According to the intro to Ghost Stories and Mysteries [of J. Sheridan LeFanu, more usually spelled 'Le Fanu'], where I read the story, 'The Evil Guest' (1851), is a adaptation, shorter & tighter, of 'Some Account of the Latter Days of the Hon. Richard Marston of Dunoran' (1848). The original was set in 18th century Ireland. This version is set in 18th century England. One of the subplots of the original (the intro didn't say what that subplot was about), has been cut.

In any case, this is a murder mystery, not a ghost story.

Our main character, the Honorable Richard Marston, is a monumental jerk. There are two main differences between him and his self-invited cousin, Sir Wynston E. Berkley, the baronet: Sir Wynston is a filthy rich bachelor. Richard is relatively poor, but has a loving wife, as well as two fine offspring. This means one middle-aged man can't afford to indulge his taste for vice and the other can.

Sadly, Richard married Gertrude while he was madly infatuated. He stopped loving her years ago. She's a very good and noble woman who still has the traces of her former beauty. Her husband isn't worthy of her, but she still has faint hopes he'll one day love her again.

Luckily for the world, the kids take after their mother. Charles Marston is studying at Cambridge and shows up for visits.

Rhoda is barely 15 when the story opens. She has a sexy young governess named Mademoiselle de Barras, whose aristocratic family is ruined. Mrs. Marston treats her as a friend rather than a servant.

There's plenty of interesting psychology given among the characters, especially Richard Marston. We see by what steps they destroy or save themselves.

The worst characters get their comeuppance, although the best comeuppance is only hinted at.

Notes:

a. This story uses 'sate' for 'sat' and 'gay' in in its original sense of being happy.

b. Marston's son is named 'Harry" when first described, but 'Charles' thereafter. Perhaps he was Harry in the original version?

c. There's a quotation, 'In the dark chamber of white death', but I don't recognize it.

d. If your Bible is a modern translation, yes, Marston and the Reverend Dr. Danvers, in talking about a publican and a Pharisee, are referring to the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

e. Mentions: Ithuriel the angel, Lady Mostyn, a portrait of Grace Hamilton, Niobe, and Venus

If you don't mind the Victorian language, mystery fans should enjoy this story. ( )

Another great gothic mystery written by Sheridan Le Fanu. ( )

Another great gothic mystery written by Sheridan Le Fanu. ( )

Another great gothic mystery written by Sheridan Le Fanu. ( )

Another great gothic mystery written by Sheridan Le Fanu. ( )