Model Millionaire, Part 3 Glossary, Summary & Question-Answers

Model Millionaire, Part 3, Passage 5, Page 92

My dear boy, said Trevor, smiling ………………and have a capital story to tell after dinner.

Glossary

beggar — a very poor person who asks for money — भिखारी

richest — having the greatest amount of wealth — सबसे धनी

overdrawing (an account) — spending more money than is in a bank account — बैंक खाते से अधिक धन निकालना

capital — an important city, usually the seat of government — राजधानी

dines off — eats meals using — भोजन करना (किसी वस्तु में)

gold plate — plates made of gold or gold-plated dishes — सोने की थाली / सोने के बर्तन

prevent — stop something from happening — रोकना

exclaimed — cried out suddenly in surprise — आश्चर्य से कहना

studio — a place where an artist works — चित्रकार का कार्यस्थल / स्टूडियो

Baron — a noble title of rank — बैरन (उपाधि)

commission — an order to produce a work of art for payment — चित्र बनाने का आदेश

magnificent — extremely fine or impressive — शानदार / भव्य

rags — old, torn clothes — फटे-पुराने कपड़े

sovereign — a British gold coin worth one pound — ब्रिटिश स्वर्ण सिक्का (एक पाउंड)

Good heavens! — an expression of shock or surprise — हे भगवान!

armchair — a comfortable chair with arms — कुर्सी (हथेलीदार आरामकुर्सी)

dismay — sudden disappointment or fear — निराशा / घबराहट

burst into a roar of laughter — began laughing loudly — जोर से हँस पड़ना

sulkily — in a bad-tempered, resentful way — रूठे हुए स्वर में

entered my mind — occurred as a thought — मन में आना

distributing alms — giving money or help to the poor — दान बाँटना

reckless — careless without thinking of consequences — लापरवाह

by Jove — an old expression showing strong feeling — अरे! / भगवान की कसम

full dress — formal or proper clothing — औपचारिक वेशभूषा

duffer — a foolish or stupid person — मूर्ख व्यक्ति

highest spirits — very cheerful mood — अत्यंत प्रसन्न मनोदशा

chuckling — laughing quietly with pleasure — धीमे से हँसना

wrinkled — having lines or folds on the skin — झुर्रियों वाला

make out — understand or explain — समझ पाना

invest — put money into something to earn profit — धन निवेश करना

interest — extra money earned on invested money — ब्याज

capital (money) — the main sum of money invested — मूलधन

 

Paraphrase in English

Trevor smiled and addressed Hughie affectionately, calling him “my dear boy.” He explained that the old beggar Hughie had spoken about was, in reality, one of the wealthiest men in the whole of Europe. Trevor said that the man was so immensely rich that he could buy the entire city of London the very next day without even needing to borrow money or exceed the balance in his bank account. He owned houses in every major capital city, ate his meals from plates made of gold, and possessed such influence that he could even stop Russia from going to war if he wished.

Hughie was completely astonished and cried out, asking Trevor what he could possibly mean by such an unbelievable statement.

Trevor calmly replied that he meant exactly what he had said. He revealed that the old man Hughie had seen earlier that day in the artist’s studio was actually Baron Hausberg. The Baron was a close friend of Trevor’s, regularly bought all of his paintings, and had recently commissioned him to paint a portrait of himself disguised as a beggar. Trevor added that the Baron had looked extremely impressive in those ragged clothes. Then, correcting himself humorously, Trevor said that the rags were not even the Baron’s but his own—an old suit Trevor had picked up while travelling in Spain.

On hearing the name Baron Hausberg, Hughie cried out in shock. He exclaimed “Good heavens!” and confessed that he had given the man a sovereign out of pity. The realization overwhelmed him so completely that he collapsed into an armchair, looking utterly shocked and miserable.

Trevor shouted the words “Gave him a sovereign!” in disbelief and burst into loud, uncontrollable laughter. He told Hughie teasingly that he would never see that coin again.

Feeling hurt and embarrassed, Hughie complained in a sulky manner that Trevor should have told him the truth earlier instead of allowing him to behave like a complete fool.

Trevor responded by explaining that it had never even crossed his mind that Hughie went around handing out charity so freely and carelessly. He said he could understand Hughie kissing a pretty model, but giving a sovereign to an ugly one was completely unbelievable. Trevor then added that, in fact, he had not been officially receiving visitors that day, and when Hughie entered the studio, Trevor was unsure whether Baron Hausberg would want his real identity revealed. After all, the Baron was not wearing his formal clothes at the time.

Hughie then groaned that the Baron must think him a total idiot.

Trevor reassured him that this was not the case at all. He said that after Hughie left, the Baron was in extremely high spirits. He kept laughing quietly to himself and rubbing his old, wrinkled hands together with amusement. Trevor admitted that at the time he could not understand why the Baron was so eager to know everything about Hughie, but now the reason was perfectly clear. Trevor concluded by saying that the Baron would invest Hughie’s sovereign wisely, pay him interest every six months, and later enjoy telling the amusing story of the incident after dinner.

Paraphrase in Hindi

ट्रेवर मुस्कराया और स्नेहपूर्वक ह्यूई को “मेरे प्यारे लड़के” कहकर संबोधित किया। उसने समझाया कि जिस बूढ़े भिखारी की बात ह्यूई कर रहा था, वह वास्तव में पूरे यूरोप के सबसे धनी व्यक्तियों में से एक है। ट्रेवर ने कहा कि वह व्यक्ति इतना अपार धनवान है कि बिना अपने बैंक खाते की सीमा पार किए, अगले ही दिन पूरा लंदन खरीद सकता है। उसके पास हर राजधानी में घर हैं, वह सोने की थालियों में भोजन करता है, और उसका प्रभाव इतना गहरा है कि चाहे तो रूस को युद्ध करने से भी रोक सकता है।

ह्यूई यह सुनकर पूरी तरह चकित रह गया और आश्चर्य से चिल्लाकर बोला कि ट्रेवर आखिर कहना क्या चाहता है।

ट्रेवर ने शांत स्वर में उत्तर दिया कि वह बिल्कुल वही कह रहा है जो उसने कहा है। उसने बताया कि आज स्टूडियो में जिस बूढ़े आदमी को ह्यूई ने देखा था, वह वास्तव में बैरन हाउसबर्ग था। वह ट्रेवर का घनिष्ठ मित्र है, उसकी सभी पेंटिंग्स खरीदता है, और हाल ही में उसने स्वयं को भिखारी के रूप में चित्रित करने का आदेश (कमिशन) दिया था। ट्रेवर ने यह भी कहा कि फटे-पुराने कपड़ों में बैरन का रूप बहुत ही प्रभावशाली लग रहा था। फिर मज़ाक में उसने स्वयं को सुधारा और कहा कि वे कपड़े बैरन के नहीं, बल्कि उसके अपने थे—एक पुराना सूट जो वह स्पेन से लाया था।

जैसे ही ह्यूई ने “बैरन हाउसबर्ग” नाम सुना, वह भय और आश्चर्य से चिल्ला उठा। उसने “हे भगवान!” कहते हुए बताया कि उसने दया के कारण उस आदमी को एक स्वर्ण सिक्का (सोवरेन) दे दिया था। यह सोचते ही वह इतना विचलित हो गया कि पास की आरामकुर्सी में धँस गया और उसके चेहरे पर गहरी घबराहट और पश्चाताप साफ़ झलकने लगा।

