A Question of Trust Solutions and Questions & Answers

Content Structure

1. About the author – Victor Canning
2. Summary of the story A Question of Trust
3. Word meanings
4. NCERT Solutions
- 4A. Think about it
- 4B. Talk about it
5. Extra Questions and Answers of the poem A Question of Trust
- 5A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- 5B. Fill in the blanks
- 5C. True and false
- 5D. One-sentence questions and answers
- 5E. Short Questions and Answers
- 5F. Long Questions and Answers

1. About the Author – Victor Canning

Victor Canning was a renowned British novelist best known for his mystery, thriller, and crime fiction. He was born on 16 June 1911 in Plymouth, England, and developed an interest in writing from an early age. Over his literary career, he wrote more than 70 novels along with several short stories. His works are known for their suspenseful plots, engaging characters, and unexpected twists. A Question of Trust, included in the CBSE Class 10 English syllabus, is one of his well-known stories that explores themes of trust, deception, and crime. Victor Canning’s skilful storytelling and contribution to detective and adventure fiction earned him a respected place in English literature. He died on 21 February 1986.

2. Summary of the story A Question of Trust

A Question of Trust by Victor Canning is an interesting story about Horace Danby, a fifty-year-old locksmith who was respected by everyone because he appeared to be honest and hardworking. However, he had a secret habit of stealing once every year to buy rare and expensive books, which he loved collecting. Horace always planned his robberies carefully and had never been caught. One day, he decided to rob the safe at Shotover Grange after learning that the owners were away from home. He entered the house through an open window and reached the room where the safe was kept. Since he was an expert locksmith, opening the safe was easy for him. Just as he was about to begin, a young, well-dressed woman entered the room and claimed that she was the owner’s wife. She told Horace that she had forgotten the combination of the safe and requested him to open it for her so that she could take out her jewels. She also promised not to report him to the police if he helped her. Believing that she was telling the truth, Horace trusted her and opened the safe without wearing his gloves. The woman quickly collected the valuable jewels, thanked him politely, and left the house. A few days later, the police arrested Horace because his fingerprints were found on the safe. He tried to explain that the young woman had tricked him and stolen the jewels, but no one believed his story because the real owner of the house had never returned that night. The woman was actually a clever thief who had used Horace to steal the jewels while keeping herself safe. In the end, Horace was sent to prison, while the woman escaped without being caught. The story teaches us that crime never brings success and that even a clever thief can be fooled by someone more intelligent.

3. Word meanings

Word	Meaning
Locksmith	A person who makes or repairs locks
Covertly	Secretly
Burglary	Entering a building illegally to steal
Devised	Planned carefully
Caretaker	A person who looks after a property
Tools	Instruments used for a particular job
Fragrance	A pleasant smell
Sneezing	Forcing air out through the nose suddenly
Convince	To make someone believe something
Combination	A sequence of numbers used to open a lock
Frightened	Afraid
Confessed	Admitted doing something wrong
Statement	A formal account of facts
Cunning	Clever in a dishonest way
Charming	Pleasant and attractive
Assistant Librarian	A person who helps manage a library
Honour	Honesty and fairness
Deception	The act of misleading someone
Outsmart	To defeat someone by being more clever
Respectable Citizen	A person considered honest and responsible
Valuable	Worth a lot of money
Suspicion	A feeling that something is wrong
Trick	To deceive someone
Evidence	Facts or signs that prove something
Guilty	Responsible for a crime or wrongdoing
Prison	A place where criminals are kept
Crime	An illegal act punishable by law
Theft	The act of stealing
Clever	Intelligent and quick-thinking
Opportunity	A suitable chance to do something
Promise	A commitment to do something
Trust	Belief in the honesty of someone
Betrayal	Breaking someone’s trust
Mistake	An action that is wrong or incorrect
Punishment	A penalty given for wrongdoing
Suspense	A feeling of excitement and uncertainty
Robber	A person who steals from others
Escape	To get away from danger or punishment
Victim	A person harmed by another’s actions

4. NCERT Solutions

4A. Think About It

1. Did you begin to suspect, before the end of the story, that the lady was not the person Horace Danby took her to be? If so, at what point did you realise this, and how?
Ans: Yes, it becomes possible to suspect that the lady is not the real owner of the house when she asks Horace to open the safe for her. A genuine owner would normally know the combination number of her own safe or have another way to access it. Her sudden appearance and calm behaviour in front of a burglar also seem unusual. Instead of calling the police, she cleverly persuades Horace to help her. These actions suggest that she may not be who she claims to be. At the end of the story, it is revealed that she is actually a skilled thief who tricks Horace into opening the safe and steals the jewels herself.

