It is April. Claire is examining her jewelry collection, many of which are heirlooms from her ancestors. Claire's illustrious lineage makes Astrid feel ill bred and insubstantial. Ron is away again, twice in one month. Astrid tries to assure her that Ron will be back soon. "If you were going to kill yourself, how would you do it?" she asks. Astrid tries to demur, but Claire is persistent. Claire says she'll gas herself, just like going to sleep. Astrid realizes that Claire's like a woman who is going to sleep in snow. She's tired and just wants to surrender. Claire kisses Astrid on the mouth, which confuses her; however, Astrid is willing to let her do anything to her. Claire wishes for a child. She talks about having been pregnant at Yale. After.....
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