ट्रेवर ने ज़ोर से “तुमने उसे एक सोवरेन दे दिया!” कहा और ज़ोर-ज़ोर से हँस पड़ा। उसने मज़ाक उड़ाते हुए कहा कि ह्यूई अब वह सिक्का कभी वापस नहीं पाएगा।

अपमान और शर्म से भरे ह्यूई ने रूखे और नाराज़ स्वर में कहा कि ट्रेवर को पहले ही उसे सच्चाई बता देनी चाहिए थी और उसे इतनी मूर्खता करने से रोकना चाहिए था।

ट्रेवर ने उत्तर दिया कि उसके मन में यह विचार कभी आया ही नहीं था कि ह्यूई इतनी लापरवाही से दान बाँटता फिरता है। उसने कहा कि वह ह्यूई के किसी सुंदर मॉडल को चूमने की बात तो समझ सकता है, लेकिन किसी बदसूरत व्यक्ति को एक सोवरेन देना बिल्कुल अविश्वसनीय है। ट्रेवर ने यह भी जोड़ा कि उस दिन वास्तव में वह किसी से मिलने के लिए उपलब्ध नहीं था, और जब ह्यूई स्टूडियो में आया, तब उसे यह नहीं पता था कि बैरन हाउसबर्ग चाहेंगे कि उनका असली नाम लिया जाए या नहीं, क्योंकि वे उस समय औपचारिक वेशभूषा में नहीं थे।

ह्यूई ने निराश होकर कहा कि बैरन उसे अवश्य ही एक पूर्ण मूर्ख समझता होगा।

ट्रेवर ने उसे आश्वस्त किया कि ऐसा बिल्कुल नहीं है। उसने बताया कि ह्यूई के जाने के बाद बैरन बहुत प्रसन्न मनोदशा में थे। वे बार-बार हल्के से हँस रहे थे और अपने झुर्रियों भरे हाथों को आपस में रगड़ रहे थे। ट्रेवर ने स्वीकार किया कि उस समय वह यह नहीं समझ पाया था कि बैरन ह्यूई के बारे में इतनी दिलचस्पी क्यों दिखा रहे थे, लेकिन अब सब कुछ स्पष्ट हो गया है। अंत में ट्रेवर ने कहा कि बैरन ह्यूई के दिए हुए सोवरेन को निवेश करेंगे, हर छह महीने में उस पर ब्याज देंगे, और भोजन के बाद इस पूरे प्रसंग को एक मज़ेदार कहानी की तरह सुनाया करेंगे।

Multiple Choice Questions

1.    Who calls Hughie “my dear boy”?
A) Baron Hausberg
B) Hughie himself
C) Trevor
D) The narrator
Answer: C) Trevor

2.    Whom does Hughie believe to be a beggar?
A) Trevor
B) Baron Hausberg
C) A model
D) A banker
Answer: B) Baron Hausberg

3.    What is Baron Hausberg actually known for?
A) Being a poor artist
B) Being a servant
C) Being one of the richest men in Europe
D) Being a soldier
Answer: C) Being one of the richest men in Europe

4.    What exaggeration is used to describe Hausberg’s wealth?
A) He owns half of Europe
B) He can buy all London
C) He owns every bank
D) He controls the seas
Answer: B) He can buy all London

5.    What does “without overdrawing his account” mean?
A) Without opening a new account
B) Without borrowing money
C) Without closing his account
D) Without spending money
Answer: B) Without borrowing money

6.    Where does Baron Hausberg have houses?
A) In villages
B) In England only
C) In every capital
D) In art studios
Answer: C) In every capital

7.    What kind of plates does Hausberg dine off?
A) Silver plates
B) Wooden plates
C) Gold plates
D) Steel plates
Answer: C) Gold plates

8.    What political power is attributed to Hausberg?
A) He can start wars
B) He can rule Europe
C) He can stop Russia going to war
D) He can overthrow governments
Answer: C) He can stop Russia going to war

9.    How does Hughie react to Trevor’s revelation?
A) Calmly
B) Angrily
C) With disbelief and shock
D) With laughter
Answer: C) With disbelief and shock

10. Where did Hughie see the old man?
A) At home
B) In the street
C) In the studio
D) At a party
Answer: C) In the studio

11. Why was Baron Hausberg in the studio?
A) To teach painting
B) To buy paintings
C) To pose as a beggar
D) To sell clothes
Answer: C) To pose as a beggar

12. Who gave Trevor the commission?
A) Hughie
B) Baron Hausberg
C) A gallery owner
D) A critic
Answer: B) Baron Hausberg

13. What does Trevor say about Hausberg’s appearance in rags?
A) It was ridiculous
B) It was ordinary
C) It was magnificent
D) It was frightening
Answer: C) It was magnificent

14. Whose rags were actually used for the painting?
A) Hausberg’s
B) Hughie’s
C) Trevor’s
D) A servant’s
Answer: C) Trevor’s

15. Where did Trevor get the old suit from?
A) France
B) London
C) Italy
D) Spain
Answer: D) Spain

16. What did Hughie give the beggar out of pity?
A) A shilling
B) A sovereign
C) A pound note
D) Food
Answer: B) A sovereign

17. How does Hughie feel after realizing the truth?
A) Proud
B) Amused
C) Confident
D) Dismayed
Answer: D) Dismayed

18. How does Trevor react to Hughie’s charity?
A) With anger
B) With silence
C) With loud laughter
D) With sympathy
Answer: C) With loud laughter

19. Why does Hughie feel insulted?
A) Trevor laughed at him
B) Hausberg scolded him
C) He lost money
D) He was ignored
Answer: A) Trevor laughed at him

20. What does Hughie accuse Trevor of?
A) Lying
B) Cheating
C) Not warning him
D) Stealing his money
Answer: C) Not warning him

21. What does Trevor say never entered his mind?
A) Hughie loved models
B) Hughie gave away alms recklessly
C) Hughie disliked beggars
D) Hughie was poor
Answer: B) Hughie gave away alms recklessly

22. Which action of Hughie does Trevor find unbelievable?
A) Painting a picture
B) Kissing a pretty model
C) Giving money to an ugly model
D) Visiting the studio
Answer: C) Giving money to an ugly model

23. Why did Trevor hesitate to mention Hausberg’s name?
A) He forgot it
B) Hausberg was absent
C) Hausberg was not in full dress
D) Hughie was in a hurry
Answer: C) Hausberg was not in full dress

24. How was Baron Hausberg after Hughie left?
A) Angry
B) Sad
C) Extremely cheerful
D) Thoughtful
Answer: C) Extremely cheerful

25. What will Baron Hausberg do with Hughie’s sovereign?
A) Return it immediately
B) Spend it on dinner
C) Invest it and pay interest
D) Donate it to charity
Answer: C) Invest it and pay interest

Who said/Who said to whom?

