The narrative follows a young girl who arrives at a mysterious estate, Applewale House, to serve as a companion to the elderly and eccentric Dame Crowl. The girl, initially frightened and homesick, is introduced to the peculiarities of her new environment, including the strict and somewhat harsh demeanor of her aunt, the housekeeper, and the jolly but stingy maid, Mrs. Wyvern. As she settles in, the girl learns about the enigmatic Dame Crowl, who is rumored to be haunted and possibly malevolent. The old lady's past is shrouded in mystery, particularly concerning the disappearance of her stepson, a boy who vanished under suspicious circumstances. The girl hears unsettling tales about Dame Crowl, including whispers of her being possessed and having a dark history. One night, driven by curiosity, the girl peeks into Dame Crowl's chamber and is horrified to see the old woman in a grotesque state, dressed in finery but with a terrifying appearance. This encounter leaves her shaken, and she confides in Mrs. Wyvern, who reveals more about the old lady's past, including the tragic fate of the missing boy. As time passes, Dame Crowl's health declines, leading to erratic behavior and fits. The girl witnesses the old woman's disturbing episodes, which include frantic cries and strange movements. Eventually, Dame Crowl dies, and the girl is relieved, believing she will return home. However, her experiences at Applewale House are far from over. On the night before the arrival of Squire Chevenix Crowl, the old lady's grandson, the girl has a terrifying vision of Dame Crowl's ghost, which leads her to discover a hidden door in the house. This door, long forgotten, is believed to hold secrets related to the old lady's past and the fate of the missing boy. When Squire Crowl arrives, he is intrigued by the girl's account of her experiences and the hidden door. Together, they investigate the recess where the girl saw the ghost, leading to the discovery of a concealed space containing remnants of a child's clothing and belongings. This revelation suggests a dark truth about the old lady's involvement in the boy's disappearance. The story concludes with the girl leaving Applewale House, forever marked by her experiences. The narrative intertwines themes of fear, mystery, and the supernatural, exploring the consequences of hidden secrets and the haunting legacy of the past. The girl’s journey reflects her transition from innocence to a deeper understanding of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.
By J. Sheridan Le Fanu · First published 1875 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Mystery