about noon
James Reynolds , suppose you pass around your hat for contributions . Let me suggest that you come to me first . '' The united offerings , though small individually , amounted to a dollar , which Phil pocketed with much satisfaction . He did not remain after recess , but resumed his wanderings , and about noon entered a grocery store , where he made a hearty lunch . Thus far good fortune attended him , but the time was coming , and that before long , when life would wear a less sunny aspect . It was the evening before Christmas . Until to-day the winter had been an open one , but about one o'clock in the afternoon the snow began to fall .