Alice makes an expression that seems to say she agrees, though she does add: "Worse has happened."

Quite literally. But that's definitely something she doesn't want to talk about, so she quickly - and awkwardly, because how does anyone do this whole being social thing? Alice sure doesn't know! - moves on to something else.

"How are you.. enjoying the party? Most people present seem to be quite a bit younger than you." Oh Alice, if only you knew just how much younger. But to Alice this just seems like some random relatively (especially by Victorian standards, considering the terrible living conditions and all) old person.