She wondered if she could possibly escape unseen.
Finally, she ventured out into the passage, and followed it to an
open door that seemed to lead whither she desired to go. She
fancied that it was out of sight of the two men on the _stoep_, but
as she reached it, she realized her mistake. 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. "Oh, I don't think I will. I can't talk Dutch.
Really I would rather----"
"He understands a little English," said Burke. "But don't be
surprised at anything he says! He isn't very perfect."
He stood against the wall for her to pass him, and she did so with
a feeling that she had no choice. Very reluctantly she moved out
on to the wooden _stoep_, and turned towards the visitor.
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