That night, when Quadrato was off doing something by himself, Nino apologised for raising old ghosts, but said he felt it his duty to tell Gino something and that Gino must not get angry about it. This was his father’s woman and the youngest child was his stepbrother.
Gino was speechless. His heart leapt into his mouth. He closed his eyes and tried to control the violent emotion that threatened to overwhelm him. Several minutes passed. He realised that Nino was still close by and was now talking to Quadrato, but he was incapable of registering what they were saying. Picking up the second oil lamp, he lit it with some difficulty and began walking towards the house. He heard Quadrato ask where he was going, and Nino respond that he should leave him be. Inside the house he threw himself onto
