The innocence of both children is further emphasized in this section. The governess perhaps makes her first mistake in refusing to investigate the causes of Miles’ dismissal. The mystery connected with this suspension will later allow the governess to attribute a duplicity to Miles’ actions. The governess’ refusal to investigate stems from her overzealous desire to exercise complete control over her wards and to view them in her own way.
Note how carefully James sets up the machinery for the governess’ first sight of the “ghosts.” Her free time falls at dusk, and at this time she usually likes to wander around alone. Furthermore, on her walks, she wishes that her employer could see her in this environment and would commend her upon her excellent performance with the children. In other words, it seems obvious that the governess is attracted or infatuated by her employer. Whether or not this infatuation is strong enough or psychotic enough to allow the governess to “create” the ghosts must be determined by each individual reader. Many critics have suggested that the ghosts are only creations of the governess’ imagination, evoked to compel her employer to come to the country house. Whatever the circumstances, the governess’ wish to meet someone on her walks is soon fulfilled, since she sees in the distance some strange figure standing and observing her.
