The Turn Of Screw

THE TURN OF THE SCREW

In an old house on a Christmas Eve, the subject of ghosts is brought up. A man named Douglas tells of his sister's governess, who had reported seeing apparitions some yearsago; in fact, she had recorded her experience in a manuscript that he promises to send for. Upon further questioning, it is learned that the governess was hired to take care of two young pupils who hadbeen left under the care of an uncle. When this man hired the governess, he gave her implicit instructions that she was to cope with any problem and never bother him.The governess' story opens on theday she arrives at her new position. Her charges — Miles and Flora — are perfect little children who would apparently never cause anyone any trouble. She grows very fond of them in spite of the factthat little Miles has been discharged from his school. In discussing this occurrence, the governess and Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper, decide that little Miles was just too good for a regular school.The governess loves her position and her children, and she secretly wishes that her handsome employer could see how well she is doing. Shortly after this, she notices the form of a strange man at somedistance. She wonders if the large country house harbors some secret. But some time later, she sees the same face outside the dining room window. When she describes this face to Mrs. Grose, she hearsthat it was that of Peter Quint, an ex-servant who has been dead for about a year.
Next the governess encounters another apparition in the form of a lady. Upon further consultation with Mrs. Grose,it is determined that this was the children's former governess, Miss Jessel, who died mysteriously about a year ago. When the present governess presses Mrs. Grose for additional information, she learnsthat Peter Quint and Miss Jessel had been intimate with each other and, furthermore, that both had been too familiar with the children.
After more appearances, the governess decides that the...