Moriarty is a well-dressed, tall, thin man in his thirties with a pale face, also a renowned figure in mathematics. He listens politely to Halver's complaints and suggests that Halver write the recommendation letter, letting the committee play the villain if they reject Lucy. He argues that Halver bears no responsibility and maintains goodwill with his student, adding that Christmas is near and everyone needs a good gift. He smiles benevolently, implying that if Lucy fails, the fault lies elsewhere.
