Now let us turn to another matter.
We must call a family council and appoint a guardian to protect the interests of the minor children.

Monsieur Conyncks of Bruges is your nearest relative; but he has now become a Belgian.

You ought," continued Pierquin, addressing Balthazar, "to write to him on this matter; you can then find out if he has any intention of settling in France, where he has a fine property.

Perhaps you could persuade him and his daughter to move into French Flanders.

If he refuses, then I must see about making up the council with the other near relatives." "What is the use of an inventory ?" asked Marguerite.
"To put on record the value and the claims of the property, its debts and its assets.