The plague has come to Eyam and a number of the villagers have died. Rev Mompesson summons everyone to the church and says the village must agree to quarantine itself to prevent the plague from spreading. The villagers have some time to decide what they should do and whether they will agree to Rev Mompesson's plan.

After much discussion the villagers agree to the plan...but when John gets up early one morning he spies Rev Mompesson sending his own children away to ensure their safety.