The Arm Chair Library No. 79: The Haunted Homestead

THE HAUNTED HOMESTEAD By Mrs. Emma D. K. N. Southworth This Gothic-inflected romance serial opens with the narrator Agnes recounting her childhood fascination with ghosts, which yields only a broken nose from a door and a startled burglar—before transitioning to the real story. At school, Agnes forms an intense friendship with wealthy Creole heiress Mathilde Legare from New Orleans. During a vacation at Saratoga Springs, Mathilde captivates the distinguished, intellectually commanding Mr. Frank Howard of Boston. After weeks of devoted courtship, Mathilde's father discovers Howard is not an aristocrat but a talented mechanic and instrument maker—horrifying the class-conscious Southern gentleman. The Legares abruptly depart, leaving Mathilde pining; she confesses to Agnes her deep attachment, revealing Howard had nearly proposed before her father's disapproval forced his honorable withdrawal. The narrative fragment concludes with Agnes counseling patience, suggesting Howard's intentions remain serious.