"They" by Rudyard Kipling

“They” is a short story by Rudyard Kipling, first published in 1904 and included in his collection Traffics and Discoveries. Set in the picturesque Sussex countryside, it follows a motorist who becomes lost during a summer drive and stumbles upon a grand, isolated old house with beautiful gardens. There, he encounters the estate’s blind mistress and catches glimpses of shy children playing nearby, leading to a series of visits that explore themes of loss, dreams, and human connection in a subtle, atmospheric narrative. The story draws partly from Kipling’s own experiences of grief and features his characteristic blend of the everyday and the mysterious.

You can read the full story here and additional information here:

• https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/they-rudyard-kipling-1904
• https://www.kiplingsociety.co.uk/readers-guide/rg_they1.htm
• https://www.enotes.com/topics/they
• https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21099004