2. What are the subtle ways in which the lady manages to deceive Horace Danby into thinking she is the lady of the house? Why doesn’t Horace suspect that something is wrong?
Ans: The lady deceives Horace through her confident manner, elegant appearance, and knowledge of the house. She speaks naturally and behaves as if she truly belongs there. She tells Horace that she has come to collect some jewels for a party and explains that she has forgotten the safe’s combination number. Her story sounds believable and she remains calm throughout the conversation. Horace does not suspect anything because he is already nervous about being caught. He is relieved when the lady does not call the police and offers him a chance to escape. He is so focused on avoiding trouble that he fails to think carefully about her story. As a result, he falls into her trap.

3. “Horace Danby was good and respectable — but not completely honest”. Why do you think this description is apt for Horace? Why can’t he be categorised as a typical thief?
Ans: This description suits Horace because he leads a respectable life in society. He is a successful locksmith, works hard, and is generally considered a decent citizen. He does not steal out of greed or for luxury. Instead, he steals occasionally to satisfy his passion for collecting rare and expensive books. However, he is not completely honest because burglary is a crime, regardless of the reason behind it. Horace cannot be called a typical thief because he is polite, careful, educated, and steals only once a year after detailed planning. Unlike ordinary criminals, he does not enjoy crime itself. Nevertheless, his actions are illegal, and therefore he cannot be considered completely respectable.

4. Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still he faltered. Where did he go wrong and why?
Ans: Horace was extremely careful in planning the burglary. He studied the house, the garden, and the movements of the servants before entering. However, he made a serious mistake when he trusted the young woman without verifying her identity. He removed his gloves and opened the safe for her, leaving his fingerprints behind. He believed her story simply because she appeared confident and respectable. His fear of being handed over to the police clouded his judgment. As a result, he became the victim of a clever trick and was arrested for a crime he did not fully commit. His failure shows that even the best plans can collapse when a person makes poor decisions under pressure.

5. Extra Questions and Answers of the poem A Question of Trust

5A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. How old was Horace Danby?
a) Forty years old
b) Fifty years old
c) Sixty years old
d) Thirty years old

Ans: (b) Fifty years old

2. Which house did Horace plan to rob?
a) Oakwood House
b) Shotover Grange
c) Green Villa
d) River House

Ans: (b) Shotover Grange

3. For how many weeks did Horace study the house?
a) One week
b) Three weeks
c) Two weeks
d) Four weeks

Ans: (c) Two weeks

4. Where were the owners of Shotover Grange?
a) Paris
b) London
c) Delhi
d) Manchester

Ans: (b) London

5. What was the name of the dog in the house?
a) Tommy
b) Bruno
c) Sherry
d) Rocky

Ans: (c) Sherry

6. Where was the key hanging?
a) On a table
b) On a hook near the kitchen door
c) In a drawer
d) Under a mat

Ans: (b) On a hook near the kitchen door

7. Why did Horace wear gloves?
a) To avoid fingerprints
b) To protect his hands
c) Because it was cold
d) To look smart

Ans: (a) To avoid fingerprints

8. What caused Horace to sneeze repeatedly?
a) Dust
b) Cold weather
c) Flower fragrance
d) Smoke

Ans: (c) Flower fragrance

9. What was Horace allergic to?
a) Dust
b) Flowers
c) Milk
d) Perfume

Ans: (b) Flowers

10. What colour dress was the young woman wearing?
a) Blue
b) Green
c) Red
d) White

Ans: (c) Red

11. Who did the woman claim to be?
a) A maid
b) The owner’s wife
c) A neighbour
d) A police officer

Ans: (b) The owner’s wife

12. What mistake did Horace make while opening the safe?
a) He broke the lock
b) He left the door open
c) He removed his gloves
d) He dropped his tools

