Q. An adored friend, with whom I regularly have lunch,
always insists on 'supporting' his club. These lunches are deeply enjoyable but, as the member, my friend is the only one allowed to settle the bill. I have tried pressing cash on him when off the premises but, although he knows I have more funds at my disposal than he does, he always refuses outright. As he simply won't go elsewhere, I have no opportunity of returning the hospitality. I know I am not the only beneficiary of this largesse (which he can ill-afford) and that, frankly, his wife feels rather tight-lipped about the whole business. What can I do?
S.H., London SWI
A. You could access the details of your dear friend's bank account number and branch, if necessary, by asking him to give you a cheque for a tenner for some charity or other. Then pay cash over the counter anonymously into the account. Alternatively, did you know that you can transfer air miles? Ring up the wife to announce that you find yourself with a surplus of air miles that you cannot possibly use in the foreseeable future and ask if she would like them passed on to her. Thus, you can discreetly counter his irresponsibility.
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