It's just a bit of diplomatic flattery.

I'm a good doctor and surgeon, I'll admit, but my face is no more repellent than my cowardly nature.

Miss Beth, I hate myself for my cowardice far more than I detest my ghastly countenance.

Yet I am powerless to remedy either defect." "I believe that what you term your cowardice is merely a physical weakness," declared the girl.

"It must have been caused by the suffering you endured at the time of your various injuries.