The vehement sincerity of his tone embarrassed her, though she was accustomed to praise.
'You are very kind,' she said.

'All my friends here are far too kind to me.

But come now, I must give you some tea.' The tea was nearly stone cold and weak with frequent waterings.

The saucer and spoon, possibly even the cup, had been used by someone else before.

Mr.Maguire secured for himself the last remaining morsel of cake, leaving Hyacinth the choice between a gingerbread biscuit and a torn slice of bread and butter.