I fear he was inquisitive by nature.
There came a moment when he went so far as to consider making his way below to pursue his investigations in situ.

It would have been at great cost to his dignity, and this he was destined to be spared.
A knock fell upon his door, and the landlady came in.

She was genial, buxom and apple-faced, as becomes a landlady.
"There is a gentleman below--" she was beginning, when Mr.Caryll interrupted her.
"I would rather that you told me of the lady," said "La, sir!" she cried, displaying ivory teeth, her eyes cast upwards, hands upraised in gentle, mirthful protest.

"La, sir! But I come from the lady, too." He looked at her.

"A good ambassador," said he, "should begin with the best news; not add it as an afterthought.