1.  His good cheer was not returned.

2.  There was complete silence.

3.  There was an ominous silence.

4.  There was a short, ominous silence.

5.  It was less a request than a command.

6.  - a final check Are you giving your pupils varied experiences, teaching strategies and activities?

7.  - that you are perfectly happy here.

8.  - which either went by a different name or was not recognised at that time.