The Death Mask | A Ghost Story by H. D. Everett | A Bitesized Audiobook

Tom Enderby has been left a widower in early middle age, and should be seen as highly eligible for a second marriage. But it would seem that his late wife is unhappy at the prospect of him moving on...
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me:
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoff...
* Monthly support on Patreon: / bitesizedaudio
* Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio...
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on KZbin, from $1 per month:
/ bitesizedaudioclassics
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:22 The Death Mask
00:29:44 Credits, thanks and further listening
Henrietta Dorothy Everett, nee Huskisson (1851-1923) was born in Gillingham, Kent. She married Isaac Edward Everett in 1869, when she was 18, but it was not until more than a quarter of a century later that she took up writing, at the age of 44. Between 1896 and 1920 she produced a number of highly popular books and short stories, including historical novels as well as works of fantasy and the supernatural, and nascent science fiction, exploring themes such as possession, vampirism and spiritualism.
Regular listeners will notice that the title card for this story doesn't include the usual portrait of the author: I have not been able to find one on this occasion. Indeed, very little information is known about H. D. Everett's personal life and her name is little remembered today despite the popularity of her fiction with contemporary readers. For much of her career she published her novels under the pen name "Theo Douglas"; it was not until 1910 that her real identity became known, and she occasionally published later works under her own name while also continuing to use the Douglas pseudonym. She died in Derbyshire in 1923, at the age of 72. Her husband had pre-deceased her, but she was survived by at least one son, Isaac Arthur Huskisson Everett.
'The Death-Mask' first appeared in 1920, the title story in 'The Death-Mask and Other Ghosts', a collection of short stories published under the name H. D. Everett. (Previous story collections had been published credited to "Theo Douglas.") M. R. James singled out the volume in his 1929 essay 'Some Remarks on Ghost Stories', noting that it contained "some excellently conceived stories." Despite this praise, the volume remained out of print for many decades until it was re-published in the 1990s.
The title card image is a detail from an untitled 1897 painting by the Polish artist Władysław Ślewiński (1856-1918).
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2023

[@BitesizedAudio]

A ghost story from 1920 by an almost entirely forgotten female author, H. D. (Henrietta Dorothy) Everett. Biographical notes can be found in the video description. Story begins at 00:01:22 Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me: * Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio * Monthly support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bitesizedaudio * Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/ * Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on KZbin, from $1 per month: kzbin.infojoin

[@waningmooncancer9628]

When are you going to get knighted for your excellent work?!?!? Where's your OBE's and MBE's ?!? 😁😉 Entertaining the poverty-stricken 😆😆😆 in such a thoroughly talented way deserves some major kudos 👏 💐 🥳 🎊 😆😆😊😊😊 All right I'm done being silly in my seriousness. That woman was triflin'. She had a beautiful name for her soul to be so ugly. There should be Raid for people; and it should work on them even after they leave the corporal form. Bless you, Simon. I'm already looking forward to the next one. 😊

[@adriennedunne1748]

Fantastic story and so well narrated. I hoped there would have been something to bring a happy ending. Burn the portrait, dig up the ex wife or do something. I'm not sure if anything would have exorcised her mean spirit. But thank you for the great reading of this. I've enjoyed some of your others too. Do you have more by Jacques Futrellle? The problem of room 666 was wonderful. Such a great twist at the end. Thanks again. I've subscribed to your channel.

[@ruthhase-gutierrez9830]

One of those stories that ends much too soon. I wanted it to go on and on. I have chronic Lyme disease, and your stories always seem to be uploaded during a flare-up when I am bed-ridden, and I can't tell you how comforting it is, and what a nice distraction from the pain, to listen to these stories.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments Ruth, I'm glad if these stories are of some help to you. Best wishes

[@rmkpilates]

Be well ❤️‍🩹

[@reneehernandez8214]

I’m so sorry you are suffering.

[@samkennedy5554]

I have M.E. Ruth and totally understand your struggle. Hugs 🫂

[@aoifeocallaghan8351]

Thank you Simon for another great story .

