` Pray do n't trouble yourself to say it any longer than that , ' said Alice . ` Oh , do n't talk about trouble ! ' said the Duchess . ' I make you a present of everything I 've said as yet . ' ' A cheap sort of present ! ' thought Alice . ` I 'm glad they do n't give birthday presents like that ! ' But she did not venture to say it out loud . ` Thinking again ? ' the Duchess asked , with another dig of her sharp little chin . ` I 've a right to think , ' said Alice sharply , for she was beginning to feel a little worried . ` Just about as much right , ' said the Duchess , ` as pigs have to fly ; and the m -- ' But here , to Alice 's great surprise , the Duchess 's voice died away , even in the middle of her favourite word ` moral , ' and the arm that was linked into hers began to tremble . Alice looked up , and there stood the Queen in front of them , with her arms folded , frowning like a thunderstorm . ' A fine day , your Majesty ! ' the Duchess began in a low , weak voice . ` Now , I give you fair warning , ' shouted the Queen , stamping on the ground as she spoke ; ` either you or your head must be off , and that in about half no time ! Take your choice ! ' The Duchess took her choice , and was gone in a moment . ` Let 's go on with the game , ' the Queen said to Alice ; and Alice was too much frightened to say a word , but slowly followed her back to the croquet-ground . The other guests had taken advantage of the Queen 's absence , and were resting in the shade : however , the moment they saw her , they hurried back to the game , the Queen merely remarking that a moment 's delay would cost them their lives .
All the XXXXX they were playing the Queen never left off quarrelling with the other players , and shouting ` Off with his head ! '
absence advantage arm arms choice front ground shade time voice