13 DECEMBER 2008, Page 71

A. Simply allow the father to do his usual trick

but, as you leave, hand the eight-year-old boy a parcel containing a money box (very much back in fashion) containing cash to the value of what you would have spent on the two of you having lunch. about to drive away from my house on a rainy day, I noticed Samantha Cameron walking down the street with her little boy dressed in a Superman outfit. They had just been to a birthday party given by a neighbour. She was not exactly drenched but obviously suffering from the growing downpour. She did not have a raincoat or an umbrella. I wanted to offer her a lift but although we have the usual Notting Hill mutual friends, I have never met her, so thought it might be embarrassing to do so. What is your advice?

S.P., London W11