Draped around the door, she sang out in dramatic fashion, " R-u-a-n-o! BABA wants you ." Ruano hurriedly scampered from the room, leaving Rano and Nonny to look at each other. They did not care for Vivienne's theatrical behavior and Rano wondered to herself: "What have we gotten into?" She had never seen Ruano heed anyone's beck and call, and the whole scene struck her as somewhat strange.
When Ruano returned, she happily informed them, "Baba wishes that you both stay in Hygeia House with all of us, starting tomorrow." They returned to their hotel and both thought of nothing but Baba throughout one of the longest nights of their lives. They went the next day to Hygeia House and began staying near Baba. Their fates were sealed.
Baba was very loving to Nonny, but for his own reason he kept Rano at a distance. Although Baba was outwardly keeping her away, she was inwardly being drawn to him. On various occasions, Baba would go to a movie with all except Rano, or he would have her travel separately if she did accompany them, allowing her only to see him from a distance. Between the lover and the Beloved, the pleasure of the play is only experienced through joy and sorrow — this coming from the Beloved's playful nature.
Rano was destined to belong to Baba and join his circle. Others would keep their distance from Baba at such treatment, but the Beloved Master was coquettish with only those whom he knew had an inner connection with him and whom he wanted to keep near him. Nonny and Rano Gayley became permanent blossoms in the Beloved's garden, as did Ruano, Delia, Elizabeth, Kitty, Margaret, Norina, Nadine and Hedi Mertens.
On Thursday, 19 October 1933, Quentin Tod brought Ivor Novello, 40, one of the most popular figures in British musical theater in the 1920s.1 Novello was momentarily bemused.
"There is no need to say anything," Baba told him. "For those who feel, there is no need for words and explanations. You have a good heart."
Novello rested his head on Baba's right hand and appeared overwhelmed. Quentin told Baba that Ivor's nature was so loving that he was always helping others despite his fame.
Baba replied, "I am the Ancient One. He belongs to me and has been working for me all the while, though unconsciously. But one day he will know all."
After he left, Baba remarked, "He is my
man."
Footnotes
- 1.Quentin and Ivor had collaborated on several theater projects, Quentin doing the ballet choreography and Novello writing the music.