Alice suddenly remarked . -LRB- They had had quite enough of the subject of age , she thought : and if they really were to take turns in choosing subjects , it was her turn now . -RRB- ` At least , ' she corrected herself on second thoughts , ' a beautiful cravat , I should have said -- no , a belt , I mean -- I beg your pardon ! ' she added in dismay , for Humpty Dumpty looked thoroughly offended , and she began to wish she had n't chosen that subject . ` If I only knew , ' she thought to herself , ` which was neck and which was waist ! ' Evidently Humpty Dumpty was very angry , though he said nothing for a minute or two . When he DID speak again , it was in a deep growl . ` It is a -- MOST -- PROVOKING -- thing , ' he said at last , ` when a person does n't know a cravat from a belt ! ' ' I know it 's very ignorant of me , ' Alice said , in so humble a tone that Humpty Dumpty relented . ` It 's a cravat , child , and a beautiful one , as you say . It 's a present from the White King and Queen . There now ! ' ` Is it really ? ' said Alice , quite pleased to find that she HAD chosen a good subject , after all . ` They gave it me , ' Humpty Dumpty continued thoughtfully , as he crossed one knee over the other and clasped his hands round it , ` they gave it me -- for an un-birthday present . ' ' I beg your pardon ? ' Alice said with a puzzled air . ` I 'm not offended , ' said Humpty Dumpty . ' I mean , what IS an un-birthday present ? ' ' A present given when it is n't your birthday , of course . '
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Alice Dumpty King PROVOKING Queen air cravat minute second tone