The Shadow in the Corner

Book excerpt: The Shadow in the Corner' is a gothic short story, written by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, and first published in 1879. It tells the story of Michael Bascom, a reclusive scientist, who lives in an old mansion called Wildheath Grange. His man servant informs him that they need a girl to help his wife around the house. An orphan girl takes the role, but informs Bascom that she is very uncomfortable with her lodgings. She says she sees a mysterious shadow in her room at night. The house is rumoured to be haunted, but the scientist doesn't believe her, that is, until he experiences it himself. To compliment the republication of this work, a specially commissioned new introductory biography of the author has been added.