answer: #Person1# is off in a hurry to a cocktail party although #Person1# usually arrives a half-hour late for parties. #Person1# tells #Person2# American people understand that they're newcomers and don't hold it against them if they make a faux pas.
documents: #Person1#: How was the party last night?
  #Person2#: Nice. I had a good time and met some very nice people. But where are you off to in such a hurry?
  #Person1#: I've been invited to a cocktail party. It's 6 o'clock now. I'm late.
  #Person2#: But you told me that if you're invited to a party, you should plan to arrive a half hour late.
  #Person1#: A party yes, but not a cocktail party.
  #Person2#: What's a cocktail party like?
  #Person1#: A cocktail party is generally held from 5:30 to 7:30. There are drinks and snacks, but no dinner. This cocktail party is being held by my department to celebrate Christmas.
  #Person2#: It seems that you know something about American social customs.
  #Person1#: I've still got a lot to learn. But American people understand that we're newcomers here and they don't hold it against us if we make a faux pas.
  #Person2#: Make a what?
  #Person1#: A faux pas is a French word. It means a mistake, especially in the area of social matters.
  #Person2#: I see.