1.    “My dear boy,” said Trevor, smiling, “that old beggar, as you call him, is one of the richest men in Europe…”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

2.    “What on earth do you mean?” exclaimed Hughie.
— Hughie Erskine to Alan Trevor

3.    “What I say,” said Trevor.
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

4.    “The old man you saw to-day in the studio was Baron Hausberg.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

5.    “He is a great friend of mine, buys all my pictures and that sort of thing.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

6.    “He made a magnificent figure in his rags.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

7.    “Or perhaps I should say in my rags.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

8.    “They are an old suit I got in Spain.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

9.    “Baron Hausberg!” cried Hughie.
— Hughie Erskine to Alan Trevor

10. “Good heavens! I gave him a sovereign!”
— Hughie Erskine to Alan Trevor

11. “Gave him a sovereign!” shouted Trevor.
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

12. “My dear boy, you’ll never see it again.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

13. “I think you might have told me, Alan.”
— Hughie Erskine to Alan Trevor

14. “And not have let me make such a fool of myself.”
— Hughie Erskine to Alan Trevor

15. “It never entered my mind that you went about distributing alms in that reckless way.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

16. “I can understand your kissing a pretty model.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

17. “But your giving a sovereign to an ugly one—by Jove, no!”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

18. “I really was not at home to-day to any one.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

19. “I didn’t know whether Hausberg would like his name mentioned.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

20. “You know he wasn’t in full dress.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

21. “What a duffer he must think me!”
— Hughie Erskine to Alan Trevor

22. “Not at all.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

23. “He was in the highest spirits after you left.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

24. “He kept chuckling to himself.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

25. “I couldn’t make out why he was so interested to know all about you.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

26. “He’ll invest your sovereign for you, Hughie.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

27. “Pay you the interest every six months.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

28. “And have a capital story to tell after dinner.”
— Alan Trevor to Hughie Erskine

RTC–1

Extract:
“My dear boy,” said Trevor, smiling, “that old beggar, as you call him, is one of the richest men in Europe. He could buy all London to-morrow without overdrawing his account. He has a house in every capital, dines off gold plate, and can prevent Russia going to war when he chooses.”

1.    Who is the speaker of these lines?
Answer: Alan Trevor.

2.    To whom are these words addressed?
Answer: Hughie Erskine.

3.    Who is referred to as “that old beggar”?
Answer: Baron Hausberg.

4.    What exaggeration is used to show the man’s wealth?
Answer: He could buy all London without overdrawing his account.

5.    What luxurious habit of the man is mentioned?
Answer: He dines off gold plates.

6.    What political influence is attributed to him?
Answer: He can prevent Russia from going to war.

7.    What theme of the story is reflected in this extract?
Answer: Appearance versus reality.

RTC–2

Extract:
“What I say,” said Trevor. “The old man you saw to-day in the studio was Baron Hausberg. He is a great friend of mine, buys all my pictures and that sort of thing, and gave me a commission a month ago to paint him as a beggar.”

1.    Where did Hughie see the old man?
Answer: In Trevor’s studio.

2.    What is the real identity of the old man?
Answer: Baron Hausberg.

3.    What relationship does Baron Hausberg have with Trevor?
Answer: He is Trevor’s close friend and patron.

4.    What does “buys all my pictures” indicate?
Answer: Hausberg financially supports Trevor’s art.

5.    What commission did Hausberg give Trevor?
Answer: To paint him as a beggar.

6.    When was the commission given?
Answer: A month earlier.

7.    Why is this revelation important in the story?
Answer: It explains Hughie’s mistaken act of charity.

RTC–3

Extract:
“Baron Hausberg!” cried Hughie. “Good heavens! I gave him a sovereign!” and he sank into an armchair the picture of dismay.

1.    Who speaks these lines?
Answer: Hughie Erskine.

2.    What causes Hughie’s shock?
Answer: Learning that the beggar was Baron Hausberg.

3.    What had Hughie given the old man?
Answer: A sovereign.

4.    Why does Hughie feel dismayed?
Answer: He gave charity to a very rich man.

5.    What does sinking into an armchair suggest?
Answer: Hughie’s embarrassment and emotional collapse.

6.    What does this moment reveal about Hughie’s nature?
Answer: He is kind-hearted but naïve.

7.    What literary device is highlighted here?
Answer: Irony.

RTC–4

Extract:
“Not at all. He was in the highest spirits after you left; kept chuckling to himself and rubbing his old wrinkled hands together. I couldn’t make out why he was so interested to know all about you; but I see it all now.”

1.    Who is the speaker of these lines?
Answer: Alan Trevor.

2.    Who is being spoken about here?
Answer: Baron Hausberg.

3.    What was Hausberg’s mood after Hughie left?
Answer: He was very cheerful and amused.

4.    What actions show his amusement?
Answer: Chuckling and rubbing his wrinkled hands.

5.    Why was Hausberg interested in Hughie?
Answer: Because Hughie showed genuine kindness.

6.    What does Trevor understand later?
Answer: The reason for Hausberg’s curiosity about Hughie.

7.    What does this extract suggest about Hausberg’s character?
Answer: He enjoys humour and appreciates genuine generosity.

One-Mark Questions

1.    Who was mistaken by Hughie for a beggar?
Answer: Baron Hausberg.

2.    According to Trevor, how wealthy was the so-called beggar?
Answer: He was one of the richest men in Europe.

3.    What exaggerated example is used to describe Hausberg’s wealth?
Answer: He could buy all London without overdrawing his account.

4.    In how many capitals did Baron Hausberg own houses?
Answer: In every capital.

5.    What kind of plates did Baron Hausberg dine off?
Answer: Gold plates.

6.    Which country’s war could Baron Hausberg prevent, according to Trevor?
Answer: Russia.

7.    Where did Hughie first see Baron Hausberg?
Answer: In Trevor’s studio.

8.    Why was Baron Hausberg present in the studio?
Answer: To pose for a painting as a beggar.

9.    Who gave Trevor the commission to paint the beggar’s portrait?
Answer: Baron Hausberg.

10. How long before had Trevor received the commission?
Answer: A month earlier.

11. How does Trevor describe Hausberg’s appearance in beggar’s clothes?
Answer: Magnificent.

12. Whose rags were actually used for the beggar’s costume?
Answer: Trevor’s own rags.

13. From which country did Trevor get the old suit used as rags?
Answer: Spain.

14. What amount of money did Hughie give the beggar?
Answer: A sovereign.

15. What was Hughie’s immediate reaction after realizing the truth?
Answer: He sank into an armchair in dismay.

16. How did Trevor react to Hughie’s act of charity?
Answer: He burst into loud laughter.

17. Why did Hughie feel he had made a fool of himself?
Answer: He gave money to a man who was extremely rich.

18. What quality of Hughie’s charity surprised Trevor?
Answer: Its reckless nature.

19. Which action of Hughie does Trevor say he can understand?
Answer: Kissing a pretty model.

20. Which action of Hughie does Trevor find unbelievable?
Answer: Giving a sovereign to an ugly model.

21. Why did Trevor hesitate to mention Hausberg’s name earlier?
Answer: Hausberg was not in full dress.

22. What did Hughie fear Baron Hausberg thought of him?
Answer: That he was a duffer (fool).

23. How was Baron Hausberg’s mood after Hughie left?
Answer: He was in the highest spirits.

24. What physical gesture showed Hausberg’s amusement?
Answer: He chuckled and rubbed his wrinkled hands.

25. What would Baron Hausberg do with Hughie’s sovereign?
Answer: Invest it and pay Hughie interest every six months.

Two-Mark Questions

1.    Why does Trevor say that the beggar could buy all London without overdrawing his account?
Answer: Trevor uses this exaggeration to emphasize Baron Hausberg’s immense wealth. It shows that the so-called beggar is so rich that purchasing an entire city would not even strain his financial resources.

