what effect does Mr Hale's statement about fixing up a house for Ned and Ruth have on Ethan

Mr Hale comments on the years that Ethan and Zeena have been married, making it seem like they were married only yesterday. Ethan, on the other hand, feels as if it's been forever.

Sorry, I meant to give you the quote;

"As he walked away the builder's last phrase lingered in his ears, and he reflected grimly that his seven years with Zeena seemed to Starkfield "not so long."