Raymond sat hunched beside the chauffeur who was a trifle nervous. But the chauffeur hid his agitation because John Gardner paid well and had been known to discharge chauffeurs who displeased him and leave them standing on street corners without jobs. Gardner ordered him to turn and go back home. As they rode, Raymond stared straight ahead, a pleasant light glowing in his blue eyes.
When the car stopped under the portico, Gardner said, "Get out and open the door, Raymond."
The robot said, "Yes, master," and obeyed instantly.
The chauffeur, shouldered aside by the robot, looked worried. Gardner noted this and enjoyed adding to the man's discomfort: "Maybe they build one that can drive a car. In that case I won't be needing you much longer."
Inside, the robot gently lifted Gardner's coat from his shoulders, hung it in the closet, then returned to Gardner's side. "Have you any further wishes, Master?"
Aladdin's genie come true, Gardner thought, and amused himself for a few minutes putting the robot through a series of grotesque duties. Amazing! Perhaps he would get one of these units for himself also.
Then he turned his mind to Dolores. She was no doubt still in her room. But this new toy would make her forget their quarrel all right. He visualized her laughing interest. He could already see her clapping her hands like the child she was and rushing into his arms.
Gardner turned to the robot. "Raymond, go up the stairs and knock on the first door to your right. It is your mistress' room. Tell her I'm waiting. Bring her to me."
The robot nodded and Gardner thought a look of adoration glowed in its eyes. It said, "Yes Master," and moved toward the stairs.
Gardner sat down. He smiled to himself, anticipating the reunion. It wasn't every wife whose husband could go out and buy her a thirty-thousand-dollar toy.