Mrs. Raeburn's Waxwork

Lady Eleanor Furneaux Smith (1902-1945) was an English writer, famous for her supernatural stories.

'Mrs. Raeburn's Waxwork' is an eerie tale about Patrick Lamb, who takes a job as custodian of Mugivan's waxwork exhibition. In the part of the exhibition where all the murderers and freaks are displayed, there is one figure which fascinates him. It is the figure of Mrs. Raeburn, the poisoner.

Every evening as it gets dark, the figure seems to be alive - its expressions change subtly, its eyes seem to follow him.... Gradually he realises that he is bewitched by this beautiful poisoner. And then one afternoon Patrick meets a strange visitor to the exhibition: an elderly woman who introduces herself to him as Mrs. Raeburn....