The Count turned as Danglars entered. With a slight nod, Danglars gestured to an ornate golden chair upholstered in white satin embroidered with gold. The Count sat down.
"I have the honor of addressing Mr. Monte Cristo?"
The Count bowed. "And I'm speaking to Baron Danglars, decorated war hero and government official?"
Monte Cristo repeated all the titles from Danglars' business card with subtle emphasis.
Danglars caught the irony and his lips compressed. "You'll forgive me for not using your title at first," he said. "But you understand we live in a democratic country, and I represent the common people."
"I see," Monte Cristo replied. "So you call yourself Baron, but you won't call anyone else Count."
"Honestly, sir," Danglars said with fake casualness, "I don't care about such empty titles. I was made a baron for my service, but-"
"But you've given up your titles like other noble families did during political reforms? That's admirable."
