It flashed on high, and as it gleamed the torches were extinguished.

Then came the dull echo of a blow and a sound of groans, and all was still, till once more the brides broke out into their marriage song, a strange chant and a wild and sweet, though after what I had seen and heard it had little power to move me.
They sang on in the darkness ever more loudly, till presently a single torch was lit at the end of the chamber, then another and another, though I could not see who lit them, and the room was a flare of light.
Now the altar, the victim, and the priests were all gone, there was no one left in the place except myself and the four brides.

They were tall and lovely women all of them, clad in white bridal robes starred over with gems and flowers, and wearing on their brows the emblems of the four goddesses, but Otomie was the stateliest and most beautiful of the four, and seemed in truth a goddess.

One by one they drew near to me, smiling and sighing, and kneeling before me kissed my hand, saying: 'I have been chosen to be your wife for a space, Tezcat, happy maid that I am.

May the good gods grant that I become pleasing to your sight, so that you may love me as I worship you.' Then she who had spoken would draw back again out of earshot, and the next would take her place.
Last of all came Otomie.