"My dear boy," said Mr. Jarndyce, "I am harder with myself when I do anything that gives you pain. You have your remedy in your own hands. Ada, it is better for him that he should be free and that there should be no youthful engagement between you. Rick, it is better for her, much better; you owe it to her. Come! Each of you will do what is best for the other, if not what is best for yourselves."
"Why is it best, sir?" returned Richard hastily. "It was not when we opened our hearts to you. You did not say so then."

"My dear boy," said Mr. Jarndyce, "I am harder with myself when I do anything that gives you pain. You have your remedy in your own hands. Ada, it is better for him that he should be free and that there should be no youthful engagement between you. Rick, it is better for her; you owe it to her. Come! Each of you will do what is best for the other, if not what is best for yourselves."
"Why is it best, sir?" returned Richard. "You did not say that before."
