Notice that the comma comes at the end of the clause, not after the subordinating conjunction. |
Normally, a comma or other punctuation mark separates the ending or resumption of direct speech from its interruption. |
It also made me think whether there's a single other track I could think of with a comma and question mark in it. |
In the realm of punctuation, a comma is used for a brief pause, a semicolon for a more moderate pause, and a period as a full stop. |
But most American publishers always put the period and the comma inside the quotation mark. |
The comma thing does make me aware how much I use punctuation in general and commas specifically for intonation in my writing. |