The narrative unfolds in a historical house by the sea, Finster St. Mabyn's, where a family seeks recovery from illness. Initially unaware of its haunted reputation, they are drawn to its charm and history. Upon moving in, they experience strange occurrences, particularly involving a shadow that seems to manifest in the gallery, causing cold sensations and eerie feelings. The youngest child, Dormer, first senses the presence, describing a shadow with human-like features that appears to "feel" around a locked door. As the family explores the house, they dismiss the oddities as mere imagination, but the experiences intensify, leading to shared encounters with the chilling shadow. The family decides to keep the haunting a secret, especially from their mother, who is still recovering from illness. However, the shadow's influence seems to affect the children, particularly Dormer and later Sophy, who also experiences a frightful encounter in the hall. The siblings confide in each other, and the eldest sister, Leila, begins to suspect that the haunting may be linked to the old tapestry they acquired from a local dealer. As the story progresses, the family learns that the tapestry may conceal a hidden door, leading to a deeper mystery involving the house's past. They discover that the tapestry belonged to a family with a haunted history, and the ghost appears to be tied to a tragic event involving a gambling ancestor who died under mysterious circumstances. The narrative culminates in a quest to uncover the truth behind the haunting. The family consults local experts and eventually traces the tapestry back to its origins, revealing a connection to a long-lost ring and the ghost's desire for resolution. The haunting ceases after the ring is returned to its rightful place, allowing the spirit to find peace. Ultimately, the family reflects on their experiences, feeling a mix of pride and relief at having confronted the supernatural, while the shadow in the moonlight becomes a tale of mystery, history, and resolution.
By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1895 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 4 chapters