human
See, brother! cried Pudma Bye,
gpt
she continued with a scream,
human
Peace, said her brother;
gpt
he cried in a louder tone, and stamping his foot,
human
I hear, she replied doggedly;
gpt
She speaks truly, friend, said the Shastree mildly.
human
It must be done. How do we know she is a priestess?
gpt
Put me to the proof, she said quickly,--
human
Not so, cried the widow;
gpt
I have chosen, lady, said the girl sadly.
human
Take me to the temple now--even now,--and leave me there. A vessel of water is enough, and a woman to watch me at night, if ye will not watch yourselves. I have already eaten, and want no food. I would go to the Mother.
gpt
It is some device, brother, said Pudma suspiciously;
human
It requires a braver heart than a girl's to face the mountain-paths alone at night among the bears and the panthers, sister, and nought but a bird could escape down the precipices. Why these unjust suspicions? Art thou ready, Tara? If so, follow me, and thou too, Shastree; we will settle this matter at once. There is no one now in the Rajah's temple. He has already paid his devotions, and is preparing to meet the Khan. Come, the ordinary priests are there, and there is no fear of her. Come, Tara, fear not. If thou art true, the Mother will defend thee. Dost thou trust her, girl?
gpt
Take me to her, she replied.
human
I have no refuge but with her. I am ready.
gpt
I will come to thee by-and-by, she whispered.
human
It is but a step, and I will watch with thee at night. I have a vow to pay to the Mother. Go with my husband.