The first involves the purchase of a new dress, and the second involves borrowing the jewelry she feels is needed to accompany it. It is only after she has borrowed the diamond necklace from Madame Forestier that she feels she can make a suitable appearance at the ball.
I can give a minute-by-minute summary of the local Hawaiian news.
I believe we have here an example of situational irony.
Irony is found in the contrast between expected outcomes and what actually happens. The narrator wanted to spend the time on the beach, not in the hotel room watching local TV. However, the reality was such that now the narrator "can give a minute-by-minute summary of the local Hawaiian news".
That's why I think this particular sentence matches the style of the passage.
The answer would be focal point. It is like the main place or point of her life in this sentence.
Time
Time goes by fast when you not paying attention and having fun
But goes slow when your ready to leave
