Brewster’s Millions · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon.
Chapter 1
A Birthday Dinner
Monty Brewster celebrates his 25th birthday with the 'Little Sons of the Rich' at Pettingill's studio. The festivities are interrupted repeatedly by Ellis, his grandfather's servant, who first delivers a birthday check, then news of a heart attack, and finally the death of Edwin Peter Brewster.
Chapter 2
II: Shades of Aladdin
Montgomery Brewster inherits one million dollars unconditionally from his grandfather, Edwin Peter Brewster, and begins to navigate the sudden wealth, the public attention, and the advice of friends and acquaintances, including Colonel Drew's warning about promoters.
Chapter 3
III: Mrs. and Miss Gray
Montgomery Brewster visits the Gray home, where he grew up alongside Margaret Gray. He attempts to share his newfound wealth with Mrs. Gray and Margaret, but they refuse out of pride. During the visit, Brewster receives a letter from Grant & Ripley informing him of the death of his uncle James T. Sedgwick and naming him as sole heir under certain conditions.
Chapter 4
IV: A Second
Montgomery Brewster learns from Mr. Grant that he is the sole heir to his Uncle James T. Sedgwick's estate, valued at nearly seven million dollars, but with a proviso: he must be absolutely penniless on his 26th birthday, having spent or destroyed all of his grandfather Edwin Brewster's million-dollar inheritance, and must meet strict conditions of shrewdness, temperance, and no assets. Brewster initially embraces the challenge, but Mr. Grant warns of the difficulty of spending a million without violating the will's restrictions.
Chapter 5
V: The Message from Jones
Montgomery Brewster grapples with the daunting challenge of spending one million dollars in a year to inherit seven million more. After receiving a telegram from executor Swearengen Jones outlining strict rules—no reckless gambling, no excessive charity, no endowments—Brewster accepts the gamble. He hires his friends as staff, begins an extravagant lifestyle, and rushes to meet his attorneys after a joyride with Barbara Drew.
Chapter 6
Monty Cristo
Montgomery Brewster leases a lavish $23,000 apartment and hires Paul Pettingill to redecorate, spending extravagantly while secretly making conditional purchases. He retains his rooms at Mrs. Gray's, sends out invitations for a grand dinner that scandalizes society, and enlists Mrs. Dan DeMille as his social mentor. The dinner, held on October 18th, features opulent decor by Pettingill, gold service, and Hungarian music, impressing the guests. Brewster keeps nightly accounts of his spending, aiming to maintain a high average, and acquires a $14,000 automobile for practice. His staff worries about his reckless spending, but he justifies it as repaying friends and enjoying his wealth.
Chapter 7
A Lesson in Tact
Monty's butler Rawles tries to prevent the servants from striking for higher wages, but Monty rebukes him and supports the servants' right to ask for raises. Later, Monty visits Mrs. Dan DeMille to plan another dinner, where they discuss society gossip and compile a guest list. Monty suggests inviting Barbara Drew again, but Mrs. Dan subtly discourages him by pointing out a newspaper column that hints at a romantic connection between Monty and Barbara. The next day, Monty thrashes the columnist, earning public praise.
Chapter 8
VIII: The Forelock of Time
Montgomery Brewster, tormented by jealousy over the Duke of Beauchamp's attention to Barbara Drew, realizes that his romantic pursuits are costing him thousands of dollars and threatening his inheritance challenge. He seeks advice from Margaret Gray, confessing his feelings for Barbara, and then telegraphs Swearengen Jones to ask if he may marry and transfer his property to his wife. Jones's blunt reply tells him to 'stick to his knitting.'
Chapter 9
IX: Love and a Prizefight
Montgomery Brewster, frustrated by Swearengen Jones's telegram criticizing his spending, vents his anger and then places bets on a prizefight, confident of the outcome. He visits Barbara Drew and confesses his love, but she hesitates, wanting to be sure of her feelings. Later, Brewster learns from Harrison that his bet lost, as the underdog he backed was knocked out.
Chapter 10
X: Napoleon of Finance
Monty, now engaged to Barbara Drew, struggles to spend enough money to meet the inheritance terms. He decides to make a bold stock market gamble in Lumber and Fuel Common, buying ten thousand shares through his friend Elon Gardner. The initial purchase causes a sensation and drives the price up, but a false rumor of a strike ending briefly sends it higher. Panicked, Monty orders Gardner to sell, ultimately clearing $58,550, though the experience reveals his financial desperation and the strain of his secret mission.
Chapter 11
XI: Coals of Fire
Monty Brewster's successful stock market venture brings him both acclaim and despair, as he must now find ways to lose $50,000 to meet his inheritance challenge. He struggles with the moral cost of his actions, including injuring workmen in a car crash and selling puppies. At a charity bazaar, he fends off rival Rodney Grimes for Barbara Drew's affections, but his erratic attention and domineering attitude lead to a bitter quarrel with Barbara, who accuses him of living an imitation life.
