Richard Harrington as Woodcout in the Masterpiece Theatre adaptation of Bleak House

"I am afraid you are tired.  I am sorry to see you sitting in the street."

"Thank you, sir.  It don't matter."

A habit in him of speaking to the poor and of avoiding patronage or condescension or childishness (which is the favourite device, many people deeming it quite a subtlety to talk to them like little spelling books) has put him on good terms with the woman easily.

"Let me look at your forehead," he says, bending down.  "I am a doctor.  Don't be afraid. I wouldn't hurt you for the world."

He knows that by touching her with his skilful and accustomed hand he can soothe her yet more readily.  She makes a slight objection, saying, "It's nothing"; but he has scarcely laid his fingers on the wounded place when she lifts it up to the light.

"Aye! A bad bruise, and the skin sadly broken.  This must be very sore."

"It do ache a little, sir," returns the woman with a started tear upon her cheek.

"Let me try to make it more comfortable.  My handkerchief won't hurt you."

-Allan tends to a wounded pauper, who has been abused by her husband, on the streets of London.