The
palazzo Giustinian Giustiniani had been chosen from all the princely
homes of Venice as best fitted, from its magnificence, to be offered as
a residence to Henry the Third of France, when that monarch had deigned
to honor the Republic by accepting its prodigal hospitality. In the
banquet halls, which had been prepared with lavish luxury for his
reception, the few years that had passed had but mellowed the elaborate
carvings and frescoes, while the costly hangings--of crimson velvet with
bullion fringes, of azure silk embroidered with fleurs-de-lis, of
brocades interwoven with threads of gold--had gained in grace of fold
and fusion of tints.
If there were no halls of equal splendor in the palace which had been
prepared for Marcantonio and his bride, it displayed in all its
appointments an elegance and fitness which the stately Lady Laura was
eager to exhibit to the critical appreciation of the fastidious upper
circle of Venice.
Marina had had no share in its decorations, and when consulted before
her marriage had expressed but one wish.
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