about 5:30
Various superstitions were invoked to promote the consumption of it . Thus the failure to finish a piece already broken off was alleged to result in the transfer of all one 's strength to the actual consumer of the piece left behind . Keith was a docile child in spite of his impulsiveness and he did he was told and believed what he heard , but he often wondered why the rules so strictly enforced himself did not apply to his parents . `` Afternoon coffee , '' generally accompanied by some form of sweet bread or cake , `` happened '' about 5:30 , and at 8 supper was served . The final meal was commonly made up of sandwiches with porridge and milk , or perhaps , when fate was remarkably propitious , thin pancakes with cranberry jam . There might be an extra snack of food at a still later hour in case of unexpected callers , but such visits were not frequent and Keith would be asleep by that time anyhow . It was different when parties were given to formally invited company .