Chapter 7, Again Fastolfe (Parts 27-30) Summary

Part 27, Baley and the robots walk to Fastolfe's at dusk. Gladia's field robots also guard Baley, who refuses to admit discomfort at being Outside. Questioning the robots about Jander, he realizes that he cannot draw out useful answers, and does not pursue why, surprisingly, they no longer see Jander after he enters Gladia's service. Greeting Fastolfe, Baley announces that he may have found the key to an answer. In Part 28, Fastolfe registers no reaction as he leads Baley to a private dinner, with no robots present. A visit to the Personal, stripped of illusions and ultra-hygienic, makes Baley rue conditions on Earth to which he must return. The delightful dinner causes the same reaction.

Over dessert, Fastolfe asks about Baley's new optimism, but balks at stating why he gives Jander to Gladia. Baley insists that...