Is Hardy’s ending intended to be calming (that is, good comes from evil) or a bitter commentary on injustice? (if so, sympathetic treatment of the mourners unlikely)

Good question. I believe that Tess was always a tormented soul. She was rarely truly happy. She was happy when she and Angel were courting. She found love for the first time. It turned out to be a false love- one that was not unconditional.

In a sense, I guess she was finally free at the end. Alec as gone and Angel had finally come to his senses, although a bit too late. Some might find this calming. Not sure about Hardy.