I have finally reached Crythin Gifford and made it to my hotel called the Gifford Arms. It is such a magnificent hotel, considering where it is located. I never could have imagined finding such a charming little hotel in the middle of nowhere. It makes me feel comfortable, more at home. It makes me feel as though I am on a holiday, rather than a gloomy raven coming to attend a funeral.
So far, it has been a strange experience to say the least. The people here are all friendly, yet whenever I tell them what I am here for they become extremely tense and seem as if they want to run away. It seems there is something they are holding back. Perhaps something about Mrs. Drablow and her house, Eel Marsh, that they do not want to talk about. Matter of fact when I was on the train I met a man named Mr. Daily, Samuel Daily. He seemed to be a very joyous fellow. He told me very little about the town and Eel Marsh. He did not go in to detail about what he knew but he also seemed to be very open to help me and answer some of my questions, he even gave me his card. It still does not explain why Mr. Bentely was so apprehensive to talk to me about the job that he sent me here to do. Mr. Bentley was acting very peculiar that day when he was trying to explain the whole matter to me. I wonder why. I wonder what he was holding back.
Well I suppose it all will become clear in due course, but now to bed. Tomorrow I am to attend Mrs. Drablow’s funeral and then head out to Eel Marsh house. I have a feeling that I might need all the sleep I can get.
~ Arthur Kipps
This is from Arthur’s manuscript “The Woman in Black” an autobiographical look at his experience with a ghost that has forever plagued his life. To see his story come to life visit The Stage at Island Park at 7:30 October 19, 20, 25, 26, 27. www.fmct.org
