This man is at the door of Hell...somehow it seems to be his destination after a life of subtle stubbornness. He doesn't expect to find himself waking up out of a dream...he doesn't expect to pinch himself and wake up and that kind of thing...in fact, the thought of that happening makes him smile. He's just mildly surprised to find himself there at the door of Hell.
To all accounts, the kindly old man who is the doorman (and who conceivably reminds him of his father) is sat reading a book...but he gets up smartly and without time for either of them to feel that they're standing on ceremony says,