[@susangordon1153]

Excellent tale Simon! I must say, it's been an utterly dreary day full of woefully tiresome tasks but yet, from the moment I heard your soothing voice, the world melted away and there was nothing present but your voice, the tale and myself. Words fall short of expressing my gratitude for you sharing your gift with us as I know I am not alone in this sense. You, dearest Simon, are a blessing to so many and I do so hope you receive abundant blessings in return. ❤

[@AC........]

I usually like to work on my crafting project whilst listening... Halfway through I decided it best to stop and paint my nails instead. Those who know - know what I mean 😂 Thank you Simon for another gem 💎

[@exileinderby51]

Another ghost story by a new(to me)author and what a great one it is. Thanks Simon, you've made my evening

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that! Best wishes

[@julielevinge266]

New to me also, but Simon has shown me so many new authors,his collection is nothing short of brilliant, was able to recommend it to a friend who had a long journey ahead. He said the travelling was easy with this as company.✊♥️

[@thelastsausage635]

Love the way you read ghost stories, always a treat, I often listen to favourites while I’m driving, cooking or up a ladder decorating! Brilliant! 👍👻 If I were Dick I would say ‘We must dig the old battle axe up and remove that cloth from her face! You get the spades and I’ll get the light, meet you at the graveyard!’⚰️🪞

[@BitesizedAudio]

This has to be the winner so far, of the "add your own last line" competition!

[@dondawson2174]

I subscribe to several different narrators and I must say you have an amazingly perfect voice for this particular time period. I could only assume your voice acting career is successful.

[@julielevinge266]

Simon & Greg Wagland who does Sherlock Holmes are head & shoulders above any other narrators I’ve ever heard. Once they’ve read you a story you can’t hear it from anyone else.👍♥️

[@richstrange6170]

I agree. I come back to Simon time and again.

[@michaeldillon3113]

I wonder why the Victorians and Edwardians had a penchant for a ghost story ? Maybe death was such an everyday presence . Listening to these are like time travelling ✌️

[@grannykiminalaska]

Vengeful spirit with a sense of humor. Great job 🥰

[@smythharris2635]

That's me! How did you know I was here?

[@lizday8140]

It's a Valentine's Day treat! Thank you so much, dear Simon. 🥰

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome! I hadn't actually planned it this way, but I suppose it could be seen as rather an appropriate upload for Valentine's Day... depending on your point of view of course!

[@lesleykaygosson315]

Just simply a grand old fashioned ghost story. Thank You For Bringing It To Life With Your Magnificent Narration. ❤️

[@rattyrachel2930]

A not so happy ending for a spooky Valentine’s Day. What could be more perfect! (Wouldn’t mind hearing more stories from this author. A real pleasure, as always, Simon! Thank you! ❤)

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thanks Rachel. Yes, I'll come back to her I'm sure. Hope you and the gang are all well

[@kerrijones1726]

Wonderful stories when one is suffering from chronic pain..Simons voice is most soothing and helps one forget about the constant ache . Thankyou

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'm glad to know the stories help; thanks so much for your kind support

[@angelachouinard4581]

Another good author resurrected. And what a perfect match that painting was for the story. An lovely Valentine (although rather an anti-Valentine for the protagonist). Thank you so much.

[@julielevinge266]

Another excellent story that I hadn’t heard before, you’ve introduced me to so many authors & stories I wasn’t familiar with. This collection you’ve created really is very good.👍♥️

[@lizpride9960]

Another cracking and imaginative story, superbly read! Thank you Simon. Your wonderful works have provided comforting company through a series of hard events over the last few years. I don't suppose you will ever really know the collective good you have given to all the thousands of your unknown subscribers-a tsunami of good, invisible to you. I hope your heart knows it.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much Liz, for your lovely comment

[@mariameere5807]

Hi Simon! Thank you so much!! Thanks to you this author will not be forgotten now and I feel inspired to say thank you on her behalf! You must think me crazy but I always follow this feeling that I get from…. Within!? Great picture! I enjoyed it btw! Have a great week! Blessings🙏🌟✨✨✨✨

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Maria! Lovely to have you back, I've missed your comments recently. Glad to know you enjoyed this one. All best wishes to you

[@mariameere5807]

@@BitesizedAudio I will to check if I have missed any! Then I have something to look forward to! I love this channel and all your stories! 💎♾

[@waningmooncancer9628]

Sorry, I am stepping into a conversation I wasn't invited to 😉😁. It was odd, as I read your comment, it felt like......well, me. And guess what, my middle name is Maria. Go figure 🤷‍♀️ Just had to share this too - GOD thinks you are awesome 👌. Take care, sweetie, be good to yourself.

