The narrative unfolds in the early 1820s, centering on a man who lives in a modest house near London with his wife and two young children. Despite their limited income, they enjoy a happy life, though the husband harbors deep-seated infidelity towards religion, a source of tension in their marriage. When financial troubles arise, they decide to take in a lodger to alleviate their debts. Their search for a lodger proves challenging until their daughter encounters a mysterious, overweight man in a yellow waistcoat who offers to pay a generous sum for a room. The family accepts his offer, and the lodger, Mr. Smith, moves in. He is an eccentric figure, rarely seen during the day and exhibiting strange habits, including a peculiar diet and nocturnal wanderings. As time passes, the family's happiness begins to erode. The wife becomes increasingly disturbed by Mr. Smith's presence, sensing a malevolent influence. She experiences a spiritual crisis, struggling with doubts about her faith, which Mr. Smith exploits through insidious conversations that sow seeds of doubt and despair. Tragedy strikes when their daughter falls ill and dies, leading the mother into a deep depression. The husband, consumed by grief and anger, confronts Mr. Smith, blaming him for the child's death. The lodger's mocking demeanor and cryptic remarks only heighten the family's sense of dread. In a desperate attempt to prove that their daughter was buried alive, the father exhumes her body, only to find it lifeless. The horror of this revelation drives him to seek solace in the company of a compassionate stranger who helps him regain his faith and perspective. Ultimately, the lodger's sinister influence is revealed to be a manifestation of the family's own fears and doubts. The couple resolves to leave the house, which has become a site of trauma, and they find peace in their renewed faith and love for one another. The story concludes with a reflection on the enduring power of love and the importance of faith in overcoming despair.
By J. Sheridan Le Fanu · First published 1861 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Mystery · 2 chapters