Matt suspected the real reason for the hesitation was fear of a grim reply.

"We'll get you closer than you'd like," came the grim reply.

"I don't need that kind of courtesy," was the grim reply.

"Well, I suppose not, except it may be a certain amount of pain in the ears," was my rather grim reply.

It was David who gave the grim reply to the secretary's question.

That's exactly what I'm afraid has happened,: was the grim reply.

Yes, my friend, but not all of it, comes the grim reply.

"Tomorrow morning should tell the story," was the professor's grim reply.

"You will never see an imam," was the grim reply.

"Then you'd better be prepared to help me," came the grim reply.