Gwen asked brightly as she slid into a seat next to him at the table.

I asked brightly, in an attempt to lighten the air.

He paused and then asked brightly, "Do you think we'll have a fight with pirates on this trip, mister?"

Miles asked brightly, trying not to look too predatory.

Pol asked brightly, feeling that he could not leave the conversation on such a sour note.

Robin asked brightly, sure he'd come up with the logical solution.

He turned away to stanch his tears and then asked brightly, like a minister, "Now, what can we do about the children?"

Jill asked brightly, "What did you find out last night?"

Merrill asked brightly, when the silence between them began to grow oppressive.