They went out on to the _stoep_ to smoke cigarettes when it was over, and drink the coffee which she went to prepare.

It was when she was coming out with this that she first heard Guy's cough--a most terrible, rending sound that filled her with dismay.

Stepping out on to the _stoep_ with her tray, she saw him bent over the back of a chair, convulsed with coughing, and stood still in alarm.

She had never before witnessed so painful a struggle.

It was as if he fought some demon whose clutch threatened to strangle him.
Burke came to her and took the tray from her hands.