e was wont to
look there for the white flag which meant so much to her anxious heart.

A Legend of Fuerstenberg

High above the Rhine tower the ruins of Fuerstenberg, and more than one
legend clings to the ancient pile, linking it with stirring medieval
times. Perhaps the most popular of these traditions is that which tells
of the Phantom Mother of Fuerstenberg, a tale full of pathos and tragedy.

In the thirteenth century there dwelt in the castle a nobleman, Franz
von Fuerst by name, who, after a wild and licentious youth, settled
down to a more sober and serious manhood. His friends, surprised at the
change which had taken place in him, and anxious that this new mode of
life should be maintained, urged him to take a virtuous maiden to
wife. Such a bride as they desired for him was found in Kunigunda von
Floersheim, a maiden who was as beautiful as she was high-born.

For a time after their marriage all went well, and Franz and his young
wife seemed quite happy. Moreover, in time a son was born to them, of
whom his father seemed to be very proud. The Baron's reformation, said
his friends, was complete.

One evening there came to Kunigunda a young lady friend. The girl,
whose name was Amina, was the daughter of a robber-baron who dwelt in
a neighbouring castle. But his predatory acts had at last forced him to
flee for his life, and no one knew whither he had gone. His household
was broken up, and Amina, finding herself without a home, had now
repaired to Fuerstenberg to seek refuge. Kunigunda, ever willing to aid
those in distress, extended a hearty welcome to the damsel, and Amina
was henceforth an inmate of the schloss.

Now, though Amina was fully as lovely in face and form as her young
hostess, she yet lacked the moral beauty of Kunigunda. Of a subtle and
crafty disposition, she showed the gratitude of the serpent by stinging
the hand extended to help her; in a word, she set herself to win the
unlawful affections of the Lord of Fuerstenberg. He, weak creature as
he was, allowed the latent baseness of his nature to be stirred by her
youth and beauty. He listened when she whispered that Kunigunda had
grown cold toward him; at her suggestion he interpreted his wife's
modest demeanour as indifference, and already he began to feel the yoke
of matrimony heavy upon him.

Poor Kunigunda was in despair when she realized that her husband had
transferred his affections; but what was worse, she learned that the
pair we