Почему present perfect?

Я вижу указатель this morning, но утро уже прошло, судя по тексту (after dinner). It was March, and Mr Utterson was sitting by the fire after dinner, when he was surprised to receive a visit from the doctor's servant. The old man looked pale and frightened.
"Mr Utterson," he said, "something is wrong."
"Sit down by the fire and tell me all about it."
"The doctor HAS LOCKED himself up in his study this morning, sir."
"That is quite usual, surely," said Mr Utterson.
"He often shuts himself away from the world."
"Yes, but this time it's different, sir. It frightens me, sir. I just can't go on any longer."
He stopped and stood silently, looking down at the floor.
"Try and tell me," said Mr Utterson gently.
"Something terrible is happening to my master now. Please, sir, can you come with me and see for yourself?"
At once Mr Utterson fetched his coat and hat.