In this scene, Walter and Phyllis are in the drugstore discussing how they can no longer see each other due to the scrutiny on the murder of Mr. Dietrechson by the insurance agency. The two pretend not to know each other as they discuss this in the drugstore. Note that the two actors are standing close together, yet facing away from each other, attempting to emulate strangers who are merely looking at the same product. The whole scene was carefully choreographed so that Walter and Phyllis can have their conversation in the store without arousing suspicion.
The focus in this shot is also tight on the actors, leaving the audience with a clear view as to the actors' expressions. Both actors are looking into the distance, yet Phyllis has a more angry look on her face while Walter looks more contemplative. This displays the motives of the two characters - Phyllis wants her money, and for Walter to take the blame of her husband's death if it boils down to it. Walter is more worrisome of the relationship - especially after finding out from Lola that Phyllis may have murdered the former Mrs. Dietrichson.
The costuming in this scene was rather interesting to me. From the first time the audience meets Phyllis, she is nothing short of fabulous - clingy dresses, silk robes, etc. But in this scene she is wearing a more demure outfit. The gingham seems to make her look younger and perhaps a bit more innocent - a sort of compensation for the fact that she murdered her husband. Walter also seems to look a little disheveled - just enough to give an insight to his inner turmoil over what he ought to do.
I enjoyed this film, and I thought that the lighting was really fantastic. This shot doesn't really capture that as they are in a store, meaning brighter overhead lights. Yet tons of other parts of the film make good use of the light to draw parallels between the light and dark of the situation, and the literal light and dark in the scene.
Overall it was a really good film and I thought that Barbara Stanwyk was a fantastically wicked villain.
Some good comments here. I think you can do more with elements you mention, as well as other elements of mise en scène, such as the sign for baby food in the background. This scene actually occurs before the murder, when Phyllis tells Walter her husband has broken his leg and won't be going on the train. The blocking does seems to suggest some interesting contrasts between the characters and their motives, maybe confirmation of what we suspect but Walter hasn't caught onto yet. Also, though the lighting isn't as moody here, you might consider the role of high key lighting in the film.
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