After realizing his mistake, how did Dev rationalize his own failure to recognize Sai Baba as the Sanyasi?

In chapter 40, after learning the truth, Dev reflects on why he was so deluded. He reasoned that his inability to recognize Baba stemmed from the timing and context of his encounters with the Sanyasi. The Sanyasi had first appeared before Dev had even formally invited Baba from Shirdi, and he was there for his own purpose of collecting funds for cow protection. Because this initial meeting happened for a different reason and before the Udyapan invitation was extended, when the same person returned asking for a meal, it did not occur to Dev that this could be Baba. Dev lamented that he forgot to pay attention to Baba's specific words: "When I come for the meal, two others will come with me."