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More about the Most Dramatic Moment in the Story of "the Model Millionaire"
In the story of "The Model Millionaire," a young man named Hughie Erskine faces a critical moment. Hughie is a charming, but poor, gentleman. He loves a beautiful woman, Laura Merton. Laura loves him back, but her father, Colonel Merton, will not allow them to marry until Hughie has ten thousand pounds.
Hughie visits his friend, Alan Trevor, one day. Alan is a talented painter. When Hughie arrives, Alan is painting a beggar. The beggar looks old and tired. His clothes are torn, and his face is full of sorrow. Hughie feels pity for the beggar. He reaches into his pocket and gives the beggar a sovereign. The beggar thanks Hughie with a kind smile.
Later, Hughie learns a shocking truth. The beggar is not a beggar at all. He is Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in Europe. Alan had asked the Baron to pose as a model for his painting. This revelation stuns Hughie. He feels embarrassed and foolish. He worries about what the Baron will think of him.
The next day, Hughie receives an unexpected visitor. It is a messenger from Baron Hausberg. The messenger brings a letter and a gift. Hughie opens the letter and reads it. The letter reveals that the Baron was moved by Hughie's kindness. He admires Hughie's generosity, despite his own financial troubles. The letter also contains a surprise. The Baron has given Hughie a check for ten thousand pounds. This amount is exactly what Hughie needs to marry Laura.
Hughie is overjoyed. He rushes to tell Laura and her father the good news. Colonel Merton is impressed by Hughie's fortune and agrees to the marriage. Hughie and Laura's future is now secure, thanks to Hughie's kind heart and the Baron's generosity.
This moment is dramatic because it changes Hughie's life. It shows the power of kindness and generosity. Hughie's simple act of giving a sovereign leads to a life-changing event. The story teaches that true wealth lies in the goodness of one's heart.