The two Queens looked at each other , and the Red Queen remarked , with a little shudder , ` She SAYS she only said `` if '' -- ' ` But she said a great deal more than that ! ' the White Queen moaned , wringing her hands . ` Oh , ever so much more than that ! ' ` So you did , you know , ' the Red Queen said to Alice . ` Always speak the truth -- think before you speak -- and write it down afterwards . ' ` I 'm sure I did n't mean -- ' Alice was beginning , but the Red Queen interrupted her impatiently . ` That 's just what I complain of ! You SHOULD have meant ! What do you suppose is the use of child without any meaning ? Even a joke should have some meaning -- and a child 's more important than a joke , I hope . You could n't deny that , even if you tried with both hands . ' ' I do n't deny things with my HANDS , ' Alice objected . ` Nobody said you did , ' said the Red Queen . ' I said you could n't if you tried . ' ` She 's in that state of mind , ' said the White Queen , ` that she wants to deny SOMETHING -- only she does n't know what to deny ! ' ' A nasty , vicious temper , ' the Red Queen remarked ; and then there was an uncomfortable silence for a minute or two . The Red Queen broke the silence by saying to the White Queen , ' I invite you to Alice 's dinner-party this afternoon . ' The White Queen smiled feebly , and said ` And I invite YOU . ' ' I did n't know I was to have a party at all , ' said Alice ; ` but if there is to be one , I think I ought to invite the guests . ' ` We gave you the opportunity of doing it , ' the Red Queen remarked : ` but I daresay you 've not had many lessons in manners yet ? '
` Manners are not taught in lessons , ' said XXXXX .
Alice HANDS Nobody Queen deal dinner-party joke minute shudder things