Her tone, however, softens when she addresses me directly again.

Now Austin's eyes went down and his tone softened.

But in recent days the tone has softened just a bit.

But when I spoke to him this week, his tone had softened.

"That's my business," she said sharply, then her tone softened.

His tone softened slightly as he said, "Go and cook your rice.

His tone had softened Monday afternoon, after a day off and a brief practice.

The tone softened a little as he went on.

"I'm going to need your help, Doctor," he began formally, then his tone softened.

Then his tone softened a little and he came to the door with Banks.