That evening, Quentin promised to contact Ruano when Baba arrived in Europe. Quentin explained to Nonny and Rano that Baba planned to travel to the United States and they could meet him in New York. Shortly thereafter, Nonny and Rano returned to America, anticipating meeting Baba there.
When Quentin met Baba in Italy, he told him about Ruano, Nonny and Rano. Baba then instructed Quentin to write Ruano inviting her to come to Portofino to meet him. She arrived on 8 July, while Baba was still in Rome.
The next morning, Quentin went to bring Ruano to the villa. She described that first meeting:
The house where Baba was staying was on a high hill overlooking the Mediterranean and surrounded by a beautiful park. The moment we entered the gate, I began to cry, and it became worse as we climbed the hill. I was thoroughly ashamed of this behavior, especially as I looked a sight and could not stop crying. By the time we reached the house, I was in a dreadful state. Tod brought me a glass of water, but nothing helped, and then the door opened and there stood Baba.
I cannot remember what I did. I know that I looked and looked at him. It was probably for only a moment, but it seemed to me as if I were looking for ages. I then put my hands over my face and cried more than ever.
I shall never forget the kind and gentle way in which Baba led me to a sofa, making me sit beside him and patting my hand. Through my sobs, I tried to tell him how sorry I was that I could not stop crying. He spelled out on the board to Tod, "Tell her that it is just as it should be."
I had a great fear that he might send me away, so I asked if I was going to be sent away; but my Beloved Baba shook his head no. I was told to come to the garden every morning from ten to twelve, and every afternoon from four to six. I carried out these instructions to the minute, aided by church bells.
I cried for ten days. I neither knew whether I ate or whether I slept. I only thought of the moment when I could return to the garden. Sometimes I did not see Baba. One time he led me to the window and pointed far below to the sea, spelling out on his board, "I am like the sea. Drown yourself in me and you will live forever!"