Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
VIII: The Forelock of Time explained
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.
What happens
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.'
Themes in this chapter
- Love and Sacrifice
Monty weighs the cost of courting Barbara against his financial obligations, considering sacrificing his inheritance for love.
- Moral Dilemmas and Restrictions
Monty's telegram to Jones reveals his struggle with the terms of his inheritance, questioning whether marriage and property transfer would violate the conditions.
- The Absurdity of Wealth
Monty calculates that each day spent on romance costs him $2,500, highlighting the absurd arithmetic of his challenge.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Lies in bed brooding over jealousy of the Duke of Beauchamp and the financial cost of courting Barbara Drew; sends a telegram to Swearengen Jones asking permission to marry and transfer his property.
- Peggy Gray
Monty visits her for advice and consolation; she listens to his confession about Barbara Drew and struggles with her own feelings as he leaves without waving goodbye.
- Barbara Drew
The object of Monty's affection; she sat next to the Duke of Beauchamp at dinner, sparking Monty's jealousy, though she forgave him after his encounter with 'The Censor.'
- Duke of Beauchamp
Monty's rival for Barbara's attention; described as a 'bounder' and 'silly ass' by Monty, who resents his presence at the dinner.
- Swearengen Jones
Receives Monty's telegram asking about marriage and property transfer; replies with a blunt command to 'stick to your knitting.'
- Rawles
Stands aghast at Monty's impatient ringing for a messenger-boy.
- Colonel Drew
Congratulates Monty the morning after his encounter with 'The Censor,' assuring him that Barbara and Mrs. Drew approve.
Key passages
“May I marry and turn all property over to wife, providing she will have me?”
Monty asks Jones if he can marry and transfer his wealth to his wife, provided she accepts him.
This telegram encapsulates Monty's attempt to reconcile love with the terms of his inheritance.
“Stick to your knitting, you damned fool.”
Jones tells Monty to focus on his own business and stop asking foolish questions.
Jones's blunt reply dismisses Monty's romantic scheme and reinforces the challenge's constraints.
