Was the peddler 'Captain van stohle' or did he sign the letter ironically?

The peddler was inspired by the kindness and hospitality with which Edla Wilmansson treated him with. She treated him like a captain even though she was aware that it was only a mistake. He signed himself as 'Captain Von Stahle' out of respect and gratitude for Miss Wilmannson and although he wasn't a captain, he would now try to be the like one.