in July 1962: “We were thinking of recuperating after the hustle and bustle of Poona, but with Baba there is no such thing. He himself stays busy and keeps those around him also — we never know it’s a Sunday, except that the bulk of incoming mail is less that day."

The last evening Baba gave us our choices either to stay in or go out. We chose to stay in and Chanji related many stories of Baba's earlier days. Then a few records were played after which Baba dismissed us all and called us back one by one. To each he gave a special message and work. We were to be happy, not to worry and to write him every ten days. He said that in the spring he would return. To me, he spoke about my brother Herbert who was in China, and of the danger that surrounded him, but said that he would see that nothing happened to him. We were to go on loving Baba more and more. Here Baba helped us because he made us feel how much he loved us, how he loved being with us and how he needed us. One could say he played on our egos. True, one or two asked for a few things concerning their happiness. To these Baba always said "Yes," for he knew by the time, (i.e. his time) for granting these, we would be less attached to such things and not really care — so that in having, or not having, one would be indifferent.

The future seemed glowing for all. Trials and tests barely appeared on the horizon. It was a visit to remember for its closeness and friendship with One we loved who was, at this period, our dearest friend and companion.

That same evening all went to see Baba, Chanji and Ali off at the Gare du Lyons to take the night express to Marseilles. Margaret went with them to Marseilles and the rest of us returned to the hotel — sad but with hearts aglow. Next morning we left for London to take up our day-to-day duties — "the daily round, the common task."

Little John concluded his story thus:

"From that time the life had gone out of the party and the sole topic of conversation was that of the last four days, when such memories as the buying of Baba's new coat at the Galleries La Fayette or the visit to Notre Dame were recalled."

The train journey to Marseilles was uneventful save for one small incident. Before retiring for the night to their sleeping compartments, Baba warned Margaret Craske that if he was awake he would tap three times on his wall (which adjoined her compartment) and if she were awake she was to reply with three knocks on her side. The significance? "I love you!" This, Margaret says, was kept up throughout the night.