'I am sorry for his sake, but—I am.'
'So are we all, absolutely. And what do you intend to do now?'
'What can I do? Nothing!'
'The answer is not nothing. You have something to do.'
'And that is?'
'To kill Girolamo before he has time to kill you.'
Checco started to his feet.
'They have been talking to you—Matteo and Filippo. It is they who have put this in your head. I knew it would be suggested again.'
'Nothing has given me the idea but the irresistible force of circumstances.'
'Never! I will never consent to that.'