The life of the women in the ashram was always secluded, especially for Mehera. Under Baba's orders, Mehera never spoke to or looked at any man during Baba's lifetime (except on a few very rare occasions). She was kept secluded and for many years was ordered not to read or write.
To the women mandali, one place was almost like another because they could not freely look or move about. Baba took them up the Eiffel Tower at nine o'clock at night on 21 September, but the women again kept their glances down and could not enjoy the expansive view. "Yet," Age pointed out, "there was nothing they cared to see except their Beloved, in whom everything resides! For them, there was nothing outside of him. He was their Reality; without him, life held no interest."
Baba disclosed that, while at the top, he held a meeting with his agents and other Spiritual Masters, similar to the meetings he had held in Assisi and Fallenfluh.
On 22 September, after two days, Baba and the women left Paris. They broke the return journey at Roanne, and arrived back in Cannes the following night at eleven o'clock.
While they were away, Delia took Kaka, Nilu and Chanji on a sightseeing excursion on the 23rd to Nice and Monte Carlo.
On Friday, 24 September 1937, the day after Baba's return, William Donkin returned to Cannes from London with another Englishman, the taciturn Tom Sharpley. The spiritual work Baba had done in Paris had taken its toll on his physical body. Baba was to come to Capo di Monte in the morning to see the men and women mandali. But he sent a message that he would not be coming until the afternoon. Kaka delivered it and said that Baba was unwell.
When Baba did come to see them, he looked worn-out and weak, but he explained, "I am not tired. But due to the work I did during the last five days, I find it very difficult to come down."
He then recounted his trip to Paris, and after dinner went back to his villa.
A German gentleman named Seiber had been in contact with Baba through Walter Mertens. Baba had even indicated that he might visit Germany.1 Later that night, Norina arrived with Seiber. On Sunday, 26 September, Baba had a long interview with Seiber, who seemed eager to work for his country and people.
Footnotes
- 1.Coincidentally, Colonel Irani was on a world tour and visited the Far East, America and Europe, including Germany in October 1937.