Ella, on the other hand, looked at the book and felt that Baba was a false Christ, and said so. But as she opened it, gazed at Baba's photograph and read of his love, she too was deeply touched and grew to love and think only of him. They became Sufis under Ivy's guidance.
Yet gradually Ella felt that her heart was Baba's alone. She had respect for Inayat Khan, but she wanted only Meher Baba as her Master. And so without telling anyone, she wrote a note to Baba in India, not expecting a reply.
But soon a letter came in which Baba stated: "I am touched by your love. The time has not yet come for you to serve me directly, but soon it will."
Ella was ecstatic: Baba had accepted her! She knew she must now leave the Sufi order, and she told this to Ivy, who released her from her vows.
At last, Fred and Ella came to Myrtle Beach to meet their Master. At 3:10 P.M. on 10 May 1952, they were shown into the Lagoon Cabin. As they entered, Baba stood up, his arms unfurled to receive them. He embraced Ella first. She dropped her head on his shoulder like a tired babe or little bird, and all she could say was, "O Baba ..." in a sigh of complete resignation and repose.
Fred, who prided himself on his detached powers of reasoning, was trying to analyze what was going on.
Fred described what happened:
Baba looked at me over Ella's shoulder, winked and grinned from ear to ear. And at that moment, reason — four years of reasoning — like a burst balloon went out the door. It was replaced by instantaneous knowledge, recognition and conviction of the absolute truth of that with whom I was faced. That feeling sustained me for the rest of my life.
Baba then embraced me. When Baba embraces you, you feel as if you have taken a warm bath of love. You get so full of ecstasy, uplifted — all the pains, cares, dross of life drop away from you as meaningless. There is nothing but him, the only Truth, the only Reality, that has any meaning.
Taking their hands, Baba sat down with one on either side of him, still holding their hands. Meherjee was interpreting the alphabet board. Lover and Beloved were reunited at last. They poured out their hearts and told Baba everything, asking for instructions, which he gave.