Alice stood up, and to her relief, managed an elegant curtsey. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Dormas.” The man straightened his red bow tie. “So you will most certainly be coming to Mr. Hatter’s tea party this afternoon, Miss Alice.” “Alas, I think not.” “Why on earth not?” “Well, sir, I was led to believe that the tea party has in fact been cancelled. There was some confusion over this morning’s breakfast concerning it.” “You heard this at breakfast, Miss Alice? I regret to say that being among such that love slumber, I sleep in most dreadfully late. Has been my undoing since childhood!—But that is unfortunate news regarding the tea party,” he added with a woe-begotten tone and expression. “Truly regrettable,” Alice agreed with a look of blank helplessness. Then Mr. Dormas excused himself and scuttled out of the library. Alice took the pen and pad of paper. “Lord, You have put me here for a reason. You’ve had me meet Deidre, this other ‘Alice,’ and I have no idea why. I feel super convicted about disillusioning her, as now I don’t know if she’ll get over it and go back to being a hope for these poor people, like Mr. Hatter and Mr. Dormas. What can I do?” Alice’s eyes flashed and with an excited gasp, she started jotting down notes. She paused and flipped through the red volume. “Yes!” she muttered having stopped at a page. “That’s it! Which verse? Let me see…” Her gaze travelled down the page and she let out another gasp. “Yes. Thank You, Lord! You have such wonderful answers…”
� “Which suite are you from?” “Room number 210.” “You wish to speak to whom, Miss?” “Alice.” “If you mean Deidre Dudley, she is no longer ‘Alice,’ thank God. She’s finally come to her senses. If she keeps this up, I believe she could be discharged. She’s over there in the corner.” “Thank you, ma’am.” “By the way, Miss. Do you have permission to do this?” “Most certainly,” said Alice. “You may check with Nurse Langley if you wish.”
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