This correspondent, the long-lived spinster among the Balfour sisters
(died 1907, aged 91) and the well-beloved "auntie" of a numerous clan
of nephews and nieces, is the subject of the set of verses, _Auntie's
Skirts_, in the _Child's Garden_. She had been reading _Travels with
a Donkey_ on its publication.
[_Swanston, June 1879._]
MY DEAR AUNTIE,--If you could only think a little less of me and others,
and a great deal more of your delightful self, you would be as nearly
perfect as there is any need to be. I think I have travelled with
donkeys all my life; and the experience of this book could be nothing
new to me. But if ever I knew a real donkey, I believe it is yourself.
You are so eager to think well of everybody else (except when you are
angry on account of some third person) that I do not believe you have
ever left yourself time to think properly of yourself. You never
understand when other people are unworthy, nor when you yourself are
worthy in the highest degree. Oblige us all by having a guid conceit o'
yoursel and despising in the future the whole crowd, including your
affectionate nephew,