`` Are their heads off ? '' shouted the Queen . `` Their heads are gone , '' the soldiers shouted in reply , `` if it please your Majesty ! '' `` That 's right ! '' shouted the Queen , `` can you play croquet ? '' The soldiers were silent , and looked at Alice , as the question was evidently meant for her . `` Yes ! '' shouted Alice at the top of her voice . `` Come on then ! '' roared the Queen , and Alice joined the procession , wondering very much what would happen next . `` It 's -- it 's a very fine day ! '' said a timid little voice : she was walking by the white rabbit , who was peeping anxiously into her face . `` Very , '' said Alice , `` where 's the Marchioness ? '' `` Hush , hush ! '' said the rabbit in a low voice , `` she 'll hear you . The Queen 's the Marchioness : did n't you know that ? '' `` No , I did n't , '' said Alice , `` what of ? '' `` Queen of Hearts , '' said the rabbit in a whisper , putting its mouth close to her ear , `` and Marchioness of Mock Turtles . '' `` What are they ? '' said Alice , but there was no time for the answer , for they had reached the croquet-ground , and the game began instantly .
Alice thought she had never seen such a curious XXXXX in all her life : it was all in ridges and furrows : the croquet-balls were live hedgehogs , the mallets live ostriches , and the soldiers had to double themselves up , and stand on their feet and hands , to make the arches .
Alice Marchioness Queen croquet croquet-ground day question rabbit right whisper