Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
XIV: Mrs. DeMille Entertains explained
Montgomery Brewster and Barbara Drew's relationship remains strained as they navigate a forced dinner together at Mrs.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
- Love and Sacrifice
Monty's bank rescue was an act of sacrifice for Barbara's family, but his motives are now questioned, complicating their relationship.
- Social Class and Status
The dinner party and cotillon underscore the importance of social standing and the performance of harmony in elite circles.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Attends Mrs. DeMille's dinner despite the rift with Barbara; attempts reconciliation but is rebuffed.
- Barbara Drew
Cold and resentful toward Monty; learns of his bank rescue but accuses him of ulterior motives.
- Colonel Drew
Reveals Monty's heroism to Barbara, hoping to mend the relationship, but his intervention backfires.
- Mrs. Dan DeMille
Hosts the dinner and deliberately seats Monty and Barbara together, hoping to force a reconciliation.
Key passages
““You need have no fear that I will trouble you again.””
Monty declares he will stop pursuing Barbara after she accuses him of trying to buy her affection.
This marks a definitive break in their relationship, driven by Barbara's misinterpretation of Monty's motives.
““He has told me all about that wretched bank business. But poor father thought you quite disinterested. He did not see the little game behind your melodrama.””
Barbara accuses Monty of using his financial rescue of her father to manipulate her into marriage.
Barbara's accusation reveals her deep distrust and the central conflict of the chapter.