The Complete Works of Lewis Carroll with an introduction by Alexander Woollcott and the illustrations by John Tenniel |
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PROLOGUE
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![]() | The Complete Works of Lewis Carroll | ![]() |
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PROLOGUE
[“Wiffie! I'm sure that something is the matter]
Enter Beatrice, leading Wilfred. She leaves him at centre (front), and after going round on tip-toe, to make sure they are not overheard, returns and takes his arm.B.
“Wiffie! I'm sure that something is the matter,
All day there's been—oh, such a fuss and clatter!
Mamma's been trying on a funny dress—
I never saw the house in such a mess! (puts her arm round his neck)
Is there a secret, Wiffie?”
W.
(shaking her off)
“Yes, of course!”
B.
“And you won't tell it? (whimpers)
Then you're very cross! (turns away from him and clasps her hands, looking up ecstatically)
I'm sure of this! It's something quite uncommon!”
W.
(stretching up his arms, with a mock-heroic air)
“Oh, Curiosity! Thy name is Woman! (puts his arm round her coaxingly)
Well, Birdie, then I'll tell! (mysteriously)
What should you say
If they were going to act—a little play?”
B.
(jumping and clapping her hands)
“I'd say ‘HOW NICE!’”
W.
(pointing to audience)
“But will it please the rest?”
B.
“Oh yes! Because, you know, they'll do their best! (turns to audience)
You'll praise them, won't you, when you've seen the play?
Just say ‘HOW NICE!’ before you go away!”
(They run away hand in hand.)
Feb. 14, 1873.
![]() | The Complete Works of Lewis Carroll | ![]() |