How does the dialogue in paragraph 24 contribute to the humor of the scene?

Cite: Common Lit

Story: Fourteen

Story by: Alice Gerstenberg

Paragraph 24:

MRS. PRINGLE: The Prince of Wales! Oh! What wouldn’t I give to have the Prince of Wales in my house! New York has lost its heart to him. I was just telling Mr. Farnsworth yesterday that I’d give anything to have the Prince here. I would establish my social position for life! And I’ve such a reputation for being a wonderful hostess. [The telephone rings.] Dear me! — the phone — Hello — Mrs. Sedgwick — Yes — this is Mrs. Pringle — What? No — Oh! Caught in a snow drift — can’t get another car? [She puts her hand over the telephone and speaks delightedly to ELAINE.] Good! The widow can’t come — that leaves us twelve — remove two plates, Dunham. [DUNHAM removes two plates. and ELAINE changes the table-cards. MRS. PRINGLE continues into the telephone.] Oh! That’s a shame! I’m heartbroken. Oh! My dear, how can we get along without you! But have you really tried? Oh, I’m reduced to tears. Good-bye, dear. [She hangs up the receiver, and takes it down again.] Well, I’m glad she dropped out — Central — give me Lakeview 5971 — Dunham, with two less, you can save two cocktails and at least four glasses of champagne. [Into the telephone.] Has Mr. Morgan come in yet? Well, don’t give him the message I telephoned before about crossing the street to Mrs. Pringle’s for dinner. It’s too late — you understand? [She hangs up the receiver.] Well, anyway, I’ve invited Clem, returned my indebtedness and saved my champagne besides —