"No, dear, but you see, he is my husband, and husbands can say what
they wish to their wives."

"Then I will never have a husband; at least, not one like father,"
Isobel announced with decision.

There the matter ended. Or rather it did not end, since from that
moment Isobel began to reflect much on matrimony and other civilized
institutions, as to which at last she formed views that were not
common among girls of her generation. In short, she took the first
step towards Radicalism, and entered on the road of rebellion against
the Existing and Acknowledged.

During the governess era which followed this scene Isobel travelled
far and fast along that road. The lady, or rather the ladies, hired by
her father, for his wife was allowed no voice in their selection, were
of the other known as "determined"; disciplinarians of the first
water. For one reason or another they did not stay. Isobel, though a
quick and able child, very fond of reading moreover, proved unamenable
under discipline as understood by those formidable females, and owing
to her possession of a curious tenacity of purpose, ended by wearing
them down. Also they did not care for the atmosphere of the house,
which was depressing.

One of them once tried to strike Isobel. This was when she was nearly
thirteen. Isobel replied with the schoolroom inkpot. She was an adept
at stone-throwing, and other athletic arts. It caught her instructress
fair upon her gentle bosom, spoiled her dress, filled her mouth and
eyes with ink, and nearly knocked her down.