The narrative follows Jim Sulivan, a well-meaning but unlucky man, who marries the beautiful yet tempestuous Nell Gorman. Their marriage is fraught with conflict, primarily due to Nell's fiery temper, which often results in physical altercations. One evening, after a particularly heated argument, Jim leaves home, only to learn from a servant that his uncle is dying. He rushes to his uncle's side, but upon arrival, he finds his uncle recovering, leading to a prolonged stay due to heavy snowfall. Meanwhile, Nell grows increasingly anxious about Jim's absence, fearing he has met with misfortune. In her distress, she orders a search for him, which results in the discovery of a dead traveler who resembles Jim. Mistaken for her husband, the traveler is buried, and Nell soon remarries Andy Curtis, believing Jim to be dead. When Jim finally returns home after the snow melts, he finds his house locked and learns from Nell that she has moved on. In a drunken state, he attempts to force his way in, leading to a series of misunderstandings where Nell and her new husband believe Jim's spirit is haunting them. They summon a priest to lay the ghost, resulting in comedic chaos when Jim, still alive, inadvertently interrupts the ceremony. The priest, mistaking Jim for a ghost, panics and flees, while the situation is clarified, leading to Jim's re-marriage to Nell. The story concludes with a humorous twist, highlighting themes of love, misunderstanding, and the absurdity of life, all set against a backdrop of rural Irish culture.
By J. Sheridan Le Fanu · First published 1868 · Genre: Fiction, Comedy, Folklore