Chapter Twelve
The death of the Doge plunged Venice into an elaborate display of mourning and a funeral so spectacular that vast crowds, including hundreds of foreigners, gathered to witness it. It was as if the whole city were draped in black velvets and brocades. Then, almost instantly, everybody began preparing for the coronation of the new Doge. The city seemed to light up again in the glitter and gleam of rich tapestries thrown over balconies, many in cloth of gold. New masks were bought for the celebrations, sumptuous clothes ordered, and palatial salons made ready for banquets and balls.
Marietta had enough of her father’s Venetian blood in her veins to be swept along by the excitement of the festivities and she marveled at the splendor of the procession when the new Doge arrived
