[12] I did not learn the actual facts of this foolish fable until I came
to India in 1918, and found they were common knowledge among leading
members of that time. Naturally, when Mrs. Besant transferred her
allegiance to Mr. Leadbeater, she had to find another "body" for H. P.
B. So, in the _Theosophist_ for January, 1922. she writes the following
typical effusion for the benefit of the faithful:--" ... alas! she
passed away, and took rebirth in the north of India, and though we have
lived for twenty-eight years in the same land so dear to beth of us, we
have never met physically face to face. Yet close ties bind us to each
other, and may be we shall yet greet each other in the flesh." Observe
the suggestion that she has always been in close touch with H. P. B.
_out of the body_, and that later they may meet "in the flesh." This
prepares the ground for producing this new "incarnation" when the
suitable moment comes; just as the boy Krishnamurti was brought forward
as the "body" for the coming "World-Teacher." Mrs. Besant's new version
must be amusing reading for those familiar with the earlier theory, as
she was certainly "face to face" with the "little daughter" constantly,
and even persuaded Countess Wachtmeister to resume her former care of H.
P. B. in her new body. Needless to say the poor Countess was sadly
disillusioned, and died not long afterwards bitterly bewailing the ruin
of the T. S.