"So many activities," he said, "should bring better results." "They are too well known.

Most people make some inquiry." The faint emphasis on the "most" made the professor feel uncomfortable.

Was it possible that this young girl considered him, Benis Spence, something of a fool?
He dismissed the idea as unlikely.
"Inquiry in my case would have meant delay," he answered frankly, "and I was in a hurry.

I wanted to get away from--I wanted to get away for rest and study in a congenial environment.

Still, I will admit that I might not have inquired in any case.