Page:Alices adventures in Cambridge.djvu/57

 "I suppose they are called that because they are older than any others," said Alice. Then a new idea struck her. "I met a dor­mouse to-day," she said. "Do dormice live in dormitories?"

"Rats and mice of all kinds live in these dormitories, they are so old," said the White Rabbit, shaking his head sadly. "But they serve to unite the Class."

"Is the Class so very far apart?" asked Alice.

"Only one yard now," replied the White Rabbit, "but it used to be miles and miles. Wait till you see Conant and Perkins."

Alice was so puzzled by this remark that she was just about to ask the White Rabbit to explain, when she saw a large procession approaching. It was headed by the King and Queen, and after them came the Black Knight and a whole troop of other people whom Alice thought must be courtiers. When the procession came near, the Queen stepped out and looked fiercely at Alice.

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