Thanks for offering to give me a lift . I ’ m looking forward to this party , but I didn ’ t want to go alone .   Don ’ t mention it . It ’ s my pleasure . Have you been to one of these large , sit-down dinner parties since you got to New Haven ?   No , this is my first.Last week I went to a cookout for new professors at Dean Barksdale ’ s home . I took a taxi because I didn ’ t want to be late.But I was the first one   Cookouts often start slowly . A two o ’ clock start means you arrive any time after two .   Thanks for telling me this .   I was late getting back from the mall , but I ’ m hurrying .   Why are you in such a hurry ? They said , Dinner at eight , and it ’ s only seven-fifteen . I don ’ t want to be the first one there again . 