Chapter 12
Christmas Despair
Monty Brewster is summoned to police headquarters to identify suspects in his recent robbery, where he unexpectedly encounters Bill, the man who robbed him. Monty vouches for Bill and later returns his stolen money, earning Bill's gratitude. Monty then visits Mrs. Dan DeMille to discuss plans for a grand ball and yachting cruise, expressing his weariness with repetitive social dinners. As Christmas approaches, Monty grapples with the obligation of gift-giving, consulting Swearengen Jones for approval before embarking on a spending spree. He sends expensive gifts to friends, but Barbara Drew returns his pearls, deepening his heartbreak. Monty confides in Peggy Gray about his despair and his plan to charter a yacht and leave New York, which alarms her.
Chapter 13
A Friend in Need
Monty Brewster, in the depths of despair, learns that one of his banks has failed, wiping out over $100,000. Soon after, a run begins on the Bank of Manhattan Island, where he has $200,000 deposited and where Mrs. Gray and Peggy have their entire savings. Despite advice to withdraw, Monty refuses and instead agrees to increase his deposits to save the bank—on the condition that Barbara Drew never learns of his role. His intervention restores confidence and saves the bank, but Barbara later snubs him by not inviting him to her cotillon.
Chapter 14
XIV: Mrs. DeMille Entertains
Montgomery Brewster and Barbara Drew's relationship remains strained as they navigate a forced dinner together at Mrs. DeMille's. Colonel Drew reveals Monty's role in saving the bank, but Barbara misinterprets his motives, leading to a bitter confrontation.
Chapter 15
XV: The Cut Direct
Monty Brewster prepares for a lavish Spanish costume-ball while hiding his true financial motives from Peggy. His health deteriorates, leading to an emergency appendectomy and a period of convalescence at Mrs. Gray's, where Peggy's presence becomes his greatest stimulant. The ball is postponed, and Monty plans a recuperative trip to Florida.
Chapter 16
XVI: In the Sunny South
Monty Brewster recuperates in a lavish rented cottage in St. Augustine, Florida, with a party including Joe Bragdon, Dr. Lotless, Subway Smith, and the Grays. Peggy Gray, troubled by the estrangement between Monty and Barbara Drew, confronts Monty about inviting Barbara to stay, but he resists. Later, Peggy drives with Barbara, who criticizes Monty's reckless spending and lack of character. Despite Peggy's attempts at reconciliation, both Monty and Barbara remain stubborn. Meanwhile, Nopper Harrison reports on the upcoming ball and yacht cruise, and the failing Viennese orchestra tour managed by Gardner.
Chapter 17
XVII: The New Tenderfoot
Monty returns to New York in March after his illness, determined to accelerate his spending despite his friends' dismay. He consults Grant & Ripley about Swearengen Jones's views, exchanges darkly humorous telegrams with Jones about life insurance, and proceeds with a lavish French-themed ball at Sherry's. The ball is a costly success but leaves Monty feeling heartsick and mocked. Nopper Harrison confesses to losing $60,000 of Monty's money in a failed investment, resigns his position, and accepts Monty's offer to grub-stake him for a year of prospecting in the Rocky Mountains, becoming a new tenderfoot.
Chapter 18
XVIII: The Prodigal at Sea
Monty Brewster, after Harrison's departure, takes stock of his finances and realizes he has spent over $450,000 but still has a large sum to dispose of before September 23rd. He plans a systematic campaign of extravagance, including a yachting cruise. A chance meeting with Colonel Drew reveals lingering tensions over Barbara, but the Colonel expresses faith in Monty. The chapter ends with the departure of the yacht Flitter, carrying Monty and his friends, including Peggy Gray, and a tender moment between Monty and Peggy.
Chapter 19
XIX: One Hero and Another
At Gibraltar, Monty receives a cable from Jones about a free silver agitation that could double his spending money, and he responds with characteristic extravagance. The Flitter hosts a brilliant dinner for garrison officers and ladies. Later, Monty has a revealing conversation with Mrs. Dan DeMille, who confesses her deep love for her husband, challenging Monty's earlier assumptions. Crossing the Bay of Lyons, Reggy Vanderpool nonchalantly reports a sailor falling overboard but admits he did nothing to help. Monty, however, dives in and rescues the sailor, earning everyone's admiration and revealing his true heroic nature.
Chapter 20
Le Roi s’amuse
Montgomery Brewster moves his party to a hotel on the Riviera and orchestrates a private carnival for the town, spending lavishly to revive a local saint's day celebration. During the carnival, he rescues Peggy from an aggressive masked reveler, deepening their connection. Later, at Monte Carlo, he tries desperately to lose money at the roulette table but instead wins forty thousand dollars, frustrating his goal of depleting his fortune.
Chapter 21
Fairyland
Monty, desperate to spend his remaining fortune, learns of a deserted villa on Lake Como owned by a reclusive marquise. After his initial offers are rejected, he secures the villa by adding a luxury automobile to his bid. The party moves into the idyllic estate, but tensions rise as Monty senses Peggy Gray is avoiding him. A confrontation during a moonlight ride ends with Peggy thrown from her horse, and Monty pleads with her not to leave.
