"The curse of the Malveneurs. At a time when deep and mysterious forests still covered the whole country lived one called the first the Malveneurs. It is said that in a country infested with wolves, this rough and great hunter was tempted by the devil .. "One day he had the idea of seizing some wolf cubs, to raise them and train them for hunting. And so he obtained an incomparable pack. But how great was the terror of the peasants when they saw him riding in the snow, followed by the howling pack. Soon he was accused of all evils committed twenty miles around. It was then that the curse of God descended upon him ..." Centuries later we join the last male descendant of the Malveneurs, who seems to be quite fascinated by his own family history. Reginald de Malveneur, a scientist, is determined to harness the secrets of cellular rejuvenation through work in his laboratory. We are also introduced to the various other secluded members of his household, including his eccentric, rather pretentious sister and the deaf-mute housekeeper. When a young governess named Monique Valory arrives at the castle, she learns that both Reginald and his gamekeeper have been missing for days. Madame de Malveneur fears that they might both be dead. When a suspicious death does occur, Valory becomes convinced that something sinister is going on .