Mason said, “ I don’t know where Moar got the money. I do know that he wasn’t Belle’s father, and I do know that Belle believed he won it in a lottery.”
“Who’s taking care of your fees?” Hungerford asked abruptly.
“Mrs. Moar will,” Mason said. “I haven’t discussed fees with her as yet.”
Hungerford said, “Look here, Mr. Mason. I want to help.”
“Why?”
“Because I care for Belle — a lot more than I ever realized.”
“You’re not hypnotizing yourself into believing you care for her because she’s in a jam, are you?” Mason asked.
Hungerford said, “Mason, I don’t know as I’d ever have known exactly how I felt toward Belle if it hadn’t been for what has happened, I’ve known lots of girls. I suppose I’m considered a good matrimonial catch. The girls themselves have been pretty decent. But mothers have dangled their daughters in front of my eyes until I feel that I’ve seen them all. Belle is different. I’ve met lots of girls who were flippant and full of wisecracks. It’s the attitude they cultivate, for the purpose of appearing modern. Belle’s different. She’s naturally buoyant. She’s eager to live. She wants to wade right out and meet life halfway.”
“Go ahead,” Mason told him, “you’re doing fine.”
Hungerford stared steadily at Mason. “I want to marry her.”