DEAR MISS MANNERS: My partner and I went on a short vacation to a town where an old friend of mine lives. I called her months ago and asked to stay with her and her partner for one night, but she said she didn’t have room.

I have known this woman for 45 years and have stayed with her at least 20 times before. Still, not a problem–we booked a lovely place to stay and had a great time.

Originally she asked us to come spend the day with them and then go out on their boat and stay for dinner. Then, at the last minute, she said that wouldn’t work either.

So I asked if they wanted to come into town (an 11-mile drive for them). She said yes. They arrived at the hotel, where we all had a drink (which we provided) outside by the pool, then took a five minute walk to a restaurant where I had booked.

At dinner, my friend’s partner (whom I had never met, as my friend is a recent widow) proceeded to show us his super expensive watch and fancy gold chain. Then the bill came and they just both sat there. So my partner took and paid the bill, which was over $300.

In retrospect I felt I should have asked them to at least handle the tip. Your thoughts?