From the noise you would think murder at least would result.

You listen in dread of a tragedy; you hear the totem and multiplex totems of her opponent being scoffed at, strung out one after another, deadly insult after deadly insult.

The insulted returns insult for insult; result, a lively cross fire.
It lulls down; the insults are exhausted, quietude reigns.

Some one makes a joke, all are laughing together in amity.

From impending tragedy to comedy the work of a few minutes.