The days spent in Portofino were also meant for play, songs, good food, and roaming about in the companionship of the God-Man. Yet, being constantly in Baba's presence, they burned in his love's fire while keeping their lips sealed. It was like playing with, and deriving pleasure from, fire — while maintaining a smiling facade and poised manner at all times. This experience comes only when devotees have the chance to be with God in human form.

During Baba's stay in Portofino, the cool moonlight lit up the night and the stars shone in all their brilliance. One evening it was absolutely quiet around the villa, as if a message of peace and joy on earth was being conveyed to humanity. The lovers and mandali gathered around Baba who appeared exceedingly beautiful, wearing a royal blue jacket. The silent atmosphere immobilized them like an intoxicant.

The moon shone on Baba's face, the scent of jasmine hung around them, and the songs of cicadas were heard in the background. "It was one of the most timely, most beautiful moments with Baba," remembered Delia. "We just sat there and never said a word."

They saw Baba's smiling countenance and flowing hair as if aglow with light. Age too was moved. "The Sun was smiling and his smile captivated his lovers' hearts, which cried, 'Baba darling, how beautiful you look!' "

They stared at him, and after a while Baba quietly went inside. His silent Song of Love echoed within them, and his grandeur singed the outline of his form on their hearts forever. They went to bed, but how could they sleep? They were absorbed and lost in his splendor. Like Arjuna, their enchantment came from the sight of the God-Man's beauty and glory.

It was the glory of his Real Self, a little of which he had shown them that night on the terrace of a villa in Portofino.

Portofino, 1933

After staying in the old villa for a while, some of the Western lovers had experiences of quite a different nature. One person claimed a spirit haunted the house and had stood before him, growing taller and taller. One said her hair had been pulled as she slept; another heard noises. Late one night, with these tales ringing in her ears, Delia screamed at what she thought was the apparition of the ghost. It turned out to be Margaret leaning out the opposite window for a breath of fresh air.