SOLVED. Ghost Story from late 19th early 20th century - Man obsessed with house/ghost, fiancee worried about his mental state, he brings flowers for house and they rot, there's a cello and the sound of ghost brushing hair [s]

[corwin]

Trying to remember the title and author of this short story, here's what I recall:

I believe the story is from the early 20th century, perhaps late 19th century.

There is a man who buys a house that is supposed to be haunted. He becomes obsessed with the idea of the ghost. His wife? girlfriend? is worried about his preoccupation with this ghost. There's a cello that figures in somehow--either he or his fiancee plays. He also brings flowers to the house, and loses track of time so they begin to rot. There's a chilling scene where there is a sound that is determined to be the sound of someone brushing out their hair.

Ergh. If you know of this story, I'd love the help!

[SparksofEmber]

The House at Midnight?

It takes placed in late 19th early 20th century or was written then? Wait - it's a short story??

There's several listopias you should browse:
Haunted Houses
Haunted House Books
Best Haunted House Fiction That Isn't 'The Shining'
Haunted House Stories

[corwin]

Thanks for the tips...it wasn't that book. It was a short story or a novella, and read in the 60's or 70's, so published before then. I believe it was part of an anthology.

I'll check the lists that you've provided, though I have also been poring over the internet and thus far have had no luck. I'm hoping someone will remember the feature of these endless bouquets of flowers that the guy brings into the house that begin to rot and he doesn't realize it...and the bass violin / cello case...

[Laina]

Hi there, I'm currently reading Great Tales of Terror and the Supernatural, I'm about halfway through, and I haven't come across your story yet, but it might be in there. Here's a link to the table of contents:
http://vufind.uhls.org/vufind/Record/...

[corwin]

None of those seem to be it, but thank you for the note! (And I am going to have to pick up that book for a read myself!)

[caracal-eyes]

Got it!

The Beckoning Fair One by Oliver Onions
(Full text here .)

Published 1911. Writer moves into flat, has girlfriend, finds instrument case, is haunted by sound of woman brushing hair, continually buys flowers, which end up rotting...

The case is actually for a harp, not a cello/bass violin. But I don't see how this could not be the story you're looking for.

[Laina]

Readerlotte, if The Beckoning Fair One is your story, it is actually in the book I'm reading now - so all the more reason to pick it up! :)

[corwin]

That's it, that's it! You've totally made my day. Thank you guys for helping out! Gold stars all around.

[Laina]

Great, so glad you found it! I'm looking forward to reading this one when I get to it.

[Charlene]

I like the sound of this one! Glad you posted for it