The Canterville Ghost: A Retelling for Curious Readers

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The opening of The Canterville Ghost: A Retelling for Curious Readers, free to read.

1. 

   "Before you buy Canterville Chase, I must be honest," said Lord Canterville. "It has a ghost. Two skeleton hands once landed on my great-aunt's shoulders, and she was never the same." Mr. Otis, an important American official in England, did not believe in ghosts. "I will take the furniture and the ghost at a fair price," he said cheerfully.

2. 

   Nobody could keep up with the Otis family. The twins were always in trouble. Virginia, fifteen, once raced her pony against an old lord and won. The young Duke of Cheshire was so delighted that he asked to marry her at once! Washington, the eldest, loved dancing, and cheerful Mrs. Otis was never ill.

3. 

   Rain began as the Otises reached the house. Old Mrs. Umney, the housekeeper, served tea in the dark library. "Something has been spilled by the fireplace," said Mrs. Otis, frowning. Mrs. Umney lowered her voice. "That dull red stain will never come out, madam. It is blood. Sir Simon killed his wife, Lady Eleanore, right there in 1575. His ghost has haunted this house ever since."