On this particular day, at twelve o'clock, he had to perform an operation of the most delicate nature, involving the life or death of a patient.
He might well feel troubled, for he knew, from signs too well understood, that when twelve o'clock came, and his patient lay helpless and unconscious before him, his hand would not be steady nor his brain, clear.

Healthy food would not restore the natural vigor which stimulation had weakened, for he had no appetite for food.

His stomach turned away from it with loathing.
By this time the throb in his temple had become a stroke of pain.

While still sitting at the breakfast-table Dr.Angier returned from his visit to Mrs.Ridley.

Dr.Hillhouse saw by the expression of his face that he did not bring a good report.
"How is she ?" he asked.
"In a very bad way," replied Dr.Angier.
"New symptoms ?" "Yes." "What ?" "Intense pain, rigors, hurried respiration and pulse up to a hundred and twenty.