The question was supposed to sound lighthearted.

Managing to sound lighthearted while wearing a grave expression.

Beaver was trying to sound lighthearted, as if the whole thing was a big joke, a camp prank, which only made him sound more scared.

Arkady had meant to sound lighthearted, but Marchenko didn't seem to take it that way.

"Best rolls in the world," said Joe, trying to sound lighthearted.

I might get to like this kind of stuff," in an attempt to sound lighthearted.

Alyx tried to sound lighthearted.

I say, trying to sound lighthearted.

David tried to sound lighthearted.

Cynthia tried to sound lighthearted.