2.    Why was Baron Hausberg dressed like a beggar in Trevor’s studio?
Answer: Baron Hausberg had commissioned Trevor to paint his portrait disguised as a beggar. He wanted to be painted in rags, perhaps for amusement or artistic interest, without revealing his true wealthy identity.

3.    How does Hughie react when he learns the true identity of the beggar?
Answer: Hughie reacts with shock and deep embarrassment. On realizing that he had given money to one of the richest men in Europe, he sinks into an armchair, overwhelmed by dismay and self-reproach.

4.    Why does Trevor laugh loudly when Hughie mentions giving a sovereign to the beggar?
Answer: Trevor laughs because the situation is highly ironic. Hughie’s act of charity, meant for a poor beggar, turns out to be unnecessary generosity shown to an extremely wealthy man.

5.    Why does Hughie complain that Trevor should have warned him earlier?
Answer: Hughie feels foolish and humiliated after learning the truth. He believes Trevor should have informed him about the beggar’s real identity to save him from making such an embarrassing mistake.

6.    What explanation does Trevor give for not revealing Baron Hausberg’s identity earlier?
Answer: Trevor explains that he never imagined Hughie would give alms so recklessly. Moreover, Hausberg was not in full dress, and Trevor was unsure whether the Baron wished his identity to be disclosed.

7.    What does Trevor’s remark about “kissing a pretty model” reveal about his character?
Answer: The remark shows Trevor’s humorous and teasing nature. He mocks Hughie gently, suggesting that while romantic impulses are understandable, reckless charity without thought appears absurd to him.

8.    Why does Hughie fear that Baron Hausberg thinks him a duffer?
Answer: Hughie believes that giving charity to a wealthy man must have made him look foolish and naïve. He worries that Baron Hausberg might judge him as stupid for his thoughtless generosity.

9.    How does Trevor reassure Hughie about Baron Hausberg’s reaction?
Answer: Trevor reassures Hughie by saying that Hausberg was actually delighted. He was cheerful, kept chuckling, and seemed amused rather than offended, indicating that he enjoyed the incident greatly.

10. What future action does Trevor predict Baron Hausberg will take regarding the sovereign?
Answer: Trevor predicts that Baron Hausberg will invest Hughie’s sovereign, pay him interest every six months, and later enjoy narrating the incident as an amusing story after dinner.

Three-Mark Questions

1.    Describe how Trevor exposes the true identity of the beggar and the effect of this revelation on Hughie.
Answer: Trevor calmly reveals that the beggar is actually Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in Europe. He explains the Baron’s immense wealth and influence. This revelation shocks Hughie completely. Realizing that he had given a sovereign to such a wealthy man, Hughie feels embarrassed and dismayed, sinking into an armchair and calling himself foolish.

2.    Explain the irony in Hughie’s act of charity in the studio.
Answer: Hughie gives a sovereign out of genuine sympathy, believing the man to be a poor beggar. The irony lies in the fact that the recipient is actually Baron Hausberg, a man of enormous wealth who needs no charity. Hughie’s kindness, meant to relieve poverty, becomes a comic mistake that highlights his innocence and the humorous contrast between appearance and reality.

3.    How does Trevor justify his decision not to inform Hughie about the beggar’s real identity earlier?
Answer: Trevor explains that it never occurred to him that Hughie would distribute alms so recklessly. He also says that Hausberg was not in full dress and that he was unsure whether the Baron would appreciate his identity being revealed. Therefore, Trevor chose to remain silent, not expecting such an unexpected act of charity from Hughie.

4.    What does Trevor’s reaction to Hughie’s generosity reveal about his character and outlook?
Answer: Trevor’s loud laughter and teasing remarks show his humorous, practical, and somewhat worldly nature. He views Hughie’s generosity as naïve and impractical. While he does not criticize Hughie harshly, his amusement suggests that he values common sense and awareness over impulsive charity based solely on appearances.

5.    Discuss Hughie’s emotional state after learning the truth about the beggar.
Answer: Hughie feels shocked, embarrassed, and deeply ashamed. He worries that Baron Hausberg must think him a duffer and feels humiliated for having made a fool of himself. His sulky complaint to Trevor reveals his hurt pride, while his physical collapse into an armchair reflects the depth of his emotional discomfort.

6.    Describe Baron Hausberg’s reaction to Hughie’s act of charity as reported by Trevor.
Answer: According to Trevor, Baron Hausberg is greatly amused by Hughie’s action. After Hughie leaves, the Baron remains in high spirits, chuckling to himself and rubbing his wrinkled hands. His curiosity about Hughie suggests that he appreciates the young man’s kindness and finds the entire incident delightfully entertaining.

7.    How does the episode contribute to the theme of appearance versus reality in the story?
Answer: The episode strongly reinforces the theme of appearance versus reality. Baron Hausberg appears as a poor beggar but is actually immensely wealthy. Hughie judges him by his appearance and acts accordingly. The incident humorously shows how external appearances can be misleading and how true identity and reality often lie hidden beneath outward disguise.

Model Millionaire, Part 3, Passage 6, Page 93

I am an unlucky devil ……………………model millionaires are rarer still.

Glossary

1.    unlucky devil — a person who feels extremely unfortunate — बदकिस्मत व्यक्ति

2.    growled — spoke in a low, angry or irritated voice — गुर्राते हुए कहना

3.    dare — have enough courage to do something — हिम्मत करना

4.    show my face — appear before others — मुँह दिखाना

5.    the Row — a fashionable street where high society gathers — रौ (लंदन की प्रसिद्ध सड़क)

6.    Nonsense! — an expression meaning “that is not true” — बकवास!

7.    reflects — shows or indicates — दर्शाता है

8.    highest credit — great praise or honour — अत्यधिक प्रशंसा

9.    philanthropic spirit — kindness shown by helping others — परोपकारी भावना

10. run away — leave hastily to avoid something — भाग जाना

11. however — in spite of that — तथापि / फिर भी

12. wouldn’t stop — refused to stay — रुकने से इंकार करना

13. fits of laughter — bursts of uncontrollable laughter — ठहाके

14. servant — a person employed to help in a household — नौकर

15. card — a visiting card — परिचय पत्र

16. de la part de — on behalf of — की ओर से

17. suppose — assume or think — मान लेना

18. apology — an expression of regret — क्षमा-याचना

19. visitor — a person who comes to see someone — आगंतुक

20. gold spectacles — eyeglasses with gold frames — सोने की फ्रेम वाला चश्मा

21. accent — a particular way of speaking — उच्चारण शैली

22. honour of addressing — privilege of speaking to — संबोधित करने का सम्मान

23. bowed — bent slightly to show respect — झुककर अभिवादन करना

24. stammered — spoke with pauses due to nervousness — हकलाते हुए कहना

25. sincerest — most genuine — अत्यंत हार्दिक

26. commissioned — officially instructed or authorized — नियुक्त / आदेशित किया

27. extended — held out — आगे बढ़ाया

28. sealed envelope — a closed letter cover — मुहरबंद लिफाफा

29. wedding present — gift given on marriage — विवाह का उपहार

30. cheque — written order for payment from a bank — चेक

31. best man — the bridegroom’s chief assistant at a wedding — दूल्हे का प्रधान सहायक

32. wedding breakfast — meal following a wedding ceremony — विवाह भोज

33. remarked — commented — टिप्पणी की

34. rare enough — very uncommon — बहुत दुर्लभ

35. by Jove — expression of strong feeling — अरे! / भगवान की कसम

36. model millionaires — millionaires with exemplary character — आदर्श धनिक

Paraphrase in English

Hughie grumbled that he was an extremely unlucky person. Feeling ashamed and discouraged, he said that the best thing he could do was to go home and sleep. He also requested Alan Trevor not to tell anyone about the incident, as he would not have the courage to appear in fashionable society again. Alan, however, dismissed Hughie’s worry and said that his action actually brought him great honour, as it showed his charitable and generous nature. He encouraged Hughie not to leave and suggested that he stay, smoke another cigarette, and talk freely about Laura.

