1. The garter, the collection of revolvers in the desk drawer, and the presence of Alfred's lover and her husband, and finally the dialogue with the boss all contribute to the staging of the movie.
2. The violin music leads to what we believe is the climax of the scene when the revolver is fired and we think that Alfred will die, but he of course does not.
3. In depression era movies, the charming scoundrel comes out on top in the end.