“The Face on the Wall” is a short story written by E.V. Lucas. It is a tale of mystery and supernatural elements. The plot revolves around an unusual and unexplained incident that deeply affects the protagonist’s life.

The protagonist, an unnamed man, visits his friend Pritchard, an artist, at his home at the beginning of the narrative. The protagonist notices a portrait on the wall that grabs his attention as the two friends are conversing. A stunning woman with a mysterious and menacing expression is depicted in the portrait. The portrait’s subject, a woman named Pritchard, identifies herself as his late wife.

The portrait was created in honour of Pritchard’s late wife, who had passed away a number of years prior. The artist confides in his pal that he frequently senses her presence in the home, almost as if she were still alive. He admits that he occasionally speaks aloud to the portrait as if she is listening.

The protagonist decides to spend the night at Pritchard’s house because of the strange atmosphere and the portrait’s alluring presence. He is startled awake in the middle of the night by an odd sound. He investigates the source of the sound and finds a secret door in the space. He opens the door and discovers a hidden passageway leading to a secured area.

The main character breaks into the locked room out of curiosity and is shocked to see another portrait of the same woman. However, this portrait is distinct from the one that is hung on the wall because it shows the woman with a radiant and happy expression as opposed to the menacing gaze of the other portrait.

The next morning, the protagonist shares his discovery with Pritchard. The artist is surprised and intrigued by the existence of the hidden room and the second portrait. He explains that he had never seen the second portrait before and wonders if it could be a sign or message from his deceased wife.

The story ends with an air of mystery and ambiguity. Pritchard and the protagonist are left pondering the significance of the hidden room and the two portraits of the same woman. The tale leaves readers with a sense of wonder and the possibility of supernatural forces at play.

“The Face on the Wall” is a captivating and mysterious short story that explores themes of love, loss, and the unexplained. E.V. Lucas skillfully weaves an intriguing plot that leaves readers questioning the nature of reality and the mysteries of the human heart.