NCERT · Class 10 · English · Footprints Without Feet: A Question of TrustWho was the young lady in red, and how did she trick Horace Danby?

The young lady in red was actually another thief, much cleverer and more cunning than Horace Danby. She encountered Horace at Shotover Grange and pretended to be the wife of the owner of the house. She spoke with great confidence, authority, and ease, which completely deceived Horace. She claimed that she had come to get her jewels for a party but had forgotten the safe's combination. She offered to let Horace go without calling the police if he opened the safe for her. Horace, terrified of going to prison, readily agreed and opened the safe without wearing his gloves, leaving his fingerprints behind.