Dialogue following No. 22

ALICE and QUEENS take up position. Joint and Pudding set before them.

RED QUEEN. We always miss the soup and fish. Put on the joint. (ALICE takes knife and fork, and hesitates) You look a little shy, let me introduce you to that leg of mutton. Alice - mutton! mutton - Alice! (Leg of mutton gets up and bows)

ALICE. May I give you a slice?

RED QUEEN. Certainly not! It isn’t etiquette to cut anyone you’ve beeen introduced to. Remove the joint!

Mutton taken off by head and legs. Large plum-pudding brought on.

ALICE. I won’t be introduced to the pudding please, or we shall get no dinner at all! May I give you some?

RED QUEEN (sulkily, growling). Pudding - Alice! Alice - pudding! Remove the pudding!

They are taking it out

ALICE. Waiter, bring back the pudding! (It is brought back, Alice cuts a slice and hands it to QUEEN.) Let me help you!

PUDDING. What impertinence! I wonder how you’d like it if I were to cut a slice out of you, you creature!

RED QUEEN. Now we’ll drink your health. Queen Alice’s health!

ALL. Queen Alice’s health!