" 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.

Pierre felt reluctant to enter into conversation with this old man, but, submitting to him involuntarily, came up and sat down beside him.

"You are unhappy, my dear sir," the stranger continued.

" You are young and I am old.

I should like to help you as far as lies in my power.