[@mariameere5807]

@@waningmooncancer9628 wow 🤩 what a beautiful thing to say! Thank you so much 😊 and God and the angels love you too!! Obviously! Blessings to you Earth Angel 🌎 🫶✨🌟💛🌟✨🫶

[@waningmooncancer9628]

@@mariameere5807 😁☺️😇

[@beverlyadams7205]

This one is so spooky! I love the artwork that accompanies it as well. Thank you so much for this creepy-good story!😱

[@smythharris2635]

One of my ex girlfriends used to look like that, she still does, so I've been told.

[@MishMash22]

Every husband’s nightmare. Being haunted by his wife! Great story 👍

[@ekto62]

PS: According to the 1911 Census, H.D. Everett also had two then-unmarried daughters in their early 30s, Beatrix Elizabeth Olive (b. ~1875) and Gladys Katherine (b. ~1877). Those, along with the son Isaac Arthur Huskisson, appear to be her only children. The son died just three years after his mother, but Gladys lived until 1949, dying after her sister. (Haven't found her death yet.)

[@earthcat]

So glad to see this...makes my day🌺

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks @earthcat, appreciated

[@inisipisTV]

Oh boy oh boy… A new Ghost story and i’m first.

[@smythharris2635]

No you're not, I was hiding in the coffin!

[@Lemma01]

Bet you're almost at the end bý now...

[@MirkRobinson]

I love the tone and quality of the stories you narrate Simon. Brilliant work 👍

[@jodyharnish9104]

Wow! That was really frightening! As you told the story, I could see it all happening in my mind. It was like watching an episode of Alfred Hitchcock.

[@richstrange6170]

I haven't forgotten Henrietta, Simon. I was lucky enough to find a second hand copy two years ago and they are very good. She is one of those female authors who writes men extremely well. Thus was beautifully read as ever, lighting up a grey day and helping me put away washing with a smile on my face.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, that's lovely to know. I'm a great trawler of second hand bookshops, what a great find! Yes, I'm struck by how often a female author chooses a male first person narrator - perhaps for understandable commercial reasons in this era, of course. I think Amelia B. Edwards and Edith Nesbit also capture the male voice/perspective rather well. More recently, Iris Murdoch did it marvellously in novels such as 'The Black Prince' and 'The Sea, the Sea'. Thanks so much for listening, and for your kind comments. Best wishes

[@Charles-oo8bq]

Simon's fans are my kind of people. Its always a pleasure to read kind and sincere appreciation in the comments. Blessings all from Bavaria.

[@northernlights8126]

What a superb story and perfect narration.Thank you Simon.

[@maurisarookes9835]

Simon could read a telephone directory and i would STILL be entranced❤

[@karehhartig7287]

Hi Simon. It's always a pleasure to listen to your channel. 🕯💀👻

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hello Kareh, how lovely to hear from you, I hope you're keeping well

[@Lillyburn]

I feel all cocooned by your voice 🙂

[@korbendallas71]

Wonderful little story. Delivered with a perfect voice 👌

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@nesmuelmnostromo5295]

That one ended too abruptly. I was hoping it would have a more satisfying resolution. Spectacularly narrated, as always. Thanks again Mr. Simon.

[@blixten2928]

What a delight, thank you so much!!

[@divine.damage]

Always superb, Simon. Thank you!

[@leslieortenzi8875]

Love the ending! Thanks for doing this story!

[@juliea.7292]

What an AWESOME narrator. I love this channel ❤️ , he has set the bar very high now for those that I listen to on audible. 🙌🙌

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thank you Julie! I do have some content on Audible, and hope to add some more soon. Best wishes

[@larsen8059]

Aww...wish it continued on a bit more! Great reading! Thank you!