Ans: (c) He removed his gloves

13. After how many days was Horace arrested?
a) One day
b) Two days
c) Three days
d) Four days

Ans: (c) Three days

14. What did Horace tell the police?
a) He stole the jewels
b) The woman had stolen the jewels
c) He was innocent
d) He had never visited the house

Ans: (b) The woman had stolen the jewels

15. What was the young woman actually?
a) A maid
b) A neighbour
c) A thief
d) A guest

Ans: (c) A thief

16. Assertion (A): Horace Danby was finally arrested because he made one careless mistake.
Reason (R): Horace Danby removed his gloves while opening the safe for the young woman.

a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Ans: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

17. Which of the following statements is NOT true about Horace Danby?
a) He was a successful locksmith.
b) He stole money to buy rare books.
c) He robbed houses every month for money.
d) He planned his robberies very carefully.

Ans: c) He robbed houses every month for money.

18. Which quality of the young woman helped her deceive Horace Danby?
a) Her physical strength
b) Her confidence and cleverness
c) Her wealth and social status
d) Her knowledge of locksmithing

Ans: b) Her confidence and cleverness

19. Choose the correct sequence of events from the story.

Horace opened the safe without wearing gloves.
The police arrested Horace Danby.
The young woman claimed to be the owner’s wife.
The woman escaped with the jewels.

a) 3 → 1 → 4 → 2
b) 1 → 3 → 4 → 2
c) 3 → 4 → 1 → 2
d) 4 → 3 → 1 → 2

Ans: a) 3 → 1 → 4 → 2

20. Which idea is best conveyed by the ending of the story?
a) Intelligence is more important than honesty.
b) Criminals can always escape punishment.
c) Dishonesty and blind trust can lead to serious consequences.
d) Wealth brings happiness and success.

Ans: c) Dishonesty and blind trust can lead to serious consequences.

Fill in the blanks

1. Horace Danby was a successful __________. (locksmith)
2. Horace Danby was about __________ years old. (fifty)
3. The owners of the house were in __________. (London)
4. The two servants had gone to watch a __________. (movie)
5. Horace entered the house through the __________ door. (kitchen)
6. The key was hanging on a __________ near the door. (hook)
7. Horace wore __________ to avoid leaving fingerprints. (gloves)
8. The safe was hidden behind a __________. (painting)
9. The dog in the house was named __________. (Sherry)
10. Horace was allergic to the fragrance of __________. (flowers)
11. A vase full of flowers was kept on a __________. (table)
12. Horace had to cut the __________ alarm. (burglar)
13. The young lady was dressed in __________. (red)
14. She claimed to be the owner’s __________. (wife)

True or False

1. Horace Danby was a doctor by profession. (False)
2. Horace Danby loved collecting rare books. (True)
3. Horace robbed safes every month. (False)
4. The young woman wore a blue dress. (False)
5. The woman claimed to be the owner’s wife. (True)
6. She remembered the combination number of the safe. (False)
7. Horace refused to help the woman open the safe. (False)
8. Horace opened the safe without his gloves. (True)
9. The woman took the jewels from the safe. (True)
10. Horace stole the jewels and escaped successfully. (False)
11. Horace was arrested because of his fingerprints. (True)
12. The police believed Horace’s story about the young woman. (False)
13. The real owner’s wife was a young woman. (False)
14. The young woman was actually a thief. (True)
15. Horace was completely honest in his life. (False)

5D. One-sentence questions and answers

1. Who was Horace Danby?
Ans: Horace Danby was a fifty-year-old locksmith who lived a respectable life but secretly committed one robbery every year to buy rare and expensive books.

2. Why did Horace Danby steal money?
Ans: Horace Danby stole money because he wanted to buy rare and expensive books for his collection, which he could not afford with his honest income.

3. Why did Horace choose Shotover Grange for his next robbery?
Ans: Horace Danby chose Shotover Grange because he knew that the owners were away and the house would remain empty for some time.

4. Why did Horace wear gloves while entering the house?
Ans: Horace Danby wore gloves while entering the house to avoid leaving his fingerprints and being caught by the police.

5. Why did Horace keep sneezing in the house?
Ans: Horace Danby kept sneezing because he was allergic to the strong smell of the flowers kept inside the house.

