Possible Clues:

• Gradually, quiet announced before supper, say
• Sandwich and more substantial fare, a bit at a time
• Gradually, story spread
• King or Queen taking dinner, say, a bit at a time
• Interrupted silence on telephone with scoff
• Man with gong disheartened — in bits
• Gradually, bishop, for one, imposed on me, a student
• Bit by bit story spread
• Newspaper article spread bit by bit
• Pastry crust of canapé, something consumed in bits