Amaryllis at the Fair by Richard Jefferies

So there was tribulation in three houses. Next morning she scarcely dared come in to breakfast, and opened the door timidly, expecting heavy looks, and to be snapped up if she spoke. Instead of which, on taking her place, Iden carefully cut for her the most delicate slice of ham he could find, and removed the superfluous fat before putting it on her plate. Mrs. Iden had a special jug of cream ready for her -- Amaryllis was fond of cream -- and enriched the tea with it generously.

"And what did you see at the fair? " asked Iden in his kindest voice, lifting up his saucer -- from which he always drank -- by putting his thumb under it instead of over, so that his thick little finger projected. He always sipped his tea in this way.