6. How did the young woman introduce herself?
Ans: The young woman introduced herself as the owner’s wife and asked Horace Danby to open the safe for her.

7. Why did Horace believe the young woman?
Ans: Horace Danby believed the young woman because she appeared confident, well-dressed, and seemed to know everything about the house.

8. What mistake did Horace make while opening the safe?
Ans: Horace Danby made the mistake of removing his gloves while opening the safe, which left his fingerprints on it.

9. Why was Horace arrested?
Ans: The police arrested Horace Danby because they found his fingerprints on the safe at Shotover Grange.

10. What lesson does the story teach?
Ans: The story teaches that crime never pays and that people should not trust strangers without thinking carefully.

11. Why was Horace Danby considered a respectable citizen?
Ans: Horace Danby was considered a respectable citizen because he was a successful locksmith who appeared honest and hardworking.

12. What precautions did Horace take before committing the robbery?
Ans: Horace Danby carefully studied the house, carried the necessary tools, and wore gloves to avoid leaving any fingerprints.

13. Why was Horace interested in the safe at Shotover Grange?
Ans: Horace Danby was interested in the safe because he knew that it contained valuable jewels worth a large amount of money.

14. How did the dog react when it saw Horace?
Ans: The dog wagged its tail in a friendly manner and did not bark or attack Horace Danby.

15. What made Horace feel nervous when he saw the young woman?
Ans: Horace Danby felt nervous because he thought the young woman had caught him during the robbery and would call the police.

16. How did the young woman gain control of the situation?
Ans: The young woman gained control of the situation by acting confidently and convincing Horace Danby to open the safe for her.

17. Why did Horace remove his gloves?
Ans: Horace Danby removed his gloves because he wanted to open the safe more easily and forgot about the risk of leaving fingerprints.

18. Why did the police reject Horace’s explanation?
Ans: The police rejected Horace Danby’s explanation because there was no proof that the young woman existed and his story seemed unbelievable.

19. What was Horace’s greatest weakness?
Ans: Horace Danby’s greatest weakness was his love for rare and expensive books, which led him to commit crimes.

20. What did Horace think about while in prison?
Ans: Horace Danby kept thinking about the clever young woman who had tricked him and escaped with the jewels while he remained in prison.

5E. Short Questions and Answers

1. Who was Horace Danby?
Ans: Horace Danby was a fifty-year-old locksmith who lived a respectable life and ran a successful business. He was unmarried and had two assistants. Although he appeared honest, he secretly committed robberies once a year to satisfy his passion for collecting rare and expensive books.

2. Why did Horace Danby steal money?
Ans: Horace Danby loved collecting rare and valuable books. Since his hobby was very expensive, he stole money by robbing safes once a year. He used the stolen money to buy books through an agent without attracting attention.

3. Why did Horace choose Shotover Grange for his next robbery?
Ans: Horace chose Shotover Grange because he knew that the owners were away in London and the servants would be absent for some time. He carefully studied the house, its surroundings, and the security arrangements for two weeks before planning the burglary.

4. Why did Horace wear gloves while entering the house?
Ans: Horace Danby wore gloves while entering the house to avoid leaving his fingerprints behind. As an experienced thief, he knew that fingerprints could be used by the police as strong evidence to identify and arrest a criminal. Wearing gloves was one of the careful precautions he always took to avoid being caught.

5. Why did Horace keep sneezing in the house?
Ans: Horace Danby kept sneezing because he was allergic to flowers. A vase full of flowers in the drawing room gave off a strong fragrance that irritated his nose and made him sneeze repeatedly while he was trying to open the safe. His sneezing disturbed him and made it more difficult for him to complete the robbery calmly.

6. How did the young woman introduce herself?
Ans: The young woman introduced herself as the owner’s wife and told Horace Danby that she had come to collect some jewels from the safe because she wanted to wear them at a party that night. She spoke calmly and confidently, which made her story sound believable and convinced Horace that she was telling the truth.

7. Why did Horace believe the young woman?
Ans: Horace believed the young woman because she appeared confident, well-dressed, and familiar with the house. He was also relieved that she did not immediately call the police, which made her story seem believable.

