Read the passage from "The Gift of the Magi.” "Will you buy my hair?" asked Della.

"I buy hair," said Madame. "Take yer hat off and let's have a sight at the looks of it."

Down rippled the brown cascade.

"Twenty dollars," said Madame, lifting the mass with a practised hand.

"Give it to me quick," said Della.

Oh, and the next two hours tripped by on rosy wings. Forget the hashed metaphor. She was ransacking the stores for Jim's present.

Which statement provides the best analysis of diction in this passage?

The author’s diction is formal and indicates that the story is a serious one.
The author’s diction is informal and indicates that the story is comical.
The author's diction contrasts the character's desperate choices with positive feelings.
The author's diction indicates that the narrative takes place in a certain region.