The quote reveals a deep and conflicting emotional struggle within the speaker. Despite a clear acknowledgment of the other person's selfishness, deceit, and cowardice, there is an undeniable love that persists. This paradox of feeling highlights the complexity of human relationships, where love can coexist with disdain and disappointment.

The speaker expresses their anguish about the situation, emphasizing the tragedy of loving someone who embodies such negative traits. This tension reflects the broader themes in W. Somerset Maugham's "The Painted Veil," where characters grapple with their desires, flaws, and the painful realities of love and relationships.