Sleep story
The Canterville Ghost
When the practical American Otis family buys the old English manor of Canterville Chase, they are warned that it is haunted. They buy the house, the furniture, and the ghost, all at a valuation, and set about their cheerful lives completely unbothered by Sir Simon de Canterville, the ghost who has haunted the halls for three hundred years. The ghost tries everything in his proud old repertoire, but stain remover, machine oil, buttered stairs, and peashooters keep getting the better of him. Only Virginia, the kind-hearted daughter, sees past the comedy to the tired, lonely spirit beneath. A funny, tender ghost story that ends in moonlight, blossom, and peace. Perfect for a gentle night near Halloween.
The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde, first published 1887. Adapted and summarized, not read verbatim. Public domain in the USA (Project Gutenberg ebook 14522, verified 2026-10-21). Trademark risk: low.