He then undressed him.

That is to say, by alternate feats of strength, dexterity and cunning, he succeeded in disengaging him from the looser portion of his clothing.
From his shirt and trousers Rickman refused to part, refused with a shake of the head, slow, gentle, and implacable, and with a smile of great sweetness and gravity and wisdom.

He seemed to regard those garments with a peculiar emotion as the symbols of his dignity, and more especially, as the insignia of sobriety.
Spinks sat down and stared at the object of his devotion.

"Poor old chappie," he murmured tenderly.

He was helpless before that slow melancholy shaking of the head, that mysterious and steadfast smile.
He approached tip-toe on deprecating feet.