The fear is clear on Alice's face, and Lancelot tries to relax his body language -- to ease the tension from himself and keep himself loose and unthreatening -- hands still open so she can see he isn't going to reach for anything.

"All right," he says gently, "no hospital. Can I look, then? I promise I won't hurt you, I just want to help. If you let me help, there's less chance you'll need to go to hospital later. I won't call anyone, I promise. You can take my phone, if you like, to be sure."

He tilts his head questioningly, not willing to take a step until he has permission. If he presses too hard, after all, he's quite sure she'll run. If she runs, he doesn't want to chase her. That would make things worse.