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Why does Mr Otis purchase Canterville Chase in spite of the warnings made by Lord Canterville?

At the beginning of Chapter One of "The Canterville Ghost," Lord Canterville makes it very clear to Mr Otis that the property is haunted. Despite his warnings, Mr Otis is more than happy to buy the property and move in with his family. His reasoning for this decision is very  clear, as he tells Lord Canterville:



But there is no such thing, sir, as a ghost.



Mr Otis completely refuses to accept the existence of the supernatural. If ghosts are real, thinks Mr Otis, then surely they would be bought by Americans and displayed in museums. His sceptical attitude derives, primarily, from his background: he comes from the wealthy, modern world of America where science and reason have triumphed. This world is far removed from that of the ancient British aristocracy, represented here by Lord Canterville, whom Mr Otis associates with myths and legends. It is this obvious clash between the views of Mr Otis and Lord Canterville which sets the tone for the rest of the story and prepares the reader for the upcoming battles between the family and the Canterville ghost. 

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