Today in Salem: The jail keeper stops the harsh John Proctor, who’s pacing yet again in a dusty circle around the common area. The keeper grins with his eyes narrowed as he gives Proctor the letter from the governor’s clerk.
“On behalf of William & Mary by the Grace of God of England Scotland France & Ireland King & Queen defend’rs of the faith &ca”
Proctor skims until he reaches the meat of the governor’s reply.
No. No. No. The current judges will continue, the trial will stay in Salem, and the ministers will not come to bear witness. Proctor hands the letter back to the smirking jail keeper, then waits until he disappears before kicking the wall, hard.