Love never seems to run a smooth course for girls of the name of _Joan_; their affairs of heart, whatever the final issue may be, have complex beginnings and make difficult, at times dismal, progress. I attribute the rejection of the great novel of my youth to the fact that the heroine, a rosy-cheeked girl with no more serious problems in life than the organisation of mixed hockey matches, was ineptly given that unhappy name. Miss MARY AGNES HAMILTON'S _Joan Traquair_ is true to the type. From the start she is handicapped by a bullying father, an invalid sister, a lack of means and an excess of artistic temperament, the last of these being not just a casual tendency to picture galleries and the opera, but the kind of restless passion which causes people to prefer sunsets to meals and to neglect their dress. In due course she falls in love with a man called _Sebastian_, another name which, if less familiar, is yet a sufficient warning to the world that its owner is bound to be a nuisance on the hearth. This _Sebastian_ was an artist, ambitious and of course poor; worse, he had a touch of genius and--worst of all--he knew it. Nevertheless _Joan_ became his wife, supposing that this was just the sort of man to make her happy. Instead, he made her thoroughly miserable, at any rate for a good long time; but I doubt if any reader, even with all the facts before him, will anticipate exactly how he did it. I certainly didn't myself, although I feel now that I ought to have done. The point of _Yes_ (HEINEMANN) is both new and true; I recommend the book with confidence to all interested in the Joans and Sebastians of this world. * * * * * [Illustration: "NOT THOUGH THE SOLDIER KNEW SOMEONE HAD BLUNDERED."] * * * * * Our Cheery Allies. A letter from a Japanese firm:-- "DEAR SIRS,--Since writing you last we have no favours to acknowledge, however, we are pleased to enter into business relation with your respectable firm. We were delighted that the Allies always behaved bravely in the recent battle and now are in the very favourable condition. Our army took the possetion of Tsingtau and our only hope remaindered is to hear the annihiration of the enemy force. We trust the Allies will beat the Enemy in near future though we cannot assert the time. If there are any samples of Japanese goods as substitute of German's, kindly let us know, and we shall send the same as soon as possible." * * * * * ENCYCLOPÆDIA GERMANICA. Their Aviatiks and Zeppelins from dark aerial heights Pick out the peaceful places while people sleep o' nights. Their Aviatiks and Zeppelins steer clear of fort and gun; Such things of dreadful menace repel the flying Hun. Their Aviatiks and Zeppelins show Science at the call Of all the savage instincts that hold them tight in thrall.