The narrative follows Professor Austin Gilroy, a materialistic physiologist, who becomes embroiled in a series of unsettling events after attending a gathering hosted by his colleague, Professor Wilson. At this gathering, he meets Miss Helen Penclosa, a clairvoyant from Trinidad, who demonstrates her abilities by hypnotizing Agatha Marden, Gilroy's fiancée. This experience unsettles Gilroy, who is skeptical of the supernatural and prefers to focus on empirical science. After the gathering, Gilroy receives a note from Penclosa, suggesting that Agatha would call on him the next morning to suspend their engagement. To his shock, this occurs, leading Gilroy to reconsider his views on hypnotism and suggestion. He becomes increasingly fascinated by Penclosa's powers, despite his initial disdain for her methods. As Gilroy continues to engage with Penclosa, he finds himself drawn into a web of obsession and manipulation. He experiences a series of hypnotic sessions, during which he becomes aware of a growing attachment to Penclosa, despite his engagement to Agatha. This internal conflict intensifies as he grapples with feelings of desire and revulsion towards Penclosa, who he perceives as a parasitic force in his life. The situation escalates when Gilroy realizes that Penclosa's influence over him is not merely psychological but extends to physical control, leading him to act against his will. He becomes increasingly paranoid about her intentions and the potential harm she could inflict on Agatha. Despite his attempts to distance himself from Penclosa, he finds himself unable to escape her grasp. As the narrative progresses, Gilroy's mental state deteriorates. He faces humiliation at the university due to his erratic behavior, which he attributes to Penclosa's influence. His colleagues begin to question his sanity, and he fears losing his position and reputation. The tension culminates in a confrontation between Gilroy and Penclosa, where he threatens her, asserting his desire to break free from her control. In a desperate attempt to protect Agatha, Gilroy resolves to confront Penclosa once and for all. However, upon arriving at her residence, he learns that she has died, leaving him to grapple with the consequences of their tumultuous relationship and the lingering effects of her influence on his life. The story concludes with Gilroy reflecting on the nature of obsession, control, and the fine line between science and the supernatural, leaving readers to ponder the implications of his experiences.
By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1894 · Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller, Mystery · 4 chapters