Chapter 8 Summary

At the garden gate, three gardeners named Two, Seven, and Five are hastily painting a rose tree, turning the white roses red. Seven faces the threat of decapitation, having made a small error confusing tulips and onions. Asked why they are painting the roses, they report that the Queen had ordered a red one in that place. As she suddenly approaches, they all fall flat on their faces and become indistinguishable.

Alice isn't sure whether to lie down on her face or not, and decides bravely that since the whole company is merely a pack of cards, she need not be very concerned about them. She remains standing and tells the Queen her name, but is unable to give her any information about the gardeners. In response to her ignorance and impudence, the Queen orders Alice's head to come off. "Nonsense," Alice replies...