Part One, Chapter Eight Summary

Niel joins his uncle and Mr. Forrester as they speak to Mrs. Forrester about the news from the bank. All the couple now has is the house, Mr. Forrester's pension and whatever money their livestock will bring. The judge explains that Mr. Forrester could have come home with more money, but it would have been at the expense of the people who also had money in the bank. Mr. Forrester indicates that as long as his wife is satisfied, he will not regret his decision.

After Mr. Forrester goes to lie down, Judge Pommeroy explains the situation to Mrs. Forrester. Many of the people who had entrusted their money to the bank had worked for Mrs. Forrester and had done so because they trusted him to treat them fairly. None of the other directors of the bank...