Mary Warren thinks Elizabeth should speak civilly to her because, unbeknownst to Elizabeth, Mary has just saved her life.
Mary Warren, servant to John and Elizabeth Proctor, has been attending the witch trials in Salem without their permission. She defies John Proctor, who is angry that she has gone to the proceedings against his wishes, telling him that she is a witness and "an official of the court", and that she has "God's work to do". To emphasize her importance, Mary says that just an hour ago she had sat with "four judges and the King's deputy...at dinner", and reveals that in court that day, Elizabeth's name had been "somewhat mentioned" among the names of the women suspected of witchcraft. Mary claims that she had stood up for Elizabeth, attesting that she "never see no sign (Elizabeth) ever sent (her) spirit out to hurt no one". The court, knowing that Mary "do live so closely with (Elizabeth)", had dismissed the charge. Mary, proclaiming to the Proctors that she "saved (Elizabeth's) life today", feels that they should be indebted to her, and asserts by saying, "I would have you speak civilly to me, from this out" (Act II, Scene
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