After a tense pause, he went on: "Do you know what she did to me yesterday?

There came a tense pause, and Echo let her bravado fade for only an instant.

A tense pause ensued as they waited for more information.

After a tense pause, Paris said, "I accept that you are going to reduce me in rank."

There was a tense pause as everyone waited for the captain to render final judgment.

There was a tense pause as Ethan heard movement very close to the Jefferies door.

After a long, tense pause, Lottie stepped back and motioned her inside.

After a tense pause, she was answered in the same tongue, and gestured to me.

There was a tense pause after his words.

There was a tense pause, as though they all had something to say but no one wanted to be the first to say it.