David nodded numbly.
"And, Wilkins," said his master, "you will assist Mr. Prentiss with his bath."
David's nod broke in two.
"I don't want any help," he said.
"But Wilkins——"
"Wilkins or anybody else; I don't want any help with a bath. I know how to take a bath, at least. I don't know how you swells take yours, but I take mine alone; I don't want any one pottering around me, and I won't have it!"
His countenance flushed angrily, and Anthony favored him with an indulgent smile. After all, he was very young.
"As you please, David. Show him to the north bathroom, Wilkins. That is all."
But he tapped Wilkins's shoulder and held him back a moment to add:
"And get his wretched togs, Wilkins. I'll dress him properly to-morrow; but get those rags away from him."