Mr. Wogglebug swallowed and took in a slow deep breath before he said, "It is obvious you are a vampire. I only just hope it doesn't suck for you or for me."
Count Karloff stopped smiling and started frowning at this. He presented Mr. Wogglebug with a long, low stare and said, "No, it doesn't suck for either of us. I may have no blood in me but I am not interested in sucking any of yours in case that was what you were implying."
"I was only joking really," Mr. Wogglebug assured him quickly. "And I have no real blood in me, neither. I apologize. It's just that it's my first time meeting an actual vampire. I am Mr. H.M. Wogglebug T.E. by the way."
"I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Wogglebug," said Count Karloff. "I accept your apology. This is far from the first time someone has feared me because I am a vampire."
"Or just different," said Mr. Wogglebug. "And between the two of us, I also know what it is like to be perceived as being different. There are people where I come from that think I'm peculiar because I'm different from them and so they want nothing to do with me. And while it saddens me I've learned as long as I have confidence in my own esteem I don't have to care what they think."
"Very true," said Count Karloff. "And now if I may make so bold as to allow you entrance into my humble home. I don't have many guests. And so it matters very much to me that they are as comfortable as possible and stay as long as they like."
"Thank you. It's very kind of you," said Mr. Wogglebug. "But I won't be able to stay long. I am on a sort of quest to get something special for someone dear to me."
"I quite understand," replied Count Karloff.
So Mr. Wogglebug followed the Count into the entrance of his castle. Inside he found a lavish foyer in the middle of which was a long staircase leading upward and beside it was a large door in the floor.
Count Karloff noticed Mr. Wogglebug looking curiously at these things and explained about them. "Up the stairs there lives a witch, and downstairs lives a scientist with his son. You may visit either you like. They are however, both very strange and kind of kooky. But just make yourself at home."
"Thank you," said Mr. Wogglebug.
He pondered which to visit for he was curious about both of them.