"I await your pleasure." Some of the women apprehend mischief and lead Lola away.

The challenge is given and accepted, Sicilian fashion.
Turiddu confesses his wrong-doing to Alfio, but, instead of proclaiming his purpose to kill his enemy, he asks protection for Santuzza in case of his death.

Then, while the violins tremble and throb, he calls for his mother like an errant child:-- [figure: a musical score excerpt] He has been too free with the winecup, he says, and must leave her.

But first her blessing, as when he went away to be a soldier.

Should he not return, Santa must be her care: "Voi dovrete fare; da madre a Santa!" It is the cry of a child.