The Intoxicated Ghost, and other stories

"The Intoxicated Ghost and Other Stories" by Arlo Bates is a compilation of stories from the turn of the century weaving together amusing, ghostly, and emotional elements, often revealing ideas about love, societal norms, and the meeting point of reality and fantasy. One story tells of Irene Gaspic, a young woman who can perceive spirits and who visits her friend Fanny McHugh at her family's ancient and allegedly haunted home; the collection opens by introducing Irene, who possesses the inherited ability to see ghosts that fills her with both pride and a sense of duty. As she anticipates her visit to the McHugh family home, Oldtower, it's confirmed that the family has a ghost, Major Arthur McHugh, a captivating figure from the past connected to a missing treasure, the McHugh diamonds; setting up Irene's witty and sensible nature as she ponders her abilities as well as the romantic spark between her and Fanny's brother, Lieutenant Arthur McHugh, which infuses charm and tension right from the start.