Chapter 22
Prince and Peasants
Monty Brewster, driven by a sense of duty and the need to continue his extravagant spending, leaves the idyllic villa and moves his party to Milan. He orders a fleet of automobiles from Paris, hires the La Scala opera house for a private performance of Aida, and later, inspired by Peggy's concern for the poor, arranges a second public performance for the peasants. Amidst the lavish spending, Peggy worries about Monty's future, but he reassures her. The chapter ends with a cryptic cablegram from Swearengen Jones referencing the parable of the ten talents.
Chapter 23
An Offer of Marriage
Monty and his party travel to Egypt aboard the Flitter, where a sheik named Mohammed becomes infatuated with Peggy Gray and demands to marry her. Monty initially treats the situation with amusement, allowing the sheik to come aboard to propose. Peggy, however, rejects the sheik's advances with cold dignity, while the crew and guests watch the spectacle unfold.
Chapter 24
The Sheik's Strategy
Peggy pretends to accept the sheik's marriage proposal to punish Monty, but the joke turns dangerous when the sheik attempts to abduct her. Monty and the crew repel the initial attack, but later that night, the sheik's men successfully kidnap Peggy from the yacht. A chase ensues with the searchlight revealing the fleeing boats.
Chapter 25
The Rescue of Peggy
Monty Brewster, with less than two months left of his year-long challenge, is tormented by his love for Peggy Gray and his financial worries. During a yacht cruise, Peggy is abducted by Arab emissaries of Sheik Mohammed. Brewster and a sailor named Conroy rescue her after a dramatic chase and a gunshot kills her captor. Peggy is saved, but Brewster feels she only sees him as a brother. A cablegram from Swearengen Jones adds to his anxiety.
Chapter 26
XXVI: Mutiny
Monty announces his plan to extend the yacht cruise to the North Cape, but his guests oppose the idea due to concerns over his extravagant spending. They hold a secret meeting and decide to mutiny, voting to sail back to New York. Monty, feeling betrayed and humiliated, insists on continuing alone, ordering the yacht to drop the guests at a port where they can catch a steamer home while he proceeds to the North Cape.
Chapter 27
XXVII: A Fair Traitor
Monty's guests mutiny and imprison him in his stateroom, planning to sail the yacht to Boston against his wishes. After days of confinement, Peggy Gray defies the mutineers and frees Monty, finding him calmly reading.
Chapter 28
XXVIII: A Catastrophe
During a violent storm at sea, Peggy Gray frees Monty from his locked cabin, leading to a tender moment between them. Monty faces the mutineers and declares the yacht is heading to New York. The storm intensifies, causing a broken shaft and leaving the Flitter adrift. Monty struggles with the possibility of failing the inheritance challenge as time runs out, but a tramp steamer offers a tow to Southampton for a steep price.
Chapter 29
The Prodigal's Return
Monty and his party return to New York after a disastrous yacht cruise, facing financial ruin and social scorn. He sells his belongings, pays off debts, and prepares for the final collapse of his fortune, while clinging to hope from Peggy's affection.
Chapter 30
XXX: The Promise of Thrift
Monty Brewster, having spent the entire million-dollar inheritance from Edwin Brewster, is now nearly penniless with only $79.08 left. He faces the scorn of the town and the concern of Mrs. Gray and Peggy. In a heartfelt conversation, he reveals his love for Peggy and asks her to marry him on the morning of September 23rd, just before the deadline for the Sedgwick inheritance. Peggy agrees, and they plan to start their new life together with love as their only treasure.
Chapter 31
XXXI: How the Million Disappeared
Monty prepares his final expenditure report for Swearengen Jones, detailing how he spent the entire million dollars. He collects receipts for every purchase, meets with friends Joe Bragdon and Elon Gardner to arrange his marriage to Peggy the next day, and visits his lawyers Grant & Ripley to present the report. Unbeknownst to Monty, Jones has been unreachable and the lawyers are anxious about a potential disaster.
Chapter 32
The Night Before
On the eve of his wedding, Monty Brewster, now penniless after spending his million, takes Peggy Gray for a final night of celebration. They dine quietly and attend a farewell supper at Pettingill's studio with the 'Little Sons' and guests. At midnight, a telegram from Grant & Ripley arrives, revealing that Swearengen Jones has disappeared, shattering Monty's hopes for the second inheritance.
Chapter 33
The Flight of Jones
Monty learns from Grant & Ripley that Swearengen Jones has disappeared with all of his inherited fortune, leaving him penniless. Despite the shock, Monty resolves to face his future with courage and marry Peggy as planned.
Chapter 34
The Last Word
Monty and Peggy are married in a small ceremony, but their joy is interrupted by the arrival of a letter from Swearengen Jones. The letter reveals that Jones has returned with the full inheritance, having followed the terms of the will, and that Monty is now a multimillionaire. Jones also clears Monty's reputation with the press and offers a wedding gift of the restored fortune. The chapter ends with Monty's redemption and the promise of a new life with Peggy.
