To answer this question, let's go through each option to understand why it is correct or incorrect:
Option A) Distortion - This option is incorrect because "distortion" does not fit the context of the sentence. The sentence suggests that the person had little hope of something, and "distortion" does not convey that meaning.
Option B) Reprieve - This option is correct because "reprieve" means a temporary relief or postponement of a punishment or obligation. In the context of the sentence, the person had little hope of a reprieve, indicating that they did not expect a temporary relief or postponement.
Option C) Waddle - This option is incorrect because "waddle" refers to a particular way of walking, typically associated with a side-to-side motion, and it does not fit the context of the sentence.
Option D) Exoneration - This option is incorrect because "exoneration" means the act of absolving or clearing someone from blame or guilt. While it is possible that the person had little hope of exoneration, it does not fit the context of the sentence as well as the correct option.
The correct answer is B) Reprieve. This option is correct because it aligns with the context of the sentence, where the person expresses little hope of a temporary relief or postponement.