Bleak House by Charles Dickens Chapter 13 Page 40

you will be in your hearts to one another what you are to-day. All I say before speaking to you according to that assumption is, if you DO change — if you DO come to find that you are more commonplace cousins to each other as man and woman than you were as boy and girl (your manhood will excuse me, Rick!) — don't be ashamed still to confide in me, for there will be nothing monstrous or uncommon in it. I am only your friend and distant kinsman. I have no power over you whatever. But I wish and hope to retain your confidence if I do nothing to forfeit it."

"I am very sure, sir," returned Richard, "that I speak for Ada too when I say that you have the strongest power over us both — rooted in respect, gratitude, and affection — strengthening every day."