The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde

 

The Model Millionaire

Oscar Wilde

“The Model Millionaire” is a short story by Oscar Wilde. The story revolves around a young man, Hughie Erskine, who, though not very wealthy, is kind-hearted. The story narrates how he is rewarded for his kindness.  

 Hughie is a handsome, charming and popular young man. But he is not very rich. He did not receive anything of great value in his father’s will. He inherited only a sword and a history book titled History of the Peninsular War in 15 volumes. His only income is 200 pounds a year, given to him by an elderly aunt. He tried several different businesses: the stock market, a tea merchant, and selling dry sherry, but all of which failed. Hughie was in love with a young woman named Laura Merton. Laura’s father, Colonel Merton, likes Hughie, but because of his financial situation, he does not approve of their marriage. He laid a condition for their marriage that Hughie should earn ten thousand pounds.

One day, Hughie goes to see his artist friend Alan Trevor. Alan was painting a portrait of an old beggar. The old man is wearing a tattered brown cloak and boots that have been mended many times. He has a rough walking stick in one hand. On the other hand, he is holding out an old hat to ask for money. Both Alan and Hughie agree that the old man is an excellent subject for a painting. Hughie feels sorry for the old beggar. He thinks it is unfair that Alan makes more money from the painting, while the old beggar receives only a minimal salary. Though Alan is his friend, his kind heart supported the old beggar. When Alan leaves the room, Hughie looks in his pockets. He finds a sovereign and gives the coin to the old man. Though Hughie needs the money, he prefers to give it to the old man. The old man looks very happy to receive it and Hughie soon leaves the room.

Alan and Hughie meet up again at night. The artist tells his friend that the old man asked several questions about Hughie. Alan goes on to say that he told the old man all about Hughie, Laura Merton and the condition which Colonel Merton set for their marriage. Hughie is upset to learn that his friend shared his personal information with the old beggar. He tells Alan that he gave a sovereign to the beggar. The amused Alan tells Hughie that the old man he was painting was Baron Hausberg, one of the wealthiest men in Europe. Baron Hausberg often bought Alan’s paintings and asked Alan to paint him as a beggar. Alan supplied the tattered clothes he was wearing. Hughie feels ashamed about giving a coin to a millionaire. The next day, a representative of Baron Hausberg comes to Hughie’s house with an envelope containing a check for ten thousand pounds, and it was written as a wedding present ‘from an old beggar’. Hughie and Laura get married and Baron Hausberg attends their wedding.