27 APRIL 2004, Page 79

Q. A distinguished journalist whom! have known for several years

has kindly used her influence to enable me to become a member of the Groucho Club. Is it now de rigueur for me to reward her for her creative efforts in proposing my acceptability by inviting her to lunch or dinner at the Groucho? My membership coming through has coincided with a period when, for various reasons, we have been seeing a lot less of each other.

Name and address withheld A. I assure you that this basic etiquette of clubland is still very much de rigueur. Indeed, I have coincidentally heard from the young lady in question and understand that your oversight has already been the subject of consternation in influential circles. To halt further tonguewagging [advise you to issue the invitation at your earliest opportunity.