Though Abigail does not appear in the second act, John reveals to Elizabeth that Abigail has confessed to him that her accusations are a fraud. John says, "She told it to me in a room alone -- I have no proof of it."

When he shows reluctance to go to Salem and tell what he knows, Elizabeth reminds him that it is his guilt about their indiscretions that holds him back:

Elizabeth (with a smile, to keep her dignity): John, if it were not Abigail that you must go hurt, would you falter now? I think not --."