Why was Mamlatdar Dev so confused and doubtful after feeding the Sanyasi and his companions?

Mamlatdar Dev's confusion stemmed from a promise he had received from Sai Baba. As described in Chapter 40, Dev had invited Baba to his Udyapan ceremony, and Baba had promised to attend. When the Sanyasi and his two companions showed up uninvited and were fed, Dev failed to connect this event with Baba's promise. The text states that a "veil of Maya" was spread, and Dev's mind was fixed on them just being guests looking for a meal. Even though he had personally served three uninvited guests, he remained doubtful and felt disappointed that he didn't get a clear "experience" of Baba's presence, which led him to write a letter to Jog seeking an explanation.