Choose the best option to fill in the blank in the given passage.
A ____17 ____ rose bush stood near the entrance of the garden. The roses growing ___18____ it were white, but ___19____ were three gardeners, ____20____ painting them red. Suddenly their eyes chanced to fall ____21____ Alice, as she stood _____22 ____ them. "Would you tell me, please," said Alice, timidly, "why are __23____ painting those roses?" Then there was a sound of footsteps _____24____ Alice looked around, eager to ____25____ the queen.
Fill blank 22.