" He seemed to emphasize the last word, as if to say--"Yes, misfortune! Call it what you please, I know that what happened to you in Moscow was a misfortune.
" --"I regret it very much, my dear sir.
" Pierre flushed and, hurriedly putting his legs down from the bed, bent forward toward the old man with a forced and timid smile.
"I have not referred to this out of curiosity, my dear sir, but for greater reasons.
" He paused, his gaze still on Pierre, and moved aside on the sofa by way of inviting the other to take a seat beside him.