Explore "Rienzi" by Edward Bulwer-lytton on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
The kindly skill of Nina induced Irene to believe that it was but the / tender consideration of her brother to change a scene embittered by her / own thoughts, and in which the notoriety of her engagement with Adrian / exposed her to all that could mortify and embarrass, that led to the / proposition of her visit to Florence. Its suddenness was ascribed to the / occasion of an unexpected mission to Florence, (for a loan of arms and / money,) which thus gave her a safe and honoured escort. -- Passively she / submitted to what she herself deemed a relief; and it was agreed that / she should for a while be the guest of a relation of Nina's, who was the / abbess of one of the wealthiest of the Florentine convents: the idea of / monastic seclusion was welcome to the bruised heart and wearied spirit.
But though not apprised of the immediate peril of Rienzi, it was with / deep sadness and gloomy forebodings that she returned his embrace and / parting blessing; and when at length alone in her litter, and beyond the / gates of Rome, she repented a departure to which the chance of danger / gave the appearance of desertion.