# XIV: Mrs. DeMille Entertains explained — Brewster’s Millions

> Chapter companion for Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> “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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xiv-mrs-demille-entertains
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brewster_s_millions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters