Free Renni the Rescuer by Felix Salten Page B

Vladimir grinned, “Was it no good again?” He and Kolya weresurprised and gratified to hear that things had gone so well. They were lavish in petting Renni and congratulating George.
    But Sascha spoke gravely to Renni. “Yes, yes. You are a fine dog indeed.” Then he turned to George. “I beg you will excuse me from now on. I have something better to do than lie around in the woods all day.”
    At home they celebrated the event with a tea party to which the elder Safonoffs were invited. Only Manya and Sascha were absent. Father Safonoff wore an old-fashioned Prince Albert with the splendid, many-coloured rosette of some order shining in his lapel. He treated Bettina with elaborate politeness in which there was a very little, barely noticeable condescension. Mother Safonoff examined her carefully through her lorgnette and was distinctly cool. To Renni, the hero of the day, she said a few nice words, but she did not touch him when he came up to her.
    â€œI never touch animals with my bare hand,” she declared. “I wish my children would take an example from me.”
    Old Vassili was not strictly bound by this notable example. He ventured to tap Renni with the fingertips of his left hand in order to ward off his over-friendliness. “Now, now, that is all right. Go on, now.” Then he pulled out his handkerchief and carefully wiped the tips of his fingers, looking the while at his wife, who smiled indulgently.
    â€œI knew all the time, son,” said Mother Marie, “that your patience would do it.”
    â€œAnd Renni’s smartness,” added George, beaming with happiness.
    â€œBettina deserves more credit than anyone else,” said Vladimir, and then he asked, grinning broadly, “Why are you blushing, Bettina?”
    She did not answer.
    * * *
    Ludmilla could scarcely wait until Bettina had gone. “Who is that impossible person? I simply cannot stand her.”
    In the embarrassed silence Tanya said, “Why?”
    â€œBecause she tries to use her charms on people, the shameless thing.”
    Vladimir grinned. “But, Mamitschka  . . . ”
    That was as far as he got. His father broke in. “I sincerely hope you are not presuming to contradict your mother.”
    It was said solemnly, with a slight threat in the tone. Vladimir stammered something unintelligible, lowered his head and fell silent. Mother Safonoff looked around with a smile of triumph. But Mother Marie proposed to show her how tactless she had been.
    She said, very decidedly, “Bettina would not be my guest if I had any occasion to think her designing or bold. You are mistaken, dear lady, very much mistaken. She is a modest and well-behaved young girl who is looking for work, and I’m thinking of giving her work in my house.”
    â€œAh, a servant.” Ludmilla’s laugh was painful and betrayed her vexation over the lesson she had received.
    â€œCall it what you please.” Mother Marie was smiling now. “A servant, if you wish. Here in our country allgood people are equal, and there is nothing dishonourable or undignified about being a servant.”
    â€œWe are no longer in Russia, Millie,” came Vassili’s booming, gloomy organ tones.
    She sighed deeply. “Alas, alas!”

Chapter X
    R ENNI’S EDUCATION WAS MAKING swift progress now. The next time he went out he located two of the brothers, Mitya and Vladimir, and later on, all three, Kolya, Mitya and Vladimir. (Sascha was not again to be lured into this child-play, so beneath his dignity.) Again and again Renni went through the strange experience of finding his friends lying sick and helpless, and of having them recover with astonishing speed as soon as he brought George along to help. At times he got soconfused he didn’t know what to do when he came on Mitya or Vladimir motionless and suffering. He would just lie down by them, stretch out and whimper. They would