Like many people, however, who are not much in the habit of dinner-giving, he was anxious and fussy, too intent upon making people comfortable to allow of their being so, and too anxious to get victuals and drink down their throats to allow of their enjoying either.
He not only produced a tremendous assortment of wines--Hock, Sauterne, Champagne, Barsack, Burgundy, but descended into endless varieties of sherries and Madeiras.

These he pressed upon people, always insisting that the last sample was the best.
In these hospitable exertions Puffington was ably assisted by Captain Guano, who, being fond of wine, came in for a good quantity; first of all by asking everyone to take wine with him, and then in return every one asking him to do the same with them.

The present absurd non-asking system was not then in vogue.

The great captain, noisy and talkative at all times, began to be boisterous almost before the cloth was drawn.
Puffington was equally promiscuous with his after-dinner wines.

He had all sorts of clarets, and 'curious old ports.' The party did not seem to have any objection to spoil their digestions for the next day, and took whatever he produced with great alacrity.