Part 19 (2/2)

ROBERT REID

A MAD TEA PARTY

There was a table set out under a tree in front of the house, and the March Hare and the Hatter were having tea at it: a Dor between the it as a cushi+on, resting their elbows on it, and talking over its head ”Very uncoht Alice; ”only, as it's asleep, I suppose it doesn't e one, but the three were all crowded together at one corner of it: ”No roo ”There's _plenty_ of rooe arm-chair at one end of the table

”Your hair wants cutting,” said the Hatter He had been looking at Alice for soreat curiosity, and this was his first speech

”You should learn not to make personal remarks,” Alice said with some severity: ”it's very rude”

The Hatter opened his eyes very wide on hearing this; but all he _said_ was: ”Why is a raven like a writing-desk?”

”Colad they've begun asking riddles--I believe I can guess that,” she added aloud

”Do you mean that you think you can find out the answer to it?” said the March Hare

”Exactly so,” said Alice

”Then you should say what you mean,” the March Hare went on

”I do,” Alice hastily replied; ”at least--at least I , you know”

”Not the saht just as well say that 'I see what I eat' is the saht just as well say,” added the March Hare, ”that 'I like what I get' is the saht just as well say,” added the Dor in its sleep, ”that 'I breathe when I sleep' is the sa as 'I sleep when I breathe'!”

”It _is_ the sa with you,” said the Hatter, and here the conversation dropped, and the party sat silent for a ht over all she could re-desks, which wasn't uessed the riddle yet?” the Hatter said, turning to Alice again

”No, I give it up,” Alice replied: ”what's the answer?”

”I haven't the slightest idea,” said the Hatter

”Nor I,” said the March Hare

Alice sighed wearily ”I think youbetter with the ti riddles that have no answers”

”Suppose we change the subject,” the March Hare interrupted, yawning