Despite Alan’s reassurance, Hughie refused to stay and walked back home feeling deeply unhappy. His sudden departure amused Alan so much that he burst into uncontrollable laughter.

The next morning, while Hughie was having breakfast, a servant brought him a visiting card. On the card was written the name Monsieur Gustave Naudin, who had come on behalf of Baron Hausberg. Hughie immediately assumed that the Baron had sent the man to receive an apology for the previous day’s incident. He instructed the servant to show the visitor inside.

Soon, an elderly gentleman wearing gold-rimmed spectacles and with grey hair entered the room. Speaking in a slight French accent, he politely asked whether he had the honour of speaking to Monsieur Erskine. Hughie responded respectfully by bowing.

The visitor explained that he had come from Baron Hausberg. Before he could continue, Hughie nervously interrupted him and begged him to convey his deepest apologies to the Baron for his foolish behaviour. The old gentleman smiled and calmly said that the Baron had actually sent him to deliver a letter. As he spoke, he handed Hughie a sealed envelope.

On the outside of the envelope was written that it was a wedding present for Hughie Erskine and Laura Merton from “an old beggar.” Inside the envelope was a cheque for ten thousand pounds. Later, when Hughie and Laura were married, Alan Trevor acted as the best man at the wedding, and Baron Hausberg himself delivered a speech at the wedding feast. Alan humorously remarked that while millionaire models were rare, truly generous and noble millionaires were even rarer.

Paraphrase in Hindi

ह्यूई झुंझलाकर बोला कि वह अत्यंत बदकिस्मत व्यक्ति है। उसे अपने व्यवहार पर शर्म और निराशा महसूस हो रही थी, इसलिए उसने कहा कि उसके लिए सबसे अच्छा यही होगा कि वह घर जाकर सो जाए। उसने एलन ट्रेवर से यह भी निवेदन किया कि वह इस घटना के बारे में किसी को न बताए, क्योंकि अब उसमें समाज के प्रतिष्ठित लोगों के सामने मुँह दिखाने की हिम्मत नहीं बची थी। लेकिन एलन ने ह्यूई की बात को सिरे से नकार दिया और कहा कि उसका कार्य वास्तव में प्रशंसनीय है, क्योंकि इससे उसकी परोपकारी और दयालु प्रवृत्ति प्रकट होती है। उसने ह्यूई से आग्रह किया कि वह भागे नहीं, एक और सिगरेट पिए और आराम से लॉरा के बारे में बातें करे।

फिर भी ह्यूई नहीं रुका और बहुत दुखी मन से पैदल घर चला गया। उसकी इस हालत को देखकर एलन ट्रेवर हँसी से लोटपोट हो गया।

अगली सुबह, जब ह्यूई नाश्ता कर रहा था, नौकर उसके पास एक विज़िटिंग कार्ड लेकर आया। उस पर लिखा था—मोंसieur गुस्ताव नोदां, जो बैरन हाउसबर्ग की ओर से आए थे। ह्यूई ने मन ही मन सोचा कि शायद बैरन ने उसे माफी मंगवाने के लिए भेजा है। उसने नौकर को आगंतुक को अंदर बुलाने का आदेश दिया।

थोड़ी देर में एक वृद्ध सज्जन, जिनकी आँखों पर सोने की फ्रेम वाला चश्मा था और जिनके बाल सफ़ेद हो चुके थे, कमरे में आए। हल्के फ्रांसीसी उच्चारण में उन्होंने विनम्रता से पूछा कि क्या उन्हें मॉन्सieur एर्स्किन से बात करने का सम्मान प्राप्त हो रहा है। ह्यूई ने झुककर उनका अभिवादन किया।

उस सज्जन ने बताया कि वे बैरन हाउसबर्ग की ओर से आए हैं। इससे पहले कि वे अपनी बात पूरी करते, ह्यूई घबराकर बीच में ही बोल पड़ा और उनसे प्रार्थना की कि वे बैरन तक उसकी हार्दिक क्षमा-याचना पहुँचा दें। वृद्ध सज्जन मुस्कराए और बोले कि बैरन ने उन्हें माफी लेने के लिए नहीं, बल्कि एक पत्र देने के लिए भेजा है। यह कहते हुए उन्होंने ह्यूई की ओर एक मुहरबंद लिफाफा बढ़ाया।

लिफाफे के बाहर लिखा था—“ह्यूई एर्स्किन और लॉरा मर्टन के लिए विवाह-उपहार, एक बूढ़े भिखारी की ओर से।” लिफाफे के अंदर दस हज़ार पाउंड का चेक था। बाद में जब ह्यूई और लॉरा का विवाह हुआ, तो एलन ट्रेवर दूल्हे का प्रधान सहायक (बेस्ट मैन) बना और बैरन हाउसबर्ग ने स्वयं विवाह-भोज में भाषण दिया। एलन ने मज़ाकिया ढंग से कहा कि जहाँ करोड़पति मॉडल बहुत कम मिलते हैं, वहीं आदर्श और उदार करोड़पति उससे भी कहीं अधिक दुर्लभ होते हैं।

MCQs 1

1.    Why does Hughie call himself “an unlucky devil”?
A) He has lost his job
B) He feels embarrassed by his mistake
C) He is ill
D) He is poor
Answer: B) He feels embarrassed by his mistake

2.    What does Hughie decide to do after talking to Alan?
A) Stay and smoke
B) Apologise immediately
C) Go to bed
D) Meet Laura
Answer: C) Go to bed

3.    Why does Hughie say he would not “show his face in the Row”?
A) He was insulted there
B) He felt ashamed
C) He was ill
D) He was angry
Answer: B) He felt ashamed

4.    How does Alan react to Hughie’s worry?
A) He agrees with him
B) He scolds him
C) He calls it nonsense
D) He ignores him
Answer: C) He calls it nonsense

5.    According to Alan, what does Hughie’s action reflect?
A) Foolishness
B) Carelessness
C) Philanthropic spirit
D) Pride
Answer: C) Philanthropic spirit

6.    What does Alan suggest Hughie should do instead of leaving?
A) Go home
B) Apologise
C) Have another cigarette
D) Write a letter
Answer: C) Have another cigarette

7.    What does Hughie finally do despite Alan’s advice?
A) Stays back
B) Walks home
C) Meets Laura
D) Sleeps there
Answer: B) Walks home

8.    How does Alan react after Hughie leaves?
A) He feels angry
B) He feels worried
C) He laughs uncontrollably
D) He follows him
Answer: C) He laughs uncontrollably

9.    When does the servant bring Hughie a visiting card?
A) At lunch
B) In the evening
C) The next morning
D) At night
Answer: C) The next morning

10. Who is mentioned on the visiting card?
A) Alan Trevor
B) Baron Hausberg
C) Monsieur Gustave Naudin
D) Laura Merton
Answer: C) Monsieur Gustave Naudin

