Two elderly sisters, Sophia and Amanda Gill, manage an inherited family home, the Ackley mansion, after the death of their aunt. They decide to take in boarders to support themselves, including a schoolteacher from Acton, Miss Louisa Stark. The sisters have differing personalities; Sophia is assertive and practical, while Amanda is more timid and superstitious. The southwest chamber, where Aunt Harriet died, becomes a point of contention, as Amanda fears it may be haunted. As Amanda prepares the room for Miss Stark, she experiences unsettling occurrences, including the mysterious disappearance of a purple gown that belonged to their aunt. Despite her fears, she keeps her experiences to herself, fearing ridicule from Sophia. Miss Stark arrives and begins to unpack, but she too encounters strange phenomena, including her brooch appearing to change into a different piece of jewelry. The boarders discuss the room's history, with the librarian and widow expressing skepticism about ghosts, while the minister, John Dunn, remains respectful of the supernatural. Miss Stark's unease grows, leading her to leave the house abruptly after a night of inexplicable events, including her clothes seemingly being swapped in the closet. The widow, Mrs. Elvira Simmons, moves into the southwest chamber, dismissing the idea of ghosts. However, she soon experiences her own terrifying night, involving a nightcap that seems to strangle her. Despite her initial bravado, she ultimately flees the room, unable to confront the supernatural occurrences. The minister, seeking to dispel the rumors, attempts to sleep in the chamber but is physically barred from entering, leading him to believe in the room's malevolent force. Sophia, determined to face the fear, enters the room but is overwhelmed by dark thoughts and visions of her deceased aunt, leading her to question her own sanity. In a climactic moment, Sophia reveals her transformation to Amanda, who is horrified. The sisters decide to sell the house, recognizing that the legacy of their family and the haunting presence of their aunt cannot coexist with their lives. The story explores themes of fear, the supernatural, and the weight of family history, culminating in the sisters' decision to escape the oppressive legacy of the Ackley mansion.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1900 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Literary Fiction