His manner was nervous, verging on to excitement.

In almost any other case he would have said that it was not possible for him to go.

But the exigency and the peculiarly distressing circumstances attending upon this made it next to impossible for him to refuse.
"At twelve o'clock, Mr.Voss, I have a delicate and difficult operation to perform, and I have too short a time now for the preparation I need.
I am sure you can rely fully on my assistant, Doctor Angler." "No, no!" replied Mr.Voss, waving his hand almost impatiently.

"I do not want Doctor Angier.

You must see Mrs.Voss yourself." He was imperative, almost angry.