And further, in case no son were born to either, but only daughters, then the succession should pass to Ulrich's daughter, if she proved stainless; if she did not, my daughter should succeed, if she retained a blameless name.

And so I and my old wife here prayed fervently for the good boon of a son, but the prayer was vain.

You were born to us.

I was in despair.

I saw the mighty prize slipping from my grasp---the splendid dream vanishing away! And I had been so hopeful! Five years had Ulrich lived in wedlock, and yet his wife had borne no heir of either sex.
"'But hold,' I said, 'all is not lost.' A saving scheme had shot athwart my brain.