Why then this rooted hatred and horror of step-mothers?
You--my step-mother reader--are sadly unfortunate if anyone has been so cruel to you and your charges as to instil into their minds an aversion for you with whom they must live for years, perhaps all their lives.

But, perhaps, after all, the case is not so bad as you fear.
You may have a morbid sensitiveness on the subject which makes it look very dark to you.

Even if matters are as you think, if you try conscientiously to overcome the children's prejudice, and your husband aids you in your efforts, you are bound to live down their dislike.
Children are tender-hearted and clear-sighted.

They will soon judge for themselves, and the one rule against which they will not rebel is that of love.

The first thing for you to do is to begin with your own feelings.