But he was most concerned as to its true 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.