One night, the Governess discovers a weird little scene-Flora has snuck out of bed and is gazing out the window at someone on the lawn, who, in turn, is looking up at someone else on top of the tower. The question of the children's innocence is still pressing. Alarmingly, the next sighting is inside the house the Governess sees Quint on a staircase, then a few days later, sees Jessel in the same place. What disturbs her the most is the possibility that Flora saw the ghost-but actively deceived her new teacher. The Governess is certain that this evil presence is that of Miss Jessel, her predecessor. She's sure that the child also sees the ghost but pretends not to. Another ghost appears one day as the Governess watches over Flora. This isn't the end of their troubles, though. The Governess and the housekeeper make a pact to save the children from the ghost's evil influence. Grose figure out that the mysterious figure is Peter Quint, a former servant of the children's uncle. The Governess is shocked by his return, and even more alarmed by the idea that he's not there for her-he's there for someone else. A few days later, the same stranger reappears just outside the dining room window, eerily looking in. Grose denies that anything is wrong with Miles when the boy himself arrives, his incredible beauty and charm convince the Governess that she was crazy to think that he could do any wrong.Įverything seems great for a little while, until the Governess sees a strange and menacing male figure on one of the castle's towers one evening. The Governess wonders what the boy could possibly have done to receive such a verdict. We're not told why, but the school's headmaster sternly states that Miles will never be allowed back.
Things are complicated when the Governess receives word that Miles, the older child, has been expelled from his school. Flora is an exceptionally beautiful and all-around wonderful child- too wonderful, perhaps. Grose, a kindly housekeeper, and Flora, the younger of the children. The Governess sets out for Bly, with only the instruction that she is never to contact the uncle. (The narrator is a little snide, though.)Ĭhapter One begins the proper "story." A nameless, young governess (our narrator) is hired by a dashing, rich, and rather odd man to be a governess for his niece and nephew who live at a country estate called Bly. The houseguests are all intrigued and excited-as are we, the readers.
One of the members of the party, Douglas, promises rather woefully to provide a chilling, real-life tale once a manuscript containing it arrives. The story opens with a framing device-we find ourselves at a holiday party, where ghost stories are being told.
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