Oscar Wilde

The Canterville Ghost Oscar Wilde

Despite warnings that Canterville Chase houses a fearsome ghost, Mr. Hiram B. Otis, an American minister, buys the estate, located near Ascot, England. On a lovely July evening, Mr. Otis; his wife, Mrs. Otis; their son, Washington; their teenaged daughter, Virginia; and their twin boys, "The Stars and Stripes," move into their new home, Canterville Chase. As their wagonette nears the estate, the sky darkens and it begins to rain.

As they pull up to the mansion, they are greeted by the housekeeper, Mrs. Umney, who serves them tea in the library. Mrs. Otis notices a bloodstain on the floor and insists that it be removed, but Mrs. Umney objects, explaining that it is Lady Eleanore de Canterville's blood. She was murdered in that exact spot by her husband, Sir Simon de Canterville, in 1575. She tells them that Sir Simon went on to become the Canterville ghost, and the bloodstain is of interest to tourists and cannot be removed. Washington scoffs at the notion and removes the bloodstain. Suddenly, there is a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder and Mrs. Umney faints. When she recovers, she warns the family that trouble is on the way. The Otises dismiss her concerns.