At this time of day to attempt criticism upon a new novel by MISS RHODA BROUGHTON seems almost impertinent. The tens of thousands to whom she has given such pleasure before now would probably be willing to read anything that was put before them with the guarantee of her name. Fortunately in the case of _Concerning a Vow_ (STANLEY PAUL) this confidence would be by no means misplaced. I can say at once, with my hand upon my reviewer's heart, that in freshness and vivacity and power of sprightly character-drawing here is a story that need fear comparison with none of its most popular predecessors. The vow of the title was that exacted by _Meg Champneys_ on her death-bed from her sister _Sally_, binding the latter not to marry _Edward Branley_. _Edward_, in some fashion that was never made quite clear to me, had previously jilted both the sisters. But this all happened before the beginning of the book. In it poor _Edward_ is made so pitiable and heart-broken a figure that I found it hard to credit his previous infidelities. However, most of the other characters detested him, and said that nothing was too bad for him; and as they themselves were delightful and quite human people I am ready to suppose that they had their reasons. Of course _Edward_ and _Sally_ were really in love all the time, and of course too they find resistance to this impossible; though I must own that their method of circumventing the vow reminded me dangerously of the young man who used a cigarette-holder because he had been told to keep away from tobacco. I speak flippantly; but as a matter of fact the story of _Edward_ and _Sally_ is not free from tragedy, very simply and movingly told. If _Concerning a Vow_ does not add to Miss BROUGHTON'S popularity it will only be because this is impossible; it certainly will do nothing to lessen it. * * * * * Illustration: _Barber_ (_to victim._) "WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE AEROPLANE AS A MILITARY ASSET?" * * * * *