To solve this problem, Doralice engaged in her feigned devotion and jealousy. The consequences of Rhodophil's discovery of his encounter with Palamedes loomed over his head; discovery of the affair could have disrupted Rhodophil and Doralice's relationship, ruining her reputation in the process. Even so, she did not let her fears stop her from using the situation to her advantage, unlike Palamedes, who lost control and almost told Melanta and Rhodophilus that he had met Doralice in the cave with scandalous intentions. The discovery of the affair may have caused a rift between Palamedes and Rodophili. If Melantha had discovered Palamedes' infidelity, she could have informed Palamedes' father and annulled their marriage. Palamedes did not love Melanta, but had to marry her to receive his father's inheritance. His lack of finesse in this stressful and embarrassing situation could have cost him dearly, but Doralice used her wits and strength to negate all Palamede mistakes