The narrative follows Mr. Benjamin Woolfield, a widower who has spent a year in mourning for his wife, Kesiah, with whom he had an unhappy marriage. Kesiah, a devout Plymouth Sister, often criticized Benjamin for his worldly habits, making him feel like an outcast in his own home. After the mourning period, Benjamin seeks companionship and becomes engaged to Philippa Weston, a lively and intelligent woman. However, Benjamin's plans for a new life are thwarted by the ghost of his late wife, who appears to him with a stern warning that she will prevent him from marrying Philippa. She expresses her intent to haunt him until he breaks off the engagement, leading to a series of comedic and supernatural encounters. Benjamin finds himself in a predicament, as he is unable to escape the persistent presence of Kesiah's spirit, which disrupts his attempts to court Philippa. Despite his affection for Philippa, Benjamin is tormented by the ghostly reminders of his late wife, who appears at inconvenient moments, including during dinner with friends and while he is trying to enjoy time with Philippa. The ghost's cold demeanor and relentless haunting leave Benjamin feeling drained and desperate. In a twist, Philippa reveals that she too is haunted by the ghost of a man named Jehu Post, who was infatuated with her during his life. This shared experience of being haunted brings the couple closer together, and they devise a plan to confront their spectral partners. Philippa encourages Benjamin to defy his late wife's spirit, suggesting that they marry despite the hauntings. The story culminates in a humorous encounter where Philippa and Benjamin, while discussing home decor, discover that their ghosts have formed an unexpected bond. The narrative concludes with a light-hearted revelation that the ghosts have eloped together, freeing Benjamin and Philippa from their spectral burdens and allowing them to pursue their happiness unencumbered. The tale explores themes of love, the afterlife, and the humorous complexities of moving on from the past.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1890 · Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance