A second lie. She had lied twice, promptly and without hesitation, in an act of sacrifice.
Hugo provides this interesting juxtaposition in reference to Sister Simplice lying to Javert, covering for Jean Valjean who was hiding in the very room! here her lies (something she had spent her whole life resisting and refusing) are seen as a “sacrifice” because they are done in prusiut of the greater good of preserving the life and future of Jean Valjean. It’s an apt end to both this “book” and to part one of the novel, which if we recall is titled “Fantine”, as all of this unfolded in a way that never would have happened without Fantine.
Madeliene has escaped from prison and provided final instructions for how his possessions are to be disposed of. Fantine has died and is to be buried. Javert is on the hunt, but is clueless as to the whereabouts of Jean Valjean thanks to Sister Simplice and her lies.
“Madeleine” as a character is effectively gone forever. He is once again Jean Valjean, and has left walking in the direction of Paris with a small bundle of his possessions and the simple clothes on his back.
Will he go to take care of Cosette? Will he settle somewhere else? Will he assume a new identity? Will he have to go into hiding?
There are many open questions that the reader is left with. Despite those we do have one very clear end. The story of Fantine has come to a close. We saw the system steal her innocence, her beauty, her hope, and ultimately her life. She experience mercy at the hands of Madeleine, but that could not protect her from the cold and lifeless end that was her fate when Javert so ruthlessly delivered his “justice”.