I think the knave is kind of a prince. i always thought that thats what the knave was. So his responsibilties would have to be princly duties. Alice is testifing because she was called to the stand. or possibly because it was her dream. In all probability she only testified because it was her dream. Alice's sister coldn't quite see what Alice saw but she imagined it to the best of her abilities. Everyone wants Alice to leave because it is a rule that if your are a mile high your not allowed to be in the court room