The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of the Host of the Garter (at line 166) and Shallow (at line 171). The Host and Shallow inform the two husbands that Doctor Caius and Hugh Evans are going to fight a duel, and they believe that this duel will be great “sport” (183). In other words, the fight should be highly entertaining and amusing.
Master Ford takes the Host aside and asks him for a favor. Ford intends to wear a disguise, and he asks the Host to introduce him to Falstaff as Master Brooke. Although Ford tells the Host that he just plans to play a jest or joke upon Falstaff, what he really hopes to accomplish is to discover the truth about what is really going on between the knight and Mistress Ford.
The scene ends with Ford alone on the stage. He presents a short soliloquy that reveals his jealousy and his hope to discover the truth. Ford believes that Page is “a secure fool” (202). He believes that Page places too much confidence in his wife and that he will become a foolish cuckold. Ford does not wish to be such a fool. However, a man overwhelmed by jealousy can also act foolishly.