Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 401 Farewell and Welcome! (Thanks to the seasoned Alliance Leader from back in the day)

(Seeking votes at the beginning of the month!)

The news that Lionel Sorel refused to go to the United States and chose to return to Paris to stand trial shocked the entire Parisian society.

Whether they were his friends or enemies, supporters or critics, almost everyone found it unbelievable.

Based on their understanding and past experience, the most reasonable and intelligent thing for a writer to do when he is in exile is to settle down abroad—especially in England, which always loves to laugh at France—just like Victor Hugo did back then.

Then, they continued their struggle using their pens and public opinion, patiently waiting for a shift in the domestic political climate.

Waiting for the Jules Ferry government to collapse due to its disastrous colonial wars and a series of scandals;

Waiting for a relatively moderate republican like Leon Gambetta to come to power...

At that time, under new political pressure, the Palace of Justice will naturally quietly withdraw those inappropriate indictments or arrest warrants.

This is a tacit understanding most commonly seen on the Parisian political stage, a dignified "soft landing".

However, Lionel chose a completely different path.

Instead of waiting, he took the initiative to embark on his journey home, heading straight for the courtroom where he was about to be tried.

This is tantamount to "walking into a trap," and in the eyes of many, it is not only reckless but even foolish.

At the salon, someone exclaimed in shock: "Has he gone mad? Doesn't he know the weight of the charge of 'inciting military disobedience'?"

Others also started discussing it.

Everyone knows that behind this indictment lies not only Jules Ferry's crumbling cabinet, but also the face of the military!
Jules Ferry is now in dire straits himself and certainly wouldn't dare to make any further moves, but what about the generals?
They've lost face in Tunisia and Tokyo and are seething with anger. Who can guarantee they won't use this opportunity to retaliate against Lionel?

Public opinion is effective for the government, but it has little effect on the military—they don't rely on votes to get to their positions!

Similar concerns permeated the salons, cafes, and parliament corridors of Paris.

The military leadership has remained ambiguous about Lionel's remarks.

Even so, Lionel still chose to return.

Once the initial shock subsided, a stronger, more complex emotion began to surge in the hearts of the Parisians, quickly transforming into a boiling public opinion.

People suddenly realized that Lionel's choice stripped away all political calculations and literary shrewdness.

Instead of hiding abroad and mocking his political enemies as many had expected, he bravely returned to face the accusations head-on.

He will defend himself and his beliefs in court.

This shows that despite the injustice he suffered, he remained a patriot at heart and still believed in French law.

—At least I believe that legal procedures themselves should be respected and followed!

This interpretation, combined with his previous work helping the underprivileged in London slums, elevates Lionel's image to a new level.

He was no longer just a talented writer and an anti-colonial fighter, but also a patriot who put his beliefs into practice.

On the street, someone shouted excitedly:

"He believes in France!"

"He's back! He'd rather face trial than not come back!"

"We must support him! We can't let a brave man face this alone!"

Such calls are growing louder among the public.

The public sentiment, which had been suppressed by colonial failures and government scandals, seemed to have found an outlet.

A powerful wave quickly formed in Paris and throughout France.

……

On the morning of August 31, 1881, Charing Cross Station in London was shrouded in a gray fog.

The platform was packed with a dense crowd.

British police fulfilled their "duty" by sending several plainclothes officers to "accompany" Lionel to ensure he boarded the train to the port and left British territory.

However, they were almost completely overwhelmed by the crowds of people seeing them off.

Reporters from almost all of London's major media outlets were present, cameras were set up, and flashbulbs were going off as they recorded this historic moment.

But more numerous than the reporters were ordinary Londoners who spontaneously came to see him off, especially those from the lower classes who had previously received Lionel's help. The old man who had asked Lionel to write a letter to his son serving in the Indian army held Lionel's hand tightly, choking back tears and unable to speak.

Tom, the young apprentice who had just gotten engaged, arrived with his fiancée and placed a bouquet of flowers, still wet with dew, into Lionel's arms.

Sean Omara, accompanied by several Whitechapel workers, expressed their support in a gruff voice and repeatedly told Lionel to take care.

There were even a few young-looking, ragged newsboys who squeezed into the crowd, shouting, "Goodbye, Mr. Bond!"

They may not understand the complexities of politics, but they remember that when this kind gentleman was in London, newspapers sold exceptionally well.

As Lionel looked at these simple faces and listened to their sincere words, the calm he had maintained was finally broken.

He said a few words briefly, thanking them for their kindness and wishing them all the best.

There were no impassioned speeches, no complaints against the British government, only the simplest farewells between people.

The train whistle blared, urging passengers to board.

At the police's signal, Lionel waved one last time to the crowd seeing him off, then turned and stepped into the train carriage.

The train slowly started moving, leaving the London fog and hustle and bustle behind.

------

A few hours later, Lionel and his party arrived at Dover Port in England; the scene at the dock was exactly the same as that at the train station.

Many French expatriates living in Britain gathered here, waving tricolor flags, singing "La Marseillaise," and calling out Lionel's name in their mother tongue.

For them, Lionel's choice was not only an act of personal courage, but also a manifestation of French national integrity.

His return seemed to bring a touch of glory to those who were wandering overseas.

Long live France!

"Sorel, you're awesome!"

"We are with you!"

Amidst the enthusiastic farewells of his compatriots and the encirclement of British police, Lionel boarded the ferry bound for the other side of the Channel.

The ship's horn sounded again, and the ship cut through the blue-gray waves, heading towards France.

The voyage was destined for Jersey, and the British police were only ordered to get Lionel there.

They will then watch Lionel board the ferry to Calais, France, and their mission will be complete.

Let the French handle the rest of the trouble!
And when the ship docked in Jersey, a breathtaking scene unfolded—

On the dock, an even grander welcoming crowd awaited them—

Not only were there island residents, but also countless ordinary people, students, intellectuals who had come all the way from mainland France, as well as Parisian journalists who had heard the news.

They held up signs that read:

"Welcome home, Sorel!"

Truth will prevail!

"France awaits her son!"

Cheers, applause, and slogans surged like a tidal wave, almost drowning out the sound of the crashing waves.

"Lionel! Lionel!"

“Come back to Paris with us!”

"We'll go to court with you!"

The crowd was in high spirits, and many faces beamed with excitement at participating in history.

Looking at the dense crowd on the dock, Lionel knew he was no longer alone.

Just then, an elderly man pushed through the crowd and stood before him: "Mr. Sorel, welcome back! The Saint-Michel is at your service!"

(October summary will be posted tomorrow)

(End of this chapter)