Episode 59 The Beckoning Fair One by Oliver Onions Part 2

Part Two of The Beckoning Fair One by Oliver OnionsThe first part of section five of The Beckoning Fair One by Oliver Onions has him sitting in the house listening to the noises and from nowhere he begins to muse that someone in the future might have an impression of a ghost that was started by his presence. This section achieves two things; firstly it sets up the ghost, and secondly it strengthen's the idea that the house itself has a personality and a life. That only becomes more evident as the story progresses. As I read, listen and edit, I am struck again by how hollow are the claims of those critics who say this is not a ghost story.  This is a ghost story indeed! My evidence is first; the nail that scratches Elsie Bengough's arm. Oleron knows he took all the nails out.  And after this incident, he looks at her and realises for the first time, that she is in love with him. What an idiot! But then, he is a man and many men aren't very sensitive about these things. But then, I should probably only speak for myself on this. The Beckoning Fair One is as much a love story as it is a ghost story. We saw this mixture of love and monsters in https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fcca7910-00c4-4a91-a799-eceb808cc1fa (The Yellow Sign).  However, the realisation that she loves him creates a mixed emotion in Oleron. I like to think this represents a war between the real Oleron, when he feels compassion and pity, and almost love for Elsie, and the spirit of the house that's invading him and making him resentful of Elsie. Either way, both his compassion that she should not suffer more from unrequited love, and the prompting of the jealous house join together in his resolution to encourage Elsie not to come back. The house woman is winning. When Elise can't keep away, she puts her foot through the stair. Oleron is clear that the woodwork was old but fine. It's the ghost again striking out to hurt Elsie. Elsie's comment is that she's getting fat. For me, that really humanises her. She's an ordinary,