After being disappointed by Sai Baba's letter, what did Damu Anna do next and what was his motivation?

Despite his initial disappointment, Damu Anna did not give up completely. As Chapter 25 recounts, the reply letter he received also contained a hint for him to come to Shirdi, noting that "There is a difference between hearing and seeing." Following this suggestion, which he took to be from Madhavrao, Damu Anna decided to travel to Shirdi in person. His motivation was a lingering hope that a personal meeting might yield a different result. He thought, "Who knows, there might be benefit in that too. Perhaps He will give permission." Upon arriving, he approached Baba and massaged his feet, but found himself lacking the courage to bring up the business proposal again.