11. On whose behalf has the visitor come?
A) Alan Trevor
B) Laura Merton
C) Baron Hausberg
D) Hughie’s servant
Answer: C) Baron Hausberg

12. What does Hughie think the visitor has come for?
A) To give money
B) To invite him
C) To demand an apology
D) To scold him
Answer: C) To demand an apology

13. How does Hughie respond to the visitor’s arrival?
A) He hides
B) He refuses to meet him
C) He asks the servant to show him up
D) He leaves the house
Answer: C) He asks the servant to show him up

14. How is Monsieur Naudin described?
A) Young and cheerful
B) Tall and thin
C) Old with gold spectacles
D) Poorly dressed
Answer: C) Old with gold spectacles

15. What accent does the visitor speak in?
A) English
B) German
C) French
D) Italian
Answer: C) French

16. How does Hughie react when the visitor mentions Baron Hausberg?
A) He laughs
B) He remains silent
C) He apologises nervously
D) He becomes angry
Answer: C) He apologises nervously

17. What does the visitor actually bring?
A) An apology letter
B) A warning
C) A sealed envelope
D) A wedding invitation
Answer: C) A sealed envelope

18. What is written on the envelope?
A) A personal letter
B) A legal notice
C) A wedding present message
D) A bank receipt
Answer: C) A wedding present message

19. Who is the wedding present meant for?
A) Hughie alone
B) Laura alone
C) Hughie and Laura
D) Alan and Laura
Answer: C) Hughie and Laura

20. Who is mentioned as the giver of the present?
A) Baron Hausberg
B) Alan Trevor
C) Monsieur Naudin
D) An old beggar
Answer: D) An old beggar

21. What was inside the envelope?
A) Jewellery
B) Cash
C) A cheque for £10,000
D) A property deed
Answer: C) A cheque for £10,000

22. What role does Alan Trevor play at Hughie’s wedding?
A) Groom
B) Guest
C) Best man
D) Priest
Answer: C) Best man

23. Who makes a speech at the wedding breakfast?
A) Alan Trevor
B) Hughie
C) Baron Hausberg
D) Monsieur Naudin
Answer: C) Baron Hausberg

24. What does Alan remark about “millionaire models”?
A) They are common
B) They are unimportant
C) They are rare
D) They are dishonest
Answer: C) They are rare

25. What does Alan mean by “model millionaires”?
A) Rich artists
B) Poor people
C) Exemplary and generous rich men
D) Fashion models
Answer: C) Exemplary and generous rich men

MCQs 2

1.    Where was Rotten Row situated?
a) London
b) Paris
c) Berlin
d) Rome
Answer: a) London

2.    What was Rotten Row especially known for?
a) Art exhibitions
b) A fashionable riding path
c) Musical concerts
d) Political meetings
Answer: b) A fashionable riding path

3.    Why does Hughie describe himself as an “unlucky devil”?
a) He lost his money in gambling
b) He gave money to a man who was actually rich
c) He quarreled with Laura
d) He failed in his career
Answer: b) He gave money to a man who was actually rich

4.    Who tries to comfort and reassure Hughie after the incident?
a) Baron Hausberg
b) Laura Merton
c) Alan Trevor
d) Gustave Naudin
Answer: c) Alan Trevor

5.    How does Alan Trevor interpret Hughie’s action?
a) As foolish behaviour
b) As a disgrace
c) As proof of a philanthropic spirit
d) As selfishness
Answer: c) As proof of a philanthropic spirit

6.    What was Hughie’s emotional state after leaving Trevor?
a) Proud
b) Cheerful
c) Very unhappy
d) Angry
Answer: c) Very unhappy

7.    Who brings the visiting card to Hughie the next morning?
a) Laura
b) Alan Trevor
c) A servant
d) Baron Hausberg
Answer: c) A servant

8.    Whose name appeared on the visiting card?
a) Baron Hausberg
b) Monsieur Gustave Naudin
c) Laura Merton
d) Alan Trevor
Answer: b) Monsieur Gustave Naudin

9.    Gustave Naudin came as a representative of whom?
a) Laura Merton
b) Alan Trevor
c) Baron Hausberg
d) Society of Rotten Row
Answer: c) Baron Hausberg

10. In what accent did Monsieur Naudin speak?
a) German
b) French
c) Spanish
d) Italian
Answer: b) French

11. What did Hughie assume about the purpose of Naudin’s visit?
a) To offer him a job
b) To collect an apology
c) To buy a painting
d) To ask for a loan
Answer: b) To collect an apology

12. What did the sealed envelope contain?
a) An apology letter
b) A wedding invitation
c) A cheque
d) A photograph
Answer: c) A cheque

13. What was the value of the cheque?
a) £1,000
b) £5,000
c) £10,000
d) £50,000
Answer: c) £10,000

14. What message was written on the envelope?
a) A personal note from Baron Hausberg
b) A wedding present message from an old beggar
c) A formal legal notice
d) A bank statement
Answer: b) A wedding present message from an old beggar

15. Who served as Hughie’s best man at the wedding?
a) Gustave Naudin
b) Baron Hausberg
c) Alan Trevor
d) A relative
Answer: c) Alan Trevor

16. Who delivered a speech at the wedding breakfast?
a) Hughie Erskine
b) Laura Merton
c) Baron Hausberg
d) Alan Trevor
Answer: c) Baron Hausberg

17. What does Alan Trevor say about “model millionaires”?
a) They are common
b) They are selfish
c) They are extremely rare
d) They are unimportant
Answer: c) They are extremely rare

18. The expression “by Jove” conveys:
a) Strong feeling or surprise
b) Sadness
c) Anger
d) Indifference
Answer: a) Strong feeling or surprise

19. What is meant by “philanthropic spirit”?
a) Love for luxury
b) Reckless spending
c) Generous concern for others
d) Skill in business
Answer: c) Generous concern for others

20. What moral does this episode finally convey?
a) Wealth alone gives happiness
b) Generosity adds true greatness to wealth
c) Appearances should always be trusted
d) Artists are superior to others
Answer: b) Generosity adds true greatness to wealth

Who said/Who said to whom?

1.    “I am an unlucky devil.”
→ Said by Hughie Erskine → To Alan Trevor

2.    “The best thing I can do is to go to bed; and, my dear Alan, you mustn’t tell any one.”
→ Said by Hughie Erskine → To Alan Trevor

3.    “I shouldn’t dare show my face in the Row.”
→ Said by Hughie Erskine → To Alan Trevor

4.    “Nonsense! It reflects the highest credit on your philanthropic spirit, Hughie.”
→ Said by Alan Trevor → To Hughie Erskine

5.    “And don’t run away. Have another cigarette, and you can talk about Laura as much as you like.”
→ Said by Alan Trevor → To Hughie Erskine

6.    “I suppose he has come for an apology.”
→ Said by Hughie Erskine → To himself

7.    “Have I the honour of addressing Monsieur Erskine?”
→ Said by Monsieur Gustave Naudin → To Hughie Erskine

8.    “I have come from Baron Hausberg.”
→ Said by Monsieur Gustave Naudin → To Hughie Erskine

9.    “I beg, sir, that you will offer him my sincerest apologies.”
→ Said by Hughie Erskine → To Monsieur Gustave Naudin

10. “The Baron has commissioned me to bring you this letter.”
→ Said by Monsieur Gustave Naudin → To Hughie Erskine

11. “A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar.”
→ Written by Baron Hausberg → Addressed to Hughie Erskine and Laura Merton

12. “Millionaire models are rare enough; but, by Jove, model millionaires are rarer still!”
→ Said by Alan Trevor → To the wedding guests / generally

Reference To Context

RTC 1

Extract:
‘I am an unlucky devil,’ growled Hughie. ‘The best thing I can do is to go to bed; and, my dear Alan, you mustn’t tell any one. I shouldn’t dare show my face in the Row.’
‘Nonsense! It reflects the highest credit on your philanthropic spirit, Hughie. And don’t run away. Have another cigarette, and you can talk about Laura as much as you like.’

