The story revolves around a wealthy widow, Mrs. Trimble, who lives with her niece, Miss Louisa, in a large house on the Hudson River. The narrative focuses on the complex relationships between the ladies and their servants, particularly the lady's maid, Ellen. When Mrs. Trimble becomes ill, Ellen begins to exert a strange influence over her mistress, causing tension among the household staff. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Ellen is hiding secrets about her past and her true intentions for working at the Trimble estate.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1902 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Ghost Story, Mystery · 4 chapters