four o'clock
When she received visitors , especially her German neighbours , Sophy felt exceedingly uncomfortable . It seemed to her -- although this might be imagination -- that the ladies exchanged coughs and significant glances , and noticed the trembling hand with which Mrs. Krauss helped herself to cake , her sudden lapses into silence , her abrupt interruptions and cavernous yawns . For years Mrs. Krauss had been at home once a week to her German neighbours . They are a gregarious nation , and the `` Kaffee-Gesellschaft '' -- an afternoon affair , beginning at four o'clock -- is greatly beloved by German women . Here they enjoy strong coffee , chocolate flavoured with vanilla and whipped cream , and every description of rich cake . These coffee parties are generally an orgy of scandal , and that at `` Heidelberg '' was no exception . Whether Mrs. Krauss was well or ill , the guests never failed to arrive .