faltered

Delphine broke into an ecstatic smile, as if she had just seen God, but her expression faltered when Serge looked right through us, and when he passed our table without a glance, Delphine’s eyes took on a sheen of such naked despair that I found myself thinking irritably that, in love or no, she really was overdoing it.

Dreaming in French Megan McAndrew 2009

Delphine broke into an ecstatic smile, as if she had just seen God, but her expression faltered when Serge looked right through us, and when he passed our table without a glance, Delphine’s eyes took on a sheen of such naked despair that I found myself thinking irritably that, in love or no, she really was overdoing it.

Dreaming in French Megan McAndrew 2009

Delphine broke into an ecstatic smile, as if she had just seen God, but her expression faltered when Serge looked right through us, and when he passed our table without a glance, Delphine’s eyes took on a sheen of such naked despair that I found myself thinking irritably that, in love or no, she really was overdoing it.

Dreaming in French Megan McAndrew 2009

The reason countries like Japan and Mexico have faltered is because the people of Japan and Mexico have not made the tough choices, like Americans and Australians have done, to restructure their economy.

Australia's Economic Miracle, Arnold Kling | EconLog | Library of Economics and Liberty 2009

Meanwhile, New York again faltered when it mattered.

USATODAY.com 2007

His expression faltered into suspicion however when Miss Temple, in a fully casual manner, wondered who had purchased the “odd little painting”, and if he might have any others like it for purchase.

The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters Dahlquist, Gordon 2006

Only Dent and Todd Martin faltered; Martin lost to former No. 1 Marat Safin in five sets.

USATODAY.com - Roddick, Agassi make loud entrances to fourth round 2004

Clijsters, who battled a gimpy ankle throughout the tournament, played gamely but once again faltered on crucial points — double-faulting twice on game point at 3-4 in the third set — and faces growing questions about her mental toughness.

USATODAY.com - Federer, Henin-Hardenne solidify No. 1s in Australia 2004

The Volunteers upheld their reputation of talented underachievers with the first-round loss and Harris again faltered in NCAA Tournament play.

NCAA Men's Basketball - N.C. Charlotte vs. Tennessee 2001

From time to time the call faltered, as a man in mortal danger might gasp for breath between shouts for aid.

Merlin's Mirror Norton, Andre 1975