"If that is true, I should like to send a barrel of the same spirits to some of my other generals." If Thomas Paine did drink to excess--which seems extremely doubtful--it's a frightful and solemn argument against Prohibition! Mrs.Ryder's house where Paine lived was close to that occupied by his faithful friend Mme.

de Bonneville and her two sons.

Paine was devoted to the boys, indeed the younger was named for him, and their visits were among his greatest pleasures.

And, by the bye, while we are on the subject, the most scurrilous and unjust report ever circulated against this great man was that which cast a reflection upon the honourable and kindly relations existing between him and Mme.

de Bonneville.
In the first place, Paine had never been a man of light or loose morals, and it is scarcely likely that he should have changed his entire character at the age of three score and ten.Mme.