Question

__________ the last joke had been told, every one of the twelve people attending the reading out of Henry's will was sitting perfectly still. desperately holding in the laughter that was bursting to get out. The suppressed laughter (32)__________ a pressure that it was like a volcano ready to erupt. Silence. Painful silence. Suddenly the lawyer sneezed. Then he took out a large red spotted handkerchief and blew his nose. Bbbrrrrrrppp. That was enough. Someone burst out laughing, (33)_________ to hold it any longer. That started the others off. (34)__________ they were all doubled up, tears streaming from their eyes, their shoulders heaving with laughter. Of course, they were not just laughing at the sneeze, nor even at the jokes. No, they were laughing at themselves (35)__________ that Henry had led them into his last, and funniest, practical joke, setting their need to laugh against their greed for money.
31.
By the time
It was not until
For several minutes after
Nevertheless
32.
was so
had built up such
produced
caused everyone to feel
33.
unable
waiting till the last moment
hoping to be able
as there was no time
34.
Sooner or later,
As it happens,
In no time,
After all,
35.
although they could see at last
because there was no fear
while it was clear as daylight
as it dawned on each one of them

Answer 1

31. by the time
32. was so
33. unable
34. in no time
35. ?