For there fell a sudden step close to her, and as she paused irresolute, Burke's figure blocked the opening.

He stood looking at her, pipe in hand.
"So--you are up!" he said.
His voice was quite friendly, yet she was possessed by a strong feeling that he did not want her there.
She looked back at him in some embarrassment.

"I hope you don't mind," she said.

"I was only coming out for a breath of air." "Why should I mind ?" said Burke.

"Come and sit on the _stoep_! My neighbour, Piet Vreiboom, is there, but he is just going." He spoke the last words with great distinctness, and it occurred to her that he meant them to be overheard.
She hung back.