Of course, it was a harmless courtesy--no bowing low to the British or any such thing--as it was spoken and heard.

Of course, too, nothing would have been said about it but for the controversy over the Canal tolls.

That was my mistake--in being betrayed by the friendly dinner and the high compliments paid to us into mentioning a subject under controversy.
I am greatly distressed lest possibly it may embarrass you.

I do hope not.
I think I have now learned _that_ lesson pretty thoroughly.

These Anglophobiacs--Irish and Panama--hound me wherever I go.