She turned toward him with a serene smile just as he bowed to her. She seemed to expect him to speak to her, while he appeared to think she would address him first. But both remained silent. After merely exchanging bows, Monte Cristo directed his steps toward Albert, who greeted him warmly.
"Have you seen my mother?" Albert asked.
"I just had the pleasure," the count replied, "but I haven't seen your father."
"Look, he's over there, talking politics with that little group of supposed geniuses."
"Really?" Monte Cristo said. "Those gentlemen are considered great talents? I wouldn't have guessed. What kind of talent are they celebrated for? You know there are many different kinds."
