Near the door there was a rose-tree and three gardeners, who were looking at the roses in a very worried way.
‘What’s the matter?’ Alice said to them.
‘You see, Miss,’ said the gardener, ‘these roses are white, but the Queen only likes red roses, and she –‘
‘The Queen!’ said the second gardener suddenly, and at once, the three gardeners lay down flat on their faces. Alice turned round and saw a great crowd of people.
It was a pack of cards, walking through the garden. There were clubs (they were soldiers), and diamonds, and ten little children (they were hearts). Next came some Kings and Queens. Then Alice saw the White Rabbit, and behind him the Knave of Hearts. And last of all came THE KING AND QUEEN OF HEARTS.
When the crowd came near to Alice, they all stopped and looked at her, and the Queen said, ‘Who are you?’
My name is Alice, Your Majesty,’ said Alice very politely. But she thought to herself, ‘They’re only a pack of cards. I don’t need to be afraid of them!’
‘And who are these?’ said the Queen, looking at the three gardeners. Then she saw the white roses, and her face turned red and angry. ‘Off with their heads!’ she shouted, and the soldiers hurried up to face the gardeners away.
