Claudia has put her house in order, and everything she's not taking with her for herself and her two younger children, Penelope and young Nick, she has put in moth crystals and tucked away in cedar closets. The furniture is all covered with dust clothes, the drapes are pulled and the refrigerator is disconnected. Their trunks have been shipped ahead by train, and they are looking forward to spending time in Washington with Nicky for six weeks, or two months, or however long he is to remain in the United States. Right now, Claudia is in the garden talking to her father, saying her goodbyes.