
Parris warns Abigail that he has enemies who will use this situation against him, and claims that he saw a dress lying on the grass and someone naked running through the trees. Abigail admits to dancing and is willing to accept the punishment, but will not admit to witchcraft. Parris tells her that he cannot reveal that he found his daughter and niece dancing in the forest like heathens. Abigail warns Parris that there are rumors of witchcraft and that the parlor is packed with people. Parris has sent for Reverend Hale of Beverly, who will confirm the possibility of an unnatural cause of Betty's illness, but he orders Susanna to say nothing of unnatural causes to others. Griggs can find no cure for Betty's ailment. Parris, also enters, along with Susanna Walcott, who tells Rev. She is concerned for Betty's welfare, but Parris makes her leave. Parris' slave from Barbados, enters the room.

The play is set in Salem, Massachusetts in the spring of 1692, and the first act begins in a small upper bedroom of the home of Reverend Samuel Parris, who kneels in prayer at the bed of his daughter, Betty.
