The Prime Minister · Chapter
The First and the Last explained
Emily Lopez, preparing for her banishment to Guatemala, sends a message to Arthur Fletcher through her cousin Mary.
What happens
Emily Lopez, preparing for her banishment to Guatemala, sends a message to Arthur Fletcher through her cousin Mary. Arthur visits her in Manchester Square, where they share an emotional farewell. Arthur urges her to leave her husband and stay with her father, but Emily insists she must obey Lopez. As Arthur kisses her goodbye, Lopez enters and confronts them. Emily defends Arthur, and Lopez reveals that the Guatemala plan is off, leaving her future uncertain.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Courtship
Emily's marriage to Lopez is shown as a source of misery, contrasted with Arthur Fletcher's enduring love and the lost potential of a happier union.
Duty vs. Personal Desire
Emily feels bound to obey her husband despite her unhappiness, while Arthur urges her to follow her desire for freedom and safety with her father.
Deception and Self-Invention
Lopez's shifting plans—first insisting on Guatemala, then abandoning it—highlight his manipulative and deceptive nature, leaving Emily's fate uncertain.
Characters to notice
- Emily Lopez
Emily is resigned to her fate of going to Guatemala, though she is miserable. She sends for Arthur Fletcher and defends him when Lopez confronts them, showing her lingering affection for Arthur and her defiance of her husband.
- Arthur Fletcher
Arthur visits Emily despite the ban, expressing his undying love and urging her to leave Lopez. He kisses her in farewell, leading to a confrontation with Lopez.
- Ferdinand Lopez
Lopez interrupts the farewell, accusing Arthur of creating discord. He reveals that the Guatemala plan is abandoned, leaving Emily's situation uncertain.
- Mary Wharton
Mary delivers Emily's message to Arthur and expresses regret that Emily did not marry him instead.
- Abel Wharton
Mr. Wharton is mentioned as having a final interview with Mr. Hartlepod and learning that Emily will not go to Guatemala, but he does not appear directly in the chapter.
Key passages
“It was the first and the last, and I did not grudge it to him.”
Emily tells Lopez that Arthur's kiss was a one-time farewell gesture she did not resent.
Emily defends the kiss as a final act of affection from an old friend, given their permanent separation.
“You are not going anywhere that I know of—unless it be out into the streets when your father shuts his door on you.”
Lopez reveals that the Guatemala plan is canceled, implying Emily may be left homeless.
Lopez's statement shows his capriciousness and cruelty, leaving Emily's future uncertain.
“Though I love you better than all the world put together, I do not mean that.”
Arthur assures Emily that his plea for her to leave Lopez is not a proposal for himself.
Arthur emphasizes his selfless concern for Emily's welfare, not his own desires.