Washington Irving was an American author, biographer of the early 19th century. Irving achieved international fame for his fictional works, including the stories Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, as well as for his biographies and historical writings. It is a story about his strong aunt with powerful mind, his uncle was a thin, puny little man, and no match for his aunt. From the day of their marriage he dwindles and dwindles gradually away. The aunt does everything for him: takes all possible care of him, has half the doctors in town to prescribe for him, makes him take all their prescriptions... Nevertheless, nothing can save his life. After his death the widow and the servants go to her residence in an old country seat in Derbyshire in order not to torment herself. However, for some time now Derbyshire's ghosts start to disturb her behind her back..