The first step of any text completion is to attempt to repurpose a word or phrase from the sentence as a prediction for the blank to facilitate process of elimination.

In this case, it is determined that the gallantry is only "seeming" so the proper term for the blank should be something matching "not gallant".

Now, compare this prediction to the choices.

(A) poignant - positive term, so eliminate Choice A as a reversal of the prediction
(B) sincere - positive term, so eliminate Choice B as a reversal of the prediction
(C) plaintive - neutral term, so eliminate Choice C as a reversal of the prediction
(D) laudable - positive term, so eliminate Choice D as a reversal of the prediction
(E) craven - negative term matching the prediction in context, so keep Choice E

Reread craven into the sentence to ensure a proper meaning in the context of the sentence before selecting Choice E as the correct answer.