"Two slices," by the way, means two slices of bread and butter.
This was the same degraded humility that had characterised their attitude toward the poorhouse porter.

But I wouldn't have it.

Step by step I increased their order--eggs, rashers of bacon, more eggs, more bacon, more tea, more slices and so forth--they denying wistfully all the while that they cared for anything more, and devouring it ravenously as fast as it arrived.
"First cup o' tea I've 'ad in a fortnight," said the Carter.
"Wonderful tea, that," said the Carpenter.
They each drank two pints of it, and I assure you that it was slops.

It resembled tea less than lager beer resembles champagne.

Nay, it was "water-bewitched," and did not resemble tea at all.
It was curious, after the first shock, to notice the effect the food had on them.