Charles Charles Dickens
Published: 2021-01-17
Total Pages: 47
Get eBook
In the first volume of the story, we're introduced to John, the narrator, and his sister Patty, who go to live in the house that's the subject of the tale. The house is ''a solitary house, standing in a sadly neglected garden,'' described as stiff, cold, and formal. It is known to be haunted; in particular, bells ring without provocation and one of the siblings' servants observes ''Eyes'' at the residence. The siblings decide to release all their servants (save Bottles, a deaf stableman) and live in the house by themselves. Patty has an idea to invite seven friends to the house to ''form a Society here for three months'' and observe the ghostly happenings around the home. Indeed, in November, friends begin arriving at the house and draw straws to see who gets what room. From these visitors, we get the remaining volumes in ''The Haunted House.'' Each visitor promises to keep any supernatural occurrences to themselves until the Twelfth Night, ''the last night of holy Christmas,'' when they plan to gather and share their stories.