Page:Through the looking-glass and what Alice found there (IA throughlookinggl00carr4).pdf/190

 "In that case we start afresh," said Humpty Dumpty, "and it's my turn to choose a subject—" ("He talks about it just as if it was a game!" thought Alice.) "So here's a question for you. How old did you say you were?"

Alice made a short calculation, and said, "Seven years and six months."

"Wrong!" Humpty Dumpty exclaimed, triumphantly. "You never said a word like it!"

"I thought you meant 'How old are you?'" Alice explained.

"If I'd meant that, I'd have said it," said Humpty Dumpty.

Alice didn't want to begin another argument, so she said nothing.

"Seven years and six months!" Humpty Dumpty repeated, thoughtfully. "An uncomfortable sort of age. Now, if you'd asked my advice, I'd have said, 'Leave off at seven'—but it's too late now."