rue character. Being
hard and nodulated, he feared that it might prove to be of a malignant
type, and his apprehensions were increased by the fact that his patient
had in her constitution a taint of scrofula. There was no apparent
congestion of the veins nor discoloration of the skin around the hard
protuberance, no pulsation, elasticity, fluctuation or soreness, only a
solid lump which the doctor's sensitive touch recognized as the small
section or lobule of a deeply-seated tumor already beginning to press
upon and obstruct the blood vessels in its immediate vicinity. Whether
it were fibrous or albuminous, "benignant" or "malignant," he was not
able in his first diagnosis to determine.

Dr. Hillhouse could not so veil his face as to hide from Mr. Carlton
the doubt and concern that were in his mind.

"Deal with me plainly," said the latter as he stood alone with the
doctor after the examination was over. "I want the exact truth. Don't
conceal anything."

Mr. Carlton's lips trembled.

"Is it a--a tumor?" He got the words out in a low, shaky voice.

"I think so," replied Doctor Hillhouse. He saw the face of Mr. Carlton
blanch instantly.

"It presents," added the doctor, "all the indications of what we call a
fibrous tumor."

"Is it of a malignant type?" asked Mr. Carlton, with suspended breath.

"No; these tumors are harmless in themselves, but their mechanical
pressure on surrounding blood-vessels and tissues renders their removal
necessary."

Mr. Carlton caught his breath with a sigh of relief.

"Is their removal attended with danger?" he asked.

"None," replied Dr. Hillhouse.

"Have you ever taken a tumor from the neck?"

"Yes. I have operated in cases of this kind often."

"Were you always successful?"

"Yes; in every instance."

Mr. Carlton breathed more freely. After a pause, he said, his lips
growing white as he spoke:

"There will have to be an operation in this case?"

"It cannot, I fear, be avoided," replied the doctor.

"There is one comfort," said Mr. Carlton, rallying and speaking in a
more cheerful voice. "The tumor is small and superficial in character.
The knife will not have to go very deep among the veins and arteries."

Doctor Hillhouse did not correct his error.

"How long will it take?" queried the anxious husband, to whom the
thought of cutting down into the tender flesh of his wife was so
painful that it completely unmanned him.

"Not very long," answered the doctor.