# The Night Before explained — Brewster’s Millions

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

The 'Little Sons' gather for a farewell supper, toasting absent members, while Monty's friends await his return.

### The Absurdity of Wealth

Monty, once a millionaire, is now penniless and cannot afford evening clothes, yet plans a lavish farewell supper.

### Moral Dilemmas and Restrictions

Peggy insists on a quiet dinner to avoid scandal, highlighting the social constraints on their final night.

## Character check-ins

### Montgomery Brewster

Penniless and anxious, he spends his last night before the deadline with Peggy, only to receive devastating news of Jones's disappearance.

### Peggy Gray

Excited yet worried, she accompanies Monty on his final spree and senses the gravity of the telegram.

### Swearengen Jones

Mentioned as having disappeared, leaving Monty's fate uncertain.

### Nopper Harrison

The only absent 'Little Son,' toasted by Brewster during the supper.

### Paul Pettingill

Hosts the farewell supper for the 'Little Sons' at his studio.

### Joe Bragdon

Present at the supper, jests about Monty's wedding and birthday.

## Key lines

> It's all up to Jones now

Monty's fate depends entirely on Swearengen Jones's decision.

_Monty's internal anxiety as he drives to meet Peggy._

> Jones has disappeared and there is absolutely no trace of him.

Swearengen Jones has vanished without a clue.

_The devastating telegram from Grant & Ripley that shatters Monty's hopes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxxii-the-night-before
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brewster_s_millions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters