She paid my bill and left before I could thank her

VI rooftop, Sunday. My card declined twice in front of a date who then remembered she had somewhere to be. The waiter came back to say the lady in the corner had handled it, and that she said pride is expensive and I should sit down and finish my drink. By the time I looked she was gone. Grey dress, gold cuff, reading an actual paper book. I finished the drink. I've been back three Sundays. I now have a card that works.