hush

"When the hammer fell, there was a hush — then applause."

Her question is hushed but desperate, as if she knows that I’m thinking about choosing chaos over the more sensible option.

Penelope lifted one eyebrow and waited until they hushed.

Penelope’s temper flared, but she kept her voice hushed, as the children were not far off.

Penelope spoke in a similarly hushed tone, since it would have felt awkward to answer in any other manner.