How did the narrator and Ethan become acquainted?

In the story "Ethan Frome," the narrator and Ethan Frome are initially acquainted through a chance encounter. The narrator, a traveling salesman named Harmon Gow, finds himself stranded in the small town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, due to a heavy snowstorm. Seeking shelter, he approaches the local doctor's house and is directed to Ethan Frome's place, where he ends up staying for the night.

During his stay, the narrator strikes up a conversation with Ethan, who lives with his stern and sickly wife Zeena and her mother. Over time, the narrator grows intrigued by Ethan's life and the circumstances that have led him to his current situation. As the two men interact and spend more time together, they develop a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding, allowing the narrator to gain insight into Ethan's inner struggles and the tragic circumstances that have shaped his life.