five in the afternoon
`` Do n't forget the contribution made by the American Steam Laundry Company to the world of true art . '' `` Collars and cuffs I would have you know is artistic , '' Eugene at once declared with mock dignity , `` whereas plows and fish is trash . '' Sometimes this `` kidding '' would continue for a quarter of an hour at a stretch , when some one remark really brighter than any other would dissolve the whole in laughter . Work began after breakfast , to which they usually sallied forth together , and would continue unbroken save for necessary engagements or periods of entertainment , lunch and so on , until five in the afternoon . They had worked together now for a couple of years . They had , by experience , learned of each other 's reliability , courtesy , kindness and liberality . Criticism was free , generous , and sincerely intended to be helpful .