AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
Mr Herriot handles Mrs Pumphrey gently yet firmly in two key instances:
First, when Tricki is dangerously ill, he doesn't bluntly criticize her indulgence. Instead, he "tried to sound severe" and calmly insisted on hospitalisation despite her wailing, firmly saying it was "the only way to save him." He acted decisively for Tricki's welfare without humiliating her.
Second, on Tricki's return, he reassures the anxious Mrs Pumphrey — "Yes, he's fine. There's no need for you to get out" — sparing her distress while quietly returning all unused beds, bowls and coats, letting the truth of his treatment speak for itself.
Source: A Triumph of Surgery, Chapter 1
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The question asks for two specific incidents and to link each to both tact AND medical judgment — that's the key balance. Examiners want you to show Herriot is not just kind but professionally responsible. Avoid retelling the whole story; pick the two incidents sharply and name the exact quality shown in each. Three marks = two incidents + a brief overall point or connecting phrase.