[@julielevinge266]

Amazing ghost story, never heard this before so can add it to the very long list of excellent story’s from your excellent channel✊♥️

[@christabedwin]

Thank you Simon!

[@emmaw7795]

Very good little story and wonderfully presented. You are the best. Thank you so much.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say, thank you!

[@saran3214]

Thanks! Great narration, which we are so used to that we take it for granted. I love your pronunciation. Ghos tsts. Spoiler alert. I would have dug the body up, burned it and the hankerchief, scattered the ashes, laid salt and sage in the empty coffin and said there you happy now? And the girl was pretty lily livered. Stomp on the face forming and ask is that all you have? He should go marry a bar maid, she would have dealt with worse. But great story, thanks.

[@seanmccuen6970]

suitably edgy story. still probably my favorite narrator.

[@SpuktasticAudio]

A proper chiller! Bravo!! ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad to know it hit the spot! Thanks Bob

[@mjrchapin]

I thought he was supposed to leave it on her face? Was that his mistake? It a wee tinge of "O Whistle and I'll Come to You' by MR James. Very good to hear a new story! Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

I think he did leave it on her face, and that was perhaps his mistake. It would seem [Spoiler alert for anyone who hasn't listened yet] that her spirit can now animate any random piece of linen

[@maxgc6413]

I love listening to your tales by candlelight next to my cat companion. You’re a real gent Simon, looking forward to more ghostly tales throughout the year. Sincerely, Max from Boston

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly Max. Best wishes

[@mariamcgee4462]

Another fantastic story added to your channel. Thank you.

[@danielrestione1355]

Great save on an almost lost story!

[@taliabee8661]

Another belter, thank ‘ee ! 😀♥️

[@jerrycarter7843]

Another great rendering of a classic ghost story. I've listened to do many of your readings that I was away for awhile as not to burned out. After a few weeks of watching porn to clear the pallet, I find the tales very entertaining!

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

Thank you Simon. Looking forward to my next walk!

[@archambaultasphalt1401]

GREAT JOB!!!! SORRY CAPSLOCK BROKEN , BUT IT WAS HELPFUL FOR THIS CHANNEL COMMENT

[@irenabevans3411]

Ended way to soon, the deceased wife must have had a very controlling, spiteful nature, when alive to carry on taunting so in death, denying her bereaved husband a future of happiness, which they may not have shared due to her charachter, as ever most enjoyable listening to your narration.

[@sonsoffalstaff2600]

Always a pleasure.

[@LadyEng]

Brrrrr... Very scary. I pictured the wife as Fiona Shaw. Excellent job as always.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Good casting! Glad to know you enjoyed it, thanks for your comment

[@spews1973]

Another good one.

[@snippycutwell9878]

Lovely. Thank you

[@jackson76724]

Excellent Thanks so much

[@Tinyflydeposit]

Great story thanks

[@agbobier2657]

I love your voice. It's very soothing.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you

[@MrMrsmcd]

How do you keep finding these wonderful stories Simon? However you do it, please keep up the excellent work.

[@larryspringston1292]

Would love to hear your reading of “Parson Clench” by this same author. Thanks for your stories.

[@julielevinge266]

Haven’t heard anything else from this author, but you can bet if stories are as good as this one Simon will cover it, amazing collection from ghosts to humour, all very enjoyable.

[@BitesizedAudio]

It's on my list! I'll certainly return to this author

[@VIncentSunflowers]

Eee! Nicely done!

[@SEARSJAMES]

Wonderful👏👍!

[@roxanavasilakis9435]

Thank you 🌷🌷

[@kristinacable]

Thank you :)

[@beckerabstracts]

I loved this story but I found myself laughing out loud when he was trying to keep the tablecloth from moving. I kept picturing David Tennant and Catherine Tate turning this into a comedy skit.

[@MoonLitChild]

Hah! I could see it as soon as said it!

[@chrissy529]

Very Interesting.

