Perhaps it would, Alice replied cautiously.
Then if the dog went away, its temper would remain! the Queen
exclaimed triumphantly.
Alice said, as gravely as she could, They might go different ways.
But she couldn t help thinking to herself, What dreadful nonsense we
_are_ talking!
She can t do sums a _bit_! the Queens said together, with great
emphasis.
Can _you_ do sums? Alice said, turning suddenly on the White Queen,
for she didn t like being found fault with so much.
The Queen gasped and shut her eyes. I can do Addition, if you give me
time but I can t do Subtraction, under _any_ circumstances!
Of course you know your A B C? said the Red Queen.
To be sure I do. said Alice.
So do I, the White Queen whispered: we ll often say it over
together, dear. And I ll tell you a secret I can read words of one
letter! Isn t _that_ grand! However, don t be discouraged. You ll come
to it in time.
Here the Red Queen began again. Can you answer useful questions? she
said. How is bread made?
I know _that_! Alice cried eagerly. You take some flour
Where do you pick the flower? the White Queen asked. In a garden, or
in the hedges?
Well, it isn t _picked_ at all, Alice explained: it s _ground_
How many acres of ground? said the White Queen. You mustn t leave
out so many things.
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