"Because, when I began to study seriously, I found that my studies had been neglected too long to make it possible for me to take them up again. I had forgotten nearly all I had learned. I should, without doubt, fail in my examination, and I should only begin the law too late. I left France for America, where I hoped to find a good situation."
"How long since your return?"
"Three weeks."
"And you went to see Caffie?"
"Yes."
"What for?"
"To ask him for a recommendation to replace the one he gave me, which I had lost."
"It was the day of the crime?"
"Yes."
"At what time?"