Danforth. Come here, woman. (Elizabeth comes to him, glancing at Proctor’s back.) Look at me only, not at your husband. In my eyes only.
Elizabeth (faintly). Good, sir.
Danforth. We are given to understand that at one time you dismissed your servant, Abigail Williams.
Elizabeth. That is true, sir.
Danforth. For what cause did you dismiss her? (Slight pause. Then Elizabeth tries to glance at Proctor.) You will look in my eyes only and not at your husband. The answer is in your memory and you need no help to give it to me. Why did you dismiss Abigail Williams?
Elizabeth (not knowing what to say, sensing a situation,wetting her lips to stall for time). She—dissatisfied me. (pause) And my husband.
Danforth. In what way dissatisfied you?
Elizabeth. She were—(She glances at Proctor for a cue.)
Danforth. Woman, look at me! (Elizabeth does.) Were she slovenly? Lazy? What disturbance did she cause?
Elizabeth. Your Honor, I—in that time I were sick. And I—My husband is a good and righteous man. He is never drunk as some are, nor wastin’ his time at the shovelboard, but always at his work. But in my sickness—you see, sir, I were a long time sick after my last baby, and I thought I saw my husband somewhat turning from me. And this girl—(She turns to Abigail.)
Danforth. Look at me.
Elizabeth. Aye, sir. Abigail Williams—(She breaks off.)
Danforth. What of Abigail Williams?
Elizabeth. I came to think he fancied her. And so one night I lost my wits, I think, and put her out on the highroad.
Danforth. Your husband—did he indeed turn from you?
Elizabeth (in agony). My husband—is a goodly man, sir.
Danforth. Then he did not turn from you.
Elizabeth (starting to glance at Proctor). He—
Danforth (reaches out and holds her face, then). Look at me! To your own knowledge, has John Proctor ever committed the crime of lechery? (In a crisis of indecision she cannot speak.) Answer my question! Is your husband a lecher!
Elizabeth (faintly). No, sir.
Danforth. Remove her, Marshal.
Proctor. Elizabeth, tell the truth!
Danforth. She has spoken. Remove her!
Proctor (crying out). Elizabeth, I have confessed it!
Elizabeth. Oh, God! (The door closes behind her.)
Identify an example of dramatic irony in the section above and explain its effect on the audience in two to three sentences.