Oh! Good evening! [Alice stops, but Dinah in her arms has other ideas and wiggles free] I'm very sorry if I've interrupted - I was putting my cat out for the night, you see. That's her! [Alice points at the retreating form of Dinah, who is heading off to do her Important Cat Nighttime Business]
Have you only just arrived? My name is Alice, and I may be able to answer any questions you have! At the very least, I shall try.