Model Millionaire Question and Answer

Q1: Justify the title of the story The Model Millionaire.

Ans: The writer has given the title ‘The Model Millionaire’ to the story, which is apt and justified. In the story, the rich man Baron Hausberg, out of whim poses as a mendicant. Not only does he prove to be a perfect model, but he also proves a model for millionaires as he knows how to use his money. In the story, Hughie Erskine is a handsome and sweet mannered guy who has inherited nothing from his late father. His only means is an allowance of 200 pounds a year from an old aunt. He tries his hand in various jobs like selling tea and sherry but fails. He is desperately in love with Laura Merton who is daughter of retired Colonel. Hughie is in a tight corner as Laura's father wants him to have £10,000 before marriage. The two lovers feel helpless. On his visit to the studio of his painter friend, Trevor, he is fascinated to see a ragged beggar with wrinkled face. He takes pity on his wretched looks and gives him the only coin he has in his pocket. Later he is shocked to learn from his painter friend that the old beggar is really Baron Hausberg. Baron thus proves to be a perfect model. Next morning, a gentleman calls on Hughie saying that he has come from Baron Hausberg. Hughie hastens to apologize for the previous day’s incident. He is surprised to see a check of 10000 pounds as his marriage gift. The Baron justifies himself to be a rarer model millionaire as he knows the real value of money and how to use it.

Q2: Discuss the Character Sketch of Hughie Erskine.

Ans: ❖ Hughie Erskine is a charming young man with impressive looks. He has curly brown hair, grey eyes and clear features. He is a sincere lover, a generous soul and a true friend.

❖ Hughie is desperately in love with Laura Merton, whose father, a retired colonel, wants Hughie to have £10,000 of his own before marrying his daughter. He is helpless and in a tight corner.

❖ He is a kind-hearted man who shows his sympathy towards ragged beggar by paying him the only coin he possesses. The wretched beggar gets impressed by his generosity and repays his kindness by presenting him the money which he is in dire need of.

❖ Hughie lacks practical wisdom as he has tried various professions and trades but has been unsuccessful in all of them, as he lacks the art of making money. He tries various professions like selling tea, stock exchange, etc. but earns nothing. At present he is unemployed and depends upon £200 per year which he gets as an allowance from his old aunt.

❖ Hughie’s luck finally takes a turn. The incident of visiting his friend Trevor and his giving a coin to pathetic beggar changes his ill luck in the story. It is a chance that the beggar is one of the richest men of Europe. The money he gives to beggar proves to be an investment which gets repaid with a lot of interest. Finally his generosity changes the whole course and he receives a cheque of ten thousand pounds from the rich millionaire. Thus, he gets married to Laura.

3. Sketch the character of Alan Trevor

4. Analyse the elements of suspense in the story ‘The Model Millionaire’