For the rest she was well-ground and vigorous, with a strong, full voice, and as she approached maturity she developed a fine figure.
When she was not much more than ten Isobel had her first trouble with her father.

Something had gone wrong with one of his shipping speculations, and as usual, he vented it upon his wife.

So cruelly did he speak to her on a household matter for which she was not the least to blame, that the poor woman at last rose and left the room to hide her tears.

Isobel, however, remained behind, and walking up to her father, who stood with his back to the fire, asked him why he treated her mother thus.
"Mind your own business, you impertinent brat," he answered.
"Mummy is my business, and you are--a brute," she exclaimed, clenching her little fists.

He lifted his hand as though to strike her, then changed his mind and went away.