Read this passage from “The Monkey’s Paw.” Which context clue most clearly reveals the author’s humorous tone in this part of the story?

"If the tale about the monkey's paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us," said Herbert, as the door closed behind their guest, just in time to catch the last train, "we shan't make much out of it."

"Did you give anything for it, father?" inquired Mrs. White, regarding her husband closely.

"A trifle," said he, colouring slightly, "He didn't want it, but I made him take it. And he pressed me again to throw it away."

"Likely," said Herbert, with pretended horror. "Why, we're going to be rich, and famous, and happy. Wish to be an emperor, father, to begin with; then you can't be henpecked."

He darted around the table, pursued by the maligned Mrs. White armed with an antimacassar.

Herbert teases his parents and Mrs. White pretends to be angry.

Morris had urged the Whites to throw away the monkey’s paw.

Mr. White is embarrassed that he gave Morris money for the monkey’s paw.

Herbert says that he thinks Morris’s stories were exaggerations.