Questions and Answers:

1.    Who calls himself an “unlucky devil”?
Answer: Hughie Erskine.

2.    To whom is this said?
Answer: Alan Trevor.

3.    Why does Hughie say he should go to bed?
Answer: He feels embarrassed and ashamed for giving money to the wrong person.

4.    What does Hughie mean by “I shouldn’t dare show my face in the Row”?
Answer: He feels too ashamed to appear in fashionable society.

5.    How does Alan react to Hughie’s worry?
Answer: He calls it nonsense and reassures him.

6.    What does Alan praise Hughie for?
Answer: His philanthropic spirit and generosity.

7.    What advice does Alan give to Hughie?
Answer: He tells him to stay, have another cigarette, and talk freely about Laura.

RTC 2

Extract:
However, Hughie wouldn’t stop, but walked home, feeling very unhappy, and leaving Alan Trevor in fits of laughter.

Questions and Answers:

1.    Who is referred to here as walking home?
Answer: Hughie Erskine.

2.    How does Hughie feel while walking home?
Answer: Very unhappy and embarrassed.

3.    What does Alan Trevor do after Hughie leaves?
Answer: He bursts into fits of laughter.

4.    Why does Alan laugh?
Answer: He finds the situation amusing and ironic.

5.    What does this show about Hughie’s character?
Answer: He is sensitive, kind-hearted, and easily embarrassed.

6.    What is the mood of the passage here?
Answer: Humorous and slightly ironic.

7.    What literary device is seen in “fits of laughter”?
Answer: It is an example of exaggeration or hyperbole for comic effect.

RTC 3

Extract:
The next morning, as he was at breakfast, the servant brought him up a card on which was written, ‘Monsieur Gustave Naudin, de la part de M. le Baron Hausberg.’
‘I suppose he has come for an apology,’ said Hughie to himself; and he told the servant to show the visitor up. An old gentleman with gold spectacles and grey hair came into the room, and said, in a slight French accent, ‘Have I the honour of addressing Monsieur Erskine?’ Hughie bowed.

Questions and Answers:

1.    Who brings the card to Hughie?
Answer: The servant.

2.    Whose name was written on the card?
Answer: Monsieur Gustave Naudin.

3.    On whose behalf did he come?
Answer: On behalf of Baron Hausberg.

4.    What does Hughie assume about the visitor’s purpose?
Answer: He thinks the visitor has come to demand an apology.

5.    How is Monsieur Naudin described physically?
Answer: He is an old gentleman with gold spectacles and grey hair.

6.    In what accent does Naudin speak?
Answer: French accent.

7.    How does Hughie greet the visitor?
Answer: He bows respectfully.

RTC 4

Extract:
‘I have come from Baron Hausberg,’ he continued. ‘The Baron - ’
‘I beg, sir, that you will offer him my sincerest apologies,’ stammered Hughie.
‘The Baron,’ said the old gentleman with a smile, ‘has commissioned me to bring you this letter’; and he extended a sealed envelope. On the outside was written, ‘A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar,’ and inside was a cheque for £10,000.

Questions and Answers:

1.    Who says “I have come from Baron Hausberg”?
Answer: Monsieur Gustave Naudin.

2.    How does Hughie respond to the mention of the Baron?
Answer: He nervously asks the visitor to convey his sincerest apologies.

3.    What does the Baron actually want to give Hughie?
Answer: A letter enclosing a wedding present.

4.    How is the letter presented to Hughie?
Answer: In a sealed envelope extended by Naudin.

5.    What is written on the envelope?
Answer: “A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar.”

6.    What was inside the envelope?
Answer: A cheque for £10,000.

7.    What does this incident reveal about Baron Hausberg’s character?
Answer: He is generous, kind-hearted, and humorous.

RTC 5

Extract:
“On the outside was written, ‘A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar,’ and inside was a cheque for £10,000. When they were married Alan Trevor was the best man, and the Baron made a speech at the wedding breakfast. ‘Millionaire models,’ remarked Alan, ‘are rare enough; but, by Jove, model millionaires are rarer still!’”

 

Questions and Answers

1.    Who is the “old beggar” mentioned in the extract?
Answer: The “old beggar” is actually Baron Hausberg, who disguised himself to test Hughie’s generosity. It reflects Wilde’s use of irony and the theme of appearances versus reality.

2.    What does the cheque signify in the story?
Answer: The cheque of £10,000 symbolizes the reward for Hughie’s kind-hearted and philanthropic behaviour. It highlights the story’s moral: generosity and goodness are recognized and sometimes unexpectedly rewarded.

3.    Who acted as the best man at Hughie’s wedding?
Answer: Alan Trevor was the best man, showing his close friendship with Hughie and his role as a supportive and humorous companion throughout the story.

4.    Why does Baron Hausberg make a speech at the wedding breakfast?
Answer: The Baron’s speech celebrates the occasion and subtly acknowledges Hughie’s generosity. It also serves to highlight his magnanimity and the social charm of a true “model millionaire.”

5.    Explain the phrase “millionaire models” and its significance.
Answer: Alan Trevor contrasts rich people with exemplary individuals. “Millionaire models” are those who combine wealth with moral virtue and generosity. Wilde uses this phrase to emphasize that true greatness is measured by character, not money alone.

6.    What is the tone of Alan Trevor’s final remark, “by Jove, model millionaires are rarer still”?
Answer: The tone is humorous and slightly ironic. Alan praises Baron Hausberg’s generosity while playfully emphasizing how unusual it is to find millionaires who are both wealthy and morally admirable.

7.    What analytical lesson does this ending convey about generosity and social perception?
Answer: The ending teaches that acts of kindness are more valuable than social status or appearances. Hughie’s unassuming generosity is rewarded, showing Wilde’s moral: true virtue is recognized, and outward appearances can be misleading.

