Answer:
Tom notices Ben's presence, even though he denies it. Also, Tom considers painting the fence to be work, even if he does not let Ben know this. This creates the effect of dramatic irony.
Explanation:
In this scene, Tom was given the task of painting a fence. He dislikes this work and prefers to play, but is forced to do it because his aunt told him to. When Ben Rogers notices, he tries to make fun of Tom.
First, Tom pretends not to notice him, even though the reader knows that this is not the case. Afterwards, Tom acts as if the task he was given was a difficult one that gives him a lot of pride. This is also not the case, as the reader knows. This convinces Ben of trying to paint the fence as well.The effect created by this scene is one of dramatic irony, as the reader has information that the characters do not have access to.
