A shower brought her fully back to life, ready to go out and explore. She chose clothes that were elegant but functional, being particularly careful about the shoes.

‘The stones of Venice are the hardest in the world,’ Antonio had groaned. ‘If you’re going to walk-and you have to walk because there are no cars-don’t wear high heels.’

To placate his nagging ghost she selected a pair that were flat and efficient and that looked good with hip-hugging winered trousers and a white blouse. Her glorious hair was swept back and fixed so that it hung down her back. Then she stood before the mirror to regard herself critically.

Neat, slightly severe, nothing that would hog attention. Good.

Having breakfast in her room would be too dull, so she went down to the restaurant to confront the banquet there.

It was one of the pleasures of her life that she could eat whatever she liked without putting on weight. Now she enjoyed herself to the full, then went to the information desk to collect some leaflets about the city. Serious business could wait while she had some fun. The young man behind the counter asked politely if she had any special reason to come to Venice.

‘I’m interested in glass,’ she said casually. ‘I believe there are several glass factories here.’

‘They are on the island of Murano, just across the water. Murano glass is the very finest in the world.’

‘So I’ve heard. I believe there’s one called Larezzo that’s supposed to be the best of all.’

‘Some say it is, some say that Perroni is the best. They’re about equal. If you’re interested in seeing a glass works there’s a tour going to Larezzo today.’

‘Thank you, I should like to join it.’

An hour later a large motor boat drew up by the hotel landing stage and she boarded it, along with five others. Ten tourists were already there, and the driver proclaimed that they had now made the last stop, and could head for Murano.