Alice in Wonderland (40)

Alice in Wonderland (40)

" Would you tell me why you are painting those roses ? " said Alice.

Five and Seven said nothing, but looked at Two.

Two began in a low voice, " Why the fact is, you see, Miss, this here ought to have been a red rose-tree, and we put a white one in by mistake.

" If  the Queen was to find out, we should all have our heads cut of, you know. So you see, Miss, we're doing our best, afore she comes toー".

At this moment Five, who had been anxiously looking across the garden,  called out " The Queen ! The Queen !. "

The three gardeners instantly threw themselves flat upon their faces.

There was sound of many footsteps, and Alice looked round, eager to see the Queen.

First came ten soldiers carrying clubs; these were all shaped like the three gardeners, obling and flat, with their hands and feet at the corners.

Then came ten cortiers, all decorated with diamonds.

And then came the ten royal chidren, hand in hand, with hearts on their clothes.

Next came the guests, mostly Kings and Queens, and among them Alice recognised the White Rabbit.

He was talking in a hurried noervous manner, smiling at everything that was said, and went by without noticing her.

Then followed the Knave of Hearts, carrying the King's crown on a crimson velvet cusion.
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Knave ジャック（トランプ）

Last of all this grand procession, came THE KING AND QUEEN OF HEARTS.  
Alice was rather doubtful whether she ought not to lie down on her face like the three gardener, but she could not remember such a rule at procession.

So she stood still where she was, and waited.

When the procession came oppsite to Alice, they all stopped and looked at her, and the Queen said severly, " Who is this ? "

She said it to the knave of hearts, who only bowed and smiled in reply.

" Idiot ! " said the Queen.
She turning to Alice and went on, " What's your name, child ? "

" My name is Alice, so please your Majesty ! " said Alice, but she thought to herself, " Why, they're only a pack of cards, after all. I needn't be afraid of them.

(40/50)