THE YOUNG STEP-MOTHER;

or

A CHRONICLE OF MISTAKES.

By CHARLOTTE M YONGE





Fail--yet rejoice, because no less
The failure that makes thy distress
May teach another full success.

Nor with thy share of work be vexed
Though incomplete and even perplexed
It fits exactly to the next.
ADELAIDE A PROCTOR





CHAPTER I.



'Have you talked it over with her?' said Mr. Ferrars, as his little