"Are you going?" asked Arthur.
Francine replied with downcast eyes: "Can I leave my brother?"
"Then I too will go," Arthur exclaimed, "I too will begin to take life seriously, if you will aid me."
After the Vicomte de Talizac was buried, the Marquis disappeared and was no more heard of. Magdalena committed suicide. Bobichel married Caillette, whom he adored as much as he adored Fanfar. Françoise and Labarre neither of them lived long. Cyprien continued to act as spy for the French government. And La Roulante was assassinated in a drunken frolic.
This was the story of Fanfar, which we have completed, for Fanfar's modesty was too great to allow him to say what we have said for him.
The party all went to Algeria, intending thence to start for America, but finally decided to remain where French activity finds such a wide field. They lived contented and happy, forgotten and forgetting.
"And I am truly thankful," said Fanfar, in conclusion, extending his hand to Monte-Cristo, "that I have been permitted to utilize my former talents for your benefit."
Monte-Cristo lingered a week or more that Esperance might recover from his fatigue of both body and mind, but the day finally came when the caravan started for France.
"Monsieur Fanfar," said the Count, "are we never to meet again?"