Question

How is Horace Danby cheated by the lady in the story 'A Question of Trust'?

Hint:

When explaining how a character was cheated, describe the sequence of manipulative actions. The key elements here are the lady's convincing impersonation and her clever trick of making Horace leave his fingerprints.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for a description of the methods used by the young lady to deceive and cheat Horace Danby during the robbery.
Step 2: Detailing the Deception:
The lady, who was also a thief, masterfully outwitted Horace.

Posing as the Owner: She appeared confident and dressed elegantly, convincingly pretending to be the mistress of the house.

Gaining Trust: She created a plausible story about having forgotten the combination to the safe and needing to get her jewels for a party.

Manipulation: She charmed Horace and played on his perceived 'honour', making him believe he was helping the lady of the house. She persuaded him to open the safe for her.

The Final Trick: Crucially, she ensured he opened the safe without his gloves, leaving his fingerprints all over it. She then took the jewels and left, leaving Horace to be framed for the theft.


Step 3: Composing the Answer (Model Response):
Horace Danby is cleverly cheated by a young lady who is also a thief. She confidently poses as the lady of the house, complaining that she has forgotten the safe's combination. Winning his trust with her charm and convincing story, she persuades Horace to open the safe for her. He foolishly does so without his gloves, leaving his fingerprints behind. She then escapes with the jewels, leaving him as the sole suspect for the police to arrest.