DOCTOR HILLHOUSE was in his office one morning when a gentleman
named Carlton, in whose family he had practiced for two or three
years, came in. This was a few weeks before the party at Mr.
Birtwell's.

"Doctor"--there was a troubled look on his visitor's face--"I wish
you would call in to-day and examine a lump on Mrs. Carlton's neck.
It's been coming for two or three months. We thought it only the
swelling of a gland at first, and expected it to go away in a little
while. But in the last few weeks it has grown perceptibly."

"How large is it?" inquired the doctor.

"About the size of a pigeon's egg."

"Indeed! So large?"

"Yes; and I am beginning to feel very much concerned about it."

"Is there any discoloration?"

"No."

"Any soreness or tenderness to the touch?"

"No; but Mrs. Carlton is beginning to feel a sense of tightness and
oppression, as though the lump, whatever it may be, were beginning