Lewis Carroll: Through the Looking Glass

CHAPTER 5: Wool and Water (continued)

`What IS the matter?' she said, as soon as there was a chance of making herself heard. `Have you pricked your finger?'

`I haven't pricked it YET,' the Queen said, `but I soon shall-- oh, oh, oh!'

`When do you expect to do it?' Alice asked, feeling very much inclined to laugh.

`When I fasten my shawl again,' the poor Queen groaned out: `the brooch will come undone directly. Oh, oh!' As she said the words the brooch flew open, and the Queen clutched wildly at it, and tried to clasp it again.

`Take care!' cried Alice. `You're holding it all crooked!' And she caught at the brooch; but it was too late: the pin had slipped, and the Queen had pricked her finger.

`That accounts for the bleeding, you see,' she said to Alice with a smile. `Now you understand the way things happen here.'

`But why don't you scream now?' Alice asked, holding her hands ready to put over her ears again.

`Why, I've done all the screaming already,' said the Queen. `What would be the good of having it all over again?'

By this time it was getting light. `The crow must have flown away, I think,' said Alice: `I'm so glad it's gone. I thought it was the night coming on.'

`I wish I could manage to be glad!' the Queen said. `Only I never can remember the rule. You must be very happy, living in this wood, and being glad whenever you like!'

`Only it is so VERY lonely here!' Alice said in a melancholy voice; and at the thought of her loneliness two large tears came rolling down her cheeks.

`Oh, don't go on like that!' cried the poor Queen, wringing her hands in despair. `Consider what a great girl you are. Consider what a long way you've come to-day. Consider what o'clock it is. Consider anything, only don't cry!'