"Come in," I cried, and Ceci entered. In the state in which I was in, I had half a mind to bid him begone there and then, and only controlled myself with an effort. I could see however that, in his way, he had formed a friendly feeling towards me, and remembering my plans, forced myself to greet him with civility, and offering him a seat began the conversation.
"That was a strange finish to the Gonfaloniere's speech," I said, in allusion to the death of the man at the hands of the mob.
Ceci hesitated for a moment, and I saw he was lying when he said "No."
"I gather," I added, "that you are of the Bigi, the party that favours the return of the Medici."
"Signore, I spoke words in my excitement that may well be buried. An old tongue like mine should have known to be still; but it is not that I have come to speak of. Do you know we have a death in the house?"
"True," he said, stroking his white beard, "they die here like rats in their holes."
"I suppose so; but as a matter of fact I did know there was a death, and a very sad one. I know Mathew Corte, but how have you found out so soon?"
"It is simple. I came back but a few minutes ago, and although it was late, thought I might call for the rent of the room Corte occupies, as he has not paid anything as yet. When I came in, Corte simply pointed to the body of his daughter, that was all the reply I got. She was very ill when she came; I wonder indeed she lived so long. Of course I did not press him, and if it is a loss, Messer Nobili is rich enough to bear this. But it is dreadful the way these people owe."
I winced a little, thinking of my own diminished purse, and Ceci continued: "I thought I would come and see you as I went down. It is on my way. The body must be removed to-morrow."
"You will find some difficulty in persuading him to give it a Christian burial."
"How! Is he a heretic, or a pagan--if so!"
"I did not say that. I believe the man to be mad."
"I will see him to-morrow," said Ceci. "I think he will yield to reason. Poor child! She might have been saved."
"Yes, when they first came, I begged Corte to let me call the Doctor Maffeo. He would not however listen to the idea. Then I told him what to do, being a family man, who has had children to look after. All gone into the world now, and never even a message for Bernabo Ceci."