"In Venice,, in the 1400's ,Zaneta and her family, threadbare aristocrats, anticipate an inheritance which will secure their future. When Zaneta encounters a beautiful woman at the bedside of the sick donor, she despairs. Then she recalls the phrase, "the poison is the dose" and acts. When the donor dies and suspicion falls on her son, Zaneta confesses her attempt. Instead of reporting her to the authorities, she is forced to go and live alone in Assisi to expiate her crime there. Zaneta endures bitter disappointments before she is able to fashion a new life for herself. In digressions, two traders discuss historical events" - p. 4 of cover.