The crucible act 2. What does the stage direction in line 586 indicates about Hale's emotional state?

Hale has a change of heart. He understands that the girls are a sham and the witch court only seeks witches to validate their own purpose and power. Hale is tormented that he has the blood of innocents on his hands. He wants to save Proctor's life by telling him to confess just to satisfy the courts.