Research source

Ffect--a sad one--forcibly reminded me of the end of all things--death; and the sadness of it harmonised well…

Date of account: Published 1917
Source: Haunted Places in England
Reference: Haunted Places in England · selected passage 36
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

ffect--a sad one--forcibly reminded me of the end of all things--death; and the sadness of it harmonised well with an air of silent expectation that seemed suddenly to have filled the whole house

Published source text

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Source passage

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ffect--a sad one--forcibly reminded me of the end of all things--death; and the sadness of it harmonised well with an air of silent expectation that seemed suddenly to have filled the whole house. My fears grew. I was certain that the oncoming footsteps could only emanate from a phantom of the most startling and terrifying description, and I bitterly repented of my rashness in coming to the house alone. With a supreme effort, I averted my gaze and turned to seek refuge in one mad headlong plunge, should there be no other haven, through a window; but the power to do so was denied me. I was paralysed. The steps came nearer, and now, some distance below me, moving rapidly up the staircase, came something bright. I watched it pass swiftly round one bend, and then another, and at the moment my suspense had reached its limit and I felt I was on the border-line of either death or insanity, it turned the last corner and shot fully into view. The reaction was then so great that I reeled back against the wall and burst out laughing.

Historical context

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Modern context

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