During the day they should guard the priestess, because, having taken human form, she might some day tire of this particular temple.

At night she would be well guarded by the lion.
Several awestricken women came forward with bowls of cooked rice and fruits and a new copper drinking vessel.

These they reverently placed at Kathlyn's feet.
Gradually the spirit which had comforted Kathlyn withdrew, and at length Kathlyn became keenly alive.

It entered her mind clearly that these poor foolish people really believed her a celestial being, and so long as they laid no hand upon her she was not alarmed.

She had recently passed through too many terrors to be disturbed by a bit of kindness, even if stirred into being by a religious fanaticism.
Kathlyn ate.
By pairs the villagers departed, and soon none remained save her self-appointed guardians, the two holy men.