Clare laughed again, in a mirthless way. “How do you know?” she asked.

“Of course I know. Shall I tell you?”

“I think I would rather you didn’t,” said Clare.

“I will tell you,” said the man. “Liberty is one of them.”

“Liberty is a vague word.”

“Liberty for your soul,” said Gerald.

“Herbert objects to my having a soul.”

“Liberty for that beating heart of yours, Clare.”

The woman put both hands to her heart.

“Yes, it beats, and beats.”