Sam tumbled up accordingly, dexterously contriving to tickle Andy as he did so, which occasioned Andy to split out into a laugh, greatly to Haley's indignation, who made a cut at him with his riding-whip.
"I's 'stonished at yer, Andy," said Sam, with awful gravity. "This yer's a seris bisness, Andy. Yer mustn't be makin' game. This yer an't no way to help Mas'r." (p.49)

The excerpt above is an example of _____.

a sentimental tone
dramatic irony
a comedic tone
a symbolic moment