During this confrontation, Abigail accuses John of lechery, claiming that he attempted to seduce her. This accusation is false and is motivated by Abigail's desire to get rid of John's wife, Elizabeth, so that she can be with John herself. Despite John's protestations of innocence, Abigail's accusations are taken seriously by the court, which sets the stage for the conflict that follows in Acts 2 and 3.