In a remote Cornish district, an elderly woman lives alone in a modest cottage. Known as Aunt Joanna, she is a strict Wesleyan, disapproving of dances and social gatherings. Her grand-niece, Rose, defies her by attending a dance, leading to a permanent rift between them. After Rose marries a local tradesman, communication ceases, and Aunt Joanna remains resolute in her disdain for her family. As Aunt Joanna ages, her neighbors express concern for her well-being, suggesting she hire help. However, she stubbornly refuses, believing she can manage on her own. One day, she is found dead in her cottage, having passed away alone. The local farmers, Jabez and Elizabeth Hockin, discover her body and decide to take inventory of her possessions to prevent theft. To their surprise, they find valuable items, including silverware and money, hidden away. The Hockins, believing they are honoring Aunt Joanna's wishes, decide to cover her funeral expenses, despite her estrangement from her family. They conduct a lavish funeral, garnering praise from the community for their generosity. However, after the funeral, the Hockins experience strange occurrences at night. They hear the sound of coins rolling and counting, leading them to believe Aunt Joanna's spirit is restless. Terrified, they decide to return her possessions to her grave, hoping to appease her spirit. On a stormy night, they sneak into the churchyard and leave Aunt Joanna's items on her grave. As they watch, they witness her ghostly hands emerging from the grave, retrieving the items they had placed there. The spirit seems to be reclaiming her belongings, and in a bizarre twist, she throws coins back at the Hockins, who collect them in fear. The story explores themes of pride, family estrangement, and the consequences of one's actions. Aunt Joanna's strictness and refusal to reconcile with her family lead to her isolation in life and her haunting presence after death. The Hockins, while initially appearing generous, are ultimately driven by self-interest and fear, revealing the complexities of human nature in the face of death and legacy.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1892 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Literary Fiction, Folklore