and the Master replied, by a gesture. "Don't be sad! In two years." Peter figures this will give him plenty of time to practice his game, and a ping-pong table can be seen in the garden of his home at Myrtle Beach.

Monday, July 30

Our last day at the Center. There was a flurry of last-minute change of plans and flight reservations—Enid Corfe and Anne Ginsberg decided to continue with us to California. Baba requested that Harold Rudd return home with his expectant wife. He also directed Carrie Ben Shamai to return to Israel and do His work there. Those not going to Washington embraced Baba for the last time. Baba paid a last visit to His dear "Nur-Jehan," Norina Matchabelli. Silently they gazed at each other, then the Master folded His disciple in a last embrace. He took out of His pocket a fine lawn handkerchief, folded it, and pressed it to His heart. He then put it in her pocket, saying, ''Keep this under your pillow every night. I am with you always." And the last face He saw on leaving the Center around 10 A.M. was Norina standing at the screen door waving Him goodbye. He responded with the gesture of a big circle.

As we packed our few belongings and stripped our beds, we wondered when we would return—and would it be with Baba? By 10:15 we were in the big bus—the little bus was lost. Baba's car was driven on ahead to Wilmington. While we were waiting to leave, Marion announced a message from Baba: "The Monday Night Group is not only the John Bass group but also the Fredella group," which tickled the ribs of some of us.

At the airport we found Baba seated on one of the wooden benches. Our party milled about, weighing in luggage and catching a snack lunch, but nevertheless with one eye almost constantly on our Companion. He ate a small bowl of food provided as usual by Kitty. Those who were leaving for New York came up to say goodbye to Him, some moved to tears at the separation ahead. No one was to ask questions.

As we sat or stood about singly or in groups, Baba walked freely among us, giving many His own form of silent communication—a look, a love pat, a gestured question.