Bartolomeo Moratini was still at the Palazzo Orsi, so, seizing my opportunity, I took him by the arm and walked with him to the statue gallery, where we could talk in peace.
'What do you think of all this?' I said.
He shook his head.
'It is the beginning of the end. Of course it is clear to all of us that the assassination was ordered by the Count; he will persuade nobody of his innocence by his pretended concern. All the town is whispering his name.
'Having made a first attempt and failed, he will not hesitate to make a second, for if he could forgive the injury which he has received from Checco, he can never forgive the injury which he himself has done him. And next time he will not fail.'
'I am terribly concerned,' I said. 'You know the great affection I have for both the Orsi.'
He stopped and warmly shook my hand.
'I cannot let Checco throw away his life in this way,' I said.
'What can be done?'
'Only one thing, and you suggested it.... Girolamo must be killed.'