‘That’s nothing to what I could say if I chose,’ the Duchess replied, in

a pleased tone. 🔊

‘Pray don’t trouble yourself to say it any longer than that,’ said

Alice. 🔊

‘Oh, don’t talk about trouble!’ said the Duchess. ‘I make you a present

of everything I’ve said as yet.’ 🔊

‘A cheap sort of present!’ thought Alice. 🔊 ‘I’m glad they don’t give

birthday presents like that!’ But she did not venture to say it out

loud. 🔊

‘Thinking again?’ the Duchess asked, with another dig of her sharp

little chin. 🔊

‘I’ve a right to think,’ said Alice sharply, for she was beginning to

feel a little worried. 🔊

‘Just about as much right,’ said the Duchess, ‘as pigs have to fly; and

the m--’ 🔊

But here, to Alice’s great surprise, the Duchess’s voice died away, even

in the middle of her favourite word ‘moral,’ and the arm that was linked

into hers began to tremble. 🔊 Alice looked up, and there stood the Queen

in front of them, with her arms folded, frowning like a thunderstorm. 🔊