8. What mistake did Horace make while opening the safe?
Ans: Horace Danby made the mistake of removing his gloves while opening the safe for the young woman. As a result, he left his fingerprints on the safe, which later became important evidence against him. Although he had planned the robbery carefully, this one careless mistake led to his arrest by the police.

9. Why was Horace arrested?
Ans: Horace was arrested because the police found his fingerprints on the safe at Shotover Grange. Although he claimed that the young woman had stolen the jewels, there was no evidence to support his story.

10. What lesson does the story teach?
Ans: The story teaches that crime never pays and that appearances can be deceptive. It also shows that people should not trust strangers blindly because they may misuse that trust for their own benefit. In the end, Horace Danby’s dishonesty and carelessness caused his downfall, while the clever thief escaped with the jewels.

11. Why was Horace Danby considered a respectable citizen?
Ans: Horace Danby was considered a respectable citizen because he was a successful locksmith with a good business. He lived a quiet life, had two assistants, and was known as an honest and hardworking man. However, he secretly committed burglaries to finance his expensive hobby of collecting rare books.

12. What precautions did Horace take before committing the robbery?
Ans: Horace carefully studied Shotover Grange for two weeks. He observed the movements of the servants, examined the garden paths, and learned about the electric wiring. He carried the necessary tools and wore gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. These precautions showed that he was an experienced and careful thief.

13. Why was Horace interested in the safe at Shotover Grange?
Ans: Horace had learned that the safe at Shotover Grange contained valuable jewels worth thousands of pounds. Since he needed money to buy rare books, he decided to rob the safe after making a detailed plan.

14. How did the dog react when it saw Horace?
Ans: The dog, Sherry, did not bark or attack Horace. Instead, it wagged its tail in a friendly manner. This made Horace feel comfortable and helped him move around the house without attracting attention.

15. What made Horace feel nervous when he saw the young woman?
Ans: Horace was shocked and frightened because he thought he had been caught during the burglary. He feared that the woman would call the police and get him arrested. This fear prevented him from thinking clearly.

5F. Long Questions and Answers

1. Describe Horace Danby’s character.
Ans: Horace Danby was a respectable and intelligent man who worked as a locksmith. He was unmarried, hardworking, and successful in his profession. However, he had a weakness for collecting rare and expensive books. To support this costly hobby, he secretly robbed safes once a year. Horace was a careful planner. Before attempting a burglary, he studied every detail of the target house. He always wore gloves and took precautions to avoid getting caught. Despite his intelligence, he was not completely honest because he chose crime to satisfy his desires. Horace was also trusting and somewhat overconfident. When he met the young woman at Shotover Grange, he believed her story without questioning it. This mistake led to his arrest. Thus, Horace was a mixture of good qualities and flaws, making him a complex and interesting character.

2. How did the young woman deceive Horace Danby?
Ans: The young woman was a clever and cunning thief who successfully deceived Horace Danby. She appeared at Shotover Grange while Horace was opening the safe. Dressed elegantly and speaking confidently, she claimed to be the owner’s wife. She told Horace that she needed some jewels from the safe for a party but had forgotten the combination number. She also assured him that she would not call the police if he helped her. Horace believed her story because she seemed calm and convincing. Trusting her completely, Horace removed his gloves and opened the safe. The woman immediately took the jewels and left. Later, Horace was arrested because his fingerprints were found on the safe. The police did not believe his story because the real owner’s wife was a sixty-year-old woman. The young woman escaped with the jewels, proving that she was a more clever thief than Horace.

3. Why is the title A Question of Trust appropriate?
Ans: The title A Question of Trust is highly appropriate because the entire story revolves around trust and deception. Horace Danby, despite being a thief, trusted the young woman who claimed to be the owner’s wife. He believed her story and agreed to help her open the safe. The young woman cleverly used Horace’s trust to achieve her goal. She pretended to be someone she was not and manipulated him into opening the safe for her. As a result, she stole the jewels while Horace was left to face the consequences. The story also questions the idea of “honour among thieves.” Horace expected honesty from the woman, but she betrayed him. Therefore, the title perfectly reflects the central theme of trust, betrayal, and the dangers of believing people without verifying the truth.

