In this excerpt, Charlotte and Mrs. Sowerberry are reacting to what the reader sees as Oliver's justifiable anger towards Noah. Noah most likely pours water on Mrs. Sowerberry because he misunderstands Charlotte. Charlotte's reference to creatures "born to be murderers and robbers" suggests that she is contemptuous of the working classes.
A tonal montage does not have to do with the time but with the tone of the film making. It has to do with the tones, shadows, and light in each shot that gives the movie their visual identity.
