heir sheaths as to make its extirpation not
only difficult, but dangerous."

"Will he assist you in the operation?"

"Yes."

Dr. Hillhouse became thoughtful and silent. His countenance wore a
serious, almost troubled aspect.

"Never before," he said, after a long pause, "have I looked forward to
an operation with such a feeling of concern as I look forward to this.
Three or four months ago, when there was only a little sack there, it
could have been removed without risk. But I greatly fear that in its
rapid growth it has become largely attached to the blood-vessels and
the sheaths of nerves, and you know how difficult this will make the
operation, and that the risk will be largely increased. The fact is,
doctor, I am free to say that it would be more agreeable to me if some
other surgeon had the responsibility of this case."

"Dr. Kline would, no doubt, be very ready to take it off of your hands."

"If the family were satisfied, I would cheerfully delegate the work to
him," said Doctor Hillhouse.

"He's a younger man, and his recent brilliant operations have brought
him quite prominently before, the public."

As he spoke Doctor Hillhouse, who was past sixty-five and beginning to
feel the effects of over forty years of earnest professional labor,
lifted his small hand, the texture of which, was as fine as that of a
woman's, and holding it up, looked at it steadily for some moments. It
trembled just a little.

"Not quite so firm as it was twenty years ago," he remarked, with a
slight depression in his voice.

"But the sight is clearer and the skill greater," said Doctor Angier.

"I don't know about the sight." returned Doctor Hillhouse. "I'm afraid
that is no truer than the hand."

"The inner sight, I mean, the perception that comes from long-applied
skill," said Doctor Angier. "That is something in which you have the
advantage of younger men."

Doctor Hillhouse made no reply to this, but sat like one in deep and,
perplexed thought for a considerable time.

"I must see Doctor Kline and go over the case with him more carefully,"
he remarked at length. "I shall then be able to see with more clearness
what is best. The fact that I feel so averse to operating myself comes
almost as a warning; and if no change should occur in my feelings, I
shall, with the consent of the family, transfer the knife to Doctor
Kline."

CHAPTER XVI.

MRS. CARLTON was a favorite in the circle where she moved; and when i