 

One Mark Questions

1.    Who “growled” about being unlucky?
Answer: Hughie Erskine

2.    What does Hughie plan to do after feeling unlucky?
Answer: Go to bed

3.    Who is Hughie speaking to when he expresses his embarrassment?
Answer: Alan Trevor

4.    Which phrase shows Hughie’s fear of appearing in society?
Answer: “I shouldn’t dare show my face in the Row”

5.    Who reassures Hughie after his outburst?
Answer: Alan Trevor

6.    Which quality of Hughie does Alan praise?
Answer: Philanthropic spirit

7.    What does Alan suggest Hughie do while talking about Laura?
Answer: Have another cigarette

8.    How does Hughie leave Alan after the conversation?
Answer: Walks home feeling very unhappy

9.    How does Alan react to Hughie walking away?
Answer: He bursts into fits of laughter

10. Who brings a visiting card to Hughie the next morning?
Answer: The servant

11. Whose name is on the visiting card?
Answer: Monsieur Gustave Naudin

12. What assumption does Hughie make about the visitor?
Answer: That he has come for an apology

13. How does Hughie respond to the visitor initially?
Answer: He tells the servant to show him up

14. What feature describes the old gentleman?
Answer: Gold spectacles and grey hair

15. What accent does the visitor speak in?
Answer: French accent

16. How does Hughie greet Monsieur Naudin?
Answer: By bowing

17. What does Monsieur Naudin say he has come from?
Answer: Baron Hausberg

18. How does Hughie address the Baron through Naudin?
Answer: He offers his sincerest apologies

19. What does Naudin hand over to Hughie?
Answer: A sealed envelope

20. What is written on the outside of the envelope?
Answer: “A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar”

21. What is inside the envelope?
Answer: A cheque for £10,000

22. Who was the best man at Hughie’s wedding?
Answer: Alan Trevor

23. Who delivered a speech at the wedding breakfast?
Answer: Baron Hausberg

24. How does Alan describe “model millionaires”?
Answer: They are rare

25. What lesson does Alan imply about generosity and wealth?
Answer: True wealth is shown by generosity

Two-Mark Questions

1.    Why does Hughie call himself “an unlucky devil”?
Answer: Hughie calls himself an unlucky devil because he feels embarrassed for giving a sovereign to a beggar who turned out to be extremely rich. He regrets his action and fears being laughed at by society.

2.    What does Hughie mean by “I shouldn’t dare show my face in the Row”?
Answer: Hughie means he is too ashamed to appear in high society’s fashionable streets because he unknowingly gave money to a wealthy man pretending to be a beggar, making him feel foolish.

3.    How does Alan Trevor react to Hughie’s worry?
Answer: Alan dismisses Hughie’s embarrassment as nonsense, praising his philanthropic nature. He reassures Hughie, encourages him not to leave, and tells him to relax, smoke another cigarette, and feel free to talk about Laura.

4.    What does Alan mean by “philanthropic spirit”?
Answer: By philanthropic spirit, Alan means Hughie’s kind-hearted generosity. His instinct to give to someone he thought was needy shows his selfless, charitable nature, which Alan praises as a noble quality.

5.    Why does Hughie leave Alan despite his reassurance?
Answer: Hughie leaves because he cannot overcome his embarrassment and shame. Even though Alan reassures him, Hughie’s sensitive and humble nature makes him feel uncomfortable, prompting him to walk home very unhappy.

6.    Describe Monsieur Gustave Naudin as he appears in the passage.
Answer: Monsieur Gustave Naudin is an elderly gentleman with gold spectacles and grey hair. He speaks in a slight French accent and presents himself politely and formally while delivering a message from Baron Hausberg.

7.    What does Hughie assume when he sees Monsieur Naudin?
Answer: Hughie assumes that Naudin has come to demand an apology for the previous day’s misunderstanding. He is nervous and worried, not realizing that the visitor brings a generous gift instead of criticism.

8.    How does Hughie respond to Naudin regarding Baron Hausberg?
Answer: Hughie politely asks Naudin to convey his sincerest apologies to Baron Hausberg. He stammers out his regret for his previous behaviour, showing his humility and concern about having made a mistake.

9.    What was the content of the envelope Naudin delivered?
Answer: The envelope contained a letter and a cheque for £10,000. On the outside, it stated it was a wedding present for Hughie Erskine and Laura Merton, from “an old beggar,” revealing the Baron’s generosity and humour.

10. What is the significance of the cheque being from “an old beggar”?
Answer: It highlights the humorous twist in the story. The supposedly poor beggar was actually the wealthy Baron Hausberg, showing that appearances can be deceptive, and emphasizing generosity and kindness over social status.

11. Who acted as the best man at Hughie’s wedding, and why is it important?
Answer: Alan Trevor acted as the best man, showing his close friendship with Hughie. His presence highlights the bond between the characters and reinforces the theme of friendship and support in the story.

12. What does Alan mean by “model millionaires are rarer still”?
Answer: Alan means that while rich people are uncommon, truly generous and kind millionaires, like Baron Hausberg, are extremely rare. It emphasizes the value of combining wealth with benevolence and moral character.

Three-Mark Questions

1.    Describe Hughie’s emotional journey in this passage.
Answer: Hughie begins feeling deeply unlucky and embarrassed after unknowingly giving a sovereign to a wealthy man disguised as a beggar. His shame makes him anxious about appearing in society. Despite Alan Trevor’s reassurance, he cannot overcome his self-consciousness and walks home feeling very unhappy. Later, his nervousness continues when Monsieur Naudin arrives, showing his humility and sensitivity. By the end, his anxiety turns to surprise and gratitude upon receiving the wedding gift.

2.    How does Wilde use humour in this passage?
Answer: Wilde employs humour through irony and situational comedy. Hughie’s earnest generosity results in him giving money to a millionaire disguised as a beggar, creating an amusing twist. Alan’s laughter at Hughie’s embarrassment, the exaggerated expression “fits of laughter,” and the term “an old beggar” on the wedding present envelope add playful humour, highlighting human foibles and the unpredictability of social appearances.

3.    Explain the role of Alan Trevor in this extract.
Answer: Alan Trevor acts as a reassuring friend and comic observer. He calms Hughie’s embarrassment, praises his generosity, and encourages him to relax. He also provides a humorous perspective, laughing at Hughie’s exaggerated shame. By commenting on the rarity of “model millionaires,” Alan connects the story’s moral lesson with wit, highlighting the contrast between wealth, generosity, and social pretense, reinforcing the story’s satirical yet warm tone.

4.    What is the significance of the visit from Monsieur Gustave Naudin?
Answer: Monsieur Gustave Naudin’s visit serves as a pivotal turning point in the story. Initially causing anxiety for Hughie, he reveals the Baron’s generosity, transforming embarrassment into surprise and delight. The visit exposes the story’s theme of appearances versus reality, showing that acts of kindness may have unexpected outcomes. It also reinforces Baron Hausberg’s character as a humorous and benevolent figure, rewarding Hughie in a lavish yet ironic manner.

5.    How does Wilde portray the contrast between wealth and appearances?
Answer: Wilde contrasts Hughie’s perception of poverty with the reality of Baron Hausberg’s wealth. The Baron, disguised as a beggar, deceives Hughie’s generous instincts, illustrating how outward appearances can be misleading. The narrative humorously emphasizes that wealth does not always reflect extravagance or arrogance. The unexpected gift reinforces that generosity can transcend social expectations, and the disparity between appearances and reality is central to the story’s comic and moral effect.

6.    How does this passage highlight human generosity and humility?
Answer: The passage emphasizes Hughie’s natural generosity, as he gives money selflessly without concern for recognition. His humility is evident in his embarrassment and deference to social norms. Baron Hausberg’s gift further illustrates benevolence, rewarding kindness and humility. Through these interactions, Wilde suggests that true virtue lies in selfless actions rather than social status or wealth, and human kindness can have both moral and humorous consequences.

7.    What is the moral lesson conveyed through the wedding present?
Answer: The wedding present teaches that generosity and kindness are more important than appearances or assumptions. Hughie’s act of giving, though naïve, is rewarded by Baron Hausberg’s thoughtful and humorous gift. Wilde conveys that true wealth includes a sense of compassion, and those who act selflessly may receive unexpected rewards. The moral also emphasizes that laughter, humility, and generosity together create a fulfilling and socially enriching life.

Compiled by Dr. Shankar D Mishra, Sr. Lecturer in English

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