
This etext was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net>
BOOK 2. - IX. IN VERONA X. THE POPE'S MOUTH XI. LAURA PIAVENI XII. THE BRONZE BUTTERFLY XIII. THE PLOT OF THE SIGNOR ANTONIO - CHAPTER IX - IN VERONA
'VITTORIA.'
'SEI SOSPETTA.' - CHAPTER XII - THE BRONZE BUTTERFLY
'AMALIA.'
A young English officer serving in the Austrian army finds his thoughts haunted by a desperate letter from a former lover back home. As he rides through the ripe September countryside toward Verona, the missive pulls him between the comforts of past affection and the harsh demands of his military duty. The narrative captures his inner turmoil, the weight of loyalty, and the lingering hope that a secret meeting in Milan might still alter his path.
Set against the imposing walls and bustling cafés of Verona, the story introduces a vivid cast of soldiers, officers, and locals whose lives intersect amid the rising tide of Italian nationalism. The city’s ancient arena and the looming fortifications create a backdrop where personal loyalties clash with the broader struggle for freedom. As the lieutenant navigates orders, friendships, and whispered conspiracies, listeners are drawn into a world where love, honor, and political upheaval collide, promising a tense and emotionally charged first act.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (128K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2003-09-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1828–1909
A sharp, witty Victorian voice, this English novelist and poet is best known for brilliant dialogue, psychological insight, and a style that rewards close reading. His work helped push the English novel toward greater complexity, with books like The Egoist and poems such as Modern Love still drawing attention today.
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