Cowperwood himself was fully aware that Aileen had deserted him, not because she loved him less or Lynde more, but because she was hurt--and deeply so.
Aileen knew that he knew this.

From one point of view it enraged her and made her defiant; from another it grieved her to think she had uselessly sinned against his faith in her.

Now he had ample excuse to do anything he chose.

Her best claim on him--her wounds--she had thrown away as one throws away a weapon.

Her pride would not let her talk to him about this, and at the same time she could not endure the easy, tolerant manner with which he took it.