He had attempted to drive the nuns out of the market by underselling them, and now it appeared that they, too, were prepared to face a loss.

It was obvious that their losses must be great, much greater than Mr.Quinn's.
Rumours were rife of large loans raised by the Mother Superior, of mortgages on the factory buildings and the machinery.

These stories brought very little consolation, for, as Hyacinth knew, Mr.Quinn was very nearly at the end of his resources.

He refused to borrow.
'When I am forced to close up,' he said, 'I shall do so with a clear balance-sheet.

I have no wish for bankruptcy.' 'I should like,' said Hyacinth vindictively, 'to see the Reverend Mother reduced to paying a shilling in the pound.' 'I am afraid,' said Mr.Quinn, 'you won't see that.