The Demon Lover Summary

In “The Demon Lover,” Kathleen Drover returns to her home in London to collect things for her family, who have fled due to World War II.

  • Kathleen finds a mysterious letter. It has no stamp or return address.

  • The letter reminds her of a promise she made to meet with her supposedly deceased former lover. He died in World War I, however, and she doesn’t know who or what would demand she keep the appointment.

  • She leaves the house, determined to depart London, but it quickly becomes apparent that the taxi she hails is under the control of some supernatural force.

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Kathleen Drover returns to a deserted London, her mind preoccupied with an unsettling past. As she navigates the remnants of her bomb-ravaged home, she discovers an unexpected letter that stirs memories and evokes a sense of foreboding. Her journey becomes a reflection of war's haunting influence, culminating in a mysterious encounter that leaves her fate uncertain.

Return to the Abandoned Home

On a sweltering August day, Mrs. Kathleen Drover makes her way back to her London home, temporarily left behind amidst the chaos of the German bombings in 1940-41. The streets, once bustling, now lie mostly deserted, echoing the city's traumatic history. Her visit is intended to retrieve personal belongings, but the sight of her house, marked by dust and the scars of war, forces her to confront the vulnerability of her surroundings.

The Mysterious Letter

As Kathleen steps inside, she notices a letter lying on the hall table, its presence puzzling. The house had been sealed during her absence, and mail was being redirected to her countryside residence. Yet, here it is—a letter addressed specifically to her. Intrigued and uneasy, she carries it to her bedroom, seeking to understand its origins. Meanwhile, the skies darken and rain begins to fall outside, adding to the chilling atmosphere.

Unearthing the Past

The letter's content is unsettling. It speaks of a significant anniversary and a planned meeting, yet Kathleen has no recollection of it. Even more disconcerting is the signature, a simple "K," which mirrors her own initial. She feels a wave of apprehension upon realizing the letter is dated for that very day. Gazing into the mirror, she observes the toll the war has taken on her—thin from rationing, yet with an outward calm masking her inner turmoil.

A Haunting Farewell

Her mind drifts back 25 years, to a farewell filled with tension and unspoken promises. In 1916, her soldier-lover parted from her with a cruel grip on her hand—a memory that brings back a mix of relief and isolation. The years following his supposed death in World War I were lonely, her social life stagnant until she finally moved on. Now, the letter's author claims to have seen her leaving London, amplifying her unease as if she is being watched.

The Growing Anxiety

Her anxiety escalates, the house feeling vast and empty. Questions swirl in her mind about the letter's delivery, its origins cloaked in mystery. She resolves to escape this oppressive environment, locking her bedroom door and contemplating her next steps. The idea of a meeting with the letter's author fills her with dread, and she decides to gather her things and try to call a taxi, only to remember that the phone line is disconnected.

Vague Memories of Her Lover

As Kathleen reflects on her past, she realizes how little she remembers of her lover's physical appearance. This lack of memory intensifies her anxiety—how will she recognize him if they meet? Unlocking her door, she pauses to listen at the top of the stairs, sensing a draft as if someone has left through a basement exit. Could it be the wind, or something more sinister?

The Tense Escape

With the rain now abated, Kathleen decides to leave the house and head for the local taxi stand. Her urgency is driven by a desire to avoid hearing the clock strike seven, wary that it might signal the ominous meeting time. At the taxi stand, she finds a cab seemingly waiting just for her. Climbing inside, she taps on the glass to alert the driver. As their eyes meet, horror overtakes her, and she screams as the car speeds away, "accelerating without mercy."

Speculations and Interpretations

This enigmatic ending leaves much to interpretation. Some suggest the taxi driver is none other than her sinister, long-lost lover, while others argue her fear stems from wartime stress and heightened anxiety. Kathleen's story is thus transformed into a timeless narrative of psychological suspense, exploring the depths of memory and the shadows of the past.

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