but not a state to be returned to; we have to go on to whatever he wishes, through whatever trials.

II. Baba's Return from East Challacombe to London

On Sunday, September 19th, I returned with Zilla to London as Baba ordered. Monday I set about carrying out his two instructions, one of which was made more difficult by the fact that London, as previously stated, was in a chaotic state with the stock exchange closed and England off the gold standard.

Telegrams from Baba at East Challacombe and mine in answer as to how affairs were progressing flew back and forth. We were to learn that in this way, a little extravagant as it seemed to us then, Baba intervenes and gets his work done. These wires go forth with added impetus. At the same time, he teaches the important lesson that all we have to do is to follow what he says, for it is he, not us, who brings about the results as he wishes.

Within two days, Baba's first work was accomplished — sufficient funds with which to visit the U.S.A. Baba wired that he would return to London on Thursday, September 24th, ― after just one week and four days at the retreat — not a year as poor Meredith had anticipated and planned for. Yes, a test indeed. This need to be ever flexible, transient and adaptable to Baba's will and remain happy and unperturbed throughout is not easy, nor was it for Meredith since our inherent natures do not change.

Baba's second instruction was to arrange for him and his party, when they returned to London, to stay again at my parents' home for nine days before sailing on the S.S. Bremen for New York.

Before leaving for China, Herbert had obtained a promise from Father that his friends from India would be invited a second time to stay at our home for a few days if necessary. Now let us see the difficulties, or rather the so-called difficulties, that arose.

Circumstances came about which seemed to put every obstacle in the way of Baba coming to us. (Maya again, as Baba would say.) My sister from Canada was there with her two children and my Father was suffering with neuritis and the house was literally full. Talking it over with my sister, she agreed that it was not fair to ask Mother and Father to put up a party of four or five for nine days, and that it would be better to find them a hotel nearby. Then the hunt began. I did not know what resources Baba had. (Also, I imagined that a spiritual teacher would like something very simple like East Challacombe.) So I started my search. It