Alice was rather doubtful whether she ought not to lie down on her face
like the three gardeners, but she could not remember ever having heard
of such a rule at processions; and besides, what would be the use of a
procession, thought she, if people had all to lie down upon their
faces, so that they couldn t see it? So she stood still where she was,
and waited.
When the procession came opposite to Alice, they all stopped and looked
at her, and the Queen said severely Who is this? She said it to the
Knave of Hearts, who only bowed and smiled in reply.
Idiot! said the Queen, tossing her head impatiently; and, turning to
Alice, she went on, What s your name, child?
My name is Alice, so please your Majesty, said Alice very politely;
but she added, to herself, Why, they re only a pack of cards, after
all. I needn t be afraid of them!
And who are _these?_ said the Queen, pointing to the three gardeners
who were lying round the rose-tree; for, you see, as they were lying on
their faces, and the pattern on their backs was the same as the rest of
the pack, she could not tell whether they were gardeners, or soldiers,
or courtiers, or three of her own children.
How should _I_ know? said Alice, surprised at her own courage. It s
no business of _mine_.
The Queen turned crimson with fury, and, after glaring at her for a
moment like a wild beast, screamed Off with her head! Off
Nonsense! said Alice, very loudly and decidedly, and the Queen was
silent.
The King laid his hand upon her arm, and timidly said Consider, my
dear: she is only a child!
The Queen turned angrily away from him, and said to the Knave Turn
them over!
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