The story revolves around the narrator, Dolly, who receives a letter from her old school friend, Bessie Maclean. Bessie and Dolly had been close friends, but their correspondence dwindled after marriage. Bessie, now a mother of six, invites Dolly to stay with her at Poplar Farm while her husband is away. Dolly, who has no children, agrees to visit, despite feeling a bit envious of Bessie's family life. Upon arriving at Poplar Farm, Dolly notices the gloomy atmosphere and the poor health of her godson, Richard. She is concerned about the baby's wet-nurse, Mrs. Graham, who appears mournful and is in deep mourning attire. Dolly suspects that Mrs. Graham's emotional state might be affecting the baby's health. Bessie confides in Dolly about the house being haunted, describing ghostly noises and apparitions that have frightened the household. Dolly, skeptical but curious, decides to investigate the mystery. She learns that several servants have witnessed the ghost, which appears as a figure in white with staring eyes. Dolly's interactions with Mrs. Graham reveal the nurse's personal grief over the loss of her own child and husband. Despite her sympathy for Mrs. Graham, Dolly is determined to address the baby's health issues and the haunting. The narrative explores themes of friendship, marriage, motherhood, and the supernatural, as Dolly navigates her feelings of envy, concern for her godson, and the eerie occurrences at Poplar Farm.
By Florence Marryat · First published 1868 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Supernatural Horror, Domestic Fiction