‘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.’ 🔊