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.
"I shall tell your father to flog you," gasped the lady when she recovered her breath.
"I should advise you not," said Isobel.

"And what is more," she added after reflection, "if you do I shall advise him not to listen to you." Then the governess thought better of it and gave notice instead.

To be just to John Blake he never attempted to resort to violence against his daughter.