I. Douglas shares a ghost story written by his sister's governess about her time as governess at Bly mansion. She is hired to care for orphaned Flora and Miles after they are sent to live with their uncle Lord Henry. II. Catherine is charmed by Flora but concerned when she learns Miles was expelled from boarding school. She begins to see the ghosts of the previous governess and Lord Henry's assistant around the house. III. Mrs. Grose tells Catherine the ghosts are evil. Catherine realizes the children are hiding something and may be possessed by the ghosts at times. She works to protect the children from the ghosts.