What was the specific reason Dev failed to recognize that the Sanyasi was actually Sai Baba in disguise?

Dev's failure to recognize Sai Baba as the Sanyasi was due to a critical misunderstanding created by the timing of events. According to Dev's own later reflection in Chapter 40, the Sanyasi had first appeared at his house for the purpose of collecting funds for cow protection. Crucially, this visit happened *before* Dev had even sent the formal invitation for the Udyapan ceremony to Baba in Shirdi. Because of this, Dev's mind had already categorized the Sanyasi as a fundraiser. When the same person later asked for a meal, this preconceived notion acted as a "veil of Maya," preventing Dev from connecting the visiting ascetic with the promised arrival of Sai Baba, which he was expecting to happen *after* his invitation.