Just imagine a thief who, on her way to work, detours and pops into someone's house and commits a burglary there. She is caught with the goods. Appears in court. Please sir, I am prepared to return some of these goods only. I was on my way to work when I took the detour and hence that day for me earned me no wages. Hence, I need to return only those goods I took, minus the costs involved in taking them, viz loss of wages and the cost of the detour, adding to my petrol consumption expenses. The judge says, fair enough, you should have not taken those goods but you can keep the TV. No punishment. Nothing. Judge and thief just had a good discussion about all this and thief said, "You have very high standards of behaviour, sir." Judge feels very chuffed and pleased with the thief's behaviour. Go well, sir. Don't forget to tell everyone of my "very high standards of behaviour", will you. Offend no more (or do so with greater care not to be caught). Herein lies the truth of the hidden consultation Sussie had with Malcolm.
