In a foolish and loud manner he had argued politics; he had been rude in his disagreeing, and only the adroit tact of his host had sufficed to save the evening. How much I have to learn, Childan thought. They're so graceful and polite. And I-the white barbarian. It is true.
In the story, Childan reflects on his behavior during a political discussion that turned unpleasant due to his loud and foolish arguments. His rudeness in disagreements nearly spoiled the evening, but his host's skillful tact managed to diffuse the tension and salvage the situation. This experience highlighted his own shortcomings in social grace and decorum.
Childan feels a sense of inadequacy, comparing himself to those around him who are more refined and polite. He recognizes his own behavior as crude and barbaric in contrast to the sophisticated manners of others, prompting him to realize how much he has to learn about etiquette and communication.
