That title character is at first unable to express himself due to the presence of his hired man, Jotham Powell, after earlier being horrified at seeing his wife's pickle dish broken.  
Near the end of this novel, the narrator lodges with Mrs. Varnum and her daughter, Mrs. Ned Hale, and discusses the title character.  That title character is at first unable to express himself due to the presence of his hired man, Jotham Powell, after earlier being horrified at seeing his wife's pickle dish broken.  Nevertheless he does confess his love for Mattie, only to be thwarted by his wife, Zeena's, request for more efficient help.  FTP, name this novel about the titular New England farmer who experiences a tragic sledding accident, a work by Edith Wharton.
Near the end of this novel, the narrator lodges with Mrs. Varnum and her daughter, Mrs. Ned Hale, and discusses the title character.  
Ethan Frome