Today in Salem: Rev Samuel Parris is pacing in front of the meeting house and praying for guidance. Six weeks ago the beloved Rebecca Nurse was hanged, and her family essentially disappeared from church. Two weeks ago, he and a committee of men were appointed to ask them why.

They’ve made the rounds and heard them out, and now the question is what to do about it? Rebecca’s son actually has been to church, but not every week, he admits. Her daughter has an infant, and has been tending a sick husband for the entire time. And her sister, the outspoken Sarah Cloyce, is still in jail. Still, Sarah’s husband ought to be in church – although he’s been visiting her so much that he’s hardly home.

Attendance at church is mandatory, and those who miss it are fined, or whipped if they can’t pay. He could argue with the excuses, but Rev Parris decides to wait and see if things improve.

Tomorrow in Salem: ACCUSED: the fortuneteller Samuel Wardwell