She frowned irritably. "We can afford it."
"That's not the point. There's a reason for the mechanical feeders." He paused, wondering how he could tell her the truth. He blundered on: "They get to love whoever feeds them."
"I can't see—"
"How would you feel about disposing of something that loved you?"
Anne folded her arms and stared at him. "Planning to dispose of any soon?" she asked acidly.
"Honeymoon's off again, eh?"
She turned away. "I'm sorry, Terry. I'll try not to mention it again."
He began unloading the truck, pulling the frightened and squirming doll-things forth one at a time with a snare-pole. They were one-man pets, always frightened of strangers.
"What's the Delmont case, Terry?" Anne asked while he worked.
"Huh?"