How do Babette's and Maman-Nainaine's feelings about the figs contribute to the overall meaning of the story?

The key exchange would be this: "Ah," said Maman-Nainaine, arching her eyebrows, "how early the figs have ripened this year!" "Oh," said Babette, "I think they have ripened very late." Their different feelings indicate the way each character perceives the passing of time, which is what Chopin is exploring here.