Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 32 The Allure of Journalism

Mr. Dunn had no teaching position and knew nothing about literature; he was able to serve as the dean of studies at the Sorbonne for many years simply because his name contained the character "De".

However, since nobles are no longer favored, he has to be mindful of the dean's wishes—especially given the powerful influence of Dean Henry Patan.

After receiving Lionel's manuscript, he hurried to the journal editor's office at the Sorbonne.

At this time, the Sorbonne University was responsible for editing and publishing three important academic journals: the monthly "Bulletin of the Faculty of Arts", the annual "Sorbonne Faculty of Arts Yearbook", and the quarterly "Review of Public Education".

This is an important stronghold for the Sorbonne to maintain its academic reputation, and therefore it is also a place where many talented people gather.

Edited by Gaston Boischer, a Latin scholar and member of the French Academy, the editorial board members who participated in the review included Émile Eger, a classical linguist and Greek expert, Paul Jannet, a famous philosopher and professor of ethics, and of course, Hippolyte Taine.

When Dunn arrived at the office, the main editorial board members, including Gaston Boischer, were there, discussing which works should be published in the March issue of the Academy Bulletin.

In the Sorbonne’s twelve-issue annual “College Bulletin”, the March issue is the most eye-catching.

Because of the Sorbonne's tradition of holding a "poetry gathering" on the last weekend before Easter, the March issue of the Faculty of Arts Bulletin was purchased not only by scholars, university students, and literature enthusiasts, but also by nobles and wealthy merchants who liked to receive invitations to the "poetry gathering" and enjoyed the affectation of culture.

Everyone wants to see what level the young talents of the Sorbonne who are attending the "Poetry Festival" this year are at, and also to have some topics to talk about at the "Poetry Festival".

If they encounter young people who appreciate their work, these generous patrons are willing to spend thousands of francs to publish their poetry collections or donate a substantial sum to the Sorbonne.

Therefore, the March issue of the "College of Literature Bulletin" focuses not only on the literary quality of the works, but also takes into account the tastes of the readers and requires special discussion; and usually needs to be supplemented, otherwise it cannot accommodate all the works.

Gaston Boischer frowned when he saw Dunn enter. He didn't like this aristocratic bureaucrat, but he still had to be polite: "Good morning, Mr. Dunn. What brings you to the editorial office?"

Dunn is the dean of academic affairs, whose work is unrelated to the journals published by the college, and this is indeed the first time he has appeared here.

Dunn dared not display any aristocratic arrogance in front of these professors. He took out Lionel's manuscript and said cautiously, "This is a novel to be submitted to the academic journal. I hope it can be published in the March issue."

Several editors laughed, and Paul Jannet said sarcastically, "When did our office mailbox end up on the registrar's office door? I don't think I received any notification about it."

Emil Egger also retorted sarcastically, "Mr. Dunn, when will you start teaching students in the Faculty of Arts? I'll definitely apply to audit your classes."

Having spent over a decade in the academy, Du En was well aware of the professors' harshness, so his expression remained unchanged, and his tone remained the same: "I'm so sorry, I didn't make myself clear just now."

"It's the dean. The dean hopes this draft can appear in the March issue of the 'Bulletin'—of course, if its quality is really not good, please give me your suggestions for revision, and I will urge the student to revise it."

This statement made the editors stop mocking.

They initially thought that Provost Dunn had lost his mind and felt he could interfere with the editing of the school newspaper, but they didn't expect it to be the dean, Professor Henry Patan's, idea.

Gaston Boischer, being more experienced, knew that there must be something fishy about Henry Patan's refusal to come forward personally. So he asked Dunn to leave the manuscript behind, saying he would read it with others and then discuss it.

Dunn bowed to Gaston Boischer in thanks, left the manuscript, and departed.

As the editorial office door closed, Gaston Boischer, under the curious gazes of the others, picked up the manuscript before him and unconsciously read out the title and author's name: "The Old Guard, Lionel Sorel, second-year student in the Faculty of Arts." Hearing this name, the others didn't immediately recognize him, but Professor Hippolyte Taine slammed his fist on the table: "So it was him? It really was him!"

The loud thud and Professor Tainer's excited reaction startled everyone, leaving them wondering why he was reacting so strongly.

Professor Hippolyte Tainer gritted his teeth and said, "Henry specifically asked me about his situation before, and I have already stated my position—Lionel Sorel is a pretentious, despicable, and self-aggrandizing scoundrel!"

His work must never be included in the *Bulletin*! We absolutely cannot allow the work of such a person to tarnish the sacred academic halls of the Sorbonne because of a small amount of sponsorship!

Now the other editors were even more confused.

Are words like "ostentatious," "despicable," "damaging others' reputations to elevate oneself," and "petty person" appropriate to describe a student who is only in his early twenties?

Gaston Boischer quickly reassured his old colleague: "Dear Hippolyte, we haven't made a decision yet, there's no need to get so agitated."

Then, after careful recollection, he realized that he had never heard of any scandal involving Lionel Sorel, a student at the Sorbonne. In his memory, apart from being poor, Lionel was just an ordinary student at the Sorbonne.

Emil Egger asked curiously, "What exactly did this student named Lionel do?"

Hipolit Tainer turned his head away haughtily, unwilling to offer any further explanation.

Paul Jannet, however, pondered for a long time, then suddenly exclaimed in realization, "So that's how it is..."

Seeing that everyone's attention was focused on him, Paul Jannet gave an awkward smile: "I'm reminded of an anecdote I recently heard at Mrs. Freier's salon, which seems to have something to do with Lionel..."

Seeing the gossip gleam in everyone's eyes, Paul Jannet turned to Hippolyte Tainer and asked, "Hippolyte, may I say something?"

Hippolyte Tainer knew that without an explanation, he would not be able to convince the public; however, it would be too undignified for him, as the person involved, to say certain things, so he could only nod helplessly.

Paul Jannet was then relieved and began to state his thoughts in a calm, objective tone, devoid of any sarcasm: "Recently, the salons in Paris have been talking about a student at the Sorbonne named Lionel who talked back to a professor who had reprimanded him..."

Gaston Boischer looked at him, then at Tainer, somewhat puzzled: "Just talking back? It doesn't seem that serious, does it?"

Hippolyte Taine snorted, while Paul Jannet sighed and added some more "details": "...Mrs. Freire said that the professor couldn't bear the humiliation and jumped up to slap Lionel twice..."

The others: "...!?" We didn't expect Taina to have such a bad temper, it's terrifying!
Paul Jannet didn't finish his "details": "Lionel then jumped up and flew into the air, kicking the professor twice..."

Others: "...!!??" We never imagined Taina was in such good shape! So enviable!
Paul Jannet added fuel to the fire: "...the students cheered. The old professor even took a week off because of it..."

Hipolit Tainer, finally unable to bear the strange looks from his colleagues, roared, "I took leave because I had a cold! A cold! A cold! That bastard Lionel, he was the one who was late that day!"

This is revenge! It's spreading rumors! We absolutely cannot let someone like him appear in the official report!

(End of this chapter)