Isobel was fair, vivacious, open-natured, amusing, and given to saying the first thing that came to her tongue.

She had few reservations; her thoughts might be read in her large grey eyes before they were heard from her lips, which generally was not long afterwards.

Also she was very able.

She read and understood the papers and followed all the movements of the day with a lively interest, especially if these had to do with national affairs or with women and their status.
Business, too, came naturally to her, so much so that her father would consult her about his undertakings, that is, about those of them which were absolutely above board and beyond suspicion of sharp dealing.

The others he was far too wise to bring within her ken, knowing exactly what he would have heard from her upon the subject.