The right, however, is there while he still lives, and must be taken into consideration in any sale of the property.
All property is sold subject to the "retraite"; in plain English, no sale is completed for six weeks, and within that time every member of the seller's family, in due order of succession, even to the collateral branches, has the right to take over, or withdraw, the property at the same price as has been agreed upon, paying in addition to the Seigneur the trezieme or thirteenth part of the price, as by law provided.
If Grannie's scheme were carried out, therefore, she and Mrs.Hamon would become owners of the farm.

Tom would be there on sufferance and might be kept within bounds or kicked out.

Old Tom would have something more to throw into the holes at Port Gorey.

And Nance and Bernel could be adequately provided for.

An excellent scheme, therefore, for all concerned--except young Tom, who would have to behave himself better than he was in the habit of doing or suffer the consequences.
"Yes," said Nancy.