The golden gondola

the long version

Carnival in Venice. Life was a gay charade for the exiled, disinherited Sir Harvey Drake, but it was a serious matter for Paolina, finding herself an orphan and alone in the world after a shipwreck off the coast of Italy. Reluctantly, she agreed to Sir Harvey's plan to sell the jewels he had salvaged, outfit themselves finely, and make a rich marriage for her. The Duke of Ferrara did not have marriage in mind, and Sir Harvey had to teach him a lesson. Then on to Venice where Paolina at last found an acceptable suitor. The duke, bent on revenge, was in hot pursuit, and not even the gaiety of Carnival time or the prospect of a life of luxury could quell Paolina's fears for the safety of her fellow-adventurer.