of the old ways and tends the children's hurts in a gentle manner, often entreating them to a dessert she calls 'trifle' during her visits, leaving allowances under their pillows as they sleep, and making sizable donations to the governess.
The governess recounts that often the woman seems pained as much as gladdened by her visits, but remains otherwise tight-lipped on the matter. The waif Sergei seems to know her.