[@lyndaa7560]

My, My very discomforting but your voice soothed as always the story was much too short though, either that or I’m greedy. Many thanks Simon xx

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you enjoyed it! Yes, it's a shorter one than some the stories I've done recently, economical but effective I think. I'm putting together some compilations for people who would like a longer listen - the most recent one was nearly 7 hours! - so hope you are able to enjoy those

[@uveepoppy]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you 🙏

[@smythharris2635]

I'm looking forward to this story as I've just been out with some woman who claims to be my wife, honestly, young people today!

[@noelshane6546]

Oh yeah 😎

[@kerrijones1726]

Thanks

[@MrRugercat45]

I can imagine this being how my wife’s ghost would be if I were the widower, except for the one small detail, I wouldn’t ever marry again. I believe there’s only one person that perfectly matches you and after they’re gone anyone else will be a poor substitute..

[@stewartlancaster6155]

unless you meet every single person on the planet how can you say there is only one person that matches you ?

[@tishahouse846]

Listening from the ukwales❤

[@rmkpilates]

What a mean woman...

[@mijiyoon5575]

How creepy & the perfect horrible thumbnail image ... excellent presentation *Simon* & Thank You⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐people should be very careful who they decide to marry as it may be forever unto death & beyond

[@BitesizedAudio]

Well, quite so...

[@chrisnorman9980]

Like the later story of Rebecca taken to a supernatural point.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes, I see what you mean

[@horngatekeeper]

Gloriana would fit right in with classic Japanese horror stories where someone (usually a woman) becomes a ghost through force of will. The men in those stories usually deserve everything that happens to them, unlike our poor protagonist, and the Britishness of the dialogue is unmistakable, but I'm reminded of Oiwa manifesting as a lantern. I'll have to look further into this author.

[@mijiyoon5575]

The ending ends where it should to reinforce the horror

[@paulacnote]

Love you Simon but could do with a few more mit ghost stories cos you are too good and the telling!!😱

[@beebee8018]

This is so funny I can not find it scary, ‘The table cloth seemed alive at the corner between us it rose in waves as if puffed up by wind though the window was vast shut’. This was too much.

[@1630revelloak]

Figured I'd ask here. I am looking for a story about a mask that lets you see the one you loved before you die, to those you want to see it appears as a face at the window. I heard the story years ago and I've never been able to find it since. Does anyone have any ideas?

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hmmm, that doesn't immediately ring any bells with me, but it sounds intriguing. I hope another commenter is able to enlighten us at some point!

[@1630revelloak]

@@BitesizedAudio I can still remember a few more story details; if that helps. If anyone wants to know them, just let me know.

[@AnAntiqueLady]

Creepypastas in the 1800s:

[@CrowSkeleton]

Although it's absoloutely fair to observe the dead wife is kind of a witch, I support her efforts to disrupt marriage plans between her forty-something ex and a teenager he deceives at the drop of a cloth, is gleeful about the "pliability" of and generally treats like a child/possession rather than a prospective partner through thick and thin: that marriage would have been awful for the kid. I am frustrated that we don't get the listening friend's advice at the end, which would *surely* have been to get himself some practical-minded bit of rough who smokes a pipe.

[@ekto62]

And what *did* Dick have to say?!?!?

[@BitesizedAudio]

I know! Rendered speechless, it seems...

[@moisturisedgnome1181]

please don't stop doing these Simon. They are fantastic. Many thanks for all your work

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'll keep going for a while yet - my list of stories to read never seems to get any shorter!

[@moisturisedgnome1181]

@Bitesized Audio Classics so glad to hear. Have you considered doing any Algernon Blackwood? Id love to hear you read The Willows. Or William Hope Hodgson.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I've done a couple of Blackwoods to date...'The Wood of the Dead': kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpS9hoOqacSco9U and 'The Kit-Bag': kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5_Zd4RrhZZgeNk I'm sure I'll return to him in future!

[@moisturisedgnome1181]

@Bitesized Audio Classics oh thanks! Don't know how I missed this one (The Wood of the Dead) !

[@richstrange6170]

How about some of Kipling's weird fiction, At The End of Rhe Passage, or The Return of Imray.

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Thank you, Simon. Wonderfully told as always