The Jolly Corner

"The Jolly Corner" is a ghost story by Henry James published first in the magazine The English Review in December 1908. The story tells of the adventures of Spencer Brydon as he prowls the now-empty New York house where he grew up and experiences some strange sensations. He believes he has abandoned his business talent for a more leisurely life. He thinks the house is haunted by the ghost of a man he could become if he hadn't given his dreams and talents.