Freluchon, witnessing the happiness of his friends, declares that he shall end by following their example, but he is in no hurry. Père Ledrux is still employed as gardener by the two new households, although he still carries on a somewhat dangerous traffic, by slandering their hens; but they forgive him in consideration of his tutu—turlututu.
Chamoureau, having abandoned the name of Belleville, continued to expect his wife, who did not return to him.
After six months he learned that she had been killed at London, riding in a steeple chase. Thereupon he put on mourning and went to see Freluchon, to whom he imparted the news, with tears in his eyes.
“What! you idiot! you weep for that woman!” said Freluchon.
“Ah! my friend, I assure you that she had some good qualities.”
“Hold your tongue, for heaven’s sake! don’t imitate the idiocy or dishonesty of those people, who, as soon as a person is dead, give her credit for virtues that she never had in her lifetime! For my part, when a villain leaves this world, I content myself with saying: ‘There are enough left behind!’”
“And Monsieur Duronceray and Edmond Didier—are they still happy?”
“How can they help it? they both have sweet, pretty, loving wives! Ah! if I could find one like them!”
“And the famous Ami, their big dog?”
“He is growing old peacefully among them; when he dies, I give you leave to weep for him; for he is a pattern of loyalty, devotion and attachment!—Find all those qualities in your friends!”