“You look a little shy; let me introduce you to that leg of mutton,” said the Red Queen. “Alice⁠—Mutton; Mutton⁠—Alice.” The leg of mutton got up in the dish and made a little bow to Alice; and Alice returned the bow, not knowing whether to be frightened or amused.

“May I give you a slice?” she said, taking up the knife and fork, and looking from one Queen to the other.

“Certainly not,” the Red Queen said, very decidedly: “it isn’t etiquette to cut anyone you’ve been introduced to. Remove the joint!” And the waiters carried it off, and brought a large plum-pudding in its place.

“I won’t be introduced to the pudding, please,” Alice said rather hastily, “or we shall get no dinner at all. May I give you some?”

But the Red Queen looked sulky, and growled, “Pudding⁠—Alice; Alice⁠—Pudding. Remove the pudding!” and the waiters took it away so quickly that Alice couldn’t return its bow.