Chapter 4, The Encounter Summary and Analysis

Bilquis drives herself to the Reverend and Mrs. Mitchell's home. She needs to learn who John the Baptist is and how her recent experiences and dreams might involve the Christian religion. The Reverend is not home but Mrs. Mitchell greets her with much warmth. Bilquis learns that John the Baptist prepared the world for Jesus. Mrs. Mitchell tells Bilquis that she does not know of God but rather knows Him. They pray together, Mrs. Mitchell asking that Jesus show Bilquis the way to Him. Thinking of the nice aroma she had noticed later, Bilquis asks Mrs. Mitchell if there is any spiritual connection to perfume. Later Bilquis receives a note from Mrs. Mitchell quoting a passage in the Bible that says in part, ". . .knowledge of Him spread throughout the world like a lovely perfume."

Mahmud is ill...