Chapters 4-5 Summary

In Chapter 4, Joss Merlyn leaves Jamaica Inn for nearly a week, which gives Mary time to explore the landscape. Mary begins going on walks in the afternoon after finishing her part of the household chores. The landscape is harsh and Mary must be careful not to get stuck in the moors, but she begins to find a strange kind of beauty in the area. When Joss returns, Mary learns that he is to have people to the bar that night. Mary works hard, making drinks and washing glasses for Joss's friends. They are a curious group, the outcasts of respectable society. Mary finds them vulgar and unpleasant, finally insisting on going up to bed. Joss warns her to keep her mouth shut and her nose to herself. During the night, Mary is awakened by the sound of wagons in the yard...