Class 10 English - BIHAR
Supplementary: A Question of Trust
Supplementary chapter A Question of Trust by Victor Canning tells the story of Horace Danby, a meticulous thief who robs only once a year to buy rare books. His plans go awry when he encounters a clever young woman posing as the mistress of the house, who tricks him into opening a safe without wearing gloves, leaving his fingerprints everywhere. For Bihar BSEB Class 10 students, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension and narrative understanding. Board exams frequently feature questions about character sketches of Horace and the mysterious lady, exploring the ironic twist that even a smart planner can be outsmarted.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Horace Danby's Character
Horace is fifty years old, unmarried, and generally respectable, but secretly a professional thief who uses his lock-making skills to fund his expensive hobby of collecting rare, costly books.
The Irony of Trust
The central theme highlights that there is no honor among thieves; Horace trusts the young woman believing she is the homeowner, only to be betrayed and arrested because he failed to wear gloves.
The Clever Young Woman
A charming, confident woman dressed in red who outsmarts Horace by pretending to be the owner of Shotover Grange, convincing him to break open the safe for her.
The Climax and Arrest
Horace leaves his fingerprints all over the room while opening the safe for the woman, leading to his eventual arrest two days later when police find his prints at the crime scene.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar (BSEB) Class 10 English examinations, supplementary chapters like A Question of Trust typically carry around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include short answer questions (SAQs) testing plot details and long answer questions (LAQs) focusing on character analysis or the ironic twist at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Horace Danby steal only once a year?
Horace steals only once a year because he wants enough money to buy rare and expensive books that he loves to collect, and he plans his thefts carefully to last for twelve months.
Who was the young woman in red?
The young woman was not the owner of the house as Horace believed, but another clever thief who used Horace to open the safe for her.
Why did Horace Danby get arrested?
Horace got arrested because he took off his gloves to open the safe for the young woman, leaving his fingerprints all over the room, which the police easily matched.
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