Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1888-06-13
A MODERN MIRACLE.
! Girls Mishap Develops Into a
Strange MaIady.

One or the most remarkable cases of
instantaneous recovery from what was
pronounced by physicians an incurable
malady, took place recently seven
miles south of Hartford City, Ind, in
the family of Joseph Roberts, an old,
wealthy, and quite respectable farmer.
He has two children, both daughters.
One is q young, fair, blooming girl,
aged 20 years, who always, prior to the
seemingly fatal affilctlon, had been in
the enjoyment of perfect health. Mary
Jane, as she was familiarly known to
everyone. had great number of suit
ors, among them a young farmer named
Cole. Mary Jane selected Cole from
among the host of rivals for her hand
and they plighted their troth. While
arranging for the nuptials she paid a
visit to relatives and friends in Ohio.
This was nearly three years ago.
Upon that visit in descending a stair
way leading to a cellar she slipped and
fell striking the back of her head upon
the steps. The only inconvenience ex-
perienced at the time was a severe con-
fusion to the scalp and a sensation of
weakness which lasted but few days.
In a week or so she returned to her
nuptials. Soon after her arrival she
felt a peculiar numbness about the
lower limbs and along the course of
the spine, together with general de-
bility and languor. For over two years
she was unable to move her feet, stand,
or walk step. All this time she was
dependent upon attendants for assist
ance in changing position She be-
came extremely emaciated and ex-
perlenced loss of appetite. All inter-
est in matters heretofore that excited
her attention and attracted her sympa-
thies and concern was lost. Physicians,
friends and neighborS had abandoned
all hope of her recovery or even tenn
porary relief. Young Cole, who had
been so assiduous IN his attentions dur
ing the former part OF her protracted
illness. lost his old-time gallantry. No
doubt thinking that she could not re-
gain her wonted health he let his fancy
wander away after other female beau
ties, and lett his afianced bride to suf-
fer her infirmities alone. The knOwl-
edge of his per6dy came to the ears of
the poor afflicted girl, and IL served TO
arouse all the latent, dormant energy
and vitality yet remaining within
her.
1t was at first thought that the gir
would suffer fatal nervous shock
when she heard of Coles faithlessness.
With many misgIvings the family
finally allowed one of her most inti-
mate friends to impart the distressing
news. The effect was directly opposite
from what had been dreaded A stern
resolve seemed to come into her coun-
tenance, and she tightly compressed
her lips, as if determining on some &C
tion. a moment or so later she ap-
parently gathered all her remaining
strenst tn, and TO the surprise of her
fss5zds slowly rose In bed. Before her
companion had recovered from her as
constituent Miss Roberts, after resting
a few seconds, lifted her feet out of
bed, placed them on the floor and stood
erect. As If testing her strength, she
again briefly waited. Then she began
to walk about the room. The startled
screams of the visitor brought to the
room the girls relatives, who were
waiting 10 hear the result OF the dreaded
interview.
In answer to their anxious inquiries
Miss Roberts said she felt weak, but
almost as well as ever in her life. Kiss
ing and crying followed. and the news
of the miraculous recovery spread rap
idly throughout the neighborhood.
Friends who had never expected to see
her leave her bed came to give their
CONGRATULATIONS. Since then Miss
Roberts has been rapidly regaIning her
former robust health and beauty. Now
comes the romantic part OF my
story.
Her truant afianced, hearing of her
wonderful restoration to health, again
returned to his first love. All was for
given and forgotten, and recently they
stood before the altar and consummated
the postponed nuptials.