The Queen's Croquet.
Three gardeners were painting a white rose bush in the Queen's garden red. Alice timidly approached them. ‘Would you be so kind as to tell me why you are painting these roses?’ Two began in a low voice: ‘The fact is, you see, miss, there ought to be a red rose here, and we have put in a white one by mistake. If the Queen finds out, we shall all have our heads cut off.’
At that moment, Five cried out: "The Queen! The Queen!‘ And the three gardeners immediately threw themselves face down on the ground. First came the soldiers, then the courtiers, then the Queen's children, the guests, the White Rabbit, the Knave of Hearts, and, bringing up the rear of this long procession, the King and Queen. ’What is your name, little one?‘ ’Alice!‘ ’And who are these?" ‘ said the Queen, pointing to the three gardeners lying on the ground. ’How should I know?‘ replied Alice. The Queen, red with anger, began to shout, ’Off with her head!‘ The King said timidly, ’She's only a child.‘ ’Do you know how to play croquet?" ‘Yes,’ cried Alice. ‘Well, come on then!’
Alice had never seen such a curious game of croquet as this: hedgehogs were used as balls, and flamingos as mallets. The soldiers bent over double to form arches. The players all played at once, without waiting for their turn, arguing all the time.