“Well, Miss” began one of the gardeners, “this rose tree ought to be a red rose tree. But we planted a white one by mistake. If the Queen sees the white roses, she’ll cut off our heads. So we’re painting them quickly before…”
*
and the three gardeners threw themselves down on the ground. Alice looked around. She wanted to see the Queen. First came ten soldiers. *
Just like the gardeners, they were the shape of playing cards.* Alice couldn’t see the Duchess, but she did see the white rabbit.