"Then taking her sisters away so soon...." said Mr. Shawyer tentatively.
Forrester made an angry gesture.
"I did it for the best. She knows that, and it will prove for the best. How in God's name was she going to look after them and provide for them?"
"I know all that, but perhaps if you had left them with her for a little longer...."
Forrester frowned.
"The longer they had been together the harder the parting would have seemed. However, it's done, and I'm not going to undo it. Have you found out anything yet about this story of her father?"
Mr. Shawyer looked away from his client's anxious eyes as he answered.
"I have. Unfortunately, it's true! You remember that deal, five years ago it was, when a syndicate was formed to knock out the smaller manufacturers who would not sell to Heeler's?"
"Yes."