4. How did Horace Danby’s careful planning fail?
Ans: Horace Danby was known for his careful planning. Before robbing Shotover Grange, he spent two weeks studying the house, the garden, and the movements of the servants. He carried the necessary tools and wore gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. However, his plan failed because he did not expect to meet the young woman. When she claimed to be the owner’s wife, Horace became nervous and trusted her without questioning her identity. He removed his gloves while opening the safe, leaving fingerprints behind. This single mistake ruined all his careful preparations. The police later found the fingerprints and arrested him. Thus, despite detailed planning, Horace failed because he trusted the wrong person and allowed fear and overconfidence to cloud his judgment.

5. What is the main message of the story?
Ans: The main message of A Question of Trust is that crime never pays and dishonesty eventually leads to trouble. Horace Danby believed that he could commit thefts without being caught, but his actions finally resulted in his arrest. The story also highlights that appearances can be deceptive. The young woman seemed respectable and trustworthy, but she was actually a clever thief. Horace trusted her and suffered the consequences. Another important message is that trust should be given carefully. Blind trust can lead to betrayal and disappointment. Through Horace’s experience, the author teaches readers the importance of honesty, responsibility, and good judgment in life.

6. Describe the events that led to Horace Danby’s arrest.
Ans: Horace Danby carefully planned to rob the safe at Shotover Grange. He entered the house when the owners were away and the servants had gone out. While opening the safe, he was interrupted by a young woman who claimed to be the owner’s wife. The woman told Horace that she needed the jewels from the safe for a party and had forgotten the combination number. She promised not to inform the police if he helped her. Trusting her story, Horace opened the safe without wearing his gloves. The woman took the jewels and left. A few days later, the police arrested Horace because his fingerprints were found on the safe. When he explained that the young woman had stolen the jewels, nobody believed him. The real owner’s wife was much older than the woman he described. As a result, Horace was convicted and sent to prison.

7. Why can the young woman be called a clever thief?
Ans: The young woman can be called a clever thief because she successfully deceived an experienced burglar. She appeared at the right moment and quickly understood Horace’s situation. Instead of showing fear, she remained calm and confident. She pretended to be the owner’s wife and invented a convincing story about needing the jewels for a party. She also claimed that she had forgotten the safe’s combination number. Knowing that Horace was afraid of being arrested, she used his fear to manipulate him. Horace trusted her and opened the safe for her. She then took all the jewels and disappeared. Since Horace’s fingerprints were left on the safe, the police blamed him for the crime. Her intelligence, confidence, and ability to deceive others make her a clever thief.

8. Compare Horace Danby and the young woman.
Ans: Horace Danby and the young woman are both thieves, but they differ in many ways. Horace is a respectable locksmith who steals only to support his hobby of collecting rare books. He carefully plans his robberies and believes himself to be intelligent and cautious. The young woman, however, is far more cunning and quick-thinking. She does not rely on detailed planning. Instead, she uses her intelligence and acting skills to manipulate people. She easily fools Horace and escapes with the jewels. While Horace is trusting and somewhat naïve, the young woman is clever and deceptive. Horace becomes the victim of his own trust, whereas the woman successfully benefits from her dishonesty. Their comparison shows that the young woman is a more skilled criminal than Horace.

9. How does the story highlight the dangers of blind trust?
Ans: The story highlights the dangers of blind trust through Horace Danby’s experience. Horace meets a young woman who claims to be the owner’s wife. Without checking her identity or questioning her story, he believes everything she says. His trust is based entirely on her appearance and confident behaviour. As a result, he agrees to open the safe for her. The woman then steals the jewels and leaves Horace to face the consequences. Because of his blind trust, Horace is arrested and sent to prison. The story teaches that people should think carefully before trusting others. Appearances can be deceptive, and blind trust can lead to serious problems.

10. What role does irony play in the story?
Ans: Irony plays an important role in A Question of Trust. Horace Danby is an experienced thief who believes that he can outsmart everyone. However, he himself becomes the victim of a more clever thief. Another example of irony is that Horace takes great care to avoid leaving fingerprints, yet he removes his gloves and leaves fingerprints on the safe. These fingerprints later lead to his arrest. The story also contains irony in the idea of “honour among thieves.” Horace expects honesty from the young woman because she appears trustworthy. Instead, she deceives him and escapes with the jewels. These ironic situations make the story interesting and emphasize its message that crime and dishonesty often lead to unexpected consequences.