Volume 10 Number 2 Page 25

All had spent a not too unpleasant night under the stars and had watched the sunrise — one of the most beautiful to be seen anywhere in the East. At 2:30 p.m. came a wire from Baba saying he would be coming to Nasik that evening. All the invalids felt immediately better. Baba arrived at 8 p.m.; and made the rounds of all confined to bed.

Accompanied by a doctor and a disciple he went in to see Rano. He took a very serious view of her case (the doctor suggested typhoid) and immediately arranged for her to be alone, in a room adjoining her mother Nonny. He wanted her kept quiet. All music was stopped in the sitting-room A diet was drawn up, and Ruano Bogislav was given sole charge of Rano, under Baba's direction.

Those who were well saw little of Baba that evening. After saying good-night to Freni, Rustom's wife, Baba came over to Sarset * (the new bungalow) and sat with Will Backett for a few minutes. Then he went for a walk alone; while Sing, the night watchman, stood still at his post with the lantern, waiting for Baba to beckon, when all retired for the night.

Next morning, May 3rd, Baba still appeared very concerned about Rano, telling us she was very ill. He wished that all of us take it seriously; we were not to disturb her; to keep quiet, and not to go in to see her.

Another doctor, the best in Nasik, was sent for; he too suggested typhoid and agreed with Baba that had an injection of S.U.P. been immediately administered, the subsequent high fever might have been prevented. Baba had previously left strict orders that we all should have an S.U.P. injection in the eventuality of a slight cold or fever. However, in those early days we often thought we knew best what we needed. One had even questioned if the order had really come from Baba! Baba seemed very sad, and said, "Too bad. She might have been spared this suffering."

Imagine how we all felt for the rest of the day. We stood around the house and porch. Baba allowed no one in Rano's room but himself and Ruano. He went in and out of the room many times and gave Rano the necessary medicine and liquids himself. For the next three or four days Baba came over daily and visited Rano with the doctor. By May 6th she was better and Baba left for Rahuri and Meherabad. Baba showed so much tenderness and care, like a mother, in all he did for Rano during this illness. Surely our love for him was deeper than ever.