The hospitable villager playfully suggests that it is Tonio's purpose to make love to Nedda.

Canio, half in earnest, half in jest, points out the difference between real life and the stage.

In the play, if he catches a lover with his wife, he flies into a mock passion, preaches a sermon, and takes a drubbing from the swain to the amusement of the audience.

But there would be a different ending to the story were Nedda actually to deceive him.

Let Tonio beware! Does he doubt Nedda's fidelity?
Not at all.