"Why? You believe that life comes from God, and so do I in a way. If
so, what has a father to do with it who is just a father and no more?
With mothers perhaps it is different, but you see I love my mother and
he treats her like--like a dog, or worse," and her grey eyes filled
with tears. "However, it is your father we are talking of, and there
is no commandment telling me to honour /him/. I say I hate him and he
hates me, and that's why he is sending you away. Well, I hope you
won't find anyone to contaminate you in Switzerland."

"Oh! Isobel, Isobel," he broke out, "don't be so bitter, especially as
it is of no use. Besides after all you have got everything that a girl
can have--money and position and looks----"

"Looks!" she exclaimed, seizing on the last word, "when you know I am
as ugly as a toad."

He stared at her.

"I don't know it; I think you beautiful."

"Wait till you see someone else and you will change your mind," she
snapped, flushing.

"And you are going to come out," he went on hastily.

"Yes, at a fancy ball in this Plantagenet lady's dress, but I almost
wish I was--to go out instead--like her."

"And I daresay you will soon be married," he blurted, losing his head