I'd been on my own for a while since my divorce, with an occasional visit from a cleaning lady. But, I thought, I could really do with more help around the house - and the garden. I'm a freeance engineer and work from home, and there are days when things are so hectic that I forget to eat - not good when you have to have your wits about you. After one particulary busy week I found myself exhausted, sitting on my sofa watching some drivel or other on the computer when an ad flashed up on the screen offering second-hand domestic bots at low prices. Still probably too dear for me, I muttered, but made a note of the web address anyway. The day was quiet, so I treated myself to a glass of wine and an airfried cheese and tomato sandwich and ... why not check on the bot offer? It turned out the actual shop was only a couple of miles away from my house - so off I went. I was right about the prices. The salesman noticed my disappointment. "I've got one who's been sitting here for ages. GM model. Gardening Bot Male. Might do for all your chores with a few adjustments." He called the GM, dusted him off, and then said - "Take him with you and see if he'll do." So GM and I went home. He proved an excellent cook. He'd been with me about three days before he said much. Came into the study and just stood there, waiting. "Any problems?" I asked. "I've run out of work, sir." "All done? Garden, Car, house etc?" "Everything clean, polished, tidy. Just lunch to prepare later." "Well, take a break." "I have plenty of time to rest at night, sir, when I wish to." "Is there anything you'd like, perhaps an upgrade or a bit of software?" He thought for a minute. "Perhaps I might go look in the shop, sir. I can drive and have the required documents." "Very well. See what you can find." He half bowed, then left. He'll probably get something very practical, I said to myself. I dropped off and didn't hear him get back. After a while I woke to the sound of a guitar. and every now and again a slightly metallic voice singing a popular Spanish song. Wonders will never cease.